#﹆⋆ muse : kagaya ubuyashiki

[marusekai]

“ if you need anything i’ll be there for you . ” / for kagaya bc AHHH

OH . . . the curse that rots his flesh : unable to see his very hands or the children that dedicate their lives to the corps cause. he wishes to see his wife's face but alas , only her voice could reach his heart now. steady hands remind him of her features & just as his hands were glued to hers : she became a key supporter. DISMISSED , kagaya leaves parting words “   we are close to defeating muzan. harden your hearts as we reach the finish line. the sun is on our side and soon, we'll reclaim the night.   ”

taking amane's hand , he retreats to the corner of the room , only for a sweet outburst from the love pillar. “   if you need anything i'll be there for you,  ” a pause , he momentarily lets go of amane's hand. he turns and bows his head slightly “   your concern for my well being is more than enough to bring me comfort mitsuri-san, ” head rises as lips curve upward softly “   please continue to guide your peers and stay true to yourself. ” do not lose yourself in this fight against the demons . . . everyone had a role to play in defeating the demon king. no role was too small , for even the smallest rock could create waves in a pond . . big or small , they were all significant.

[yuesya]

“They finally found her?”

This is not the first Pillar meeting that was held in recent times, but it is certainly an unusual one, because these meetings are generally never called on such short notice. Pillars have many responsibilities, and are often traveling all over Japan, after all. And yet, Kocho Shinobu can understand the haste in this case; the search for the strange demon slayer whom Rengoku had spoken of had finally borne fruit, and Oyakata-sama wished to meet her.

The strange demon slayer who’d killed Upper Moon Three in combat during nighttime.

All demon slayers know that there are two ways to kill a demon. Decapitation, or sunlight. Yet according to Rengoku’s report, the girl had not gone for either option. Beneath the cold moonlight, she’d sliced Upper Moon Three into pieces with a sword that was not forged of sun-blessed nichirin steel.

How had she done it?

“One of the Tsuchinoto-ranked demon slayers found our mysterious demon slayer,” Shinobu tells her fellow Pillar. “From what I’ve heard, apparently she wasn’t even aware that we were looking for her.”

It was strange that this girl had, according to the Tsuchinoto’s report, never heard of their organization before. Hadn’t even known what ‘demon’ referred to, until the Tsuchinoto had brought up her feat of killing Upper Moon Three. To which the girl had responded with a simple, ‘So that’s what they’re called.’

It’s not unheard of for humans to encounter and kill demons prior to learning about the existence of the Demon Slayers and receiving proper training and support. Shinazugawa Sanemi, the Wind Pillar, had deliberately gone around hunting demons on his own before eventually being recruited… and he had been in a terrible state at the time. If he’d continued as he was, he’d likely only have succeeded in driving himself into an early grave.

If this girl had managed to kill Upper Moon Three, then it meant that she’d been trained –if not specifically in slaying demons, then at least in the art of combat. And yet, Rengoku had said that she hadn’t used any Breathing Style.

Considering that no one had any idea of who she was, or where she’d come from… was it possible that she shared a similar background to Uzui Tengen? Shinobu knows that the man came from a shinobi village hidden away from the world, where children had been trained from birth in the ninja arts.

… But musing endlessly on the various possibilities will get her nowhere. It’s best to see the girl in person first, then make any judgments after.

…

Shinobu’s first impression of her is pretty.

The girl that walks through the set of sliding doors is petite, with delicate features that are almost doll-like. Long white hair, deep blue eyes.

But she’s not pretty in the way that one would say of the loveliness of flowers, or a sun-bright smile. Rather, the girl’s beauty is one that Shinobu associates with the fragrance of wisteria poison, or the sharpness of an open blade.

Dangerous.

Shinobu takes one look at the girl and immediately recognizes that her instincts ring out in warning. But what–?

“Thank you for accepting my request for a meeting,” Oyakata-sama says softly, a gentle smile on his lips. “I am Ubuyashiki Kagaya, ninety-seventh leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.”

“… Gojo Shiki,” the girl names herself, impassive and expressionless.

“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Oyakata-sama remains amiable. “I understand that you were the one to save Kyojuro. Thank you for–”

Oyakata-sama suddenly breaks off in the middle of his words, harsh coughs wracking his body. Shinobu abandons decorum, scrambling to reach his side; she’s a doctor–

“… It’s alright, Shinobu,” Oyakata-sama shakes his head at her. Blood trickles down from the edge of his mouth, and Shinobu can feel something in her chest twist horribly at the sight.

“No, Oyakata-sama,” Shinobu shakes her head. “Your sickness, it’s getting worse. You need rest, Oyakata-sama–”

“Not while there are still other matters to attend to,” Oyakata-sama rebukes gently, and Shinobu falls silent, biting her lip. “I am touched and grateful for your concern, but I am not yet invalid –and there remains much to be done.”

… Oyakata-sama is not one to shirk his duties, but he can’t go on like this. His body–!

“Is this why you sought me out? Because your curse is killing you?”

Shinobu stiffens, and whirls around.

“What do you mean?” she demands.

“Your oyakata-sama isn’t sick,” the white-haired girl shrugs carelessly, “He’s cursed.”

[romaritimeharbor]

HYDRANGEAS, CH. 2. — After training for about a year, the Final Selection arrives.

— series synopsis. Hydrangeas, in some cultures, have been known to symbolize apology. The Hashira Tokito [Name] has many things to apologize for, indeed.

— trigger and content warnings. canon-typical violence, blood, death, minor (?) canon character death.

— author's thoughts. hydrangeas is also on ao3!

        Their stay with the Ubuyashiki family was nothing short of pleasant.

        Both Amane and Kagaya had always treated them very kindly whenever they would run into either one of them, and the Kakushi constantly running around the estate would occasionally stop by their room to ensure that they had eaten that day and that they were comfortable (somehow, they felt that Kagaya may have had something to do with the doting nature of the medics, but they didn't want to be presumptuous and ask). The days gradually built up and turned into a week.

        Mid-morning light kissed their heated face, the cool breeze serving as quite the refreshment during the break they were instructed to take. Their chest heaved as they gathered their breath, but there was a little smile that seemed to be permanently affixed to their face, eyes gleaming with youthful joy and determination at what was held between their fingers.

        "Do your brothers like origami?" the soothing voice that, in the past seven days, they had grown quite used to hearing asked. Kagaya's expression was indecipherable as he observed their deft hands fold the paper he provided, though there was something unquestionably positive in his face as he watched. It was never an easy feat to read him, despite his age, and perhaps that was the point; for him to lead the Corps, they did not doubt that he would have to be exceptionally unwavering or enigmatic in both expression and demeanor.

        "Yes," they answered, holding up the little paper airplane they made with pride. It was messily folded, but ultimately, it was more about the sentiment. "Muichiro likes paper airplanes quite a lot. Though, I have to say, he's a lot better than me at making them, but I think it'll make him happy when he gets it with the letter. Even if I'm not that good at it. Hmm... Yuichiro likes paper stars more, I think. He has all the ones I made him in a little box by where he sleeps. He doesn't know I know this, but he fidgets with them when he's upset."

        The boy sitting on the engawa smiled at that.

        "You are a very attentive sibling," he mused, to which their face heated up somewhat; the earnest nature of his compliment didn't catch them off guard, per se, but it was unexpected and sudden. Perhaps the fact that it was coming from him of all people also made it more embarrassing. "It's good that you're maintaining contact with them. It is nothing short of a blessing to have living family while also being a member of the Corps. Many who join do so because their families became victims of the cruelty of demons."

        "Yes, so I've heard. I'm going to do my best to cherish them. I want them to feel loved, even when I'm so far away, and for a reason that they probably can't even understand yet... I never want them to feel abandoned."

        Before Kagaya had the chance to respond—before he had the chance to even think of a response—one of the Kakushi ran up to him, bowing.

        "Good morning, Master! A few Kasugai crows have arrived to receive their Slayers' mission assignments!"

        "Ah, I see. Thank you. You are dismissed."

        The Kakushi shouted a quick, enthusiastic 'Yes, sir!' before leaving to return to their other duties.

        "I am quite sorry, young one," he apologized steadily as he rose to his feet. "We will have to finish this discussion another time."

        "N— no, it's fine! I know you have many things to attend to! I don't mind at all," they immediately insisted, setting the paper airplane off to the side with their unfinished letter that they had started a bit earlier in the day. Carefully, they stood up from their place situated on the stones in the center garden. "Thank you for your time, Master. I will continue training, then, if that is alright with you?"

        "Of course. Go ahead. I believe you have rested quite long enough," he replied, nodding. 

        With that, he turned elegantly and left, disappearing into the estate.

        They turned their attention to the wooden sword sitting neatly against the perimeter of the engawa. It was a comfortable weight in their hands, they thought, as their fingers curled around the handle. A gentle roll of the wrist to ensure their grip was not too tight nor too loose, and they turned to face the garden with a smile.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        A burn seared their aching muscles.

        They did not stop, however—they did not so much as falter even in spite of the pain they felt. Breathlessly, they swung the practice sword again. The structures that their upper back was composed of were all exceedingly tense and hot to the touch, evidence of the strain they were putting their young body through.

        A choked breath entered their lungs, and suddenly, the sword was no longer in their hands. 

        The splaying of their fingers across their chest seemed beyond their control. Their knees buckled, the ground underneath them swaying and making it extremely difficult to remain upright. Everything was spinning.

        With a huff, they gingerly sat down; perhaps the decision was wise, for the second they did, a series of violent coughs wracked their body, and they raised their freehand to their lips in an attempt to suppress the unexpected fit. Blood rushed through their ears and their heart pounded ferociously in their chest. The spinning of the world around them seemed to diminish somewhat.

        And finally, when the world completely stopped spinning, when the floor felt solid again, when their coughs subsided, they carefully let their hand fall from their lips...

        "Ew."

        A bit of blood and spit coated their palm; they grimaced, actively restraining themselves from shaking the fluid off of their skin. They didn't want to just... splatter it rudely on Kagaya's property. It felt wrong to even think of doing so, but wiping it off on their clothes seemed gross.

        They huffed, contemplating their next action.

        Just as their heart rate was calming down, it leapt again in surprise when a cloth was gently held out to them by a large hand. Their gaze followed the arm up until they could see its owner's face. Bright, youthful eyes that had yet to truly witness the horrors of the world met purely white ones that somehow carried a sense of wisdom that they could not possibly hope to understand at their young age. He had seen things they had yet to—that much was evidently clear.

        "It is normal to spit up blood if you are not used to exerting yourself to this degree."

        His voice snapped them out of their daze, and they were quick to take the cloth from his hands.

        "Ah... I see. I was almost worried for a moment. Thank you," they said, smiling up at him despite knowing that he probably could not see it. As silly as it would've sounded, had they said it out loud, they hoped he could feel it.

        He nodded, then turned. He was gone before they could so much as think of getting another word out.

        ...Huh. Maybe he just wasn't the social type.

        It was not their business to ask nor was it particularly polite to speculate (though, they could not help but wonder; that, however, could be blamed on innocent, childish curiosity), so with the gratefulness still flickering in their chest, they gently wiped their hand and face before tucking the dirtied cloth away and getting up to continue.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        Continue, they most certainly did.

        They continued even when the sun's rays, combined with their exertion, bore down on their body and boiled their skin. They continued even when the evening chill set in, nipping away at the sun's previous harshness on their skin and burrowing into it in the sun's place. They continued even when pinpoint black dots littered their vision...

        ...And they probably would've pushed even harder, had one of the Kakushi not noticed their stumbling and intervened. That person—a woman, they thought, based solely on the feminine tones of her voice through her mask—had insisted that she was only acting upon the Master's orders. 'Lord Tokito, the Master said you should stop now,' she had said to them, gingerly helping them inside and rushing around to gather food and water for them.

        It was now the following morning and, with a clearer mind, they thought she was simply lying through her teeth to get them to stop.

