Tatsuo sat in the designated rendezvous point as the sun was starting to rise behind her. She was the first to arrive. The second being some weirdo who had been wearing a boar's head. He just kind of passed through while screaming like some kind of madman. Her brow had quirked at the sight, but she brushed it off deciding it wasn't her problem what that weirdo was doing.
More people started trickling in. Kanao being one of those people. Tatsuo wasn't surprised to see her fellow tsuguko had made it through the trial. The girls weren't exactly close. Tatsuo wasn't sure if they'd even be counted as close acquaintances. They have only bowed politely to each other in passing for the most part. They once trained together since Shinobu thought it'd be good for the two girls to try and become friends. Tatsuo will admit she's impressed with Kanao's skills, but friendship hasn't exactly blossomed between the two. Despite that, Tatsuo did offer the girl a polite smile.
"Hey, Kanao," she greeted as the girl took a seat beside her. "Good to see you made it. Not that I had any doubt."
Kanao's own smile widened partially as she gave a polite nod of the head to Tatsuo. As two more people arrived, Tatsuo stood as did Kanao. Tatsuo looked at the other two who arrived. One was a boy with bright yellow hair that turned orange at the tips. He looked scared out of his mind as he shook from where he stood. Another interesting character. The next arrival was also a boy. He had dark hair and a scar running across his cheek to his nose.
'Something about that scowl of his seems familiar,' Tatsuo thought. 'What is it?'
She felt as if she's seen it on someone she's dealt with often. Though when no clear face came to mind, she dropped it. She continued to look around while noticing something.
'…he isn't here…' She thought. 'Tanjiro must not have made it…'
She frowned for a moment. She should have just stuck with the boy. He probably wasn't as well as he let on. She sighed as she looked up at the sky.
'Well, I hope he didn't suffer too much,' she thought.
However, as soon as she had that thought, footsteps approaching caught her attention. She looked down towards the wisteria trees with see Tanjiro stepping through them. He even had new bandages around his head meaning someone must have tended to his wound. Tatsuo felt herself let out a relieved sigh when seeing him. It was good seeing someone like Tanjiro still alive. She could tell during their brief time together that he was a good person. And her master always said it was good people who needed to be protected as there were so few in the world.
"Tatsuo!" The boy said when he spotted her.
His own look of relief took over his face as he walked over to where the girl stood.
"I'm so glad you're okay." He said then blinked. "You are okay, aren't you?"
He looked at her as if looking for wounds and she could have sworn she even saw his nose twitch as if he was sniffing her. She brushed that off though as she nodded.
"I'm fine." She said. "Not a scratch. Good to see you're alive as well, Tanjiro. I would have hated if all my effort in taking care of you went to waste."
Tanjiro's smile returned tenfold as he chuckled at her teasing. He then looked around with his smile falling.
"Is this really all there is left?" He asked as he moved to stand beside her.
"Yes," Tatsuo replied. "Honestly, I was expecting less. The Final Selection is too harsh for most."
Tanjiro looked saddened by this while wishing he could have done something to prevent such loss of life. Like that boy…the one that had run away when he passed out. If he had kept consciousness maybe that boy would still be alive.
"It's best not to dwell on it." Tatsuo said when seeing his bothered look. "Even demon slayers can't save everyone and if you allow yourself to carry the guilt of every life lost, you'll only drag yourself own."
Tanjiro nodded in understanding even if he still felt bad for that boy being gone. That boy had been within reach. He could have saved him.
"I'm gonna die." The yellow-haired boy beside Tanjiro said. "I survived for now, but soon enough dead."
Tanjiro looked at the boy in concern as Tatsuo's brow quirked while wondering if he was that scared why he was even trying to join the Corps.
"Welcome back, everyone," Kanata and Kiriya greeted those who passed.
Tatsuo stood a bit straighter at their arrival as they stood behind the new demon slayers.
"And congratulations," Kanata said.
"We're pleased to see that you're safe," Kiriya added.
They went on to say more, but were interrupted by the boy with the scarred face.
"So, I made it back alive," he said. "What do I do now? Where's my sword?"
