5 BIRDS, ONE STONE — CHAPTER #24 — THREESOME TWO FUCKING TIMES?! COUNT ME IN!

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Little note:
(F/C) = Favorite color
(F/F) = Favorite food
Attempt of raping (nothing happens, dw)
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After the intense training session with the two Hashira, the three of you decided to take a quick nap to recharge. However, your peaceful slumber was abruptly interrupted by a vivid memory that triggered an outburst. The suddenness of your yell startled Sanemi, causing him to scold you in frustration. Feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, you found yourself alone with Giyuu. Eventually, the training session came to an end, and it was time for everyone to part ways. Exhaustion washed over you like a heavy wave, weighing down your every step.

Now, it was the next day. You were wandering through the hallways, finding yourself aimlessly exploring, hoping to stumble upon something that could capture your interest and distract you from your boredom. The mansion seemed quiet and deserted, as most of the others were engrossed in their own training or tasks. Kanao, Aoi, Sumi, Naho, Kiyo, and the Kamaboko Trio were deeply engaged in their own rigorous training, leaving you to wander on your own. Nezuko, true to her nature as a demon, was peacefully slumbering. As you roamed the hallways, you couldn't find any trace of Shinobu, perhaps she had some business outside the mansion.

You sighed and pouted. '...Boo... this is so boring. I don't have anything else to do. I don't want to train today...' You continued walking down the hallway, and suddenly you heard the distinct sound of footsteps approaching. Intrigued, you halted in your tracks, wondering who could be coming your way. Abruptly, a figure materialized in front of you, causing you to jump in surprise. As you took in the sight before you, a mixture of confusion and concern flooded your mind. The person standing before you was none other than Kyojuro, but he appeared to be in a dreadful state, covered in blood and bruises. Despite his battered appearance, he maintained a beaming smile.

...

Silence hung in the air as you and Kyojuro stared at each other, unsure of what to say. Then, with an endearing, almost childlike tone, he cheerfully greeted you, oblivious to his own dire condition. "Hello!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with an odd mix of enthusiasm and obliviousness to his impending demise.

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!" Without thinking, you let out a scream that echoed through the hallways. Seeing your beloved character on the brink of death, was too much for you to handle. Panic and worry flooded your voice as you frantically asked, "W-What happened to you!?"

He looked at you with a mischievous glint in his eyes, finding your reaction rather amusing. He chuckled lightly, as if he were dismissing his injuries with a wave of his hand. "Oh, this?" He replied nonchalantly. "Just a scratch, my dear. Nothing to worry about. I was actually on my way to find Shinobu. She'll help me patch up these wounds in no time!"

Your anxiety increased as you realized that she was not currently available. You bit your lip nervously and stammered, "Uhm... I don't think Shinobu is here right now."

Surprisingly, his smile widened even further. With a burst of unbridled enthusiasm, he declared, "Well, when nothing goes right, go left!"

You blinked, utterly perplexed by his motivational quote. "W-What does that even mean!?" You blurted out, unable to comprehend the motivational quote he had just thrown at you.

Unfazed by your confusion, he continued to radiate positivity. He grinned and reassured you, "Don't cry, young miss! This won't destroy me. Remember, BE STRONG, BE BRAVE, BE FEARLESS!"

"..." Internally, you couldn't help but cringe at the overly cheesy motivational phrases he spouted. The stark contrast between his relentless optimism and the gravity of his injuries left you concerned. He seemed blissfully unaware of the mixed emotions bubbling within you, determined to maintain his unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

"Wait a minute! Why are we speaking English?" You suddenly blurted out, a realization dawning upon you. It struck you as odd that the conversation had been carried out in a language other than Japanese. Kyojuro chuckled at your reaction, finding it quite funny.

"Well, (L/N) (Y/N), I haven't forgotten about you! The foreign civilian who defeated a lower moon with a frying pan and the one who cursed Giyuu to no end. Quite an extraordinary woman, I must say!" He exclaimed cheerfully, his voice filled with genuine admiration. Your face turned beet red as he recounted the incident with the water pillar, leaving you feeling both embarrassed and flattered, though you attempted to brush off the embarrassment.

"Oh, it's alright! There's no need to speak English. My Japanese has improved significantly! I can speak and understand it quite well now!" You reassured him, trying to regain your composure.

"OH WOW! REALLY!? CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR LANGUAGE MASTERY! EXPAND HORIZONS, BRIDGE CULTURES!" He gave you another motto as he praised you for your well-deserved achievement—the knowledge of a new language—

"Thank you! Oh!" You said surprised, a new idea had come to your mind but you were unsure if it was a good one. "Y-You know... since Shinobu is not here then- er, I can help you... with your wounds. ONLY IF YOU WANT TOO, IT'S OKAY!"

Hearing your suggestion, Kyojuro's face lit up with an even brighter smile. "Oh, absolutely! I would be more than delighted! Thank you very much!" He exclaimed with genuine gratitude. Your heart fluttered at his response, feeling both thrilled and nervous in his presence. The admiration and crush you had for him seemed to intensify, making you question if it was even appropriate to treat him. But you quickly dismissed those thoughts. After all, you were just planning to clean his wounds and apply some bandages. It was a simple task.

As the two of you walked towards the infirmary, you couldn't help but steal glances at him, still finding it hard to believe that he was standing right beside you. To your surprise, you nearly jumped when you noticed that he was already looking at you. Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and you averted your gaze.

"Um, is something the matter?" You stammered, feeling self-conscious under his gaze.

"(L/N)! I just realized that I never properly introduced myself! How unmanly of me!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with a mixture of embarrassment and excitement.

"Oh, it's alright. No worries." You reassured him, trying to ease his concern.

"MY NAME IS RENGOKU KYOJURO! I AM THE CURRENT FLAME HASHIRA! IT IS A PLEASURE TO MAKE YOUR ACQUAINTANCE!" He declared proudly, bowing deeply before you. His confidence was infectious, and you couldn't help but smile in response.

"The pleasure is mine... I would introduce myself, but you already know me." You replied, your voice tinged with shyness. Kyojuro chuckled at your words, finding them endearing.

"Please, be my guest. Introduce yourself! There's nothing wrong with an official introduction!" He encouraged, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Well..." You hesitated for a moment, gathering your thoughts. "I'm (L/N) (Y/N). I'm 18 years old and, uh..." You trailed off, unsure of what else to say. You didn't hold any special position or rank within the Demon Slayer Corps. In fact, you weren't even sure of your own rank, assuming it was likely the lowest. Kyojuro seemed to sense your uncertainty, and he placed a finger on his chin, deep in thought.

"Uh, what are you-" You began, but he interrupted you with a sudden exclamation.

"(L/N)!" He called out your name, causing you to jump in surprise.

"YES?!" You responded, startled by his sudden loudness.

"TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE FOOD!" He exclaimed, his voice filled with enthusiasm.

"(F/F)!" You blurted out without thinking, caught off guard by his question.

"FANTASTIC! NOW TELL ME YOUR FAVORITE COLOR!" He continued, his excitement infectious.

"Uhh, I think it's (F/C)?" You replied, still slightly flustered by the rapid-fire questions.

"ORGASMIC CHOICE! AND A PASSION OF YOURS?" He inquired, his laughter ringing through the air.

"MARTIAL ARTS!" You responded, totally ignoring the fact that he just said orgasmic choice.

"HAHAHAHA, EXCELLENT!" He laughed heartily, his eyes sparkling with joy.

"What was that all about?" You asked, unable to hide your curiosity.

"You seemed unsure of what else to say in your introduction, so I thought I'd help you a bit!" He explained with a mischievous grin. "You strike me as such an interesting woman, and I would be more than glad to get to know you better!"

You nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as you led him to the infirmary. Once inside, you gathered the necessary supplies and positioned him on a nearby examination table. Your hands trembled slightly as you prepared to clean his wounds, hoping that your clumsiness wouldn't make the situation worse.

Kyojuro, being the cheerful and energetic person he was, seemed completely at ease, his infectious smile never fading. "You know, (L/N), you have such a unique energy about you. It's refreshing!" He remarked, his tone genuine and filled with curiosity.

As you dabbed the alcohol-soaked cloth on his cuts, your movements were far from graceful. You couldn't help but feel self-conscious about your lack of expertise in treating injuries. However, Kyojuro's unwavering optimism made you feel a bit more at ease. He chatted animatedly about various topics, from his training experiences to his favorite foods, making the atmosphere in the room light and cheerful.

"So, (L/N), have you always had such a knack for saving the day with a frying pan!?" He asked with a playful twinkle in his eyes.

You chuckled, feeling a bit more relaxed by his presence. "No, it was actually a spur-of-the-moment decision." You lied smoothly as if you didn't had planned that at all.

He laughed heartily, his voice filling the room. "That's incredible! It just goes to show that heroes can come from the most unexpected places."

You smiled, appreciating his lightheartedness. "Well, I wouldn't necessarily call myself a hero. It was more like a stroke of luck, I suppose." You said, but truth is that you were enjoying his praising very much.

He shook his head, his fiery blonde-red hair swaying. "No, (L/N), don't downplay your own bravery. It takes a special kind of courage to face danger head-on, even with unconventional weapons."

As you finished applying the bandages, you stepped back and admired your handiwork, feeling a mix of relief and satisfaction. Kyojuro hopped off the table, testing his range of motion and flexing his muscles with a playful grin. "Good as new! Thanks to your impeccable care!" He exclaimed, sounding genuinely impressed.

You couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "I'm glad I could help. Please be careful in the future. You're an important asset to the Demon Slayer Corps." You said, your voice filled with genuine concern.

He chuckled and placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Don't worry, (L/N)! I'll continue to give it my all! After all, I must protect everyone and spread my fiery spirit!"

You laughed softly, feeling a mix of emotions as you stood there, face to face with Rengoku Kyojuro. The encounter had been brief, but it left a lasting impact on you.

"I must bid my farewell now! It appears that I am busy and must get back on track! It was a pleasure meeting you!" He said cheerfully, extending his hand for a firm shake.

"It was a pleasure meeting you too!" You replied, accepting his handshake and feeling a tinge of excitement at his warm touch.

"GOODBYE! MAY OUR PATHS CROSS AGAIN!" He exclaimed with his signature enthusiasm, flashing you a bright smile. You waved goodbye as you watched his figure gradually disappear into the distance. But as he faded from view, an unexpected wave of sadness washed over you, catching you off guard.

Confusion filled your mind as you tried to understand why you felt this way. Why were you suddenly overwhelmed with such sorrow? Was it because deep down, you knew what awaited him in the not-so-distant future? The knowledge of his eventual demise weighed heavily on your heart, and the mere thought of it brought tears to your eyes. Realization struck you like a lightning bolt. You possessed knowledge of his past, his motivations, his values, and the tragic fate that awaited him. But uncertainty gnawed at you. Could you alter his destiny? Could you change the course of his life?

The weight of responsibility settled on your shoulders, reminding you that this was no longer just a beloved story but a reality where you held a unique advantage. Rengoku Kyojuro, the flame hashira, had become more than a fictional character to you. Hours spent immersed in anime episodes and manga had forged a deep connection, fueling your affection and admiration for him. But to him, you were a mere acquaintance, a girl he had met only moments ago.

As Rengoku continued on his way, he suddenly felt a gentle grasp on his wrist. He didn't need to turn around to know it was you, yet your action perplexed him. "Hmh? Is there something wrong?" He inquired, his eyes filled with concern, meeting your gaze as your hold on his wrist remained.

Silence hung in the air, stifling your words. What could you possibly say to him? Caution kept your tongue in check, preventing you from revealing too much or arousing suspicion. You found yourself looking down, feeling the weight of uncertainty bearing down upon you. Kyojuro watched you intently, his worry evident on his face. Despite his confusion, he offered you a gentle smile and took your hands in his, his touch exuding tenderness.

"Hey, it's okay. Take your time." He reassured you, his voice soft and comforting.

His patience and understanding calmed your racing thoughts, granting you the courage to speak. "Rengoku..."

He focused his attention on you, his eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and concern. "Yes?"

"...Don't die... okay?" The words escaped your lips, the sincerity in your plea evident in your eyes. It was a simple yet heartfelt request, driven by your genuine concern for his well-being.

...

A moment of silence enveloped you both, the weight of your words hanging in the air. Yet, he closed his eyes, his smile softening as he contemplated how to respond to your heartfelt plea. "Okay. I won't die." He finally said, his voice filled with determination. "...I promise."

His words stirred a sense of hope within you, even if the promise seemed impossible. You couldn't help but wonder if, just maybe, MAYBE, your meeting had sparked something more significant between the two of you.

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Several days later, you find yourself standing in front of the Butterfly Estate, dressed in a vibrant (F/C) yukata and with your sword securely fastened to your hip. The air is filled with a mix of anticipation and nervousness as you prepare for your upcoming journey.

"(L/N), remember not to talk to strangers too much! It can be dangerous!" Tanjiro warns, his hands gently cupping your cheeks as worry etches his face.

"NOOO! I DON'T WANT HER TO LEAVE ME ALONE! I NEED HER BY MY SIDE!" Zenitsu wails, dropping to his knees and clinging to your waist.

Aoi swiftly delivers a punch to Zenitsu's head. "Quit making a fuss! She'll only be gone for a day! She'll be back in a few hours!"

"WHY CAN'T WE GO WITH MINION?! I WANNA FIGHT DEMONS TOO!" Inosuke protests, crossing his arms defiantly.

"Now, now! This was requested by Master Ubuyashiki! It's necessary for her to learn more about being a demon slayer!" Shinobu explains. "I would love to accompany her, but I have my own duties today."

Ubuyashiki had been informed of a demon sighting in a nearby village and requested that one of the Hashira handle the situation while also taking you along to gain more experience. "It's alright, Shinobu!" You reassure her, giving a thumbs up. You can't help but feel excited about spending time with one of the Hashira.

'Maybe I'll be paired with Giyuu! OR PERHAPS WITH RENGOKU! What if it's Sanemi though... DAMN, THAT WOULD BE INTIMIDATING!'

"Now it's time for you to go! Follow the directions I gave you and wait for further instructions there." Shinobu instructs.

"Okay, I'll do that!" You pat Zenitsu on the head and plead with him to let you go. After some time, he reluctantly relents, and just as he tries to give you a goodbye kiss, Tanjiro swiftly knocks him out.

"Have a safe trip, (L/N)!" Tanjiro waves, his smile beaming brightly, causing the sunlight to reflect off his teeth. It's blinding.

"Bye-bye, Tanjiro!" You waved back. "Bye-Bye, everyone!" You wave at your friends, feeling their support and well wishes. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, you begin to walk away, your mind buzzing with anticipation for the adventures that await you.

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You arrived at the village, feeling a bit nervous about exploring a new place alone. Not being familiar with the surroundings and having limited knowledge of Japanese added to your unease.

You found yourself standing in front of a charming restaurant, unsure of what to do next. According to the directions, you were supposed to wait here for the unknown Hashira who was on their way to meet you. As you observed the lively atmosphere around the restaurant, with families and friends enjoying their time together, a sense of comfort washed over you, and you couldn't help but smile unconsciously.

...

...

...

