Chapter 1: Chapter One.
Chapter Text
Screams echoed through the trees as Kaiya weaved in and out of the trees that she passed. Her feet were quick as her hand rested on her star-shaped tsuba while her dark blue haori flew in the wind. Chika, Kaiya’s Kasugai Crow, flew above her. “Demon attack in the north village of Kiso!” Chika’s voice hollered as she led her owner through the trees. The eighteen-year-old kept up; she was able to keep up with her crow. The two were inseparable; Chika was always at her master’s side or at least somewhere near. She didn’t want to get her feathers ruffled during battles.
Chika’s voice is all Kaiya could hear as she kept running.
“Demon attack in the north village of Kiso! Fellow slayers are in battle!”
Another crow chimed in, causing Chika to add to her cries.
The moon lit up the sky, bright as the dream breather found herself on the dirt path of the village. Buildings were destroyed, walls were riddled with holes, and people were running scared for their lives. She could hear the panic of their screams as they rushed into buildings to hide or simply rushed out of their homes. Her dark eyes kept scanning around, taking in everything she could see with her naked eyes. That’s when she took notice of the dead bodies lying around the floor, pale and glazed over eyes. Some had been missing limbs or had been ripped in half.
Over the past two years, Kaiya had become numb to the sight of dead bodies. She didn’t have the urge to vomit anymore; she just kept her eyes forward.
“Young slayers are injured down this way! Hashira have been informed and are on their way!” Chika added on, landing on a building near Kaiya before flying towards the injured slayers.
The woman nodded her head, following her crow towards the scene.
I cannot stand these fucking demons, Kaiya thought to herself as her feet kept moving. None of these civilians deserved to die like this.
“I didn’t sign up for this!” A voice squeaked loudly. “There are three of them!”
As she grew closer, she noticed a fellow slayer, but he looked so young. The fear in his eyes as he held onto his sword handle with such a tight grip that his knuckles were turning white. He caught sight of the femme, and relief washed over his facial features. “He is inside!” He pointed at the door.
“If you’re not going to fight, then get out of here,” Kaiya said in a low tone, her fingers clicking up her tsuba, freeing her sword from its sheath. The boy took notice that her sword didn’t look like his. It was different. It was unlike his. The slayer before him had a modified sword; it had a needle-like tip, but the rest looked similar to his own. It was sharp. His eyes scanned over her facial features, and her brows furrowed together as he stared at her.
“Earth to you,” she reached over to smack the back of his head. He dropped his sword, but Kaiya could hear hard stomping coming towards them. Without a second thought, Kaiya lifted her sword and spun on her foot, kicking out her right foot to kick the boy away while she swung her sword.
She came face-to-face with one of the demons. He was taller than the five-foot woman; he gritted his razor-sharp teeth at her, blood dripping from his mouth. His reddish pupils widened at the sight of the girl who held him at bay. “Why, why, we got ourselves a tiny slayer here!” He chuckled darkly. “You silly girl, you think you can take my brothers and I?” He wasn’t looking for an answer, nor was she going to give him one.
The boy rushed over to grab his sword. He swallowed hard before lifting his sword, grabbing the demon’s attention. Some of his weight was lifted from Kaiya’s sword, allowing her to jump back a few feet.
“Water Breathing, First Form - Water Sur-” He started to say, but one blink and he was tossed back into a wall.
“No one cares about your stupid forms!” The demon growled at him.
Kaiya readjusted her grip on her handle. “Why fight someone weaker than you when I’m right here?” She called out, trying to grab his attention from the younger boy.
The demon turned back to her, his brow arched up quickly. “You think you’re on the same level as me? Tiny pathetic little girl, we’ll squash you like a tiny little bug!” He pointed his dirty finger at her.
Rolling her dark green eyes, Kaiya let out a small yawn. “This conversation is getting boring. Don’t you demons ever come up with something original?” She huffed out, and her bangs flew up with the puff of air. The number of demons who made fun of her size was out of this world with the numbers. Shifting her sword, she took her stance before pushing forward on her feet. “Dream Breathing, Third Form - Constant Drift.” Her hands swung up her sword before bringing it down, slicing it down on the demon’s chest. The holes in his shirt became larger, and he was taken aback when he saw a slice on his skin, but he still had his head. Her sword sliced his skin near his neck.
“Is that all you got, little girl? What is your name?”
"Don’t worry about my name, you won’t be needing it where you’re going,” Kaiya snapped back quickly.
“Would you like to bet?” He tilted his head, and a sly grin crept onto his facial features.
The woman arched her brow upwards at his question; he wanted to bet on her killing him? She pressed her lips together in a fake smile. He didn’t want her to think about it; he wanted to kill her. He wanted her dead and to be eaten. Women always tasted more delicious than men did. He didn’t have time for this silly bet or games.
“Too slow, little rabbit,” he growled as he lunged for her.
“Dream Breathing, Seventh Form - Endless Nights,” Kaiya took in a deep breath, placing one foot forward, getting into her stance before pushing off her foot and aiming her sword swiftly at him. His feet jumped back, but with her zig-zag motions, he couldn’t keep up with her. He lost sight of her. The demon blinked, and the slayer was gone from his sight. “Where the hell did -” He stopped talking as he felt something stabbing him in the chest, right in his heart. His big, red eyes stared down at his chest, where the slayer’s sword had impaled him.
“Wha-” He couldn’t even speak. He watched as she tightened her grip and yanked out her sword from his body. He didn’t even see her; she was quick. “A Hashira?!” He gasped out.
Kaiya flicked the blood from her sword as he started to swell from his chest. The poison was working through his bloodstream, rapidly spreading throughout his body.
“But you didn’t behead me?!” He yelled out, holding onto his chest. “What the hell did you do to me?”
“Westeria poison,” she simply said, stepping back a few steps as he reached out for her, but the poison had finally stopped him altogether, causing his body to fall and start to disintegrate under the moonlight. “I can do both, but this seemed easier,” she hummed.
Her sharp eyes found the other slayer as he stood there, clutching onto his sword with all of his might. “Are you a Hashira?” He questioned her, putting his sword away as she did. Kaiya shook her head at his words. “No.” She pushed her bangs from her face.
“There are now two demons,” he told her lowly. “We should go find them.” He told her with a small nod, but she didn’t say anything else, and nodded her head. She allowed him to lead her through the dirt streets until they found two demons, who were feasting on a family. Her eyes scanned the area, seeing the movement of a small body under a pile of blankets. A child was hiding for its life. She tugged back the boy from his uniform top before he made himself known.
He stared back at her, eyes wide in confusion. “What did you do that for?” He hissed out.
“Oh, now you’re brave?” She shot back, her brow arched upwards.
He started to stutter. “Y-yes!” He lied weakly through his chattering teeth.
Kaiya rolled her eyes at his words, but he kept going. “I am not scared!” His voice echoed off the walls. Her eyes glared at him, and he caught the attention of both demons with his loudness. “Nice fucking going,” she hissed, smacking him on the back of the head. This is why I work alone, she thought to herself. He is only going to get in her way.
Within a blink, two demons appeared on either side of them. One was larger than the other two; he was taller and broader. He must be the one who eats the most demons. His large hands lifted a barrel, tossing it into the building on the other side with a laugh. “What do we have here! More slayers to eat?”
“Eat?” Squeaked the boy, tears filled his eyes, and he fell onto his knees in horror.
“Of course, we’re going to eat you, but she comes with us!” The other pointed at Kaiya.
“Take her!” the boy cried, scrambling onto his feet, leaving his sword and a cloud of dust in his wake as his feet took him as far as he could run.
The woman’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull as he left her quickly. Damn it, she cursed to herself in her mind before flicking out her sword and running away from the demons. She wasn’t running away, but she needed a good reset. The two laughed loudly as they watched her run in the opposite direction.
“Run, little girl!”
“We’re coming after you!”
They started the chase, but Kaiya turned as they began to chase her. Taking both by surprise as she rushed back towards them, lifting her sword towards them. “Dream Breathing, Second Form - Alluring Haze,” she was quick on her feet, slashing down her sword on the demon’s face towards her right, and cutting his eyes.
He let out a loud howl of cries, stumbling back into a wall. He swung with one arm as the other held onto his eyes. The poison was slowing down his healing process, and it wasn’t a vital area to kill him.
Kaiya lifted her sword, turning to face the other one. “I’ll kill you both like I killed your brother,” she vowed.
“A tiny girl like you? There is no way that you took down our brother, Yuto!” He huffed out, taking one step closer to her, causing Kaiya to take a step backward.
“Yuto was brainless to not kill you right on the spot,” the other one grabbed her by her waist. Her eyes widened as she felt her body being lifted off the ground. “But we’ll be able to make it happen.” He growled in her ear, and she could feel his body pressed up against her back. Her eyes closed with disgust.
“Wait now!” The other one huffed, gripping her sword in her hands, and tossed it to the side. “Why the hell should you just get to eat her?” He reached out for her, but she was tossed over the demon’s shoulder. She grunted, feeling her stomach roughly land on his bony shoulder. Her hands pushed and braced themselves on his sweaty, bloody back, then attempted to force herself out of his grip, but he only held on tighter to her with his arm.
“Get that brat who ran away! I am eating this one after she slashed me in the eyes!”
“She looks a lot more plump than that damn brat.”
They could not be serious right now.
Why the fuck are they fighting about eating me?
“No one is going to be eating me!” Kaiya yelled out, hitting his back with her fist and kicking her legs on his stomach.
“Hey!” The one holding her growled out, gripping the middle of her dark blue haori and her uniform, pulling her back to face to face with him. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? You know that you're not going to win this one, pretty rabbit. We’ll just split you right down the middle and eat you. How does that sound?”
“Help has arrived, help has arrived!” Chika cried out loud, circling before disappearing into a tree.
Both demons froze in their spots. “A Hashira!?” He instantly tossed the woman aside roughly into a wall. Kaiya’s shoulder hit the wall first, her eyes darted around, but all she could see was a striped black and white haori passing by her.
“Serpent Breathing, Fifth Form - Slithering Serpent,” a man’s voice came from the side.
Kaiya couldn’t catch a glimpse of his face, but she saw both of the demon’s heads roll onto the floor. She pushed herself up with her hands but lost her balance, falling back down onto her bottom. “Damn, that hurt this time,” she groaned, stretching out her back before trying to get up once more. With her head hanging low, she dusted off her torn skirt, top, and haori.
“Next time, I won’t be here to save you.” A voice came from the side of her.
She lifted her head, turning to face the voice that was speaking to her. She had heard stories of The Serpent Hashira, how cruel he could be to younger slayers and ranks. But even when he was at her master’s mansion, the Butterfly Mansion, their paths never once crossed. She would easily remember his two-toned eyes, which is what caught her attention first. Kaiya couldn’t find her voice as she felt his eyes stare into hers, and her cheeks grew a light shade of pink. Kaburamaru slithered closer to her, which caught her by surprise. She heard the stories of his snake, hissing at slayers, but mostly female slayers who got too close. He wasn’t hissing at her; he just blinked at her a few times and watched her reactions.
I haven’t felt my heart pound like this in a long time. Her mind started to race.
Obanai shifted slightly in his spot, his eyes staring at her facial features as she was focused on Kaburamaru. This is the girl I’ve heard before but never saw. There had been times when he’d only heard her voice, her laughter from somewhere in the Butterfly Mansion. Her dark eyes reminded him of Mitsuri’s, maybe because they were a different shade of green, a darker shade of green, but his eyes wandered over her hair; it still fell perfectly around her face even after being flown into a wall. She doesn’t have a butterfly clip, but she has this blue bow. His hands stayed inside his haori, clutching his hands together. His snake instantly picked up on his nerves. He hissed at Kaiya, causing her to jump back away from him.
“My apologies,” she finally said.
Oh, she has a calming voice.
“Thank you, Iguro-San, for saving me. Usually, I’m a lot better at not getting trapped by these demons, but this one slipped from my fingers,” she held up her hands before giving him a deep bow. “My crow said there were more slayers who were injured.”
“The Kakushi should be on their way to help aid them,” he said flatly, looking around at the damage. “Did you kill the third one?” He asked her.
Kaiya gave him a small nod of her head. “I did.”
She doesn’t look like she could behead a demon. She doesn’t seem… Bad. She looks… Kind. My heart hasn’t felt like this since I met Mitsuri… She is the only woman I cared about, but something about this woman…
His eyes watched her as she moved around him to pick up her sword from the floor. He noticed her crow flew down to rest on her shoulder. “There you are, Chika,” she beamed happily, petting her with her free hand after putting her sword away in its sheath. “Trying to keep your feathers intact this mission, hm?”
“Suzuki-San has defeated fifty demons as a Kinoe-ranked slayer!” The crow chirped out proudly. “You will report to Master Ubuyashiki’s Mission in the morning,” she nodded her head. “I shall have the honor to lead you to your very first meeting with the master! If you accept, then you’ll become The Dream Hashira!”
His eyes watched as her face fell slightly, and her small smile faded quickly at the news. She swallowed hard, nodding her head hesitantly at the crow’s words. This isn’t what she wanted; she didn’t want to become a Hashira. Many slayers wanted to walk the ranks of Iguro-San and the others, but Kaiya just wanted to save people. Her dark green eyes stared down at her hands while her mind was racing into a million different directions.
She rose up to Kinoe rank a few months back, but she practiced, she trained days even when she was exhausted from battling the night before. She managed to make it this far. She was alive, and she couldn’t believe it.
Obanai’s head tilted to the side since he had heard everything. These crows were quite loud at times. It was hard not to hear. She was the next Hashira. He just saved the next Hashira. “Suzuki,” he repeated to himself lowly. “The next Hashira.” He rubbed his bandages for a moment. His eyes narrowed down to the blood dripping from her fingertips, but she wasn’t acknowledging it. “You are injured,” Obanai stated, walking over to her and pointing at her right arm.
His voice snapped her back into reality.
“Am I?” Kaiya lifted her arm, noticing her blood drip down. “I guess you are right about that, Iguro-San.”
He cleared his throat. “As the newest Hashira, I welcome you, but as I stated, I won’t be here to save you next time. Train harder to see the rest of your battles through, Suzuki-San.” He told her flatly and short. He turned on his heels, walking away from her and letting out a loud sigh to himself when he was far enough away.
Kaiya watched him leave, her eyes solely focused on the man before her, and she couldn’t help but feel her cheeks grow hot. “What the hell is wrong with me?” She covered her mouth with her left hand, then turned to look at her crow. “Maybe I’m losing too much blood. Where is the Kakushi?” She took in a deep breath.
Chika took off in search of the Kakushi, but they were already entering the village, calling out for slayers. She instantly waved one of them down, noticing it was a familiar face. “Goto, thank goodness.” She lifted her right arm, allowing her haori to drop with the movements. “This looked like an intense battle. Do you have any other injuries?” The male Kakushi rushed over, slipping off his backpack then rushed to grab his medical supplies.
“I don’t believe so,” she told him.
“I see,” he hummed softly. “I’ll get you wrapped up, and we’ll take you to the mansion anyway. Kocho-Sama would still like to see you later, after all. Any small scratch that you and your butterfly sisters receive must be inspected by her.”
Kaiya let out a small chuckle, nodding her head at his words. “You are correct about that.”
It didn’t take the man long to wrap her arm up to get the bleeding to stop. It was a gash, but it wasn’t deep enough. It was only going to add to her battle scars from the past two years.
The eighteen-year-old walked beside the Kakushi as they all traveled back to the Butterfly Manison. The rest of the night was quiet until they reached the steps of the mansion, and out flew Aoi, Shinobu, Naho, Sumi, and Kiyo. Shinobu was quick to instruct everyone on their duties to help the young slayers who were injured.
“Your arm!” Sumi’s loud cries caught Kaiya’s attention, holding her arm. Kaiya offered her a small smile, bending down and patting her head. “I’m okay, Sumi. It’s just a cut, it’s nothing bad. Goto already wrapped it up for me. See?” She rolled up her uniform sleeve.
“And it’s only a cut?” A soft voice asked from behind them.
Both turned to see the Insect Hashira standing there with her signature smile plastered on her lips. “More like a large cut but nothing that needs stitching,” Kaiya weakly chuckled out.
“Is that why Iguro-San wants me to check you out fully?”
Kaiya’s lips parted slightly. Iguro-San wanted her to get checked out? Did she hit her head? Was she hearing this right? She blinked her dark green eyes a few times.
“He - what?”
“Apparently, a demon had flung you into a wall when he got there. He did mention your wounds and had a feeling you wouldn’t tell me about it.”
The other woman swallowed, nodding her head in her thoughts. “I see.”
“So, let’s go check you out, alright?” Shinobu clapped her hands together.
The two eighteen-year-olds walked together to another room where Kaiya stripped herself of her haori and top. Shinobu’s gentle hands and skilled fingers cleaned up the wound that stretched from her elbow to the middle of her arm. She didn’t say anything, but she could see something was bothering her former student. She noticed her fidgeting with her skirt between her fingertips. “Kaiya,” Shinobu’s voice spoke out in a warning tone. “What’s going on?” questioned the Insect Pillar, her brow arching slightly in confusion.
Kaiya didn’t hear her; she stared down at the floor while she kept fidgeting with the fabric of her skirt. Shinobu’s brows furrowed together this time before reaching out to stop her from playing with her clothing. “Kaiya, enough now. What’s wrong?” inquired the woman, giving her a small look.
The other woman stared up at her master with a small sigh. “I defeated my fifth demon tonight as a Kinoe rank.”
“Ah,” Shinobu hummed softly, nodding her head, but her smile stayed kind and soft. “And you never wanted to become tsuguko and take on the duties?”
Kaiya nodded her head. “You know I only wanted to focus on saving people and nothing else.”
“But you know what this means, right?” Shinobu lifted her chin, making her stare into her hazed purple eyes.
“Uh, that I killed fifty demons?”
Shinobu lightly giggled before shaking her head at her words. “No, Kaiya. Being a Hashira means that you are the highest rank in the corps. It means that you proved yourself to be a powerful and skillful swordsman. You have proven yourself to save humanity against more dangerous threats than any other slayers have. Of course, there are responsibilities that you must attend to, but you will still be sent out on missions that lower rank slayers cannot complete or the toughest ones that you can imagine, and you’ll be assigned to a region to patrol at night. You did this all on your own. The missions we’ve been on together, you killed those demons. You are The Dream Hashira, Kaiya. There is no one else who can fulfill the role, but only you can.”
Kaiya’s lips pressed together as she swallowed hard. “I don’t know if I can do it.”
“You can do anything. That’s not the same talk I heard two years ago. Where is the girl who wanted to save people? Who trained for six months and took the final selection without my blessing?”
The other woman looked away with a small chuckle escaping her pink lips. “I apologized for that. When are you going to let it go?”
“Never,” Shinobu simply told her. “Now, you got this, Kaiya. You are going to be a Hashira. I’m very proud of you.”
Kaiya turned to face her with a small smile, her fears slowly fading away, but some still lingered in the back of her mind. “Fine, I’ll agree to it.”
“Good!” She clapped her hands together. “Now, you know how to take care of your cuts. I do not need to go over them with you, correct?” She gave her a small look. Kaiya nodded her head. “Yes, I know how to take care of them,” she replied to the other woman.
Shinobu nodded her head. “Now, get dressed and get some rest. Chika will be taking you in the morning to the master’s estate.” She told her before cleaning up her small station near the bed, then started to take her leave to let her rest for the rest of the night.
“Goodnight, Kaiya.”
“Goodnight, Shinobu.”
Chapter 2: Chapter Two.
Summary:
“Oh! How was your mission you got sent off to last night?” She leaned her chin on her hand and scooted closer to him. Obanai’s lips curved upward slightly as she got closer. His hand rested on her thigh as he watched her sparkling green eyes.
The Seprent Pillar stood quiet for a moment in his thoughts until he spoke. “It was interesting, to say the least.” He rubbed his bandages lightly. “Three demons attacked this village. We did lose two slayers to them, but I had gotten there in time, or else it would have been three we would have lost.”“Oh! You saved him!” swooned Mitsuri, covering her mouth as her cheeks grew bright pink.
“Her.” He corrected her gently.
“A female slayer!” Mitsuri squealed louder, causing some people to turn their heads to the couple at their seats.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The sunlight peeked through the windows of the Butterfly Mansion. The Kakushi, Aoi, Shinobu, and the smaller batch of girls were rushing around to attend to any injured slayers. Yawning, Kaiya stood from her bed in the right side wing of the mansion. She could hear the shuffling of feet going up and down the wooden hallways. Her dark green eyes scanned around the room before reaching for her haori and slipping it on. Her hand reached out for her sword sheath.
Chika flew in the window, landing on her shoulder.
“Good morning, my girl,” Kaiya hummed lightly as she lightly petted her head. “I guess you’re here to lead me to the master’s?”
“Are you leaving?” Aoi’s voice came up from behind her, causing Kaiya to turn around to face her. She slipped her sword between her white belt and uniform skirt. “Shall I pack you something for the road?” She asked her, wiping her hands on her white nurse's smock.
Kaiya smiled gently but shook her head. “No, thank you, Aoi. I should be back within a few hours, and I will eat here.”
“She won’t be back for a while,” Shinobu’s voice chimed in from the other side, placing a hand on Kaiya’s shoulder. “Aoi, you’re looking at our newest Hashira here. We are looking at the Dream Hashira here.”
Aoi’s big blue eyes widened more at her words. “That is wonderful news! Congratulations! You deserve it. You have done nothing but great things. We shall cook you a dinner when you return.”
“A big feast?!” Naho chimed in.
“What are we celebrating?” Kiyo asked out.
“How fun!” Sumi added.
All three peaked from around Aoi’s smock. Kaiya’s smile grew slightly but her heart hurt seeing the small girls. They were so pure, so kind, and so sweet. It reminded her of her younger sister, Yui. They haven’t spoken since the day she left home two years ago. She was now twelve and must be growing so quickly. Or maybe, she was small like herself and their mother.
“We are celebrating Kaiya becoming the next Hashira.”
“Kyaaa!!!” All three smaller girls squealed with happiness as they clapped their hands together in unison. “We must go into the village and gather more food for dinner!”
Shinobu hummed gently. “No need for that tonight. Maybe another night? Kaiya needs to get settled into her new estate. She will be moving out.”
Naho, Sumi, and Kiyo’s eyes instantly filled with tears, and wails came out of their mouths. Kaiya chuckled lightly before walking over to them and patting their small heads. “I can still visit. I’m not leaving forever. I’ll just be.. Not here.” She paused for a moment, not fully sure where she was going to be living from now on.
Chika started pecking at her hair, tugging at it to get her attention. “Ow,” she rubbed the side of her head. Chika flew to the other side of her, resting on her other shoulder. “We’re leaving, we’re leaving.” She shook her head.
Shinobu walked her out, and they walked in silence together, but it was comforting. Over the past two years, Kaiya and Shinobu’s relationship of student and master had blossomed into a close friendship. Both were of the same age when Kaiya was saved one rainy night by the Insect Pillar in spring two years ago. Both sixteen, one already a Hashira and one just a normal citizen. They had been sent on missions together, ate together, and lived together.
“Follow me!” Chika’s voice boomed in her ear. Kaiya blinked, pulling away from her crow. “Lead the way,” Kaiya told her, holding her hand for her crow to land on before tossing her up into the air. Chika loved it; she let out a noise before flying off. Kaiya was quick behind her and waved back to Shinobu.
—--
The black crow kept Kaiya on her toes as they traveled towards the Master’s mansion. She recalled Shinobu stating that none of the Hashira knew where it truly was. The location was kept a secret from everyone. It was very complicated to get there, with many different directions each time to avoid getting the location leaked to demons.
Sighing, Kaiya had finally reached the mansion. She was fidgeting with her haori sleeves as Chika led her towards the side of the house. There was no one else; it was quiet. It was a calming, quiet. She could hear her heartbeat in her chest. Though everything around her seemed calming, she couldn’t help but feel her heart race. Her eyes scanned over the beautiful architecture of the mansion. Everything about it - from the roof to the ponds.
The sound of a sliding door made her drop onto her knees, her knees hitting the gray rocks that created a pathway around the engawa of the mansion. Her head bowed deeply, almost touching the rocks.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki walked forward with the help of two of his children. Kiriya and Kanata held onto each arm, leading him into the sunlight.
“Suzuki Kaiya,” a calming voice filled the air. “It is a beautiful day, and I could feel the fresh air on my face. It’s quite calming. My child, please, lift your head.”
Kaiya slowly lifted her head, and her eyes finally caught sight of their master. He was extremely pale, fragile, and ill. His hair was black, parting right down the middle, but what caught her attention was his sickly, shriveled pink hue that spread across his upper face. His left eye was almost taken from it.
“Oyakata-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for allowing me into your estate. It’s very stunning,” she commented, her voice calm and collected.
“Thank you, my child,” he nodded his head, a small, kind smile formed on his pale lips. “Kaiya, I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard nothing but extraordinary stories about your missions. Your solo missions or the ones you take with Shinobu. She did train you, didn’t she?” He hummed lightly.
She nodded her head. “She did train me.”
“Shinobu is one of our most outstanding, talented, and awe-inspiring Hashira. She once asked you a very long time ago if you wished to continue to train under her as her tsuguko once you passed final selection, but you refused her. Is your stance the same?” He asked gently, his voice soothing.
Kaiya swallowed hard, taking everything in. Her talk with Shinobu last night had helped her see things more clearly. She could save other slayers, save villagers, and work on defeating these demons.
