The trio of Giyuu, Muichiro, and Gyomei were allowed to stay at the temple for a few days. After their conversation on the first day, Giyuu finally felt an appreciation that he was alive. His mind always focused on the pain of losing his sister and best friend, but it finally felt like the pain was fading. Like he was finally moving past what happened to them. He felt a new appreciation towards Gyomei, Giyuu never knew how to really start healing, but this looked like the start he needed. Muichiro also helped with his process, not letting him be alone during his mediation sessions. Something almost looked to be bothering the boy, so Giyuu knew he had to ask about this. The boy was trying to help him, so he felt it was his responsibility to help Muichiro in kind.

The two found themselves alone with each other again, about to start another session between the three of them. Giyuu took this opportunity to question his new younger friend, not wanting only one of them to be in good condition. "Muichiro, what's been bothering you? You look as if you've had something on your mind lately. Please, speak freely. You've been a great help to me the last few days, what kind of person would I be if I did not offer any aid in return?"

Muichiro sighed and chuckled softly, knowing he'd been called out. "Nothing is capable of getting past you, huh Giyuu-san?" Giyuu shrugged and returned the banter. "As a statue I wasn't much of a talker, more so a passive observer." Muichiro couldn't help but laugh more, hearing his old words of his new friend be used for a topic of a joke. "It is just a new idea I've come to have. It started when we arrived, after when Gyomei gave the reason why he watched over me. Even if we all share the same title, I am still the youngest of the pillars. Most everyone has watched over me in some shape or form, and I've come to rely on all of you. It almost makes me feel I have a family again."

Giyuu was shocked by this revelation, not expecting this level of sentiment from Muichiro. He chalked it up by still getting use to his original personality, too use to his blunt and non emotion driven nature. He was still thankful to be held in such thought, and smiled at another of his new friends. "I do not any experience in being an older brother, but I will be more than glad to be one for you if you would have me." Muichiro nodded and smiled back, rubbing the back of this head. "If it is any help Giyuu-san, I have no experience with having an older brother. Yuichiro was my twin, you do remind me of him sometimes though."

Giyuu slightly flinched at the comparison, acknowledging he really was not a people person until very recently. He saw Muichiro realize his discomfort, and quickly acted to avoid any ill meanings. "Please, don't take it the wrong way. You remind me of him because you both were better in showing your care through action, rather than words. Even during our strained times, he never let me go hungry or made me feel he stopping loving me." Giyuu finally understood the meaning of his words, happier with their true intent. He rest his hand on top of Muichiro's head, and gave him a sincere look. "While I cannot promise I will be prefect, I will treat you and fight be your side as if you truly were my blood Muichiro. I would lay down my life for you, and will cherish our new friendship for as long as I am able."

Muichiro wore a bright smile and nodded at him. "And I promise you will not be forced to go through what troubles you alone. It's my turn to start looking out for those that took care of me. I may have my moments where I act like my amnesiac self, but doesn't mean I will care for you any less. We shall be each other's shield, and each other's sword." He moved in to hug his newly agreed elder brother. Giyuu was more than happy to reciprocate the action. In their moment of peace, they didn't notice Gyomei approach the duo.

"It is good to hear you two continue to grow close during our time of healing, it brings a warmth to my soul." Gyomei sat down in front of the two again, tears of joy running down his face. "Giyuu, it is good to know the ocean of your soul, may finally find calm waters. Namu amida butsu." Giyuu bowed his head towards Gyomei, thinking of his words. "Dark clouds still hang over head, but the waters are becoming clear. Thank you for all the help Gyomei, you as well Muichiro." Gyomei and Muichiro shook their heads, and kept their looks at his direction. "Thank you... onii-san, for this chance. We couldn't have done this if you hadn't decided to stay."

Giyuu smiled at Muichiro, but had noticed something. This wasn't the first time someone had thanked him for the opportunity of spending time with him. First it was Tengen who said it during their lunch, now it was Muichiro after the last few days they shared at the temple. It made sense seeing as how he never spent time with others, but it made him start to think something else was driving those around him. Muichiro also had said he was the last one he needed to apologize to for his amnesiac self, Giyuu interpreted this as he already met everyone else and apologized to them. Gyomei pulled him out of his thoughts with a hand on his shoulder. Giyuu decided to continue this train of thought later.

