idling like second nature • m/n insert • kny

Chapter 12

新しい弧の始まり:
回復力
Atarashī ko no hajimari:
Kaifuku-ryoku

The Beginning of a New Arc:
Resilience

"For the second time, I was too weak to protect someone I followed by heart. I'm aware that it's not just my loss, but for the many that loved and respected him as well. That's why I can't help but look down at myself in a lot more disappointment than anyone had ever done."

"How was your visit?" A soft voice tingled Tanjirou's ears as he snapped out from his daydreams, walking down the trail with heavy thoughts.

Tanjirou smiled at the man who surprised him at the front of the Butterfly Estate and gave him an honest answer, "It was stressful at first, but overall it went pretty well. Also, I got this." He showed the hilt he received from the younger brother of Kyojuro that was said to be given to him out of the family's gratitude, the personalized hilt that imitated the image of a flame.

M/n nodded, happy to have heard that it ended positively. As for the hilt, he was rather sad to see it. Although his guilt began to fade away, he still couldn't think that he should forget about it at all.

"I'm glad to hear that." He simply stated and led them inside to further talk about what happened.

Tanjirou, following close behind, had picked up a negative scent. It smelled like the air on the coldest winter days on top of a high mountain. It sent a sharp pain through his nose and had to pinch it to reduce his sense of smell. 'Such a painful air to breathe in...' He thought, but maintained a close distance with M/n as they made their way to the veranda.

M/n stopped first and sat on the edge of the floorboards, then patted the seat beside him.

Tanjirou followed and sat next to him, releasing his fingers from his nose bridge to avoid misunderstanding, besides he can endure it for a while. "May I know what's on your mind, Tomioka-san?" He asked, initiating the conversation.

M/n slightly frowned and stared down at the grass beneath their feet. "I was just reminded of the time where I went to visit the Rengoku Estate." He admitted, lowering his voice as it seemed to be a sensitive topic.

Tanjirou tilted his head in curiosity, interested in the topic. "Oh, you did? Perhaps you could tell me about it."

M/n nodded and paused to think of the correct terms to describe his situation. "The day we came back after the mission, I immediately searched for Keiteki-san's residence, which was just a few kilometers away. It was raining, so I was damped as I knocked at the door and entered the house. When I went there, it was only Senjuro in the house, seeming to have just received the word of his older brother's death due to the sad expression on his face."

"So you've caught word of your brother's death?" M/n questioned the kid for confirmation as he sat, dripping wet from head to toe but was still let in due to the hospitality of the younger male.

"Yes... I have." Senjuro replied, a pained look on his face.

"Do you wish for me to relate the story to you?" M/n asked, empathizing with the other.

Senjuro shook his head, tears forming at the edge of his eyes. "I'm afraid I'm not prepared for that yet. Please come back another time." He replied, holding in his cry.