Your crow had contacted him.

It has been a couple of days since you last heard of him. The meeting place was quite peculiar — a small lake with one wisteria tree near it. The petals of the wisteria had fallen into the lake, making it a lethal demon trap. It's not strong enough to kill Akaza, but it may weaken him a little ... by a small second.

"If you wanted to kill me you should have thought of a better trap," Akaza says out loud. He had smelled your scent, he knew you were around the area. "Maybe put some of your blood on the lake so I could be tempted to drink it."

"I thought about it, but that would have been too predictable."

Akaza looks up and follows your voice. You were resting on the wisteria tree, lying down on one of the branches. You look comfortable as if you were alone at home in your bed.

You weren't looking at him.

"Are you angry at me?" Akaza asks as he sits under the wisteria. Any other demon would run away at the sight of a wisteria tree. But he is not any demon. Yes, being under the wisteria weakens him. Even smelling it and touching it is harmful to him. But it was only one wisteria tree and his body's regenerative abilities were faster than the harm done.

"You knocked me out in the middle of a forest," you reply. "What do you think?"

Akaza did not say a word. He is not one to apologize and you know that.

There was a silence until you spoke again.

"I won't be seeing you for a very long time," you jump from the tree and land on the ground. "I am traveling with a Hashira for a mission. That's why I asked you to meet you here. I told him I was taking a bath and the wisteria has a stronger scent than that of a demon ... He won't suspect."

Somehow, Akaza did not like this. He usually is the one to accompany you on your missions.

"Just tell him to fuck off," Akaza says simply as he sees that you take a sit next to him.

"I can't, orders from the Master," you take a deep breath and let it out. "We can't risk it. If the Flame Hashira finds out he will tell the higher-ups and I will be killed for treason."

"Then I'll kill them," he simply responds and there is some anger in his voice.

"No, you won't."

"And why not?"

"Because I am asking you not to," you look at him. "I am the one who's in the wrong. Not them. I do deserve such punishment."

Akaza is in a similar position. He is not certain whether or not Muzan will kill him if he knows he is friends with a demon slayer and it's not like Akaza wants to find out either.

"Whatever," Akaza stands up, ready to leave. "I'll see you at Kurashiki for the fireworks."

You start to cough and immediately Akaza sits next to you again. He puts a hand on your shoulder as you try to control your coughing. It's one of those rare moments where he touches you.

"You alright?"

"You left me in a cold forest for days without any warm protection ... This was expected."

You cough again and Akaza rolls his eyes.

"You humans are so weak," Akaza removes his hand from your shoulder. You look to be better but somehow it feels like he should do more. "Do you need ... um ... food?"

You know it's hard for Akaza to be kind and right now he is trying his best. You didn't want to undermine his effort by correcting him. Instead you just moved your head from side to side.

"No, thank you," you say and you smile at him. "I am fine and I am sorry but I don't think I'll be able to go to Kurashiki ... I have to find Yuzuru."

Akaza stands up again, he is annoyed. You have learned to read him, he is quite expressive and that's something that you like. He was not afraid to show emotions, anger, happiness, sadness ... Somehow that felt way too human of him.

"That moon bastard again?" Akaza did not want to give any information. He wishes you could forget about him. That would make his job easier. "Can't you just forget him and move on?"

"No, I can't," you say. "Because Yuzuru would never forget me if I was the one missing."

You also stand up and take off your sword to put against the wisteria tree. You were actually thinking of taking a bath after Akaza takes off.

"We never miss the fireworks," he simply says. It wasn't just about the fireworks. It's about the task at hand. Akaza was also given a mission, to kill the person you are trying to save. In his delusion, he hopes he can somehow make you forget about the Moonchild.

"I know, I'll make it up to you," without knowing Akaza watches your every move.

You take off your haori and then start to take off the top part of your black uniform, you are wearing a white shirt underneath and then you look over at Akaza.

He uses one hand to cover half of his face. Immediately, you feel your face heat up.

"Wait ... Wait, wait," you quickly take your black top and cover yourself. Not like there was much to cover, "I thought demons did not feel desire."

You are right, but to Akaza, it is not about desire but about respect. He wouldn't dare to look at you like that.

"You are a disgraceful woman!" Akaza almost screams, trying to cover his embarrassment. "What kind of woman undresses herself in front of a man?!"