"This will be the last day we will be spending at the temple, as we must make our own progress. The support of others is only half of the healing process, the other have is the support we give ourselves. I trust you two will continue down your own methods to achieve your goals. Please, join me in one last prayer my friends." Gyomei held out his hands towards the duo, and each did the same. The trio all locked hands together, and bowed as Gyomei started. "May we find the strength in ourselves to be able to move past what pains us. Life will forever be a difficult journey, so we must become stronger to be able to endure the path. We shall always have those on this path join us for moments in time, but it is still our path to walk in it's entirety, alone. Namu amida butsu." "Namu amida butsu." Giyuu and Muichiro repeated the mantra as all raised their heads.

Giyuu had finally left the temple, ready to enjoy the peace of his residence again. Kanzaburou had known he was at the temple, so he hoped the bird was being watched over. If anything, the old bird may have spent this time at the butterfly estate. Muichiro and Gyomei watched him leave, and once he was out of sight, Muichiro finally broke the silence. "This was nice. Kanroji and Iguro are next up, I wonder how that's gonna go." Gyomei sighed and lowered his head. "Iguro and Shinazugawa will be the hardest of obstacles. Iguro will at least have Kanroji for assistance, Shinazugawa has chosen to make amends on his own however. I have faith in them, but that doesn't mean I am not allowed to be concerned."

After some time of traveling, Giyuu had finally made it back to his residence. His original train of thought had returned, still questioning the motivations of those around him. They almost seemed eager to be on his good side. The other hashira at some point or another, sometimes tried to bring him to social events. Usually it was Kyojuro would try and he did it again this last time, but this time Tengen also was eager for him to join. Usually Tengen didn't seem to mind or be bothered at his absence. Tengen now showed initiative to invite him, and even bought him the drinks they all shared. Now Muichiro was the one trying to be with his good graces. Didn't want him to be alone, said he would be there for him during tough times, it was all questionable.

He finally found himself in the peace of his home, happy to be there after his short vacation from it. "Once was a coincidence, twice however, this is questionable. This has already happened with four hashira, should I expect the others to behave like this as well?" Giyuu knew no one would hear his words, but he just needed to speak his mind. There had to be some kind of angle to this, some reason that he wasn't seeing. He wanted to continue trying to find out the answers, but found himself soon developing a headache. He let the thought die for now and decided to spend the rest of his day alone with his thoughts.

Giyuu had realized something in the last day since he had returned to his home, he developed a liking to being around people. So much had changed in the last near two weeks. From spending nearly a week with Tengen and Kyojuro, to the exact same with Gyomei and Muichiro right after with no break. He almost found the solitude discomforting, and decided to act on it. He still questioned what the other hashira could be planning, but he decided to not care at the moment and distract himself. He decided to go into town and have a meal, the crowds of people may help him. The idle noises of conversation and cheer, he believed it would be enough to satisfy him for now.

Making his journey to the nearest village, he could see it was bustling with life. A small smile had made its way on Giyuu's face at the sight. Remembering his intention, he scouted the village in search of of a good restaurant. As he passed by one during his search, a familiar sounding voice pierced his eardrums. Walking inside, he found more of his comrades, Kanroji and Iguro. He turned back towards the exit, not wanting to interrupt them. That was his plan, until he heard Kanroji call his name. "Aaah Tomioka-san! It's been a while since we've seen you!" Kanroji rushed to him, Iguro following closely behind. "Tomioka. Hello there."

"Hello to you two as well, I was about to take my leave. I saw you two about to eat here as well, and didn't want to interrupt your time together." He noticed the two of them flinch and turn away in embarrassment from his words. He was happy for them that they were finally becoming closer. "Farewell, enjoy your meals." Before he could move again, Kanroji's otherworldly strength held him in his spot. "Oh please please please join us! You're already here and this could be our chance to finally spend time together as friends and comrades outside of work!" Giyuu's eyes quickly shot to Iguro, expecting his look of hidden fury of someone else being around Kanroji. He couldn't believe it however, when Iguro looked as normal as could be. "She's asking you to join us in our meal. Do you really intend to disappoint her by leaving so soon?"

Now Giyuu couldn't help but be suspicious of the pattern he was beginning to see. Obanai Iguro was asking him to stay and eat with them. Giyuu almost had believed this recent time was all the work of demons with how out of the blue everything was. He looked back to Kanroji, seeing her wear a face of almost pleading. "Alright, if you two will have me, I will join you." Kanroji let out a cheer of excitement while Iguro nodded his head in reserve. The newly formed trio sat down at a table in the corner, as they looked through the menus. They soon were greeted by a worker to take their orders. "One of everything please! Oh and a big bowl of sakura mochi pretty pretty please!" The waitress was prepared to question if Mitsuri was serious on her order. Iguro had spoken to confirm. "That's what she wants, we have the money for it. Some totoro kombu for me." Giyuu continued to look over the menu until he saw what he was looking for. "Salmon daikon for me please."