"MOMMM!!"

Startled, your mother, who was cleaning the dishes from breakfast, turned to you with concern. The plate she was holding slipped from her hands and shattered on the floor upon seeing your distressed state. With red puffy eyes, a runny nose, trembling hands, and tears streaming down your face, you were a picture of distress.

"What's wrong?" She asked, rushing to your side and holding your cheeks. "Is it your period? Did you fall? DID A BOY HURT YOU?"

Trying to speak through your tears, you managed to say, "N-No!"

"Then tell me, what happened?" She urged, gently caressing your cheek and giving you a comforting hug.

"M-Mi!" You choked out between sobs.

Confused, your mother tilted her head and asked, "Mi?"

"MITSURI DIEDDDD!! AHHHHHH! MY BELOVED! SHE DIED IN THE ARMS OF OBANAI! HOW SAD IS THAT! I HATE KIMETSU NO YAIBA! ALMOST EVERYBODY DIED, but well, I guess it's fine since they reincarnated in the modern world, but still! IT'S SO PAINFUL!"

Realizing the source of your distress, your mother let out a relieved laugh. "Ohh! Is that the Chinese cartoon you like watching? You scared me for a moment there!"

"It's not Chinese, Mom!" You protested.

Chuckling, she said, "Sure, whatever you say. Want to talk about it? I'm all ears." Sensing your need for comfort, you grabbed her hand and led her to the couch. You proceeded to explain in detail all the deaths that occurred in the Infinity Castle and how heartbroken you were.

Your mother listened with a mix of empathy and shock. "Oh gosh..."

You nodded in agreement, acknowledging the emotional weight of the story.

"B-But that Takehshiro boy... He was just a kid! How could he have been killed by his own ancestor?" Your mother murmured, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Uh, you mean Muichiro?" You corrected her gently.

"Didn't I say that? Still, this is so sad! Why are you reading stuff like this?" She asked, her voice filled with genuine concern.

"Don't ask me! I don't know!" You exclaimed, seeking solace in your mother's comforting embrace as she held you tight.

Realizing that it was getting late and you both needed sustenance after such an emotional outpour, your mother suggested, "Well, it might not be enough, but it's time to eat. We had breakfast quite late. Go shower."

Nodding in agreement, you made your way to the bathroom. The idea of taking a cold shower crossed your mind, hoping it would help you forget the hours you spent crying over the characters' deaths. After finishing your shower, you changed into fresh clothes.

"(R/N)!"

"What, Mom?" You responded.

"Food is ready! Come and eat!"

"Okay..." You replied, making your way to the table.

To your delight, you found an array of delicious dishes waiting for you. The sight brought a smile to your face, and you thanked your mom before digging into the food. As you savored the flavors, you couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious condiment that you had never encountered before. It had no label or name, leaving you clueless about its origin.

"What did you put in this? It's delicious!" You asked your mom, holding up the condiment bottle.

"Well, a friend of mine gave it to me. I'm glad you like it! Feel free to use as much as you want."

"Really? Thanks!" You exclaimed, generously applying more of the condiment to your food, using it up almost entirely. Despite the unknown nature of the condiment, its taste brought you joy and satisfaction.

...

Lost in thought, you continued to glance around, the bittersweet memory lingering in your mind. You then remembered that this same thing happened when you were taking a nap with Sanemi and Giyuu. You couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something significant about that particular memory. Perhaps your subconscious was trying to convey a message, but for now, it remained elusive.

...

"Uhm, (Y/N)?! YAY! YOU'RE HERE!!" You felt a tap on your shoulder, and when you turned around, you couldn't believe your eyes. Kanroji Mitsuri was standing right there.

"OH GOD! YOU'RE SO PRETTY UP CLOSE- KYAAAAAA!" Mitsuri exclaimed, blushing furiously. "Oh wait! Right! You're a foreigner! You can't understand me!"

"Actually-" You began to say, intending to inform her that you could now understand Japanese, but she interrupted you unintentionally.

She cleared her throat and flashed a cute, nervous smile. "My n-name is Kanroji Mitsuri! Pleasure meet you! You really pretty!"

'She's... she's speaking English? I thought only Rengoku, Shinobu, and Sanemi knew English... though her pronunciation seems a bit off...'

"Hehehe!" She scratched her cheek. "Ever since I was told you were going to be here with me, I tried learning English! My pronunciation isn't great, but I learned a little bit just for you! AH- YOU CAN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT I'M SAYING, RIGHT?! OH GOD, WHY AM I ASKING IF YOU CAN UNDERSTAND ME?! I'm s-so sorry!! Uhm..." Now she was nervous due to the language barrier.

'She learned English just for me...? AWW! MARRY ME!'

"Don't worry! I'll buy an English dictionary! Just wait-" You reached out and held her hand, preventing her from continuing or going elsewhere. 'E-Eh?! DID I DO SOMETHING OFFENSIVE TO HER?! OH NO, OH NO, OH NO!' Her excitement about being with you quickly turned into anxiety, fearing she might have done something to upset you.

"Kanroji! I've been practicing my Japanese for a while now! I can understand and follow most of the conversations! Don't worry! Hahaha!"

...

'(Y-Y/N) looks so cute speaking Japanese! I can't believe she learned so fast!' Mitsuri blushed while gazing at you. "E-Ehhh? Really?! For reals?! That's amazing! You're such a fast learner! Your pronunciation is really pretty! You still have that foreigner accent, but it just makes it 10 times cooler!" She gasped and covered her mouth with her hands.

'O-Oh no! I'm speaking too much! Women have to be feminine and educated! Dumb Mitsuri! Dumb Mitsuri!' She berated herself internally for her lack of etiquette. People often told her that she spoke too much and that ladies who were not elegant were not attractive at all.

You formed an "o" shape with your mouth and clasped your hands together. "Hehehe, thank you so much! I really appreciate it. Your English pronunciation was also really pretty! Thanks a lot for learning a little bit for me!" She gave Mitsuri a wide smile.

'GAH- TOO MUCH CUTENESS TO DEAL WITH!' She covered her eyes, leaving you slightly puzzled.

You two were bound to get along really well.

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"(Y/N), you can call me Mitsuri! Kanroji sounds too formal! Besides, I already call you by your first name..."

"Okay! I'll call you Mitsuri!"

"Why everything you do is so adorable?!" She whispered to herself. You and Mitsuri were currently walking around the village. It was still too early to deal with the so-called demon. So you decided to just hang out together.  "The village has a lot of markets and stores! Everything they sell is so pretty! And those food stalls! Don't get me even started! The food is delicious!"

"Really?! This place looks awesome!"

"It really is! We can go to eat if you want!"

"But I don't have any cash with me..." You pouted, looking at your pockets with your inexistent money.

"Oh jeez, (Y/N)! Don't worry! I can pay for you! Consider it as my treat!"

"Really?!" You had stars in your eyes. "THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU'RE THE BEST!"

"AWWW! NO! YOU'RE THE BEST!"

"NO, YOU!"

"NO, NO! YOU'RE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!"

"Hahaha!! You're so cute, Mitsuri!" You complimented her, finding her behavior just straight up adorable. You were really blessed for being here in this world.

"E-Eh?! Me?! Cute?!?" She was in disbelief. "No, No, No! You must be wrong! I'm totally not cute or adorable! If so, I'm kind of a freak or even a weirdo, right? Hahaha..." Mitsuri stopped laughing after seeing that you were not laughing at her statement.

"Mitsuri, do you think you're a freak?" You asked, sadness in your eyes.

