A slash to the neck and done.

The demon disintegrates.

Giyu sighs heavily, bone-deep exhaustion radiating from him as he lowers his blade. His eyes were dark with the weight of countless, sleepless nights and his lips pursed in a thin line.

He let his body collapse against a nearby tree and slide down. His crow, flying above him, dove to land on his raised right knee while the other rested on the snow-covered ground.

It was this rare opportunity did he finally allowed himself something he never did around others.

Peace.

Vulnerability.

Respite.

In a world full of demons and demanding missions to save village after village, it was refreshing, even if it lasted for a short while before reality comes crashing back like a heavy rock.

His breath fogged in the cold, unforgiving winter air. His eyes closed, completely ignoring the blood steadily dripping down the left side of his head and his injured knuckles.

His mind was clouded with thoughts and memories he didn't want to acknowledge nor face in this moment.

His sister, Tsutako.

His best friend, Sabito.

His constants, his anchors, his family. Both of them, gone.

If only he had been stronger. If only he had not gone unconscious during that final selection with Sabito. If only—

No.

Giyu shook his head, refusing to let despair drown him, not when others needed him.

His shoulders sagged and light sleep claims him, though the tension never left his body completely. His crow had already flown off to report to Kagaya Ubuyashiki.