“Kaiya, you are a force to be reckoned with. You took your final selection within six months of picking up a sword. You created your own breathing style even after learning insect and flower breathing. You defeated fifty demons as a kinoe rank, that’s impressive. Only a select few can handle what you go through. Shinobu stated that you are strong-willed. You are always the first one to draw your sword, protecting your comrades and villagers. Three breathing techniques. It’s impressive. No matter what you believe in your head, those old whispers in your old village about that night are untrue. You are not a murderer nor weak.”
The woman’s stomach twisted into knots at his words, her eyes widened, and her lips parted to escape a small gasp.
How does he know? About Takuma? That unfateful night when my whole world shifted.
Her fingernails gripped onto her skirt, pressing her lips together and attempting to hold in a deep breath. Her eyes started to sting, and she could feel the tears forming. She hasn’t cried in such a long time. The last time I cried was when I finished the final selection.
“What happened that night was never your fault. You left your old life behind and created a new one. A life where you are the savior that you wish you could have been that night. You fight so hard on every single mission. I’d be honored to have you continue fighting as The Dream Hashira. Kaiya, would you accept that title?”
Kaiya knew this was an offer; she couldn’t refuse. She could, but she would be a fool. If they saw her for her hard work, she could do it.
“I accept.”
“That is wonderful news. We shall discuss your new living arrangements. You will now own The Dream Estate, and it will be placed between two other Hashira’s designated regions. Is that okay with you?”
“Yes, Oyakata-sama. I am pleased with whatever you have given me.”
The man gave her a small, pleased hum. “You will be placed between The Love Hashira, Kanroji Mitsuri and Iguro Obanai.”
Kaiya’s eyes closed for a moment. Iguro-San saved me last night. He asked Shinobu to check up on me after last night. Now I was going to be close to him…
“Our tailor will issue you a brand new uniform, and your sword will be taken back to the swordsmith village. To tell you among the lower rank slayers, your uniform will now have gold buttons. As for your sword, it’s unique and uncommon, but it suits you in battle. It will be taken to have it sharpened and engraved - Akki Messatsu.” The man told her before letting out a small chuckle. “I understand it is a lot to take in, but give it a day or two to let it sink in. Shinobu had already requested that your Kakushi greet you here, and you all will be traveling together towards your estate. Your sword shall be ready within two weeks.”
The woman nodded her head, her fingers relaxing their grip on her skirt.
This is happening, I became a Hashira.
“Chika, will inform you of our meetings. Now, Kaiya, my child, are there any questions you may have for me?”
“I have none, Oyakata-sama,” she replied to him.
She could see his smile grow slightly on his lips. “Now, your Kakushi has arrived. I shall see you at our semiannual Hashira meeting. I see greatness in your future, and I know you will never disappoint.” The man lifted his arms, and his children brought him back inside. The black hair child looked back for a moment before turning their head back.
“Suzuki-Sama,” a small voice came from beside her. She turned to see familiar eyes, Mai and Kamin. One of many Kakushi who walk the Butterfly Mansion. “We’re pleased to hear about your promotion! We’ll carry you to your estate!” Mai bowed down deeply towards her as Kamin did the same thing. He was quick to stand back up before turning around and bending down.
“Uh, I can walk,” Kaiya paused for a moment.
“Nonsense! We have our orders!” Mai chimed in.
“Mai -” She started to protest before letting out a small squeal when Kamin lifted her onto his back with no warning and started to run off with her. She held onto his shoulder as Chika led them out of the estate and towards a different direction. Kaiya couldn’t even remember where it was since she was solely focused on hoping that Kamin didn’t run into a tree.
—-
“Kyaaa!” Mitsuri’s loud voice caught Obanai’s attention as he entered the restaurant they were going to have lunch. It is a tradition that Mitsuri started when they both were sent off on a mission together. Every other day, unless they were on a mission then they went out for a meal. He didn’t bother being greeted by the hostess or anyone; he moved quickly to sit down beside the pink-haired woman.
She instantly turned to him, a happy smile painted on her pink lips that melted his heart. “You made it! I was getting worried that you wouldn’t show up for our lunches.”
“Nonsense,” Obanai’s voice stayed low and kind. “Kaburamaru had to eat before we traveled down this way. It took longer than I thought, but we’re here,” he told her truthfully, his black choppy hair moved with his head as he nodded.
“Oh! How was your mission you got sent off to last night?” She leaned her chin on her hand and scooted closer to him. Obanai’s lips curved upward slightly as she got closer. His hand rested on her thigh as he watched her sparkling green eyes.
The Seprent Pillar stood quiet for a moment in his thoughts until he spoke. “It was interesting, to say the least.” He rubbed his bandages lightly. “Three demons attacked this village. We did lose two slayers to them, but I had gotten there in time, or else it would have been three we would have lost.”
“Oh! You saved him!” swooned Mitsuri, covering her mouth as her cheeks grew bright pink.
“Her.” He corrected her gently.
“A female slayer!” Mitsuri squealed louder, causing some people to turn their heads to the couple at their seats.
Obanai shot daggers at anyone who looked at them, making them uncomfortable enough to turn their attention back to their own tables. He was never going to let anyone complain about Mitsuri; she was too kind and too lovable for any type of hate. She deserved the world. If he could give it to her, then he would. He knew what she wanted - a husband, children, and a happy life. With his tainted blood, he couldn’t give her all of himself.
He was surprised to see where they are now. If it wasn’t for him thinking that she died during their mission a couple of months back, he wouldn’t have confessed his love. He could recall that night like the back of his hand.
—
He told her to calm her nerves and not rush into battling the mirror demon. Mitsuri wasn’t taking any chances after they got fooled into thinking one of the reflections was the demon. Obanai had been slashed on his sword-wielding arm.
“Kanroji!” He called out after her after she wrapped his arm with her plain white haori, and she took off on foot back towards the battle. “Don’t rush! Calm yourself!”
“Iguro, stay there! Do not move!” Her voice wailed loudly, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Obanai didn’t need to stay put; he needed to protect her. He knew, as a Hashira, that they should be willing to die to save lives, but Mitsuri had so much to live for. He loved her. She was the only woman who made him feel something inside.
Grunting, the man stood onto his two feet and rushed in after her.
“Love Breathing, Third Form - Catlove Shower!”
His two-toned eyes watched as Mitsuri jumped into the air and started slashing at the mirrors. They started to break, and large, thick pieces started to fly. His eyes widened as Mitsuri dodged them, with pure luck, until her body came to a halt and fell onto the floor. She had been struck with a piece of glass.
Oh no, no, not her.
“Hahaha, silly stupid girl, thought she could attack the real me, but where am I, Hashira?” The female mirror demon snickered from behind him. He stood there, trying to figure out where it was truly coming from. Kaburamaru hissed, his head slithering towards the direction of the left of them, where the stairs were to the home they were in.
His eyes darted back to Mitsuri, and blood started to puddle around her abdomen. He rushed over to her, yanking off his haori, wrapping it around her, and bending down to her. Slightly, he pushed her pink bangs from her face. “Kanroji, do not move. I’ll be right back.”
Mitsuri’s green eyes fluttered open, her brows furrowed together in pain. “Hm,” was all she managed to gather out. “I’m going to rest, Iguro-San.” She whispered to him. His hands swept over her cheek. She had never felt his hands touch her before; he felt so warm. Maybe it was because it was winter. “No, stay awake for me.” He told her, pleading.
Obanai’s fist clenched, and he felt tears sting his eyes as he heard movement from upstairs. “Not so fucking fast,” he gritted his teeth. He stood back up onto his feet before darting up the stairs swiftly.
“Oh! You found me. Not many are as smart as you. They just assume I’m down there, but you and that stupid girl destroyed my mirrors!” seethed the female demon. “Once I kill both of you, I will be seen as a powerful demon who can become apart Twelve Kizuki!” She cried happily.
He let out a huff. “Shut the hell up.”
“I seem to have struck a nerve with you, hm?” Her brow arched with a smirk, holding onto her handheld mirror tightly.
The Seprent Hashira unsheathed his sword, ignoring her words.
“Was it because I called her stupid, or is there some—?”
“Seprent Breathing, First Form - Winding Serpent Slash!”
Obanai didn’t let her finish; he leaped forward with expeditious speed and slashed through her neck. All he could hear was a gasp coming from the demon, then a mirror shattering once it hit the floor. He didn’t bother watching her turn into nothing; he turned on his heel and ran back down towards Mitsuri.
“Kanroji,” worried Obanai, rushing over and lifting her upwards into his arms. She had her eyes closed, she didn’t respond to him. He brushed her hair from her face once more. “Mitsuri,” he pleaded gently, holding tightly onto her. One hand moved down to his haori, where he noticed a piece lodged into her side. “Wake up, I’m going to get you to Kocho’s.” He told her, his eyes scanning over her facial features.
But she didn’t move; she felt cold.
“You can’t die here. I told you not to go in. I should be the one dying here, I should be the one protecting you and not the other way around,” he whispered to her. Unaware of him, Mitsuri’s eyes fluttered open, but his eyes were closed. She had passed out from the blood loss, but she was using her breathing to try to stop it. Kaburamaru slithered around his neck, attempting to get his attention. “I cannot live with myself if you die. I have to be the one to die first,” he sighed deeply. Her eyes started to water, her heart pounding in her chest. “I need to die first so I can confess my feelings for you and be rid of this tainted blood that runs through this disgusting body. I enjoyed talking to you and was happy to feel like a normal boy. Your laughter is like bells ringing, your presence is so welcoming and warm, you are nothing but cheerful and kind. I would never let anyone say anything hurtful about you.”
“Iguro,” Mitsuri’s voice took him by surprise, but it came out as a sniffle. “I have feelings for you, too!” She started to cry, attempting to get up, but he shook his head, holding her tightly.
“Don’t move,” he whispered to her, but quickly asked up. “How much did you hear?”
“Everything,” she hiccuped.
“I’m sorry,” he told her, his cheeks flushed, but he needed to get her up and towards Kocho’s. He lifted her arm, wrapping it around his neck, then used his other arm to hold her legs. “We’re getting up and getting you some help.”
Mitsuri held onto him, nodding her head. He walked them out of the house and down the steps. He could feel his heart pounding wildly in his chest, his palms were sweaty, and he couldn’t get rid of his redness in his cheeks. He looked down at the woman in his arms, and she was staring up at him.
Her hand came up, touching his covered cheek, and he allowed her. He wasn’t even thinking straight, feeling her fingers curl into the top of his bandages, and felt them pull down. Her eyes didn’t even notice his scars that stretched across his cheeks that mimicked a snake’s gape. Obanai or Mitsuri allowed their shared feelings to consume them. Their heads leaned into each other. Their lips touched, and it was small at first until Obanai took the lead.
“Kanroji-Sama!”
“Iguro-Sama!”
The Kakushi’s voices pulled them apart; they were barely making their way towards the pair as the sun was rising.
—
“Her name is Suzuki Kaiya,” Obanai told his lover on his side, keeping his hand on her thigh. “And she became a Hashira last night. She killed fifty demons as a Kinoe rank, but she allowed herself to get caught by the other two. I told her that I wasn’t going to be there to save her next time, so she needed to train harder to see her next battles through.” His eyes stayed on hers. She was completely over the moon with his simple story.
“Ahh!” She squealed. “A new Hashira!? How exciting! What breathing technique does she use?”
“Dream,” he recalled. “I don’t know what the hell it is, but I guess we’ll see one day, or maybe we won’t ever see her in battle,” he shrugged his shoulders, trying to keep his composure.
Inside, his stomach was twisting in knots when he spoke about Kaiya because he felt horrible that he felt so calm around the other woman. Mitsuri was the only woman to ever make him feel normal, calm, and collected.
“Suzuki-San! Please, let me carry you the rest of the way!” A voice pleaded out loudly as they entered the restaurant.
Entered, Kaiya, followed by her two Kakushi, right behind her.
Both Obanai and Mitsuri’s heads turned to see what was happening. Especially after hearing the last name coming from a woman’s mouth. Mitsuri’s green eyes widened slightly, taking in the other woman’s beauty as the sun hit her face through the windows. The way Kaiya turned slightly, the sun hit her dark green eyes at the right angle, causing them to shine.
Wow, she is beautiful! Mitsuri’s thoughts started to race. She is tiny like Shinobu! Her eyes! She is so - wow! Oh, my heart is racing!
Of course, she’d be here. Obanai thought to himself, unknowingly squeezing Mitsuri’s thigh.
The Love Pillar squeaked loudly, feeling his hand roughly squeeze her thigh. That pulled them both out of their thoughts of the newest Hashira. Suddenly, everyone was looking at them once again, but most importantly, she was looking at them.
“What was that?” Mitsuri whispered to him, but he only shrugged.
Kaiya’s head snapped in the direction of the loud noise, and her eyes narrowed to see Iguro-San and a pink-haired woman. Oh, he’s seeing someone. She is so pretty, too! Oh damn it, is it him that is making my heart beat like this? Or is it her? Maybe both of them? Her eyes turned back to her Kakushi. “I haven’t eaten all day. You two can wander around until I’m done eating, eat with me, or explore this village. I am starving, though,” she told them, fixing her haori on her body.
“Ah, yes! We will explore!” Mai nodded her head before shoving Kamin out the door.
Sighing, Kaiya turned and let her eyes scan for somewhere to sit down. Her eyes kept meeting Mitsuri’s and Obanai’s.
“We should invite her to sit with us,” Mitsuri whispered to him. Obanai opened his mouth to protest, but Mitsuri stood up instantly. “Suzuki-San, come sit with us!” She called over, waving her over. She noticed the other woman pausing for a moment as all eyes fell back onto her. Pressing her lips together, Kaiya let out a small sigh before making her way towards the back.
“Iguro-San, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Thank you again for last night,” she gave a polite bow before sitting down across from them. “And hello there, I’m Suzuki Kaiya.”
Wow, she is even more stunning up close. Kaiya thought to herself.
Mitsuri instantly cooed happily. “Oh, yes! Iguro was just telling me about your mission last night. He saved you! How exciting! Isn’t he just amazing?” She swooned, turning back to the man with her sparkling green eyes. His eyes focused on Mitsuri, giving her a small nod. “And you became a Hashira! Did you just come from Oyakata-sama’s estate? Isn’t it so lovely?” She started to gush excitedly.
Kaiya blinked a few times, taking in the pink-haired woman’s preppy energy. She wasn’t used to it. Naho, Sumi, and Kiyo had their moments of chatting her ear off, but she didn’t mind it. A smile formed on her lips as she kept getting asked questions. A smile that made Mitsuri’s lips turn into a huge grin before covering her red face with small squeals. She is so cute.
“This is Kanroji Mitsuri, the Love Hashira,” Obanai cleared his throat, his eyes gazing over to the other woman across from them.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kanroji-San,” Kaiya hummed. “But uh, yeah, I did just come from there, and I was thinking the same thing when I was there to accept the position of Hashira. As for Iguro-San, he is very talented and skilled. I can see why he became a Hashira.”
Obanai looked away from the two women. Mitsuri held her face in her hands. “He is truly talented and skilled! Tell me about Dream Breathing, it sounds so amazing!”
Kaiya couldn’t help but giggle, covering her mouth a bit.
Oh, she is the one I’ve heard before at Kocho’s.
Oh, I love her laughter.
“Dream Breathing is my creation that comes from Insect Breathing. I was trained under Kocho-San when I was sixteen. I do love to sleep a lot,” she laughed lightly, pushing her hair back from her face. “It’s nothing special, truthfully. I think the only interesting thing about me is that I could use Insect or Flower Breathing with my sword, but I prefer my style.”
“Your style is so amazing,” breathed Mitsuri, wiggling happily in her seat.
“Ah, Kanroji-San! Shall we get started on your regular orders?” A woman grinned, walking up to the table before turning to the smaller woman. “And you’re new here! What can I get you to eat?”
Kaiya looked up at the woman, then back to Mitsuri and Obana. “Whatever Kanroji is getting is fine with me.” She told her with a small shrug. “I’m not picky with food.” The woman nodded before going off towards the back.
Obanai cleared his throat. “Suzuki, where are you going to be residing from now on?”
“Actually, between your two regions,” she replied to him.
“Is that so?” He rubbed his bandages for a moment. He could feel Kaburamaru slithering more forward, his eyes narrowed on the woman in front of them.
Kaiya leaned back a bit in her seat. “Oh, hello again,” she nodded her head slightly. She could see the snake was looking at her, as if he were trying to read her movements. “Your snake isn’t going to hiss at me again, right?” She whispered to the man.
“Kaburamaru-Kun,” Mitsuri cooed softly, reaching over to pat his little head. “He is usually very friendly.”
The dark green-eyed woman’s brows furrowed in disbelief. “Uh, sure.”
“Can Suzuki-San pet you, too?” Mitsuri kept cooing at the white snake.
Kaburamaru slithered back towards the other woman. Kaiya hesitantly lifted her hand towards the snake. Obanai just sat there, unsure how to react to this scene that was happening in front of him. He felt Mitsuri’s hand snake down to interlock their fingers together since he was no longer holding onto her thigh. Lightly, Kaiya patted the snake a few times. The snake booped her nose. She blinked. Mitsuri and Obanai blinked.
He only did that towards Mitsuri, and Obanai usually kissed her nose.
“And here is your food!” The woman from earlier came up with two bowls and placed them in front of Mitsuri and Kaiya.
“Thank you,” they both said together, smiling at the woman, then towards each other.
As they started to eat, Kaiya was wondering if Obanai was going to eat himself, but he just sat there and enjoyed the silence that was happening at the table. Maybe it has to do with his bandages around his face. I wonder what that’s about.. Does he eat in front of her? Or just alone with his snake? Why does he even have a snake?
Kaiya was full after one of the bowls; she usually ate one serving. She noticed the bowls kept coming for Mitsuri. At first, she was stunned that she could handle that much food. She felt a pair of eyes staring at her side. Obanai was watching her closely; he knew people always had something to say about her appetite. Her eyes flickered over to him and gave him a kind smile with a hum.
“Oh, Suzuki-San! I forgot to ask, when did you become a demon slayer?” Mitsuri asked, placing her bowl down onto the table before reaching for another.
The woman chuckled lightly, returning her attention to the Love Hashira. “Two years ago,” replied Kaiya, reaching behind her to undo her hair for a moment, allowing her black hair that was tied up and half down to fall onto her shoulders.
Both Mitsuri and Obanai watched her as if they were seeing her for the first time. The sun was shining through the window from behind them, which allowed her green eyes to sparkle. Shaking her hair, she started to section it to tie it back up.
“Sometimes I don’t know what to do with this hair of mine,” she laughed lightly, breaking the two out of their small trance. “But I do need to head back. I’ll pay for this meal as a thank you for allowing me to sit with you.” She placed her blue bow on her hair tie to secure it, then stood up from her spot on the bench.
“There is no need,” Obanai told her. “I’ll handle it.”
“Iguro-San, it’s not necessary,” Kaiya shook her head.
“I insist.” He rested his chin on his hand.
“You should come eat with us here more often!” Mitsuri blurted out, her cheeks red.
Kaiya was about to walk away, but she paused in her spot before smiling at the two. “If you are sure, then I don’t see the harm in that. Goodbye, Kanroji-San and Iguro-San,” she bowed to the two before making her exit.
“Obi,” Mitsuri hummed softly, turning her head to face him as he did the same. “Hm?” He hummed softly. “My heart is pounding,” she admitted to him, feeling her cheeks grow bright at her confession. His eyes softened at her words, reaching over to brush back some of her pink hair from her face. “Your heart is always pounding,” he reminded her.
She giggled lightly, nodding her head at his words. “That is true, but I don’t know, it’s pounding like really fast. Like how it feels when I’m with you.” She leaned her forehead on his. “I don’t know,” she bit down on her lower lip. His stomach twisted, and she instantly fell for the other woman. Maybe his nerves could calm down now.
“Mine too,” he told her lowly.
The Love Pillar pulled back, smiling widely. “I mean.. If Tengen has three wives and loves them equally, why can’t we do the same?”
Obanai chuckled softly, but it was to hide the pounding in his chest at the mention of wives. “I guess, you’re right.”
Notes:
how are we feeling about snippets of the chapter as a summary? i can change it! i just wanna test it!
i hope you enjoyed it! i am really enjoying rewritting this love story <3
Chapter 3: Chapter Three.
Summary:
“There we go,” hummed Aiya, her hands resting lightly on her daughter’s small shoulders before slowly standing up, holding onto her swollen stomach, and making her way to grab the small mirror on the other side of the room. She passed by her sleeping husband and son, both tucked away in their futon. “Your otousan is tired today, it is a hotter day than the rest.” She cooed softly, waddling back over and sitting back down behind the small girl.
Placing the small handheld mirror in her daughter’s hand. Kaiya’s dark green eyes stared at her neatly done hairstyle, perfectly pinned up with her mother’s kanzashi, which was black and adorned with a wisteria flower carving dangling down. “How do you like it, Kaiya? My beautiful musume,” she whispered kindly, pushing back a stray hair that escaped.
“Am I beautiful?” Kaiya’s small voice filled the air, turning her head to look up at her mother.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Kaiya stood there at the front wooden gates of her estate before pushing herself forward. It was huge. Somewhat around the same size as the Butterfly Mansion, but it was hers. This whole place was hers. She couldn’t believe it.
“You may decorate as you’d like, Suzuki-San. Oyakata-sama has many estates all around for his Hashira. This is officially yours forever,” claimed Mai, standing behind her with her hands behind her back. “Shall you go into town to gather pieces for your new home?”
But Kaiya was just staring at the estate, taking it all in, and not hearing a single word that was being said to her. This whole estate felt unreal. She felt her heart pounding rapidly in her chest as her eyes snapped all around the yard.
I did this. I became a Hashira today.
This is all because of my work.
“Suzuki-San?” Kamin chimed in.
She snapped herself out of it before nodding her head. “Huh? Oh yes. I will be traveling to the nearest town to make this estate into my own,” She told them in a short tone before she kept walking further onto the bare grounds. She started to talk to herself as the Kakushi followed behind her.
“Right here would be perfect for a training ground. It’s open this way, I can place dummies over there,” she pointed with her fingers. “Then - ah, the bath house is this way. Ah, okay, okay, that leaves plenty more space down this way.”
Both Mai and Kamin couldn’t help but smile slightly as she kept walking around and trying to make this place her own. It was now; this was their home. Shinobu hand-picked them both since they could assist Kaiya with making the poison for her sword. The two left the woman alone to allow her to design her courtyard. They weren’t needed at the moment.
—-
Kaiya had picked out which room would be what when she got furniture, but she excused herself to go out to a nearby village to gather some items for her estate. She wrapped up her sword, which was confined in its sheath, in a white cloth, tying it together in front of her. She wasn’t sure how long she’d be out or if she was going to counter a demon.
I wonder if I’ll run into Kanroji or Iguro, thought Kaiya as she walked down the dirt path. Or maybe another Hashira, but who else? I don’t know much about them.
Her feet kept moving, her head tilted forward as she stared up at the cloudy sky.
It might rain today.
I fucking hate the rain.
I hate springtime.
Shuddering, her thoughts ran in many different directions. This was now her life, and it still felt unreal.
As she stepped one foot into the village, it was loud from all the vendors on both sides of the street, attempting to attract travelers to buy from them.
“Brand new kimonos!”
“Haoris! Half off!”
“Paintings!”
“Fresh fish!”
“Carpets!”
“Futons and blankets!”
Kaiya followed that woman’s voice, which was a lot further into the village. “Ah! A customer!” A small voice caught her attention, gazing down, her eyes met a pair of soft brown eyes from a small girl. She was about six years old. Her hair was split into two braided tails just like Naho’s, but they were tied together with regular ties. Then her eyes flickered over to a heavily pregnant woman, holding onto her swollen stomach with the same soft eyes and dark hair, but it was pinned up.
I used to wear my hair like that, pulled back and out of my face.
—-
“There we go,” hummed Aiya, her hands resting lightly on her daughter’s small shoulders before slowly standing up, holding onto her swollen stomach, and making her way to grab the small mirror on the other side of the room. She passed by her sleeping husband and son, both tucked away in their futon. “Your otousan is tired today, it is a hotter day than the rest.” She cooed softly, waddling back over and sitting back down behind the small girl.
Placing the small handheld mirror in her daughter’s hand. Kaiya’s dark green eyes stared at her neatly done hairstyle, perfectly pinned up with her mother’s kanzashi, which was black and adorned with a wisteria flower carving dangling down. “How do you like it, Kaiya? My beautiful musume,” she whispered kindly, pushing back a stray hair that escaped.
“Am I beautiful?” Kaiya’s small voice filled the air, turning her head to look up at her mother.
Aiya’s eyes softened, using one of her hands to turn her daughter back to her reflection. “You are beautiful. One of the most beautiful girls I've ever seen.” She hummed lightly before making a small face of discomfort, before taking her hand and pressing it onto her belly. Kaiya’s eyes widened, feeling a small foot swipe at her fingertips. “Whoa,” she whispered, putting down the mirror and shifting to hold onto her mother’s stomach.
“How long until the baby gets here?” She stared up at her mother, happily and pure.
“Any day,” answered Aiya, smiling. “You’re going to be a nee-san, isn’t that exciting?”
“Yes!”
—--
“These blankets are beautifully done.” Questioned Kaiya, feeling the softness of the fabric between her fingertips. She offered the two a kind smile, reaching into her pocket in her skirt.
The young girl pipes up. “Okaasan makes the best blankets!”
