"Amida-butsu… This truly is the first time I've seen Yoriichi act without his usual composure…"
"I'm sorry you had to witness that," Yoriichi said as he looked toward Himejima Gyomei. "It's just that it has been far too long since I last heard news of someone from the past."
"So the two boys Hiru took in are related to your family?" Uzui Tengen rubbed his chin, clearly intrigued. "You brothers rarely ever talk about your clan. Care to share?"
"Our family declined years ago because of demons," Yoriichi replied calmly. "Hiru was the final head of the household."
"No wonder you don't use a surname…" Uzui scratched his head. "I'm starting to feel a bit envious."
"Hm?" Yoriichi tilted his head slightly. "Why envy?"
"Envy you brothers," Uzui said casually, plucking a blade of grass and chewing on it. "There were nine siblings in my family. We fought until only my younger brother and I were left."
"Amida-butsu…" Tears slid down Himejima's face. "Siblings killing one another… how tragic…"
"Hah. I am, after all, a flashy shinobi. Families like ours always have strange rules."
Yoriichi frowned faintly. "No matter how strange the rules, how could they allow kin to slaughter one another?"
"Shinobi do dirty work to begin with. Besides my siblings, I've got more than a few lives on my hands," Uzui said, folding his hands behind his head. "My younger brother is still doing that kind of work. Who knows when enemies will come for him, or when the authorities will catch up… But I'm hardly in a position to judge him. I'm just an executioner myself."
"Slaying demons is an act of merit," Himejima said, pressing his palms together, his blind eyes facing Uzui. "Why would you speak of it that way, Tengen?"
"Isn't it just killing people and then killing demons instead?" Uzui waved it off. "Demons were humans once—what's the difference? Besides, if my cold-blooded father hadn't died early, my brother and I wouldn't have survived either. We'd have been forced to fight again, and who knows how it would've ended.
"But things are better now. Father's dead, I left the family, and my brother inherited it. So far, we've kept the peace. Honestly, all I ever learned growing up was how to kill. It's fortunate the Master noticed me early—otherwise, I might've ended up becoming a menace myself."
"Uzui… you truly live freely," Yoriichi said softly, lowering his head. "Just thinking about someday being forced to fight my elder brother to the death makes my sword feel unbearably heavy—even after I've already made my resolve."
"That's your kindness, Yoriichi," Uzui said, slinging an arm over his shoulder. "I'm downright jealous that Hiru has a brother like you. Say, I'm not that old myself—how about taking in another younger brother?"
Yoriichi laughed quietly. "I wouldn't mind, but you'd have to ask whether Hiru agrees to gaining another sibling."
"C'mon, if it's you saying it, he'll definitely listen."
Yoriichi smiled, the earlier heaviness easing somewhat. "That won't do. If Hiru really starts causing trouble, I'm afraid you wouldn't be able to handle him."
"Still, Tengen and Hiru do share rather similar temperaments…"
"That's not quite right," Uzui turned toward Himejima. "I'm the god of flamboyance walking the mortal world. That kid can't compare to me. But it is strange. Tell me, Yoriichi—does your family really not have any odd customs?"
"Hm? What makes you think that?"
"My family went through all kinds of training, especially when it comes to reading people," Uzui said, gesturing at his eyes. "I'm not perfect, but I can usually get a decent sense of things.
"Hiru clearly feels things deeply, yet he constantly acts with cold rationality. No matter what emotions he has one moment, the next he can calm down and make the most optimal decision for the situation. Sometimes I honestly wonder if he's not even human."
"Indeed…"
Himejima murmured a prayer.
"I know neither of you show mercy toward demons, but matters related to them—Hiru likely tested many things using his own body, did he not? Such strain may bring consequences in the future. Yoriichi, you should advise him more."
"I can't even untangle my own knots," Yoriichi said with a small shake of his head. "How could I persuade him? Let's leave that aside. Would either of you like to visit Yukinashi with me? If so, I can have a Kasugai Crow send word."
"I'll pass," Uzui replied, waving his hand and releasing Yoriichi's shoulder.
"Hiru and the newcomers are all off investigating this year, Sabito's overseeing the selection at Mount Fujikasane, and until he's back, I've got to watch his territory. Hashira really are busy, huh~"
"I must also take over Yoriichi's former jurisdiction," Himejima said, turning his prayer beads as tears continued to fall. "This monk longs for demons to be vanquished, but might I ask Yoriichi to seek some moderation? My mortal body truly struggles to keep pace."
Yoriichi felt a touch of embarrassment. Over the years, he would leave immediately after slaying demons, leaving the aftermath to the Kakushi.
The stabilization of territories after large-scale exterminations had all fallen to Himejima's shoulders.
As a demon himself, Yoriichi could fight endlessly without rest, but the turmoil left behind could not be settled so quickly—it truly had burdened Himejima.
"I'm sorry," Yoriichi said with an apologetic smile. "If nothing unexpected happens, I'll likely change territories soon to follow those two children. You've borne a great deal these past years."
"Amida-butsu… that would be most welcome…"
"Hahaha!"
Uzui laughed loudly.
"To think even someone as diligent as Himejima would be frightened by your workaholic ways, Yoriichi. Truly worthy of being chased by this god of festivals as a god of martial prowess! So flashy! Unparalleled in flashiness!"
"Please, stop teasing me," Yoriichi said, smiling as he shook his head. "I'll be going now. Farewell, both of you."
"Yeah, yeah, I know you're in a hurry. I won't stop you from going to see the kids," Uzui waved him off. "Write if anything comes up—and write even if nothing does."
"Amida-butsu… may your path in battle be blessed."
Uzui watched Yoriichi disappear into the distance, then reached out and clapped a hand on Himejima's shoulder, leaning in.
"Tell me—how's it been, cleaning up entire territories behind Yoriichi all these years?"
"Amida-butsu… If I must say," Himejima sighed, twirling his beads, "it feels as though I've grown somewhat lax in battle. Such a vast region, yet mostly it's just minor demons fighting over hunting grounds. Aside from personal training, there's little room for true growth…"
"Don't lose heart," Uzui said lightly. "Looks like Yoriichi's planning to settle down this time. Next year, you should finally get a proper territory."
"Amida-butsu… then I shall take that as a blessing from Tengen."
"Heh! Words spoken by this god of festivals are, of course, auspicious!"