Mitsuri was trying her best to her excitement. First Tomioka-san actually agreed to eat with them, and Obanai was actually eating with her. He normally only watched her eat, but this time he finally ordered his own food. Somehow just everything seemed to be falling into place. She failed to come up with anything that the three of them could do together, she was so blind to the answer right in front of her! She was so caught in her own excitement she didn't notice Obanai watching her with ease and content.

Obanai watched over Mitsuri, trying his best to smile under his bandages. His eyes looked over to Tomioka, remembering that this was suppose to be a time of building bridges, rather than burning them. The bandages continued to itch once again. They haven't itched since their unofficial meeting at the butterfly estate. This had to be from actually remembering the events of that room, and being forced to relate to Tomioka. This discomfort began to grow in his mind. He whispered to himself, seeing some kind of warped reflection of himself in Tomioka. "If I did not find her, would I have been more like you?"

The food soon arrived for them, Mitsuri being the most vocal in her anticipation. The trio quickly gave thanks for their meals and began eating. Giyuu felt the Salmon rest on his tongue and melt, memories of his youth flooding back. A smile quickly overtook his face as he lost himself in savoring his meal. In his own bliss, he didn't notice the stares of awe he earned from Kanroji sitting across from him and Iguro next to her. "Tomioka, you smiled?" Iguro could only stare as he was once again trying to process this image. "It's so adorable! Shinobu-san was right, you really do smile over salmon! What is it you like the most of it? The texture, the flavor, or is it something else?" Mitsuri was finally able to see the smile that Shinobu-san had told everyone about, she said it was creepy to her, but Mitsuri found an innocent joy in it. She just had to know what made this dish so special.

Giyuu sighed softly as he thought of his answer. This was his way to heal as Gyomei helped him learn. He trusted this process, and answered. "It's my favorite comfort food from when I was young. My sister had made it for me during times when I wasn't feeling good or upset. I have it after every mission, it reminds me of happy memories. She... isn't here to make it anymore, so when I find a place that serves it, I think of her and want to relive those times." He looked down at the bowl and remembered the river they lived next to, the small garden they had for the radish, the smile he wore became solem. Mitsuri and Obanai remembered his breakdown from his sister's death, and suddenly the young crying boy flashed into their minds. Mitsuri stopped eating and focused on Giyuu. "I'm sorry Tomioka-san, it was insensitive of me to make you have to remember her passing."

Giyuu shook his head and looked at her with ease. "Don't be, I've been working through it. The pain, the hurt, it's not weighing me down as much anymore. You actually remind me of her Kanroji." Mitsuri felt her heart stop at Tomioka-san mentioning this. Was this how he always saw her? Was this why he always was willing to return conversation when she tried to speak to him? Was this why he was always nice to her, even during her more sporadic moments? She couldn't speak a word and let him continue speaking. "You both show great care and love to anyone around you. Your heart's are both honest and strong. Your smiles touch all those who see it. You two were some of the most caring and loving people I've ever known."

Mitsuri finally felt tears roll down her face. She almost couldn't believe the words she was hearing. Tomioka-san saw her as his lost sister and regarded her with the kindest words she'd ever heard from anyone. She quickly rushed around the table and quickly pulled him into a hug, still crying her eyes out. "I promise I'll be the best sister I can! We can even share my mochi! I'll see you as much of my brother as the rest of my siblings!" She continued to cry out as she squeezed him, forgetting her own strength.

Relief and awe washed over Obanai. Tomioka was never after her in any romantic sense, he viewed her as a younger sister. He saw Mitsuri in the same light that he did but from a different point of view. Guilt soon replaced the awe and relief, remembering the times he warned Tomioka to stay away from her and glared at him. Now understanding they were not so different anymore. They were both alone at points in their lives, and he believed it not for Mitsuri, the similarities between them would only grow. "I am sorry, Tomioka." Remembering that Mitsuri was currently hugging Tomioka to near death, he got up to intervene. "Mitsuri you're going to kill him. You're hugging him too tight."

After some time of enjoying their meals, Mitsuri broke the silence. "I meant what I said earlier Tomioka-san, I'll be the best sister I can be for you." Giyuu stifled a laugh as he remembered the previous days. "First Muichiro calls me big brother, now you." Mitsuri and Giyuu laughed at the situation, but Obanai only watched in silence. Mitsuri soon took noticed and voiced her concern. "Obanai what's wrong? Is everything alright?" Obanai was not use to the familial care his two comrades were sharing, he almost felt like an outsider. "I am just, not use to care from family is all." His hand reached up and rested on his wrapping. The itching was coming back.