"And what kind of man looks at a woman undress?" you raise your voice, trying to be careful as you know Rengoku is close by. However, it was a good thing that his hearing wasn't the best. "Go, now!"

"As you wish princess," Akaza jokingly bows and turns around. "But remember, a man is as honorable as his woman is."

"Well, thank the gods I am not and will never be your woman."

Akaza suddenly stops walking and he slowly turns his face to look at you. He had a monotone look and suddenly he pulls his tongue out. He puts his index finger under his eye to drag the skin, making it look bigger. Making himself look like a fool.

You roll your eyes as you watch him disappear into the forest.

"Geez," you whisper to yourself. "You would get along with Rengoku just fine."

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.

.

"This is not the right way for Moon Mountain."

"Are you really expecting me to go to one of the most important Kazehaya Estates without a proper gift?"

You feel like you are wasting time. Rengoku is an effective warrior, you knew and respected that. However, he doesn't seem to care a lot about the situation nor seem interested. Deep down, you knew he did. He had to, at least, because it was his mission. Nonetheless, it was exasperating to see him so ... nonchalant.

"Aren't you the heir of one of the most powerful clans? Shouldn't your presence be enough?"

"And because I am the heir of the Rengoku Clan, it is expected for me to bring a beautiful and unique gift," Rengoku says. "I've heard that Satsuki is hard to impress. So we need a good gift."

The two are walking across a farm, following the dirt path made for travelers. You see a few wooden carriages passing by, a village must also be close by.

"So what are you thinking?"

"Kurashiki is home to the best bonsai masters in the land and it's close to a train station that could take us close to Moon Mountain," Rengoku looks side to side, enjoying the view. It was a nice autumn day. "So we are getting the most beautiful and most expensive bonsai."

"Isn't that a bit too much?"

"It's all strategy. If I give them an expensive gift then they are expected to return the generosity with a greater gift ... Especially if it is for a wedding."

You didn't say anything else, you were a bit impressed that he thought of it that way. He is way smarter than he lets on. Of course, you knew this from years ago ... But you didn't know how much of the old Rengoku was left of him.

"After that maybe we should get some train tickets, it would be faster to get to Moon Mountain."

"Absolutely not," you quickly stand in front of him. "I am not getting inside those things."

"Scared?"

"No ... just taking precautions, what if it explodes?"

"It won't explode," Rengoku laughs a little at your clear nervousness. "You have nothing to worry about, I'll take care of you."

Your heart feels heavy and you quickly move out of the way. You pretend that his words didn't have an impact on you.

"Not like you need to be taken care of, of course!" Rengoku keeps smiling without taking away his sight from you.

"You are a very accomplished demon slayer, without mentioning that you trained really hard, finished a war, and even faked your death once."

"Don't remind me about that," you say as you prefer to remember the days of war and training than thinking about Rengoku. "Giyuu is still a bit bitter about the whole accident but I really had no choice-"

Rengoku starts coughing up. You immediately think about the possibility that maybe it was your fault. You have been close to him and he saved you from a cold.

And as much as you want to limit the interactions with him ... You had to.

"Do you find yourself well, Flame Hashira?"

"Yes, I am fine," he clears his voice and makes a small pause. "And please call me Rengoku at least."

"I prefer if we keep formalities-" you say but he interrupts you.

"It's an order."

You look at him and by his eyes, you can tell he is serious. At least that was an emotion you could read of his face.

"As you wish, Rengoku."

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.

.

You were thinking about the possibility of taking a small break at night to see the fireworks with Akaza.

After all, you and Rengoku were at Kurashiki. A town known by its river that runs through the middle of the town. However, you would have to come up with a good excuse to tell Rengoku.

"Welcome to Kurashiki Bonsais," a young man approached the two of you. He seemed well-managed, his black hair was well-groomed and his glasses made him look smart. "Would you happen to be Kyojuro Rengoku?"

"Yes, that's me."

"I don't know if you remember me but I am Ren Aikawa," the young man says. "I am cousins with Hanako Sakurai, your fiancee."

"Oh, yes, I think I saw you at my Becoming of Hashira Ceremony. "

Ren Aikawa's mother was the sister of Soichi Sakurai, Hanako's father. Hence why Ren did not have the 'Sakurai' last name as his mother had married into the Aikawa Clan. It is not a very powerful clan, but it is very rich indeed. Nonetheless, Ren still has Sakurai blood.