“Is that so?” Kaiya bent down to her size, patting the top of her head. “Did she make these all on her own, or did you help her?” She took notice of how her clothing looked a bit small on her, and she looked thin. They must not be selling well and making enough money for them to eat.
The older woman waved her hand playfully, and she chuckled softly. “She is being too kind. Is there a certain one that catches your eye?”
Standing up straight, Kaiya glanced down at the blankets, then toward Chika, and gave her a small nod to signal the Kakushi to come into the village. The crow took off instantly, not making a sound. “I’ll take them all,” she said simply, earning gasps from the woman and small girl. She started to stutter. “Y-you want all of them?” She covered her mouth.
Kaiya nodded her head, taking her hand out of her pocket to pull out her sack filled with money, then placing it into her hands.
“I cannot take this!” Squeaked the woman, attempting to hand it back to the smaller woman, but Kaiya shook her head. “No need. I’ll even take the futons as well. There should be enough in there for you two for a while.” She told them, dropping her hand so the woman could stop trying to place it in her hands. “I insist on taking it all. I just got myself a beautiful, huge manor, and I’d like to make sure that if I ever have travelers that they have somewhere soft and comfortable to sleep. I think these would be perfect. You know, I could tell some other comrades of mine about you. I know people who’d love these.”
The woman’s eyes widened in disbelief, and tears formed at the edge of her eyes. “Why?” She asked in a small whimper. Kaiya only gave her a small smile, then winked down at her daughter.
“Suzuki-San!” Mai and Kamin rushed over, their faces red and sweaty from their run. They rushed as quickly as they could to get to her for assistance. “Oh hey,” she waved at them. “I’d like it if you two could help me gather their stock of futons and blankets. We’re taking them back to the estate.” She went over to one side to start placing blankets on her arms.
“All of them?” Kamin questioned, confused as his head tilted at her.
Kaiya chuckled lightly. “All of them.”
The woman noticed as they started to gather it all up that the two people who were helping the kind stranger had hidden written in kanji on the back of their clothing. They followed the instructions of the smaller woman without a second thought. The man huffed out, attempting to grab the futons as much as he could.
—-
“I don’t know why you insist we go to the village near my estate when there is one a lot closer to yours, Mitsuri,” Obanai shook his choppy black locks as he walked beside her. His hands were placed inside his black and white striped haori. Mitsuri giggled softly as she kept walking along beside him. “Because I like the one near your estate! The food tastes better there.” She hummed out, knowing he didn’t want her to travel so far for him. He would rather come a long way to see her.
“If you say so,” he shook his head once more.
Mitsuri hummed a tune before she leaned in to kiss his cheek a few times. “Obi,” she sang softly to him, her hands touching his arm. “Hm?” His two-toned eyes gazed over to her green ones, and she smiled widely at him. “Can I stay with you tonight?” She clung onto his arms, wrapping herself around him.
The way her eyes sparkled when she looked at him. He couldn’t tell her no. He never told her no when she wanted to come over to his estate, or if she asked him to stay with her. After admitting their feelings towards one another, Mitsuri and Obanai became attached at the hip. Especially during her recovery process after Shinobu took out the shard of glass from her body.
“Yes.” He nodded, feeling her fingers dip ever so lightly into his bandages to pull them down just under his lips to press a few kisses to them. He smiled a bit against her lips, his hands removed themselves from his haori and placed them on her waist to pull her closer to his body. He could hear her squeal, and her smile grew as her cheeks turned pink.
Even after all this time, every single time they shared a kiss, it was like the first time.
“Or we can go near a tree,” she sang once she pulled away from his lips. He chuckled a bit, lifting his bandages to cover his scarred cheeks.
Kaburamaru lifted his head; he could sense people coming their way. He hissed lightly at the two. Obanai let go of Mitsuri’s waist, shoving his hands back into his haori, and Mitsuri stepped back from him. They turned their attention behind them.
“Oh!” Mitsuri gasped out, covering her mouth.
There was Kaiya with two Kakushi walking behind her, and she was laughing about something. Something that neither she nor Obanai could catch onto, but they stepped back from each other. She was also carrying a lot of blankets in her small arms. Obanai’s furrowed together in confusion. “What is she doing?” He asked out loud, not really looking for an answer.
“Are those blankets?” Mitsuri questioned, tilting her head to the side.
“Suzuki-San!” A deep voice called out for her while Kaiya kept walking with a small smile on her pink lips. She was laughing at herself, shaking her head. She couldn’t believe she actually just bought that whole stock. She stopped in her tracks when she noticed Mitsuri and Obanai standing in the middle of the dirt path.
“Suzuki!” Mitsuri waved, rushing over while Obanai walked behind her. “Why do you have so many blankets and futons?” She giggled out, reaching to take some out of her hands. “Thank you, Kanroji,” Kaiya hummed happily. Mitsuri’s cheeks grew from pink to red. “But I just bought out a pregnant mother for her stock.”
“Why?” Obanai questioned, his brow arched up.
“Iguro, hello,” she hummed. “I was in the village looking for items to make my estate into my own, and I ran into this woman selling these. I just,” she paused for a moment. “Had to buy them from her. Her daughter was thin, her clothing seemed too small on her, and I just couldn’t allow her to walk around like that. So here we are,” she chuckled a bit.
Mitsuri’s big green eyes started to water instantly. “Wahh!! Suzuki-San, that’s so sweet of you to do for that family! They are going to eat so much better now because of you!” She hiccuped lightly. “Iguro-San, can you help get these back to the Dream Estate?” Mitsuri turned to face him with a pout on her lips.
Kaiya was taken aback at her sudden tears, but it felt heartwarming coming from Mitsuri. She really felt like she did the right thing. “I told her that I would tell my comrades about her. The material is nice, it’s very soft! So buy from her! I think she is the only one who sells blankets and futons in that village.”
He swallowed but nodded his head. He walked over to the female Kakushi, Mai, and took some of the load off her shoulders. “Let’s go, it’s getting late.” He mumbled. Kaiya offered them both a kind smile that instantly melted their hearts. She led the way for them all.
—-
Once they reached the manor, Kaiya led them inside. “You all can place them down on the floor. Thank you once again for your help.” She dropped the blankets onto the floor, then slipped off the white cloth that contained her sword and its sheath.
“So what the hell are you going to do with these many blankets and futons?” Obanai asked her, dropped the futons onto the floor. “It’s just you here.” He motioned towards the empty household.
Kaiya lightly chuckled, nodding her head. “That is true, but I plan on giving most of them to Kocho for the slayers at the Butterfly Mansion. It doesn’t hurt to have a few extra blankets or futons lying around. You never know when you’ll need them. So, that’s why I’m also keeping an extra two for myself.” She told them truthfully, placing her hands behind her back.
“That does work out,” Mitsuri added.
“Thank you,” Kaiya smiled at her. “I apologize for not having to offer you two for your help with all of this,” she told them, placing her hands on her small hips. “I seemed to have gotten carried away. I didn’t bother buying anything else but these.” She motioned towards the pile on her living area floor.
The Love Pillar giggled softly. “It’s okay! There is no need to thank us or offer us anything! We would have done it for any of our fellow pillars, right, Iguro?” She turned to the man.
Obanai’s brow instantly arched up, his arms crossed over his chest, and he simply shook his head. He would only do it for Mitsuri, Kyojuro, Sanemi, or Shinobu. Now he’d do it for Kaiya.
Mai and Kamin disappeared after placing the items down. There was nothing in the house besides a few cookware. That was something to add to the list of things to get, but she had spent her time in the village doing this instead. “That was nice of her to do for that woman. She was crying when we left,” Mai commented, stretching her back slightly.
Kamin nodded his head at her words. “It was. If Kiyomi were here, she’d be carrying most of it.” He laughed. Mai chuckled along with him. That is true, but now she is assigned to the Wind Hashira’s estate, so, sadly, we don’t see each other as much anymore.” She sighed before seeing Chika land on the window seal to inform them that a Kakushi was waiting outside at the gate for Kaiya.
Mai and Kamin quickly rushed down, bowing down to the three Hashira.
“Suzuki-San, another Kakushi has been waiting for your arrival to take you and your sword in,” Mai told her, bowing down slightly after placing the other futons down onto the floor.
“Me?” Kaiya pointed at herself, her eyes furrowed.
Mitsuri clapped her hands with a squeal. “Oh, you got special approval to travel to the swordsmith village!”
“I thought it was just going to be my sword that was going and I was staying here?” She looked over at Mai and Kamin. The man shook his head at her question. “They were given orders to have you travel there as well. You’ll be gone until your sword is finished.”
Obanai leaned against a frame, crossing his arms as he watched the scene in front of him. His snake looked around before resting peacefully on his shoulder. “Kanroji,” he cleared his throat, and both women turned to look at him. Two pairs of green eyes stared at him, and he looked away for a moment. “Yes?” She walked over to him. “We need to go on patrol.” He told her, giving her a bit of a knowing look. They had made plans to be at Mitsuri’s manor tonight, and it was getting late. It was best to get there sooner rather than later, or one of them might be pulled out onto a mission.
It had happened a handful of times where things were getting hot and heavy, but were interrupted by one of their crows calling out for them on a mission. A real killer when it came to their alone time.
“Ah, yes!” Mitsuri nodded her head with a happy gasp before turning back to Kaiya. “Suzuki-San, when you arrive at the village, try to visit the hot springs. It does wonders for your body!” She reached over to take the woman’s hands into her own.
Kaiya’s eyes flickered down to their hands, and her cheeks grew pink. Oh my, she’s holding my hands. I’m blushing. Shit. I told myself that I wasn’t going to get attached to anyone. Why do they make me go red?
“It will help you heal from your injuries,” Mitsuri whispered to her, pulling her closer.
Kaiya’s lips pressed together, and her eyes flickered down to her lips for a moment.
Why did her voice make me go weak? She is so close… She smells so good.
“Thank you,” Kaiya whispered back to her, pulling back slightly, and her eyes fell on Obanai as he stood there, but his expression was hard to read. The black haired woman slowly let her fingers go. “I shall walk you two out.” She told them. Mitsuri nodded before following her out with Obanai by her side.
There was a male Kakushi; he bowed down to them. “Evening, Suzuki-San. As your guide, I cannot share my name with you, but I am looking forward to serving you. During your travel, you will be passed off between many Kakushi and crows. Your crow is already waiting for you there.” He reached behind his back, pulling out some cloth. “But please put this blindfold and earplugs on due to the village being hidden. Once you are ready, I will be carrying you on my back.” He turned around and got ready.
Obanai started walking towards Mitsuri’s estate as Mitsuri waved her goodbye.
Mai helped Kaiya place the blindfold on before giving the other Kakushi the nod of approval.
Before Kaiya knew it, she was lifted, and her arms instantly wrapped themselves around the man’s neck. He was off without another word. She had never been to the Swordsmith Village, but she had heard stories from Shinobu about them and the hot springs that almost anything. Now, that was something she wanted to try. She hoped it would help with anything she had, but was also excited to get a brand new sword.
Notes:
hi cuties! i hope you enjoy!
thank you again for the kudos, comments and the reads! it honestly gives the push to keep writing!
Chapter 4: Chapter Four.
Summary:
Mitsuri’s eyes were focused on their hands, then gazed up to meet his two colored ones. “It was when I first saw her, it just won’t stop beating so quickly as I think about her and you,” she brought up her other hand to cover her mouth, her cheeks flustered a dark shade of red. “Is it possible to really care for two people at once?” She asked lowly.
“How do you feel?” Obanai asked her.
“Happy because I’m here with you,” she cooed softly. “But now a bit silly after my question,” she admitted to him, shaking her pink locks. “She is really pretty, I like her eyes! She seems so kind and sweet! And her breathing style?! How amazing is that? Just like me, create your style from your teachers! Did you see her lips? How kissable!” She started to squeal. “She does have pretty skin, it looks so nice. Her eyes sparkle in the light!”
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It felt like days, and it could have been, but Kaiya had been bounced around from Kakushi and crows, but she finally felt the blindfold being lifted off her face, and she took out the earplugs. Blinking, she rubbed her eyes and noticed the sun was down, then went back to the Kakushi. It was a female with big, light pink eyes who placed her back down onto her feet.
“Oh wow,” she gasped, her dark green eyes taking in the sight of the village. “This is beautiful,” she hummed out.
“I’m glad you think so!” The Kakushi chuckled lightly. “Everyone says the same thing when they see it for the first time. As this is your first time, you must go greet the chief before you do anything else here. His home is at the end of this street, then you must turn left.” She took the cloth back from the other woman.
“I must return now, but we will be informed when it’s time for you to depart.” She bowed before taking off. “Have a good visit, Suzuki-Sama.”
Kaiya waved as she disappeared from her sight, then she turned on her heels and followed her instructions. The chief’s estate was large, and it was even prettier than the other buildings around it. She was greeted by his guards with deep bows and then led her inside of the estate.
“Chief Tecchikawahara, the Dream Hashira has arrived.” One of them said with a bow.
She stepped inside and knelt before him. She was not expecting him to be that small, but it wasn’t something Shinobu mentioned to her either. Truthfully, she had no idea what to expect when she stepped foot in the village. This still felt unreal, but she had to push that feeling down; this was just her reality. This is what all the hashira must have felt like when it happened to them.
“Ah, The Dream Hashira! Suzuki Kaiya, it is a pleasure to meet you and have you here in our village!” The small chief spoke out with a clap of his hands. “I hope your trip here was safe and sound. Although I may be the smallest person here,” he paused. “I am also the most important. Now, now, show the bow that you use for the most respect.” He waved his hand.
Kaiya’s brows furrowed for a second, but she didn’t think too much of it. She brought her hands up and slammed herself down, her forehead nearly touching the floor. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Chief. I am indeed the Dream Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. It’s an honor to have men of your village create my sword for me.”
“Your sword is unique, it’s beautiful work, I must admit, since I am the one who forged it!” He laughed lightly. “It’s a mixture of Kocho-Sama’s sword and a standard nichirin sword. It was a unique request to make from the Insect Hashira. Now sit tall,” he waved his hand dismissively.
The woman nodded her head at his words, sitting up on her knees. “Kocho-San and I are similar in our styles. She is the one who taught me how to be a swordsman after all.”
“I see! Suzuki-Sama, we shall get your sword from you now, and I will get started on your sword first thing in the morning. It will only take a few days. Now, you’ll be escorted towards the inn for slayers and have a good rest of your evening. I look forward to seeing you again when we work on your sword for the final touches.” He told her. She nodded her head before standing up onto her two feet, giving him one final bow, then turning on her feet to see another man with a similar mask.
“Suzuki-San, you may follow me.” He told her and led her back outside onto the dirt street. Her eyes gazed around while he led her towards the hot springs. “So, demons can never find this place, huh?” She wondered out loud, her eyes finding the man with the mask. He simply shook his head at her words. “It’s clearly very hard to find this village, but in case they ever do invade and attack. We have another village set up somewhere else,” he informed her with a small smile on his chapped lips.
He walked over to another person in a mask, who held out a dark blue yukata, they had matched her haori and bow. She felt her lips curve upward into a thankful smile. “Oh, thank you very much.” She slightly bowed down to them. “I shall lead you to the hot springs,” the man told her happily with a small clap of his hands. “It’s wonderful for its healing properties. These hot springs heal cuts, burns, hemorrhoids, constipation, gout, diabetes, high blood pressure, anemia, gallstones, and muscle and joint pain.” He told her, nodding his head with each word that he spoke.
“Really?” She asked, amazed. It seemed so unreal, it was unworldly.
“It is so! Many slayers come here for it. They also say it can even cure a broken heart.”
Kaiya’s brows furrowed together in confusion at his words. She wouldn’t believe in that one, but she kept following him through until they reached a pathway. “Here you go, Suzuki-San,” he bowed down to her, holding out the clothing. “You may go rest while the chef gets to work on your sword,” he told her. She took the clothing and then walked up the steps.
The path was uphill slightly towards the hot springs. Kaiya let out a small sigh once she felt the hot steam hit her face. It already felt so nice, and she wasn’t even in yet. The hot spring was huge, and luckily, there was no one in there with her.
Her shoulders shrugged off her dark blue haori, folding it neatly on a rock, and then her finger started working to undo the silver buttons of her black uniform. Peeling it back from her skin, then she worked on the bindings of her chest, allowing her breasts to spill out. Her fingers removed her white belt, pulling it free, then shimmying out of her black uniform pants and undergarments along with her socks and sandals. Lastly, she untied the bow in her hair, allowing her black locks to fall loose around her face.
Finally, Kaiya was able to set foot into the hot water; she instantly closed her eyes in bliss as she walked around to find herself a seat. She settled herself into the water, closed her eyes, and let the hot water soak her body. She leaned her head back, taking in a deep breath.
—-
Mitsuri popped her head up, pushing back the waves of her hair after having it unbraided. Obanai stirred slightly beside her, his good eye opening as he lay on his side. “Why are you awake, my pretty girl?” He questioned her, slowly sitting up on his spot in her bed. “Are you tired?” She leaned over to kiss his chapped lips a few times. She had been tossing and turning most of the night, restless in her own thoughts.
The man arched his brow with a small smirk forming on his lips. “Tired? Never,” he whispered to her. But Mitsuri’s lips quivered; his brows furrowed in confusion and worry. “Do you think I’m tired of you because of Kaiya?” He asked her.
“Well, no,” she started to say, playing with the ends of her hair. “I mean, a little,” she lifted her hand, bringing her index and thumb close together. He reached for her hands, bringing them to his lips to press soft kisses on her skin. Her eyes softened at his actions. He was always so gentle with her. “Mitsuri,” he started to say, placing her hand on his lap. “I never once ever thought a woman was beautiful before I met you. You truly changed my life in so many ways that I think that one day I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone. I am scared shitless of one day you realizing that I am worthless and leaving me. I didn’t think anyone was beautiful but you two. But you both make my heart pound like crazy,” he lifted her hand up to his chest, allowing her to feel how fast it was pounding. “You still make me nervous and happy.” He told her truthfully. “You said that you’re heartbeat was pounding after meeting her.”
Mitsuri’s eyes were focused on their hands, then gazed up to meet his two colored ones. “It was when I first saw her, it just won’t stop beating so quickly as I think about her and you,” she brought up her other hand to cover her mouth, her cheeks flustered a dark shade of red. “Is it possible to really care for two people at once?” She asked lowly.
“How do you feel?” Obanai asked her.
“Happy because I’m here with you,” she cooed softly. “But now a bit silly after my question,” she admitted to him, shaking her pink locks. “She is really pretty, I like her eyes! She seems so kind and sweet! And her breathing style?! How amazing is that? Just like me, create your style from your teachers! Did you see her lips? How kissable!” She started to squeal. “She does have pretty skin, it looks so nice. Her eyes sparkle in the light!”
Obanai shook his head a bit with a small laugh. “Now, there is nothing silly about your question, Mitsuri. It’s a normal question, but my answer is - I will never get tired of you, Mitsuri. Plus, we don’t even know how she feels. We only just met her,” he shrugged his shoulders. “We shouldn’t worry about something that might never ever happen. If it’s meant to be, then it is.” He told her truthfully.
The Love Hashira giggled lightly. “You are right about that. Like I said, if Tengen could do it, then why can’t we open ourselves too?” She scooted closer to him, seeing him smile gently.
“Technically, Tegen’s marriages were arranged,” Obanai pointed out.
“But you know what I mean!” She laughed out. “He loves all three of his wives equally,” she told him, but they all knew that. Tengen was not the one to be shy about his feelings for his three wives. He talked about them a lot and always had a story about one of them whenever they all went out to eat together. “He does, and he’s very annoying about it,” Obanai rolled his eyes, then felt Mitsuri lightly push him. “He is very annoying overall,” he added.
Obanai let go of her hand, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her back down into the pillows and blankets. He could feel her leg wrapping itself around him, then her arm. “What do you think she’s doing?” She whispered softly. “Seeing as it’s pitch black outside, asleep.” He laughed a bit, reaching towards her back, and started to massage Mitsuri’s soft skin. “Get some sleep, my pretty, beautiful girl.”
—-
Letting out a loud sigh, Kaiya’s eyes stayed closed until she heard rustling and heavy footsteps making their way towards her. She assumed it was another slayer or swordsmith to inform her about dinner. She peeked one eye open when she heard the footsteps stop. Slowly, she peeked one eye open to find a tall man with snow white hair with a muscular build. She opened up both eyes when he spoke out. “Greetings! I thought I heard another Hashira had joined our ranks! Are you Suzuki?” He asked out, grinning from ear to ear.
The woman’s eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. “Who wants to know?” She brought her hands up to cover her breasts.
“Relax, I’m not looking, besides, I’m joining you,” said the man, easily removing the belt of his yukata to reveal he wasn’t wearing anything underneath. Instantly, Kaiya’s body turned around and closed her eyes. “So,” he started to say as he entered the body of hot water. “Suzuki, is it?” He sighed, settling across from her. “Uh, yes. Suzuki Kaiya, I just became the Dream Hashira,” she kept her body turned around.
“Pleasure to meet you, Suzuki! I am Uzui Tengen, the Sound Hashira!” Tengen beamed proudly, pointing at himself.
She slowly turned her head, looking over her shoulder at the man. “The Sound Hashira,” she repeated to herself in a low tone.
“I could hear that,” he chuckled out. “I can hear for miles and miles!”
“Oh,” nodded Kaiya. “Makes sense… So, sound breathing?”
Tengen nodded his head happily. “Yes! Now tell me, how did a small one like yourself get to become a Hashira?”
The woman’s face fell slightly, and she dunked herself more into the water to turn around to face him. “I killed fifty demons as a Kinoe rank last night. I was sent out on a mission with lower ranks, and I killed one of the three demons there.”
“Just one! Why not all three?”
“I got captured,” she admitted, looking away for a moment, and recalling the night in her mind. “But luckily Iguro-San had been summoned to lend a hand, and he was able to save me from the two demons. There was another slayer there, and he left -” She started to say, but Tengen spoke up. “Iguro saved you? Huh, I thought he’d only save Kanroji!”
“The Love Hashira?”
“Oh yeah, Iguro and Kanroji are two that everyone could see that they’re in love, but won’t admit it.”
Kaiya pressed her lips together with a small nod of her head. “Ah, I see,” she said. They are seeing each other, then they have to be. She asked if I wanted to join them for lunch more often, and I agreed. I don’t want to disturb them with their alone time… Though, it was nice to eat with Kanroji. She is light at the end of the day. Like a bright star in the dark sky.
“I’m surprised he saved you; he doesn’t like other women, nor does his snake.” Tengen shrugged, leaning back into the water peacefully. His eyes closed as the hot water soaked his body
“Kaburamaru-Kun,” recited the woman. A small smile formed on her lips as she remembered when Mitsuri asked if it was okay for her to pet him, and he allowed her to, then suddenly booped her on the nose.
Tengen’s eye opened, looking over at the woman. “So you know its name,” observed the man, sitting up slightly.
She shrugged a bit, bringing some water up to her face. “I do but enough about that,” she waved her hand dismissively because she could feel her stomach twisting in knots. She didn’t even know her cheeks were flustered. The man stared over at her with both of his eyes, one brow arched up. “How did you become a Hashira?”
“I fought up the ranks just like you did, but maybe a bit faster,” he chuckled.
Kaiya couldn’t help but roll her eyes with a small giggle. “It may have taken me two years, but I did it.”
“That you did! We should celebrate with a feast!” Tengen clapped his hands together, earning a loud sound that caused the woman to cover her ears. “We shall feast tonight! I shall tell Rengoku and Shinazugawa!” He proudly stood up, bare and all.
Kaiya’s eyes closed tightly and turned away. “Uh, sure, you should go let them know now. Bye,” she waved him away with one hand. She could hear the tall man sloshing around before gathering his things and taking off on foot. Sighing, Kaiya relaxed her body once more and closed her eyes. Rengoku is the Flame Hashira, and the other is the Wind Hashira. I have met them a few times. How have I not seen Mitsuri and Obanai before? Especially Mitsuri, as she is the other female Hashira… It’s so unreal.
The woman gave it a few more minutes before she rose from the steaming hot waters and wrapped her body in the yukata that they offered her. It was a pretty fabric that was light purple, aligned with wisteria flowers scattered along it, with a white obi that she tied around herself. She slipped into the white sandals and then gathered her Slayer uniform. She walked back down where she was greeted by another masked swordsman.
“Evening, Suzuki-Sama! We hope you found our hot springs comforting,” he grinned underneath his mask. “I shall take those clothes from you, they will be cleaned and ready for you to wear when you travel back to your estate. Until then, you may rest in our clothing we have provided you. Come, Uzui-Sama has requested to have dinner with you and the rest of the Hashira who are visiting us.”
Kaiya offered him a kind smile and nodded her head. It was strange that four of the pillars were at the village together, but then again, maybe they had been here longer than her and were getting ready to leave any day or hour now. She followed close behind and was led towards a huge inn where she could hear all three men talking. The door slid open, and she stepped in. There sat Uzui with the Flame Pillar and the Wind Pillar.
“Suzuki!” Boomed Tengen stood up and walked over to her. “Meet our newest Hashira! Suzuki Kaiya, the Dream Hashira!” He patted her on top of her head, but she stepped to the side at the second pat.
“Welcome to the highest rank, Suzuki! It’s a pleasure to have you join us!” The blonde man beamed, smiling proudly with his arms crossed over his chest.
The other white haired man leaned on his hand as he nodded. “Another Hashira, huh? Welcome.”