The pink haired girl seemed startled by your question. "A-Ah! Well, um... If I'm honest, I kind of do... I don't act like how a lady should behave and my hair is so colored! A lot of men I have met, have told me that it doesn't make me attractive at all... Not to mention my big strength—I scare all the men by it—I became a demon slayer to find a man who could be stronger than me! I'm still trying to be the perfect lady but hahaha, I still have a long way to go..."

...

"Mhm? (Y/N)...?" You were just looking at her, with no expression at all. "Is everything all right?"

"Mitsuri!" You abruptly grabbed her shoulders and got closer.

"E-EH?! WHAT'S WRONG?!"

You gave her a serious look, as if you were scolding her.

"Mitsuri! You're not a freak at all! Not even in the slightest! In fact, I think you are very wonderful! Your personality is so lovely! Your hair is so beautiful, I love the colors! And your strength... Why do you care about what some idiot man says?! Strong women are absolutely the best! I LOVE STRONG WOMEN! You're the best!" You literally had stars in your eyes. Your words were absolutely genuine. You really won't allow the Mitsuri slander. Got to protect best girl after all.

"...D-DO YOU SERIOUSLY MEAN ALL OF THAT?!" Mitsuri was super taken back and flabbergasted by your words. She didn't belive them.

"OF COURSE I DO! YOU ARE SOOOO WONDERFUL!!"

...

"(Y/N)!!!!" Mitsuri cried and hugged you, stuffing your face in her chest. The soft skin rubbing against your cheeks, making your face turn as red as an apple.

"Mitsuri- MCMKMCKEMCN!"

"THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU'RE SO SWEET! NOBODY HAS EVER COMPLIMENTED ME THAT MUCH! I LOVE YOU! I'LL TAKE YOUR WORDS WITH ME FOREVER TIL' THE END!"

'Mitsuri's chest. I'm being suffocated here!' Best way to die.

"(Y/N)... (Y/N)?! AHHHH! DON'T DIE ON ME!" She grabbed you by your shoulders and shook you slightly to see if you reacted. "(Y/N)! OH NO! YOU'RE BLEEDING THROUGH YOUR NOSE! LET ME HELP YOU!"

"Gmh... Mitsuri, I'm okay! It was just so sudden... the hug I mean." You gazed at everywhere except her, still embarrassed by what just happened.

"Are you sure you're okay?! Let me find a tissue for you!" Mitsuri grabbed your wrist and started leading you. "I know a nearby store where they have the cutest tissues! You're going to love them-" She turned around, expecting to see you, but instead, she was met with a grown man. "EH?! You're not (Y/N)!" She looked around and spotted you, engulfed by a crowd of people. The place was packed, and the crowd was overwhelming.

"(Y/N)! I'm here!" She called out to get your attention. "Oh gosh! It's so crowded today! I'm sorry! I almost lost you!"

"Haa... Ha... It's not a problem... but holy shit! Where did all these people came from!?"

"Today they have mega discounts at the market! That's why it's so packed!" Mitsuri explained, then getting an idea. "(Y/N)! Let's hold hands! That way, we won't lose each other!" Mitsuri anticipated some resistance or even some hesitation from you, but without wasting a second, you tightly grabbed her arm.

"Good. I hate being in crowds. Too many people..." You said, feeling a sense of disgust. You didn't have a phobia or anything, but being surrounded by a bunch of sweaty strangers wasn't pleasant. While you were dealing with your feelings of disgust, Mitsuri was on cloud nine.

'O-Oh my god! (Y/N) is so cute when she acts like this! And she's practically hugging my arm! She smells so nice too! (Y/N), what are you doing to me?! Kyaaaaa!' She internally fangirled over the moment.

You went to look for the tissues, and Mitsuri was right—the market was filled with adorable patterned tissues—She quickly purchased one for you, and you two decided to find a place that wasn't swarmed by people. Finally, you found a bench and sat down together.

"Thanks a lot for this! And sorry for bleeding on the first place!"

'I thought bleeding through the nose was something that only happened in anime, it feels weird.'

"Okie-dokie, (Y/N)! You can ask me for anything!" Mitsuri looked at her surroundings and spotted something. "Hmh...?"

"Is there something wrong, Mitsuri?"

"AH- THAT'S HIM!" She stood up and grabbed your hand while running towards someone. "OI!! SENJURO! HELLO!"

"...?" He turned around, only to see Mitsuri, his brother's friend, and another girl, you. Senjuro smiles at the sight. "Kanroji! Hello!"

"God, Senjuro! How many times have I told you... call me by my name!" Mitsuri pouts at him.

"I-I'm sorry! I forget sometimes!"

"I accept your apology! Anyways, SENJURO! YOU'VE GROWN SO MUCH!" Mitsuri ruffles his head, playfully messing with his hair.

"Hahaha, Mitsuri! I'm not a kid anymore!" Senjuro laughs while trying to get Mitsuri to stop ruffling his hair. "You've become even more beautiful!"

"E-EHHHH?" Mitsuri takes a step back, blushing, and holds her own cheeks. "Hehehe..." She's happy with the compliment.

"Hmh?" Senjuro finally notices the other girl standing beside Mitsuri. Due to his shy nature, he holds onto her haori and asks her, "Mitsuri, who is this lady?"

"Ah, I forgot to introduce you guys!" She grabbed your shoulders. "This is (L/N) (Y/N)! She's a new demon slayer!" You give a peace sign. Then she moved to the other side and grabbed Senjuro's shoulders. "And this is Rengoku Senjuro! Kyojuro's little brother!" Senjuro shyly waved to greet you back.

"Pleasure to meet you!" You extended your hand.

"P-Pleasure to meet you as well!" Senjuro shaked your hand, and you both smiled at each other.

'Senjuro is sooo cute! He's so underrated! I love him!'

'(L/N) is... is very pretty...' The two of you blush, just smiling at each other.

'THEY ARE SO AWKWARD! HOW ADORABLE!' Mitsuri internally squealed. After some conversation, Senjuro had to leave already, much to your dismay. You bid your respective goodbyes. Senjuro and you ended up talking a lot. He loves to read and talked to you about various book recommendations and stories he liked. It's amusing for you because you didn't expect to see this talkative side of him, especially since he hasn't had much screen time in both the anime and manga.

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Night had fallen, and the village was brimming with life. Families, acquaintances, and friends gathered together, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. You and Mitsuri were on the hunt for the demon amidst the bustling crowds. However, the sheer number of people made it challenging to identify any anomalies. No matter how hard you concentrated, stayed alert, or scanned the surroundings, you couldn't detect any signs of demons. It felt futile.

"Mitsuri, do you think this was the right place...? I don't sense any demons!" You whined, feeling frustrated.

"Mhm, I'm not sure anymore since I'm not sensing any either!" Mitsuri exclaimed, sharing your disappointment.

"Not to mention... THIS PLACE IS SO CROWDED! I CAN BARELY CONCENTRATE WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE AROUND! IT'S ANNOYING!"

"Maybe that's why we can't sense any demons. The village is filled with noise and people. Their scents are all merging together, creating a chaotic mix of everything! Yikes!" Mitsuri pouted. Suddenly, amidst the chaos, she heard someone calling her name. She turned around to find someone who held a special place in her heart. "OH MY GOSH! OBANAI! YOU'RE HERE, WHAT?!" She gasped, surprised.

'Iguro?! Where?!' You quickly turned your head, almost snapping your neck in the process, but managed to catch a glimpse of him.

"...Follow me." He said, darting off at a swift pace. He was too fast for you to keep up, but luckily, Mitsuri held your hand and helped you navigate through the crowd, keeping you from getting left behind.

——————————————————

You leaned over, gasping for breath, placing your hands on your knees to steady yourself. The Hashira's skills were no joke, and you felt like your life had flashed before your eyes. The intensity of the battle was overwhelming, and it seemed as if you could hear the echoes of the sounds around you. Now, the three of you had managed to find a relatively less crowded area, although it was still bustling with people.

