Ch 20:Festival

"Shinobu~"I hug her from behind as she squeaks at my sudden touch.

"Oh, it's you Haru-sa-,I mean Haru."She flicks my forehead as I wince in pain.

We were both in Kimonos, hers was a light purple one like wisteria trees with flowers and mine was a black one with orange flames.

We both had our haori on as we walk through the stalls.

"Mhm, the food here is always good.."I look at the sight of roasted chicken and other goodies.

"In that case, shall we dine first?"

"Yes please!"I cheer as my stomach growl in response.

We laugh as we approach a restaurant.

"Table for two please."I gently smile at the server.

"Right this way."He showed us our table as he went to cater to other customers.

"Mm, what are you getting?"I look at the menu.

"I think the ramen and dango are good."She places the menu down.

"Mm I think I will get ramen too and mochi."

We both place our orders as we continue to talk about our missions.

"Man talk about annoying when a male comes up to you asking if you're single!"I whisper in a harsh tone as I continue to rant to Shinobu.

Shinobu chuckles at me as our food arrives. We ate and talked as time went by, the main attraction coming up soon.

We paid and continue to walk through the stalls.We had our arms linked as we walk about, talking about the little items that were sold.

"Nee Shinobu.."

She hums as she looks at a stall.

"Should we get ready for the fireworks?"I point at a hill with a cherry blossom tree.

"Yeah sure."She smiles at me.

We continue to walk towards a small hill as we sat down to enjoy the lights from the village.

The trees sway above us as Shinobu rest her head on my shoulder. The moon has never shone this bright before as we sit like that for a while waiting for the main event.

I open my eyes after what felt like forever, as I hear a small 'hissing' sound, a small light rising in the air to explode. Shades of purple and be seen as we both smile at the sight. Soon more fireworks were seen as it covers the whole sky, mixing burning red, vibrant orange, golden yellow, fresh green, deep blue and royal purple.

I stare at the wonderful sight as I soften my eyes.

'I should treasure peaceful times like these, no?'

I lean on the bark of the trees and Shinobu continues to take in the sight before her.

"Shall we head home?"I got up as the last firework ended.

I stretch out my hand for Shinobu to take.

"Up we go!"I pull her small body towards mine.

"Hehe, you really have to grow taller Shinobu.."

"Nee maybe I should ignore you as punishment?"She gave her signature death smile.

My body subconsciously shudders before turning away.

"Nopee!"I speed walk away from her as she starts to chase me.

We giggle as we make our way back to the Butterfly estate.

"I will see you tomorrow?"I gave her one last hug.

She hums in response before giving me a light peck on my lips.

"My my someone is getting braver.."My cheeks redden a bit as I grin at her.

She smiles at me, waving as I leave for my estate.

I walk towards the village I was looking after. Houses filled with laughter and joy as I peek at the windows.I slowly trek my way to the now dormant volcano as I see the lights on.

I sigh as I shook my head.'Those kiddos never learn do they?'

I softly smile as I slide the door open to see the children I couldn't see for four years.

"Hey! Didn't I say lights out at 9 pm?"I gave them a half-joking,half-serious tone.

"Sorry, Haru-san!"They quickly clear out, taking their belongings with them.

I can hear giggles in between as they shuffle out of the living room.

Mako had to get them into bed then he returns to me.

He returns to see me going through some documents.

"Haru-san."He bows slightly.

He wore a white custom made outfit, with his ever striking short, messy dark maroon hair. He had an undercut with his hair slicked back. His face cover with a crimson Oni mask with two horns at the top.

"Please, just Haru when we are alone."

Mako, age 18,is a user of flame breathing and now learning flower breathing.

Stat:?

Speed:9/10

Strength:9/10

Stamina:8/10

Defense:5/10

Trickery:6/10

This boy was fast, almost like Shinobu's speed, untraceable like the wind yet hits as a boulder would to your body. However, due to flame breathing technique being a more offensive skill, his defence was lacking.

I sip my cup of tea before placing it down.

"Have you gone through the new techniques?"

"Yes, I have everyone's recommendations."He stood up and took out neatly folded papers from his rectangle pouch on his belt.

I took it and started to examine the information.

"At expected from my number one student, you have the most detailed reports."I gave him a warm smile.

I can tell he was slightly smiling under the mask before returning to his usual poker face.

"Okay, please arrange the schedule for tomorrow training, do note that I have Tanjiro's training first."I got up and went to check on the children sleeping.

"Hai."He whispers as I take my leave.

I walk to my room to crash into my bed for well-earned rest after peeking into the rooms.