It's been 20 months since he's last seen Kanae. Summer time has left Sanemi sweating as he swats away the mosquitos. After leaving Inosuke to his own antics, Sanemi once again went to trailing Tamayo. With Kagaya's crow leading the way, Sanemi has wondered how he is faring without his trusted crow.
Then again, Kagaya manages a whole network of crows for all of Japan. It's most likely that Kagaya simply has a substitute as his personal crow at the moment.
That being said, Sanemi doubts whether any substitute can compare to this one. The crow donning a purple scarf is by far the most intelligent bird Sanemi has ever seen. From being able to track Tamayo, to spotting demons from miles away, to being able to fly at incredibly fast speeds, to even being able to speak like a human. This crow was a golden bird that's only fitting to belong to the Ubuyashiki Family.
It's these reasons to why Sanemi is blindly following the bird, even as it's leading him away from Tamayo. It was early in the morning when the crow announced to Sanemi that they were taking a detour. When he asked why, the crow apologized and insisted that they should go.
Sanemi doesn't know why they need to take a detour, but he's positive it was Kaguya who ordered his crow to lead Sanemi to a specific location, so he wasn't complaining.
As he follows this crow the landscape changes from grassy fields to rocky terrain. the empty fields have slowly been replaced with vibrant trees. The flat road takes him up elevation, until he is at the base of a mountain. The crow above him descends near Sanemi, indicating that they are near their destination. As Sanemi continues walking, he spots the location that he is being led to.
In the distance he sees a Wisteria House near the road. It's a medium sized house, not the biggest but also not the smallest one he's seen. What is different however is who's in front of the house. Standing in front of the door are two demon slayers, seemingly guarding the entrance.
"We have arrived, Shinazugawa-san" cawed the crow before flying towards the house.
Sanemi looked at the crow go through a window before sighing and walking towards the two slayers. The two slayers, seemingly in conversation with one another, spot Sanemi walking towards them and cease talking. Upon looking at his gold buttons, their posture's immediately straighten and sweat starts falling on their forehead.
"Ah! Hashira-sama! It's nice to meet you!"
"Yes Hashira-sama! It's an honor meeting you!"
Sanemi looked at the two slayers. Both of them seemed to be similar in age with Sanemi, and yet they are sweating profusely in front of him (rightfully so). The girl to the left was wearing a pink haori while the boy to the right was wearing a blue haori.
Sanemi looks at them for a while before asking, "Can I enter in?"
"Ah, ummmm... well... uh-" stammered the boy.
"OF COURSE!" yelled the girl. "PLEASE COME IN!"
As the girl motions Sanemi to enter, he walks past the two guards. Before opening the door fully, he hears the two slayers whispering furiously.
"Hey! Are you sure that-" asked the boy.
"Of course! He's a Hashira! She wouldn't mind at all." responded the girl.
'She, huh?' thought Sanemi. He wonders where the Master's crow dragged him to.
Soon he got his answer. As he entered the room, his eyes widened in surprise as he gazed on someone he hasn't met for over 20 months.
"L-Lady Amane!"
The lady turned around to address Sanemi. Indeed it was Amane, sitting with her two daughters and petting the crow that lead Sanemi here in the first place. With her pristine snow hair in her signature bun, she was donning a yellow floral kimono. Hinaki and Nichika were sitting near their mother and wore identical outfits: purple kimonos with a red hair ornament.
"Nice to see you again, Shinazugawa-san" said Amane with a smile.
Sanemi immediately went to a kneel in respect of her presence. He didn't know what to expect, but he definitely wasn't expecting to meet her. Or at least not for a while.
"Lady Amane, what are you doing here?"
"Ah you see, I too am on my own personal mission. But please get up Shinazugawa-san. Come have something to drink. Any preference?"
Sanemi looks up. "Oh, um I'm okay with anything"
"You sure? There's coffee in this house."
"... i'll take the coffee."
