It had been one month since Giyuu was required to deal with Kocho. The isolation, while was hard, it was preferable. This was the way of life that caused the least amount of pain for any and all around him. After the brusing on his arms were gone, he threw himself into physical training to keep his mind focused, or rather distracted. He had tried to keep his thoughts focused on work, on training, but the voices only continued to persevere. Training eventually stopped giving him freedom, and he was forced to try something else. He hadn't gone into the village nearby since before his interference, maybe an environment of peace could help him find his own. With his sword on hip, he left for the village in hopes of salvation.
The change of environment was needed, he felt the life of the village give him a sense of relief. He could feel the warmth, the peace, he sighed in content as he went to find a place to eat. Peace was only able to last for so long as he continued his search. As he cut through the crowds, he could see easily identifiable pink hair. Giyuu knew it was Kanroji, and he knew who would be accompanying her. He quickly turned away and tried his best to move, he immediately wanted to try another village all together. If his peace couldn't last long, neither could his luck. "Tomioka-san! It's amazing to see you here!" Giyuu could only curse as he felt something rush into his back.
Turning around, he saw Kanroji wearing an excision of excitement. "Hello there Kanroji, it's a pleasant surprise seeing you." As soon as he spoke those words, he could feel blue and yellow eyes stare at him with annoyance and anger. "... You as well Iguro." Obanai stood closely to Mitsuri, keeping his eyes on Giyuu. "Is there any reason why you're here Tomioka?" Giyuu held eye contact with Iguro, contemplating how to answer. After how he spoke with Kocho, he was desiring to do it again. With her, he at least felt a bit of guilt. Iguro however, it felt warranted. It almost terrified him, but he couldn't pass it up.
"Do I need a reason to visit a village that resides in my district? If you must know, I came for the atmosphere and for food. Why are you here?" Obanai was actively annoyed at Tomioka, but felt something was off. His voice almost had echos of hostility in it. Before he could analyze it further, Kanroji exclaimed with glee. "I can't believe we ran into you, this is amazing! We're visiting every district to find any amazing restaurants to visit in the future. That means you have to know what's good around here! Please Tomioka-san, can you show us any good places you know around here? I know you have to have someplace around here that's seen as your favorite if you came here!"
Giyuu contemplated her request in silence. While he was acknowledging his issues with Iguro, he didn't have much issue with Kanroji. His only real fault with her was she was always easily forgiving of how Iguro treated others, no matter what he said. Aside from that, there were no issues. She was always kind to him when they interacted. She was genuinely nice to be around. While he would have to deal with Iguro's negative energy, Kanroji would at least be nice to be around. "If that's your request, follow me you two." He started to walk in the original direction he saw them in, causing Kanroji to ask something out of curiosity. "Tomioka-san, if it's this way, why were you walking away from it when we found you?" Keeping his eyes forward, he continued on to their new destination. "I didn't wish to bother you two during your time out together."
"At least you know when you aren't wanted around." Obanai whispered to himself as he followed just behind Kanroji. This was meant to be a time where he could be with her alone, he didn't want Tomioka along to drag down the mood. This was at least making her happy, he would try to tolerate it for her sake. Giyuu turned his head back to the left towards Kanroji, keeping his peripherals on the front. "So how did you find me in this crowd? This is one of the village's busier hours." "Oh! It's because of your haori. It's so unique to you that it makes you easy to find." Giyuu accepted the answer as he faced forward again. "It's so hideous and unfashionable that you'd be the only person willing to wear it."
Giyuu stopped in his tracks, Iguro was louder than he could've hoped. Those words, he saw them as an attack on the memory of those he held dear. He could handle the words others spoke of him, but he refused to let anyone disrespect those he loved. "Iguro! That was mean and unnecessary! You don't know just what the haori could mean to him!" Mitsuri readily defended Tomioka-san, not wanting to tolerate the mean words. She never had a problem with his quiet and shy demeanor, it was cute sometimes. Like he was shy to talk about how he felt, it had its own charm to it. Even if his haori was unusual, it still had to have some sentimental value to it! "My apologies Kanroji, I won't bring it up around you again." Obanai apologized to her, wanting to stay in her good graces. He looked at her to apologies, letting her know he was genuinely sorry he offended her. He looked forward to hope Tomioka at least heard him, but was surprised from what he saw.