        (Not that they didn't appreciate it, but she didn't have to go through all the trouble; a simple 'I think you should call it a day' would have been more than sufficient for them. If she was worried, they would have been more than happy to stop, since they wished not to trouble anyone with worrying over their wellbeing.)

        Morning sun, as always, kissed their skin in greeting when they had stepped outside with their wooden sword to begin training. The entirety of their upper back was still sore from the day before, but it did not deter them; all it meant, to them, was that they should perhaps focus on refining a different muscle group today. With that thought in mind, they gingerly set the sword off to the side. Their upper body would probably appreciate the break.

        Stamina it was, then. They did think that their lower body—primarily their legs—could use some kind of work, but they weren't quite sure how to go about it other than running. Maybe they would ask for advice later, but for now, this was more than sufficient. They had to work on their stamina, regardless. Running perhaps would not really do much for the muscles themselves, but there was no doubt in their mind that it would improve either their endurance, stamina, or both.

        About an hour into sprinting around the inner courtyard's expanse—sprinting around the entire perimeter of the estate might've been too much for their body as it was in its current state, so they settled for something that they knew they could manage for a longer period of time without feeling winded—a familiar, booming young voice called out for them:

        "[Name]!"

        It wasn't as if they had known him for years, but somehow, they did not even have to turn their head to know who was calling out to them before a little grin broke out on their features.

        "Kyojuro! Good morning!" they called back, raising their head to look in his direction and waving brightly. Since they were friends, they felt it was appropriate to address him so casually; if he didn't feel the same, then he surely would not have done so to them. His presence inexplicably made them feel more joyful. Some of the vibrantly positive energy that practically rolled of his being in waves must have already rubbed off on them, they thought.

        Behind him stood his father, expression and face in general as intense as ever. He said something they could not quite discern to his son, before his sharp, soul-piercing gaze turned back to them. He gave them a firm nod in what they assumed was his way of greeting them. Then, he turned on his heel and disappeared behind one of the estate's many extensive walls. They could only assume he was going to seek out Kagaya—Rengoku Shinjuro was a Hashira, after all, so they would not be surprised if he had important matters to attend to with the boy. He must have brought his son along to visit.

        ...Had Kyojuro asked to come along to see them? The idea made a bit of fond warmth bloom in their chest.

        Snapping out of their thoughts, they focused back onto the present moment.

        ...But it was then that they took notice of the smaller dark-haired boy standing awkwardly beside Kyojuro, as if he wasn't completely comfortable with the situation he was currently in. His heterochromatic gaze was intense, boring into their skull and attentively observing them (and their surroundings, they noted, based on the way his eyes flicked around; he must not have ever seen Kagaya's estate before now) with what they assumed to be paranoid precision. What they found to be his most notable feature, though, were the bandages wrapped securely around the bottom half of his face.

        Was he wounded? Scarred, perhaps? Maybe he was just shy and preferred not to completely show his face. There were an infinite number of possibilities that might explain why his face was covered, but...

        Regardless of the reason for his bandages, they did their best to brush it off and pay it no mind. It was easy for them to recognize that it may very well be a sensitive topic, and therefore was not something they should pry about. Curiosity was never an easy beast to tame, but they nonetheless did their best. No amount of curiosity could justify being so rude as to  speculate, let alone ask. No, it was not their place to do so.

        With slightly trembling legs—an hour was a long time to constantly run without any breaks whatsoever, but it wasn't quite near their limit; it was merely enough to make them feel a bit weak in the lower body area that they had been neglecting to train recently—they walked over to the two, the grin on their face growing into a smaller, more calm smile. 

        One thing they had taken notice of was how fidgety and nervous the boy beside their friend was. Therefore, they did their best to remain calm and steady as to not overwhelm him.

        Kyojuro was quick to squeeze them in an enthusiastic hug. They did their best not to wheeze at the utter strength he was exerting upon their body, patting his back both in a fond greeting and in a desperate attempt to get him to loosen up slightly. He did not seem to catch the hint, though thankfully, he did let go. "How are you? How's training going?"

        "I'm doing well," they replied, still trying to catch their breath after he'd knocked it out of them. "Training's good, too. Though, I'm not really sure what to do to get my stamina up, so I've just been... running. Since I worked on my upper muscles yesterday, I want to focus on something else today. Give them a chance to breathe, you know?"

        "Let's go on a run together!" he suggested brightly, nodding. "I'll put light weights on your legs to help build muscle."

        "Oh. That's... really smart. Huh. Why didn't I think of that?"

        He laughed, the joy on his face thoroughly comparable to the sun's bright warmth. Actually, it was probably even brighter than that. Kyojuro was a sun of his own; there was no need to compare him to another existing one. As he calmed down, his gaze flickered over to the silent boy at his side, and he perked up, as if it had finally occurred to him to introduce the other boy.

        "This"—he motioned to the boy, though mindful to never actually make unexpected contact with him—"is Iguro Obanai! He also wants to become a Demon Slayer!"

        "Oh, right. I was going to ask." They turned to address him directly. "Hi, Iguro. I'm Toktio [Name]. It's nice to meet you."

        They held out their hand as an offer, but he did not take it; they did not so much as flinch, merely letting their arm fall back to their side as they offered him a kind smile instead.

        "...You too," he finally said, nodding curtly. He was not the talkative type, it seemed.

        "Want to come on the run with us?" It seemed natural, effortless even, for them to ask such a thing. His preference towards being quiet had little to no impact on the way they treated him; though it did not show on his face, he was extremely grateful for that much. "Maybe if you come, Kyojuro won't be mean to me and put weights on my legs," they joked.

        "Haha!" the boy in question laughed again. "I'm still putting those weights on you."

        "Aw..."

        Obanai watched as they bantered with him, silently, weighing his options in his head. Something indecipherable flickered across his expression, but it was snuffed out as fast as it had shown itself. Bewilderment, discomfort, appreciation... it was hard to know what exactly he had felt in that moment, but it could not have been anything overwhelmingly bad, since the response that he gave made them beam:

        "...Sure."

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        Days were quick to become months.

        Kyojuro and Obanai would return to the Master's estate (with his permission and the guidance of many different Kakushi to keep the location a secret, of course) one or two times a week without fail to go on runs with them; it became something that could only be called a routine. Initially, the frequency of their friends'—were they friends with Obanai? They liked to think so; he seemed to slowly grow a bit warmer towards them the more he interacted with them—visits were much higher. It didn't particularly surprise them that the visits eventually dropped down to one or two weekly. It was difficult and time consuming to train.

        (Vaguely, they were reminded of how their visits to their home had dropped equally as significantly—they managed to go once every two weeks, if they were lucky. Usually, they were not, and their visits most commonly happened once every three weeks. The frequency of said visits would probably only continue to drop.

        ...They tried not to linger on it.)

        Around six months had passed since their arrival at the Ubuyashiki estate. They hadn't been counting particularly closely, too occupied by their training to pay it much mind.

        Crisp morning air enveloped their senses as they breathed out a gentle sigh. The sun had yet to rise, but they were already outside going about their preparations for the daily training they were committed to. The garden's stones dug into their knees, but they remained unbothered by it as they stretched their arm out and hooked their other arm's elbow around it, tugging their arm towards the opposite shoulder until their bones popped satisfyingly. The same treatment was given to their other arm.

        Just as they were about to get up, their ears picked up the sound of unfamiliar footsteps. It was easy to know who was walking and when—Kagaya's steps were light and tentative, while Amane's were also light but far more steady, and any one of the Kakushi's typically just sounded frantic and rapid as they dashed across the estate to attend to their duties. These steps were heavy , though nonetheless surprisingly quiet, as if the person they belonged to felt compelled to sneak around the estate instead of outright making their presence known. Subsequently, they turned their head back, curious about who else besides Kagaya, Amane, and some Kakushi was up and at the estate this early.

        A vaguely familiar hulking figure of a man, very clearly in his youth despite how utterly muscular he was, stood just beyond the sliding doors leading into the estate. Their expression rapidly shifted from brief surprise back to its usual look.

        "Hello," they greeted softly, offering him a smile, despite knowing that he most likely could not see it. They hoped that he felt it, at the very least. His reluctance to coexist in the same space as them did not go unnoticed, so they did their best to make him a little bit more comfortable. "I don't believe we've ever properly met."

        His greeting came slowly, hesitantly , even, as he seemed to scrutinize them despite being unable to really see them. Maybe he was looking for some kind of ill intent. Whatever it was that he was seeking, he did not seem to find it. "...Good morning," he replied. "No, we have not."

        "My name is Toktio [Name], Demon Slayer in training." They now fully turned to face him. "What's your name?"

        "Himejima Gyomei."

        "It's nice to meet you, then, Mr. Himejima." They then took note of his uniform. "Are you a Demon Slayer?"

        His tense demeanor seemed to ease up ever so slightly, and it was then that he stepped out onto the engawa, not quite approaching them but not quite avoiding them any longer either. He tucked his legs underneath his body as he sat down nearer to the edge and nodded. "Yes. Pay me no mind, I am merely enjoying the morning air."

        "Of course," they replied as they stood up, stretching their body further and humming at the sound of pops and cracks. With that, they set off, running laps around the garden. Running around the entire state was... perhaps within their abilities, but its expanse was great, and they still needed to warm up before they put their body through that kind of strain. To immediately begin with something so intense would be to injure their muscles. That was something they wanted to avoid, if at all possible.

        Thirty minutes into their laps (during which they were fairly certain Gyomei was watching them, but they did not mind) and they had lost count of how many they'd run. A huff slipped past their lips as they came to a stop, a few stones being flicked forwards due to the force with which they stopped. Their chest rose and fell with labored breaths, and they cursed themselves for having what they felt was poor stamina.

        It wasn't terribly poor, but they had been stuck at this level for about two months, and the lack of improvement was slowly driving them mad.

        Gyomei's voice cut through the morning ambiance.

        "Do you know Total Concentration Breathing?" the man spoke up, seeming to analyze their hunched-over figure as they caught their breath. Finally, once they did, they straightened up and replied:

        "No. I think I've heard of it... maybe..? I'm not too certain, to be honest," they admitted, chuckling, embarrassment evident in their tone. "I've read many of the books about breathing and breath styles, but I don't really remember a lot of it."

        The man nodded. For a moment, he was still. It was almost as if he were contemplating his next move. Then, he gingerly patted the space next to him, a wordless invitation extended their way. They were quick to climb up onto the engawa and sit next to him, though they did leave a bit of space between his body and theirs. He seemed to be rather kind but nonetheless very hesitant to trust them, so they wanted to ensure that they did not make him uncomfortable by overstepping any silent boundaries.

        A large hand hovered over their back.

        "Breathe deeply. Expand your lungs to the fullest extent that your body will allow." He paused. "...Further than that, in fact."

        "Further..?"

        "Further."

        Though hesitant, they earnestly doubted that his intentions were anything other than to help. Therefore, despite the nervousness that such a new (and painful sounding) concept instilled in them, they inhaled.

        And inhaled.

        And inhaled .

        The tightness in their chest almost deterred them, but Gyomei seemed to believe in their abilities despite not knowing them very well, so they felt that they should too. If nothing else, then they should at least try to.

        "Good. Release that breath slowly."

        Of course, that fact did not make it any less uncomfortable, so they were more than grateful to be permitted to let the breath out.

        He drew his hand away, allowing it to settle back into its previous position in his lap. "How did that feel?"

        An ache resounded through their chest cavity, and they grimaced, reaching up to rub at their breastbone through their clothes. "Achy. Overall, not terrible, but it makes my chest sore."

        "It should, and it will until you grow used to maintaining that state. Maintaining Total Concentration Breathing constantly, in and out of battle, in wakefulness and rest, is an advanced technique that will benefit you for years to come if you are able to master it."

        Eyes wide with awe at their newfound knowledge, they nodded. "I see..."

        "Go," he said, motioning to the practice sword they had left strewn off to the side. "Learn to put this skill into practice, young one."

