Every Beat || Tankana

V

CHAPTER 5 : Righteous Blessing

"Shinobu nee-san!" Kanao burst into the room. She rushed to get home as soon as her crow informed her about the matter. She basically stormed in the house and ran towards Shinobu and Giyuu's room.

When she got there, thankfully, Shinobu-san was okay. She had mild contractions and it would sometimes get worse, but she had all the support she needed. It was Giyuu's issue when his wife first found out she was going to have a baby. Her body was too small and he was scared that she couldn't handle the pain, and worse case scenario, she could die. But she assured him that she was going to be alright.

They were all excited to see the new edition to the family, but nervous about Shinobu's health. Giyuu stayed with her. He massaged her lower back, helped her walk around the room, and even offered to be her life sized body pillow. It was excruciating, but she was happy of how loving her family was. She couldn't wait to see her baby.

Hours sped by and Shinobu's water was still intact. Aoi was a mess. She cleaned the whole house to vent out her stress about the birth. Sumi, Naho, and Kiyo helped but also followed her around trying to calm her down. Kanao did the same, but she took the task of taking care of the present patients.

At around seven in the night, Shinobu was ready to give birth. At that same time, Kanao had to leave for patrol; much to her dismay.

It was gruesome. Shinobu was writhing in pain to the point where she was screaming into the night. Aoi assisted with the delivery, and the girls assisted with rushing to get extra cloths or whatever is needed. Giyuu watched in horror. He held his wife's hand and prayed to the gods to keep her and their child safe.

After hours of excruciating labor, the moment they've been holding onto their seats for finally came.

A baby boy was born safely.

When Shinobu held the baby for the first time, she cried. She was so thankful to the gods for giving her such a blessing. It was truly contagious, when Shinobu started crying, everyone in the room did too, including Giyuu.

It was a surprising sight. Odd even. But he was happy- no, ecstatic. He knelt down and stared at the weeping baby. It was like falling in love. Like everything he ever wanted and needed was right there before his eyes. Giyuu was amazed at the sight, almost like he was staring at something so ethereal; inexplicable yet beautiful. And he was a blessing to both him and Shinobu.

He was a father. It was the greatest title he could ever receive.

"Masayuki." Shinobu turned her head. "He's name is Masayuki." he looked at her, a soft smile on his lips.

She smiled, staring back at the now sleeping baby. "Tomioka Masayuki." she whispered "A righteous blessing. That's exactly what he is." before she knew it, her tears started falling down once again.

He wrapped his arm around his wife's shoulders, placing his other calloused hand on the baby. He was so small and precious beside his hand.

"Thank you, Shinobu." he whispered and she smiled.

. . .

Even though she was up all night circulation her assigned region and slaying nearby demons, she was too excited to see the baby to even feel the tiredness. When she was near the doorstep of the butterfly estate, Tanjirou was there walking towards the door.

"Tanjirou!" she sped up to walk beside him. He flinched when he saw her.

"Kanao." he nodded and smiled. "Did you just arrive?" he asked.

"Yes." she smiled back. They proceeded to walk towards the entrance.

When they were steps away from the door, Tanjirou noticed the cut on her cheek. Kanao doesn't usually get injuries during fights. She was not a reckless fighter. She was meticulous, she doesn't just attack a demon head on, using her enhanced sight she outpowers her opponent by predicting their next moves. It was truly an amazing ability.