“Thank you all,” Kaiya said as she walked in and sat across from Sanemi. Tengen and Kyojuro sat across from each other. “Thank you for inviting me to this dinner.” She told them, pushing her hair back from her face.
Sanemi looked over at her with his pale purple eyes. “This is all Uzui’s doing. I wanted to sleep before I left in the morning,” grumbled the Wind Hashira.
“You can sleep all you want when you get back to your estate!”
“You know we don’t sleep much!”
“But we do get some!”
While Tengen and Sanemi went back and forth, Kaiya poured herself a cup of tea and sipped on it as they went on. Renguko started piling food onto his plate.
Sanemi rubbed his face before rolling his eyes, giving up on the bickering because it was going to get them nowhere and it was useless at this point. “Whatever, Uzui.” He huffed out.
Tengen grinned. “C’mon now, we all know you want to get back to that Kakushi. What’s her name again? Kagome or something? It’s something with a K, am I right? Did you take notes of all of my lessons about pleasing a woman?” He teased the other man, causing Kaiya to choke on her tea, and Sanemi’s face turned red with anger. His hands turned into fists, knuckles turning white.
Higurashi Kiyomi and the Wind Hashira are seeing each other? That’s news to me. Kaiya thought to herself.
“Come again?” scowled Sanemi, his brows furrowed together in anger, and his eyes snapped over at the taller man.
The other man shrugged with a teasing grin on his lips. “Well, is she coming again?” He started to smirk.
Before Sanemi could open his mouth, Kyojuro started to eat his food and yelled out. “UMAI!” He ate another bite before exclaiming out again. “UMAI! Suzuki! You trained under Kocho, correct?” He asked, turning to face the woman. She wiped her mouth from the tea that spilled around her mouth while nodding her head. “I did. Kocho trained me when I was sixteen. I am very grateful to her for teaching me everything she knew.” Her eyes flickered between the two white haired men. Sanemi glaring at Tengen while Tengen just looked unbothered.
“Could you not grasp Insect Breathing?” Kyojuro asked her, setting his plate down onto their shared table.
Suddenly, all eyes were on her. “I grasped Insect and Flower Breathing within six months,” she revealed to the men before her. Sanemi’s arched one brow up, Tengen nodded, and Kyojuro just stared. “But Dream Breathing is my own creation. I love to sleep in and stay up late, so it just came to me while Kocho was training me. So I can do all three,” she simply shrugged her shoulders, reaching out to start piling up food onto her plate to start eating.
“Now that’s flashy!” Tengen burst noisily, slamming his fist onto the small table and hearing it crack. There food and drinks were on the floor. “Nice fucking going,” Sanemi snapped, but Tengen just chuckled out. “It’s fine, it’s fine! I’ll pay for it and everything, do not worry about it, but at least the sake is untouched! Want to have a drink with us, Suzuki? A celebration one?” Asked the Sound Pillar as he stood up and walked over to the other side of the room to grab small cups for them all, and started to pour them.
Kaiya didn’t even have a chance to answer before Tengen shoved the cup into her smaller hands. “I guess, I don’t have a choice, it seems like, huh?” She hummed out, her dark green eyes staring down at the cup, then back to the men.
“Here is to our newest Hashira, Suzuki Kaiya!” Tengen and Kyojuro cheered. All of them took the drink together. Kaiya made a face, shaking her head with a small gag. Tengen laughed out at her reaction. “It’s not all bad once you've had a few more, Suzuki!” He held up the bottle. Instantly, Kaiya shook her head. “No, thanks.”
Sanemi rolled his eyes before taking the drink straight back without making a face and slamming it down onto the floor. “Goodnight now.” He grumbled, standing up and walking out of the room.
“Is he usually like that?” Kaiya questioned, turning to watch Sanemi storm off.
“Usually,” Tengen shrugged his shoulders.
“He is upset that you commented on the woman he’s courting!” Kyojuro chimed in.
Tengen poured them another drink while he shrugged his shoulders. “You know, I thought she’d calm him down, but she is just as hot-headed as he is. I heard them fighting in the courtyard a few weeks ago.”
“Tengen,” Kyojuro gave him a warning look, causing the other man to hold up his hands in defense. “Fine, fine. Ah, Hina and Makio say hello!” He snapped his finger in thought, recalling that his wives wanted to tell him hello. He was so caught up in spending time with the other man that it slipped his mind. “No Suma?” Kyojuro’s lips fell slightly. “She is fighting a cold at the moment, so she was asleep when I left, but I know she does send her love to you.”
The woman still sat on the floor, reaching over to clean up the mess on the floor. She listened to the two talk about the three women that Tengen was speaking of. The white hair man let out a laugh. “Makio can keep you on your toes when we’re training together. She is always ready for missions. I feel like she is more ready than I sometimes, but like I told all of them - Put their own lives first, then the citizens, and lastly myself. I still worry sometimes when they come along with me, but that’s life as a husband with three wives.”
Kaiya stopped cleaning for a moment. Three wives? Was it truly possible to care for more than one person at once?
“Did I surprise you, Suzuki?” Questioned Tengen, chuckling out when he noticed her reaction.
“A little,” she sat back on her bottom, pushing back her black locks from her face. “Three wives? And you care for them all?”
“Care for them?” Tengen scoffed, clearly offended at her words. Kyojuro gave her a small chuckle. “Those three are my whole world! I love those three more than anything in this world. I love my girls,” he proclaimed powerfully, holding his hands to his chest.
The woman’s face softened a bit. “Is it possible to care for more than one person?” She paused for a moment as Tengen’s face gave her a knowing look, hearing her heart beating wildly in her chest. His eyes gazed over to Kyojuro for a moment, and there was a look of longing and wanting. Kyojuro was facing Kaiya before meeting the other man’s eyes. Their cheeks flushed, and they looked away. The woman smiled to herself.
Tengen cleared his throat. “It’s very possible, Suzuki. Trust your heart, it’s beating like crazy, and that usually means one thing. You got your eyes on someone… Are you gonna tell us?”
Laughing, Kaiya stood from her spot on the floor with a shake of her locks. “Goodnight, Uzui and Rengoku.” She told them, giving them a slight bow, and left the two alone.
Walking herself into an empty bedroom, she could hear the loud snores from the other side of the wall. She assumed it was the Wind Hashira, tired out of his mind. They all were tired, being up at all hours of the night to fight demons took a lot out of their bodies at times. She lay herself on the futon, covering herself with the blankets, and closed her eyes.
Slowly, sleep took over her body for the night.
Notes:
i am honestly having so much fun fleshing out kaiya's story and character! i am truly enjoying writing this rewrite of under the same moon!
please let me know if you're enjoying it as well! i'd love to hear your thoughts!
plus enjoy the small sprinkles of enchanted eyes and beautifully tragic in there!
♥︎♥︎♥︎♥︎
Chapter 5: Chapter Five.
Summary:
The three sat beside Sanemi, sipping their water until Sanemi spoke up. “How is Kocho doing with you becoming a Hashira? Since you are her Tsuguko.” He asked her, seeing her place down the water on the floor.
“Not her Tsuguko,” she denied, shaking her head at his words. “Kanao-Chan is Kocho’s Tsuguko, but I refused it. I didn’t want to become a Hashira, truthfully,” admitted the woman, shrugging her shoulders. Her eyes noticed how Tengen’s longing gaze stayed on the Flame Hashira longer than anyone else.
Tengen and Kyojuro’s eyes widened slightly. “Why did you refuse her?” Asked the Flame Pillar.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Suzuki!” Tengen’s voice boomed through the sliding door, causing the woman to jump up before rubbing her eyes tiredly. “Rengoku and I are going to train together! Would you like to join us?” She slowly opened her eyes as the door slid wide open to see both other hashira standing at the door with wide smiles plastered on their faces. “You slept through breakfast!” Kyojuro beamed. “Reminds me of Iguro!”
The woman arched her brow up slightly, but brought her hand up to rub her eyes awake. “Does he not eat or something?”
“Not in public!” Tengen replied to her. “Doesn’t tell us wh,y but I bet something is scary underneath those bandages.” He turned to the Flame Pillar. “Do you know what’s under there?” He questioned him. Kyojuro nodded his head simply with his arms crossed. “I do, but Iguro will tell you in his own time.” He told him truthfully.
“I keep asking, but he won’t tell me!” Huffed Tengen.
Kaiya rose to her feet with a long sigh. “Most likely because you keep pestering him about it. He seems like a private person,” she told him, stretching her arms and looking for her uniform that was folded neatly on the side near a vanity. “Maybe Iguro will tell you one day.”
“Not unless he tells Kanroji first,” Tengen chuckled lightly.
“You like to talk about those two a lot,” Kaiya observed with a small yawn, shaking her head, but she could feel her heart picking up slightly.
Tengen laughed out. “I just like to tease them, but get dressed! I hear that heart pounding, you’re excited to train with us! Bring everything you got, Suzuki!” He winked at her. Kyojuro waved before the two exited the doorway and left to let the woman get dressed. She was frozen in her spot, hearing his words. I need to stop thinking of them.
Sighing, Kaiya stripped before getting dressed in her usual black standard uniform. Her new one would be awaiting her when she got back within a few days.
——
Obanai had woken before Mitsuri had risen from her deep sleep. Although he wouldn’t admit to staying in the bed an extra few minutes to stare at her, his finger tracing her facial features once, twice, then three times. Wanting to remember every single detail, from her thick, long black eyelashes, her cute, small nose, her pink kissable lips, to her beauty marks that he adored so much.
A part of him felt this deep feeling in his chest that he wasn’t allowed to have this moment with her, nude and sharing a space with her, but each time he doubted their relationship. Mitsuri found a way to make him believe that it was okay. It was a constant battle within himself.
Mitsuri pouted her lip when she realized that her lover had disappeared before the sun woke up, and since she was at his estate for the night. She was wondering where he had gone off to since there was no note on his futon. She shrugged slightly, staying inside his bedroom.
She had to take her mind off of her because Obanai was right. What if Kaiya didn’t feel the same way about them? What if her heart doesn’t beat for them like theirs do?
The Love Hashira sighed before standing on her feet to braid her hair and change into her uniform and white haori. Her mind was up in the clouds, daydreaming about the three of them.
Wouldn’t it be cute if Obanai got her socks like mine?
Or if we trained together!
I don’t know if I could train with her if she takes off her haori!
I might faint!
How many muscles does she have…
Oh.. My naughty thoughts…
Mitsuri’s cheeks instantly grew flustered with redness, covering her face with her hands. “She doesn’t even know us. It’s so silly of me!” She breathed, rubbing her cheeks to calm herself down.
How darling it would be if I cooked her dinner here!
Oh! That’s a great idea to get to know her better!
“Where is some paper?” She asked out loud to herself, knowing no one else was around but her crow, but she was asleep by the window, enjoying the sun that beamed in. She scrambled around her vanity that Obanai had put in his bedroom for her until she found what she was looking for and squealed loudly when she found it. “Wait,” she paused before she could even start. “I should ask Obanai,” she started to say, her words trailed off until the door slid open.
“Ask me what?” He arched a brow upward, setting down some food in front of her.
She gasped loudly, her eyes sparkled with joy at the sight of her favorite foods that were now sitting in front of her. “Is this where you disappeared to? To get me food?”
He nodded his head, taking off Kaburamaru lightly and letting him roam around the room to his own free will. He knew his manor well enough to get around with his one functioning eye. It was second-hand nature at this point.
“What did you want to ask me?” He asked her, settling himself down beside her, and pushed back her hair from her face. His eyes followed as she leaned closer to him with a grin on her pink lips. “Should I be worried?”
“How would you feel about me asking Kaiya to join us for an actual dinner?” She wondered out loud.
Obanai opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Did Mitsuri want him to eat in front of her? He couldn’t do that.
“You wouldn’t eat in front of her!” Mitsuri promised him, wrapping her arms around him. “I know I invited her to come to eat out with us, but it’ll be something with us three without anyone around, and we’d get to know her better.” She pressed a kiss to his covered cheek.
That made him feel more at ease, but he still worried. He placed his hands on her arms that were wrapped around him, giving them a small squeeze. “If we do this, I will not eat in front of her, and I don’t want either of us getting our hopes up on something.”
She nodded her head at his words. “So, is that a yes?”
“It’s a yes.”
Mitsuri squealed, pulling his face to hers and kissing his covered lips many times. The man’s cheeks were flushed with redness at her affection.
—-
“Flame Breathing, Third Form - Blazing Universe,” Kyojuro lifted his wooden sword up as he pushed off his foot, but Kaiya didn’t move; her eyes watched his movements and rushed towards him a second later. “Flower Breathing, Second Form - Honorable Shadow Plum,” she twisted her sword, rotating the wooden sword to deflect his upcoming attacks. She gritted her teeth, feeling the weight of his attacks on her until both of them pushed back onto their feet in the dirt.
Holy shit, this is so different than sparring with Shinobu. I fought demons with muscle, but with another Hashira is another level…
I should do this more often to get stronger.
Tengen clapped. “Suzuki! You weren’t kidding when you said you could do Flower Breathing!” He grinned, placing his hands on his hips. “And you know Insect Breathing, that is flashy! Don’t you think?” He looked down at Shinazugawa. He was sitting on the floor, legs crossed, and clearly not in the mood to be spoken to. He sat there, watching the two spar with one another. He had gone up with Tengen before Kaiya had arrived to join them. He was only waiting for another Kakushi to call him to leave back to his manor.
“We should keep sparring! Suzuki, keep on your feet!” Kyojuro called out, smiling widely.
She nodded her head before she lifted up her sword towards him.
“Dream Breathing, Third Form - Constant Drift,” Kaiya effortlessly backflipped onto her feet, then pushed quickly at the blonde-haired man with her wooden katana extended outwards.
“Flame Breathing, Second Form - Rising Scorching Sun,” He brought up the katana in an upward motion, feeling the swords collide with one another. With her feet, Kaiya pushed herself off of Kyojuro’s chest with her might and pushed him onto the floor. She landed back, twirling the word in her hands.
Sanemi’s eyes watched the two; he let out a small sigh. He hadn’t heard Flower Breathing in years. He pressed his lips together as his eyes followed Kaiya’s movements. She was a mixture of Shinobu and Kanae in her movements. Seeing Kaiya’s movements was making him recall his sparring moments with Kanae. It had been so long since her death, he knew it was okay to move on and fall in love again. Although he and Kiyomi had their moments. He knew he loved her dearly.
“Flower Breathing,” She didn’t allow the man to get up, and she was back on her feet towards him. “Fourth Form - Crimson Hanagoromo.” She lifted the sword, twisting it into a single slash, but Kyojuro jumped back up onto his feet, using the sword to collide with hers.
“Consistent!” He beamed with a smile, pushing her off. “Keep going!”
Kaiya’s body was able to sense something approaching behind her. “Dream Breathing, Fifth Form - Daydreams,” twisting her body, she twirling her sword against Tengen’s upcoming attacks.
“How flashy! Suzuki! You are one of a kind, Hashira! Let’s get some water, shall we?” He stopped altogether, earning nods from the other two.
The three sat beside Sanemi, sipping their water until Sanemi spoke up. “How is Kocho doing with you becoming a Hashira? Since you are her Tsuguko.” He asked her, seeing her place down the water on the floor.
“Not her Tsuguko,” she denied, shaking her head at his words. “Kanao-Chan is Kocho’s Tsuguko, but I refused it. I didn’t want to become a Hashira, truthfully,” admitted the woman, shrugging her shoulders. Her eyes noticed how Tengen’s longing gaze stayed on the Flame Hashira longer than anyone else.
Tengen and Kyojuro’s eyes widened slightly. “Why did you refuse her?” Asked the Flame Pillar.
“Being a Hashira wasn’t what I wanted in the first place,” she told them lowly. “I just wanted to save lives without worrying about training someone, patrolling areas, and responsibilities. But before anyone else has something to say about it,” she pointed at Tengen, earning a small chuckle from Sanemi. “Kocho and I talked about it many times in the past two years, and our last talk helped me see it better, so I said yes to Oyakata-sama.”
“Well, after seeing what I just saw,” Tengen spoke up. “You are her Tsuguko. She may not have retired or died, but you managed to rise up the ranks and earn your spot fair and square. You are the Dream Hashira, Tsuguko of the Insect Hashira!” He snapped his finger. Kaiya laughed lightly, nodding her head before looking back to Sanemi. “I think she is proud of me for answering your question.”
Sanemi nodded his head at her words.
—-
Sanemi was officially gone from the swordsmith village; it was now Tengen and Kyojuro’s last day there as well. All three had gone their separate ways to check in on their weapons.
“Chief Tecchikawahara,” bowed Kaiya, entering the hut where he was crafting her sword.
“Ah, Suzuki-Sama!” Beamed the smaller man, looking up from his word. “I have to say,” he placed the sword down to the side as he stood up on his feet. “Your sword is one of the best taken care of I have seen in such a long time. You truly take care of my work!” He grinned happily.
The woman’s face softened instantly, seeing his joy. “I do. I take care of my things with great care. My mother taught me well how to handle items in my care.”
“Your mother must have been a lovely woman.”
Kaiya’s breath got caught in her throat, hearing his words. Must have been. Although her mother was alive, it still hurt her heart to hear. He assumed that many slayers joined the corps because they lost their families to demons. Kaiya’s family was still alive, and she still had her mother and father. She still had her siblings, her younger sister, Yui, and her older brother, Hikaru.
Her mind always wondered what became of her family after her disappearance.
Did they look for me?
Did they think I also died by the hands of another demon on my travels?
Maybe that was for the best if they believed the last one…
“She is.”
The small man didn’t catch on, but he lifted up her katana in his hands. It was engraved with Akki Messatsu, and it was shining as if it were brand new. “I didn’t have to do much but sharpen it slightly and the engraving. Suzuki-Sama, we can arrange for your travel back home for tonight.” Offered the man. “Or you can travel back in the morning. Whichever you prefer!”
The woman gave him a deep bow. “Thank you for forging my sword and offering me another night, but I’d like to return back to my manor today if possible.”
He nodded his head before turning to one of the other villagers. “Let’s get Suzuki-Sama ready for her travels back home! But first dinner!” Then turned back to her. “I shall do some final touch-ups, and it’ll be ready before you leave.”
Kaiya was led back towards the inn, where she was able to gather her things and have dinner before leaving. She sat at the table in her room alone until Kyojuro and Tengen slammed it open. “How did it go?” Kyojuro asked, sitting down across from her with his food, and then Tengen joined them.
“Oh, it went well,” she nodded, hiding her mouth behind her hand. “I am leaving after dinner.”
“Really? That was a quick visit!” Tengen laughed out.
“I know, but Chief Tecchikawahara stated that my sword is well taken care of and wished to sharpen it up a bit more before allowing me to leave,” said the woman, lifting up her chopsticks to bring more food to her lips.
“My swordsmith was not happy with my chipped sword,” Chuckled Kyojuro. “But I got it stuck in a tree.”
The woman’s brows furrowed together in confusion at his words while Tengen laughed out. “How did you manage to get your sword stuck in a tree?” She asked him, one brow arched up slightly at his flustered cheeks as he pointed at Tengen. The white haired man shook his head. “I yelled in his bad ear,” recalled Tengen.
“Bad ear?”
“Ah, yes!” Said the Flame Hashira. “I busted my eardrums during a battle with a demon. A flute demon had used its blood demon art. I instantly covered my ears the best I could, but my left ear has had some trouble hearing ever since then. But that demon is long dead now! I used my fifth form to kill it!”
“Ah, I see,” nodded the woman, pressing her lips together. It was starting to make sense why he was so loud. He always seemed so enthusiastic, beaming with pride, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. It only made sense that Kyojuro was a Hashira.
The man went on. “Uzui yelled in my ear after jumping from a tree. It slipped from my hands, and here we are.”
Kaiya couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Oh my goodness,” she shook her head at his words.
“Kanroji also had a giggle fit after,” Tengen recalled.
“That reminds me, I must send her a letter!” Kyojuro nodded his head. “I must know how she is doing!”
The woman kept eating, trying to calm her heartbeat at the mere mention of Mitsuri. This is so silly. Why do they have this weird hold on me? I barely met them! They don’t think of me this much, I am sure of it. I am merely another comrade in their thoughts. Nothing more to them than just another Hashira to fight side by side.
“Kanroji is Renguko’s Tsuguko,” winked Tengen.
Kaiya cleared her throat. “Is that so?”
Kyojuro nodded his head at her words. “She is! Her Love Breathing comes from Flame Breathing! She is one of the strongest women I know. She stood by all of my training, even when those who ran away from it, because of how tough and demanding it is. Kanroji never once thought of leaving. She is truly deserving of the title of Hashira. I am forever proud of how far she made it.”
The woman couldn’t help but feel her lips tug upwards at his words. Tengen couldn’t help but smirk, hearing the woman’s heartbeat picking up slightly faster as the time passed and Kyojuro kept talking about the pink-haired woman.
“Oi, why don’t you tell Suzuki here about Iguro, too! You did grow up with him.” Tengen grinned teasingly, which Kyojuro didn’t catch onto, but he started talking.
“Ah, yes! Iguro was saved by my father at a young age from a snake demon. He stated he was the sole survivor of the snake demon’s attacks that killed his whole family, so my father, the former Flame Hashira at the time, brought him home to live with us! He had already covered his mouth along with the white snake that he carries around with him. I am forgetting his name,” he rubbed his chin in thought.
Tengen grinned, hearing Kaiya’s heart thumping wildly in her chest. Her cheeks were flushed red, embarrassed that Tengen could hear it. She covered her face, looking down at her bowl that was seated in front of her.
This man is going to be the death of me one day..
“Suzuki knows it,” hummed Tengen.
“Do you?” Kyojuro’s large eyes landed on her.
“Kaburamaru,” she mumbled.
“Huh?” They both said, but Tengen’s grin was loud.
“Kaburamaru,” she said louder for Kyojuro to hear, knowing that the other man could hear her but wanted to tease her.
Tengen paused for a moment before looking back towards the woman. “See you another day, Suzuki.” He hummed before there was a knock, and the door slid open to reveal a male Kakushi standing there.
He bowed deeply to the three of them. “Suzuki-Sama, are you finished with your dinner? I am here to start your journey back to the Dream Estate. If you are not finished, then I shall wait outside the door and just call for me.” He told her, but she stood up quickly.
“I am, let’s go,” she told him firmly before turning back to the other two men. “Have a good dinner, Uzui and Renguko. Uzui, don’t stare too long, it’s very rude.” She hummed with a sweet smile, seeing his boasting smile fade as quickly as it appeared. “Safe travels!” Waved the woman, turning on her heels and leaving the door.
Once Kaiya and the Kakushi walked towards the large wooden gates, where they were met by the Chief Tecchikawahara and his two villagers by his side.
“There you are, Suzuki-Sama. Here is your sword, sharpened and engraved just like requested,” he told her, handing it off towards the woman. She bowed deeply towards him. “Thank you, Chief Tecchikawahara. I am going to take nothing but good care of the sword that you forged for me.” She informed him, taking the sheath and unsheathing it for a moment to see it shiny and feeling brand new.
“Have a safe travel back to your manor and stay alive. Until next time, Suzuki-Sama,” he grinned underneath his mask.
She offered him a small smile before turning back to the Kakush, who already held up the blindfold and earplugs in each of their hands. “Alright, let’s do this,” she offered him a small smile and allowed him to cover her eyes and plug up her ears. He wasted no time, picking her up on his back and taking off down the dirt road.
Notes:
not the longest chapter but at least kaiya is returning back home 🤭
please enjoy - kudos and comments are appreciated
🐍🍡✨
Chapter 6: Chapter Six.
Summary:
“Suzuki!” Mused Mitsuri, smiling widely.
Kaiya stood in her spot, her heart rapidly pounding in her chest at the sight of the woman.
“I’m so glad that you could make it tonight!” She told her truthfully, her cheeks already pink as she walked over and pulled her into a tight hug. It had taken the woman by surprise, but she returned the kindness with a hug. “Oh, thank you for inviting me,” hummed Kaiya, pulling away.
“Come and sit down!” She beamed excitedly. “I don’t know what your favorite foods are, so I kind of just made anything I knew,” Mitsuri blushed, placing her hands on her cheeks in embarrassment. “Please eat!”
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
“Welcome back, Suzuki-san!” Kamin and Mai cheered loudly as Kaiya walked through her front gates, up the steps towards her manor. Mai had her new uniform folded neatly in her arms. “Your Hashira uniform arrived last night. Maeda had made it just for you under the watchful eye of Kocho-San,” Mai informed with a small wink. Almost everyone was aware of Maeda and his perverse ways when it came to making the female slayers' uniform. Shinobu, Kaiya, Aoi, and Kanao had all burned theirs when they received it.
“Thank you both,” hummed the woman, reaching out for the uniform. “Both pants and a skirt?”
Mai nodded her head.
“If Kocho’s eyes watched him, and I trust her with my whole life, so,” she paused for a moment. “I’ll change into it.” She let out a small sigh, wandering into the bare household towards the enormous bedroom that she claimed for herself. She could never forget when that man attempted to give her that short of a uniform; she never felt more embarrassed when she walked out of the room for Shinobu to get a look at her. Her small hands attempted to cover her exposed chest.
A smirk forms on her lips as she recalls burning the uniform in front of him. The pure fear in his eyes when she lit the match and let it fall onto the pile of clothing. Since then, he never once made eye contact with her. He always kept his eyes down when she walked into one of the many rooms of the Butterfly Mansion.