"Hanako requested me to grow and mature wisteria trees into bonsais for the wedding to give to the guests as gifts. It's a difficult task but I think I figure out the secret."

After being reminded of the wedding, you opted to leave the conversation silently. The little trees around you look to be more interesting than the conversation those two were about to have.

You never had been to a bonsai sanctuary. If you were completely honest, you didn't care too much about bonsais to ever be interested in visiting places like this. You let yourself get lost in the place as Ren and Rengoku's voice became less and less predominant.

"But tell me, how can I help you today?"

"I am visiting the Kazehaya Estate to personally invite them to the wedding," Rengoku lets you go as you please. He knew that these kinds of places were of your curiosity and he didn't want to restrain you from that. "And as you may know I must bring a gift."

"Then I have exactly what you are looking for."

Ren signals Rengoku to follow him. He walks behind him and looks around the bonsai sanctuary. Ren isn't the only one taking care of the bonsais, there are men and women who have to be on constant alert. Each bonsai is delicate and has a different secret for their care that keeps them alive.

"This bonsai tree started to grow around the Sengoku period," Ren comes to a stop. On top of a small wooden table, there is a bonsai. Its trunk is twisted into small branches that intertwine with each other.

"It was picked on Mountain Shirouma where the last masters of Fear Breathing went to hide after Muzan almost killed all breathing masters many centuries ago."

"And now they are monks," Ren adds. "Yuzuru Kazehaya trained with them from what I know. It is a live relic and represents the Kazehaya family perfectly."

"Well then," Rengoku didn't even bother to ask for a price. "I'll pay for it and can you please make sure it arrives at Moon Mountain safely?"

"Of course, we will also send someone capable of teaching the care of the bonsai to the staff of the Kazehaya Estate. Without the proper care, the bonsai could day in a week."

Rengoku has never paid for an expensive thing with cash. Most of the time, influential families deem money as 'dirty' and the transaction is uncomfortable. Hence, they have people in charge of transactions. He may not be charged today, but that's something he does not worry about.

"Understood, I'll pay for any commodity they need as well."

Ren looks over at his side and Rengoku turns to see what he is looking at. It's you who keeps looking directly at the wisteria bonsais. There is a look of disgust on your face.

"I don't want to intrude but ... is that the Wisteria Princess?" Ren asks.

"Yes, that's her," Rengoku smiles, not noticing the particular tone of voice Ren is using.

However, now that Ren has noticed your presence, Rengoku doesn't want any misunderstandings.

"I didn't want to disclose information to not cause a commotion but we are here for a mission. But do not fear, everything is under control."

"I see, I wasn't thinking anything un-wrongly," Ren reassured him. In his mind, there was no way the honorable Flame Hashira could ever betray his cousin. "You know, I think she's just an interesting character."

"And why is that?"

"The members of the Sakurai family are the only ones who can nature and grow wisteria trees. Wisteria Breathing used to be the family's exclusive breathing style until the art died after the Sengoku period."

Many Breathing Styles were lost after a massive war against Muzan took place during the Sengoku Period. Wisteria Breathing among other styles were eradicated that day and after all the masters were killed, there was no one to teach and pass on the art.

"I would have thought that if anyone could revive Wisteria Breathing it would be someone from the Sakurai Clan ... not a ... Well ... A commoner."

Rengoku didn't like the sound of that. Yes, he is aware of your low-birth but to him, that didn't make you any less special.

"The Wisteria Princess endured many hardships, she trained years in Fujisanake, wilds a sword made out of dragon tears and she ended a war," he says. "I'll tell you this, she's everything but common."

"My apologies I did not mean to sound rude-"

Rengoku suddenly starts to cough pretty loudly. You heard this from afar and unconsciously walked towards him.

"Are you alright?" Ren asks as he puts a hand on his shoulder.

"Yes," Rengoku clears his voice. "But I think we'll take our leave, I trust you with the bonsai delivery."

You get to Rengoku and you are a bit worried about him. He usually pretends to be alright when he is not. Nonetheless, he was the least of your worries at the moment.

"Those wisteria bonsais will die," you say as you point at the table that holds five wisteria bonsais.

"And what makes you say that?" Ren asks as he crosses his arms in front of his chest.

"Wisterias are a gift from the gods, they are sacred," you say as you try to sound gentle but firm. "They are meant to grow to protect people, not be used as decorations or gifts for a wedding."