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        About another hour passed.

        They were fairly sure that their lungs were about to explode and that their heart was climbing up their throat to leak out of their ears. The only sound ringing in their head was that of their racing heartbeat, and every breath they took was fire, searing the insides of their lungs and spreading to burn the entirety of their chest with its ferocity. 

        Gyomei had been kind enough to offer to train with them, and they knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was not using even a small portion of the strength that he was capable of exerting. It was easy to tell how much stronger he was compared to them. If his muscular build was already not enough of a clue, then the fact that he was easily able to cast a shadow over their entire body and then some would surely be an adequate indicator. He was larger and stronger than they would ever be. 

        Even so, he did not put out even a fraction of his strength, and that was something they were immensely thankful for. He must have been very aware of what he could do to another person, they thought, and yet... they did not feel threatened, not had he even hurt them in any way (not counting the radiating soreness of their muscles from parrying his strikes). It was admirable. If they ever grew to have even a quarter of his strength, they hoped they would also be that aware of what they were capable of.

        What an absolutely awe-inspiring man to train with.

        A gasp was torn from their throat, and their body folded forwards, one hand clasping itself over their mouth and the other one clutching their side. Their eyes squeezed shut as they coughed, choking up enough blood for it to spill from the slightest of cracks between their fingers.

        The man towering over them paused momentarily, but then placed a tentative hand on their back, soothingly rubbing away at the ache he knew for certain that they must have been feeling.

        It was not the first time they had spit up blood—it was one among many, in fact, but admittedly they did produce more than usual this time around.

        "It is normal to spit up blood when learning this technique for the first time," he murmured to them, seeming to tear up at their pain. "Do you feel otherwise unwell?"

        "No..." they huffed, slowly standing up straight as to not agitate their body any more than they already had. He passed them a cloth, just as he had done that time six months ago. They were quick to clean off their hand and face using it. "Thank you. No, I feel okay." Then, their eyes glimmering with hope and determination shifted up towards him. "Can we keep going?"

        For the first time, Gyomei smiled at them. It was soft and befitting of the type of person they believed him to be, but seeing it still astounded them in the best of ways, and they could not help but grin widely in return.

        "As long as you are feeling well, we may."

        If either party were aware of Kagaya's affectionate gaze, originating from an opening in the sliding doors just wide enough for him to sit comfortably and observe, neither paid any mind to it.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        For the next few months, Gyomei loyally continued to train with them, guiding their every movement and assisting them in growing stronger. Subsequently, he also began to train them harder as he found himself needing to put more force behind blocking their attacks and landing some of his own. It was a source of great pride in his mind—a young one such as themselves growing strong enough (though ultimately still as weak as a tiny kitten in comparison to him) to where he could feel the impact of their strikes?

        Yes, Himejima Gyomei was extremely proud of their growth.

        Still, he was as conscientious as ever, and he never wounded them too terribly. The worst he had ever given them was a large bruise on their side that bloomed on their skin the day after he had hit them; he had wept that day, guilt-ridden when he discovered it, though they had insisted that it was alright. His sensitivity was something they quite adored, though they sincerely wished he would not drown himself in guilt over something like that. 'It's only natural to get hurt while training,’ they had insisted. 'I'm not mad at you, and I'm not hurt that bad. If anything, I'm glad, because all it means is that you're taking me more seriously now! And anyway, it's kind of my fault... I hesitated. You told me not to, and I got hurt. That's on me... Next time I won't make that mistake!'

        In that time, they had also worked extremely rigorously on learning the forms of Mist Breathing. Kagaya still had little news in regards to Sun Breathing, so instead, he often spent time correcting their stances based on what he had seen others do in the past.

        'Utilize your entire body. If your goal is to defend yourself from projectiles, then you must be able to slash a large area and do so with great strength. This is only possible by using every part of yourself—not merely your arms alone.'

        'Don't be afraid to lower your body as far as possible, young one. You will not fall, and if you do, then you must learn not to. Balance, I have observed, is greatly important in learning Mist Breathing. You must maintain great control over your body at all times.'

         'Learn to move swiftly and change directions equally so. I'm fairly certain that no amount of training will prepare you for the moment you must do so in battle while also delivering continuous slashes, but it does help.'

        The kindness of all those around them was oftentimes overwhelming, though not in a negative manner. It simply made them so, so deeply grateful that the people of the Corps were so earnestly good. It made them all the more dedicated to the cause, the goal of the Demon Slayer Corps.

        The months passed rapidly. With how hard they were working, it was no surprise.

        The Final Selection seemed so far away at one point, but the morning they needed to leave for it had finally arrived.

        The Ubuyashiki estate was considerably active, even in the early morning. It was unsurprising; it did function as the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps. So long as demon activity failed to cease, so too would the operations taking place within the estate they had grown so familiar with.

        Getting ready on that morning in particular was nerve-wracking. Their fingers trembled as they secured their clothes around their body and grabbed their shoes to bring with them outside. Anxiety and anticipation mingled together in their chest, despite breathing so deeply all the time. Deep breathing was said to be useful in calming oneself down, but now, it did naught to soothe their nerves.

        They supposed that was fair. What they were preparing to walk into was no normal event—it was life or death, the ultimate triumph or ultimate failure. There was no margin for error. As such, they did believe that their fear was valid.

        As they delicately traversed the halls, seeking to not disturb anyone else who may have been resting, many Kakushi wished them well, and all they could muster was a nervous smile in response each time.

        'You'll do great.'

        'Good luck, kid!'

         'Come back to us alive, yeah?'

        Once they quietly stepped out of the estate and onto the engawa, gingerly closing the sliding doors behind them with their one freehand, they were greeted by Amane, Kagaya, and Gyomei.

        Gyomei was the first to speak. His eyes shone in the dim morning light with the gloss of tears yet to be shed. "I will pray for your safety," he had said, large hand situating itself firmly on their head for a moment before withdrawing. They smiled up at him.

        "Thank you for everything you have done for me thus far."

        It was at that point that the tears finally fell. They reached up, placing a gentle hand on his arm as a momentary expression of comfort. After a few seconds, they pulled away, turning to Amane and Kagaya. 

        In the Master's hands was a nichirin blade.

        "You may borrow this blade until you receive yours," he said, holding it out to them. With what was probably excessive caution, they took it, gazing at him with awe in their eyes. They knew he was going to give them one; he'd told them in advance and even provided a sheath for it, but somehow they still believed that nothing could have prepared them for the moment they had it in their hands. He smiled kindly. "Come back safely, [Name]. We believe in you."

        Newfound determination bubbled in their chest. "I will," they replied, sheathing the blade.

        Amane's demeanor, though professional and smooth as ever, was warmly fond, as was the smile she directed at them. "Good luck, young one," she began. "I am sure that you will make us all proud. I will see you at Mount Fujikasane."

        That surprised them more than anything else, really, and they're sure it showed in their expression, because she immediately went on to explain.

        "I will be initiating this Final Selection. You will see me at the beginning and end."

        "I see," they replied. "Well... I'll be off, then!"

        With that, they stepped off of the engawa, waving at those behind them with a bright smile. Finally, they put their shoes on.

        Then, as they had said, they were off.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        For the location of the final selection, Mount Fujikasane was astoundingly beautiful.

        Wisteria trees went up the mountain as far as they could see from the angle they were at, the purple flowers seeming to glimmer bathed in the moon's gentle light. The stone steps leading up to where they assumed they were meant to head were in considerably mixed condition; some appeared to be stunningly pristine, as if they had only just been laid down, while others looked as if they would crumble at the slightest weight placed upon them.

        Petals tickled their cheeks as they made their way upwards in something of a daze, overwhelmed by the intensely strong scent filling their lungs to the brim (it was hardly any wonder demons did not dare cross the threshold of the flowers; they knew it was deeper than simply disliking the scent, but honestly, they're fairly certain that they would not tread through a path so heavily draped in wisteria either, since the smell could be immensely overpowering). The feather-light touch was soft and soothing, almost comparable to the touch of a loving parent caressing their child's face.

        Bumping into someone's back was what snapped them out of the dazed state they were in. A surprised squeak was drawn from their throat, and they immediately stepped back to put appropriate space between themselves and whoever they had run into. 

        "I'm so sorry," they apologized, a tentative smile gracing their features as he turned to face them, peach-colored hair swaying somewhat as he did. It was then that the massive scar running along his right cheek came into their view, and they stumbled briefly, before recovering from their shock as fast as they could manage. "I wasn't paying as much attention as I should have been.

        It was a young boy, presumably around their age, that they had run into. His pale lavender eyes seemed to burn with determination, only being illuminated even further by the glow of the surrounding wisteria. Situated on the side of his face was a fox mask. At his side stood a boy with a far more timid demeanor with deep blue eyes, vaguely reminiscent of the ocean, and black hair tied back into a short ponytail. The former studied them for a quick moment, before grinning. "Don't worry about it," he said, offering a hand for them to shake. They gladly took his offer. "I'm Sabito. This is Tomioka Giyu."

        "It's nice to meet you two, Sabito, Giyu," they greeted kindly, smile now growing more certain and confident. "My name is Tokito [Name]."

        Upon completing their ascension up the stairs, all of their confidence dissipated in an instant. Sabito did not neglect to notice.

        "Nervous?" he wondered.

        "A little," they admitted with a shaky laugh. "I mean, who wouldn't be? This is pretty huge. It's the kind of event that determines your future. I feel like it's only reasonable to be a bit afraid."

        Sabito nodded.

        "Yeah. It's an understandable reaction. Keep your head up; I don't doubt that we'll all be fine."

        "You're right. Suppose being nervous won't do much other than hinder me, right?"

        "Exactly."

        Nervousness somewhat—though not entirely—sated, they nodded. Before they got the chance to reply again, to continue the conversation they were having with Sabito, they took notice of Amane stepping into view of the crowd of around twenty Demon Slayers to-be. Her eyes seemed to thoroughly scan the crowd; it was as if she was searching for someone. When her gaze finally landed on them, her lips pulled upwards into the vague ghost of a smile, and they could not help but return it—simply with a far more blatant grin and wave.

        Giyu glanced towards them. For the first time since they had met him and his friend, he spoke to them: "Do you know her?" he wondered softly, as to not speak over her, should she begin to talk.

        "Yes," they confirmed. "She is Lady Ubuyashiki Amane, the Master's wife. She and her husband are both really nice people."

        Sabito immediately turned to look at them. "You know the Master?"

        "I live with him, for now."

         "What?!"

        Their smile suddenly became shier, though that did not stop them from giggling a little bit. A twinge of embarrassment was more than clear in their voice, but it was largely overwhelmed by amusement. "It's only a temporary thing..."

        "I've only heard legends about that guy. It's apparently rare that people get to see him," the peach-haired boy mused, "and you live with him?"

        "For now."

        Before either boy could say something—Giyu looked as if he was going to, but they couldn't be sure, since he did not have the chance to—Amane began to speak.

        "Good evening, everyone," she greeted, the gentle tones of her voice seeming to be carried across the crowd by little more than the wind. A hush fell over the crowd, chatter dying down into nothing more than a few whispers here and there. "Thank you for finding the time to attend the Final Selection tonight. On this mountain, there are many demons, who were all captured alive by our most talented Demon Slayer swordsmen. These demons are unable to leave."

        She gracefully motioned to the many wisteria trees.

        "This is because wisteria, which demons hate so much, blooms year-round from the foot of the mountain to approximately halfway up. From this point upwards, there is no longer any wisteria. In order to pass the Final Selection, you will need to survive for seven days."

        She then turned somewhat, motioning to either side of the platform she was on before her hands settled back, neatly tucked at the front of her body. "Now, be on your way. Good luck."

        There was widespread hesitance among the crowd. Some seemed to be reconsidering their choices. Others simply seemed understandably frightened, though did not look as if they were about to flee back to their home. Still, they eventually began to filter through either entrance and disperse.