Tatsuo narrowed her eyes at the rude boy with that feeling of familiarity stirring again in her mind.
"Patience, we must first issue you all uniforms," Kanata said. "We will start by taking your measurements. Next, your rank will be engraved on the back of your hand."
"Fore your reference, there are ten ranks in total," Kiriya added.
"Kinoe," Kanata said.
"Kinoto." Kiriya said.
The two continued speaking back and forth as the named all the ranks from Kinoe down to Mizunoto. Tatsuo had to wonder what her starting rank would be. Would she be a Mizunoto? Or would being the tsuguko of a Hashira place her higher?
"You all start at Mizunoto," Kanata explained thus answering Tatsuo's silent question. "This is the lowest rank in the Demon Slayer Corps."
Tatsuo would be sure to change that soon enough. She wouldn't allow herself to remain at the bottom long.
"And our swords?" The scarred boy asked again.
"In a moment, you'll be able to select the ore that will forge your swords," Kanata assured him. "However, it will be 10 to 15 days before the weapons are ready for you."
The boy didn't seem pleased with all this as he let out a loud grunt of annoyance.
"Really?" He grumbled.
"But first," Kanata began as she clapped her hands together.
At the sound, cawing responded, which had Tatsuo and the others looking up to see Kasugai Crows flying in. Tanjiro gasped as one landed on his shoulder. He looked to Tatsuo, who didn't seem surprised to see the crows, as she held out her hand, so one could perfect against it. She stroked its feathery chest causing it to coo affectionately at her.
"Now that you're demon slayers, you must each be assigned your own Kasugai Crow." Kiriya told them.
"We get crows then?" Tanjiro questioned. "What for?"
"The Kasugai Crows are primarily used to facilitate communication." Kiriya explained.
Tanjiro nodded in understanding as he looked back to the crow sitting on his shoulder.
"Wait…crows?" The blonde boy asked. "Isn't this a sparrow."
Tatsuo looked over and almost chuckled when seeing the boy indeed had a sparrow perched in his hand. Said sparrow chirped at him while fluttering its wings.
"I don't need this crap!" The scarred boy snapped as he slung his crow from his arm.
He then growled as he walked forward towards Kiriya and Kanata, which had Tatsuo stiffening.
"Who the hell cares about some stupid crow?!" He asked.
He reached towards Kanata has if to roughly grab her by the hair, but before he could touch the girl, his hand was smacked away. Those gathered looked on in surprise as it was Tatsuo who intervened. Said girl was glaring at the scarred boy who glared right back.
"Keep your hands off of her," Tatsuo said. "And stop throwing your little tantrum."
"Che, just who the hell are you?!" The boy demanded as he grabbed the front of Tatsuo's haori. "Just get out of my way! I want my sword! Give it to me before I get angry! The color-changing katana. I want it now; do you hear me?!"
Tatsuo blinked at him unimpressed by his angry demonstration, which seemed to piss him off even more. He raised his other arm back as if he planned to strike her, but his arm was caught by Tanjiro. He glared at the scarred boy as he forcibly lowered his raised fist.
"Let her go," Tanjiro said firmly. "Or I'll break your arm, now!"
The scarred boy scoffed as he turned his glare onto Tanjiro. Though he didn't look like he was going to listen as he only tightened his hold on Tatsuo's haori.
"Huh, who the hell are you?!" The boy asked. "Give it your best shot."
Tanjiro's glare hardened as his grip tightened around the boy's arm. At first nothing happened, but then the boy cried out while being forced to release Tatsuo when Tanjiro's grip became too tight. Tanjiro moved in front of Tatsuo and Kanata as he and the scarred boy glared at each other.
"Are you finished chatting with each other?" Kiriya questioned calmly.
When the angry boy didn't push matters, Tatsuo looked up at Kiriya and gave a bow.
"Yes, I apologize for the disturbance." She said. "Please, continue."
Kiriya nodded in return as Kanata rejoined Kiriya by the table that was covered in a purple cloth. They removed it to reveal chunks of ore of varying sizes.
"Now the time as has come," Kiriya said. "Please, select an ore to use for your sword. The steel you will use to protect yourself and to annihilate countless demons will be that of your own choosing."