"Growing Wisteria is the Sakurai Family's pride," Ren was taking offense to your words. "Only people with our blood can grow Wisteria."

"But the guests at the wedding are not all from the Sakurai family and a wisteria bonsai like this one needs constant care, I imagine," you reply back and you see that your words made Ren realize something. "You are sending them to a certain death."

"Well, yes, they have to die just like everything else."

"They are sentient beings," you raise your voice, now Ren is making you angry. "All wisterias are connected. When one dies, all suffer."

"You think you know more than me?"

The two of you stare at each other with a certain dislike but then Rengoku coughs again.

"Let's take our leave."

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.

You took Rengoku to the nearest place where they could give him some medical attention. He refused at first saying that he was fine. However, you knew he wasn't. He looked pale and was coughing a lot. An older lady took him in. She offered you both a place to stay while Rengoku got better.

"Will he be alright?" you ask the old lady. "We kinda have a mission to complete."

"The men from his family are known to have high body temperatures," the old lady says. "I think he should be fine but you should keep an eye on him just in case."

You look at Rengoku who was sweating while sleeping. You remember a similar scene three years ago. You remember Senjuro telling you about how it was normal for the men in the Rengoku family to have 'fevers' due to them being descendants of dragons.

"I'll go prepare dinner," the old lady stands from her chair and walks towards the door. "If you need anything, please let me know."

"Thank you," you stand from the chair, bow and go back to sitting after she leaves.

He is in pain and you hate seeing him like that, in some part. You are used to seeing him being strong and positive. But now he is vulnerable, weak. It's one of the times Rengoku feels human to you. He feels like he is within reach.

You reach out grab a towel and drop it in cold water before squeezing it and gently putting it on Rengoku's forehead.

"Kazehaya ..."

You tilted your head, you found it strange that out of everyone he was mentioning his name.

"... take ... away ... please."

Rengoku was trying very hard to formulate words. Your heart feels heavy at the look of pain on his face. He is sweating and looking to be in a bad dream. You didn't want to intrude but you still listen in hopes he says your name ...

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"This better be extremely important."

Kazehaya arrived like the wind.

He found it strange that Shinjuro Rengoku of all people had sent him a letter. Shinjuro requested for him to see his eldest son, Kyojuro Rengoku.

From one moment to the other. He didn't know what was so important that his presence was requested. Maybe, he had finally made up his mind and decided to join the war.

But when he saw the current Flame Hashira wearing black, the room lighted with nothing but candles and the evident smell of alcohol and incense, he understood.

"You look to be doing fine," Kyojuro Rengoku says. He is not facing Kazehaya, but he feels his presence. "Did the news not affect you?"

"I can suppress my feelings at will. It's something I don't enjoy doing but if I embrace my genuine feelings then ... I don't think I will be able to function properly."

Kazehaya takes a few steps towards Rengoku.

"And during this time it's better if I have my feelings under control."

The Flame Hashira turns and he is the spitting image of Shinjuro Rengoku.

Angry, broken, hating himself.

"Is it true ... that you can give and take away feelings?"

Kazehaya immediately sighs and looks at his side. He puts a hand on his mouth out of frustration before returning to look at Kyojuro.

"It's not as easy as it sounds, this breathing form is dangerous, there is a reason why it's not often used and it'sforbidden."

It wasn't completely a lie. The monks have advised him that using this breathing technique should only be used when absolutely necessary. It was morally wrong to change people's feelings, even if the person requested it. The gods didn't favor those who messed with the common course of nature and feelings are the essence of life.

"All feelings are connected and if I am assuming right, you want to ask me if I can take away your pain," Kazehaya says. "Yes. Yes, I can but understand this ... You feel pain because you love her."

Kazehaya then kneels to be at Rengoku's level. He didn't feel his pain but he wanted to empathize with him as much as he could.

"If you want me to take away the pain, I have to take away the love you have for her," the Fear Breathing Master makes a pause. "Is the pain that unbearable you are willing to let go of the only thing you have left of her?"

There is a moment of silence and Rengoku's eyes express such emotions that even Kazehaya finds it hard to decipher. An unexplainable sadness and regret. Much more than that. Feelings that may not have words to describe them yet.

"The last time I saw her, I lied to her. I told her I loved another woman, " he says, his voice breaking. "I left her crying, in the snow ... In the cold."

