41. Farewell

"Just stay still."

"There is no need big sis. I don't like to dress up."

"Nope, that won't do. It's a crime if someone as cute as you don't dress up. So stay still and let me do my work."

Two girls were sitting infront of a mirror, one had a helpless expression on her face while the other was fixing the former girl's hair with a bright smile on her face.

Of course these girls were Nezuko and Shinobu. Leo had introduced Shinobu to Tanjuro's family right after they reported about Tamayo. For some reason Shinobu's eyes sparkled when she saw Nezuko and the result was this.

Leo and the rest sat outside listening to Nezuko's refusal and Shinobu's adamant pledge that it's a crime for her to not dress up. For this purpose she even had Leo purchase several accessories and some other stuff he didn't understand.

"She is quite lively."

Tanjuro said with a smile. Leo palmed his face and said in a hollow tone.

"Her elder sister is the same, I always thought both of them had different personalities but looking at her now...

"Haha, let it be. The kids are happy to have you here."

"Yeah...

The mood fell into silence. Tanjuro felt that Leo was different today, like something was weighing in his mind.

"What's wrong?"

Leo shifted his gaze over to Tanjuro and spoke lightly, his voice contained sorrow as he spoke.

"Your body...

Still having that serene smile on his face Tanjuro looked outside, his children were playing on the green grass field.

"Don't be sad, a dawn will always have a dusk, till now I was worried about my family, but not anymore.

"Watch over them."

"I will."

Leo nodded, his words were light but it was firm and unyielding. No more words were needed.

Suddenly the door inside opened, Shinobu came out with a satisfied smile. Everyone craned their neck and looked behind her.

Nezuko appeared before everyone wearing a beautiful pink flower pattered yukata with neatly brushed hair tied with pink ribbons and a pink coloured butterfly hairpin with a violet tint tied to her hair.

Being stared by everyone Nezuko was shy and hid behind Shinobu.

"See, didn't I tell you."

Shinobu teased Nezuko and pulled her infront for everyone to see. Under the surprised and admiring gaze of others Nezuko blushed hard.

Leo gazed at everyone and felt at peace, he wished for a moment to put down everything to live such a life but he knew he couldn't do that.

"Big brother, how do I look?"

Leo was shaken from his thoughts when Nezuko pulled his sleeve and asked shyly.

Pinching her lovely cheeks Leo heartily laughed.

"Haha, of course our Nezuko looks adorable."

"Hehe...

Nezuko smiled cheekily and went out with the rest of the gang. Shinobu sat down beside him and said.

"She really looks up to you, doesn't she?"

"Hmm."

Leo looked at Shinobu who was wearing a butterfly kimono. Her hair was let down, due to his height he could see her collarbones and the glistening skin on her chest. For a second he was dazed.

Having sensed his gaze Shinobu looked up, only to see him staring at her chest.

"Ah!"

Letting out a light whimper she turned around and tightened her clothes. Leo quickly turned away and looked up to the sky, counting the birds that flew by.

"Pervert."

Shinobu's voice drifted to his ears.

"No, I am not."

"Yes, you are."

"Nope."

"Then where were you looking just now?"

Leo pointed to the sky and said.

"Just now eight birds flew by."

Shinobu "..."

...

Days passed like floating clouds. With each passing day Leo and the rest only got stronger, the number of Hashiras increased. Everything seems to have been going well until a letter bearing bad news reached Leo.

Tanjuro died.

Sorrow enveloped his heart when he read the letter. If Akira was like a grandfather to him then Tanjuro was like a caring elder brother with a gentle serene smile on his face, always.

Leo, Sabito, Makomo, Giyu, Shinobu and several others took part in the funeral. Tanjiro and Nezuko cried their heart out while holding onto him. He could only comfort them while putting on a strong front.

But life has to move on.

Tanjiro seemed to have matured overnight. The next day he went to gather wood and descended the mountain to sell coal all by himself.

Leo didn't stop him, everything life throws at you either makes you stronger or pulls you down to the abyss. Tanjiro choose the former, his heart was firm and steady.

After staying for a few days accompanying Nezuko and the other kids Leo and the rest decided to descend the mountain. When they were about to leave Leo spoke to Tanjiro.

"I won't tell you to be strong or to move on, as you are already fulfilling your role as an elder brother. I am proud of you, Tanjiro."

Tanjiro's eyes got watery, however he held them in and showed a resolved look.

"I will protect them big brother Leo."

"I know you will. Take care, Tanjiro."

Patting his shoulder Leo walked away. Staring at his back Tanjiro clenched his fist and got back. Nezuko was standing outside waiting for him.

"Did they wake up?"

Nezuko shook her head. Tanjiro sighed and said.

"Good. I don't want them to yell and keep big brother here, they have their own lifes to live."

Nezuko gripped the hem of her dress and didn't speak. Tanjiro hugged her and consoled.

"We can't, Nezuko. When they wake up they should only see us smile, in time they will forget this pain."

"Um."

...

Leo looked back towards the mountain and sighed.

Atleast you got to say goodbye, Tanjiro, that's more than any of us ever got. Your life is just beginning, if you stumble now you won't ever have the courage to get back up.

"What are you thinking?"

Sabito asked curiously.

"Nothing."

Leo took back his gaze and stepped forward. With him taking the lead four of them walked towards their next destination and their next target.