It only made her wonder why Mitsuri still wore that uniform. She felt bad, knowing that some men might see her and think less of her. She recalled Obanai’s eyes always stayed on her eyes, never wandering below her lips.
Men can be such pigs… But he always looked into her eyes.
But I can’t picture Iguro treating her that way.
He looks at her with such care.
There lay two futons side by side. She shrugged off her haori and started to unbutton her top when she turned around to see a crow that she had never seen before. Chika sat beside them, looking at the crow as it fidgeted and seemed nervous to be at her window. On top of its head was a clover-shaped crown, green and pink. “Oh, hello,” she stopped unbuttoning her shirt instantly.
“I have a letter from Kanroji-San!” it chirped loudly. There was a letter attached to her small leg. Kaiya’s brows furrowed in confusion, but she couldn’t deny the feeling of her breathing growing heavier. Easily recalling Tengen’s teasing about her heartbeat. Shaking off those thoughts, she walked over to the two crows on her window.
Perhaps she is reminding me of those lunches we had together.
The woman reached forward, untying the piece of paper, and scanned over it.
“Dear Suzuki-san! Hello, how are you? I hope your trip to the swordsmith village went wonderfully! Today, I was having lunch with Iguro-san, and I’d love to invite you both to dinner when you return to your manor as a celebration dinner! I am gathering a lot of recipes, and I’d love for you to try some! Urara or your crow can lead you towards my manor, the Love Estate! I love the sound of that, isn’t it so pretty? I hope to hear of your travels, too! I know Iguro will love to hear them too! Love Kanroji Mitsuri!”
Kaiya placed the paper down on the futon as she continued to undress herself from her now old uniform into the new one. Trying to hide her flustered face from both of the crows.
Dinner with me? Lunch with me?
She is the Love Hashria after all, but maybe she’s just being friendly?
From what I gathered, they are in love with one another, they spend a lot of time together, and eat a lot together. I don’t want to intrude on their nights alone. There would be no space for me there in their daily lives to have lunch with them.
Kaiya’s heart was racing in her chest, and she placed her right hand over it, feeling it thumping rapidly underneath her fingertips. Sighing, she dropped her hand and turned back to the two crows. Opposite of one another, Chika was too proper, meanwhile Urara was fidgeting every second she got. It was odd how all the crows were completely different in their own ways, but that’s what made Kaiya love her crow more. Chika remained by her side unless a battle occurred because she hated anything that ruffled or displaced her feathers. Kaiya learned that instantly, and she did not like to be petted by anyone but Kaiya. In fact, she didn’t like anyone but Kaiya.
“Urara, is your name, right?” Cooed Kaiya, walking over to the window and reaching out to touch her chest lightly. She watched as the crow started tapping its feet more on the windowsill. “You are indeed Kanroji-san’s crow,” laughed the woman, lightly. “Well, I don’t have any - OW, Chika!” She quickly retreated her hand back towards her chest, feeling Chika biting down on her finger. “I’m allowed to pet other crows, ya know?” Scowling, her eyes quickly snapped over at her crow that huffed out loudly, annoyed.
And of course, she is jealous…
Shaking her head, she looked back to Urara with a small smile. “May you tell Kanroji-san that I do not have paper on me and that I have returned home. I shall see her tonight as the sun sets. Can you please do that for me?” She asked the black crow.
“I can!” Urara chirped out before taking off in the opposite direction.
“Pets!” demanded Chika, shuffling over in front of Kaiya.
“Yeah, yeah,” she rolled her eyes and reached out to start petting the small crow on her back. “You can get super jealous, you know that?” She shook her head before feeling another bite on her hand. “Hey!”
—-
“Where are you running off to?” Obanai’s voice filled the air as he reached out for Mitsuri’s hips, pulling her back into the hot water with him. Her giggles filled the air, the most beautiful sound he had heard. “We cannot stay here all day, Obi. We’ll get all wrinkly,” she giggled softly, feeling his thumbs rub small circles into her bare skin on her hips.
“We can stay here longer, the sun is still up,” he commented, motioning towards the bare windows that allow the sun to peek in. He slipped one hand upward, pushing her hair to the right side of her neck, and left small kisses on her wet neck. Her body melted into his chest, allowing him more room for her exposed skin. The hand that rested on her hip snaked its way down between her slightly opened legs, and his fingers massaged her inner thighs. He smirked when he felt her legs attempt to close on him. She was very sensitive there.
“Now, now,” he hummed, slipping his hand further to her exposed heat between her legs. She gasped, feeling his fingertips teasing the top of her mound with very light touches. “My angel, I want you to relax and let me take care of you.”
“What about you?” breathed Mitsuri, biting down on her lower lip.
“Don’t worry about me, this is all about you,” he assured her.
Although Obanai had woken up Mitsuri with his head between her legs. The two could never get enough of one another. She was thrilled to see that Obanai was coming out of his shell and taking the initiative when it came to their intimate nights. Mitsuri was one to take the initiative first for them to be intimate with each other.
Obanai and Mitsuri never fully put a label on what they were, but they were in their own little bubble.
With his hand, he used to move her hair to the side, and he slipped underneath her armpit to grope her breast in his hand. She moaned loudly. There were sensitive spots that drove her crazy, and Obanai knew each of them so well. His fingers rubbed at her puffy nipples, making them hard while his lips returned to her wet neck, biting down and sucking at her flesh. With his other hand, he rubbed her outer lips and could feel the slick of her arousal.
As he started to circle her clit, Mitsuri’s crow flew onto the window with a loud thud, causing them both to stop instantly.
“Urara!” Squeaked Mitsuri, turning herself around with redness in her cheeks.
“Caw, a message from Suzuki-san!” Urara chirped loudly, fidgeting in her spot, and was not bothered by the two nude hashira in an embrace. “Suzuki-san is home from her travels from the swordsmith village! She does not have paper to write you back, Kanroji-san! But she did agree to have dinner with you and Iguro-San at sunset!”
Both Mitsuri and Obanai stared at each other, blinking once, then twice. “She’s back already?” He furrowed his brow in confusion, watching as Mitsuri scrambled to get up from his lap and out of the water. He chuckled lightly, seeing her all frazzled. “My angel, it’s only noon. There is no need to rush and get yourself worked up over dinner.”
“But I need to start cooking!” She told him, slipping on her pink-colored yukata with beautiful flowers scattered along the clothing.
The man rose from the wooden tub before reaching for his plain black yukata, wrapping himself up in it before wrapping his arms around her waist to pull her back into him. “Do not stress yourself over dinner when it’s hours away, angel,” he reminded her once more, placing a kiss on her shoulder. “Let’s take this one step at a time, okay?” He shifted her around to face him.
Mitsuri’s soft green eyes stared into his two-toned ones, and a smile formed on her lips as her hands cupped his face in her hands. A feeling that he was still adjusting to. He was still adjusting to finding another woman attractive and gathering feelings for another woman as well.
His mind recalled the night he saw Kaiya for the first time, and it was all clicking - hearing her giggles, the mere shadows of her figure in passing, or the simple back of her head with the bow that tied her hair up. The way she was being lifted up in the air like she weighed nothing by the demons who wanted to eat her, then started to fight over her.
Demons are disgusting…
“Deep in thought about her?” Teased Mitsuri, pressing a small kiss to his lips.
“I might be,” he laughed lightly.
“I mean, it’s clear that you and I both find her very attractive; she makes our hearts go crazy!” Mitsuri squealed playfully. “She is very beautiful! Honestly took my breath away when I first saw her,” she admitted, smiling widely.
Obanai pushed her wet hair from her face. “You know, you took my breath away when we first met.”
“You still make me swoon,” cooed the Love Hashira.
The man had such a soft spot for her. “Do you think you can keep your hands to yourself when she arrives?” He questioned, pulling away from her and gathering his uniform from the side. He knew that she was blushing a deep red at his question. “Maybe,” she hummed before following him back inside her estate.
—-
Kaiya was able to make a quick trip into the neighboring village, gathering furniture pieces for her manor before she made her way to the Love Estate. She was able to gather herself a vanity, a table, mats, pieces of art, and other pieces of furniture for the future. She wanted to make sure that if she was going to be living there forever that it would seem more at home than a barren household.
Although she didn’t even know what home was at this point.
For the past two years, Kaiya had her own room in the Butterfly Mansion that was in between Aoi and Kanao. She had gotten used to the noises she would hear in the middle of the night of one of the smaller girls waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, or one had a nightmare. Or the noises of being woken up in the middle of the night due to the Kakushi rushing injured slayers inside after battles.
Truthfully, Kaiya was never that good with medicine when Shinobu attempted to teach her. She understood a small amount, such as she could clean up a wound, dress it, and know which herbs made the best medicine, but she couldn’t mix them herself. She didn’t understand the math of it, so she only tried to help with whichever Shinobu and Aoi needed her for, or she asked Chika to get missions for her, so she didn’t have to assist in the mansion.
But before that, she lived at home with her two loving and caring parents, Reo, who worked in the fields, and Aiya, who was a stay-at-home mother. Together, they had three children. Hikaru, who was twenty years old and worked with their father in the fields. Three years after Hikaru was born, they welcomed Kaiya, then six years after she was born, they welcomed their last child, Yui, who was now twelve.
The Suzuki household was once filled with nothing but love and happiness, but Kaiya pushed the old memories deep down. It hurt too much to sit and dwell on her past when she created this path that she walked. It was easier for her to put them in the back of her mind than to think of them. Sometimes, she thought about returning home, but she could never face the Chisaka Family since their son’s death.
She feared what the rumors had been saying about her, or if anyone thought she was dead, too.
Her feet led her back to her mansion, where she left Mai and Kamin to do what they pleased to do, but informed them that people might be stopping by to drop off her new pieces of furniture. She didn’t feel the need to have them breathing down her neck at each step she took in her own home. Though it was comforting to have them there since they also lived with her at the mansion.
Opening the gate, she looked up to see Mai standing there with a small bow at the sight of her. “Suzuki-san! Welcome back, we have already received furniture pieces from the village folks,” she started to say as Kaiya kept walking up. “That’s great. We’ll get it set up tomorrow. I need to grab my sword from my room.” She told the woman.
“Uh, Suzuki-San!” Mai scrambled after her as Kaiya walked up the steps. Her brow arched up, seeing the woman place her hands behind her back in a nervous manner. “What?” She asked. The Kakushi took in a breath. “The Serpent Hashira, Iguro-san, is waiting for you inside.”
Kaiya’s brow furrowed this time in confusion, but she could feel her chest grow heavy.
Why is he here? Do I look okay? Is my bow centered?
I thought Chika or Urana was going to lead me towards Kanroji’s estate?
Did she have to cancel?
“Oh,” said the Dream Hashira, relaxing her face, but her palms started to grow clammy. “Thank you.” She pushed past her and opened the doors to her estate into the entrance area, where she quickly took notice of his sandals by the side of the door, but the man was nowhere in sight.
Where the hell has he gone?
Mai closed the door before exiting towards her bedroom for the night. The two Kakushi were aware that Kaiya was not going to be eating dinner at the manor tonight. She didn’t even bother with her sandals and started looking around for the white and black striped haori.
“Iguro-san?” Kaiya called out lightly, peeking around one corner, but saw no one. “Huh, that’s so weird. Where the hell did this man go?” she hummed before turning around and colliding her face into the man she was looking for. Their noses bumped into each other. Kaiya didn’t notice how close they were in height until this very moment. She covered her nose and mouth with her hands as he did the same.
Both stared at each other for a moment until Kaiya started to apologize. “I am so sorry, Iguro-san! Did I hurt you?” She reached out to touch his face, but Kaburamaru hissed at her. She stepped back instantly. Obanai petted the snake, letting him know that he was okay and she wasn’t going to hurt him, but it was still a woman touching him. The snake sensed his nerves, wanting to protect his owner. Kaburamaru was smart for being a snake; he understood that Obanai liked the woman before him, but the hit happened so fast that it took them both by surprise.
“I’m okay, we’re okay,” he reassured her, lifting Kaburamaru closer to her to pet him.
“Are you sure?” She questioned him, placing her hands behind her back.
Kaburamaru slithered closer to her, flickering his tongue at her before booping her nose like he did the other day when they ate lunch, then coiling around Obanai’s shoulders, resting there peacefully.
The woman offered the snake a small smile before looking back to its owner. “What do I owe this pleasure, Iguro-san? I thought my crow or Kanroji’s crow would lead me towards her manor, and we’d be meeting there?” She asked him, licking her lips. His eyes found themselves looking at her lips, then back to her eyes.
He cleared his throat. “Kanroji asked me to walk you.” He told her simply. “Are you ready?” He asked her.
“Let me grab my sword,” she hummed, walking down the hallway, and she could hear the shuffle of his feet behind her. She slipped in and out, grabbing her sheath and tucking it between her white belt. That’s when he noticed that she was officially wearing the Hashira uniform with the gold buttons. “So your uniform came in, huh?” He motioned to her clothing as they walked out of her manor.
Kaiya started to smile at his words, nodding her head. “It did!” She gave a small spin as they got towards the gate. His eyes took notice of her skirt and her bare legs. He took in a deep breath before opening it for her. “Thank you,” she hummed and slipped out. He followed right behind her.
Both the Dream and Seprent Hashira made their way towards the Love Estate. The two walked in silence for a moment, but it was comfortable. He didn’t feel the need to hold onto his haori sleeves. The man would so often steal small glances at the woman while they walked side by side.
“Thank you again for saving me the other night,” spoke Kaiya softly, looking over to the man and catching his eyes. “I wasn’t thinking straight when I got captured by that demon and its stupid brother. There was another slayer there when I got to the village, but when the demons stated that they were going to eat us, he ran off.”
Obanai let out a small, tsk. “I’m not surprised. These newer slayers are usually the first ones to run off from battle, and we have to pick up the slack. If they are demon slayers, then they should be prepared to die like one.” He rolled his eyes with a shake of his head. “But you are a Hashira now, so you need to train harder. Open more of your senses because you cannot be lacking in any of your skills.” He told her truthfully, his voice was calm as always, but still stern.
“I did some sparring with Rengoku and Uzui,” she told him, causing the man to stop in his tracks for a moment. “Already?” He furrowed his brows at her. “How did that happen?”
Kaiya laughed lightly behind her hand, stopping with him and turning to him. “They were at the swordsmith village with me, along with Shinazugawa. It was quite the first night meeting some fellow Hashira. I wasn’t expecting to be joined by Uzui in the hot springs, but it happened.”
Obanai could feel the vein in his forehead grow as she kept talking. He wasn’t upset with her but irritated that Tengen would just join her in the hot springs.
He’s already seen her naked… Stupid fucking Uzui.
“Yeah, Uzui can be… Something else.”
“Loud?”
“Mostly annoying,” he told her. “But that also holds a huge factor in his annoyiness.”
The woman started walking again, and he followed right beside her once more. “Since we don’t live that far from one another, we should spar with each other one day.” She suggested to him, offering a small smile towards him. He kept his eyes forward. “If you wish to, then we can one day.”
—-
The two had reached the front gates of Mitsuri’s estate. Obanai opened them, allowing her to walk in front of him as he closed behind him. He started walking up but stopped when he felt her small hands on his covered biceps. Immediately, he could hear his heart thumping in his chest as his cheeks grew a slight shade of red. “Shouldn’t we wait for her to come get us?” She whispered to him lowly.
He turned back to face her, and her hands dropped instantly. “Trust me when I say this - she does not care that we’re walking straight in.” He informed her and kept walking.
Wait - Of course! They are seeing each other, right?
This must be second nature to him at this point!
Once they reached the front door, he slid it open and was greeted by the smell of many types of food that Mitsuri had been cooking since he had left. Kaiya walked in behind him, taking off her sandals and placing her sword beside his. “Wow, that smells delicious,” she cooed gently. “What is she making?”
“Everything,” he breathed. “Come on.” He led the way further inside Mitsuri’s estate. An estate that he would never say how many times he’d been there in the middle of the night and left early in the mornings. They both were greeted by the sight of the Love Hashira as she was placing rice balls down onto the low table, where there were many different types of food. There was a mixture of Japanese and Western food that was placed all over the table. Obanai swallowed hard before walking over to take his usual spot.
“Suzuki!” Mused Mitsuri, smiling widely.
Kaiya stood in her spot, her heart rapidly pounding in her chest at the sight of the woman.
“I’m so glad that you could make it tonight!” She told her truthfully, her cheeks already pink as she walked over and pulled her into a tight hug. It had taken the woman by surprise, but she returned the kindness with a hug. “Oh, thank you for inviting me,” hummed Kaiya, pulling away.
“Come and sit down!” She beamed excitedly. “I don’t know what your favorite foods are, so I kind of just made anything I knew,” Mitsuri blushed, placing her hands on her cheeks in embarrassment. “Please eat!”
Kaiya’s cheeks started to blush red at her words. She put in all of this hard work for all three of them for the night. She felt like she had to finish the food and maybe leave with leftovers. She went to sit down at the corner of the table. Mitsuri sat across from her, but the man didn’t move; he stayed in his usual spot, which was right beside Mitsuri. He wasn’t going to eat until later, which Mitsuri already knew. He wasn’t going to scare off Kaiya with the scars on his mouth. It took him a long time before he even let Mitsuri get a look at him after a few months.
Mitsuri started humming softly, reaching for some ramen noodles, and eating her food. Kaiya did the same thing; she grabbed some food. “Oh! How was your travel to the swordsmith village?” Mitsuri asked, covering her mouth as she spoke. Her eyes sparkled and shifted slightly. “It’s it so lovely there? How were the hot springs? So hot but felt so amazing, right? It heals you right up.”
“It was indeed very lovely. I was not expecting it at all. I loved the hot springs, but I was telling Iguro here that I was not expecting to be joined by Uzui,” she laughed a bit, shaking her head. “But other than that, it was great. I met Uzui, Rengoku, and Shinazugawa. We all had dinner together and that was… Something else.”
“How so?” Mitsuri questioned.
“Um,” Kaiya pressed her lips together.
I shouldn’t have said that!
Uzui was teasing me about my heart when I think about you two! I can’t say that!
Oh! I know what to say!
“Just teasing Shinazugawa about him courting a Kakushi and how he got Rengoku’s sword stuck in a tree.”
Obanai’s brow arched up slightly, noticing her slight discomfort. “Higurashi and Shinazugawa are seeing each other. They are not really hiding it well at all. I learned the hard way myself,” he admitted to them.
“How so?” Mitsuri tilted her head, looking at him.
“I walked in on them together, and it was a sight to see. A lot of Sanemi’s ass that I didn’t want to see.”
Kaiya choked on her tea with a small laugh, covering her mouth. “Oh goodness.”
“Rengoku said he wanted to send you a letter, Kanroji. Maybe you should send one first,” suggested Kaiya, smiling over at her to see the other woman’s eyes light up instantly. “Did he say that? Oh goodness, I must write to him later tonight or in the morning. He trained me. He has always been such an amazing teacher. He never once gave up on me because I never gave up on him.”
Obanai didn’t say much; he just watched the two women interact with one another while he leaned his cheek on his hand. Kaburamaru slithered around his neck until he was off of him, then found his way onto the floor to find himself some food.
“He even told me that he grew up with you, Iguro,” Kaiya mentioned, causing Obanai to tense up. Mitsuri’s eyes widened slightly. The man felt his hands clench slightly under his haori. “What did he say?” commanded the man to know.
The woman could feel the stare; her cheeks grew red, and she stared down at her plates. “Um, that his father had saved you when you were younger from a snake demon.”
“Is that all?” He asked her lowly.
Mitsuri placed her hand on his knee, giving him a comforting squeeze.
“That is it. I won’t pry because we all have our reasons for being slayers. A lot of us share the same stories, or there are different. I don’t judge. Demons have destroyed so many families, so we fight.” Kaiya told them. Hearing that made him feel more at ease, but he was still upset with Kyojuro for saying something in the first place. He understood what she was saying, but his story was far different from everyone else’s. It was his to tell.
Suddenly, she was pulled into a hug, and her face was squished between Mitsuri’s breasts. Her cheeks were bright pink. “We do, we do! We never judge!” She cried out loud, tears filling her eyes.
Obanai shook his head a bit. He knew from the start that Mitsuri wouldn’t be able to keep her hands to herself. This is who she was; she was affectionate towards the people she cared deeply about. “Mits,” he whispered to her, giving her a small look. She looked down to see Kaiya’s dark green eyes staring up at her. Both women were flushed with redness in their cheeks. “Sorry,” Mitsuri cooed, pulling away, and seeing that Kaiya’s hair had gotten frazzled up.
“Let me get that for you,” mused the Love Hashira as she reached out, fixing Kaiya’s hair and smoothing out her bangs.
The woman stared up at Mitsuri, taking in all the facial features of her, taking in everything about her from her plump lips, her cute nose, to her long eyelashes, and her two beauty marks that sat underneath her bottom lashes.
She’s so stunning, I cannot take my eyes off her.
Kaiya’s dark green eyes looked towards Obanai, who was staring at them, and quickly looked away.
Is it truly possible to like two people at once?
My heart is pounding…
At first sight, they had me weak in the knees.
“Shall we go back to eating?” Mitsuri smiled at her.
Kaiya nodded her head.
As dinner went on, Mitsuri talked about her cats, the bees she had to harvest honey from, and many other adventures from her missions. Obanai just kept his eyes on the two, nodding every so often at her words. Kaiya also sat there, listening to her talk, and watched as Mitsuri worked plate after plate. She didn’t say anything; she just watched her talk in awe. She just rested her cheek on her hand, happily watching Mitsuri eat and tell stories.
That’s one of the things that worried Mitsuri; she ate a lot and worried that Kaiya was going to judge her. Obanai just reassured her as much as he could, but seeing as she just sat there with a stare, a smile, and soft eyes. Kaiya didn’t say anything before, and he knew that this was all going to be okay. He had a feeling that this could turn into something more if everything played out well.
Soon, dinner slowly came to an end, and they sat around the table and let small talk fill the air. Mostly, it was Mitsuri who kept talking, but Obanai and Kaiya didn’t bother to interrupt her while she was speaking. It was surely late now. “I should get going, but thank you, Kanroji and Iguro, for the dinner,” mused Kaiya, standing to her feet and bowing down to them. The Love Pillar instantly stood up with a pout. “But it’s late. Are you sure you can walk home?” She questioned, playing with her bottom lip.
Kaiya chuckled lightly, nodded her head at her words. “I can handle myself. I am a Hashira, ya know,” she teased as she smoothed out her skirt.
“Mitsuri,” Obanai started, standing up as well and walking over to her to take her hand. “Remember what we talked about,” whispered the man. “I know, I just worry.”
The other woman looked up, hearing him calling her by her first name. She couldn’t help but smile a bit. “So Uzui was right about you two then,” she bit down on her lower lip.
Both Mitsuri and Obanai dropped their hands. “What did he say?” Mitsuri questioned.
“That everyone could see that you two are in love, but you’ll never admit it to each other.” She recalled his exact words from their one night shared in the hot springs. “I mean, look at you two. You two stare at each other with such tenderness. It’s very sweet.” She hummed, her stomach twisting as each word slipped from her lips.
Mitsuri stared at Obanai, her breathing getting heavier as he felt his heart pounding quicker in his chest. There was a long silence before Obanai said something. “Yes, Mitsuri and I have been secretly seeing each other for a couple of months now, but we both agreed to keep it private from everyone else in the corps.”
“Although our Kakushi have known since the start,” Mitsuri chimed in. “But, um, actually,” she kept her eyes on Obanai, then turned to face Kaiya with a small smile. “It does feel nice to not hide around you, Suzuki. I feel like we can trust you with this. As you can tell, we’re very comfortable with you, and being around you makes everything seem a lot easier and happier, honestly,” Mitsuri started to ramble.
Kaiya’s face grew hot, hearing those words from the other woman.
“I am surprised Kocho hasn’t noticed first,” hummed Kaiya, looking away, but the other two could see her flustered face.
Maybe she does feel the same if she is red like that.. Obanai thought to himself.
Oh, she is blushing! Mitsuri smiled widely.
“I am sure she knows but just hasn’t said anything about it.” Mitsuri giggled out to the two other people in the room with her because she believed that her best friend did know, but refused to say anything about it. “Just like how I don’t say anything about her crush on Giyuu,” mused the woman, smiling softly.
That caught her boyfriend’s attention quickly. “Really? Tomioka?” He cringed, scrunching up his nose in disgust.
“They’re cute together!” cooed the woman.
“Well, your secret is safe with me,” She promised them, offering a kind smile.
The other two felt this wave of relief wash over their bodies.
“And also,” Mitsuri went on, feeling Obanai stiff up a bit. He knew she was going to just go for it. He warned her not to get her hopes so, but after this interaction, she was going to go fully in. Her arm looped into Obanai’s, snuggling herself close to the man beside her. “Obanai and I have been talking a bit about you as well, Kaiya.”
“Me?” Hesitated, Kaiya, pointing at herself.
Why me?
The pink-haired woman giggled lightly, walking over, and letting go of her lover to take the other woman’s hands into her own. “Well, the first time we met, it was just an instant attraction towards you. I care so deeply for everyone, but being around you and Obanai makes my stomach twist in a good way, my heart feels like it’s going to leap out of my chest, and my cheeks hurt from smiling.”
Kaiya was frozen in her spot, feeling Mitsuri’s hands squeeze hers and how clammy they were getting. She wasn’t sure if it was her or Mitsuri who was clammy. Licking her lips, Kaiya was speechless. None of them planned on this dinner becoming a show of confessions from any of them but yet here they were with each other.