"I was ok with that because I knew I was protecting her," he is trying his best not to cry. "But now ..."

Kazehaya sees Rengoku's eyes turn like crystals, tears run down his face and he hiccups as he tries to formulate words.

"She's gone and she took my life with her."

Yuzuru could never imagine his pain. Rengoku did not worry that he would never be able to love again. That wasn't a problem for him. What pained him was that he would never have the opportunity to love you. He only wanted to love you. Even if that love wasn't reciprocated. It's a pure and genuine love. A love that begged to be given. A love that had turned into complete pain.

"If I do this ... I will never be able to undo it," Kazehaya says. "Are you alright with that?"

Rengoku nods.

"I have one condition," Kazehaya could feel the heat coming from the candles. There are probably more than 70. Each represents a day Rengoku is mourning.

"Kazuma owns a dragon-scale sword ... Moonblood," he makes a pause. "I'll be fighting him soon and my sword is not a match for his. I humbly ask you, to use your father's sword. I promise to return it. In case of my death, I'll have it arranged so it's returned."

Rengoku bows.

"I am sure my father will honored."

Kazehaya stands up and unleashes his Nichirin sword. It's a beautiful white and silver sword. He is not sure if he should do this but then he thinks about you. Maybe you wanted it this way. Knowing you, you would have wanted Rengoku to live on and love again. Even if that means getting rid of every emotion he ever had for you.

"Fear Breathing ... Tenth Form ..."

Shinjuro over-heard the conversation. He always knew things would turn this way. He didn't mind lending his sword to Kazehaya. After all, he had wrote in the letter that it could be his if needed. Shinjuro didn't care about what price he had to pay as long as son stopped being in pain.

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.

You woke up in Rengoku's bed with a blanket wrapped around you.

But Rengoku wasn't there.

When the old lady in charge of the inn told you he had left without eating dinner, you looked for him.

You looked around in restaurants, bars, and tea shops. Even in the boats that pass by the town's river. Walking around the town made you realize how truly beautiful Kurashiki is. You had been here before to see the fireworks but rarely had the time to visit the town.

That's when you remember ... The fireworks.

You walk to the outskirts of the city and look around the many hills that surround it. You see a few couples also make their way to different paths to find the best spot to see the fireworks.

After looking around a bit more, you finally find him.

You walk towards him and he notices your presence. He waves and there is a soft smile on his face.

"Feeling better?" you ask him as you sit down next to him.

"I needed some air," he says. "I didn't have very pleasant dreams."

Rengoku doesn't seem to be himself. You didn't want to ask. You wanted to stay as far away from him as possible and minimize all interactions. But somehow, you always fell for the same trap. There is something about him that just draws you to him. You know that you will regret this.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

"It's nothing ... it's just that ..."

Rengoku makes a pause and he looks at the horizon. He is in deep thought and the sunset is dying. The moon will rise soon.

"I am sorry."

He turns to look at you and finally, you see some emotion in his eyes. He means it. Those red and yellow eyes that resemble the sun took a deep look at your soul and you let him in with the door wide open.

"Rengoku, I-"

"But I don't regret it."

Your heart feels like it's about to burst. It's overwhelming but this is exactly why you fell in love with him.

"I love Hanako."

A firework bursts into the night sky.

"I truly love her."

Another firework.

"I want to marry and have a family with her."

And another.

"You made the right choice then," you stand up. "You better get back home safe, someone is waiting for you."

You walk down the hill but you take a quick look back at Rengoku. His expression had not changed. He meant every word and you believed him fully.

"I am glad," you say. "And ... thank you."

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.

Akaza feels rather lonely. As much as he hates to admit it, he wishes he could see the fireworks another year with you. He used to come to Kurashiki by himself and after knowing you, you started to come along. Now you have completely ruined it for him.

But then he feels your presence.

He recognizes your footsteps, he didn't even need to turn around to know that you were approaching him.

"Did you get bored of the Flame Hashira already?"

He gets no response from you. Instead, he only hears the sound of your haori moving with the wind. With his peripheral vision, he notices you taking a sit next to him.

This place was hidden and way farther away from the town. But it was perfect to see the fireworks in all of their beauty along with the stars.

"Didn't you hear me?" He turns to look at you. He is baffled at your sight. Akaza didn't know how to react. He had never seen you like this.

