“Shinazugawa, how about you take a few weeks off, hm? It seems that you’ve been more aggressive the past few days after the trial.” Ubuyashiki suggested. The two sat inside his mansion, having a private meeting. Ever since the Kamados passed the test Sanemi conducted for them, he’s been a bit more snappy and on edge. Still, the hashira remained collected in the face of his master. “Master, what about my duties? I have demons to slay-”

Kagaya cut him off with a polite smile. “Fear not, Shinazugawa. There has been a decrease in demon activity, and the other hashiras will cover for you. Take this opportunity as a token of your hard work over the years.” Kagaya stated the Wind Hashira. At his master’s words, Sanemi immediately bowed. “If you insist, master.”

“You shall be stationed in a small village. Your kaksugai crow will elaborate more on the subject. Thank you for your time, Shinazugawa.” The master of the corps sighed before continuing, “You are dismissed.”

Sanemi got up and closed the shoji behind him softly. “A vacation. As long as there are demons on the road to keep me entertained, I have no complaints about the matter.” Sanemi grinned maniacally before heading to his estate to get the information about his “vacation”.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

It’s been about 2 weeks of staying in the small village. The townspeople were pleasant to be around, even though the children were brats who always wanted to be in someone’s business. Overall, the place was a fresh breath of air from his demon-slaying activities. But unlike other hashira, Sanemi didn’t enjoy that. In fact, it made him stay on his toes.

He walked out of an onigiri shop, finishing the last rice ball with one giant gulp. “Damn, I should get back to the master.” He thought to himself, walking along the path to his inn. When he reached his destination, he sat on the steps and took a few deep breaths to get over his food coma. “Damn… I’m stuffed. I might need to recommend this place to Iguro.” He murmured under his breath.

“WOOF!”

Immediately, Sanemi unsheathed his sword at the sound. He whipped his head to face the right and then the left. “What the hell?-”

“WOOF!” The dog below placed its paws on Sanemi’s lap, barking excitedly. “... You’re adorable.” Sanemi gruffly admitted, rubbing his hands along the dog’s fur. He never knew that the village had a dog in here. “You’re lucky I’m a fan of dogs.” Sanemi smiled softly. “Now, where’s your owner? Or…” The hashira lifted the dog’s head gently and looked for a collar. “Are you a stray?”

He didn’t even notice {{user}}’s presence; his attention was fully and only on the dog.