"Kyaaa! Obanai!! What a delightful surprise to see you!" Mitsuri squealed, her cheeks flushed with adoration.

"...I feel the same." He replied, a hint of bashfulness in his sideways gaze. However, before their lovely interaction could continue, you interrupted them with a horrendous panting of agony. "Uh, is she going to die?"

"Eh? (Y/N)? She's fine! She's just a bit tired from all the running, right?" Mitsuri sweetly reassured you, her voice filled with warmth. Despite feeling like you were on the verge of vomiting, you managed to give her a thumbs up in response. "Oh! You don't know her! Should I introduce you?"

"...No. It's fine. I do recognize her." He stated frankly, his gaze fixed on your figure. His sudden recognition took you by surprise, and your expression screamed, "WHAT? YOU KNOW ME?" As if he had read your mind, he responded your mental question.

"Yes. I remember you, (L/N) (Y/N). The one who killed Lower Moon Five with a frying pan and cursed that emo piece of shit. Hah." Unexpectedly, a laugh escaped him and he covered his face with one hand as the other hugged his own stomach. It was noticeable even under his mask. As he recalled the memories, it brought a smile to his face. You could tell he was smiling by how his eyes were squinted. It was a peculiar yet, very adorable sight to behold.

'SHIT! FIRST RENGOKU AND NOW IGURO!? AIN'T NO WAY! ARE THE HASHIRA GOING TO REMEMBER ME LIKE THIS!? FUCKKK OFFFFF!' You internally screamed, feeling a strong desire to hide. "Y-Yeah!! The one and only! And you are...?"

"..." He gazed at you for a moment, then let out a sigh. "...Iguro Obanai. The Serpent Hashira." He hesitated before considering his words, once again looking at you. "...Nice to meet you."

'WAS HE HESITATING TO SAY NICE TO MEET YOU?! AND HE SAID IT?! AWWW!' You just wanted to scream and hugged him but taking in fact that it's creepy and that he's afraid of women, it would be very rude of you to do it. So, you just restrained yourself with a big amount of willpower. "Nice to meet you too!" You took out your hand for a handshake, you even thought that he wouldn't accept it but to your surprise, he did return the handshake.

"Aww! I'm so glad you two are getting along!" Mitsuri exclaimed, delighted to see her friend opening up.

"..." Obanai looked at her, contemplating whether to tell her to be quiet, but he held his tongue. Instead, he changed the subject. "I assume you two are here for the demon."

"Yeah!" You responded.

"But why are you here? I was sent with (Y/N) to deal with it!" Mitsuri pondered, striking a thoughtful pose.

"Well, I was sent here too. It was sudden." Iguro explained.

"What? Why would they require two Hashiras to-" Suddenly, realization dawned on her, and she closed her mouth in surprise. "Oh my god..." She muttered.

"Exactly." Obanai confirmed, acknowledging that she had caught on to the issue.

"Eh? Eh?! What's wrong?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" You asked, confused by their reactions.

"(L/N), it's simple." Iguro said, his gaze focused on you. The atmosphere grew tense as his next words hung in the air. "An upper-rank demon is here."

...

"HOLYYY SHIT, WHAT?!" You exclaimed, so shocked that your profanity slipped out in English instead of Japanese.

"Yeah! I didn't expect that! We need to stay alert! It could attack at any moment!" Mitsuri immediately began strategizing a plan. "Did you sense anything?"

"...No. They are hiding themselves very well. They're blending in with the large crowds, and I can't even pick up a scent." Iguro admitted.

"We should start searching, then!"

"..." As they continued their discussion, your mind drifted off. You sensed—or rather, felt—something nearby. It was hard to put into words. Intrigued, you began walking away, completely absorbed in your own thoughts. They were so engrossed in planning that they didn't immediately notice your departure.

'I swear- I SWEAR I JUST FELT SOMETHING! BUT I CAN'T DESCRIBE IT WELL! MAYBE IT WAS THE UPPER RANK!' You found yourself among the bustling crowds, desperately searching for the source of the strange sensation. It was baffling. If neither Iguro nor Mitsuri, who were Hashiras, could detect anything, why could you? As you continued searching, you ended up getting lost. 'Ugh, of course I would get lost.'

You found yourself near a cluster of stalls offering various games. The kind where people could win prizes if they succeeded. The crowd pressed against you, jostling you about, until you accidentally collided with a stranger. Fortunately, neither of you fell, but the impact was strong enough to elicit the stranger's anger. "I'm so sorry! It was an accident!" You quickly apologized, not wanting to lose track of the sensation you were chasing. As you attempted to move away, the person grabbed you forcefully, refusing to let go. "Huh?"

"You bitch. Think you can apologize and walk away like nothing happened!? YOU ALMOST BROKE MY ARM!" The man, in his forties, exuded the stench of alcohol and had short black hair, a beard, and dark eyes. Just great.

"I'm sorry. It wasn't my intention. Please let me go." You pleaded, growing increasingly frustrated with his unwillingness to release you.

"Feisty one, huh? I'm not letting you go that easily." He retorted.

"Fuck you. You've got more wrinkles than an elephant's scrotum." You managed to break free from his grasp and started to walk away. However, the man rushed after you, grabbing your hair and yanking on it, causing you to lose your balance and even pull out a few strands. "OUCHHH?! WHAT THE HELL?!"

"I said, I'm not letting you go that easily. You need to apologize properly for hurting me." He declared with a twisted smile. Seeing you in distress brought him satisfaction. Oddly enough, the surrounding crowd remained oblivious to the unfolding situation. You gritted your teeth in frustration. What had this man done to deserve such pleasure? Looking down for a moment, you raised your head, fixing him with an innocent smile.

"Okay. I'll do anything to apologize then. What do you want me to do?" You said, adopting a cute expression. The man appeared to take a liking to it, even blushing slightly.

"O-Oh, hehehe. Let's go to that forest. I'll call my friends. It'll be something quick, okay?"

"Okay." You replied compliantly. As he summoned his friends, the man and his companions led you toward the nearby forest. Little did they know, they had unwittingly chosen their own punishment. They planned on doing unspeakable things to you, more specifically rape you and then punch you until you go unconscious but what they didn't realize was that you were also plotting revenge.

'They'll see. They'll see. They'll be my new punching bag. Hehe, AHAHAHA! THEY'LL SEE NOT TO FUCKING MESS WITH ME!' Yes, you had officially snapped.

Unbeknownst to you, two individuals had indeed noticed the commotion that happened with you and the man.

——————————————————

Soon, you found yourself deep within the confines of the forest, far away from any prying eyes. You were backed against a sturdy tree, surrounded by five men who wore sinister, lustful expressions. "Listen, whore. Just obey and everything will be quick." The man who had you pinned against the tree sneered, his breath reeking of alcohol. Despite the repulsive scent, you remained silent, keeping your composure.

"Damn, is she some kind of prostitute?" One of his friends commented with a lewd grin.

"Dude, she's definitely a foreigner... WE'RE FUCKING A FOREIGNER! HELL YEAH!"

"Listen, doll. Just be a good girl, okay?" The man leaned in closer, his hand caressing your cheek in a repugnant manner. He was about to lower his head to kiss your neck when, in a moment of instinctual defiance, you pushed him away, causing him to stumble and lose his balance momentarily. "HUH? WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?"

Seizing the opportunity, you swiftly assumed a karate stance, preparing to unleash a powerful kick to his face. Your intention was to leave him with a broken nose or possibly knock out a few teeth. You smiled creepily. As you gathered your strength and leaped forward, extending your leg toward his face, you were caught off guard by an unexpected turn of events. In an instant, his head was violently severed from his body, blood spurting in all directions.