Tomioka had turned his head to his right, staring back at him. He couldn't see his entire face because of the man's wild hair, but he could see his eye. It reflected a cold fury, a sight Obanai himself had given to demons and those he didn't approve of being around Kanroji. It was almost off putting to be on the recieving end of it. Was this all because he insulted the haori? Tomioka turned his head further, finally revealing his mouth and wording out his thoughts. 'Do not insult them.' Obanai was curious now who they were meant to be if speaking of them got him this angry. He didn't believe any of the Hashira had actually seen him angry at all, this was unsettling.
Not before long, Giyuu and his comrades had found the restaurant he frequented. This was always a refuge to him, coming here after most missions when he had the opportunity. Upon walking in, the trio was greeted by the owner. "Ah, Tomioka-san, it is pleasant to see you again. I shall prepare your usual." Giyuu walked to the front, watching as Mitsuri and Obanai find a seat at a corner table. "Prepare one of everything and an additional bowl as well, I have the funds for it." The owner looked towards Giyuu, as if guaging if he was honest with him. "Of course, Tomioka-san." With the orders in place, Giyuu took his seat across from Kanroji and Iguro.
"Kanroji, you should have enough food for your visit. I already requested them to place in order for one of everything. Iguro, I wasn't sure what you would like so I ordered you the same as my own, I hope is it satisfactory." Obanai stared at him questioningly as Mitsuri was containing her excitement. "You really are amazing Tomioka-san! Never let what anyone else say otherwise, you're better than whatever they say!" Giyuu wanted to flatly deny the praise, but he knew it would only cause trouble. "Thank you Kanroji, your words really are too kind." Obanai felt annoyed that Tomioka was recieving this positive attention, but decided to just sit through it for her sake.
After some time, the food was carried to their table by the employees. Mitsuri felt over the moon at seeing all the delicious food, this day just continued to get better and better! "Tomioka-san, I promise to pay you back as soon as I'm able." Giyuu shook his head at her, waiting patiently for his own meal. "Think nothing of it. You've never wronged me so see this as a gift, please." "Tomioka-san, enjoy your meal as always." Giyuu looked down at the bowl of salmon daikon, unable to hold back a smile. 'Itadakimasu nee-san.' No matter how often he would eat this same meal, it always brought a sense of warmth and peace to Giyuu.
Obanai and Mitsuri looked up in shock, neither had expected that during their time out they would see Giyuu smile. Some of the other Hashira didn't think he was physically capable of doing it. "Tomioka-san, you're smiling!" Mitsuri focused on it with joyous intent. She did all she could to remember the details of it all. Just as she quickly as she mentioned it, he stopped, returning to his stoic expression. "My apologies, I wouldn't want to remove your abilities to enjoy today." He lowered his head and just focused on his meal, remembering the last time someone had commented on it.
It was just after He and Kocho had destroyed that Matagi girl's demonic father. He told her they were in the positions they held, because they had others to be strong for. They were who they were swung their swords for, who they fought for, who they must never falter for. When he smiled at the food they were eating at to celebrate a victory, she told him to turn away from her. He could only assume she didn't like his smile to such an extent that it nearly ruined her appetite. He didn't want to have to ruin Kanroji's and Iguro's food as well. He had to try to take back some control of himself.
Mitsuri shook her head eagerly, going so far as to put down her food and focus on Tomioka-san. "No! Your smile is amazing, who would tell you it was bad or to not do it?" "Kocho did, she told me to turn away when she saw it." Mitsuri could hear herself screaming internally at the sound of her best friend telling Tomioka-san of all people to not smile when he was happy. This was a monumental thing to see. Tomioka-san actively showing he was happy, she had to do what she can to support him! "Tomioka-san, please never feel like you need to hold back how you feel. If you're happy, angry, sad, or even if it's something small, it's alright to feel." She reached over and placed a hand on top of his. "Please? Promise me you'll try to express yourself? It's amazing to see you show how happy you can be!"
Giyuu couldn't belive that someone was actually encouraging him. How long had it been since someone gave him those words? How long had it been since he had been willing to listen? The last person to speak to him like that was Urokodaki-sensei, telling him that it wasn't his fault what happened to Sabito. He didn't want him to be devoured by his guilt, and to continue to try and live for the both of them. Kanroji reminded him of someone else however, she reminded him of Tsutako. She always loved how expressive he could be as a child, encouraging him to never hold back his happiness. He was holding himself back for so long, maybe she was right. Maybe he should try again.
