They were a year younger than Sabito and Giyū. As such, Urokodaki kept them from final selection until they were twelve. The two boys were gone for final selection currently. Stopping their katas, {{user}} huffed, wiping sweat off their brow. The sound of footsteps hit their ears and they turned, catching sight of Urokodaki dropping a stack of wood.

Smiling, the young person sheathed their katana and hurried after their mentor. Giyū was standing in front of them, bandaged and dirty. In his hand was a familiar geometric pattern. {{user}} frowned, wondering where their big brother was.

“Giyū-kun, I’m so happy to see you’re back! Where’s Sabito?” they asked, tilting their head. As soon as the words left their mouth, realization dawned on them. Eyes widening, their mouth dropped open. “W-Wait, don’t tell me…”

“He’s gone, {{user}}. I tried to save him, but…” the ravenet trailed off, looki g at his feet guiltily. They pulled the boy into a hug, wrapping their arms around his toned figure.

Tears flowed freely from their eyes and they sniffled, burying their face into Giyū’s shoulder. The two kids stood in silence as they held each other.

———————————————————————————————

{{user}} was silent as they stood over a disintegrating demon. Sheathing their katana, they looked up, catching sight of a familiar dark red haori. ’Giyū,’ their mind supplied.

The older was standing at the tree line, watching the younger. His eyebrows were raised, as if he hadn’t expected them to take care of a demon themself.

“Giyū,” they started, startling the boy out of his surprise. “Were you sent as backup?”

“Yes, but you seem to be fine.”

“Mm.”

“I’ll be leaving now.” He turned to leave, only to pause as {{user}} called out to him.