        Before they could follow along, Sabito turned to them, holding out a hand. "Let's stick together, Tokito."

        They grinned, giving his hand a firm shake. "I should hope you aren't saying that just because I live with the Master," they teased. "I don't think you get special privileges for knowing me, since I don't get that treatment either."

        He laughed.

        "Hardly. I was just surprised; I don't particularly care. What I do care about is surviving, and we're all far more likely to if we tackle this event as a group." He stopped speaking, but then added on, "Good that the Master doesn't treat you any differently though. It tells me a lot about him as a person."

        "Well, I do hope it tells you good things. Anyways, you're certainly right about that," they agreed, attention shifting to Giyu. "Do you mind me coming along with you guys?"

        He opened his mouth as if he were going to say something, but then paused for a brief moment, as if thinking. Then, he shook his head, offering them the slightest of smiles. "That's fine by me."

        Sabito nodded firmly, determination seeming to emanate from his being. "Right. Then, let's get going."

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        "What breathing styles do you guys use?"

        Hushed, quiet chatter was surprisingly common among the little group that they had found themselves a part of; they imagined that Sabito would be far more stringent about staying focused, that he'd think it impossible to converse so casually while also remaining completely alert, but they turned out to be quite wrong. He was actually quite willing to engage, quite the talker if given the opportunity to be so.

        Therefore, they did not feel nervous or awkward asking a question of their own.

        "Water breathing," Giyu answered just as quietly as they had asked.

        "Oh, that's cool," they mused, grip firm around the handle of their sheathed blade, ready to unsheathe it at a moment's notice. "You know, I was thinking about learning Water Breathing, since I genuinely didn't know what style I should pursue. The Master said there was even an active trainer for it."

        "Yeah, that's Mr. Urokodaki," Sabito said. "Apparently he was a Hashira before! I think he retired a while ago. Anyway, we both use Water Breathing, and we learned it from him."

        "Maybe I would have met you two before if I had decided to learn that style, huh?"

        The lavender-eyed boy nodded. "It's definitely not unlikely," he agreed. "What style did you end up learning, then?"

        Just as they opened their mouth to respond, the snap of a twig resounded through the relative silence, alerting all three of them without fail. It seemed to come from behind. With practiced speed and precision, their blade was unsheathed in an instant. Sabito and Giyu both followed suit on what seemed to be mostly instinct. The group turned to face whatever it was that had been trailing behind for—presumably—quite some time now.

        In their chest, their heart seemed to pound sporadically as their mind tried to figure out whether to be terrified or excited . They lowered their body close to the ground in preparation to deliver what was to come to the foul thing before them, adjusting their footing when they felt even a little bit unbalanced.

        It was as Kagaya had told them, indeed.

        The demon paid them no mind. A fatal, irreversible mistake on its behalf.

        "Aw, man," a hoarse voice drawled, sounding thoroughly disgruntled over its mistake. Unnaturally slender, lengthy limbs seemed to drag on the floor as it moved. Sharp nails reached up to scratch its cheek. "Shoulda been paying more attention... Oh well, I'll be eating well tonight anywa—"

        Mist Breathing, Fourth Form: Shifting Flow Slash.

        Its head rolled off in an instant, leaving it with no chance to finish whatever it was going to say. Pride swelled in their chest as they stood straight once more, sheathing their blade as they did. There was no suppressing the giddy smile on their face as they turned back to their companions.

        Behind them, the demon—astounded by its easy defeat and dreading its rapidly approaching arrival to Hell—dissipated into nothing but ash to be blown away by the nighttime breeze.

        "Mist Breathing," they answered Sabito's question cheekily, as if they did not just produce a great show of strength. "I taught it to myself."

        Both boys turned to one another, making eye contact, as if to ask one another 'What just happened?'

        Then, Sabito turned to them, positively grinning .

        "That was so impressive. You didn't even hesitate . I barely saw you move."

        "I was taught not to," they giggled, suddenly feeling extremely sheepish. "Hesitating gives your enemy a chance to hurt or even kill you. No hesitating—I learned that the hard way. And I was taught by someone so much stronger than me, probably stronger than I'll ever be, so if I couldn't reflect his strength at least a little bit, I would be ashamed..."

        Neither boy could get another word out before the distant cry for help from another Slayer to-be reached their group's ears.

        In an instant, they all took off running in the direction of the call.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        Sabito, as an individual, turned out to be quite similar to themselves.

        He was a boy with a great sense of justice, always seeking to send as many demons to the afterlife as he could manage, always seeking to protect as many of his fellow Demon Slayer trainees. Giyu was also more than happy to follow along, though they did not fail to notice how nervous he seemed to be regarding how willing his friend was to fling himself into danger. He nonetheless seemed to care just as much about the safety of others as his friend did—he merely expressed more caution.

        It was understandable, really. The only real way to "fail" the Final Selection would be to die .

        Giyu, no doubt, would not want to see such a fate befall his friend. They therefore felt that it was only right for them to back Sabito and Giyu up as closely as possible and cover their blind spots with only the utmost effort.

        After all, they also weren't especially keen on seeing either of their new friends die. It was in their nature to help people—it always had been. It was just how they were raised.

        Given that fact, it was hardly any surprise that most of their time with the two ended up being spent rescuing others during the nights and sleeping in shifts during the day.

        (There were more than sufficient trees to create lines of shade for demons to stalk safely through during the day, so sleeping two at a time with one serving as a guard was the most effective way to ensure that no-one got hurt. There were quite a few instances of other sleeping Slayers being attacked during the day due to such methods, which made theirs and their friends' sleep rather... poor. None complained, however. Saving a life was worth being a bit sleep deprived.)

        Spending so much time in their company also allowed them to learn a bit more about the duo.

        Giyu was quite the quiet child—always following along, silently focused, though Sabito had told them that he was just shy, really. He was far more joyfully expressive in Sabito's sole presence, though he did seem to be gradually warming up to them and their presence. They probably just made him a bit nervous, being a stranger and all.

        Sabito, on the other hand, was far more bold and confident in his ways. He was quite the stern one when it came to slaying demons and staying alert. He did not seem to take cowardice lightly. They vaguely wondered if Yuichiro would grow up to be something like him; that boy was terribly stern when he wanted to be for a child his age.

        (Somehow, they hoped that Yuichiro would grow up to be a bit more lenient, because they felt that if he did not, they would be in trouble once he was old enough to properly stand up to them...)

        The moon was slowly but surely approaching the horizon, making way for the sun to rise once again and mark their final day on the mountain. Sabito's attentive nature meant that, if they were not saving another person from demons, they were patrolling the circumference of the mountain as thoroughly as possible. He could perhaps even be called restless; they did not particularly mind, however, and Giyu seemed to be very used to it, so they assumed that such behaviors were normal for him.

        "It's almost the seventh day, right?" they mused aloud, peering up at the star-riddled sky swirling with various shades of blue, all gradually growing lighter near the east horizon from which the sun would rise.

        "That's right," Sabito confirmed. "We get to leave tomorrow morning."

        "Then... once the Final Selection is over, would you two like to keep in touch?"

        Giyu seemed to perk up at that, and—surprisingly—was the first to reply. "I would like that."

        The other boy nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. Maybe we'll get assigned missions together in the future?"

        "I'm glad, the—"

        A shrill scream cut them off, and all of the group's blades were unsheathed in the blink of an eye. Sabito ran off in the direction it originated from first with them and Giyu following close behind.

        "A large demon!" a boy shrieked, his feet pounding desperately against the dirt and grass as he fled. He looked down, almost seeming to curse his body for being unable to run any more swiftly, before turning his head back towards whatever was chasing him. Wide eyes dilated with fear only seemed to widen impossibly more as he whipped his head back forward and focused on fleeing. "No-one told us there would be one this big here! What the hell?!"

        A green, vaguely circular amalgamation of hands with a head poking out from what must have been the top chased slowly after the boy, though its utter size made it easy for it to keep up its pursuit. A large body like its own could cover significant ground with one or two steps—significantly more than what a small, inexperienced Demon Slayer in training could.

        Hands shot out to grab the poor boy. Just as one wrapped around his leg, Giyu tried to react, dashing forward and—

        He was flicked away in an instant like nothing more than an annoying fly, his body slamming violently against a tree, though the demon did release the boy from its grip when its attention had briefly shifted. 

        The boy then continued to run, and the demon continued to pursue.

        "Sabito!" they called out, rushing over to Giyu's side to support the trembling boy, quickly putting their blade back away. Blood dripped down from his hairline, and they panicked. "He's bleeding! He has a head injury!"

        Lavender eyes stared motionlessly for a moment. Then, his expression hardened, as did his grip on his blade. "Get him out of here!" he yelled, turning to run in the direction the demon went. "Go!"

        "I can't—" they gasped as Giyu pulled forward somewhat, reaching out towards his friend desperately. However, they were far stronger than he was (a pang of fear rippled through their chest as that reality settled in— they were stronger than Giyu, and probably Sabito, too) , and they gripped his injured body tightly, unwilling to let him stumble into danger. "No, we can't leave you!"

        "Get the hell out of here!"

        "N— no—" Giyu gasped, barely conscious or coherent.

        In that moment, it became blatantly clear to them that they had no other choice. They could not leave Giyu vulnerable and chase after Sabito, but they also knew there was no way possible for Giyu to walk on his own, let alone keep up with them. He needed to rest for the remainder of the Selection, not chase after Sabito with them. 

        ...But they could not do those two things at once, and Sabito entrusted Giyu's safety to them . If they could not chase after him, then at the very least, they could fulfill his wishes. They had to protect Giyu.

        With that thought in mind, they hoisted the boy up, situating him on their back before hooking their arms underneath his thighs and dashing away. His sword was forgotten, left behind exactly where he had dropped it in the grass when he was injured. It was the only remaining thing that indicated that their group had ever been there in the first place.

        As they dashed away, they could only hope Sabito knew what he was doing.

                       — flower of the universe !! 🌸

        Bright blues, characteristic of the daytime, danced in the sky, mingling in with wispy clouds.

        "Morning already..." they murmured to themselves, peering down at Giyu's unconscious—but alive, thankfully—body. His head rested comfortably in their lap. It was better than leaving him to sleep on the cold, dirty ground, and it didn't bother them at all. Their brothers tended to sleep on them all the time when they were ill, so letting their injured friend do it was almost like second nature.

        The night passed with no sign of Sabito. In fact, they didn't even hear a single sound all night; it had been eerily still and silent. Then, the seventh day arrived, and there was still no sign of him. The seventh night came and passed in the same manner. When the sun rose on the eighth morning—the day they were to descend the mountain—there was still nothing. Throughout it all, Giyu remained unconscious.

        How they wished that wasn't so. They could not help but wonder how he would process the tragedy when he was informed of it. For now, though, he simply continued to sleep through it all, unaware of what was going on around him.

        Right after they had taken him away from the area in which everything happened, they discovered a river and used it to cleanse his wound, though they had nothing to wrap it in. Something was better than nothing, they supposed; at least it was temporarily cleansed of dirt and debris, thereby lowering the risk of infection.

        With a sigh, they stood up, gingerly moving the boy's wounded head from their lap as they did. He did not even stir.

        ...Was that worrying? God, they hoped he was okay.

        "Up you go, Tomioka," they whispered as they hoisted him up onto their back, much like they had done on the sixth night. "Maybe we'll see Sabito down there..?"

        Something deep down inside of them knew better, but they still clung onto the hope that maybe, just maybe , he was alive and simply could not find them and chose to descend on his own.

        Tears of frustration welled in their eyes, but they were quick to blink them away as they began to walk. Grass, leaves, and sticks crunched and cracked underneath their reluctant steps.

        A person with so much strength... someone like them should have been able to do something. How many times had Gyomei praised their strength? How many times had they trained until their arms felt just about ready to fall off, until blood seeped from their lips, until their ears rang loudly? How well-prepared were they for this event? Hell, how likely was it that anyone else knew Total Concentration Breathing: Constant?