"Have you ever loved anyone before, Akaza?"

At first, he wanted to express his thoughts and how he thought the question was stupid. However, he truly didn't think that way. He just didn't know how to handle the situation or the question.

"No and I don't remember my human life so I can't tell you if I felt it before either."

"I was stupid enough to believe anyone could love me," it was hard for you to articulate words without your voice trembling. "I have tried to change, I thought I had become strong but I am still weak."

Akaza has always found you amusing. Must humans are a mystery to him. It's even insane to think about how there was a day he used to be like them.

These past three years he has seen you change. He's seen your progress. Your determination. Humans, including you, are always changing. Akaza's world has always been static. That's the price to pay for immortality. The human world changes, but demons don't.

"I try to look pretty but I am still not pretty enough and I am not smart either."

Akaza can hear your heartbeat increase. The smell of your tears, your trembling body. He had never seen you like this, in so much pain. He can't believe you are capable of feeling so much.

He finds it beautiful.

There is a firework.

"Deep down, I am still that stupid, little girl who had to sell her body food. I am that dirty girl who's parents couldn't even love and that's why they sold me to the brothel."

He shouldn't care. He hates that he can't understand why. You are a low-being. If he wanted, he could kill you right this moment. But he won't and you know he won't. He is aware of that. The simple truth is that there is trust. This is proof of that.

He has seen you being happy, excited, angry, sad. Without noticing he had become a part of your life. Made a connection with him. Something so natural. Realizing that made him feel the slightest of human.

And that thrilled him.

"There's something wrong with me that makes me unloveable and I don't know how to fix it-"

There is another firework.

"There's nothing to fix," Akaza doesn't care that touching you hurts him. He shamelessly holds your hand. "You are not broken."

Multiple fireworks shine in the night.

The sound subsides your cries and there is nothing Akaza can do but be with you as best as he can.

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.

.

The sunlight touched your skin and the warmth made you slowly wake up. You hear the chirping of birds and the cold morning wind. The smell of grass underneath you and the light blinding you as you open your eyes.

It takes you a little bit for your eyes to adjust to the sunlight and once they do, you are baffled at the realization that you had slept the entire night outside.

Akaza was nowhere to be seen as expected.

"CAW CAW!"

You turn to look at the sky and see your crow flying towards you.

"Kakusha!"

Your crow lays on your shoulder and you pat its head. Besides you and Akaza, Kakusha is the only one who knows about the strange friendship the two of you have.

You notice that she has a piece of paper tied to her neck.

You instantly take it and open it. Immediately, you recognize Akaza's handwriting.

"The moonchild is still alive."

Signing heavily you cover your mouth as a sense of relief watches over you. You knew that if it ever came down to it, Akaza would not hesitate to kill Yuzuru and vice versa. Now, it's only a matter of time, a game rather. Whoever finds Yuzuru first wins.

But this letter gives you hope. You don't know if Akaza would help you find Yuzuru and sending this to you was dangerous for him. You are thankful regardless.

You feel Kakusha rub her head against your cheek and immediately feel your heart feel at ease. But still, there is a question that lingers on your mind.

"Yuzuru ... Where are you?"

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.

.

"Let's get going."

You see Kakusha and Rengoku's crow fly together in the sky. You smile a bit at the sight and get lost in thought without realizing that Rengoku is talking to you.

"(Y/N)?"

"Sorry, you were saying?"

"I asked how is it that you came to be known as 'The Wisteria Princess?"

That is a story that you could not really tell. Mostly due that you didn't know the real reason. However, you had an idea as to why.

"I heard that it's due that you confronted demon Upper Moon Three in one of your missions and you made him run away."

That's the reason.

There was a circumstance in which you and Akaza had to pretend to fight. A group of villagers had found you talking to him and the fight immediately started. You two couldn't afford to be found out. It was a really dumb fight but it was good enough to convince the villagers that you had won.

"You win this time, princess."

After that Akaza left and the villagers saw you do Wisteria Breathing. They were the ones who combined the two terms. From there, the name stuck with you.

"Is not as fantastic as people tell it to be" you say as you try to think of ways to avoid further questioning.

"No Hashira has ever fought an Upper Moon in centuries and lived to see another day," Rengoku says as he walks next to you. "You should be promoted to be a Hashira by now."