Amane gives a look at her daughters, and they leave the room to prepare the drinks.
"Come on in," said Amane. Reluctantly, Sanemi removes his shoes and enters the living room, taking a seat across Amane.
"So Shinazugawa-san, how have you been?"
"Everything has been great Amane-san. How have you been? How is the Master? Is his health alright?"
"I've been doing good. Kagaya... his health has been deteriorating, but he's still standing strong."
"I see," Sanemi looked down in dejection. "I hope he's still doing alright. The last time I saw him, his illness hasn't spread that much."
Amane lets out a small smile. "Don't worry Shinazugawa-san. My husband is strong. And he has full trust in you"
Sanemi shut his lips tightly in response. "Of course. I won't let him down. Him or you down."
Amane paused before widening her smile. "Thank you Shinazugawa-san..."
Hinaki and Nichika entered the room, putting the drinks they prepared on the table. Sanemi thanked them, in which the girls bowed in response and left the room. Sanemi looked at his drink. Black coffee. Just the way he likes it. He blows on it before taking a sip, memorizing the bitter liquid in his mouth. Amane meanwhile got some jasmine tea, her favorite.
"So, Amane-san, is it okay if I ask what your mission is here?"
"Of course Shinazugawa-san. I'm currently here to try and recruit some promising talent. They come from a family of strong swordsmen."
Amane took a sip of her tea before continuing, her face slowly sinking to a face of pity and worry. "Their parents have died, so the both of them are on their own. Even though it seems they won't join the corps, I still want to look after them and make sure they are doing alright. It's why I'm still here."
Sanemi took a sip of his coffee before putting his cup down on the table. "Interesting... And the slayers that are out in the front?"
"Kinoto rank. They were assigned to guard me and my children during nighttime, in case a demon appears."
"I see. Well I do got one more question to ask," Sanemi said as he took another sip of his coffee. "Why was I summoned here?"
"To be honest, I don't see a reason for you to be here. However when I sent a letter to Kagaya about my first encounter with the twins, he said that he would send you here to help in recruitment."
'Interesting,' thought Sanemi. 'Master could have sent any Hashira, but he specifically chose me. That means that these people have something to do with the future, and that Master wants me to convince them using my knowledge of the future. But who am I recruiting? I don't recall any twins being in the corps...'
Sanemi put his hand on his chin in consideration of his following predicament. It seems that right now he needs to convince these twins to join the corps. But was he really the right choice? As much as he sucks at talking, Sanemi is convinced that Giyuu would have been the best option. Besides he has changed a lot, so it might be easier for him too.
Then again Giyuu is on his way to the Kamado family. Sanemi was probably closer to this destination, which was why he was chosen. But then again, was his knowledge of the future really needed? By personality, Kanae would have been the best choice to try and convince potential recruits to join. Either her or Kyojuro...
"Very well," responded Sanemi. "I can try to pitch in a few words. When do you plan on meeting them again?"
Amane shot a short smile as she put her tea down. "How about now?"
After 5 minutes Amane was ready to depart. Hinaki and Nichika opted to stay behind, leaving only Amane and Sanemi in this trip. As they both leave the house, the two slayers standing outside gave a bow in respect.
And just like that, the two white-haired individuals started their trip to the top of the mountain. As they walked they passed a stream, serving as a border between the tame and chaotic wilderness.
"Amane-san. Are you alright with walking all the way up to the mountain?" Sanemi was currently walking slightly behind Amane, letting her lead the way.
"Yes Shinazugawa-san. Going up this mountain doesn't bother me."
"Okay then," responded Sanemi as he continued walking. He can't lie, he is pretty curious on who he'll be meeting. He just hopes their not as annoying as that boar head.
The pair continue walking in silence, letting the birds fill the silence. However as they approach the top of the mountain, Sanemi breaks the silence.
"Amane-san, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course. What is it?"
