We consider certain elliptic modular graph functions that arise in the asymptotic expansion around the non--separating node of genus two string invariants that appear in the integrand of the \(D^8 R^4\) interaction in the low momentum expansion of the four graviton amplitude in type II superstring theory. These elliptic modular graphs have links given by the Green function, as well its holomorphic and anti--holomorphic derivatives. Using appropriate auxiliary graphs at various intermediate stages of the analysis, we show that each graph can be expressed solely in terms of graphs with links given only by the Green function and not its derivatives. This results in a reduction in the number of basis elements in the space of elliptic modular graphs.