Stunned, you froze in mid-air, unable to comprehend the sight before you. The man's lifeless body crumpled to the ground, his head rolling a short distance away. The forest grew eerily silent, the only sound being the rustling leaves as they whispered their secrets to the wind.

...

"A-" In a split second, before you could process the shocking sight that unfolded before you, the heads of the five men who had surrounded you were abruptly severed from their bodies. Their voices were silenced, unable to let out even a single scream. Blood sprayed across the surroundings, splattering onto your yukata and staining your face in crimson.

Paralyzed with astonishment, you stood frozen, unable to comprehend the sheer brutality of the scene before you. The forest floor was now littered with lifeless bodies, their vacant eyes staring into nothingness. It was a horrifying sight, one that would be etched into your memory forever. As the initial shock began to subside, you instinctively wiped the blood from your face, the metallic scent filling your nostrils. 'What the actual motherfucking fuck, just happened?' You scanned your surroundings, desperately seeking any clues that could shed light on this gruesome spectacle.

"Oh my god! You actually did it! Haha, I thought you were kidding when you said that you were going to kill them!" A strange, familiar voice exclaimed. He laughed at the sight, giving his companion a slap on his back. Your eyes widened as you saw the two individuals in front of you.

"..." The other individual had his hand covered in blood. He was responsible for killing the men. But there was no trace of regret in his expression. "Shut the fuck up. It irritates me." He said, his eyes squinting. "When men think they are superior to women and treat them like shit, they are scums who do not deserve to live in the first place."

Akaza wiped the blood off his hand, leaving his arm impeccable. He raised his head, turning to you. Your gaze met his, your eyes filled with fear contrasting his emotionless gaze.

"Haha! So funny! They look like cockroaches!" Douma laughed, kicking one of the lifeless bodies. "Well, I'll leave them there because there's no way I'm eating them. Ew." He glanced at Akaza, awaiting his response.

...

"I'm not eating them either. They look like they taste like shit." Akaza scoffed, crossing his arms.

"Aw, but I'm hungry! I wanna eat something..." Douma's eyes trailed to you, who was still standing there, processing what was happening. He placed a finger on his lips. "Oh? I guess she'll be my next meal~!"

"The fuck-" You uttered, your voice trailing off as you witnessed Douma's sudden disappearance, leaving Akaza with a surprised expression. Before you could comprehend what was happening, you felt his presence behind you, his strong arms enveloping your waist, lifting you off the ground, making your feet not touch the floor. It was an embrace that held a strange mixture of intimacy and danger, as if you were a treasured possession he refused to let go of. It looked like he was hugging his favorite stuffed animal.

"Lord Akaza~! This is it! This is what I was telling you about when I sensed something unusual! I'm not wrong!" Douma's head gently rested upon yours, as if he was absorbing your very essence. Slowly, he moved his head to the crook of your neck, his warm breath grazing your skin as he inhaled your scent. With a delicate touch, his fingers traced a feather-light path along your collarbone, sending shivers down your spine. The sensation intensified as his touch traveled upward, his fingertips tracing the contours of your face with a tenderness that belied his otherwise enigmatic nature.

"Just... who are you~?" As his lips hovered near your ear, his voice, low and captivating, whispered words that sent a thrill coursing through your veins. The sensation sent a shiver down your spine. You tried to move but he would add more strength to his hold, making it difficult to do something.

You couldn't help but feel embarrassment. If this were a smut one-shot found on Tumblr, you might have relished the attention from a character like Douma. But in the reality of the situation, the knowledge that his every move held the potential to end your life in an instant kept you on edge. "What is this~ What is this~" He playfully sang, his voice resonating with a strange allure. It was as if he was exploring the depths of your being. You had such a weird scent, that just kept him feeling more allured to your presence.

"Stop it." Akaza, his eyes filled annoyance, commanded.

Douma, seemingly unaffected by the stern command, continued to revel in the moment. "Hahaha! Stop?" He laughed, his voice laced with a hint of mischief. "You probably don't understand since you haven't smelled her, but oh god." He then stoped hugging you and picked you by your armpits, levitating you so he could look up you. He smiled, his eyes locked with yours, conveying a magnetic pull that defied reason. He licked his lips. "I can't quite grasp it, but this woman possesses such an extraordinary scent... it only intensifies my craving for her!"

'Oh shit, OH FUCK! WHAT'S HAPPENING? WHY IS HE HOLDING ME LIKE THIS?!' Fear coursed through your veins, making you feel weak and useless. Despite harboring a secret admiration for both Douma and Akaza, you knew they didn't reciprocate your feelings. They didn't even knew you like you knew them. Tears welled up in your eyes as you saw Douma drawing closer to you.

"I'm just going to have a quick taste, okay?" He grinned, sending chills down your spine. You had no idea what he had in mind. Would he devour you? Absorb you? Lick you? Take a bite? The possibilities were terrifying. As you prepared to defend yourself with a strong punch to his face, blood splattered across your face as Douma's head was abruptly severed, crashing against a nearby tree.

Although his decapitated body still held you, it wouldn't last for long. His headless corpse began to crumble, and you were about to hit the ground when a strong arm swiftly caught you by the back of your yukata, as tenderly as a mother cat holding her newborn kitten.

...

"Boo! That's not very nice, Lord Akaza!" Douma's voice echoed, his severed head starting to regenerate. Your breath grew rapid as you shifted your gaze to your savior. Akaza's intense gaze met yours for a fleeting moment before he gently released you to the ground. He sighed heavily, massaging his forehead, completely disregarding his companion.

"Woman, if you don't want to become demon food, get out of here." He grumbled, arms crossed but not meeting your eyes. Without hesitation, you bolted away. You knew you couldn't possibly defeat them. It was a painful truth that you had to accept. However, luck was not on your side today as Douma managed to snatch you once again. He forcefully grabbed your body and tossed you to the ground, then positioned himself atop you.

"Hahaha, Lord Akaza! I know you used to be a feminist or some shit before becoming a demon, but we can't let her escape!" Douma remarked, provoking an irritated grunt from Akaza, who seemed ready to launch another attack. "I want to eat her, yes, but it's not just that." He glanced down at you and seized your sword. "She's a demon slayer. That's even more reason why we can't let her go."

Akaza's expression widened in realization. Douma was right. They couldn't simply release you. You were a threat as a demon slayer, providing them with ample justification for disposing of you. "I'm feeling generous tonight, so if you change your mind about your feminist ideals, I'll allow you a glimpse of her." He taunted, his smile oozing with wickedness. Your nerves were on edge, your anxiety intensifying. Boy, you were on the verge of a mental breakdown. Where the hell were Mitsuri and Obanai when you needed them?

Silence hung in the air as Akaza clenched his fists so tightly that they drew blood. His face expressed both anger and annoyance. Eventually, he turned away. "Just... Agh. Just make it quick, you damn fucking piece of shit."

"Okay, I'll do just that!" Douma's grin widened as he turned his attention back to you. "Don't worry, darling. Since Lord Akaza wants it quick, I'll make it a blink of an eye." Your body tensed up as he drew nearer. He positioned himself on top of your stomach, rendering you immobile. Was this truly the end? Would you die so pathetically? Your life flashed before your eyes, and you thought of your dear mother. Countless times, you had expressed your desire to live in the world of Kimetsu no Yaiba, and now you were on the brink of being killed by Douma. Your breath hitched, and tears streamed down your face. You felt utterly pathetic. This was the end for you.

...

...

...

Oh hell no, you ain't dying like this. You are not a fucking pussy. Opening your eyes, you let out a resolute scream. "L-L-L-LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING! LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING! DON'T KILL ME YET, PLEASE!"

