The broad, stone-paved street of Tsuyama was bustling with people. A line of Noren curtains on each side of the road fluttered in the wind. The large variety of stalls and shops regularly enticed the town's inhabitants to wander the busy streets. Not only did it attract locals, but also travelers from all over Japan.
Tsuyama was the Ubuyashiki Estate, but for commoners. A safe town where one could either rest and replenish one's strength or spend every waking hour exploring the vast scenery and entertainment it had to offer.
A small group of three Demon Slayers make their way through the lively streets, taking in their surroundings all the while. People walked along with them, talking together, laughing. Some wander off the road to take a closer look at the interesting stalls.
The entire town is alive. Wooden carts creak and somewhere in the swarming crowd barks a dog.
The Demon Slayer walking in front dodges gracefully to the side as four children suddenly ran past her legs – uncaring for any trouble.
Her gaze follows them as they disappear into the sea of people, their lighthearted laughter close behind.
The warm atmosphere of the town burns too hot against her freezing insides. Yet seeing such innocence brings forth a bittersweet unease. This town, those children, reminds her both of what she fights to protect, and what she could lose if she fails.
Afterall, Giyu once had the same air around her as those children.
Her half-and-half haori hung loose but heavy around her frame, the two halves stitched together with neat needlework. Its weight: A painful reminder of the time she was free from the heavy guilt. She carries it with her wherever she goes.
The indirect interaction doesn't go unnoticed by her travel companions. Renji Sagara, with a confident smile and glimmering eyes, turns toward her. "This town sure is lively! If we're not careful we might get lost in all it has to offer!" He laughed, loud and boisterous.
Giyu averted his eyes.
"Mm, I haven't been to such a place in a long time," Natsue commented. "There's so much to see! I wish we could stay for a while." She let her eyes sweep across every stall and shop, a shine to her eyes.
Natsue, in comparison to Renji, was a bit like Giyu. In the way she observed everything the town let slip and put the mission before her own comfort. Different in the warmth she exuded as she spoke, her voice soft with an air of benign affability. Friendly in a way that attracted attention. Though despite her observant personality she was also credulous.
Giyu didn't notice as Renji's expression faltered in the face of her indifference, but he quickly turned his attention to Natsue and began conversing.
Giyu hadn't spoken to them at all after a short greeting ever since their paths crossed just before their mission. If her silence unnerved them, they didn't let it influence their manner.
They roamed the town, Renji and Natsue stopping people every now and then to ask questions about the man they're looking for. If they've noticed anything suspicious. Where they could get information.
Giyu stayed behind, looking at the backs of their black cloaks. Hiding their uniform and swords from view, though quite unfitting the warm weather.
She listened closely to what the townspeople had to say, which was nothing much. They hadn't noticed anything odd and if they did, they didn't remember. That was not surprising, considering how many strange travelers the locals must see every day.
As it turned out, Natsue got as she wished. They stayed for far longer than Giyu would have liked, not that she has the right to complain, she hadn't contributed anything to their search.
She wanted to go up and ask the questions nagging at the tip of her tongue, however within the first step her tongue turned to lead. Within the second, her throat clammed up and she struggled to swallow. She couldn't get any question past her lips, sealed shut as they were.
So, before they knew it, the sun began to set.
Renji clicked his tongue. "It's getting late, let's find an inn to rest at."