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Chapter 9 - Trust

Right now, both the Hashiras were waiting in front of the Ubuyashiki Manor. After cleaning up the mess caused by Sanemi, Giyuu went to change into his uniform and Sanemi went back to his estate to switch from his hospital garments. 

While walking, Sanemi spotted Tengen in the distance. Sanemi debated whether to talk to him, but then opted to take a different path. There would be many chances later to socialize with a fellow survivor, and Sanemi didn't really want to waste time. Soon, both Giyuu and Sanemi reached the Estate, and met with Amane. As they went to her, both the Hashiras bowed in front of her. Sanemi hasn't seen her since... then, but he was keeping his emotions at bay. That didn't help with his hesitation to speak, but thankfully Giyuu spoke first.

"Greetings Amane-san... We wish to speak with the Master..."

Amane looked at the two Hashiras. Currently, she was cleaning the front porch of the manor. While the kakushi were more than willing to do all household chores for the family, Amane sometimes opted to do it herself. It serves as a gentle reminder that behind the responsibility bestowed upon her family, they were still humble humans. 

Amane looked at the two before nodding her head. "Of course. Wait here..."

As Amane entered the manor, the two Hashiras remained kneeling in the front yard. Countless memories surfaced in Sanemi's head as he gave into the nostalgia. The many Hashira meetings, the Kamado Trial, and inevitably the battlefield against Muzan... Sanemi decided to take a good look at his surroundings. The sunset during golden hour gave the yard a warm presence. The growing shadows were soon starting to be illuminated by the wisteria plants. 

As Sanemi was taking each detail, Giyuu spoke softly, "Shinazugawa... remember to keep composure..."

Sanemi just looked in response. Giyuu was obviously talking about his reaction when seeing the master, especially since his last meeting wasn't a fond one.

'Tomioka must have been surprised seeing him' Shinazugawa thought, before trying to imagine what Giyuu would look like when surprised. No image was popping up. 

After a couple minutes, Amane steps out of the door. "My husband is ready to meet you. Please, come in."

As the two Hashiras enter the mansion, they are greeted with the sight of Ubuyashiki sitting down in front of them. Despite preparing himself, Sanemi couldn't help but be shocked from the healthy sight of the Master. Considering last time where his illness advanced to the point of almost killing him, Ubuyashiki looks extremely healthy looking. 

Ubuyashiki shoots a smile before turning to his wife. "Thank you Amane. If possible, could you perhaps leave us?"

Amane seemed to understand the situation and left, leaving the two Hashiras with the Master. Once she left, the room was enveloped in silence. Ubuyashiki seemed to expect one of the swordsman to start the conversation as he poured them and himself a cup of green tea from the pot Amane prepared. Instead, both Hashiras stared at the tea pouring. Sanemi seemed to want to say something, before opting to remain silent. He never had a problem with speaking to his Master, but the conversation they plan to hold makes him unusually hesitant. all without escaping Ubuyashiki's notice. 

Finally Giyuu took a sip of his tea before strengthening his nerves and starts speaking. "Ubuyashiki-san... We want to thank you for taking time out of your day to meet with us."

"Of course. I'll make time for anyone of my children," replied Ubuyashiki. 

Once again, the room was enveloped with nothing but the sips of green tea. Sanemi didn't mean to remain silent for this long, but hos exactly is he suppose to tell Ubuyashiki about their predicament. 'Hey Master! The thing is that we are from the future where we survived the final war against Muzan and we got transported back!!! Think you can help us?!?!'

'Master, the thing is that we are from the future where we survived the final war against Muzan and we got transported back into this time and were hoping that you would help us".

Sanemi chokes on his tea. Honestly, he shouldn't have been surprised. He should have been more impressed that Giyuu spit that all out in one breath.

Ubuyashiki stares at the Hashiras with his eyebrows raised as he analyzes Giyuu's nonchalant demeaner and Sanemi who's sweating bullets. No one speaks, and the tension in the room is thick enough to be cut with a Nichirin sword. 

"I see," Ubuyashiki finally responds. "That certainly is quite the dilemma. Tell me, how can I help?"

"Wait!" Sanemi yelled as he leaned forward. "Master you believe us?! Just like that?!"

"Of course Sanemi. If my children say anything I will believe in them, no matter what."

While Sanemi stares at the Master with shock, Giyuu internally smiles. He knew Ubuyashiki would believe what they had to say from back when Nezuko was in trial. Despite the danger she presented, Ubuyashiki didn't hesitate to believe Giyuu and Urokodaki's statement. It was that unwavering trust Ubuyashiki presented that Giyuu greatly respected.