The motioned the new demon slayers forward, and Tatsuo was the first to step forward along with Tanjiro. The others soon followed suit. Tatsuo looked down at the ore while keeping in mind that she would need enough for two blades.
"I don't have a clue what to pick." The angry boy said.
As they all looked over the chunks of ore, it seemed as if Tanjiro decided on his choice. He reached for the ore near the center of the table, and as he went to give it Kanata and Kiriya, Tatsuo's eyes landed on a larger piece of ore near the back left corner. She reached for it and looked it over for a moment.
"Is that the one of your choosing?" Kanata questioned.
Tatsuo nodded and gave a slight bow as she held it out to the white-haired girl. Kanata took it carefully into her hands as if the ore was made of glass.
"Will you be returning home now?" Kiriya asked.
"Yes," Tatsuo said then gave another bow. "I hope you and Kanata-sama have a safe trip home, Kiriya-sama."
She then stepped away to start the journey back home. There was no reason for her to stick around here after all. Though she did pause long enough for Kanao to catch up. The two had traveled here together, so it only made sense they travel back home together as well.
"Let's go home." Tatsuo said. "I don't know about you, but I miss my bed."
Kanao only blinked in reply as the two girls went to leave. However, they came to a halt when someone called out to Tatsuo. Said girl turned her head seeing Tanjiro jogging over. He politely greeted Kanao with a hell and a bow, which Kanao returned with a bow of her own.
"I wished to say goodbye and to thank you again for what you did for me." Tanjiro said as he bowed to her. "I will repay you someday, so please, stay safe until then!"
"You really don't need to repay me." Tatsuo said. "But I wouldn't mind running into you. That means you better take good care of yourself, Tanjiro. See ya."
She waved to the boy before walking away with Kanao falling into step with her. Tatsuo looked up at the rising sun with a small smile on her face. She'd be home soon enough, but she wouldn't mind trying to get there sooner. With that in mind, she turned and grinned at Kanao.
"Race you back to the Butterfly Estate!" She said as she started running. "If you win, I'll treat you to Ramune and sweets!"
She didn't look behind her to see if Kanao was following and for a few seconds she wasn't. Tatsuo figured this was because Kanao was using her coin to decide whether or not she wished to participate in the race. Though soon Tatsuo heard Kanao hurrying after her, which had the Tatsuo grinning as she picked up the pace. They'd be home in no time at this rate.
Tatsuo smiled when seeing the familiar estate of Tengen's down the road. It was just past midday. She would have probably been back sooner, but she lost the race to Kanao. So, after buying Kanao the sweets and Ramune as promised and leaving her at the Butterfly Estate, Tatsuo made her own way home. She walked through the gate and made it to the front door, which she slid open.
"I'm home." She called out.
She then sat down to take off her boots and to place them next to the four sets of sandals already sat near the door.
"Tatsuo!" A happy voice cheered.
Before Tatsuo knew what was happening, she was tackled from behind. She fell to the floor grunting when she face planted as her attacker hugged her tightly.
"Welcome home, Tatsuo!" Suma said as she nuzzled the side of Tatsuo's face. "Nee-chan missed you."
"Suma-san, I can't breathe." Tatsuo grumbled.
Suma didn't appear to hear her as she hugged Tatsuo even tighter. Though the younger girl was saved when Suma was ripped off of her.
"Don't kill her after she finally made it back to us!" Makio snapped at Suma. "What is wrong with you?!"
She throttled Suma who started balling and calling Makio a meanie. Tatsuo sat up with a deadpanned expression on her face as she watched the familiar scene.
"I wasn't trying to kill her!" Suma defended herself. "And, Tatsuo, I told you to call me Nee-chan!"
Makio told Suma to shut up again as Tatsuo picked herself up off the floor. She stepped up into the rest of the house and left those two to their shouting. Hinatsuru, who had heard the commotion, came around the corner and smiled when seeing Tatsuo there.
"Welcome home," Hinatsuru greeted her.
She then hugged Tatsuo gentle while resting her head against hers. Tatsuo smiled and hugged the older woman back.
