The disarrayed sound of wind rustled leaves and crickets slowly rose till it became the arrhythmic song of the evening. The chorus was dulled by the walls of the manor, a muted tone Obanai was quite familiar with. His swift steps down the hall went mostly silent. Obanai's light frame and short stature made it easy to conceal or quiet his presence. He wasn't nearly as stealthy as the trained shinobi Uzui.
As Obanai drew closer to the dining room he begins to second guess his decision. Miss Kanroji would be there, true, but there would be other Hashira as well. Other of the Pillars could take the seats around Miss Kanroji. Obanai almost chastised the fear this instilled in him. It was just social interaction, and most didn't expect more than a few words from him.
Within yards of the dining room new sounds met Obanai's ears. Laughs and a din of voices. Some stood out such as Rengoku's booming tone. They were too distant and warped to make out the words but the voices were unmistakable.
Obanai pushed the panel door to the side. Blurred vision worsened as the contrast between the dim hall and the bright dining area struck his irises. The din of voices didn't get much clearer, a cacophony of greetings mixed with his name. Slowly, very slowly, the Serpent Pillar's vision adjusted. Himejima sat near Oyakata-sama who was at the head of the table. The Stone Pillar dwarfed their leader but still seemed like the smaller presence. The seat across from Himejima was empty, presumably for the lady of the manor. Himejima gave a nod to Obanai, a reserved recognition. Next to Himejima was Muichiro who looked exactly how Obanai had last saw him; sat with his back straight and gaze at the ceiling. Obanai briefly imagined Himejima picking Muichiro up and carrying him stiffly to the dinner table. The image almost caused a chuckle.
"Hellllooo!" Rengoku greeted loudly from his seat across from Muichiro. He lifted a hand and gave a wide smile that was sincerely reflected in his intense eyes. Next to Rengoku, and almost as loud, was Mitsuri.
The Love Pillar raised a hand that alternated between waving and gesturing at the place next to her. She blushed brightly. "Iguro-san! Iguro-san! I saved you a spot, come sit here."
Uzui was across from Mitsuri and seemed frozen as if he was telling some story that was just derailed. Obanai bowed to the group muttering a quick thanks before moving around the table next to Mitsuri. A sense of relief rolled down his spine like a long overdo wash as he sat with thighs pinned to his calves.
"Thank you for joining us, Obanai," Oyakata-sama commented. In the brief exchange it seemed like nothing else in the room mattered but the comforting recognition.
"I deeply appreciate your hospitality," Obanai said bowing his head toward the table.
If there was to be more to the exchange it was cut short. Another of the panel doors closer to Oyakata-sama slid open with two smaller figures bolting through it. They almost tackled the head of the table over with their bright voices cheering. Oyakata-sama chuckled with his smile widening, arms winding around the two figures. Shortly behind the two figures came Amane Ubuyashiki, the leader's wife. It was their daughters that now hung giggling from Oyakata-sama. These were the same girls that earlier that day had conducted themselves with complete decorum. It had been easy to forget they were still children. That fact became easy to remember while watching them gleefully hang off their father.
Such displays were common. Any that stayed around the Manor enough would inevitably catch moments like this were Oyakata-sama was not just the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps but was loving father and husband, the man otherwise named Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Other leaders and nobles might expect their family to maintain the constant image of composure but not Oyakata-sama.
"Alright, girls," Amane remarked putting gentle hands on the girl's shoulders. "I promised you could say good night, now it's time to get to bed." The girls protested, but only briefly. After exhausting their complaints they stood away from Oyakata-sama.
"Don't forget to tell our Swordsmen goodnight," the leader remarked with a chuckle. The girls turned toward the rest gathered at the table and bowed with a respectful parting word. The Hashira present bowed in return, giving a less than organized response.
"I'll be back with the food," Amane said in a hushed tone.
"Take your time," Oyakata-sama replies. His face remains turned toward his departing wife and children. Even if he couldn't see her his focus on her presence showed a true admiration for the woman that was frequently at his side.
"They're so cute," Mitsuri remarks with hands lifted to her lips, smile wide and eyes half-shut.
