I stood up from my seat and tried walking around. As I reached the corner, I saw a familiar footwear and felt a calming presence. To my dismay, I knew who it was, my heart was beating faster that I didn't have the courage to look at his face, so I continued to duck my head and turn in the opposite direction, hoping he'd just forget about it.

As I continued to walk, I bumped into someone.

"Well, if it isn't Gabriela Mizuki." A familiar voice was heard.

I looked at the person slowly, "O-Obanai-san."

"I see you haven't forgotten my name," Obanai answered.

"Of course not, Obanai-san." I said as he looked back at me, about to leave.

"Wait," I said as he paused midway. "Please... train me."

He looked at me with a confused look, "Huh?"

"I have to become stronger, if I maintain like this, I could get more injured or worse, killed. I already failed to protect my family once, and I don't want that to happen again." I explained,

"And what makes you think I'd train you?" he asked, looking at halfway.

I looked at him, "I need to be faster Obanai-san and I know you can help me with that." I said, "Uhm, then I'll fulfill any favor you'll ask, I promise."

He turned to me, "And what makes you think that I can really help you with that?"

"You were so fast during our last mission and Mitsuri-san, she-." I paused as Obanai interrupted me.

"Mitsuri?" Obanai asked,

"Yes... she told me you had incredible reflexes as well..." I said,

"Meet me here, tomorrow morning, we'll have a two-week training. Don't forget about the favor you told me. I'll think about that." He said, "Well then, I'll take my leave, get enough sleep."

My eyes widened in shock at his approval, I looked at him as he walked away.

"Yes!" I thought to myself, "Good job Gabriela! Now I'll just have to worry that I don't die tomorrow." I sighed and went back to my room.

THE NEXT DAY...

"You're here early," Obanai said. "I thought you'd be late for sure or back out."

"No way, I wanted to get stronger, and discipline is the first step, so I did," I said,

Obanai looked at my back, "I see that you're already capable of destroying the Level 2 gourd."

"Well yes, the level 5 gourd is over there," I said, pointing at the knee-length gourd.

"Impressive, Tsuchinoe-ranked slayers can't even destroy a level 3 gourd." He said, "I see potential in you, but I can't promise that you'd still live after I'm done with you."

I gulped,

The first practice was not that bad, but it sure escalated real quick.

On the second day, Obanai made me run 3 miles with no breaks. I was not allowed to walk or even jog. For the first 5 minutes, it felt like grandpa was still training me. I missed him... Not just me, but also my siblings. Grandpa has been in a coma for days and there's still no sign of him waking up soon.

After a few days, it felt like hell all over again. The intensity never changed but I'm glad that I was able to perform better. Obanai really was an amazing person, he had incredible skills, no wonder he's a hashira. He is also unexpectedly a good teacher, unlike grandpa who used to describe the techniques with sounds like "Whoosh, Baam, Pow!" though I can't tell why I actually understood that HAHAHA. I miss grandpa so much... I hope he'd wake up soon.

"Gabriela! Gabriela! Gabriela!" The crow shouted my name as it stood on my hand.

"Yes?" I asked,

"You're going to a new mission." The crow said.

"A mission?" I asked, "It's been a while I've been on a mission... I hope Tanjiro and the others are alright."

"You're going to Mt. Natagumo, there are demons there. The corps has sent Kanoe and Kinotos on the mission, but none were able to return."

"Then why send a Mizunoto?" Obanai asked. "Master should have sent Hinotos or hashiras if needed. Clearly, the demons are not ordinary ones."

"It is master's order." The crow replied, "You have to leave as soon as possible."

"Thank you," I said as the crow flew away.

I looked bowed at Obanai and smiled, "Thank you Obanai-san!"

I then turned around to get ready.

"Wait," Obanai said.

"Yes? Obanai-san?" I asked.

"Get back alive." He said as he turned his back.

"I will Obanai-san!" I said as I started to get my things for the mission.