"Well Ubuyashiki-san... we are feeling quite lost in our decision for the future... and we need advice on our next actions..."

"I see," Ubuyashiki said as he puts his cup down. "What I'm going to tell you is not common knowledge, and shouldn't be mentioned outside this room. I would also advise that you two don't mention your situation to others for the moment."

Giyuu and Sanemi straighten their posture as they focus on Ubuyashiki's next words. 

"The Ubuyashiki-clan have the ability of foresight, allowing the clan heads to see glimpses of the future. We have been using these visions to guide the corps in the war against demons."

Both Hashira's eyes widen as they take in this information. Sanemi immediately starts piecing this information with the knowledge he has. 'So this is how the master knew when Muzan would infiltrate headquarters...'

Ubuyashiki continued to speak. "Although this ability has proven to be invaluable, it is not absolute. The visions aren't always clear, they're often vague, and they don't come often. As such, I am unavailable to plan concrete plans against eliminating demons or preventing casualties. In many cases the visions are tied to Muzan directly and any moves he makes directly. This proves to be unhelpful when trying to gain knowledge against Lowermoons and Uppermoons as Muzan makes them do his bidding."

"Regardless Master, your ability is an amazing boon and invaluable," replied Sanemi.

Ubuyashiki smiled. "Thank you Sanemi, but my ability isn't good enough. I wish I could do more to prevent civilian casualties or save my children..."

"You shouldn't worry Master... you already do so much for the corps... we are grateful for everything that you do..." replied Giyuu. 

"Thank you Giyuu. Truly, both of you are so kind"

Giyuu smiles slightly at the comment while Sanemi blushes and looks away. 

"Regardless." continued Ubuyashiki. "My ability isn't omnipotent, and I am unavailable to plan the future with the knowledge I have. However with your knowledge, we can list everything and come up with a plan to take down Muzan in the most efficient way. I assume this was what you needed my help for?"

Sanemi and Giyuu both look at each other briefly before Sanemi responds, "Yes Ubuyashiki-san. We are at disagreement for the plan in the future. In particular with one event that happens in two years."

"I understand. Start from the very beginning then. From the moment you were transported here to the point of time when you got transported."

Sanemi and Giyuu took a deep breath before explaining to Ubuyashiki about everything. About Kanae's initial death. About the addition of Hashiras. About the Kamado tragedy and the fates of Tanjiro and Nezuko. About Mount Natagumo and Nezuko's trial. About the Mugen train and the death of Rengoku. About the Entertainment District. About the Swordsmith Village. About the emergence of the Slayer mark and the Hashira training. And finally, about the final battle and the defeat of Muzan. When Sanemi and Giyuu finished talking, Ubuyashiki had gone through a rush of emotions, with him currently crying. Sanemi and Giyuu wanted to comfort him, but decided it would be better for him to process this overload of information. Besides, somedays even they used to wake up with tears for the deceased. 

Finally, Ubuyashiki spoke with a hoarse tone. "I see... I may not have been present, but the day of Muzan's defeat truly happened. I feel so overjoyed that the curse in our family can finally rest. Yet I feel so sad that we lost too many on the way..."

"Master... we too feel the same way" said Giyuu in a quiet tone. It pained him and Sanemi to see their master in such a state. After a few more minutes, Ubuyashiki finally calmed down and carried the look of determination in his red eyes. "Alright my children. I apologize for my reaction, but lets move on and discuss what we are going to do".

***

The sun disappeared yesterday, and the Hashiras are finally leaving the estate only a couple hours before sunrise. Before they step outside the estate, they are stopped by Ubuyashiki. "Before you both depart, I must ask. Are you certain that you two are the only ones that time-travelled?"

Both Hashiras stay silent. They haven't considered the possibility that someone else may have travelled back in time. Whether that be another slayer... or a demon remains a question only time will tell. 

"Don't worry Master," Sanemi said with fierce determination. " If anyone did travel with us, we'll be sure to find them. And if they are a demons who obtain knowledge of the future, we'll be sure to squash any of their plans and themselves!"

Giyuu only nodded in agreement as he looked at Ubuyashiki with similar determination. 

"I have no doubt my children. Get some rest, for we have a Hashira meeting tomorrow." Ubuyashiki responded with a tender smile.

Giyuu and Sanemi pay their respects and bid farewell to Ubuyashiki. As they walk together towards their respected houses, Giyuu chirps in a question. "You ready?"

"Of course." answered Sanemi. "At least this time I won't have to deal with annoying brats during my training".

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