"Well, umm," Sanemi's cheek turned slightly red as he glances intensively at the trees. "Its been a while since I was back at headquarters. I was just wondering... do you happen to know how Kanae is doing?"
Amane lets out a chuckle before turning her head back, revealing a smile that covers her whole face.
"Yes, Kanae-san is doing well. She's been doing great work in slaying demons and managing the Butterfly Mansion. She also misses you dearly. She has asked about you in every Hashira meeting..."
Sanemi blushes harder before letting out a small smile. He too misses her dearly and can't wait to go back home to her...
Soon they reach the top of the mountain. On the top is a small cabin surrounded by cut trees. As they walk to the house and Amane knocks on the door, Sanemi guesses on who could be behind the door. Maybe it's that Thunder kid. But most likely not. He's suppose to be with Jigoro since they have the same breathing style. Maybe it's another friend of the Kamado siblings that he didn't know.
Sanemi's mind briefly flashed to a boy with a mohawk, but he quickly dismissed that thought. He didn't want to think about if he would be the one he's meeting.
The door creaked open, and Sanemi's eyes widened in recognition. Standing in front of Sanemi was the future Mist Hashira, Muichiro, wearing a black & teal outfit and had an angry face.
"What the hell do you want lady! I told you we aren't joining your demon killing group!"
A vein popped on Sanemi's forehead. His eyes shifted from dazed to fury in a second. He doesn't remember the Muichiro brat ever being like this but he would be damned if he lets him talk to Amane like that way.
Sanemi was about to say something. Say anything. But it seems that Amane knew that Sanemi would be furious, as she put her hand out in front of Sanemi in a act to silence him. Sanemi just stood there and looked at Amane, then back at Muichiro. He respected Amane too much to let anyone talk bad in front of her.
... but he respected her more enough to follow her wishes. Reluctantly, clenching his fists hard, he stayed silent.
Amane shot a small smile to Sanemi as a thank you before turning back to the kid. "Yuichiro, I just wanted to check if both of you are doing okay."
'Yuichiro?' thought Sanemi. 'Is my memory getting worse? I could have sworn his name was Muichiro?'
"Brother! What are you doing?!" A voice resounded from inside the cabin. Soon a figure emerged from the darkness of the cabin, appearing next to the boy who opened the door. It was the same boy, this time wearing a white & teal outfit mirroring the other boy's outfit.
"Yuichiro, I told you don't be mean to Lady Amane. She means well..." said Muichiro
Sanemi just stared at the two identical faces, one conveying anger and the other conveying softness. Like a light switch, the realization that Muichiro has a twin hit him.
"I told you I don't care! Get out of here Muichiro!" Yuichiro then turned to Amane and Sanemi. "And you! I don't care how many people you bring here, get out of our property!"
Sanemi once again had to control his anger to its very limit. Amane meanwhile only let out a small breath before giving a small bow.
"Alright, I'll be on my way. But please entertain my guest. He's a member of the Corps and has only just arrived."
With that Amane turned around and walked to Sanemi's side before softly speaking,
"Please, go easy on them. They're going through a lot..."
Sanemi looked at Amane, his jaw clenched tightly. "... I'll try. Do you need me to walk you down?"
Amane responded with a smile. "No thank you. I'll be fine. See you soon"
With that Amane walked away from the cabin, leaving Sanemi in front of the twins. He turned around to look at the twins before asking,
"So, are you two going to let me in?"
"Tch, as if!" yelled Yuichiro. "I told you get lost!"
"Hold on Yuichiro," cut in Muichiro. "He just arrived here. He's probably exhausted. We should let him in for a while."
"No way Muichiro! I'm not letting him in!"
"B-but father always said-"
"SERIOUSLY MUICHIRO?!" Yuichiro furiously glanced at Sanemi before looking back at Muichiro. "Fine! Do what ever you want! After all, it's always Muichiro who knows best huh?!"
With that Yuichiro stormed back inside the cabin, leaving Muichiro with a pained expression.