"The twins?" Obanai questioned.
"No, the family. They must be under so much pressure being in constant control and danger. Yet to see them like a family in their own home; it makes me so happy." As Mitsuri elaborated her voice bubbled. She looked to Obanai as her lips flutter between speaking and smiling.
Obanai nodded, feeling that Mitsuri had made her point. She didn't need to hear it repeated back to her to know the Serpent Pillar had understood her. Then there was a beat of silence. Obanai was struck with awe and dread. For a moment he could appreciate Mitsuri sitting close with her effortlessly adorable features, eyes like polished emeralds slowly sweeping the table and somehow catching and understanding snippets of conversation. It was astounding to Obanai, the noise just started to congeal together for him, no one conversation easy to pick from the other. It felt like overcooked noodles starting to meld together. The dread picking at the back of the dark haired swordsman's mind was the pressure to try and keep Mitsuri engaged. She had started a conversation, he had to keep it going but he couldn't just saying something unrelated. How to keep her engaged and not seem neglectful?
Obanai finally had a thought. When he spoke his voice was low, calm, normal. "Does it make you miss your own?" Mitsuri was one of the few Hashira that still had a family. A mother and father at a home that when the last demon was slain she might be able to return to.
Mitsuri's lips pursed, eyes turning upward. She was considering. When she spoke her voice effortlessly cut through the din of the room. "Not really." Her reply seemed to surprise her almost as much as Obanai. "I love my family and it's always a joy when I get to see them, but I don't feel incomplete without them," Mitsuri joyfully reasoned, only for expression and tone to snap to severe concern. "Is that mean?"
"I don't think so," Obanai was quick to sincerely assure.
Mitsuri nodded. "I find comfort knowing they're out there happy and secure because of our work. I did pass through about two weeks ago and visited."
The topic was brought to an end by the return of Amane. The lady of the house and a few helpers, likely more members of the Corps, carried in large dishes of food. The dishes included onigiri, dango, fish, and plenty of rice.
"Itadakimasu," the members of the table said in unison after a nod from Oyakata-sama and his wife. The loudest was Rengoku and Mitsuri, the two who were also fastest to start piling their plates. The two were also the first to take a bite of the meal and is if by instinct the two bellowed out "Tasty!"
Having shared meals with them neither Uzui or Obanai were surprised. Muichiro was brought back to the world, brows knitting in confusion. Though he didn't ask any questions or try to decipher the strange ceremony. He just set to plunging his chopsticks into his small pile of rice. Oyakata-sama chuckles.
Obanai picked at a rice ball. He would quickly pull his mask down to take a bite. Whether out of respect or accident, no one glanced his way when the mask was down. Obanai was incredibly conscious eating was an awkward time for him, at any moment someone could see or call attention to the scars one his face. They no longer cause pain (at least not regularly.) But the skin was tough, tense, a constant subtle pressure that stretched toward his ears. Despite his slow pace Obanai was stacking food on his plate, especially the bean paste filled pastries.
At the head of the table Amane followed a conversation between Himejima and Oyakata-sama. The two were probably locked in some musings over the philosophical and spiritual. Whatever it was it couldn't be too serious, the two were chuckling far too often. Even Amane would raise a hand to conceal her lips as she laughed on occasion.
"Obanai, have you been through Tokyo recently?" The question came from Uzui through a mouthful of something. Rengoku's wide-eyed gaze swung toward Obanai, the Flame Hashira having to lean forward to see around Mitsuri. Mitsuri herself leaned toward Obanai, just enough that their shoulders pushed together.
Obanai shook his head as he tried to hastily finish chewing. Uzui retained eye contact as he took in another mouthful of everything he could manage to stack together with his chopsticks. He was almost as hearty an eater as Rengoku.
"I haven't, I've mostly been hunting down the demons praying on the fringe farming villages."
"You can visit places without a demon to hunt," Uzui remarked through his mouthful.
Obanai shrugged, not sure what an appropriate response would be.
"When do you have the time to visit places?" It was Rengoku who interjected.
"I make the time."
