"I'm sorry…I've failed the mission you've entrusted me with, Master." Tengen apologized after relaying his report to Ubuyashiki, who he was now kneeling before. "But even though I was unable to bring Shinomori Fuyume to you as ordered, she gave me a vial of her blood to pass onto you, so that she may still be of use to the corps."
He then solemnly set said vial before the raven haired male. The Master had said nothing since greeting the hashira, listening calmly to the report but now he finally chose to speak.
"It is a shame…that I couldn't meet her in person," he said in reply calmly with a hint of bitter-sweetness in his tone as he continued. "Though at least she has been reunited with her mother Masumi and her brother Taeru."
The hashira rose his head at the mention of their names, lined up the facts in his mind and then concluded, "Ah, so it's as I thought. Shinomori's mother…"
"Died in battle with the demon you and Shinomori Fuyume vanquished." Ubuyashiki smiled sadly with approval. "Quite admirably I might add, considering what you've told me of her actions during said battle. Due to this, I shall commit young Fuyume's name to memory."
Tengen gazed at him with surprise and confusion. "Really? Even though she isn't officially a slayer?"
"Yes. Had she survived and made it here safely, I would have offered her a place within the corps," the raven haired male adopted a knowing gaze and smile. "My intuition tells me that you had the same idea did you not, Uzui Tengen?"
The white haired male flinched and hesitated, for the Master was right as always. He nodded once, then spoke.
"I was going to refer her…and take her on as my tsuguko…" he said slowly, pausing for a minute before daring to ask the question that was burning in his mind from the moment he crossed paths with Fuyume. "If I may ask, why did you send me to her?"
"It was Masumi's final wish. She stated in her will that once she died, she wanted a safe haven to be provided for her children." Ubuyashiki spoke his answer seriously with a hint of sorrow. "Unfortunately it was too late by then for Taeru, but Fuyume was still alive and you were the closest slayer who could get to her the fastest at the time." - he paused, then continued apologetically - "I see…that you grew some sort of attachment to Fuyume in the process, and I sincerely apologize for your loss as a result."
"Thank you…for your concern, Master," Tengen uttered in reply gratefully with a bow. When he rose he became more serious and focused. "Now that I've given my report, I shall excuse myself and take my leave now."
"Oh? You are in quite a hurry. Where will you be heading next then?" The raven haired male asked with mild surprise and interest.
"To Yoshiwara," the hashira replied simply with determination. "The letters I've been receiving from my wives have been coming less frequently. I'm going to go check on them myself."
"Very well. I hope you are successful and everyone is safe."