"I never really had a caring home, a loving home. I was more so a treasure or a tool to them and their status. That was no family, the only good thing to come out of them was my meeting with Kaburamaru. He's been the only thing I've been able to call a family for as long as I can remember." He ran his finger under the chin of his snake, glad to have him still in life. He was the only thing that kept him going besides Mitsuri's presence. Kaburamaru squeezed softly around Obanai, gesturing it as a hug. They both looked to Mitsuri and saw her pull him close for a gentle hug. "They can't hurt you any more, you have us. Every one of us will be your family now. They don't have control over you anymore." She cried still as she tried her best to comfort him.

Obanai hugged her back as best as his under developed body could. She gave him strength like no other. He slowly moved her away. "It is time, to no longer let the past hold me back." He raised shakey hands and began to undo his wrappings. Those monsters who called themselves his family had influence over him, even after they all died. He refused to let them pull him down and hold him back any longer. The wrappings fell, and his old scars could finally breathe. "I am letting go of my past, and leaving it behind. I will not let it control me any longer."

Mitsuri and Giyuu looked in in horror at what they saw. His mouth was slit, cutting through his cheeks almost reaching his ears. "They did this to me, they worshipped a snake demon and carved my face for blood as an offering. Those monsters were no better than the demon, and I refuse to let them have any more power of me. I will not let this hold me back any longer." Obanai finished his declaration, his anger prominent in his eyes. He hated them for who he had become, the only good thing that came from it in the end was joining the slayers.

Mitsuri suddenly understood everything Obanai had said in the room, feeling disgust and hatred for absolute strangers for what they did to him. That isn't what family is meant to be, what it's mean to represent. "I guess I'm the odd one out here, I still have my family, they're the reason my heart is as full of love as it is. It's just not fair, why did this have to happen to you two? Why did I have to be the only one who still had their family?" Mitsuri couldn't help but sob at the grief she felt for her two comrades. "I have my parents, my brothers and sisters, I have s family. Why couldn't you two have the same?"

Giyuu watched on as the two showed off their emotions. He remained silent as their were no words he could think of worthy to be said. Mitsuri felt grief and sadness for himself and Iguro, while Iguro was showing the hatred for those who were meant to give him unconditional love. He had one idea to help with the mood, and stood from his seat and empty bowl. Kanroji and Iguro looked at him in confusion as he walked over to them. Standing between the duo, Giyuu threw an arm around them both, much to their shock and confusion.

"We shall watch over each other, protect one another from harm. The demon slayers are also our family. We may not always agree, but I can safely say we would all lay down our lives to keep each other safe. Kanroji, I am happy to call you my sister. Iguro, even if you may despise me, you may count on me to still be there for you." The two were in utter shock, that Giyuu Tomioka of all people, was the one speaking like this. Mitsuri felt herself about to cry again as her heart grew warm, and Obanai felt the pit in his stomach grow and his body went cold.

"Tomioka, I'm sorry." Obanai finally said loud enough for everyone to hear. Tomioka and Mitsuri both looked at him in anticipation. "I hated you for so long, looked at you with disgust, and yet you still treat me with this level of kindness." Obanai couldn't help but not make sense of it, every memory of what he did flashing through his mind. "Why? Why do you forgive me so easily?" Giyuu looked at Iguro in confusion, returning to his seat. "It's as you said Iguro, to not let the past control us. To not let it hold us back." Giyuu focused on the words, feeling two things on his body starting to feel heavy.

The trio continued to eat more, simply wanting to enjoy each other's peace and time more. Mitsuri finally spoke more of her past, her failed marriage proposals, why she joined the slayers. Obanai gave off a murderous aura for how they had hurt her in the past, even Tomioka-san's eyes went cold. "Now now it's alright you two, it's in the past. Let go of it all and that stuff right? I know my reasoning to join the slayers was selfish, but I still stand by it. This place finally made me feel loved by other's aside from my own family. Now, I just need to find the one to make me feel IN love." Giyuu coughed loudly enough to get her and Iguro's attention, soon seeing that he was pointing his finger. They both looked at it and saw it was pointing towards Iguro, never wavering. "Oh look, you found him already." Mitsuri and Obanai almost looked like they were on the verge of fainting. Giyuu could only laugh and question why neither of them made a move.