❝𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻❞

Ch - 16 ° A Tense Hour of Patience

Giyuu entered the estate for the first time without the permission of the head nurse, Aoi. 
 
The entire manor was up with the noises of whispers and panicked voices. The estate was now wide awake, all the lights turned on, but within the chaos, everything seemed a little quiet under the agitation of the master of the manor, Kochou Shinobu.
 
"They didn't reach yet." Giyuu asked, worry laced in his tone.
 
"Does it look like it? I have no time to entertain you right now, though you could help me by finding out their whereabouts." Shinobu replied, an authoritative tone held together to mask her panic, which was evident by the drops of sweat adorning her pale face.
 
"I understand. You should prepare while I can make my as useful as possible." Giyuu replied, not at all offended, and turned around once again, calling Kanzaburo to reach out to the other messenger crows.
 
About five minutes later, Kanzaburo zoomed past the door of the Butterfly Mansion, screeching in its coarse voice. "Caw! Caw!" 
 
Giyuu picked up the piece of paper tied above its claws and handed Kakushi's whereabouts to Shinobu. 
"I'm very grateful for your help. Don't worry, just keep your trust in Tanjiro's potential." Shinobu gave him a look of concern while she rushed to get her own equipment.
 
The entire staff was in a rush, even the little triplets. They were running around with bowls of warm water, clean clothes, tools for surgery, and other medical equipment. The look of anxiousness was evident on the faces of the entire staff, even including Aoi and Shinobu.
 
"Alright, we're all done on our part; it's going to take some time for them to come, so let's just wa-" Shinobu said, but she was interrupted by a group of Kakushi pushing the door open with a couple stretchers behind them as the crows chanted, "Emergency! Caw! Emergency!".
 
"How's the situation?" Shinobu had strangely turned very calm. She had probably noticed the faces of the triplets when they viewed the injured bodies.
 
"Critical. Specifically the Sound Hashira and the demon girl's brother and his associates." The Kakushi handed them a little analysis report, which was almost accurate in the eyes of the insect Hashira.
 
They were quickly rushed to emergency rooms. Giyuu stood there silently as he saw Tanjiro laying unconscious on the stretcher, bleeding profusely from one of the many open cuts. His eyes could only focus on his condition as he watched him get taken to the emergency room, not being able to do anything.
 
He grit his teeth in frustration. First, it was Rengoku and now Uzui. He can't keep him safe even with a Hashira. If he dies, no one is there to take his place. 
 
For a split second, he couldn't care less for his replacement as Hashira. He cared for him; he just wanted him to be smiling and healthy. He had noticed that his strong urge to leave his position was recently wavering. Something made him keep pulling through past regrets and trauma. 
 
Something kept pulling him back.
 
Something is causing him to remain as Hashira.
 
To be with her, by her side.
 
"Now's not the time, Giyuu." He clicked his tongue in irritation, not wanting his confusing thoughts distracting him from the current scenario in front of him.
 
But wasn't it true? 
 
His conscience wasn't fooling him.
 
Was it?
 
They say your subconscious mind controls your feelings more than your own active mind. 
 
While his heart agreed, it didn't find itself being on the same page as the disagreeing mind.
 
After all, it is true that love plays tricks even on the smartest of people. 
 

_______________________________

 
"Mizubashira-sama. Are you awake?" A voice spoke, in fact plural as the triplets spoke in unison. 
 
Giyuu gave a simple nod in reply. The triplets all had a sort of perplexed look on their faces, something seemed like they had something to say but they were refraining themselves from speaking.
 
"Are there any reports about the recent patients?" Giyuu asked, seeing that the emergency ward was still up with the bright focus lights for surgery. He couldn't comprehend much as the scenario was blocked by a glass door, blurring all that was going inside.
 
"Except for the Sound Hashira's wives, everyone else is under constant care and attention." Kiyo replied, a hint of worry laced in her tone.
 
"What about Kochou and Kanzaki, are they doing alright?" Giyuu added, not a bit of hesitation present in his tone. He was genuinely worried about those two up the entire night. 
 
"I suppose we'll start taking shifts after we confirm that their condition is stabilized." Sumi replied after a little moment silence, there was a little doubt in her tone, as if something was there she wasn't saying.
 
That still didn't answer his question.
 
 
How was she?
 
 
Is she alright?
 
 
Will she manage?
 
 
I don't doubt her capability. I'm just worried.
 
 
She's a valuable friend of mine, afterall.