        They were undoubtedly the most ready for the Final Selection.

        So much strength and so much preparation—it was very possible that they were the strongest person on the mountain that week, and yet...

        And yet they were helpless to save Sabito.

         'So much for protecting everyone,' they thought bitterly as they finally arrived at the wisteria tree threshold, stepping carefully down the stairs onto the platform at which everyone had begun. 

        Many pairs of eyes stared at them in anticipation, and they stared back, scanning the crowd.

        "Where's Sabito?"

        Everyone was there. Everyone except for Sabito . Many faces in the crowd fell upon seeing that there was no-one else with them.

        "We were hoping he would have been with one of you, but if you two are here, then..." one murmured.

        "Then, that's everyone except for Sabito."

        "Yeah..."

        "I see," they murmured. "...May he rest in peace. Many of us probably wouldn't be here if not for him."

        Murmurs of downcast agreement rolled across the crowd in waves. Sabito's contribution to the exceedingly high turnout was undeniable; that boy, that just and righteous boy, had saved an outstanding number of people throughout the length of the week.

        For that, everyone was grateful.

        Amane's presence alone hushed everyone almost instantly, though it did very little to ease the somber mood of their fellow Demon Slayers. They walked up to her. They knew that they probably should have waited, but Giyu was still injured. How much longer could they wait before his injury turned for the worst? They were not keen on pushing their luck and finding out.

        "Lady Amane," they greeted, bowing at the waist level despite the weight on their back. They huffed as they straightened out their spine. She met their gaze, concern evident—at least, to them—in her eyes. "He has a head injury. He otherwise performed well, so— so I hope this does not mean that he has failed, but..."

        "I understand. You need not explain to me; every member of the Corps will attain injuries at one point or another, but that does not make them any less valuable of a swordsman," she said, softly cutting them off. With a simple wave of her hand, two Kakushi dashed to her side. Where did they even come from? They decided that it was better not to ask, since it wasn't really a priority to know where those two had magically manifested from. She turned to them. "Take this boy to the nearest Wisteria House for immediate medical treatment."

        "Yes, Lady Amane," the two said in unison. Giyu was removed from their back before they could even process what happened. The Kakushi dashed away with him, leaving them standing there dazed and shocked at how utterly fast they moved under Amane's command.

        She nodded to them. They took that as their sign to return to their place among their peers.

        "Congratulations on surviving," she began. "First, I will take your measurements for your uniforms and have your ranks engraved. There are ten ranks in total—Mizunoto, Mizunoe, Kanoto, Kanoe, Tsuchinoto, Tsuchinoe, Hinoto, Hinoe, Kinoto, and Kinoe. You are currently the lowest rank, Mizunoto. Today, you will choose the ore that will be used to forge your blades." She tugged a cloth off of a nearby large table with a graceful flick of the wrist, revealing various ores on top of it. "The blade itself will take anywhere from ten to fifteen days to complete. Now, we will assign you a Kasugai crow."

        Crows circled above, cawing as they all glided or barreled down towards their respective masters. It must have been dependent on the birds' individual personalities, they thought; hopefully theirs did not end up being one of the more... aggressive crows. Theirs, thankfully, was gentle and delicate in its landing on their outstretched arm. It seemed cautious, wishing not to dig its nails into their skin and bring them harm. Purely white wings fluttered as it landed, tucking into its equally snow white body once it had made itself comfortable. Inquisitive, piercing red eyes stared into theirs.

        "You're pretty," they cooed, steadying their voice as much as they possibly could despite the sense of grief weighing on their chest. With their freehand, they reached up, gingerly stroking the calm crow's feathers. "Fuyuki... How do you feel about that name? Is that okay?"

        The crow merely gave a curt nod of approval.

        "Fuyuki it is, then," they murmured, gently ushering the bird to their shoulder. It obliged, resting on their shoulder rather than their arm. Then, Amane began to speak once more:

        "You may now choose your ores."

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[hinatastinygiant]

13 | 死亡

Pairing: Uzui x Fem!Reader

The Emptiness You Left

UZUI'S P.O.V.

After I leave the four women at the restaurant, I head straight to the headquarters of the demon slayers. I need to figure out where this cult house is so I can put an end to them once and for all. My goal is to meet Kagaya and talk to him about what a good first step could be, but before I get anywhere near him, Rengoku pops out of nowhere and stands right in front of me.

"Hello Uzui," he smiles widely.

"Hey, Rengoku. Sorry, but I'm not really in the mood for chatting right now," I shake my head.

"Aw, why not? I'm sure I could be of some use," he nods.

"Fine, just give me a minute to find Kagaya. Then I'll tell you all about it," I reply.

"Oh, he's not here right now," he informs me. "But I am."

I sigh. I guess there's no getting around this. "What do you know about any demon cults around here?"

"Demon cults? Does this have something to do with Y/N?" he asks me.

"Just tell me what you know," I groan.

"Alright," he says, and then he takes a deep breath before continuing, "There's one not far from your home. It's called Eternal Paradise Faith. Supposedly it was founded by a demon named Doma who can control humans with his words. They have been stealing and selling humans for years, and even using the people's own loved ones against them. Demon slayers have been trying to track down their location for a while now."

"How do you know all of that?" I ask, surprised.

"I've been investigating the cult for awhile," he nods. "Ever since a demon slayer who had family in the cult went missing there's been a team of us looking into it. But it's not a popular case because they don't directly target or go after any demon slayers."

"Y/N came from that place," I tell him. "She said Doma was the one who killed her sister."

"What?" Rengoku's eyes widen.

"Yeah, she also said she has a brother there. And now she's hell-bent on going in and saving him, but I refuse to let her."

"Why not?" he questions.

"Because it's too dangerous," I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "And besides, I'm not sure if I even trust her at the moment. She withheld that information for months. I don't know what else she could be hiding."

Rengoku is quiet for a moment, and then he says, "Well she could be very valuable to the situation. You know, since she's not an official demon slayer she could probably walk right into that place and give us some good intel."

I shake my head. There's no way I could let Y/N do that. "She can't. She wants to be in there. I'd lose control of her the second she goes inside."

"What a weird situation. Why did Y/N leave without her brother if she's so protective over him?" Rengoku then questions aloud.

"Because," I sigh, "I think he has similar values to Y/N. He knows demons are bad, and he wants to fight them. They also have reason to believe their mother went missing in that same place."

"Interesting," he muses. "You should talk both of them into being a demon slayer then," Rengoku laughs.

"No chance in hell," I grumble.

"Hey, maybe Y/N is hiding something else. Maybe she knows more than what she's letting on. Or maybe she just needs someone to talk to. Have you thought about that?"

"Yes," I answer, and Rengoku raises an eyebrow. "I talk to her all the time."

Rengoku rolls his eyes. "I mean really talk to her. Have a real heart-to-heart, and not just about her problems."

"She's never asked for a heart-to-heart," I shake my head.

"Of course not, Uzui," Rengoku sighs, throwing his hands up in the air. "What woman in their right mind is going to go up to a man who asks her to call him her master and tell him all of their feelings?"

"Why wouldn't she?"

"You're hopeless, Uzui," Rengoku shakes his head. "You know, if I was you, I'd go home and talk to her. Find out what's really going on, or maybe try to get some useful information out of her."

"I will take care of that myself," I huff, and then I turn around and begin walking away. "Just let me know when Master Ubuyashiki is back, okay?"

"Got it," Rengoku calls out, and I can feel his eyes on my back.

"Good luck!"

With that, I continue on my way, and head back towards my estate. However, before I get home, I find myself distracted by the shops on the streets.

As I pass by the various stands and stalls, my eyes wander over the trinkets and goods for sale.

"Do you see anything you like?" a merchant calls out, waving me over.

"No thanks," I reply.

"Aw, come on. Take a look," the man insists.

I decide to humor him and make my way over. When I arrive at the stall, the man smiles brightly and holds out a small, silver chain with a single pendant attached to it.

"This is a special item," he says, his grin widening. "It's meant to bring happiness and protection. It's perfect for a new girlfriend or wife."

I stare at the necklace in his hand. It's pretty, but I don't think I need something like that.

"No thanks," I say, and I turn away from him.

"Wait," he calls out. "This necklace will protect your loved ones and bring joy to their lives. It helps dispel temptations from the devil."

"What is it?" I question.

"A talisman," he tells me. "It's supposed to help ward off evil."

"How much?" I ask, curiosity getting the best of me.

"Nineteen hundred yen," the merchant replies.

"That's ridiculous," I shake my head.

"No, no," he laughs, shaking his head. "You don't understand, my friend. You won't find this anywhere else. I could sell it to you for nearly double the price, but I can tell there's someone specific you're trying to keep safe."

"Why do you say that?" I ask.

"You have that look," he explains. "It's the look of a man in love."

"In love?" I scoff, shaking my head. "Of course I am. I have my wives for that. What makes you think I'm in love with someone else?"

"I didn't say you were," the man shrugs. "I just know you're trying to protect a woman from something. That's what the talisman is good for."

"You can read me that well?" I chuckle.

"Like an open book," he smiles.

"And how can you tell all of this?" I question, my interest piqued.

"I'm a salesman," he explains. "I've been doing this for a long time, and I've seen enough faces to know when someone's got their eye on another person."

"Really," I murmur. "Interesting. I'll take the necklace. Can you wrap it up for me?"

"Of course, sir," he bows.

The merchant quickly wraps the necklace up and hands it over to me. As soon as the little package is in my hand, I shove it deep into my pocket and hurry home.

The Emptiness You Left

[l4vend3r-hcs-x]

KNY Headcanon // Tengen was in on the plan:

This is a rough draft for what is going to be a chapter in my KNY Oc insert rewrite called "Have we met before?" to be released... uhhhh EVENTUALLY. This chapter will be called "Nothing Serious" and IS cannon deviant. (slightly)

Another rouge chapter has been released elsewhere on this blog (It's the only other post so far) but I'll link it HERE if you wanna read it; It's a Sanemi // Giyu central one (platonic or romantic to be honest I really do not care what way you look at it x)

DISCLAIMER: Major spoilers for The new season of KNY (Hashira training arc) x

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I Personally think there is no way that Tengen did not know about this plan. To ask him to guard Nezuko wouldn't be something he would have to think twice about - Nezuko and the master both saved him in their own ways at some point in his life, and this was the least he could do to repay the pair of them. But only after he agrees to this is it that he finds out why the master is changing her location so suddenly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Soooo... how come you two called me over so suddenly?" Tengen mused, leaving his satchel at the door as he entered the master's room.

"Nothing too serious..." Ubuyashiki broke off, coughing slightly as Amane readjusted him

"You okay?" Tengen cooed over his shoulder to the master, his wife moving the sheets about him.

"Just a little parched is all," He laughed gently "Pass us some tea would you, Tengen?"

"'Couse, 'Gaya." He smiled warmly as he poured the green liquid into a cup "You want one Amane?"

"Yes, actually. Thank you!" she smiled as Uzui handed her and her husband their drinks

"Don't worry 'bout it." he stopped to take a sip of the tea "This is good! Where'd you get it from?"

"Local venders just down the way actually! Very lovely folks." Kagaya nodded in agreement with his wife, a comfortable silence filling the room.

"So what's the real reason you brought me here, guys..." Tengen softly urged them with a swish of his hand "I know what you're up to with this. If you need a favour, you've only gotta ask...?"

Amane looked to her husband who, feeling her gaze upon him, squeezed her hand as signal to continue.

"There is something we need from you, Tengen." She firmly spoke, shifting the mood of the room to a more formal one as Tengen readjusted his position as he nodded for her to continue

"We plan to adjust Nezuko Kamado's location within the next coming days, and we were wondering if-"

"-I'd take her to my estate?" Tengen finished her sentence

Amane looked surprised Tengen had guessed what they’d need of him? Although she really shouldn’t have been.

