Chapter Text
"Nee, Tomioka-san , didn't you hear about that mission you have with Shinazugawa-san?"
She looked at him, expecting an answer from the stoic man. His pale face showed no desire to change , but a slight twitch of the fingers showed that the black-haired man was listening.
"Oyakata-sama said it's really tiring trip as....."
She stopped, looking again for any changes in the man's behavior. She took her tea and sipped it lightly, trying to get the point across.
"Hm." He grunted, asking for continue.
He knew the pause was meant to force a reaction for the continuation. She was absolutely convinced he was listening , but still wanted to hear his voice. He forced himself to hum, curious about her informations. (As the fact kocho almost always have good informations of the missions that are assigned for hashiras)
"Oh my! So you're listening!" She clapped her hands, happy that her words were penetrating through him.
The air was cold, due to the fact that the last few months are the last pre-winter time. The grey sky created a depressing mood, while the warm lamps hovering over the genkan created a cozy atmosphere.
"Oyakata-sama wants to send you two to Nogata."
The atmosphere changed after those few words. Shinobu knew from numerous reports that this place was rife with demonic activity. Many disappearances, murders, unsolved cases, and even the residents themselves sweeping all problems under the carpet.
"Do you have any other informations Kocho?."
Fukuoka Prefecture , Nogata , a city rarely visited by slayers. Just being in Fukuoka Prefecture brings a heavy aura of depression , secrets , and forced silence.
"Ah well Tomioka-san! What i can say.... I don't have exact information, but the occurrence of demons is not expected to be one of twelve kizuki's. You can ask for raports from Amane-san or Oyaka-sama. That should be enough."
She had more informations. That the notes of village they have no reports for the last 10 years.
It's a not confirmed information about kizuki's. No one was ever sent here for even reconnaissance.
She looked at the man's tense face. Poor soul. He was unlucky to be sent to such a place.... and with a person he can't even stay with for 10 seconds! Ah.... The God have other plans for them...
"Do–"
"No, no Tomioka-san. Goodbye! Shall you get a lucky time on this mission with Shinazugawa-san!!"
She grabbed him by both hands, causing him to become disoriented. They stood up and, taking advantage of the water hashira lack of focus, she gently ushered him out of the property, closing the door behind her.
She mentally apologized for asking him out when he was being very talkative. But she didn't want to reveal any more facts as he already was very tense. He takes it VERY SERIOUS.
"...!"
Tomioka turned toward the door, frowning. Did something happen? Did he say something? No. He was limiting his ability to speak. He wanted to know more ... This mission won't be easy then why she just declined him.
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-Amane?....
He looked ahead, his vision terribly blurred. The pain in his chest limited his words, which were already whispered.
She grabbed his hands, announcing that she was here.
–This mission for them will be succeful. May Giyuu & Sanemi find the reason burried deep in them. This is great time for them.
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Hometown.
Where ravens dwell, there is carrion.
The echo of the forest, always holding secrets told years ago.