“He even told me how he felt when he saw you for the first time after he saved you. It’s the same for him. He won’t admit to you yet, but I know he’s been wanting to,” Mitsuri hummed, turning back to Obanai, whose face was red as a tomato.
Kaiya’s hand felt her finger start to be interlocked with the other woman’s, feeling her soft skin against her own. That alone made the hair on the back of her neck stand up, the goosebumps rose up on her body.
She wanted to say that she had this growing feeling about them, too, but her mind always went back to Takuma. That was the man she loved so dearly and thought he was the one for her forever, until one unfateful night when he was killed by a demon right in front of her after pushing her out of the way to save her. A night she constantly thought about and could easily replay in her mind. If it weren’t for Shinobo and Takuma, she would also be dead. For the longest time, she wished she were dead.
Both Obanai and Mitsuri stared at her, holding their breath, taking in her thinking face, and giving her the time to answer.
I told myself I wouldn’t get attached to anyone else.
“I-I-I don’t know,” She whispered softly, releasing her hand from Mitsuri’s grasp. “I think I need the time to think this over, if that’s okay,” She mumbled lowly.
Kaiya could see the sadness washing Mitsuri’s beautiful green eyes. “I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t push this whole thing onto you!” Her lower lip started to tremble, but Kaiya shook her head and gently cupped her face. “No, Mitsuri,” she hummed, capturing her attention, and noticed the switch of emotions in her eyes. “You did not push anything on me or upset me in any way. You or Obanai did nothing wrong to me. I -” She paused for a moment. “I just need to think about some stuff for a few days.”
I love the way my name falls from her lips, kyaa!!
“We understand,” Obanai’s voice finally said, walking over to Mitsuri and placing his hand on her lower back.
“I think I shall take my leave now. Thank you for the amazing food. I appreciate your kindness,” Kaiya said, bowing down to the two Hashiras before walking towards the front of the manor, where she slipped on her sandals and her sword on her belt. She didn’t look back as she rushed out.
The fact that Mitsuri and Obanai were thinking of her as she was thinking of them. It made her wonder, was it okay to move on with her life and find happiness in her lifetime? Thinking about another person, let alone two of them, was never in her mind. Kaiya felt scared to grow attached to anyone else in a romantic sense because she feared losing them.
Taking in a deep breath, Kaiya felt the coldness of the wind hit her face as she started her journey back to her estate.
Maybe I should talk to Shinobu about it.
I wouldn’t know who else to talk to about this…
Uzui?
Oh no, not him…
Kaiya stopped in her tracks when she felt a raindrop hit her cheek. Gazing up, she noticed the clouds had taken over the night sky, and she let out a long, loud, and deep sigh.
I fucking hate the rain.
Just keep walking forward, you’ll be home before it gets worse.
Notes:
it's dinner timeeee!!! 😌 this dinner is a huge turn for their relationship but kaiya is scared.. rightfully so lol
i created a playlist for all three of my writings, would anyone be interested in hearing it? lol
enjoy!!
please enjoy - kudos and comments are appreciated
🐍🍡✨
Chapter 7: Chapter Seven.
Summary:
Tengen's voice filled the air. "Sanemi, Kyojuro, Shinobu, and I have seen Kaiya's talents," he told the rest of them as he stood on his two feet.
"Are we just going to not be formal anymore?" Makio chimed in, arching her brow in confusion.
"That's what it seems like we're doing," Shinobu nodded her head.
"As I was saying," Tengen cleared his throat. "I think it's only fair that Kaiya," he motioned towards the woman. "Spar with one of us. Maybe someone more of her height, like Iguro!"
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
It had been a couple of days since the dinner at the Love Estate, and Kaiya had kept her mind and hands busy. She was able to get her manor decorated in the way she liked it. Even her Kakushi was able to decorate their rooms the way they wanted for themselves. The Dream breather hadn’t been called on any missions yet, but she would patrol until the sun rose and slept into the afternoon.
Today was an unusual day when she received a letter from Tengen.
“Dear Suzuki! Welcome again to the Hashira ranks! I’m gathering the rest of the Hashira together for sparring and dinner at my estate today! We’d love for you to join us! Think of it as your first Hashira meeting where you’ll be meeting everyone! Your crow should be able to lead you over! See you later!”
The woman read out loud, sitting on the engawa with her cup of tea in the afternoon. Cheka landed on her shoulder as Nijimaru sat beside her. Chuckling, she nodded her head at the other crow. “I’ll be there.” She informed him and watched as he took off towards his master’s estate.
Sighing, Kaiya turned to face her crow. “All the Hashira, hm? I guess we should grab my sword and get going. Besides, it gives us time to talk and see Shinobu.” She hummed lightly before standing up to her feet. “And grab my haori,” she laughed a bit to herself, looking down at her black uniform. This afternoon, she changed into the saggy tattsuke-hakama pants instead of the skirt. She always changed between the two bottoms due to how she felt that day, or if it was hot or cold.
—
"Here it is, the Sound Estate," hummed Kaiya, stopping in front of the large gates. She was surprised that she didn't run into Iguro or Kanroji on her walk, as they would all be walking together in the same direction.
Unless they left before I did and together…
I wouldn't doubt it.
I wonder if they're going to talk to me.
Pushing the gates open, Kaiya stepped inside and saw no one at the front, but she could hear voices from the side of the estate. She followed towards the side to find Sanemi with his whole uniform top off as he sparred with a shirtless Giyu.
Oh..
"Suzuki!" Beamed Tengen as he walked out with a woman with big brown eyes, black hair with blonde bangs, and a revealing red dress with black strips. She was holding a pot with water inside it and set it down. "Welcome! This is Makio, one of my beautiful wives," he told her, placing his hand on top of her head affectionately. She could see the woman's cheeks grow bright red. "It's a pleasure to meet another Hashira that works with Tengen-sama," Makio bowed before returning back inside.
"Kocho and Kanroji are with Hinatsuru and Suma, my other two wives. Kanroji is showing them her western cooking if you'd like to join them," he informed her with a small shrug.
"No, it's okay," she declined, shaking her head.
"How is that heart feeling?" Teased Tengen.
Kaiya's shoulders tensed up. "How is that staring problem going?" She shot back.
The man pressed his lips together in a thin line as his eyes squinted at her. "You're quick with it, I see, but watch you can't keep that up for long."
"Then start coming up with better things to say to me," she sang as she walked away from him with a small smirk on her lips. "Demons tease me all the time about my size, so what you say doesn't bother me," she winked at him, turning around and walking a few steps backwards.
Tengen watched her, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched her walk backwards. He pointed behind her, causing the woman to turn around to see the Stone Hashira, standing there large and tall. She blinked a few times before noticing his eyes. He is blind. He sensed her, though, placing his rough, large hand onto her head. It felt heavy.
"Welcome, Suzuki-san, to the ranks of Hashira. I am pleased to hear that you have made it this far. I am the Stone Hashira, Himejima Gyomei. This is the youngest Hashira, Tokito Muichiro. He is the Mist Hashira. Now enlighten me, what is Dream Breathing? Kanroji was boasting about it when Uzui brought it up," he told her calmly, taking a seat beside a young boy. He was staring up at the clouds, causing Kaiya's brow to knit together in confusion. He sat there with his arms at his side, with his long hair that was raven black but fused into blue at the tips. "Is it true that you know three breathing techniques?"
Kaiya opened her mouth for a moment to ask, but closed it. She felt her heart pounding in her chest. Mitsuri was talking about her earlier. She sat down beside the young boy. "It is true. I know Flower and Insect Breathing, but Dream Breathing is my creation. I love to sleep in and stay up late, so it just came to me while Kocho was training me. She is truly great at her teachings." She told him truthfully.
"Ah, I see," he hummed, rubbing his palms together so that his beads made noise with each stroke.
"Kyaa!" Mitsuri's voice caught her attention when she walked out with Shinobu and Tengen's wives, all three of them. "Suzuki, I'm so glad you were able to make it! This dinner is about you after all!" She squealed out, smiling and waving at her.
Tengen chuckled to himself.
"Kanroji," Kaiya hummed, standing up. "It's nice to see you again." She smiled, trying not to smile too hard at the sight of her.
Shinobu walked over to Kaiya, placing her hand on her shoulders. "I'm also glad to see you here, Kaiya-chan. It's nice to have more female faces around here, don't you think?" She turned to Mitsuri, who was grinning ear to ear.
"Kaiya-chan is such a pretty name!" Another voice chimed in with a squeal. Makio rolled her eyes with a huff as the other wife with violet eyes giggled behind her hands. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Suzuki-sama!" Grinned the blue-eyed wife. "I'm Suma!" She waved happily.
"I'm Hinatsuru," waved the violet-eyed woman, offering her a kind smile. "Welcome to our home. Please feel free to make yourself comfortable."
Sanemi's voice cut in after sticking the wooden sword into the ground. "Where the hell is Iguro? Tomioka is pissing me off!" He pointed at the stoic man who had his brow arched up. Giyu walked towards the engawa, not noticing the wondering eyes of all the femmes that followed his movements until Tengen cleared his throat. "I'll take you on until Iguro arrives!" Tengen pointed at him.
"I'll go," Muichiro finally said as he stood up. He took a glance at Sanemi and asked out. "Must I remove my uniform top?"
"Only if you wish to," Tengen shrugged out before smiling when his wives all sat beside him.
Kaiya's eyes stared at them, watching as Tengen wrapped his long and large arms around them to embrace them. She noticed that when one of them talked, they all gave that one person their attention and did not pay attention to anyone else who was around them. Her eyes caught Tengen's, and she turned her face and caught a glimpse of Mitsuri's chest in her face. Shutting her eyes tightly, pressing her lips together. She wasn't expecting her to be so close all of a sudden.
"Oh! My apologies!" Mitsuri's voice squealed, covering her flustered face.
"It's fine," Kaiya muttered lowly, opening her eyes and watching as the woman took a few steps back.
Shinobu sat beside Giyu, tending to a wound he had received from the sparring. His eyes were solely focused on the woman before him, watching her movements, but not as if she was hurting him or doing anything wrong. Shinobu knew everything there was to learn about medicine and could easily cure a common cold. It was one of the main reasons why she was the doctor for the corps as well. Everyone went to her for something.
The Dream Hashira watched the redness creeping up her neck as she cleaned up the cut.
I never noticed how he makes her blush by just looking at her.
"Suzuki-san, what does your name mean? If you don't mind me asking?" Hinatsuru's voice caught the woman's attention. She turned to face her as Mitsuri sat down near her, swinging her legs as she watched the two other hashira start their sparring session.
Kaiya gave her a small smile. "Kaiya means sea or ocean. Some even say that it means sea at night."
Shinobu chimed in. "I even heard its meaning is forgiveness."
The eighteen-year-old pressed her lips together for a moment but forced a smile. "It can mean that as well," she added on. As she was getting ready to speak, she noticed Obanai was making his way towards them, but his shirt was half buttoned up. "It - um," she rubbed her neck as her eyes scanned his muscled chest. "It could - uh, also mean - triumph or victory." She managed to stutter out, meeting his gaze.
His eyes landed on both Mitsuri and Kaiya instantly when he walked to the side of Uzui's estate. He noticed how quickly their eyes landed on him, both traveling to where his shirt was unbuttoned. He didn't plan on coming in this way, but he was rushing to get there that he didn't even think about it. The Serpent Hashira walked closer, giving Tengen a small nod before settling down near Himejima.
Tengen couldn't help his coy smile as he watched Kaiya become a stuttering mess in front of everyone.
"I have arrived!" Kyojuro's voice outboomed everyone as he ran in.
Obanai respected Kyojuro deeply; he grew up with him, but he was very upset with him at the moment. He couldn't help but feel the vein in his forehead wanting to pop as the man grew closer to him. He said hello to everyone. When he reached Obanai, the man glared up at him.
"What?" Kyojuro asked, his face puzzled from the glare that the two-toned eyes were giving him.
"We'll talk later," Obanai huffed.
"Okay!" Kyojuro turned to see Mitsuri. "Kanroji! Come here!" He grinned, happily opening his arms for his former Tsuguko, and happily embraced the woman. "I'm excited to see you here! I hope the wives cooked up our favorite feast!" He teased, setting her down and turning to face Uzui and his wives. Hina, Suma, and Makio nodded their heads at his words.
The Hashira watched as Muichiro and Sanemi got at it; it was so swift and rapid in their movements. Until Sanemi's wooden sword broke from his constant sparring with everyone. He cursed, tossing it onto the floor before grabbing himself water from the large pot that Makio had brought out earlier. "Anyone else want to have a go?" He asked the group loudly. Muichiro shook his head, taking his normal seat beside Gyomei.
Tengen's voice filled the air. "Sanemi, Kyojuro, Shinobu, and I have seen Kaiya's talents," he told the rest of them as he stood on his two feet.
"Are we just going to not be formal anymore?" Makio chimed in, arching her brow in confusion.
"That's what it seems like we're doing," Shinobu nodded her head.
"As I was saying," Tengen cleared his throat. "I think it's only fair that Kaiya," he motioned towards the woman. "Spar with one of us. Maybe someone more of her height, like Iguro!"
Both Obanai and Kaiya looked at each other for a moment, but she slipped off her spot on the engawa because she knew that he was only going to keep teasing them more. She shrugged off her haori, draping it onto the wooden flooring, and walked over to grab herself a wooden sword. "Iguro," she motioned with the sword towards him. His eyes were closed, sitting with crossed legs as his hands hid in the sleeves of his haori, but he was clenching his fists together. Cursing Tengen in his mind.
Stupid fucking Uzui, he thought.
Oh my goodness! Mitsuri squirmed in her seat, pressing her lips together as she watched in awe.
Obanai opened his eyes with a huff as if he was annoyed that he was being summoned. He copied the woman, shrugging off his haori and dropping it. He soon joined her, lifting his sword at her.
"Are we getting shirtless?" Tengen teased.
Both of them shot a glare at the man, but he only chuckled.
"Tengen," Gyomei warned him.
"What?"
"Tokito is only a child."
"I'm fourteen."
"Still a child."
Kaiya scoffed, rolling her eyes, twirling her sword in her hand. A habit she had picked up from Shinobu over her six months of training. It came naturally to her when she first tried to attempt to copy the woman in front of her. The sight surprised Shinobu at first glance, but now she did enjoy it. There was a small piece of her in Kaiya.
"Fuck off, Uzui," Kaiya and Obanai snapped at him together.
Mitsuri covered her mouth with a loud gasp. Shinobu giggled behind her hand.
"Just start!" Sanemi spat out.
Obanai turned to the woman, but she was gone from his sight. Kaburamaru was quick, never taking his eyes off the woman. Since he was partly blind in his right eye, Kaburamaru was able to assist him in battles or sparring battles. He was able to hiss, informing him where she was coming from.
"Dream Breathing, Third Form - Constant Drift." She was rushing straight at him, after flipping onto a tree and extending her katana out to slash down at him.
"Seprent Breathing, Third Form - Coil Choke." Obanai's body started to move; his shirt was still not fully buttoned as he circled the woman, his sword swinging to attack from all directions.
Kaiya ducked, dodged, and her sword caught onto his. The two were face-to-face with one another, their eyes staring at each other's, but the woman couldn't help but notice his unbuttoned uniform top. "Eyes up here, Suzuki." He smirked under his mask. "Don't get too cocky now. Two can play at this game, Iguro," she implied before pushing herself back. "Is that so?" He arched his brow up.
"Maybe Uzui is right," Kaiya started to speak, twirling the sword in her hand once more. "Maybe we should do this shirtless." She smirked, meeting Obanai's eyes. He let out a small puff of air, though he didn't want to do that. He didn't want anyone staring at her.
Mitsuri's hands stayed on her lips, trying not to make any noises, but she could hear her heartbeat in her ears at how quickly it was pounding.
Obanai and Mitsuri's eyes watched carefully as the woman dropped the sword onto the floor. Her hands reached up, unbuttoning the golden buttons on her black uniform top, and she allowed her exposed by her white bindings that held her breasts together. Now, Kaiya's body wasn't perfect. Maybe it was before she became a demon slayer, but now her body was littered with scars from her missions. Her breasts were pressed tightly, the top of them begging to be popped out. She wasn't completely big-chested, but she had a good size on her. Her toned stomach had some light scars that were fading. Their eyes found their way to her arms. She didn't look like she had much muscle, but she was able to behead a demon. She tossed it to the side near Shinobu and Mitsuri's feet.
Mitsuri's fingers twitched at her lips, trying to keep her nosies down, her leg started to bounce, and her mind was completely racing with so many of her naughty thoughts. Obanai swallowed hard.
Fuck…
Tengen's mouth dropped; he couldn't believe what was happening in front of his eyes. Gyomei covered the youngest Hashira's eyes. Sanemi chuckled. Giyu didn't seem interested in the events. Shinobu giggled once more.
Makio's eyes flickered between her husband and the two in their courtyard. "What the hell is happening?" She questioned, her face completely perplexed by the sight in front of them all. "Another baka who doesn't know how to say what they feel," he muttered to them. Instantly, Hinatsuru covered Suma's mouth from letting out a squeal. She huffed, crossing her arms like a child in trouble. "Let them be," she cooed to her. "The three of them?" Hinatsuru pointed at the three pillars. "Yes." Tengen chuckled.
"Take it off," she smirked, stretching her back before bending down to pick up the sword.
"Fine," he said calmly, slipping the sword onto his white belt, then started to undo the rest of the buttons; his uniform top was completely off, and he tossed it by Sanemi's feet. Her eyes couldn't help but scan over the man's body, his muscles that she had no idea he even had. Her stomach twisted, and she pressed her lips together for a moment. "Just because you are a female does not mean I will be going easy on you."
"You seemed to be already going easy," Kaiya hummed, licking her lips with a small smirk forming on her face. "You might wanna train harder." She recalled his words, watching as his hands slipped out of the sword and then gripped it tightly.
She has a mouth on her..
Obanai was quick on his feet. "Serpent Breathing, First Form - Winding Serpent Slash," he rushed at her and released a singular frontal horizontal slash at her. Kaiya's eyes watched him intently as she pushed off her foot. "Dream Breathing, Fifth Form - Daydreams," she gripped her sword, rapidly twirling her sword handle in her hands to deflect the slashes that Obanai was pushing. Her body pushed back slightly.
Find a spot, find a spot - Here! She thought to herself, sliding her foot underneath his leg and pushing it outward to knock him down. He stared up at her for a moment as she smiled down at him. He jumped to his feet and rushed her once more.
The woman jumped backwards, but he was gone from her sight. She could sense his presence behind her. She brought the sword up as she twirled around, and she was face-to-face with him again. "Serpent Breathing, Second Form - Venom Fangs of the Narrow Head." Kaburamaru slithered closer to her. She blinked, as she was not expecting the snake to get close to her. He booped her nose twice, catching her off guard that Obanai was able to get her on her back.
She felt her head hit the floor, she out a small noise. "Oof," she huffed. "Sneaky snake," she sat up on her elbows, which allowed her breasts to push up against her binding more.
Both turned when they heard Shinobu's voice from the side. "Mitsuri, do you need some water?"
Mitsuri was bright red, her hands squished her cheeks together, and she stared at the two before them all in the courtyard. "I'm fine!" She squeaked out, her body felt hot, but not because she was getting sick.
"Go on until someone wins!" Tengen called out to Obanai and Kaiya.
Obanai reached his hand down for her, and she took it. He pulled her with ease so that her feet came off of the ground. He paused, holding onto her hand as she looked at him. Their hearts pounding in their chests, clammy hands, and shirtless.
"Go!" Tengen and Sanemi cheered on.
Kaiya and Obanai instantly let go of each other's hands. It was the blink of an eye, and the two were quick at sparring against each other.
The others watched as this time, both the Dream and Serpent Hashira did not hold back from each other. The two constantly went at each other with not giving the other a chance to get back up. The courtyard started to become a blurry mess of a sparring battle. The dirt was rising until it finally settled, and Obanai was standing there, his chest heaving up and down, as he held his wooden katana, but it was broken. Kaiya stood a few feet away with her own heavy breathing as she twirled the wooden katana in her hand.
"Suzuki is the winner!" Tengen beamed, walking over to the two and patted their heads, but Obanai shoved his hand off of him. Kaiya let out a small laugh, wiping the sweat off her forehead as she handed Tengen the katana and made her way over to Shinobu, Giyuu, and Mitsuri to gather her uniform top. Instantly, Mitsuri's flustered face caught her attention. She only smiled at her as she bent down to pick up her uniform. Mitsuri's green eyes caught the full sight of the top of her breasts, which made her fall back with a small squeal.
"Dinner!" Makio called out to the group of Hashira, cutting off all other thoughts in Mitsuri's mind but she knew that she had to ask Obanai to come over tonight.
—
As everyone settled into spots for dinner. Tengen sat at the head of the table, his wives on one side of him. Shinobu, Giyuu, and Kaiya sat across from Mitsuri, Obanai, and Sanemi. Gyomei and Muichiro sat near the end of the table. Everyone's crows were eating outside the door since Suma was able to make them their own small bowls of tonight's dinners.
"UMAI!"
"UMAI!"
"UMAI!"
"UMAI!"
"Suzuki, that was quite impressive, how you were able to keep up with Iguro and me!" Kyojuro beamed loudly.
Tengen chimed in. "Even got my sneak attack at the swordsmith village!"
Kaiya chuckled behind her hand. "I learned from the best." She looked over at Shinobu, who only smiled. Giyu took notice of how Shinobu had put too much food on her plate and made himself a mental note to finish it off for her. "But that's enough about me," she waved him off. "I'm tired of talking about me. We all have our own reasons for becoming a demon slayer, right? Many of us might share the same story or not, so let's just eat this amazing dinner by Tengen's wives."
Suma happily wiggled in her seat. "Thank you, Suzuki-san!"
"Suma, you're being too loud!" Makio hissed.
"Girls, enough," Hina sighed.
Tengen chuckled out, smiling at them. He loved them dearly.
Mitsuri and Obanai's hands were lightly touching as she ate. He sat beside her and just listened to everyone talk amongst themselves. Their eyes would flicker over to Kaiya for a moment, but she would be in a conversation with Shinobu about Hashira duties. When she looked at them, they weren't looking at her.
Sanemi started talking to Obanai about the patrol that he had to do tonight.
Muichiro's head was up in the clouds.
Gyomei ate quietly.
Kyojuro ate not so quietly.
"UMAI!"
"THE DREAM HASHIRA'S PRESENCE IS NEEDED ON A MISSION!" Chika flew right in and landed in front of her. Kaiya set down her bowl instantly, nodding her head before turning to Shinobu. "Can we talk later?" She asked, earning a small nod from the woman as she covered her mouth, feeling full. Giyu slipped his hand over, taking the bowl from her hands. "My, my, hungry now, Tomioka?" She hummed softly, but he didn't say a word.
Chika flew on her master's shoulders. "TRAVEL WEST FROM HERE TOWARDS A FARMING VILLAGE! FARMERS HAVE GONE MISSING! YOUNG SLAYERS NEED ASSISTANCE!"
Kaiya quickly nodded her head and stood up.
"Why didn't I get that mission?" Sanemi rolled his eyes.
The woman quickly thanked Uzui and his wives before rushing out of the estate with her sword and sandals in her hands.
Mitsuri's eyes flickered over to Obanai with a small smile on her lips, squeezing his hands in hers. He could see in her eyes what she wanted; he only nodded his head at her. He watched as her smile grew.
With Kaiya gone, dinner started to come to an end. Tengen helped his wives clean up. Sanemi was getting ready to leave, as Muichiro and Gyomei had both left shortly after for their own missions. Kyojuro was talking to Mitsuri as Obanai sat beside her. Giyu stood up, lowly thanking Uzui and his wives. Shinobu followed right after him.
Obanai let out a heavy sigh. "Kyojuro, we need to talk.. Outside." He simply informed him before standing up. The Flame Hashira was confused; he had completely forgotten about it earlier. "Oh, yes! We'll talk more about your honey harvest!" Mused Kyojuro.
"Honey?" Exclaimed Suma, rushing over to sit down beside the Love Hashira. Mitsuri giggled. "Yes, honey! It's so good, on bread, and pancakes!"
"Pancakes?" Hinatsuru tilted her head in confusion.
As Tengen and his wives got caught up with Mitsuri and her cooking recipes. Kyojuro and Obanai stepped outside towards the courtyard. The blonde didn't notice the vein ready to pop out of Obanai's forehead. "What's going on?" He asked, smiling, but instantly frowned when he took notice of his face.
"Why the hell did you tell Suzuki about my past?" Fumed Obanai, pointing at him.
Kyojuro's brow arched up. "How did you even know about that?"
"That's not the point!" Obanai spat, crossing his arms over his chest. "I didn't want Suzuki knowing about my past. That wasn't your story to tell. She doesn't need to know about that fucking hideous, horrendous demon, Kyojuro. The shit that I went through in that place does not need to be told by anyone else but me."
"Sorry, sorry!" The man held up his hands in defense. "Like she said earlier, a lot of us have similar stories, and I wasn't thinking. Tengen told me to talk about you, and I just did. I didn't mean to upset you over this. I am sure her story is just as bad or sad. Besides, I only told her what you told me - you were saved by my father, you were the only survivor," he said as Obanai took in a deep breath. He wasn't the only survivor; his cousin was still alive. Living her most wonderful life in that manor, where his nightmares were made. "And that you came to live with us. What happened in that house is your business to tell. I deeply apologize for upsetting you. I wasn't thinking."