"To be a Hashira I need to defeat one of the Kizukis or have slayed over 50 demons. I haven't done either," it's a bit strange for you to be talking to him so casually. You didn't want to but tragically you can't ignore him forever. "It's not like I care."

"Then why do you keep doing this?" his tone of voice changes. From being usually loud, now it's calm and gentle.

"By now, I am sure you are getting paid way more than before. I am sure that it is enough for you to retire and live a comfortable life for the rest of your days. If you do not seek recognition nor fortune ... then what is it?"

From the path, you look down. For a moment, the world feels unreal.

"You have already fought enough. You don't have to keep proving to life or to anyone that you survived the odds. You won."

"I know that most people who join the corps do it to seek revenge against the demons," you didn't have a proper answer to his question. You were feeling a bit ashamed of what you were going to say but at least it was the truth.

"And I did it because there was no better option for me. I had to find a good-paying job somewhere if I wanted to survive."

"But at this point, I don't know what else I would do," you don't dare to look at Rengoku. "I don't want to stay home while Giyu, Kazehaya and Shinobu are out there fighting to protect people."

"Those three are powerful because they have a strong reason to fight," he also avoids making eye contact with you. "If you could find a reason then maybe you can unleash your inner strength."

"All of them lost someone they loved, that was their reason," you see the forest become less dense as the path ahead of you starts to clear.
"If in exchange for power, I have to lose a loved one then ... I don't want it. I don't need a reason to continue fighting."

"I'll fight because it's the right thing to do and we all can choose to do the right thing every day."

Rengoku feels strange. Very. Admiration, perhaps? Respect? He mentally shakes his head, how he feels is not important.

"Some people are born stronger than others. That's a fact. But it's the duty of the strong to protect the weak. That's what real justice is," Rengoku recalls his mother's last words to him. He has the thought that his mother would have liked you.

"(Y/N) ... Let's continue to fulfill our duty every day." Rengoku puts a hand on your shoulder. "Until the very end."

You wanted to push him away. But acting childish would get you nothing. You wonder if he pities you or if he is being genuine with his actions. It doesn't matter. You have lost and as hard as it is, you have to let go.

"Until the very end."

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Akaza doesn't usually visit this kind of places. He hates them rather, especially after learning the things you had to do in them. However, Daki usually likes to come to tea houses to seduce men who are dumb enough to follow her into the forest and end up being a meal for her.

What he didn't know was that your situation had been worse. Whereareas working in a tea house can be seen as honorable, you worked at the low parts of the Red Light District. You were a low-class prostitute, not an admirable geisha.

"Dear Akaza, are you sure about this?"

Daiki is beautiful even when she's not in her demon form. The complete opposite can be said about Gyutaro, her older brother, who's currently not with her.

"Just get everything prepared," Akaza can hear men laughing from inside the building. He suddenly has a need to kill every single person in there.
"I am sure you won't have trouble getting into the Red Light District business."

"Not at all," she says. "But I wonder, why are you asking me to do this?"

"That's for me to know," Akaza starts to walk away. He wants to kill but in his mind, he knows he can't. "Just do your job."

"Fine have it your way," Daiki talks seductively but Akaza ignores her intentions. "But you own us one."

Akaza looks back at her and just nods before disappearing into the forest.

After seeing you break down and mentioning the pain you had to go through made him feel uneasy. He doesn't know why and he knows he should not care.

But he can't get the image out of his mind. You crying and in pain. He had to do something about it. He had to get revenge for you.

His mind then went on to the Flame Hashira. Akaza has the intuition that he is the one who made you doubt yourself. The one who made you cry.

"Flame Hashira ... If I kill you, (Y/N) will be angry at me ... "

Akaza looks up to the night sky. There is a full moon. The moon always reminds him of you.

"But ... If we ever cross paths ... "

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Arc 3: Fireworks

End

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A/n: I accidentally published this without making any edits ... fuck.

Anyways, we are 4 chapters away from the finale and I already know how this book will end. I am very excited for all of you to read!

Next chapter we will have more flashbacks/explanations as well as other characters making an appearance.

I am planning on commissioning artwork for the final chapter... do you guys know of any good/reliable artists? Lmk!

If u guys have any questions about the story (cause I know it can be confusing) you can ask away! I am always happy to answer you all's questions:)

Once again thank you for the continued support! I'll see you all in the next chapter. Thank you!!!