"Hmh." Congratulations, it seemed you had piqued his interest. "Show me something?"

"Y-Yeah! Please!" You pleaded, making a praying sign with your hands.

"Aw, show me what exactly?" He tilted his head cutely, as if he hadn't been moments away from devouring you.

"Look! If I can surprise you, you'll let me go! IF I CAN MAKE YOU SURPRISED, YOU'LL MAKE ME LIVE!" Desperation filled your voice as you fought tooth and nail for your survival. As long as you didn't die, you considered it a victory. It may have seemed pathetic, but you were willing to do anything to escape this dire situation.

...

"Pff- Hahahaha!" Douma burst into laughter, wiping tears from his eyes. "Oh Lord Akaza! Did you hear that?! She wants to surprise me! That's funny! It's so adorable!"

"..." Akaza stared at you dumbfounded, his scowl softening slightly. He just awkwardly stood there. You ignored their reactions. "Yeah! Please!" You continued to plead, even though it seemed futile as Douma continued to laugh, finding the whole situation amusing. Tears threatened to spill from your eyes, but you refused to give up. With hope in your heart, you turned your gaze to Akaza, who was already fixated on you. You knew he had a weakness for women, and you had to exploit it to your advantage. If you looked at him with helplessness, maybe, just MAYBE, he would intervene to save you. After all, he didn't kill women, right?

You cast him a pleading look, your eyes brimming with vulnerability, while Douma was still distracted by his laughter. Akaza visibly sweatdropped, unsure of what to do. What did you expect from him? He was a demon, an upper rank at that! Evil and merciless! Just because a woman looked at him that way didn't mean he would save you...

...

Okay, at this point, he was starting to feel a pang of guilt for your plight. You continued to gaze at him with such sadness that it stirred something inside him, making him hesitate about letting you die. He broke eye contact momentarily to collect his thoughts and sort through his conflicting emotions. When he looked back at you, you were still staring at him, giving your best attempt at puckering your lips. Was this your last resort to convince him to spare your life?

...

"Douma." He spoke up, his voice laced with uncertainty. "Let her do it."

"Eh?" The demon's laughter subsided as he stared at his partner in bewilderment. "What did you just say?"

Akaza grumbled, not believing his own actions. It was so out of character for him. "Just let her do it! She's um..." He searched for an excuse. "She just looks so pitiful, it's making me uncomfortable." Crossing his arms, he averted his gaze, unwilling to meet your starry-eyed stare.

"Oh! Hahaha! What a coincidence! I was feeling the same thing!" Douma stood up and offered you a helping hand, pulling you up from the ground. He then placed his hands on your shoulders, addressing Akaza. "She just looks so pathetic, begging like that! It makes me feel bad! At first, I didn't understand it, but maybe I'm experiencing heartbreak! You know, it's like what humans feel when they see a cute animal in distress! They feel sorry for them, right? Haha, that's what I'm feeling right now!" He chuckled, genuinely delighted at the unexpected surge of emotions.

"..." You felt three veins throb on your forehead, but you restrained yourself from doing something foolish. Nervousness settled in as you realized it was now your turn to deliver on the promise of a surprise. It had to be something cool, something impressive! But what on earth could you do?!

"Okay. Go on. I'm waiting!" Douma said, his voice retaining a cute tone that only added to the pressure. Even Akaza looked at you expectantly, anticipating something remarkable. The situation couldn't get any worse. Your mind raced through a multitude of ideas. Should you tell a joke? Showcase your martial arts skills? Your hands trembled uncontrollably as nothing concrete came to mind. You were in deep trouble.

"Come on! I'm getting bored here-" Douma's sentence was abruptly cut off as you interrupted him, finally seizing upon an idea. Still, your hands continued to tremble, and sweat formed on your brow.

"Um... I w-will now show y-you an amazing trick! P-Pay close attention because it'll be a-awesome!" You said, mustering all the confidence you could.

With a deep breath, you extended your right hand, showcasing your thumb to the demons. "Behold, the legendary thumb trick!" You declared. You flexed your thumb and pressed it against your palm, creating the illusion that it had disappeared.

"See, m-my thumb is gone!" You exclaimed, with an awkward and nervous smile. Next, you slowly extended your index finger and carefully placed it over your concealed thumb.

"But fear not, for I shall summon it back!" You continued, your words filled with anticipation. With a swift motion, you released your thumb from its hidden position, making it pop up right beside your extended index finger. "And voila!" You proclaimed, presenting your fully restored thumb and index finger to the demons.

...

Silence hung in the air. You squeezed your eyes shut, unable to bear the thought of witnessing their reactions. You were certain this would be the end, your impending doom.

...

...

...

But instead, more silence followed. What was happening? Why weren't they saying anything? Anxiety coiled within you. Slowly, you summoned the courage to open your eyes, bracing yourself for the worst.

"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Douma's voice reverberated through the room, his hands desperately clutching his hair in immense shock. "WHAT?!"

"..." You stood there, dumbfounded by his extreme reaction.

"HOLY SHIT! SHUT UP! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?! THAT'S SO CREEPY!" Douma continued to exclaim, his voice filled with a mix of terror and astonishment. You couldn't quite discern if he was acting or genuinely taken aback. "OH JEEZ! THE HELL?! HOW DID YOU DO THAT?" His words poured out in a torrent of disbelief, leaving you perplexed yet strangely gratified.

You contemplated the situation for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Should you reveal the secret behind the trick? Or should you bask in the mystery and allow their bewilderment to linger? "Want me to do it again?" You finally managed to utter, your voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and confidence. Without waiting for Douma's response, you repeated the motion, making your thumb disappear and reappear before their eyes.

"AHHHHHH! AIN'T NO FUCKING WAY!" Douma's scream pierced the air as he instinctively clung to Akaza's shoulders, seeking some form of solace or confirmation. Akaza, caught off guard, didn't react to the unexpected embrace, his mind still grappling with the inexplicable trick you had just performed. How on earth did you do that?

"Oh lord. Oh lord! D:" Douma muttered, his breath ragged and his expression a mix of disbelief and awe. "Oh shit, oh my lord! I don't believe it. There's no way." His words echoed with the first stage of denial, a desperate attempt to rationalize the inexplicable.

Akaza finally snapped out of his trance, his gaze locking onto his agitated companion. "Ugh, please. I will admit, it was a bit surprising, but not THAT surprising." He barely had time to finish his sentence before Douma latched onto his shoulders once again, dragging him a few steps away from you, creating a small distance to muffle their conversation.

"Akaza, this girl. Oh god." Douma's voice cracked, his distress evident.

"Yo, dude, relax." Akaza attempted to calm him down.

"YOU DON'T GET IT! SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LISTEN, OKAY?!" Douma exploded with frustration, his voice brimming with agitation. "You are an antisocial. You don't interact with people the way I do. Motherfucker, I've been interacting with humans for over a hundred years! I interact with humans every day! AND BROTHER, BROTHER, LISTEN! I FUCKING KNOW FOR A FACT THAT HUMANS CANNOT DO THAT SHIT! IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! I SWEAR ON LORD MUZAN'S NAME, IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! THERE AIN'T NO FUCKING WAY SHE WAS ABLE TO DO THAT!"

After Douma's tirade came to an end, he dashed toward you, pointing an accusatory finger in your direction. "You are no human! YOU ARE A DEMON!"

"..." You and Akaza exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the absurdity of Douma's claim. Your simple trick had managed to befuddle him to such an extent that he genuinely believed you to be one of his own kind. The situation was equal parts hilarious and perplexing, leaving you torn between bursting into laughter and playing along.