Obanai took in a deep breath before letting it out. "I forgive you, but please do not tell her anything else about us growing up together."
"I promise! My word is my bond!" He crossed over his heart.
"Iguro!" Mitsuri's voice filled the air, waving him down. "Yuan and Urara have summoned us to Oyakata-sama's estate. I believe we're being called on a joint mission!" Notified the woman, slipping on her sandals. He nodded his head before following her outside the Uzui estate.
Kyojuro watched them take off before he was greeted by Tengen and his wives; his smile instantly grew at the sight. He saw the kindness in their eyes, but he had a feeling deep that it was only because he and Tengen were close friends. Friends. That's all they could be. Tengen was married to three beautiful, kind, and wonderful women. They always greeted him with such happiness. "Would you like to stay longer, Renguko-san?" Suma asked, her big beautiful eyes pleading. The Flame Hashira felt his heart melt instantly. "Of course, I will!"
Notes:
ahhh, can you tell i'm having fun writing these three? and the rest of the hashira? 🥰🤭 giyushino sprinkles in there!
since this takes place before the mugen train, kaiya will have to battle another demon who may or may not almost crush her throat... iykyk what happens after when she recovers.
please enjoy - kudos and comments are appreciated!!
🐍🍡✨
Chapter 8: Chapter Eight.
Summary:
"Why did you leave?"
"Darling, you left us!"
"My love.."
Kaiya gasped loudly, her eyes scanning through the illusions before her.
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Kaiya's feet followed her crow until she reached the grounds of a farming village. The sun was ready to peak above the mountains. Her eyes scanned the area, hating how quiet things were, but she still pushed forward. Chika flew above, scanning for any crows nearby, but she couldn't find anyone either.
"The crops are dying," said Kaiya to herself as she walked down an incline towards a row, noticing how badly the crops were withering. She lifted it with her hands, noticing how leaves were simply falling off the vines.
She paused when she sensed someone approaching her. She reached for her sword tsuba, flicking it upward, and turned on her heel with her sword facing the presence.
There she was, face to face with a woman with two children clutching her clothing. "Are you a part of the demon slayers?" Inquired the woman, her soft brown eyes filled with tears. That's when Kaiya's eyes wandered to her facial features - dirty with blood dripping down her forehead, small cuts littering her face in different areas. "Please, are you?" She pleaded, dropping onto her knees with a sob, clutching her children.
Kaiya swallowed hard, sheathing her sword. "I am," she confirmed, bending down to her height. "I need you to tell me what has happened here. What did you see?"
The woman let out another sob. "Many men have gone missing from the village, leaving their wives and children behind. One came back with a story of a demon, a woman, dressed in the most beautiful silk and face. She lured men to their deaths. Last night, a small pack of slayers followed the man towards the mountain behind us, but they couldn't defeat her. We heard their screams, so I armed myself with my husband's syth, but there were more demons up there. I barely managed to escape with my life." She told her the story.
She survived a demon attack?
How is that possible?
Her eyes watched as the woman's head hung low, gripping her two children tightly. Her breathing got heavy and uneven. Before her head tossed back, there was nothing in her eyes. The children started to cry.
Oh shit..
Without a second thought, Kaiya pushed forward, shoving the woman onto the ground, which allowed her to let go of the two children.
She must have swallowed the demon's blood by accident, but it was so slow to run through her veins. I need to tell Shinobu when I return.
She lifted the small children into her arms and sprinted as quickly as she could towards someone's home. She caught a glance of a woman peeking out. "What's wrong with Kina-san?" She asked out, stepping out, but Kaiya placed the children in her arms. "You need to keep them inside." She stated simply. "Stay inside." She ordered harshly before rushing back.
Kina's body had transformed into a completely different shell of herself; her soft, sad eyes grew with hatred, her nails grew longer, her hair came undone, and she started to sprout horns from the side of her head. She growled and withered on the ground.
I'm so sorry, Kina. You can't always be the hero.
Kaiya's hands unsheathed her sword, her eyes watching the transformation happen.
"Dream Breathing, First From - Drifting Slumber," Kaiya took in a deep breath as she leaped, bringing her sword easily down to the woman's neck and slicing it off. She didn't scream out, but her body started to dissolve from the world. Kina's eyes fluttered closed
"I'm sorry, Kina," She whispered to her.
Chika landed on her shoulder as Kaiya watched her body disappear before her. "Go get the Kakushi," she told the crow. "Kakushi are on their way!" Chika informed her. "Then let's go." She looked towards the mountain that the woman spoke of.
—-
Rushing up the mountain, Kaiya kept her eyes forward, but every so often, she could scan through.
The sun is peaking; the demons on the mountain must have retreated to where the main one is.
It must be a temple of sorts.
Kina made her way this far up I could see her blood tracks on the floor. It can't be that far.
"Help!" A voice cried out, causing Kaiya to stop in her tracks. "Any other slayers?! The Kakushi?!" The voice yelled out, frantic and scared. Her heels turned right and ran until she came face to face with a young blue blue-eyed boy. "It's you," Kaiya acknowledged him, bending down to his level, and noticed it was the same slayer who ran away from her and the two demons. "You took on more missions? And you didn't run away, or did you?"
Her eyes scanned over his bloodied leg and hands. "My crow told us that a Hashira was coming, and I was told to run to greet them."
"Well, here I am."
His eyes grew wide. "You're the Hashira?!"
Chika landed beside him, pecking at his arm. "This is Suzuki Kaiya, the Dream Hashira of the Corps!" She yelled at him.
Their eyes met. "You're the Hashira? I thought you died!"
The woman dropped her head with a small laugh. "You left me to die, but I did not. I defeated fifty demons as a Kinoe Rank. I am a Hashira now. It looks like you have a broken leg," she said, eyes flickering down to the wound. "The Kakushi are on their way. Chika led them here to him." She told the crow as it nodded and flew off. "Now, where is the demon's main hideout?"
"Right down that way," he pointed to his left.
She nodded her head at his words. "Tie your belt around your leg here," she pointed at the spot. "To help stop the bleeding." She instructed him before standing up straight, then rushing towards the demon's hideout.
He's still alive..
I hope the other slayers are alive as well..
He limped all of this way until he couldn't handle it anymore.
The Dream Pillar's feet stopped at the stone pathway, leading up to a temple. It looked abandoned, but the sun wasn't touching it yet. Her hand touched the handle of her sword, and she was quick to rush up the steps. She was alone, and this demon already seemed strong.
Entering, she could hear the creaks and aches of the old wood beneath her feet.
"Another slayer!" A voice cried, rushing down the stairs, and falling onto his knees before her. Kaiya dropped down and lifted his bloodied head. "How many other slayers are there that are alive?" She asked him. "Only one more, two others died." He sighed loudly.
She nodded. "What do you know about this demon?"
"Female, she has blood demon art of lust or something!"
Kaiya's brows furrowed together, but she stood up. "Lust?" She repeated to herself before looking down to him. "The Kakushi is coming, so get out of here." She informed him.
He scrambled onto his feet and ran as fast as he could. Once he was out of the doorway, Kaiya unsheathed her sword, spinning around with her katana extended. She could sense a presence behind her. It was a male demon. Farmer clothing.. She turned these men into demons.
Flicking off the blood, she turned around to see many eyes on her.
"Flower Breathing, Fifth Form - Peonies of Futility," Kaiya took in a deep breath, lifting her sword and pushing off her foot as the demons rushed her. She was able to slash some of them, but jumped back onto the stairs. Her sword was still coated with the wisteria poison, and she took notice of how some of them were scratching at the areas that her sword had slashed them.
Kaiya sheathed her sword, bringing it towards her chest and twisting it. Her style of combat was a mixture of all three forms that she knew - Flower, Insect, and Dream. Shinobu was able to send a letter to the chief of the swordsmith village and ask for a sheath that would be similar to hers.
"Dream Breathing, Seventh Form - Endless Nights," she unshathed her sword, feeling it drop back into place on her hip. The woman pushed forward, using her leg strength. With her kantana, she was bale to stab multiple demons as she zig-zaged through the room. She stopped near one of the boarded-up windows, and she put her sword away. She pulled out the sheath, using the end of it, and stabbed at the wood until it started to break.
Open!
The sun!
Open!
I need the window to open!
I need to get to the main demon to save the other slayers!
Grunting, Kaiya dropped her sword and reached up to grab herself on a shelf above the window.
Don't break on me
She brought up her legs, bending her knees to her chest, then suddenly kicking the wood with full force that she could muster in her legs.
Crack!
Kaiya dropped down, feeling the sun's shine on her face before bending down to grab her sword. Her head lifted up to see the demons that she slashed with her sword and the poison rushing at her, but some started to bubble or scream from the sun.
"Grab her!" A voice screamed out from the top of the stairs.
The main demon!
"Damn it," cursed Kaiya, gripping her sheath and stabbing through more of the wood to open the window more, which allowed more of the sun to kill the demons.
Each slice of my sword is about 50 milligrams of poison; they're going to die anyway.
The woman moved up the stairs as the main demon moved back. The woman from the village was right, the demon was beautiful - breathtaking at first glance. Her dark black hair touched the aged wooden floor, her eyes were a soft pink with a hint of glow to them, but Kaiya couldn't help but smell the rotting flesh that filled her nose. She gagged, covering her mouth. Her eyes left the demon's face and realized what was happening; she was eating men, and using some of them to protect her.
"A Hashira," hissed the demon, reaching for the staff near her. "I am the priestess of this temple; you and these slayers are not welcome here!" She raged, pointing the staff at her. "Let me feast on this slayer and you'll be free to go, child."
"No, no, please!" Wailed the young slayer, his dark brown locks sticking to his forehead with sweat as he bled on the side of his face.
Kaiya arched her brow upward. "Return the boy to me," demanded the woman, placing her hand down to hold the handle of her katana.
"Or what? You'll kill me?"
"I'm going to kill you regardless."
"I'd like to see you try! Blood Demon Art: Darkness Wind!" She lifted her hands up as she started to float upward with her staff in her hands. The golden staff started to bleed where her hand gripped it, and she flicked it towards the Hashira. A sudden gust of wind hit her face, cutting her like shards, and Kaiya stumbled backwards a few steps. Her feet barely touch the edge of the stairs.
With a blink, Kaiya's eyes couldn't find the demon, but she could see illusions of shadows creeping off the walls and twirling around her. The wind was strong, and she held onto her handle as she attempted to take a step forward.
Why wind?
Why the fuck did it have to be wind?
I'm tiny!
Her dark green eyes scanned the best she could, but all she could see was the dust in her view. The wind grew tighter, slicing through her haori in many places, along with her hands and slices of her hair.
Is this a Twelve Kizuki?
I didn't see any number in her eye!
Her eyes caught sight of the demon moving around to her right. "Dream Breathing, Fourth Form - Nightmare," she took in a deep breath and pushed with all of her might to the right. Rushing the demon, she unsheathed her sword to stab her vital points, but was met with the golden staff. The demon started to attack.
"You won't touch my food! I will stay young and beautiful, damn it!" She screeched, gripping onto the young slayer by the hair with her free hand.
"Dream Breathing, Fifth Form - Daydreams," Kaiya's hands started to twirl her sword to deflect the oncoming attacks by the dark priestess.
"Dream Hashira, please!" Cried the boy, holding onto the demon's hand.
The demon smirked. "Blood Demon Art: Wirlwind!" She flicked her staff once more, and a vortex swirled around Kaiya. She covered her face with her arm as she squinted to see the demon, but once again, she was out of her sight.
"Why did you leave?"
"Darling, you left us!"
"My love.."
Kaiya gasped loudly, her eyes scanning through the illusions before her.
Takuma…
Your voice, I miss it.
I miss you.
Her body turned to see a vision before her. There he was before her, but decaying and rotten.
It's not real.
He's dead.
He's gone.
Kaiya.
"YOU LEFT US!"
Yui!
Her body twisted to see a rotting version of her younger sister.
I'm so sorry.
"CAW CAW! KAIYA!" Chika's voice boomed through the vortex.
Focus!
"Blood Demon Art: The Veil of Darkness!"
She's moving behind me - There!
"Dream Breathing, Second Form - Alluring Haze!" She took in a deep breath, closing her eyes and trying to push those visions out of her head.
Yui, you're safe at home.
Kaiya's body twisted, pushing through the vortex and slashing the demon priestess in the eyes. She screamed, dropping the boy and the staff onto the floor. Kaiya rushed over, grabbed him by the collar, and pushed him onto his feet. "Get out of here," she gritted her teeth at him. "Now!" She demanded him.
The boy scrambled onto his feet and ran down the stairs.
"How dare you?" Raged the demon, dropping her hands from her face.
The Dream Hashira smacked her lips as she sheathed her sword, gripping the handle and twisting it to coat her sword with more poison. With the young slayer out of her hands and the staff, it was a clear shot now.
"Dream Breathing, Fourth Form - Nightmare," Kaiya sucked in a deep breath before pushing off her right foot and rushing the demon with her sword aimed right at her vital points. Stab! Her heart. Stab! Her neck.
All Kaiya could hear was the screams of the demon as she swatted away at her skin. That form felt as if bugs were eating you alive. It was called Nightmare for a reason. The Hashira watched as the demon slowly disappeared from the earth, crumbling before her. Sheathing her sword, she turned to walk back outside, passing the piles of bodies on her way out.
Kakushi greeted her, and they were gasping when they saw the amount of blood dripping from her head and face. "We'll clean you up and bring you over to Kocho-sama's estate," Goto informed her as he slipped off his backpack. She nodded her head. "We have two deceased slayers inside," she told him with a small sigh. "Did you find the other two?"
Goto nodded his head at her words. "We did, they're also being taken to the Butterfly Mansion for check-ups."
—
"My, my, what a demon you faced, Kaiya." Shinobu clapped her hands, then she grabbed a small cotton ball to clean up her face. "This is a lot of blood," she hummed lightly, holding her chin in her small hand. "Yeah, I wasn't expecting her Blood Demon Art to be sharp winds," chuckled Kaiya, holding her face still as her mentor and close friend cleaned her up.
There was a silence that passed them before Shinobu spoke up.
"What did you wish to talk to me about?" Coaxed the woman, placing down the used cotton balls.
The eighteen-year-old took in a deep breath before letting out a loud yawn, her mind completely forgetting that she had asked to talk to Shinobu. "Huh?"
Shinobu rolled her eyes, sitting down beside her on the examination bed. "So, now you're tired?"
"I'm always tired," laughed Kaiya, shaking her head, but she turned her body to face the other eighteen-year-old beside her.
"That is a very true statement, but earlier, before you rushed off to your mission. You said you wanted to talk to me about something."
The Insect Hashira took notice of the change of look in Kaiya's face as she tried to rack her brain to find something to say to her. Smiling softly, she reached over to take her hand into hers. "Kaiya, we're comrades. I spent six months training you and the past two years fighting demons by your side. We shared so many moments. Why are you suddenly shy like Kanao?" She questioned.
Kaiya let out a small, shaky breath, looking down at her hands, then back to her. "After Takuma's death, I vowed to myself to never get attached to someone like that again, but recently -"
"Mitsuri and Obanai have caught your eyes?" The other woman smirked, interrupting her.
"H-how?" Stuttered Kaiya.
Shinobu shook her head at her words. "Kaiya," she held in her laughter as she covered her mouth. "Mitsuri's reaction to seeing you both shirtless? You? Being a complete stuttering mess when he walked in? The longing looks across the table?" She listed them off with her fingers.
Kaiya's face turned bright red as she was caught.
"Kaiya, it's okay to feel scared about opening your heart again. Life as a Demon Slayer is unpredictable, but that's just life overall. You never know what tomorrow holds; it could be your last or the start of something new. I am sure Takuma would want you to be happy again."
The Dream breather took in a deep breath, feeling the water sting her eyes as she thought about the man she once loved so much.
But her mind started to drift towards Mitsuri and Obanai.
From their first meeting, they were drawn to her, and she was drawn to them.
"Shinobu," Kaiya spoke softly. "It's okay for you to find happiness again, too. I see the way that Tomioka makes you blush and how he pays attention to every single detail that you do."
The Insect Hashira's own face grew red before patting her head roughly. "Ow!" Hissed Kaiya, pulling back from the patting. "I have no idea what you're speaking about, Kaiya!" Hummed Shinobu, squeezing her cheek lightly.
"Ow, ow," grunted Kaiya, trying to pull away from her.
"Kocho-sama, one of the slayers woke up," one of the Kakushi entered the room to inform her. Shinobu was quick on her feet, letting go of Kaiya's cheek. "You are good to rest at home," she told her before rushing out the door.
Kaiya laughed to herself as she hopped off the bed, grabbing her torn haori, but she still slipped it over her uniform and made her way out of the mansion.
Notes:
oooo kaiya's first mission as a hashira! many more to come!
mitsuri and obanai will be in the next chapter! 💖
i wanted to focus on writing more fighting in this chapter since i know it's not my strong suit when it comes to these stories.
buuut i can promise, we're getting close to the whole ✨kaiya's recovery✨
Chapter 9: Chapter Nine.
Summary:
"I have an idea," she sang, happily turning on her heels and skipping herself out of the estate.
Kamin looked back at Mai, and she only shrugged her shoulders.
Obanai sighed, watching her skip out of the gates. "We'll be back."
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
"I don't think he'll like that," Obanai's voice filled the spring air as he walked beside Mitsuri, his eyes focused before them. He heard her small whimper and knew she was pouting her lips. "I think he'll look adorable!" She giggled, smiling over at him this time. "A black bow for Kaburamaru would be perfect for him," she reached over to scratch under his chin.
Obanai shook his head as they grew closer to the Dream Estate. Mitsuri wanted to ask Kaiya if she wanted to have lunch with them. He opened the large gate, allowing Mitsuri to step in first. They took notice that the Kakushi were laying out laundry on one side of the courtyard.
"Iguro-sama and Kanroji-sama, greetings!" Kamin rushed over, bowing down towards the two. "What do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" He asked him kindly, standing up tall.
"Is Suzuki around?" Obanai asked flatly, getting straight to the reason why they were there.
"Suzuki-sama is still asleep," Kamin answered.
"In the middle of the afternoon?" Mitsuri tilted her head to the side in confusion.
"Ah, yes!" Kamin lightly fiddled with his fingers. "Suzuki-san is quite the sleeper. She was a mission last night, came back, and she has been asleep since."
"Have you checked up on her?" Mitsuri asked, covering her mouth in shock.
Kamin nodded his head. "We have, she just groans and turns away from us." He informed them. "We're not sure when she will awake. She might wake up in an hour or two."
Mitsuri started to giggle lightly at his story. Obanai kept his face neutral, but he wanted to smile; instead, he cleared his throat, his eyes darting towards Mitsuri. He wanted to see what she wanted to do since Kaiya was asleep. She turned to meet his gaze, her eyes sparkled happily as thoughts swirled in her mind.
"I have an idea," she sang, happily turning on her heels and skipping herself out of the estate.
Kamin looked back at Mai, and she only shrugged her shoulders.
Obanai sighed, watching her skip out of the gates. "We'll be back."
—-
Kaiya rolled onto her back, groaning out as she felt small crow's feet standing on her chest. She waved away the crow, rolling back onto her stomach. "Ask Mai or Kamin to feed you, Chika," she mumbled into her white pillow.
Two feet.
Another pair of two feet.
Then another pair was jumping around on her back.
The Dream Pillar's eyes opened, but her brows furrowed together in confusion.
"Chika," she yawned, pushing herself up and turning on her side to notice three crows standing at the edge of her futon. She blinked a few times before fully seeing the clover-shaped crown, green and pink. "Urara, hello again. I am assuming, you're Iguro's crow?" She pointed at the other one, who stayed further back from her, but nodded his head.
She slowly stood from her bedding, adjusting her dark green yukata, which was adorned with flowers. Her hair stayed down, but she brushed it out. "What do I owe this visit?" She asked the three who followed her around her bedroom, but then she could smell something cooking, and then a loud squeal came from down the hallway.
Pressing her lips together, she looked back at the crows, then her door. "They're here, aren't they?" She looked down at her crow, Chika flew to the door and pecked at it a few times. She chuckled as she walked over, and out flew the crows, but she followed behind them.
Walking towards the kitchen, Kaiya turned the corner and took notice of all the food, the smell of all of it hitting her nose at first. She didn't even realize how hungry she'd become from sleeping all day. There sat Obanai at the table as Mitsuri was placing food down. Her presence caught their attention.
"Hello, Kaiya-chan," Mitsuri cooed happily, waving at her. "We wanted to see if you wanted to join us for lunch, but your Kakushi informed us that you were still asleep after your mission, so we ran into the markets to grab you some food, and we'll cook you some lunch when you wake up." She told her quickly. Obanai nodded his head at her words. "She didn't allow me to try to cook," he informed her, causing Kaiya to laugh lightly.
"Hello," Kaiya hummed back, rubbing her eyes before walking over to the table and taking a seat across from Obanai. "I wasn't expecting visitors today, but it's nice to see you two again." She lightly chuckled, resting her cheek on her hand as she watched Mitsuri's eyes light up at her words. "Is it really?" She squealed behind her hand. Kaiya nodded her head with a small laugh. "It is."
Obanai felt himself grow flustered on his neck and the tip of his ears. "How was your mission, Suzuki?" He asked her, lowly, turning his body to fully face her.
Kaiya offered him a kind smile, making his heart melt. "It went well, though I might have some scarring here," she pointed at her hairline, where her bandages sat wrapped around her head.
"I wanted to ask, but I was scared too! How are you feeling? Is there anything you need?" Mitsuri's hands found Kaiya's cheeks, squishing them together, but Kaiya could only smile at her. "I'm fine, just a few cuts," reassured the other woman, placing her hand over hers and dropping them from her cheeks. "We did lose two slayers, but the others managed to survive. One of them, I'm really surprised that he's alive."
"Why do you say that?" Questioned Obanai, his brow arched up in curiosity.
The Dream Hashira took in a deep breath, then spoke out. "He was the slayer that I ran into on the mission where I became a Hashira. He was suddenly brave, attempting to just rush up at the two demons, but he got too loud, which caused them to find us. When the demons mentioned eating us then he ran off, screaming for them to take me."
"Is that so?" Obanai hummed, rubbing his bandages.
"It is, but now he has a broken leg, so I hope he thinks about what happens when you run away," she shrugged her shoulders before pushing her hair back from her face.
"But you're okay?" Mitsuri questioned her. Kaiya nodded her head at her question. "I'm fine, but I did have to kill a newly made demon. Her name was Kina, and she attempted to go up the mountain to find her husband with a syth. I think her children followed her, too, but I had to do it. I grabbed them and ushered them to a nearby house. After I found that slayer, then the main demon. They assumed the demon's blood art was lust, but it was a strong wind. Maybe Shinazugawa should have gone with me." She shrugged her shoulders at the end.
"Oyakata-sama might pair you up with another Hashira for joint missions. Whichever breathing style works well with yours." Mitsuri nodded her head. "We get paired up all of the time on missions." She motioned between herself and the man across from them.
"Kocho and Tomioka. Uzui and Renguko. Shinazugawa and I as well." Obanai added to the conversation. "You might get paired with any one of us, honestly," he shrugged his shoulders a bit. "But what does this runaway look like?" He leaned forward slightly. The dark green-eyed woman arched her brow slightly at his words. "Obi," hummed Mitsuri, giving him a small look. "It's just a question." He told her with a smug look on his facial features.
"He already has a broken leg now, Obi," Kaiya mimicked Mitsuri's nickname for him. His eyes rolled. Mitsuri giggled. "He is gonna suffer enough when Kocho has him do rehabilitation training with the young ones." She chuckled, shaking her head a bit. "But besides that, thank you both for coming here and cooking lunch for me after my mission, and I had fun yesterday." She told them truthfully.
"Uzui can be…" Mitsuri's voice trailed off.
"Annoying?"
"Loud?"
"Flashy?"
Mitsuri's lips curved upwards with a laugh. "Yes, yes, but I know he means… Well. I think." She tapped her chin.
Kaiya's eyes squinted as her lips pressed together. "I don't know about that part, but he does like to tease. Has he been this way with you two before me?" She motioned between the two of them.
"Yes," the two said together. "You should see how annoying he'll be after a meeting when we all gather to lunch."
"A lunch that you don't eat, though," Kaiya pointed out, noticing his body getting stiff.
She watched as Obanai's two-toned eyes flickered over to Mitsuri's, then back to Kaiya's. It made him recall last night when he had his small talk with Kyojuro; he told her some of his past, but not all of it. He wanted to tell her on his terms. He came to clean to Mitsuri about his past when she was at the Butterfly Mansion because she had already seen his scars. His mind was flooding with the memories of their first shared kiss; she didn't even see his scars, but she saw him. He had always been worried about what Mitsuri would think of him, but she comforted him, reassured him that she loved him for him.
This new feeling with Kaiya was new; it was different. He was worried that she might not find him attractive after revealing his scars or completely refuse their shared feelings towards her because of his looks.
Deep down, he still felt tainted and unworthy of love. He stayed up hours after Mitsuri, still not believing that this was his life. How he manage to have someone like her love him? How another stunning woman was flustered at the pure sight of him? He didn't find himself attractive at all; he hated the way he looked.
"When the time comes, you'll see why," he told her lowly.
"Curiosity gets the best of me," she replied to him.
"You'll see one day." He nodded his head.
"Okay, I believe you."
Mitsuri happily hummed as she started to pile food onto their plates for herself and Kaiya. "It's okay, one day, we'll all be sitting here free of demons and happily eating lunch together," beamed the Love Hashira.