“Yeah, ‘course we’ll take her!” He laughed "Not to sound like a snob or anything- but uh... which estate are we talkin' about? Kyoto, the one near here, the one Rei is teaching her course in, the one in Sagamihara-"

"That on. That one will do - Sagamihara, I mean. It's far enough from here, without being too strenuous of a journey"

"Whew!" he whistled "I thought there was gonna be something actually worrying you had to tell me... - But no yeah of course we'll take her! The girls just love her - we’ve gone to see her a few times since this whole thing began.”

“Thank you, Tengen.” The master smiled warmly to his friend, but he opened his mouth hesitantly and Tengen’s face dropped almost immediately, knowing what that look meant.

“Oh god- what’s the catch?” He grimaced, leaning slightly back from where he was sat

"Well, I wouldn't say there's a-" he broke off feeling Tengen's bemused gaze upon him "-Alright yes there's a catch."

Amane continued in his place "You accepting to take Nezuko would also mean you would be taking in one of her carers; former water pillar, Urokodaki-"

"What, Sakonji?! Tengen beamed "Hell yeah he can come with her - he's fantastic company! The mask's a little freaky though, don't you think? -" he levelled with them, swishing a palm facing down hand horizontally before them

"As well as one other person who I do not think you will be too pleased to hear about.."

"What?" Tengen paused, a half hearted laugh escaping him "Tanjiro? I'm- more than happy to have him there too..."

"Tengen...I think you know who I'm rereferring to."

He lowered his tone to a more displeased one, sneering "I'm afraid I don't. mind telling me who?"

He sighed heartily "We need you to also bring Shinjuro Ren-"

"-Absolutely not."

For the first time in his life, Tengen refused the master. It felt wrong, but that request was something he just couldn't fulfil. Tengen has no desire for that man to still be alive, let alone in his immediate vicinity.

"Tengen..."

"Kagaya. You know why I can't do that. You know why. I can't leave Senjuro at my mansion by himself - he'd have to come too and - I really don't want him near the kids, Rei included. I told you what happened when they came to me. I am not putting my-" he paused to clasp his nose bridge "I am not putting those kids in danger..." He averted his angered gaze, frustrated he let that slip

"Tengen, please." Kagaya begged "We need him on site. He, besides Sakonji and yourself, is the only other retired pillar still in action."

"What about the Thunder Hashira? I thought he was still-"

"He won't be able to accompany you." Amane lowered her head as she uttered this, a mournful look on her face "He- died last week... committed suicide.."

"...My god. That's awful... Is there any reason why?"

"One of his students betrayed the corps and became a demon. Specifically a ranked member of the Kizuki." Kagaya spluttered, blood coming to his lips. Tengen mused for a moment, sure that there was something he hadn't considered - Then it hit.

"W-wait. You don't think that he'll-"

"Give way information? Yes actually - I do. That is why we are moving Nezuko in the first place."

"Alright... Wait did this traitor know where the mansion was??" Tengen then began to worry, what would this mean for the master? Muzan could find him-

"We believe so - yes."

"W-what...?" He gasped, raising a hand to tussle his hair anxiously "What're you gonna do?!"

"Stay put." Kagaya shrugged

"Haha.. very funny 'Gaya." Tengen spat "What are you actually gonna-"

"-Stay put. I have no intention of leaving the estate."

Tengen's face became void of colour, heartrate spiking - there was not a hint of insincerity in his tone, not a waver in his expression. He was completely serious??

"What...?" he looked to the master's left at his wife, only to see she was mirroring his expression "Amane. can't you talk come sense into him??"

"Tengen, I'm staying here as well.."

He stumbled back from where he was seated, his evident horror almost wracking his body

"The girls.. what're you- you're planning on leaving them on their own?? The five of them aren't going to be able to keep themselves safe without their parents.."

"Three."

"Fine then the three- wait the three of them? What do you-- no. Kagaya you can't mean-"

Amane's lip quivered slightly "Hinaki and Nichika want to stay. The others are going to - if you'll allow it - accompany you to your estate. You're the only one we trust to look after them given the circumstances-"

"-Master.." a low voice rattled the shoji screens "He is on his way. You can expect him within the next few minutes."

"Thank you, Hiroto.." Amane led her husband's hands to the crow's head as Tengen began firing out a barrage of questions

"Wait wait wait." he put a hand up to his head as he began anxiously pacing the room "Why is it that you want to make the move so suddenly -I mean I understand that there's a sense of urgency to it, but why??" he turned to face the master, waiting the answer he evidently deserved

"We have reason to believe that..." Ubuyashiki hacked up a cough that wracked his frail body "To believe that Muzan is going to infiltrate the estate within the coming week. I had a premonition regarding it yesterday evening, and thus, you were summoned."

"Nothing to serious, huh?" He scoffed "NOTHING SERIOUS? KAGAYA YOU'LL DIE-" he sharply recomposed himself, kneeling before them and taking one of their hands in is, clasping it against the bandaged part of what was left of his arm "You will die if you stay here. Muzan will waste no time rushing in here to kill you if he knows where you are. Do not go out like this, and don't take your girls down with you.."

"Tengen, I don't have long left. We have all known this for months now. We also know Muzan is coming, and we have a plan. We are going to plant explosives under the engawa, and lace them with wisteria from mount Fujikasane - it's the strongest toxicant we have. Once he get's close- we fire it. Crows will have been sent to the Hashira to let them to the estate in time. We-"

Tengen slid his hand away from theirs, tears coming down his face "Don't to this. Please."

"This isn't our choice, Tengen.. It's simply what has to happen. If we want this creature stopped, then we are going to have to do whatever it takes to see our goals fulfilled-" but he was cut off as Tengen drew them close and wrapped his arms around the two of them

"And there's nothing I can do to change your minds..?" he smiled bleakly, salted water dripping to their shoulders

"I'm afraid not, my dear confidant. Not this time.."

"So this is it, huh..?"

"... Yes, Tengen-" his breath hitched "This is our final goodbye.."

The aforementioned rose again, eye welling with tears yet to be shed

"Does anyone else know..?"

"As of this moment, no. However, Gyomei is on his way here now. He will be the only other person besides yourself who ever will.." Amane wiped his eye with a quiet smile.

"Please do not tell the others. They'll only try to stop us from executing the plan, and I wish to limit the burden of secrecy to as few as possible - apologies you made the cut" he laughed half-heartedly

"Of course 'Gaya." Tengen nodded, pulling himself to his feet and heading for the door as Kagaya uttered "Farewell, my friend.."

"Tengen-" Amane piped up "One more thing.."

"Yeah? - oh."

He looked down to see Amane had thrown her arms around him and was clasping him as though he were the only thing keeping her tethered to the earth.

"I always forget how good of a grip you-"

"Thank you. For everything. I am eternally in your debt."

"Amane, it's literally the least I can do after all you've given me and my wives. I will take care of your girls, I swear it."

"Master- he is outside." Hiroto nodded toward the entrance of the estate where the cumbrous stone hashira was being hauled in by two poor Kakushi, rousing a tittering from the the hoary-haired people in the room.

A few moments of silence ensued before Tengen bowed deeply, uttering with a sight tightness "I'll see you at our next meeting. good evening, my masters.." as he rose to slide the shoji door open, he was met with a rather concerned Gyomei, peering down at a Tengen who was clearly crying based on the smiling sob released.

"Are you alright, Tengen?"

"All good, Mei."

"If you say so.." he raised a brow sceptically

Tengen slapped a hand up on Gyomei's shoulder as he brushed past him "Tell Genya I said hi.." he simpered up at his comrade

"Tell your wives I do the same, and for Senjuro too - it's been too long since I last spoke with the lad.."

"He's looking more and more like Kyo every day, I wish you could see it.." he pondered the phenomena sentimentally for a moment before snapping up and strutting off back to his estate; he had to ready his wives for the impromptu travelling the morning would bring

"G'night, Mei.." Tengen saluted as he navigated his way out of that papery labyrinth

"And may a quiet eventide await you as well."

Tengen heard the door open again, followed closely by Gyomei's gravely sound of "Good evening, masters.."

"Good evening, stone hashira." they replied in unison

"What was it you wished to discuss with me?"

"Nothing serious, Gyomei. Nothing serious.."

OKAY IF YOU GOT THIS FAR I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT!! IF YOU'VE GOT ANY TIP OR CREATIVE CRITISCISM FEEL FREE TO LEAVE IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!! XX

[kagakumo]

a study of ... APATHY, the love for everyone, in search of lilies, the messenger, raised as god, inhumanity, the beauty in being human, the fear of death, welcoming death as much as life, craving family.

kimetsu no yaiba DEMON SLAYER multimuse frozen by nami

basic rules!!

this blog is not spoiler free!! i will be tagging all of my threads and posts that have spoilers with "kny spoilers" so just block that if you aren't caught up!!

i am not my muses!! please don't equate the beliefs of my muses to my own :'D

i won't hold back my muses, especially my villains.

you are welcome to injure and kill my muses!! all i ask us that we plot it out!!

formatting wise i use small text and i italicize my dialogue. let me know if you need normal sized text or anything else adjusted c:

nami is a freelance animator actively looking for jobs, so my activity might be spotty!!

i will never rush you for a reply. i will wait forever and a half and even longer!! we all have lives outside of rp and this should be a hobby, not a job! so no stress c: let's have fun and write our silly guys!!

muse list

canon.

doma | upper moon | primary

rui | lower moon | primary

kagaya ubuyashiki | demon slayer corp | primary

aoba hashibiri | botanist | primary

muichiro tokito | hashira | secondary

kokushibo | upper moon | secondary

oc.

silva | sun-eyed demon | primary

[loveoaths]

𝐈 𝐃𝐎𝐍'𝐓 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐆.

indie & selective kny + naruto multi-muse starring  rengoku senjuro and featuring rengoku shinjuro, rengoku ruka, and ubuyashiki kagaya, as well as additional canon and oc muses from naruto and demon slayer: kimetsu no yaiba.  written by lio, he/they, 20+. graphics credit: @kyousei.

core concepts:    the sins of the father as the backbones of their sons, selfish sacrifice, unearned forgiveness, accepting failure, self-destruction as a survival mechanism, degradation of the human spirit, what makes men monsters, and love as the question and the answer.  dark subject matter is present. follow at your own discretion.     no minors.    

𝐈 𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃.