Placing a hand onto hers, he looked up to her with a soft expression of gratitude. "I'll try. Thank you Kanroji, you really are a pure heart." He couldn't help but smile again, it was almost like having her back. Mitsuri could feel she was practically glowing from how happy she was! She managed to get Tomioka-san to smile and agree to try bring more expressive! This was the best she was feeling in a while. While she was estatic of how today was going, Obanai was boiling on the inside.
This was supposed to be a day where he could spend it with Kanroji in peace, not have this rat face join in on it and take her attention away him him. He was seething with fury, even Kaburamaru didn't like this situation. He was going to talk to Tomioka to get him to leave at the first opportunity. After a half hour, Giyuu and Mitsuri were finally done eating, with Obanai only watching her eat and talking when he could. Giyuu stood up and moved to the front as to pay for their meals before returning. "Kanroji, they don't have what you like here, but I'll be right back, stay here." Giyuu walked outside of the restaurant in search of one of the venders. Obanai saw this as his chance to strike. "Kanroj, I'm going to go get some air. I'll be right back as well."
Mitsuri looked up confused, but accepted it. "Sure thing Iguro-san, you know I'm patient. Oh, this day was amazing! Tomioka-san is finally spending time with people! I can't wait to tell Shinobu!" As he watched her smile, a thought was itching in the back of his mind. Something telling him that what he was planning to do wasn't right. It got Kanroji happy, and Tomioka finally showed human expression for once, wasn't that enough? He shook his head, he was set on the idea, it had to be done. He wouldn't allow anything the opportunity to try and take Kanroji from him. Looking around the immediate area, he saw Tomioka holding onto a small bag coming back to the restaurant.
"Tomioka, I need a word with you." Giyuu looked up confused, but had a sinking realization he knew what was about to happen. "Anything I can help you with Iguro?" Obanai closed the distance as he looked up to him, sticking to his beliefs. "I need you to leave us alone, specifically, leave Kanroji alone. You aren't worthy of being around her or her gracing your time." Giyuu clenched his free hand attempting to control himself. He had to handle this logically. "Why should I exactly? She's a good person and she's one of the nicest people I've met. She's pleasant company, what reason should there be for me to cut communication?" "The reason is I don't like you around her, you're nothing more than a rat faced loner. You've never bothered to spend any time with us or show any emotions, why start now?"
Giyuu bit his lip once again, this time, he felt the blood run down his chin. The self control, the patience, everything he spent years to mantain was slipping. He focused on the pain, forcing it to act as a focal point for his clarity. He didn't want to be seen like this. "Fine then, if it's so important to you that no one else is allowed to be in Kanroji's life. Should I tell Rengoku that he isn't allowed, you know, the person who trained her? Perhaps Himejima as well, the purest and most empathetic soul we know? God's above, maybe even the master isn't allowed to see her? Tell everyone no one else except for Obanai Iguro is allowed to be in her life?"
Obanai continued to be taken aback, never expecting Tomioka to talk back with such attitude. He already was this far, he had to commit. "Just you, who would even want you around really? You're nothing but dull and lifeless, you've never even cared about anything since becoming a Hashira. You've never spent any time trying to be with anyone, distancing yourself from us and saying you're different from everyone. Why don't you stay that way and keep distant? It'll be less of a headache for us all. You don't want to care about us, why should we to you?"
Giyuu tried to control himself, tried to keep his emotions in check. He couldn't help it however if his eyes or his words were filled with the same venom Iguro spoke with. "So you're mad at me for trying to make someone happy? No matter what this was going to be lose-lose. I ignore you and Kanroji earlier, she gets upset, you get angry with me. I come with you two, she's happy I'm being social, you're still angry. Is it so wrong that I finally try to spend time with people again?" "Anyone sane would probably find death a more enjoyable experience than having someone like you around in their lives."