"You can't make time," Muichiro remarks without ever glancing from his plate, seeming to barely understand the conversation he lended his voice to.
Uzui waved a hand through the air. "Regardless! It's such a flashy city. Lots of unique sites and events."
"There were so many yatai when I went through," Rengoku adds, of course dwelling on the food carts. He straightened his back and squared his shoulders. "I walked from one end of the city to the other," arms sweep wildly through the air to further exaggerate the experience. "And not once did I eat the same thing twice. It was all tasty and fresh!"
"Oh, that sounds amazing!" Mitsuri's voice bordered on singing as it climbed in pitch. Her excitement over the scene Rengoku painted was palpable. Every motion jostled her shoulder against Obanai's. "It makes my stomach growl," she concluded before eating a pastry whole.
The food on the table was dwindling, easily conquered by the Hashira present.
"Styles in the city are changing so quickly," Uzui said. "I just wanted to hear Obanai's impressions. Get the normal guy's perspective"
"Why didn't you ask me?" Rengoku sounded almost wounded.
"I said a normal guy's opinion."
Rengoku opened his mouth as if to protest but couldn't seem to come up with a defense. So instead he started on another mouthful.
"All those business clothes? It seems boring and it all blurs together," Obanai said. This brought a wide grin to Uzui's face.
"Ha! I knew you were flashier than you look!"
Rengoku started to share a story about a demon in a business suit he fought once, but Obanai's attention was pulled elsewhere. Mitsuri turned her face toward Obanai's. "Could you ever picture yourself in a business suit?"
The two's eyes met. For a moment the meal was forgotten.
"I don't think so. They look so restrictive."
"Really? You can't imagine yourself in one?"
"Not really."
"So after we defeat Muzan you're not going to go into the city and get a fancy dressing job?" Mitsuri laughed at her own joking question. While still engaged in the conversation she competed for the last few bits of unclaimed food.
Obanai shook his head while Mitsuri was still looking at him. When she looked away he snuck another bite. Rengoku was still mid-story. Uzui and Mitsuri were divvying up the last of the fish and vegetables. The rice was long gone.
"So what would you do?" The Love Hashira questioned through a mouthful, gaze returning to Obanai. Her flawless eyes like emeralds felt like a stark contrast to Obanai's glassy mismatched eyes. Her cheeks bulged while she chewed, and Obanai still thought she maintained a charm that all should appreciate.
Obanai's brow furrowed beneath layers of straight black hair. He needed to think for a moment, and even after a moment nothing came. "I don't know any life beyond this. I suppose I'd continue to serve Oyakata-sama if he'd have me."
"I feel like he'd want us to have lives outside of his service though." Mitsuri had turned to look toward the head of the table. Obanai and Kaburamaru leaned forward to follow Mitsuri's gaze.
Oyakata-sama was talking to Muichiro. It was a rare instance of the Mist Hashira remaining engaged in a conversation for more than a few seconds. Their plates had been cleared and pushed away some time ago.
Miss Kanroji was probably right.
"I think," Obanai began. Slowly the two (plus Kaburamaru) sat back and eyes returned to each other. There was a pause, Mitsuri comfortably patient. "I'd want to settle in a nearby village. Maybe open a ramen shop."
"Oo! You are a pretty good cook. I'd visit a ton."
"I would like that. You could eat for free." This caused Mitsuri to laugh and the blood in her face to rise briefly.
"I don't think you'd be open for very long." The statement from Mitsuri brought a gentle grin to the lips hidden behind Obanai's mask. As her composure returned Mitsuri would ask a follow-up question. "Do you think you'd be married?"
Obanai's heart skips a bit, his chest squeezing around it. None on the outside would be able to read Obanai's anguish. His calm eyes and placid expression along with his relaxed posture made him seem as detached as ever.
"If anyone I like would have me." Obanai hoped the sincere but short answer would help avoid spending too much time on the subject. Who would want to spend their life with someone whose face was so scarred and mental presence so easily lost?