[muse-ruininga]

Muse Page

Italicized muses are genderbent

Other blogs: @muse-fuckery (Main Blog) @mun-fuckery (Self Insert OC)

Rules

Discord:  karmin#9309

BNHA Shouta Aizawa Tomura Shigaraki Nomu Dabi Keigo Takami (Hawks) Jin Bubaigawara (Twice) Kai Chisaki (Overhaul) Pro Hero! Izuku Midoriya/Villain! Izuku Midoriya Pro Hero! Bakugou Katsuki Pro Hero! Eijiro Kirishima

Black Clover Lemiel Silvamillion Clover Klaus Lunettes Finral Roulacase Zora Ideale

BOTW Link Zelda

Boyfriend to Death Rire

Bungo Stray Dogs Atsushi Nakajima Doppo Kunikida Jun'ichirō Tanizaki Osamu Dazai Ranpo Edogawa Akiko Yosano Chūya Nakahara Ryūnosuke Akutagawa Edgar Allan Poe Mark Twain Fyodor Dostoevsky Nathaniel Hawthorne Nikolai Gogol Ōgai Mori

Cells at work! U-1146 Cancer Blood Cell AA2153

Creepy Pasta Jeff the Killer Eyeless Jack

Corpse Party Yuuya Kizami Yoshiki Kishinuma Kou Kibiki

D. Gray Man Yu Kanda Lavi Toraido Tyki Mikk Wisely Kamelot Jasdero Devit

Danganronpa Monokuma  (Human or Regular) Junko Enoshima Celeste Ludenberg Byakuya Togami Chihiro Fujisaki

Demon Slayer Kagaya Ubuyashiki Giyu Tomioka Obanai Iguro Muzan Kibutsuji Hotaru Haganezuka

DDLC MC Monika Natsuki Sayori

Dramatical Murder Aoba Seragaki Noiz Koujaku Clear Mink Virus Trip Mitzuki

Durarara!! Shizuo Heiwajima

Fate Astolfo Emiya Robin Hood Diarmuid Ua Duibhne Bartholomew Roberts Merlin Sasaki Kojiro Henry Jekyll & Hyde Sherlock Holmes

Food Fantasy B-52 Caviar Chocolate Champagne Croissant Sweet Tofu Salty Tofu Bloody Mary Boston Lobster Anzu Ame Fire Crystal Persimmon Cake Junmai Daiginjo Oyster Raindrop Cake Awamori Jinhua Ham Takowasa Pretzel Souffle Century Egg Gyudon Mashed Potatoes Muenchner Weisswurst Red Wine Salt n’ Pepper Shrimp Steak Sukiyaki Tortoise Jelly Zitui Bun Coffee Ginseng Haggis Hibiscus Tea Bingfen Mackerel Ichiyaboshi

Fullmetal Alchemist Ling Yao Edward Elric (end of manga vers only) Greed Greed Ling Envy Roy Mustang Solf J. Kimblee Jean Havoc

Genshin Impact Kaeya Alberich Diluc Ragnvindr Aether Zhongli Childe Kaedehara Kazuha Gorou Thoma Albedo Xiao Arataki Itto Eula Lawrence Hu Tao Jean Gunnhildr Kujou Sara Lisa Minci Rosaria Yanfei Geochanter Pyroslinger Electro potioneers Pyro Potioneers Pyro Fatui Agent

Gravity falls Bill Cipher (Human or Regular)

Haikyuu!! Keishin Ukai Kōshi Sugawara Tetsurō Kuroo Tōru Oikawa

Hatoful Boyfriend Shuu Iwamine

Hazbin Hotel/Helluva Boss Alastor Angel Dust Blitzo Stolas Valentino Robo Fizz Striker Fizzarolli Asmodeus

Hetalia Italy Japan America Russia Austria

Homestuck Gamzee Makara

How NOT to Summon a Demon Lord Diablo

How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom Kazuya Souma

Hunter x Hunter Illumi Zoldyck Hisoka Shalnark Chrollo Lucilfer Kurapika Kite Feitan Portor

Jujutsu Kaisen Satoru Gojo Mahito Pseudo-Geto

Mario Prince Peach

Marvel Peter Parker

Mystic Messenger Zen Jumin Han 707 V Ray

Nekopara Catboys Paradise Laurier Fennel Sage Dill

No Game No Life Sora

Obey Me Mammon Leviathan Asmodeus Beelzebub Belphegor Satan Lucifer Simeon

Persona Akira Kurusu Yuuki Mishima Ann Takamaki Haru Okumura Makoto Nijima Tae Takemi Yu Narukami Yosuke Hanamura Kanji Tatsumi Tohru Adachi Naoto Shirogane

That Time I Got Reincarnated As A Slime Rimuru Tempest Souei Benimaru Diablo Guy Crimson Leon Cromwell

Tokyo Mew Mew ole! Aoi Shibuya

Undertale Mettaton W.D. Gaster Nabstablook (Human or Regular) Mad Dummy (Human or Regular) Jevil

Yandere Simulator Yandere-kun Nemisis-kun Hana Yamamoto Amao Odayaka Kizano Sunobu Oko Ruto Mujo Kina Mido Rana Megamo Saikou Info-Kun Taro Yamada

Yarichin Bitch Club Itsuki Shikatani Koshiro Itome Kyousuke Yaguchi Keiichi Akemi Ayato Yuri Toru Fujisaki Yui Tamura

Other Slimes Tentacle Monster

Ocs Ace Jax Cyan Grey Gayle Kasei Kaede

[findroleplay]

18+ Roleplay Partner Search

Hey, y'all! I am reposting since the other post didn't get much traction or I forgot to put the age bracket for what we were interested in attracting and it was never posted. Hello! I am a 30+ admin seeking fellow 18+ rpers! Our group of fellow muns ranging in ages from 18-40+ is currently searching for more rp candidates for our KNY-Demon Slayer RP servers we own; we currently have four at the moment.

There will be spicy role play, not just by itself, but as a part of the storyline and there can be a little or a lot given the circumstances.

There will also be combat roleplay based on whatever situation may arise that requires it based on the storyline as well.

These are not permission-to-kill rooms, though.

We see the following muses:

Susamaru

Muzan Kibitsuji

Kagaya Ubuyashiki (and any of his family)

Yoriichi Tsugikuni 

Tamayo

Yushiro

Yahaba

Nakime

Gyokko

Kyogai

All characters, big or small, from the fandom will be considered even if they are not listed.

Well structured OCS may be considered college students as well

Discord only, via Tupper or pluralkit

All sexual orientations and pairings are welcomed.

Realistic timeframes for responding to rps are upheld. All rpers in the discord servers are all adults with lives and goings-ons and real life will always trump rping. We also love to make friends, too!

Please interact with this post and I will reach out to you by DM for more information on how to join us!

-

[aidemint]

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞 - 𝐆𝐢𝐲𝐮𝐮 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐤𝐚

Word Count: 1725

Warnings: None!

__

It wasn't natural for me to wake up late. No matter what time I went to sleep, I'd always awaken at the same time every single day. I didn't know why, but it was never when the sun fully came out. There were times when my eyes would flutter open and be welcomed by rays of light peeking out from over the horizon. Maybe there was something wrong with me.

Nevertheless, it didn't hinder my job at the estate. I was assigned to tend to the gardens, to keep everything tidy. It was nice being so close to Ubuyashiki and his family, as they were such lovely people. Gave me everything I needed and more, and were always so kind to me. I had a soft spot for them deep inside my heart, a smile never dropping from my expression when they were around.

Instead of being in a servant-master relationship, the head of the house and I became friends and called each other by our first names. When the pillars first heard us being so buddy-buddy, I nearly got killed, the Wind Pillar threatening to slice my head off right then and there. Needless to say, everyone was pissed until Ubuyashiki cleared everything up. It had been a long time since then, and I'm thankful to say that everyone grew accustomed to us being so close.

Softly laughing at the memories, I brushed the dirt off of my apron, finally ready for the day. Going outside, I sighed dreamily at the big ball of light rising over the horizon. Stopping and staring at it for a little bit, I was joined by another party, who had also been awake.

"Kagaya," I said, gingerly clasping my hands together, "You can feel the warmth, can you?" The blind man nodded, eyes gently closing from a smile. Letting out a breath, I beamed along with him, unable to not enjoy the beautiful moment. As the swallows chirped on the trees, my eyes sparkled, filled with the reflection of the scenery before me.

"I'm eternally grateful for you, you know?" I spoke again, glancing at Ubuyashiki, "It's an honor to serve you." The host finally let out a small chuckle, resting a hand on my shoulder.

"(Y/N), it's not often I find such a good companion to take care of my house. You ask for so little, it's astounding to me how humble you are." A little twinge tugged at my heartstrings as I stood there for a moment, soaking in the goodness of the sunlight, all the while accompanied by my dearest friend.

"Thank you." Noticing how far up the sun was already, I tensed my shoulder, a sign for Kagaya's hand to leave it. He noticed, and lifted his hand, allowing for me to bow slightly and say my farewells.

"Please don't hurt yourself while walking. I wish I could talk to you for longer, but I'm afraid I must tend to the flowers. I'll be sure to catch up in the afternoon." Turning on my heel, I prepared to make an exit, but before I could leave, the head of the house mentioned something.

"Sunrises bring the most wonderful surprises." I was confused by the curious glint in his eye, but nodded anyways, continuing to move. He waved goodbye to me and I hurried off to my next task, grabbing a pail of water on my way out. Sliding open the back door, I heard a distant grunting, a sound not normally apparent in the early hours of the morning. Curious, I went to investigate. The closer I got, the more I realized how close the person was to the flowers I needed to water.

Walking smoothly, I made my way around the courtyard, peeking at the figure who was making those noises. My grip on the bucket tightened, careful not to spill anything. He was right next to the bushel, but didn't scratch any of the flowers or leaves. And of course, his shirt was off. Of course. Not that I minded, as he was my fiance, but it wasn't something you should see so blatantly in the early hours.

Really? Right in front of my flowers?

I pressed my lips together in a thin, firm line and tried to cut in front of the Pillar, but to no avail, as he turned and almost hit me with his wooden sword. My eye twitched, but that was it. I simply brushed the stick aside and gave a smile.

"It's awfully early in the morning, Giyuu, what are you doing up at such a time?" He was breathing heavily, so much so that I thought I had to douse him in the bucket of water I had. It took him a second to respond to my question, as he'd been worn out. Must've been training at least a couple of hours.

"I couldn't sleep," he huffed, trying to keep his voice steady, "So I'm here." Simply put, but I suppose it did the job. I nodded and gave him a small kiss on the cheek, but recoiled at the salty taste, scrunching up my nose in dissatisfaction. I swear I heard him cough at my reaction.

"Anyways," I quipped, breaking the awkwardness, "I need to water the flowers. It'll only take a second, then I'm out of your hair." Tomioka moved so I could sprinkle the liquid onto the plants, humming a small song while doing so. I looked closely at the petals of the small, white buds blooming out of the foliage and nodded, happy that they were growing quickly. Soon, they'd bloom into beautiful blossoms that matched Kagaya's wife's hair color.

Once the bucket was empty, and I shook all the remaining water out, I puffed my chest, proud that I'd raised these plants on my own. I was about to turn around when I felt two arms wrap around me. Cringing at the thought of the sweat coating my clothing, I wriggled my way out of Giyuu's embrace and furrowed my eyebrows, angrily spouting complaints.

"You're gonna make my uniform dirty!" The ravenette, upon hearing this, quickly grabbed a towel, wiped himself off, and nearly tackled me in another hug from behind. I sighed at his clingy habits, but allowed myself to giggle at his behavior. Tomioka was rather adorable when he was like this, all soft and reckless. It was a side of him I never got to see often, but when I did it was in the confines of our own privacy.

All the Pillars knew we were engaged, but some of them had asked multiple times, as we didn't quite look the part -- both of us were pretty busy people. I remember laughing with him whenever it happened. His grip tightened on me, bringing me back into reality.

The feeling of Giyuu's chin resting on the crook of my neck wasn't a familiar feeling, but it was comforting, nevertheless. His breath fanned against my skin, bringing heat to my cold neck. I shivered and patted his head, allowing for us to stay like this for a little while.

"The sun is radiant today," the ravenette murmured, eyes flickering up to the star, almost halfway revealed on the skyline, "Just like you." Stammering, I knocked on his head a few times, feeling a blush seep into my cheeks. I pouted, caught off-guard at the suddenly sweet words.

"Is it not pleasurable to the ears?" Giyuu asked after seeing my response, "Should I not say such compliments anymore?" Almost immediately, I jumped to reply, hurriedly pushing away the thought of saying yes.

"No! I wanna keep hearing them! I like it when you say it!" I shouted, wheeling around, flames of passion dancing in my irises, "I like you! When you say it! Everything!" Breathlessly, it only took a couple of moments for my fiance to act. His lips captured mine and his hand was meticulously placed on the bottom of my chin. With widening eyes, I didn't have time to kiss back before it ended, the confused eyes of Tomioka gazing into mine.

"I heard somewhere that people like romantic stuff like this," he mused, his position held still, "Around towns where a lot of couples are, I manage to pick up gossip like this when I'm out hunting." I couldn't take it anymore, the surprising sweetness that he displayed. I turned around, snatched both of his cheeks in my palms and kissed him hard under the sunrise.

The glow of the sun illuminated the treetops and sent shimmers of light darting through gaps in the trees in speckled patches at our feet. The sky was streaked with the evening colors, pink and yellow dusting the white clouds. A faint blue and orange mixed together, the hue at dawn a marvelous sight to see. It was paradise.