"Yuichiro..." softly said Muichiro, his eyes getting watery. Slowly he turned towards Sanemi who witnessed the whole encounter, his expression unreadable.
"I'm sorry," stated Muichiro as if he's used to apologizing for his brother. "Please come in. We don't have any tea, but I could get you a cup of water..."
Sanemi stayed silent and instead just walked inside the humble house. As he took off his shoes, he spots Yuichiro angerly chopping vegetables. Yuichiro glances at him before turning his attention back at the radish.
Sanemi takes a moment to take in the humble house. The cabin only consisted of one large room, used for eating, sleeping, and any other activities. In the middle is a small area used for a fire, and to the right of the entrance is a small kitchen.
Sanemi is brought back to his own childhood home, where he and his siblings would sleep all in one room. When the cold air would seep into the house, they would cuddle together to conserve body heat. A time in his life where he was dirt poor, but a time of his life he would kill to get back.
'Yeah, those were the good old days...'
"Here you go Mister."
Sanemi glanced at Muichiro who was holding a clay cup with water in it. "It might not be anything fancy, but this water was picked up earlier today from the river, so it's really fresh!" Muichiro had a innocent smile plaster on his face.
Sanemi gave a small bow in acknowledgement before taking the cup. As he sipped his eyes analyze the boy's feature. It's jarring to see the difference between present time and the time in his memories. The Mist Hashira that he knew before has lost his face of innocence long ago. Even when he came back from the Swordsmith Village and seemed to stop forgetting things. He was more happier, but still lacked the innocence that a child should carry. ..
"Um..." said Muichiro, interrupting Sanemi from his thoughts. "Sorry that there is no where to sit Mister. I can get some of my bedding for you."
"No worries. And you can call me Shinazugawa." With that, Sanemi sat on the dirty floor, shocking Muichiro and briefly catching the attention of Yuichiro. In all honestly, a little dirt never bothered Sanemi. He might live a lavish lifestyle now, but he never forgets his humble beginnings. Floors like these were a daily occurrence for him in one point of his life.
Muichiro shook of his initial shock and eagerly sat across Sanemi. He seemed excited to be meeting an actual Demon Slayer. "So Shinazugawa-san, are you a super strong Demon Slayer?"
Sanemi took a sip of water before responding. "I am a Hashira. They are the strongest rank in the corps."
Yuichiro paused cutting vegetables as he registered those words. Meanwhile Muichiro brightened up upon hearing who was in front of him. "Really!" said Muichiro. "That's so amazing! You must be really strong to be able slay those demons!"
Sanemi just nodded, doing his best to hide the small blush creeping up. Its been a while since Sanemi has heard praise like this, so naturally he was a little embarrassed.
'Seriously though' thought Sanemi. 'Is this the same brat that arrogantly challenged me and Iguro to a spar?'
"Being a Demon Slayer must be so cool!" continued Muichiro. "I want to be a slayer too so I can go help people!"
"Seriously Muichiro?!" interjected Yuichiro, turning to Muichiro. However before he could say anything he stops. He sees Sanemi gesturing him to be silent with his palm out, his face shifting to a deadly serious one. Yuichiro swallows what he was going to say as he looked at Sanemi. He shouldn't feel this intimidated. After all this is his home. But something about the aura that the Hashira was emitting was making him stay shut. It felt like he was staring at a deadly tornado.
Sanemi shifts his gaze back to Muichiro, who seemed to pick up on the atmosphere that has clogged the cabin. "Is that your motive to joining the corps?"
Muichiro gulped before answering. "Yes. Apparently our ancestors were great swordsmen, and I want to continue their legacy. I want to help those in need and protect those who are suffering from the demons..."
"And what is stopping you?" asked Sanemi.
Muichiro can feel a droplet of sweat streak down his forehead. He spares a glance at Yuichiro, who was fixing his eyes on the floor, as if to avoid the gaze of a dangerous predator.