"Anyone would be lucky to have you," Mitsuri assured. To most her voice was as encouraging as ever. Obanai caught an undercurrent of something else, though putting a name to it was difficult. It felt familiar though. Obanai was not given time to dwell on it. "You know I joined to challenge myself, grow, and find a husband. I would still very much like to be married once this is all done." Mitsuri gave a brave smile, but it was far less carefree than the smile she usually offered.
It was Kaburamaru that offered support now. The albino snake leaned toward Mitsuri. His tongue flitted past his narrow maw. Mitsuri giggled before touching a finger to Kaburamaru's head. "Yes, I know you'd run away and marry me. Maybe we should," she joked. The snake seemed to be glowing, almost as if it was blushing.
"Oh no!" The cry came from Rengoku. It immediately pulled the Serpernt and Love Hashira from their conversation.
"What is it?" Mitsuri's concern was palpable.
"There's no food left," Rengoku bemoaned in his usual booming and cheery voice.
"Oh no!" This time the cry came from Mitsuri. "I was really hoping to have more of the dango."
"You can have mine," Obanai offered. He pushes his plate forward, the only dish on the table that still had food on it.
"Are you sure?" Mitsuri's excitement and surprise were palpable. This happened regularly, yet each time she seemed sincerely touched by the gesture. Obanai nodded and Mitsuri happily plucked up the remaining dango. After the first bright she let out at, "Mmmm, tasty!"
"Are you going to eat that fish?" This was Rengoku. Mitsuri exchanged a quick glance with Obanai who again simply nodded. She moved the plate toward Rengoku with a wide smile. "Excellent!" Rengoku praised before picking at what remained of the white meat.
Uzui's eyes narrowed on Obanai. A knowing and admiring smile dances over his lips. "Well," he announced loudly. "I have to be going, I need to catch up with my wives soon."
"Give them my kind regards, Uzui-san." Oyakata-sama's request wasn't a mere formality. Following his lead the table all gave their good byes and extended their thoughts to Uzui's three wives who had not made the trip with him.
"Stay flashy." And with that Uzui left the table and then the room.
Muichiro then engaged Obanai in a conversation about swordsmanship. It mostly devolved into complaints about not being challenged. The two recounted how most demons relied on trickery or their blood demon arts. It had been a long time since either were challenged through a proper match of skill. Mitsuri and Rengoku listened, occasionally diverting into their own conversation reminiscing about the meal they just ate. The remarks about how much they enjoyed the food brought a smile to Amane.
Himejime was the next to leave. Even as Amane offered to brew a fresh pot of tea. The remaining were more than happy to take the lady of the manner up on her offer. Halfway through his cup Muichiro forgot about his tea. He excused himself to his bedroom, and even when it was pointed out he had tea left all he had to offer was, "Hm? Oh, I see. Well I'm already up and I'm just likely to forget it again."
So Muichiro went to his own room, leaving that entire side of the table empty. Even as the other Hashira sipped their tea Amane began to gather up the dishes with the help of several aids.
The remaining four were finding a much more calm environment. The overlapping conversations had left with much of the group. Obanai kept his gaze fixed on the cup of tea cradled in both hands. Arms of dark green swirled through ripples of offcolored water. The tea had been held long enough the brew was no longer uniform. Over his tongue is was cool and a bit bitter, the sweetness coming in bouts.
"How is your hearing?" Oyakata-sama asked.
"Oh, quite well. I think the issue last month was unrelated." Rengoku boasted eagerly. Obanai caught an expression flit across Mitsuri's face. It seemed he wasn't the only one that doubted the claim. True, Rengoku had made an amazing recovery after having to rupture both his ear drums going up against a demon. There were small tells though, ones Rengoku himself might not notice. From the comments he would miss and statements he would need repeated to the way he bellowed almost everything as if he himself couldn't tell how loud he was. Though if stories from others were anything to go on he was always loud.
"Though the trip to the Swordsmith Village was quite restorative." This statement from Rengoku piqued the interest of the remaining two Hashira.
"I'm glad to hear that," Oyakata-sama reamrked.
"You got to visit the Swordsmith Village?" Mitsuri questioned.
"Oh yes! Though I was dragged the whole way through a blindfold."
