I knew that I was forgetting something. I forgot to post this on Christmas. Bah, I'll make due. Anyways, Merry belated Christmas and an advance New Year to all.
After that whole meeting, with Sanemi and Obanai scaring the poor Demon Slayers that was called upon by Ubuyashiki to report on the events that transpired on Mt. Natagumo, Tokito, Shinobu and I went back to the Butterfly Estate. Of course, Shinobu was glaring daggers at my back while Tokito went back to the Dojo to train. I should tell him to stop training too much, lest he finds himself lying down in the middle of Dojo with cardiac arrest. It might be hypocritical of me to say that to Tokito, but I don't want him to follow in my footsteps of training one's body close to death.
Alas, I didn't stop him and made my way into the bedroom instead. I know that there's no use in warning him of the potential dangers of overextending one's self. I mean, he's a Hashira. The only one that could defeat a Hashira is the Upper Moons and Muzan himself. I should stop thinking about those words, lest I find someone in the Hashira being murdered by one of the Upper Moons.
"Good night, Shinobu." Even though it was silent, I heard Shinobu grit her teeth. Please don't grit it too much. It would be bad for your health if you keep gritting your teeth.
She took a deep breath before smiling at me, but it was the type of smile that could ruin a person's day, "To you as well, Onii-sama." Then, Shinobu left but not before giggling weirdly. Huh. That was weird.
Shrugging my shoulder, I opened the door to see Kanae waiting for me. With red-colored lamps illuminating the room. And the rather ominous 'playset' that is beside the bed.
"Oh my! You're quite early, Hachiman. It's a good thing that Shinobu send me her Kasugaigarasu so that I could have time setting up the scene." My lovely wife nonchalantly states as I instinctively gulped at her words.
I'm not going to have a peaceful rest, am I?
"Umm... You smell weird, Hikigaya-san. Why does it remind me of roses and lilies?" Tanjiro innocently asked. I inwardly cringed at his words. How did he know what Kanae smelt like?! Wait, I read in the reports that Tanjiro supposedly has an acute sense of smell. If that's the case, then Tanjiro may know about our activities last night! Damn it! I shouldn't have forgotten about that! Agh! That woman can cause trouble even though she isn't here!
"It's nothing worried about." I lied. It is something to worry about, but I'm not going to tell that to him.
"Okay..." Is all Tanjiro said before tentatively taking a step back to the rest of his comrades. Zenitsu is glaring daggers at me while Tanjiro is busy keeping Inosuke sitting still. Currently, we're at the Dojo because I have called for them to announce something 'important' in Ubuyashiki's words. For me, I call it tedious. I mean, I know that I have a vested interest in Tanjiro due to the promise that I made but to dump the rest of his friends towards me? Ubuyashiki's truly enjoys the thrill of inflicting mental suffering towards his subordinates. I want to say 'Schadenfreude' towards his face, but that would be hypocritical of me.
Shaking that thought away, I continued, "Now, you may be wondering as to why I called you over. The reason is that I'm going to personally train you three until you can properly defeat a demon with one slice." The moment I ended, reactions propped up: Tanjiro with surprise and relief, Zenitsu with dread and Inosuke with a grin on his face.
"Hieeeeeee! Y-y-you're going to t-t-train us? I-I'm going to die!" Zenitsu shrieked before attempting to bolt towards the door. The keyword is being 'attempt' as Tokito gripped the hem of his haori hard before throwing him back into the Dojo.
"Tokito..." I need to talk to him sooner or later. His behavior towards the three of them is becoming concerning, especially towards Tanjiro. I hope it doesn't lead to anything unsavory.
"Sorry, Nii-sama." Tokito lied. Yup, really need to talk with him later.
"Anyways... Due to the events of Mt. Natagumo, the Master has ordered me to train the prominent Demon Slayers that have participated during the event. As such, Ubuyashiki has assigned me to become your trainer while you recover."
Silence has filled the Dojo. I don't blame them, to be honest. They would probably not like it since one has already attempted to escape, but it's the duty that was given to me by Ubuyashiki. And I'm not one to break my promise. Besides, even though demon attacks are ramping up in major regions in Japan, the demons in Hokkaido have stayed silent. I have a feeling that by the time I return to Hokkaido, the demons are going to pin for my life. I think they resent the fact that I've managed to cull most of the Demon's presence in Hokkaido before I returned to the Residence.
The moment I reported that tidbit to the Master, everyone has garnered some reaction towards my actions, with Sanemi being the most vocal one stating that he shall equal my kills and boy, that certainly provoked Shinobu's glare once more.
"So that means that you would be helping us become stronger, Hikigaya-san?" Tanjiro asked.
"...Yes. Granted, a part of me wants to slip back into the loving arms of my wife, but this mission was personally given to me by Ubuyashiki." Their eyes widen at my words. Who wouldn't be? Inosuke, Tanjiro, and Zenitsu are very much lucky that they're going to be receiving a personal trainer in the form of a Hashira. Who wouldn't be grateful for that, especially that our jobs are extremely life-threatening.
Here, I gave them a smirk, "So, I hope that you are all ready because I'm not a forgiving person. If I see any of you slacking for even a second, you better be prepared for the consequences."
Is it just me or did I see them shiver at my words? Meh, I'm sure it was nothing.