"Don't look at him for an answer," added Sanemi, causing Muichiro to look back at him. "I want you to answer, not him."
"Ummm... because Nii-san said that I would get myself killed for being kind, like mother and father..." Muichiro spares a glance at Yuichiro one more time before turning back to Sanemi. "And because I don't want to do it by myself."
Yuichiro blinks in consideration of what his little brother said.
"Well he's not completely wrong," causing the twins to look at him with surprise. "I'm not saying you can't be in the corps for noble reasons. I have many strong comrades who carry that ideology. However..."
Sanemi recalls memories of Masachika and Kyojuro. Of Gyomei... and Muichiro himself.
"It doesn't matter if you die. Once you die you're done. Everyone in the corps is fighting for something." Sanemi recalls back to the time when his family was still present. His eyes soften as he addresses Muichiro. "My family died to demons. I fight for vengeance."
The twins eyes widen upon hearing that. They briefly both look at each other, as the small thought entered their heads on what they would do if that happened to them.
"I know people who fight to save others. I know people who fight in remembrance of their close ones. I know people who fight for their family, or fight because they're forced to, or fight because they enjoy fighting. Hell, I know someone who fights in hopes of finding a partner" said Sanemi. "Regardless all these people, including myself, have one thing in common: we fight with our lives on the line. Every fight we take is an acknowledgement that it could be our last. The life expectancy of a demon slayer is low. Many slayers die brutally everyday."
Sanemi stood up, making the brothers look upwards to him. Muichiro seems to be shaken by every word that comes out of Sanemi. "So if you want to be a slayer then you need to seriously ask yourself: are you willing to throw your life away for what you are fighting for? And an even more important question: are you willing to let your brother wake up one day with you dead?"
Muichiro shuddered upon hearing those question, his eyes wide in terror as he contemplates the answer to those questions. Yuichiro meanwhile is breathing heavily, his eyes fixed on his younger brother in concern.
"It's getting late. I don't know my way back down the mountain. You think you'll be able to accompany me ?"
Yuichiro looked to his left to see Sanemi already near the door. He placed his cup on the stone counter near him and his hand was propping the door open. Yuichiro looks at Sanemi's expression, and from it he can't tell that he isn't asking, but ordering Yuichiro to accompany him.
Yuichiro looks at Muichiro again, who hasn't moved from his position, before reluctantly turning back to Sanemi. Slowly, he walks towards Sanemi and spares one last glance towards Muichiro, before following Sanemi out of the house.
It is evening, and the sun is on the verge to be swallowed by the horizon. Sanemi and Yuichiro were walking downhill, neither uttering a word. Then after a minute, Sanemi spoke.
"You need to stop pushing him away"
Yuichiro looked at Sanemi, mild confusion etched on his face.
"I get that you are trying to protect him," added Sanemi. "But pushing him away will only hurt both of you. You need to let him be free of his own decisions."
Yuichiro gritted his teeth. He wanted to shout back. He wanted to say that he couldn't understand. That he doesn't know what he's talking about. But then he recalls what Sanemi said about his family, and a small part of his brain acknowledges that he too must have been a big brother.
And so Yuichiro stayed silent, still frustrated from what Sanemi said. Sanemi looked at Yuichiro before continuing:
"When my family was attacked, only my little brother and I have survived". This caused Yuichiro to snap his gaze back on Sanemi. "We had a misunderstanding and I pushed him away. Even when he came back to reconcile, I kept pushing him away, because I believe that he shouldn't be near someone like me, or follow my profession. I still believe that and still push him away to this day."
Sanemi furrowed his brows as his eyes softened once again. For once the harsh tornado was starting to unravel. "But my actions only serve to hurt him more and make him suffer. What I'm doing isn't love, but control."
Yuichiro for once dropped his defense as he took in what Sanemi was saying. "You're brother," continued Sanemi, "is his own person with feelings and ideas. The best action of love isn't to throw him in a cage, but allow him to spread his wings. It's scary. We don't ever want them to get hurt. But they will have to attain their purpose. Pushing them away only hurts your relationship."