"Protecting the craftsman of the Nichirin Swords is something we take very seriously. Entire families reside in these villages, and the last thing I want is for them to become a target," Oyakata-sama said.
"I'd love to visit sometime," Mitsuri said whistfully.
"Perhaps at a later time. Between Rengoku's visit and the traffic out of the village fitting all the new swordsmen the roads are a little more traveled than I'd like." Oyakata-sama was nothing but understanding and sympathetic. He even sounded a little remorseful.
"Oh!" Mitsuri's hands wave in front of her glowing pink face. "I didn't mean like now or anytime soon. Just that I thought it sounded nice. I really want to thank all of them in person. They work so hard for us." The more she talked the faster the words came. Obanai couldn't help but smile. The flustered Mitsuri was perhaps one of the cutest things he had ever seen.
Obanai was snapped from his trance though as Kaburamaru almost fell of his shoulders. The snake, with adoration in its eyes, had leaned too far forward. Obanai was able to catch the serpent and ease him back into place.
Oyakata-sama chuckled. "I understand, Kanroji-san. There will be time, I'll make sure to let you know."
Mitsuri enthusiastically nodded her head. Then a moment of silence before Rengoku spoke once more.
"Oyakta-sama, it has been an absolute honor to be your guest." He bowed toward the leader of the Demon Slayer corps. "I am always glad to see you in good health." Everyone collected understood 'good health' here was relative.
"It is nothing but a pleasure, Kyojuro Rengoku."
"I am going to take my leave. It's been a long day and there's more long days ahead."
"Oh?" Inquired Mitsuri.
Rengoku nodded. "I've noticed a new trend for demons praying upon those around train stations. I intend to root them out."
"If anyone can run them all out it's you," Mitsuri encouraged with a wide grin.
As Rengoku stood up Obanai added, "Please send your father my regards. I hope he is in good health." The former Flame Hashira had been the one to help Obanai when he had escaped the grip of his own miserable bloodline.
There was an almost imperceptible pause. Rengoku seeming to hesitate, which was an oddity for the current Flame Hashira. He then gave Obanai a boisterous smile. "Of course! I'll make sure he knows you mean him well. He's doing alright, but he has been in better health. Maybe your kind thoughts will help."
Obanai nodded his thanks but couldn't help but linger. Was Shinjuro Rengoku ill? He hadn't heard anything. In fact, little had been heard from the former swordsman since he retired. Though prolonged afflicition was no stranger to those that served the Demon Slayer Corps.
"Till we meet again," bellowed Kyojuro Rengoku. With a dramatic motion he left the room, hari dancing in the air behind him like the fire it was cut to resemble. While always a risk, no one in the room could have anticipated that there would not be a chance to 'meet again.'
"I am somewhat thankful you two have chosen to stay when the others have left," Oyakata-sama remarked. It drew questioning attention from both Mitsuri and Obanai.
"I have a request for you two."
"Anything," the two Hashira said in unison.
"Something odd has occurred. Two swordsman reported happening upon a group of five demon."
"Five?" Obanai questioned.
"Demons don't work in groups that large," Mitsuri elaborated.
"Yet they were. The swordsmen engaged and reported the demons being suspiciously easy to kill."
"So why are we needed?" Obanai questioned.
"In due time, Iguro-san. Two of the demons escaped. Our swordsmen managed to chase them to an old Sengoku era fortress." So far there was nothing overly odd about the story. Demons frequently took over abandoned structures. A Sengoku-era fortress was nothing new. "The surviving swordsmen described that approaching the fortress resulted in a hail of gunfire."
"Gunfire?!" Mitsuri gasped.
Oyakata-sama nodded once. "Old arquebuses. They indicated it seemed to come from the wall above the gate, as if it was still manned."
"I hope none of them were hurt too badly." Mitsuri's empathy was palpable.
Oyakata-sama's face turned grim. "The survivor was greviously injured, though he still survives and is being put in Shinobu's care. When we received the crow we called upon swordsmen in the area to entrench themselves around the fortress."
"How long has it been?" Obanai was the one to ask.