"Any injuries?" Hinatsuru questioned once she released Tatsuo.
Tatsuo shook her head then looked to her ripped haori when Hinatsuru reached towards it.
"What happened here?" She asked sounding worried.
"I'm sorry to have ruined it." Tatsuo said. "However, there was another examinee who had a bad head injury. I used the sleeves to make bandages for him."
Hinatsuru smiled not upset at all for Tatsuo's actions. Though she, Makio, and Suma did buy her this haori as a gift, she couldn't be mad at Tatsuo for taking care of someone in need. Even if it meant ruining her clothes.
"It's alright." Hinatsuru said as she stroked Tatsuo's hair. "We'll get you a new one. In the meantime, let me take that one for you."
Tatsuo nodded then shrugged off the haori. She then looked curiously around for a certain someone. She found it odd that he hadn't come to greet her yet.
"Tengen-sama is off at a Hashira meeting." Hinatsuru explained. "Oyakata-sama wished to discuss the Final Selection and those who passed. He should be home soon."
"I'll just go and meet him." Tatsuo said. "Besides, I have somewhere I need to go anyway. Now that my own swords are to be made, it's time to retire Father's."
She placed her hand on the two katana that she had used during the Final Selection. The ones Tengen had kept for her after her father's funeral. They did hold great sentimental value. She didn't wish to part from them, but they were hers to keep.
"I see," Hinatsuru said. "While you are gone, we shall start preparing a celebration dinner for your return. So, please don't be out too late."
Tatsuo promised not to be gone long before going to where the shoes rested near the door. Since she didn't plan to be going to far or being gone for long, she slipped on sandals instead of her boots.
"Makio-san, I'm borrowing your sandals for a bit if that's okay." Tatsuo said as she opened the door.
Makio, who still had Suma in a headlock, looked up and smiled at the younger female.
"Of course." Makio said as she finally released Suma. "Be safe out there."
"And come back soon!" Suma added.
Tatsuo waved at the three of them before she left the estate. She'd try and see if Tengen was done with his meeting first. That way the two wouldn't miss each other. Then she'd go to her father's grave to return his swords.
"Uzui, Kochō,' Kyōjurō called to get the attention of his fellow Hashira.
Tengen, who was about to leave for home, paused from where he had stepped off the porch to the master's estate. He looked back at the Flame Hashira as Kyojuro stopped on the edge of the porch.
"With the Final Selection over, your tsuguko should have returned by now, correct?" He asked.
Shinobu nodded in reply with a small smile pulling across her face as she stood next to Tengen.
"Kanao wasn't home before I was summoned here for the meeting," Shinobu said. "But I have a feeling that she will be there when I return to the Butterfly Estate."
"I'm certain my tsuguko is waiting impatiently for my flashy return!" Tengen added as he grinned. "After all, she had to have missed not having my flamboyant self around."
Kyōjurō laughed good-naturedly at Tengen's remark. He was about to ask how Tatsuo and Kanao's training was coming along as it's been some time since he's seen either girl. Though before he could, a voice calling out cut him off.
"Tengen-sama!"
The three Hashira turned seeing Tatsuo jogging towards the large Sound Hashira whose grin widened. Once Tatsuo reached his side, her own lips were turned into a smile.
"My flamboyant pupil has returned!" Tengen said as he placed his hand on her shoulder. "And without a single scratch it seems. As expected from my little dragon."
He pinched her cheek teasingly as he said this, which caused the effect he wanted. That effect being Tatsuo's cheeks turning bright red. Kyōjurō and Shinobu had a good chuckle at the scene, which only had the poor girl's cheeks burning even more.
"Tengen-sama, stop teasing." She said as she pushed his hand away from her face.
"It is good to see you back, Tatsuo!" Kyōjurō said with his grin widening. "And back in one piece! You obviously grown since the last time we saw each other!"
He gave the girl a affectionate pat on the head as he spoke, which had her face turning red for a different reason. Though she tried to push away the fluttering in her stomach as she bowed to Kyōjurō and Shinobu.
"It's good to you too, Rengoku-sama, and thank you." Tatsuo said. "And you as well, Kochō-sama. I hope you and all the Hashira are doing well."