They finally reached the river, where Sanemi finally turned to face Yuichiro. Yuichiro's carried a face of guilt as he took in everything that Sanemi said.
"Yuichiro, if your brother does die..." Yuichiro looked directly at Sanemi, his eyes as reflective as the water.
Sanemi took a breath, his face expressing a sense of guilt and sorrow. "If he dies, don't let him die thinking his brother hated him."
Yuichiro let out a sniff, tears almost falling out of his eyes. Sanemi looked at the kid before crossing the river by himself, leaving Yuichiro to contemplate his words on the way back home.
Sanemi soon returned back to the Wisteria House, the sunset painting the sky peach. The two slayers standing guard greeted him as he entered the house. When he reached the kitchen area he was greeted with Amane preparing dinner.
"So, how was it?" said Amane as she was stirring a curry together.
Sanemi took in the smell of the food before responding, his tone soft. "They aren't ready. It's best that they take some time to consider."
Amane stopped stirring to directly address Sanemi, her face carrying a smile similar to Sanemi's mother. "Yes that's what I believe too. While I came here to recruit them, they are only children who have recently lost their parents, and I am in no position to force them." She turned to open a pot of rice, letting the steam fill the room. "I was planning on leaving tomorrow, but Kaguya insisted I visit them again when you arrive."
Sanemi let his mind wander to the conversation he had with the twins before responding. "I'm sure they might consider the corps when they get older."
"Hmm, perhaps." Amane then prepared a plate with the food. "Please have dinner with us, Shinazugawa-san. I made plenty for us all."
Sanemi relaxed before bowing. "It would be my pleasure, Amane-san."
Sanemi helped Amane bring the food to the eating area. Him, Amane, and her two daughters. The daughters were conversing about trivial matters with Amane, who was smiling towards their comments. Sanemi was also included in the conversation where he would briefly answer and tell the girl stories of his adventures as a slayer, a smirk plastered on his face when the girls were amazed from his storytelling.
The dynamic around the family was different when compared to Sanemi's own family, but also familiar enough for him to not care...
***
It was dead at night, and Muichiro couldn't sleep. He could say that it was the blistering summer heat, or the cicadas buzzing outside. But really, it was those words that kept ringing in his head that kept him awake.
-are you willing to throw your life away for what you are fighting for? And an even more important question: are you willing to let your brother wake up one day with you dead?"
Muichiro got up to get some water. As he took a sip he turned to Yuichiro who was sleeping. Ever since he returned from escorting the Hashira, they haven't spoke a word to each other. They just ate dinner, prepared their futons, and went to sleep. Muichiro doesn't know what is going on in his head of his.
Yuichiro opened up one eye, before opening both of them. It seems that even he couldn't sleep from the words the Wind Hashira said. His eyes locked on Muichiro before slowly locking on the figure at the door.
Muichiro blinked before abruptly turning to the door. Standing on the frame was a tall pale man, with sharp claws and fangs.
"Ah, damn it! Nothing but a couple of brats, huh? Tch! Whatever."
The demon started walking towards Muichiro, raising his black claw.
"Muichiro!"
Yuichiro stepped in front of the strike, causing the demon to sever his arm. Blood splat on Muichiro's petrified face as Yuichiro screamed in agony.
"Nii-san! Nii-san!" Muichiro went down to hold onto Yuichiro's bent figure. The demon started walking towards them again, causing Muichiro to get up and drag Yuichiro to the corner of their home. Yuichiro's screams have long surpassed the ambience of the cicadas.
"Shut up! Shut up!" yelled the demon as he walked up the wooden platform and towards his victims.
"You can cry for help, but no one's coming to help a couple of useless lumbermen like yourselves." The demon was right upon them now. "Since it doesn't matter whether you exist or not. After all your lives are worthless."