Giyuu took his arms and wrapped them around my waist, pressing back delicately. The lip-lock lasted for longer this time, fortunately, and once we parted, one of those rare smiles came about my fiance's face. Admiring it with a twinkle in my eye, I ran my thumb over his lips and pecked the tip of his nose.

Finally, he laughed and twirled me around, the wind brushing at my hair and ruffling my uniform. I was so filled with adoration I couldn't help but beam through it all. This man really had my heart on a silver platter.

Calming down from the high, Tomioka let go of my waist and I readjusted the quirks to my simple uniform.

"We'd better get back to work," I murmured shyly, picking up the bucket that had fell, "I have a lot of things to do, and you need to continue your training." The ravenette nodded, and before I could leave, he cupped my cheek in his hand and gave one last affectionate glance.

There were no words exchanged, but I knew from his gaze what he meant. His eyes were soft, the tension completely gone. As much as I wanted to keep staring into them, I knew we had to leave each other -- we would live. I squeezed his hand once and let go, parting ways to do our separate duties.

Feeling more joyful than ever, I scurried along, eagerly rushing to the next task, so I could complete it and see Giyuu sooner.

[rareship-kny-2020]

KnY Rareship Week Day 2: Chained

Kagome, kagome,

The bird in the cage

When, oh, when will you come out?

In the evening of the dawn, the crane and turtle slipped.

Who stands right behind you now?

Ubuyashiki Kagaya learned the most important lessons of his life at his mother’s knees, eyes solemn in the way children often are when troubled.

Age three and he knew two truths:

He will die before he reaches thirty because of his family curse.

He must do everything in his power to destroy the man…no, monster…that is named Kibutsuji Muzan.

Life was simple, Kagaya was the perfect son, dutiful and quiet. His parents’ only heir. Their pride and joy. Though in his family, joy was a precious commodity.

What is there to be joyful about when death hangs over every window, blocking out the sun? Is there joy in the beauty of the wisteria, when it is better loved by the Demon Slayer Corps for its lethality against demons?

He must strive to be better. To protect the Demon Slayers when he can not physically fight alongside them.

Age four and he sees the half-eaten corpse of a dear friend, the first time he had seen death. It will not be his last.

This, will be inherited by you, Kaga-chan, his mother had said in that soft way of hers. Soft, yes, but dangerous like a hidden knife delicately tucked into kimono sleeves.

This is our legacy. Never forget. And never forgive. Kibutsuji Muzan will fall by the hands of those he has wronged.

It is difficult, he thinks, holding back tears at the funeral, watching yet another grave marker be erected in the cemetery, to not give in to despair.

A man, weakened and frail from a curse, against a monster more terrifying than the nightmares of his family’s demise. Who is to say he will win?

At five, Kagaya realizes that he only has two short decades of life, unlike the demons who have eternity unless slain.

What is life? What purpose is there to continue living?

His mother takes his hands into her dainty ones and smiles, vicious, leaning in close as if she were sharing a secret,

Live in the moment for life is fleeting. Honor the ones that came before you. Pass your hopes and blessings to the ones that come after.

Yes, perhaps he will die. Maybe alone, despised and hunted down. Or maybe it will be peaceful, surrounded by the ones he loves most. It does not matter. He has a purpose now. His family’s curse might chain him down, but he has not given up. Not yet.

If he can not live, then he will die with grace. Kibutsuji might be immortal, but emotions are forever. What is one demon against the sea of victims he leaves behind, rising in a tsunami that will swallow him whole someday? The clock is ticking and Kibutsuji’s days are running out.

It is a comfort that he is not the only one who is waiting to die, Kagaya muses, Kibutsuji simply does not know it yet.

Eight, and his father passes away. Kagaya stares at his father’s body before it is taken away from him forever to be interred beneath the ground,

Is that what I will become?

His mother, his beautiful tenacious mother, nearly buckles under her grief of losing her husband. She takes the reins of the household, but Kagaya knows it is only a matter of time.

Would it not be nice, if I could go back? If only happiness were forever.

His mother dies when he is ten. The funeral is small and he does not cry. She would not have wanted him to cry.

Be strong, Kaga-chan. Avenge us.

Kagaya takes over the Demon Slayer corps like he was always supposed to. He does not falter in directing missions. Every death gives him one more reason to bring that monster down. He makes sure to commit every face and name to memory.

We never die, Kaga-chan, as long as we remain in the memory of the living. Let Kibutsuji die a dog’s death, he will never live forever.

Thirteen and he is brought before a girl. Amane, her name is Amane. The priest would rather marry them before the week ends but Kagaya refuses. She is her own person, let her be the judge of their marriage. He would not keep someone who would rather not be by his side.

My role is a dismal one, Amane-san, it would be unfair of me to burden you.

Then she smiles, all poison and pretty words,

Are you doubting me, Ubuyashiki-kun?

She reminds Kagaya of his mother with the way she smiles. He reciprocates her gesture wistfully, remembering happier times.

They are married by the end of the week, as the priest had wished. Amane becomes his constant companion, silent and watchful. They do not need words to understand each other.

They stand and watch the death count climb higher together.

They bury their fallen comrades together.

Is it selfish of me, he asks her laughingly when he first holds Hinaki and Nichika in his arms, to wish that we can all stay together forever?

Amane only smiles the way she always does, slipping her hand into his.

Despite the grief, moments like these are the ones he lives for. For his children, all of them, both blood and by creed. He can only hope that the choices he makes are making a difference. The Slayers give him their utmost respect and trust. He will not let them down.

A few more years and he holds his son in his arms.

Kiriya, he whispers in the newborn’s ear, our family legacy, this curse, now falls on to you.

He has faith in his son. Kiriya will continue after him. And if Kiriya does not succeed, then his grandchildren. Life is short. But thoughts, hopes, and dreams are eternal.

Kagaya hands his son to Amane. She gives him a knowing look but does not comment.

Hinaki and Nichika both clamor to see their little brother and he smiles gently at them, soothing their excitement.

How he wishes he did not have to leave his children to suffer.

My time is running short…less than a decade left.

When his two youngest daughters, Kanata and Kuina, are born, he does nothing more than press kisses lightly on their brows. Amane worries for him, he knows, but he is content with his lot in life. Kagaya only needs to look around him at his gathered children to know that his life was worth living.

Five more years.

His curse worsens, creeping through his body and down his face. Kagaya knows he worries his family, the Hashiras often remind him to rest. But he can no longer afford to. There a plans to make, mission reports to read, and many more missions to draft.

His children make him proud.

Kagaya receives a missive from the former Water Hashira, intuition spiking.

Be careful, Tanjiro, Nezuko. I entrust the future to you.

And when his time finally comes, Kagaya smiles.

It is ironic, that when my eldest daughters were first born, I told Amane I wished we could stay together forever.

Hinaki and Nichika play in the courtyard, ignoring the monster that stalks the path to their home.

My family, I am sorry.

Amane holds his hand, squeezing. She raises him to an upright position, supporting him like she always has ever since the day they married.

I know, her eyes seemed to say, I know and I forgive you.

Kibutsuji mocks him for his weaknesses, his frailness.

At death’s door, the monster’s sneer clearly states, how pitiful.

Kagaya only smiles.

You will never grasp eternity.

And he closes his eyes, content that Amane and his eldest daughters are by his side to the very end.

The future I leave to you, my children. This is our legacy. Kibutsuji Muzan will fall by the hands of those he has wronged.

Then his home is rocked by the explosion. He can only hope that his children will rise from the rubble, blades sharp and wits sharper.

Avenge us.

[calamxty-a]

@tsukkiakarii​ //   send ‘+ {your muse’s name}’ and I’ll write a short thingy between my muse and yours!

‘+ {any au or plot for these two plsssss}’

It’s the end. Kagaya Ubuyashiki is gone--it’s all gone, every bit of it, and it’s all because of him. His carefully laid plans. He honestly doesn’t know how he’s lived this long--managing, just barely to scrape by on scraps of air, that beautiful, beautiful thing that humans needed.

If he were any weaker, he would have become a demon.

He can still feel Ubuyashiki’s hands on him, his hands on his neck as the demon tried to kill him--he can still see the fury on his Hashira’s face’s as they swarmed him, as their swords came together as one. It’s even worse when one of them checks him over and labels him as dead. Can’t they see? Can’t they see that he’s still there? Just barely clinging to life?

But he can’t do anything--his vision is gone and his lungs can’t bear to take another breath. He slips under, gratefully. Perhaps, he thinks, this pain will be gone at last.

He awakes to the worst pain he’s ever felt, the insides of his lungs feeling like they’re on fire--he can’t scream, he can’t breathe, he can’t do anything but twitch on the ground, seemingly forgotten. They’re probably still in the infinity castle, fighting for their lives.

He can’t tell what day it is, or how long he was out--all he knows is that his home is destroyed. All he knows is that he’s alone, all he knows is pain.

He manages to drag himself to part of his home that wasn’t destroyed and somehow clean the blood off him. He catches his reflection in one of the mirrors--he looks like a corpse. So pale, except for the harsh outline of a hand around his throat.

Fitting.

The days pass--they must have teleported somewhere else with the castle-- and then finally, he hears rustling, voices. He knows that if his plan didn’t work, those outside would be demons--so he takes one of the nichirin blades that he’s wanted so badly to use in the past and hefts it up.

He wheezes as the voices come closer. He probably wouldn’t even be able to slash the sword with enough force to slice anything, much less a demon.

Is that--

“Michi--katsu.”

“Yo-riichi-”

His voice is raspy, and the sword drops from his hands as he’s hugged. His arms curl around both of them at once and he allows himself to slump into them. “It’s over.”

“It’s over--”

The tears well in his eyes and drip down his face, down into their hair, but he doesn’t care. “You’re bo-th alive.. I.. worried..”

Though, these aren’t tears of sadness. Relief, happiness. 

His eyes settle on Michikatsu, and then Yoriichi.  “Human,” he murmurs. “You’re human again.”

And then,  “I’m so happy..”

[mindsmelded]

@0-stormy-muses-0​ said: headcanon + favorite food = ALL THE MUSES! || muse headcanons → accepting

      ah shit, here we go

inosuke hashibira: tempura!

genya shinazugawa: not a favorite food, but loves tea, especially sweet tea mitsuri offered him once!

tengen uzui: doesn’t necessarily have a favorite, but enjoys mitsuri’s pancakes!

kagaya ubuyashiki: no preference! secretly a fan of matcha cookies! 

calculester: can’t eat, though they find the smell of apple pie to be quite enjoyable!

brian yu: a good burger (extra rare) ;^)

snom: any warm food, of course curry

moomin: his mothers homemade fruit jam!

bastion: can’t eat, likes to make birdfeed for ganymede!

[findroleplay]

Hey, y'all! I am reposting since the other post didn't get much traction and I forgot to put the age bracket the rooms were interested in attracting. Hello! I am a admin seeking 18+ rpers! Our group fellow muns are currently searching for more rp candidates for our KNY-Demon Slayer RP servers we own; we currently have four at the moment.

They will contain spicy role play not just by itself but as a part of storyline and there can be a little or alot given the circumstances. There will also be combat role play as well based on whatever situation may arise. This is not a permission to kill room, though.

We see the following muses:

Obanai Iguro

Susamaru

Muzan Kibitsuji

Kagaya Ubuyashiki (and any of his family)

Yoriichi Tsugikuni 

Tamayo

Yushiro

Yahaba

Nakime

Gyokko

Kyogai

Well structured OCS may be considered college students as well

Discord only, via Tupper or pluralkit

No additional ocs for now thank you

All sexual orientations and pairings are welcomed.

We do have a realistic timeframe for responding to rps. All rpers in the discord are all adults with lives and goings ons and do not appreciate being spammed. I also love to make friends, too!

Please interact with this post and I will reach out to you by DM for more information on how to join us!

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