"Three days. Attempting to approach the fortress just draws more gunfire, even in the daylight. The swordsmen there have managed to avoid injury but they've had no succcess getting close to the walls. The lastest crow indicated they fear the demons are preparing for something."
All eyes were upon Oyakata-sama; Obanai's mismatched glassy eyes, Mitsuri's sparkling jewel-like eyes, and Kaburamaru's red gleaming eyes. Oyakata-sama had paused. He was letting the information sink in and giving the Hashira a place to interject should they feel so inclined. When they did not he continued.
"I wanted to ask you two to investigate the issue, help the lower ranks break into the fortress and destroy the demons within. Something odd is happening there so discretion till we understand more is requested. I've already made some additional requests for other swordsmen to meet you there."
Obanai nodded, more out of impulse given that Oyakata-sama could not see the gesture. Mitsuri leaned up, balancing on her knees. She lifted fists toward her beaming face. "You can count on us! We'll take those demons out no problem!" She sounded so confident.
A panel to the room slid opening, allowing Amane entrance. Detecting her presence Oyakata-sama held out a searching hand. Amane approached, putting her fingers alongside her husband's. She then kneeled down beside Oyakata-sama as he pulled the hand close to his chest. "Hello, dear. I was just asking these two if they'd help resolve the problem we're facing at that fortress."
"Oh? I can understand why you'd ask them. They certainly compliment each other."
Mitsuri blushed obviously. Obanai blushed, hidden by his mask. Kaburamaru seemed left out and a little hurt. Oyakata-sama smiled. "They certainly do. But now, I've kept everyone long enough. Try to get some rest."
The two Hashira bowed, Mitsuri's thighs pinning back to her calves.
"Thank you, Oyakata-sama," Obanai remarked.
"Get some sleep, Oyakata-sama," Mitsuri gleefully replied.
Amane helped her husband to his feet. Obanai and Mitsuri followed suit.
Mitsuri offered to get the lights for Amane who graciously accepted the help. Obanai stayed behind with Mitsuri to help put out the candles till the room was cut into stark shapes by the moonlight filtering in. The hall out to their rooms proved to be a little more well lit, or perhaps there was not as much to disrupt the moonlight and create shadows beyond the two figures. A normal individual would have probably used a candle to navigate the house, but the two swordsmen were more than capable of navigating in dim light. The demons they hunted that only came out at night had forced them to adapt their vision to be more accustomed to dark spaces.
The soft pads of their steps were slow and reluctant. Obanai cast his eyes to the ground. His mind raced over the urge to say something but finding nothing to say. Thankfully Mitsuri broke the silence. "I'm glad we get to work together." Her voice was soft and low a pleasant eagerness in her tone.
Obanai nodded. "Together we should be able to handle the situation easily."
Mitsuri giggled. At what though Obanai wasn't completely sure. "If they don't know fear, they will!" Mitsuri's bright voice was cheery, almost joking but Obanai knew she wasn't. She didn't express conviction like most of the other Hashira.
The two stopped instinctively. They were in front of Mitsuri's usual room. There was a moment of silence, the two facing each other with gazes cast anywhere else. Obanai looked off to the side. Mitsuri looked down at her feet. The Love Hashira's lips weaved into a subtle smile, cheeks burning bright. Obanai felt his chest roil like a stream down the mountain. He wanted to say something nice, something sweet. Something so Mitsuri might guess at how he felt, but he couldn't let himself slip. He hadn't yet earned it.
Mitsuri breached the silence with his name. Their eyes met for a moment. Another strained silence. Outwardly Obanai was composed and calm. Inside his mind and heart continued the heated duel. Mitsuri's voice again pulled on Obanai's attention, calming the two sentiments competing for his tongue. "Sleep well, we probably have a few long days of travel."
"You as well, Miss Kanroji."
Mitsuri giggled and turned her attention to the annoyed looking serpent on Obanai's shoulder. "You too, Kaburamaru. We're going to have such fun on the road together!" Kaburamaru fixed his attention on Mitsuri seeming energized by her attention. After parting words Mitsuri entered her room and Obanai set off toward his own room, further down the hall.
Next time: On the Road Together