Muichiro was whimpering heavily. He could feel something boiling inside hi ready to erupt.
And then he saw red.
And a scream erupted so loud it encapsulated the whole area.
But it was not his own.
The demon screamed as his decapitated head turned to dust. Standing behind the corpse is Sanemi, with his katana out. As he sheaths his blade, he quickly bends to the twins eye level,
"Shinazugawa-san!" said Muichiro, tears streaming down his face. "Please save him!"
"Don't worry brat" replied Sanemi. "He's losing a lot of blood, but he can still be saved."
Sanemi picks up Yuichiro who is still squirming from the pain and dashes out of the door. Muichiro runs out to see Sanemi holding Yuichiro in his arms and facing down the mountain.
Sanemi turns his head to address Muichiro. "I'll be going ahead! Make sure to follow the crow exactly to reach us!" With that Sanemi vanished, leaving Muichiro alone without the Hashira or his brother.
Muichiro looked around for any sighting of them before he heard a caw. He looks up to see a crow with a purple scarf flying above him. The crow descends down and starts flying downhill. Muichiro immediately sprints downhill in pursuit of the crow. As he follows the crow he passes the river and descends all the way down the mountain, where the crow flew towards a house.
Feeling out of breath, Muichiro pushed himself towards the two people in front of the door, who made way and opened the door for him. Right in the living area, Yuichiro was laying down, still conscious with bandages being placed on him. Amane along with her daughters were wearing gloves and tending to his wounds. Sanemi was standing to the side, his attention turning to Muichiro who entered the room.
"We need more bandages. Nichika, get more bandages, gauze, and water."
"Yes Mother!"
Nichika rushed past Muichiro, who's sight was still on Yuichiro.
"Nii-san..." His eyes were bursting in tears as he looked at his brother in pain.
Sanemi walked towards him and put his hand on his shoulder. "He's going to be alright. Just let Lady Amane do her thing." Muichiro sniffed as his tears continued to fall.
"He's holding on, but he's about to pass out." said Hinaki as she pushed some medicine into Yuichiro's mouth.
Yuichiro was sweating and shaking his head in pain. Only when his eyes landed on Muichiro did tears start to fall on his cheeks. "Mu-ichiro..."
Muichiro went closer to Yuichiro and knelled to his level. "Nii-san! Please stay with me! Don't leave! I still need you!"
"Muichiro..." said Yuichiro, his voice quiet and broken from the bursts of pain. "I'm sorry... for everything... you truly are a kind soul..." With that Yuichiro passed out, with the last thing he sees being his little brother...
***
"So, how are they?" asked Sanemi.
Amane turned to take a peak at the bedroom. On the bed, Yuichiro was sleeping with bandages covering all of his severed arm. Muichiro was sitting on a chair close to him, his head resting on the bed. Both the brothers were sleeping soundly.
"Well thanks to you arriving in time, no injuries befell on Muichiro." said Amane, her eyes holding concern for the children. "Yuichiro had his hand severed and lost a lot of blood, but he will live."
Sanemi let out a sigh of relief. "That's good." With him not being there in the original timeline, it's logical to assume that Yuichiro likely died that night. Perhaps that night is what caused the loss of memory for Muichiro and embarked him on the path of vengeance.
"Shinazugawa-san." Sanemi turned to the voice coming from the Master's crow at the window. "Unfortunately, you must embark on your journey immediately for the mission."
"Tch, seriously?"
"Go, Shinazugawa-san, I'll take care of them." said Amane.
Sanemi turned to look at Amane, only to be greeted with determination. "... Alright." said Sanemi.
"Is there anything you want me to pass to them?"
Sanemi thought for a bit before responding: "No thanks. I already said enough."
With that he bowed to Amane, who returned the gesture. Then grabbing his supplies, he heads out and continues on his journey, sparing one last glance on the house.
He hopes the brother's relationship will get better. And hopefully, his relationship with Genya will as well..