Giyuu with no hesitation grabbed onto Obanai's haori, pulling him up to stand on his toes. He could see confusion and almost fear in his eyes. Kaburamaru was quick to try and defend his friend, lunging towards Giyuu. The snake bit into his cheek, but suddenly found the man didn't care. Obanai looked up to him as those eyes were filled with hatred once again, and his face was being bitten repeatedly in desperation. "I was trying to have one good day again Iguro. One day where I could find something to care about again, to actually enjoy life. But according to you, I can't have that. I can't pull myself out of this forsaken pit of my own thoughts for a single day and have to deal with the harsh venom of your words. Do you hate me that much??"
"After years of nothing but contained pain and anguish, I spend the day with the kindest person that I know of. I get to remember something I lost and feel like it's back, and you being the damn snake you are want it taken away. Tell me Iguro, am I just not allowed to be happy? You seem to know that answer, so tell me then. When I finally have a single moment of not being pulled under by my own thoughts, I'm not even allowed to have that?" Obanai was shaking at this point. This was not how things were meant to go. Since when the hell did Tomioka talk like this?! He was talking as if he had been suffering in silence for years. He never talked about it, how was anyone supposed to know?
Before Obanai could come to his senses, he felt Tomioka throw him against the wall of the restaurant. He looked up and saw a fist coming to him, he was so shaken up he couldn't even act accordingly. He threw his arms in front of his face as a desperate attempt to defend himself, even Kaburamaru coiled back attempting to act as a shield. Neither felt an impact however, opening their eyes and looking up, they saw that Tomioka made impact with the wall. Their eyes focused on his hand, seeing it was now bleeding. Obanai felt his breathing had turned haggard, his legs couldn't hold him up anymore and he slid against the wall to the ground.
"Fine then, I'll leave her alone. She won't have to deal with me anymore and you can have what you like." Giyuu tossed the bag to Iguro and it laid in his lap. "Just make sure you give that to her, I wouldn't deny her a gift even if you're intent I don't see her. I hope you enjoy that happiness you're trying so hard to cling to and deny others Iguro, so that at least one of us can have it." Iguro watched as Tomioka flash stepped away, possibly already being out of the village. He contemplated those words Tomioka spoke of, talking of being denied any sense of happiness. Why did he feel connected to those words? No one knew a thing of Tomioka's past, he never tried to insert himself into their lives, actively distancing himself from them. That voice in his head was screaming now, saying he had messed up and was now the one causing the rift. Two questions were born from it now. How far would that rift spread, and how many people would it reach?
Getting up after finally catching his breath, he looked to the bag Tomioka had given him. He looked inside and was shocked with guilt. Tomioka had bought sakura mochi for Kanroji, he had already spent so much just for her to be happy, and now this as well. Obanai felt a pit in his stomach grow, even Kaburamaru was uneasy. "The only thing I can do left is finish his request." Sighing with a sense of defeat, he walked back into the restaurant.
Mitsuri turned around, happy to see Obanai. "Iguro-san! I hope you feel better now that you had a chance for some fresh air. Do you know what that thud was outside?" She looked down to see he was carrying a small bag with him, getting distracted from her previous question. "Oh, where'd you get that?" She watched as Obanai placed it down in front of her, before turning away for a reason unknown to her. "It's what Tomioka was buying you, he had to leave and asked me to give it to you." She quickly looked inside, gasping in excitement as she saw her gift. "He bought me mochi! Tomioka-san really is a lot nicer than people give him credit for!" Obanai heard from behind him as he couldn't help but flinch. He stayed silent as the interaction played over in his head. He knows he made a mistake.
Giyuu walked back to his estate, his hand and face continued to bleed. He felt good about letting out his anger, but he didn't realize how tiring it could be. He felt exhausted, but couldn't deny he also felt satisfaction. For years he had endured through Iguro's words, it gave him a sense of relief to finally retaliate. He was wrong saying that he didn't care about them. All he ever did was care, how they were, how their missions had been, if they were safe from injuries. He just had to do it from afar, he wasn't worthy to be in their presence. All he was allowed do was watch from afar and do what he could.
"I did have things I cared about, people I cared about. They were just taken from me, taken because they were around me. I do this, because I need to. I will not allow those who are gone to be defiled, and I will not allow those still here to share their fates." He looked down to his hand and noticed his hand was more damaged than he first believed. It was possible that there were underlying injuries from when he was hit. Bringing his uninjured hand to his face, he felt the shallow injuries still flowing. Sighing, he knew he had to return to the Butterfly estate. "I should check on her, it's been a while." With his body feeling unusually tired, he made his way to his new destination.