Before anymore pleasantries could be shared, Tengen grabbed Tatsuo and threw her over his shoulder. Tatsuo, who was so used to the act, barely reacted other than a sigh as she tried to make herself as comfortable as possible against his shoulder.
"That's enough boring talk." Tengen said. "It's time to head home, Tatsuo."
He bid farewell to his fellow Hashira before he jumped up and over the wall enclosed around the master's estate. After landing on his feet, he started walking in the direction of home.
"Tengen-sama, before we go home may we make a stop?" Tatsuo questioned. "I would like to return Father's swords."
"Of course," Tengen said as he changed direction. "And along the way you can tell me how you flashily passed the Final Selection."
Tatsuo chuckled at his words before she started telling him about her time on Mt. Fujikasane. She told him about the demons she killed and about Tanjiro. He didn't seem too pleased hearing about him, but Tatsuo wasn't sure why. Maybe because he had told her to worry about herself and not others. She brushed that aside though and told him she was the first one down the mountain and how boring she thought the entire thing had been. She then went on to tell him about the race she lost to Kanao, which earned her a smack on the rear.
"Master!" Tatsuo shrieked as she hit his back. "I've told you not to do that!"
Tengen ignored the abuse while tightening his arm around her, so she wouldn't fall as she flailed around in anger.
"You obviously need more training if you so unflamboyantly lost to Kochō's tsuguko!" Tengen scolded. "Between now and the time you get your sword, we will work on your speed! Next time you race, you'll win in style!"
Tatsuo just groaned and hung her head while wishing she hadn't mentioned the race at all.
Tatsuo kneeled in front of her father's grave while placing her hands together in prayer. His swords rested on at his grave where they belonged, at his side.
"Thank you for allowing me the use of your swords all this time, Father." Tatsuo said. "But now my own are being forged, so I am here to return these two you."
Tengen stood behind her and looked down at the grave of the late Hashira. Sano Ryūsei was a well-respected Hashira. Keeping the mantle longer than most as hunting demons wasn't exactly meant for those past their prime. It was dangerous to begin with as a human body couldn't heal like a demon's nor did it have the deep well of stamina that demons possess. Yet Ryūsei preserved. The man had even killed more than one Lower Moon in his time. He truly was an example to others.
—FLASHBACK—
"You're thinking about retiring?" Tengen questioned as he sat with Ryūsei on the veranda outside the master's house. "Your age finally catching up to you, old man?"
Ryūsei chuckled at Tengen's jab at his age as the older man crossed his arms over his chest.
"I'm still young as ever, you flashy brat." Ryūsei said. "But my wife has been worried for me lately. Wanting me home with her and our children. I do sometimes wish I wasn't away so often. I feel like every time that I return home that my children had aged years instead of weeks. Especially, little Tatsuo."
He looked over at said daughter who he had brought with him. Tengen looked over at the girl as well as she was trying to get Giyū to play with her. The Water Hashira just blinked down at her as if not sure how to even speak to the kid.
"She's already started her training." Ryūsei added with a chuckle as Tatsuo tugged on Giyū's haori. "My eldest has no interest in learning the sword, but she is very eager."
"That so," Tengen said. "She any good?"
"She does have a natural talent for the Breathing Style." Ryūsei said. "And she's a hard worker. She'll become quite the swordsman with the proper guidance."
Tengen looked at the older man curiously at how he worded that last statement.
'Old man Ryusei, you act as if it won't be you at her side as she learns,' Tengen thought. 'I wonder why that is.'
—END OF FLASHBACK—
Tengen looked to Tatsuo as she finished her prayer to her father and stood up.
"Ready to head home, Tatsuo?" Tengen questioned.
"Yes, Tengen-sama." Tatsuo said with a nod and a smile. "I'm looking forward to eating with everyone again. I've missed our time together while I was away."
Tengen grinned down at her while reaching out to ruffle her hair a tad roughly to mess up her hair. She whined trying to push his hand away, but he didn't budge. His student has grown over the years. There was still room for her to grow, but training could wait for now. Dinner was waiting for them. He'd just put her through grueling training tomorrow instead.