"Now that sounds pretty amazing to me, Mitsuri," Kaiya hummed softly, smiling over at her, then turning to Obanai with the same kind smile on her lips. "Thank you again for this lunch. I know I said I needed time to think this over, but it's very nice to see you two often." She felt her cheeks burn with redness.
"Me too," Mitsuri mused before she started to eat what she piled onto her plate.
—-
Obanai was helping Mitsuri clean up as Kaiya excused herself to change and told them not to clean up since they were her guests. She walked back in as she finished buttoning up her shirt to see them placing the cooking ware away. She let out a small chuckle, capturing their attention. "I told you both not to worry about it." She placed her hands on her hips.
"You look smaller with pants on," Obanai said, his eyes wandering her frame.
Kaiya's lips pressed together at his words as she felt her vein pop on her forehead. "I'm going to punch you," she pointed at him. "We're basically the same height," she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
Mitsuri giggled lightly. "I think Obi might be slightly taller." She dragged him over. "Now face back to back to each other." She instructed them.
Letting out a small sigh, they both did what she wanted of them and felt her hands on the top of their heads. Suddenly, Mitsuri gasped and then laughed. "I was right! Obanai is just a bit taller than you!"
"Alright, alright," Kaiya stepped away from him with her arms still crossed.
"Why are you upset, Kaiya?" Mitsuri pouted her lips.
"I hate being called short or small," she admitted to them. "Demons are constantly teasing me for my size. It's so irritating."
The Love Hashira reached for her hands, squeezing them. "Demons will always try to get under our skin with the hurtful things they say to us, but you are now a Hashira. Like Shinobu, your size makes you who you are, and you're quick, strong, and one of a kind of swordman. Be proud of who you are and accomplished."
Obanai leaned against the door frame as he watched them and listened to Mitsuri. She always seemed to have the right things to say to anyone and everyone.
Chika landed on the table. "THE DREAM HASHIRA'S PRESENCE IS NEEDED ON A MISSION!" Announced the crow, she always had to yell out the missions because Kaiya tried to swat her away when she was sleeping once. She apologized, but Chika kept yelling. "YOU MUST TRAVEL NORTH OF HERE! YOU WILL BE JOINING THE INSECT HASHIRA, KOCHO SHINOBU, ON YOUR MISSION!"
The Serpent Hashira spoke. "There you have it, you're going on a joint mission with Kocho."
"Oh, how fun!" Mitsuri beamed. "Well, not that fun because slaying demons is rough sometimes, but you'll be with Shinobu-chan!" She dropped her hands.
Kaiya started walking out with Chika, Mitsuri, and Obanai following beside her. "Thank you again for today, it was nice to have lunch with you both. Maybe next time, we can meet at Iguro's estate for lunch. How does that sound?" She couldn't help but place a playful smile on her lips.
"You just want to see what's under my bandages," he rolled his eyes.
"No," she replied. "I was saying it because we had dinner at Mitsuri's, lunch at mine, and now it's your turn. You said when the time comes, then you'll tell me, and I don't want to push it on you. It's okay to wait for the right time for certain things."
I am sure Takuma would want you to be happy again.
You never know what tomorrow holds; it could be your last or the start of something new.
Shinobu's words hung in the air; she looked at them as they looked at her.
Maybe it is okay to be happy again.
Maybe it's okay to feel the butterflies again.
Maybe it's okay to feel my heart pounding in my chest again.
They came all this way and did this for me.
Chika pulled on her hair. Kaiya hissed lightly. "Ow," she looked up at her brow. "I'm going!" She shook her head, then turned back to them. "Dinner when I get back?" She smiled at them. "Or when the time is right, if you two get called on a mission," she shrugged her shoulders.
"Yes!" Mitsuri beamed excitedly.
Obanai nodded his head.
"I'll write you a letter when I return back," she told them before chasing off in the direction that Chika was flying.
Notes:
just a small cute little chapter until the next action-packed one!!
a little bit of fluff doesn't hurt anyone 💖
Chapter 10: Chapter Ten.
Summary:
"Water Breathing, Third Form - Flowing Dance."
"Insect Breathing, Dance of the Butterfly - Caprice."
"Dream Breathing, Third Form - Constant Drift."
Notes:
TW: mention of dead bodies, death, blood, and describing choking someone.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"Good afternoon, Kaiya," Shinobu's voice was calm and collected as Kaiya entered the gates of the Butterfly Mansion with Chika leading her inside. She left it open as Shinobu walked down with the Water Hashira behind her. "Good afternoon," smiled Kaiya, noticing the taller man behind her. "I assume Chika led you down this way for our joint mission?" Shinobu clapped her hands, wanting the other woman to stop smiling at her and Giyu.
Kaiya nodded her head, feeling Chika land on her shoulder. "I did. I was just discussing joint missions earlier as well, and here we are."
"Were you now?" Shinobu hummed, smiling over at the woman.
"Yes, but Tomioka-san, good afternoon," hummed the Dream Hashira, turning to face to stoic man. "Will you join us, too?" She offered him a small smile.
Giyu looked over to her, then to Shinobu. He nodded his head at her question.
"Tomioka-san heard of my crow calling for us to go on this mission, and he offered to lend a hand."
"And how kind is that?" Kaiya clicked her tongue.
"Let's go," Shinobu huffed, grabbed the other woman's haori, and started to shove her out of the gates.
All three crows started leading them towards their destination until Giyu had to stop and grab his elder crow from going in the wrong direction. He sighed, running with his hands outwards to attempt to catch the crow. "Kanzaburo, wrong way," he said to him kindly.
Chika and En landed on their master's shoulders. "Should we help?" Chika bends forward into Kaiya's face. "Let them be," En added in. Kaiya agreed with the other crow, feeling Chika return to her original stance.
—
"En informed me that this demon's strength is outmatched by the other demons that we have faced," Shinobu's voice ran through the silent air as they gathered at the end of a village.
There was no crying, no screams, or people running away in terror. That's what caught them off guard; it was pure silence.
"So keep your hands on your sword and let's kill this demon together. With our poison, we should be able to weaken it enough for one of you to cut off its head," Shinobu said calmly as she started walking the dirt paths into the village. The other two followed right behind her.
Kaiya's dark green eyes darted around, noticing that the merchants' booths were turned over, the stench of blood filled the air, and the trash littered the streets where they walked. "Bandits?" Kaiya whispered lowly, gazing over at the other two. Their eyes were solely focused on what was around them.
"A demon controlling bandits?" Shinobu couldn't grasp the thought of that. "That's impossible because of their hunger for human flesh and blood." The woman was speaking to herself at this point as Giyu unsheathed his sword, sensing a presence behind him.
It wasn't a human presence.
Kaiya felt one approaching them from the front. She quickly clicked up her tsuba, unsheathing her sword, and pushed forward on her foot. "Dream Breathing, Second Form - Alluring Haze," breathed Kaiya, twisting her sword upward into the demon's eyes. It was taken back, covering his eyes, and he growled loudly. "I'll kill you!"
The demon was a man with messy black hair that fell onto his shoulders; his body was larger than the three Hashira, and his fingers were long and sharp. He had a few horns growing out of his head.
"Suzuki," Giyu's voice startled her. She was not expecting him to speak to her. "Up top," he slashed through a demon's neck.
Shinobu and Kaiya's heads tilted upwards, seeing the hoards of demons on the roofs.
"Oh shit," whispered Kaiya.
—
"Why the fuck are we here?" Sanemi's voice cut through the silence as they reached the Butterfly Mansion.
Obanai's two-toned eyes narrowed on the building before him. "No one told you to come with me." He reminded him. "Isn't Higurashi waiting on you for your return?" He looked over to him.
Sanemi let out a small huff of air. "Isn't Kanroji waiting on you?"
"How original," Obanai's eyes rolled back.
"Seriously, when the fuck are you going to confess to her?" Asked the Wind Hashira, stepping in front of him.
The Serpent Hashira sighed deeply, annoyed that he was going to have this conversation again. "Would you let that go?"
"No, you talked me into confessing to Kiyomi," Sanemi pointed out. "Why won't you tell Mitsuri?"
"First of all, she got sick, and some other man came by to see her, and you flipped out," recalled Obanai, arching his brow up at the white haired man. "Secondly, you thought she was going to leave the Corps altogether."
"So why won't you tell her? Or is your shirtless sparring session in front of her with Suzuki that has you all fucked up in the head? Now you've got the hots for Suzuki?" Teased Sanemi, seeing Obanai's face grow red with anger and frustration. Obanai could hear Sanemi grow closer to him. "So what is it then?"
Sanemi wasn't expecting Obanai's hands to reach out and grab him by the shirt, pulling him closer to him. "Listen, this stays between us and us only," he warned him before letting out a loud sigh. "Kanroji and I have been seeing each other for a few months now. We're not letting anyone know about it. We want to keep it between us until we feel it's right, or we might never say anything." He closed his eyes. "And Suzuki," he paused for a moment. "She needs some time to think about Kanroji and me. We don't know yet."
"So, you and Kanroji have been fucking and want to fuck the new Hashira?" Sanemi questioned, feeling himself being pushed back by his friend.
"It's not all about fucking, you know?" Obanai hissed.
Another voice startled them both. "What can we assist you with today?" Aoi's stern voice came from behind them. Both Men turned to face the young pigtailed girl. Sanemi grabbed Obanai's haori. "No, we're good." He told her, pulling him away from the mansion. "You're telling me everything now." He poked him in the chest as they walked out of the gates.
—
"Water Breathing, Third Form - Flowing Dance."
"Insect Breathing, Dance of the Butterfly - Caprice."
"Dream Breathing, Third Form - Constant Drift."
All three Hashira weaved in and out of each other as they killed the horde of demons that rushed after them.
Kaiya's feet stopped in her tracks in the middle of the road, her eyes focused on who was in front of her. Her heart was rapidly beating in her chest, her eyes scanned over his facial features, and her brain couldn't comprehend that Sugimoto Masaru was standing before her, but he was no longer the man she once knew in her home village. The look in his eyes was evil, dead, and far gone.
The man she once knew was straightforward, annoying, and always made lewd comments about her and the other females. The home village pervert was now a demon. He was still tall, taller than Giyu; his black hair reached his back, which blended into a light green; his muscles ripped through his shirt that he wore. His pants and shirt were torn and covered in human blood, dried and brand new stains that littered his clothing.
The man who used to hang out with Takuma, who shared smiles and laughter with him. The man whose mother never thought anyone in their village was good enough for her son. Takuma always swore he was a good man; they would be gone for days together with a few more of their friends. She always trusted Takuma's word.
"Suzuki Kaiya," his voice coarse and deep, stepping closer to her. "Have you come to kill me like you killed Takuma?" His lips curved into a smirk, bowing down to her, mocking her. Kaiya's grip tightened on her handle; her eyes started to fill with rage at his words. "Or shall you run away from your bodies?" He motioned towards the dead bodies that were scattered around them. "Still a murder? Do you know how a sword works?"
"Sugimoto," scowled Kaiya. "I have never hurt a human. Especially not the man I loved with my heart," she snapped.
Shinobu stood behind her, placing her hand on her shoulder. "Breathe." Giyu stood on the other side of her, his deadpan stare.
Demons will always try to get under our skin with the hurtful things they say to us, but you are now a Hashira. Like Shinobu, your size makes you who you are, and you're quick, strong, and one of a kind of swordman.
Mitsuri's voice rang through her ears.
This is different, Mitsuri. This man knows me. He knows how to get under my skin. He is stronger now.
"You loved him, but did you know him?"
Kaiya's eye twitched. "I knew him better than you ever did."
Sugimoto laughed loudly. "Oh, Suzuki, you are a funny one now. What would your okaasan or otousan think of you now? What about Hikaru or Yui? You left them with a great deal of shame when you ran off. The Chisaka family thought you should have died that night instead of their only child. Do you know what they say about you? Even the Ōshiro family wouldn't dare to allow Hikaru to marry their daughter because of you."
"Kaiya," Shinobu whispered, her hand squeezing her shoulder. "You are not a murderer, you never once laid a hand on him. You save lives. You have saved more lives than you can ever count. Oyakata-sama told you himself, he told me."
Oyakata-sama had said - the rumors about me aren't true.
Either way, he's a demon.
I need to kill him.
Whatever he says, just push forward.
Giyu lifted his hand, but Kaiya glanced over her shoulder. "He's mine." She told him firmly. He nodded his head, looking over to Shinobu. "Kocho," he said calmly. "Let's finish the rest."
Shinobu stared at Sugimoto, then at the back of Kaiya's head. "Do not do what's in your mind. He is not worth losing your sight for. None of the demons are worth it." She stated calmly before following Giyu back towards the gathering of demons that were rushing up to greet them.
"Flower Breathing, Fourth Form - Crimson Hanagoromo," breathed Kaiya, stepping forward and rushing towards the man with her katana out, jumping upwards towards him and slashing down at his neck, but Sugimoto had always been strong and good at fighting. The number of fights he got into with others was always hard to keep count of. He swatted her out of the sky with a pure flick of his wrist. Kaiya hit a tree. She grunted, holding onto her stomach.
Shit.
As a demon, he's stronger.
He didn't need to hit me.
He just flicked his wrist.
"What happened, Kaiya? I thought you were a demon slayer," he grinned proudly, stalking his way towards her.
Kaiya gritted her teeth, standing up on her feet with her sword in her hands. "I am the Dream Hashira, the highest rank of the corps, and you'll be dying tonight by my fucking sword. I will make sure of that. Your okaasan can't save you now."
The man barked out another laugh. "I killed her!"
Her eyes widened. The same boy who used to run towards his mother for each scratch. He killed the one person who loved him more than herself.
"Who is the real murderer?" She brought her sword up when he swung his large, thick arm down on her. She could feel the heaviness from him; her knees buckled slightly. He chuckled darkly at her. "I was blood thirsty, what is your excuse?" He taunted her.
Kaiya's leg lifted towards her stomach and pushed with all of her might on his stomach. He stumbled backwards. "I never killed Takuma!" She exploded, her scream echoed through the village. "I am not a fucking murderer! I loved him!" She kept screaming as she started to slash at him, but he blocked it with his arms.
Her sword was covered with poison, but he was healing himself.
He could be a Twelze Kuzuki.
But he is not.
He is strong like one.
The man's voice rang in her ears; he was teasing her like he used to when they were children.
Her eyes scanned his movements, the way his arms started to pull back more from her. He was going to attack. She retreated, jumping back a few feet. "Dream Breathing, Fifth Form - Daydreams," she started twirling her sword in her hands as his fist started to fly at her, but she had been fighting for the past two years. She could see his movements as they started, or before.
"Fight back, Kaiya!" He yelled. "I want to see the Dream Hashira in her true action!" His mouth curved upwards as he kept backing up further into the woods, away from Shinobu and Giyu.
Shinobu's mind was focused on fighting beside Giyu, though a part of her did worry. She knew how he would affect Kaiya's skills with his words. She used to get too emotional, too stubborn, and too angry. With herself and demons. She saw a lot of herself in the other woman. Both are eighteen, both have lost someone dear to them, and both are so angry at the world.
Sugimoto landed one punch towards the side of Kaiya's ribs. She gasped loudly, dropping onto her knees and dropping her sword. He was only using one hand; it had been so fast. She could hear a crack within her ears.
"That's right, you should have been on your knees as my bride," quipped Sugimoto.
Kaiya coughed, holding her stomach. "I'd never ever thought of you, Masaru. You could never compare to Takuma or anyone else in our village, you know that," she scoffed. "You couldn't handle a fucking simple cut from handling crops. You ran away to okaasan, crying because it was too hard of work for you. You'd never be a real man like my Takuma." She lifted her head up and was greeted with another slap across the face. This one sent her rolling on the ground; the stinging felt dreadful.
"Shut the fuck up, Kaiya!" He lashed out, stalking over to her and grabbing her by the ankle to drag her back to him. She yelled out. "Get the fuck off of me!" He grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her upwards towards his face. The bruise on the side of her face, swelling up quickly. She hissed, feeling her head start to hurt too. Her hands gripped some dirt when he dragged her.
"You are starting to become a real fucking pain in the ass," fumed the man.
"And you're fucking disgusting," she spat in his face and tossed the dirt in his eyes.
Sugimoto dropped her, and Kaiya scrambled onto her feet. Her right side was swollen, one eye shutting as she searched for her sword. Chika let out a loud "CAAAW!!" But Kaiya shook her head up at the crow. "No," she firmly stated. "He's mine."
The adrenaline was pushing through her veins; she couldn't think about her ribs or face or her pounding headache.
"Dream Breathing, Sixth Form - Sweet Dreams," Kaiya took in a deep breath and turned on her heels. Her knees bent before jumping and extending her swords towards his neck, she started to slice from his collarbone towards his back as her body turned around to land behind him. Her eyes widened when she was greeted by his hand once more, but he caught her mid jump.
I want to kill him myself.
Why does he have to be so strong?
The man's large hand wrapped around her throat, pinning her up a tree.
Her eyes were wide, small gasps escaping from her pink lips as her hands dropped her sword and started to claw at his hand and wrist. His smirk never left his hips as he saw the pure panic and fear that were in her dark green eyes. His hand tightened around her neck.
"Who is so brave now, Kaiya?" He whispered, growing closer to her. Her eyes filled with tears, her lungs trying to breathe, as her hands kept clawing at his hand. "You think you know about your dead fiancé? He wasn't who he said he was." Her lungs felt as if they were on fire.
Kaiya's actions started to weaken. Her hands sloppily tried to pry him away from her neck. Her lips started to turn blue, her eyes bloodshot, as the veins in her forehead bulged.
"He was a thief, a bandit himself!" He laughed in her face.
No, no, he was a good person!
He would never harm anyone!
"He killed the innocent; he did it with a smile on his face. He stole from the rich and poor, along with me and the others from our village. Were you that fucking stupid to think we'd be gone for weeks for just fun?" He laughed darkly. "Takuma was worse than me. Worse than all of us. He was behind all of it. He didn't give a fuck who he hurt, and he was going to drag you along with him. Like, he dragged all of us into his games, but we liked it. We love the thrill."
He couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the woman's face before him.
"Why do you think he had knives on him when he died?" He tilted his head in confusion. "It wasn't for harvesting crops! Those knives had so much blood on them that wasn't his."
Kaiya blinked, black spots filled her vision, but it was already blurry.
All she could see behind him was Shinobu and Giyu's faces as her vision officially gave up. She had fallen unconscious from the lack of airflow she was getting.
"Water Breathing, First Form - Water Surface Slash."
Sugimoto's head rolled off his neck as his hand let go of Kaiya, her body falling beside him.
Shinobu fell beside her, her small hands quickly working to get the other woman breathing again. Her hands rested on her chest and started to pump. "Kaiya, breathe! Breathe!" She squeaked, her eyes scanning over the woman's blue lips and face. Giyu kneeled beside her and moved her hands with his own. He had seen her do this a few times with younger ranks.
"Tomioka," she whispered, but he kept going.
Shinobu stopped him for a moment and tilted Kaiya's head back, pinching her nose and opening her mouth. Taking in a deep breath, she covered Kaiya's mouth with her own and exhaled into her mouth. Kaiya's chest rose slightly.
"Kaiya, breathe," Shinobu pulled back from her, watching as Kaiya's eyes widened with pure fear and shock, but she let out loud raspy gasps for air. Her hands wildly scratched at Giyu's hands and wrists, believing he was Sugimoto. "No, no, it's okay," Shinobu reassured her, holding onto her hands. "You're okay, you're okay." Giyu sat back, his eyes drifted over to see the demon as he was still disappearing from the earth.
Shinobu's gentle hands turned Kaiya's face to see that he was dying.
"True?" Coughed Kaiya, her voice raspy, as tears fell down her cheeks.
"Completely true."
Sugimoto had completely disintegrated from the earth; he was no longer. The man she grew up with was dead, but the new information about Takuma, she didn't want to believe it. She couldn't believe it.
"She has deep bruising on her neck," Shinobu said lowly, lightly touching the large fingerprints that were wrapped around Kaiya's neck. "Tomioka, go rush for the Kakushi. I need to get her back."
He nodded his head and was off before they could even blink.
Shinobu turned back to Kaiya. "Where else does it hurt?" She asked her. Kaiya was attempting to speak, but nothing came out. She felt something coming out, but it wasn't words. She turned to the side and started to vomit; her whole body hurt. "It's okay, your vocal cords must be bruised. You won't be talking for a while," Shinobu told her lightly, rubbing her back lightly.
When she was done, Shinobu helped her sit up. "Can you point to where it hurts?" She questioned.
Kaiya nodded her head, her hand came up shakingly and pointed towards her head, her side where he hit her, her face, her other side where she was flung into the tree, and her throat.
"Okay, we're going to get you back to the manison as quickly as we can," Shinobu promised her.
—
The sun rose, peaking in through the clouds and windows of the Butterfly Mansion.
Aoi, Kiyo, Naho, and Sumo started with their morning chores.
The Kakushi started working throughout the mansion.
Chika stayed with Kaiya, she resting in the window.
Kaiya was completely passed out; she was put under by Shinobu. Her body laid there still and calm. Her face was bruised, freshly dark purple and blue. The right side of her lip had a few cuts from the top and bottom. She was changed into the light blue patient wear; her top was open, but her breasts were covered. Her left side was also bruised, the same color as her face. Her right side was covered with a fist print bruise.
Sameni walked by the room as the door was wide open. He glanced over and caught a glimpse of Kaiya's haori at the end of the bed, and he instantly took a few steps back. "Holy shit, Suzuki." He cursed out, stepping inside of the room. "Oi!" He looked at her crow. Chika opened her eyes, looking at the white haired man. "Go tell Iguro and Kanroji about her," he instructed the crow.
Chika was out of the window quickly right after that.
"Shinazugawa," hummed Shinobu as she walked in with a small yawn. "What are you doing here?"
He turned to face her. "I came for a check-up as per usual," he shrugged his shoulders.
"Oh, yes! I had forgotten about that after last night." She shook her head.
"So, what the hell happened?" He pointed at the woman in the bed.
"Someone from the past," Shinobu said softly before stepping to the side. "Let's start on your check-up up and I'll check on Suzuki later." She motioned him out of the room before closing the door behind her. Noticing three crows landing on the windowsill.
As she fully closed the door, she was greeted by all of the Hashira before her. "Check-ups are all today," Shinobu offered a smile.
Mitsuri chewed on her fingernail as she stood there. She wanted to see Kaiya for herself, but Shinobu had led them all into different rooms to undress so she could examine all of them. She paced back and forth. Chika had informed her and Obanai that Kaiya was injured on her mission, and she wasn't able to speak.
Obanai sat in the chair in a different room. He was shirtless as Kaburamaru slithered freely on the fresh, new bed sets. He had his eyes closed, his mind racing to know what happened to get Kaiya, who was badly bruised.
The Love Hashira offered Shinobu a kind smile as she heard the door open. "Kanroji, how are you doing?" She asked kindly, walking over and looking over at her.
"Ah, I am okay! I'm feeling great!" Mitsuri nodded her head.
"That's good to hear, no sore muscles or anything?"
"None at all!"
"I'm happy to hear that," said Shinobu, writing something on her clipboard. She turned it around.
Kaiya will be fine. She battled a strong demon, someone she knew from the past. She is bruised up badly. Check back in a few days. I know Uzui will be listening and I know he'll be annoying about it.
Mitsuri's eyes wandered down, reading it, and she giggled a bit. She happily nodded her head.
"Well, everything looks good here. I shall check in on Iguro. See you soon, Kanroji. Maybe in a few days?" She offered her a smile.
Mitsuri hummed. "Ah, of course! Thank you!"
Shinobu walked out with her, seeing Tengen peek out. "I'm going to make you last if you and Renguko can't stay inside." She told him. Mitsuri giggled again.
The Insect Hashira made her way into the other room across from Mitsuri's. Obanai looked over to the door. "Kocho." He nodded his head. "Iguro, good morning. I hope your night went well," she said to him and walked over to him, placing down her clipboard on his lap.
His brow arched up in confusion. He didn't look at it but handed it back to her. "Can we make this quick?"
She blinked at him. "Of course," she hummed. "Do you feel any pains or aches?" She asked him; she usually would be touching around to feel for anything, but she just stood there. He was confused.
"No."
"Any bruising or anything?" She clicked her tongue.
His brows furrowed in confusion. "No?" He shook his head.
"Ah, that's good. I guess, I have nothing else to ask you then." She smiled at him.
Obanai stood from his spot, slowly, and put his shirt back on. Shinobu stood there with her clipboard now flipped. "What?" He asked her, walking over to her, but she tapped the board. "Say something," he huffed. She tapped harder.
He shook his head, confused.
Shinobu felt the vein on her forehead bulging, so she put it up to his face.
His eyes scanned it before placing it out of his sight. "Oh." He finally said.
"So, farewell!" Shinobu walked over to the door and opened it wide for him to exit.
There stood Mitsuri, waiting for him. The pink-haired woman smiled kindly. He nodded his head.
"So, Kocho, are our exams going to be like theirs?" Tengen asked as he peeked his head out of the doorway.
"Nope," she smiled at him.
Notes:
i hope you liked the twist i sent your way!
it's actually something i was going to write in the original UTSM but i went against it! this time i was all in on changing takuma's backstory, make him more interesting! i really thought changing sugimoto into a demon fit so much better than before.
obanai was close to finding that slayer! 😅
please enjoy - kudos and comments are appreciated!!
🐍🍡✨
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