Remaining composed, you responded with a deadpan expression. "Shall I do it again?" Douma eagerly positioned himself in front of you, anticipation etched across his face. You decided to indulge him, adding some drumroll sound effects for dramatic effect. Then, with a flourish—you executed the trick once more—separating your thumb from your hand before promptly reattaching it.

...

He gasped. "OHHHH MY GOODDDDDDD! YOU'RE FROM HELLL! IT'S LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE!" Douma cried out in utter disbelief, his hands now tugging at his hair in sheer frustration. "You have to be a demon. No way you're a human. Humans cannot separate their own fingers!"

Even Akaza, despite his stoic demeanor, couldn't help but be intrigued by the mysterious trick. However, his pride prevented him from voicing his curiosity, and instead, he remained silently observant, his gaze shifting between you and Douma. As the absurdity of the situation stretched on, he had reached his breaking point. He couldn't let this charade continue indefinitely. In a display of remarkable speed, while Douma was still grappling with his existential crisis, he swiftly closed the distance between himself and you. You stared at him quizzically, uncertain of his intentions, when suddenly, he executed a swift and unexpected maneuver.

With a well-aimed kick to your legs, he disrupted your balance, causing you to topple backward. But just as gravity threatened to claim its victory, Akaza's strong hands snaked around your waist, preventing your fall. In the blink of an eye, he whisked you away from the forest, disappearing into thin air and reappearing in an entirely different location.

...

"...Eh?" Confusion etched itself onto Douma's face as he witnessed the sudden disappearance of his companion and the enigmatic human who had managed to captivate them both. His head tilted to the side in puzzlement, a question mark practically materializing above his head.

—————————————————————

You and Akaza found yourselves in a place nearby the village, a quiet and somewhat secluded spot where there were still a few people passing by. Despite the emptiness, it offered enough cover for your sudden appearance not to raise any immediate suspicions. As you caught your breath, Akaza turned his back, intending to walk away.

"Woman, you are not cut out for this." He said in a harsh and cold tone. "Quit this job and go live a nice life or something." He seemed resolute in his decision, ready to disappear into the shadows once again. However, something about your hand reaching out to grasp his wrist stopped him in his tracks. There was something different about your touch, something that spoke of innocence and the absence of bloodshed. In that moment, he couldn't help but contrast himself with you, knowing that you had likely never taken a life like he had. He remained silent, waiting for you to break the silence.

"Thank you. For saving me." You said, your gaze locked onto his eyes. Gratitude filled your voice as you expressed your sincere appreciation for his repeated acts of rescue. You recognized that his actions stemmed from his aversion to seeing women mistreated, a sentiment borne from his own past. Yet, even though he didn't know you and his actions seemed inconsequential to him, you held a deep fondness for this character, adoring him with all your heart.

Akaza gazed at you, his grip loosening as he gently withdrew his wrist from your grasp. He turned away, his back still facing you. "Don't. I'm a demon. I don't hurt women. I didn't save you because I wanted to or anything. It just irks me to see women being treated like that." He retorted, his voice laced with a touch of bitterness.

"Still, thank you." You smiled, contemplating whether to speak your mind further. It was a risky move, potentially exposing your true intentions, but you wanted to seize this opportunity, hoping to alter the course of this story with your own actions. "Akaza... right? Um..." You hesitated, studying his profile, surprised to find that he remained in place, waiting for you to continue.

...

...

...

"...It's not your fault."

"...What?" He questioned, his confusion evident in his tone.

"It's not your fault." You repeated, your voice clearer and more resolute this time.

He looked at you, perplexed yet still willing to engage. "...I know." He responded, his answer tinged with a touch of hostility, as if emphasizing that he already understood, that it was not his fault.

"It's not your fault."

...

"All right." He relented, feeling an odd mixture of nervousness and discomfort. Why was he feeling this way? What were you two even discussing? It didn't make sense. What wasn't his fault? He couldn't grasp the full meaning of your words, and yet, as his eyes remained fixed on you, the image of a woman started to materialize in his mind. Who was she? Why was he remembering her? Wait, remembering? Did he know her? Nothing was certain, but one thing was clear—your expression mirrored that of the woman with pink flowered eyes—The same face, the same look of empathy.

Did you truly feel empathy for him? You didn't even know him. What was happening? Who was that woman?

And most importantly, who were you?

Before the moment could progress any further, Akaza sighed, his expression darkening. He regarded you with a mixture of anger and annoyance. "Stop acting like you know me." He snapped, frustrated by the contradictions and uncertainties swirling within him. Ironic that he is telling you that when he doesn't even know himself. With that, he vanished into thin air, leaving you alone

...

You sighed, left to ponder what the hell had just transpired.

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Now, with a sense of relief, you continued on your path, determined to find Mitsuri and Obanai. Fortunately, your sword remained intact, giving you a small sense of security. After observing their behavior, you felt a newfound calmness, understanding that they no longer had any unfinished business. Surprisingly, you even had a hunch about what they were up to. They must have been searching for the elusive blue spider lily. It seemed like the only logical explanation for their continued companionship. Given Akaza's animosity towards the LGBTQ+ demon, it was clear that they hadn't succeeded in finding it yet, meaning they likely managed to escape his clutches.

As you walked, lost in your thoughts, a familiar voice called out your name. Turning around, you spotted Mitsuri and Iguro approaching you. Relief washed over you as she enveloped you in a warm, tight hug. "I was so worried when you suddenly disappeared! I was about to cry, right Obanai?" She exclaimed, seeking confirmation from her stoic partner, who simply nodded in agreement.

"Where were you?" With Kanroji still embracing you, the serpent hashira, arms crossed, asked.

"..." Your heart raced as beads of sweat formed on your forehead. Should you divulge the truth of your encounter? Would they suspect something if you were honest? After a moment of contemplation, you made a decision—you would fabricate a story— "I... I encountered a demon." You began, carefully choosing your words. "This demon was in alliance with an upper-ranked demon. They were searching for something, though I didn't know what it was. Since they were partners, the scent of the upper rank lingered around the demon. I managed to confront and defeat it." You hoped that your fabricated tale would satisfy their inquiries without raising any suspicions.

Kanroji's grip tightened around you as she gasped. "You fought a demon? You're incredible, (Y/N)! YAY! I'M SO GLAD FOR YOU! MY BABY IS GROWING SO MUCH!" She exclaimed with admiration.

Obanai remained stoic, his eyes fixed on you. "Be careful next time. You shouldn't take such risks alone." He advised, his concern evident despite his curt tone. You were glad they didn't suspect a thing.

"So..." Mitsuri began talking, curiosity lingering on her tone. "Are we finished? There's nothing else to do... Sun is already coming out!" She was right, morning was already arriving, leaving aside the opportunity to fight with any demon, due to their weakness of the sun.

"I suppose there's nothing left to do. We have finished, I guess." Obanai said with hesitation clear on his voice. They literally did nothing and you were the only one who fought a demon.

"Well, now that we're here... LET'S GO TO EAT TOGETHER!" Proposed the girl.

"YEAH! I WANNA EAT!" You raised your fists onto the air. You wanted to forget about the whole chaos with Akaza and Douma as quickly as possible. The two energetic individuals, you and Kanroji, practically dragged Iguro along as they entered the restaurant. He didn't have much time to protest, though he probably wouldn't have refused either way. Once inside, you were promptly seated at a small table, with Iguro by your side and Kanroji sitting across from you.

Suddenly, Iguro's snake companion, Karabumaru, appeared behind him, causing Mitsuri to squeal in delight. "KYAAAA! KARABUMARU! YOU'RE LOOKING AS CUTE AS EVER!" She exclaimed, winking at the snake, who responded with a little smile.

"Aww! What a cute snake! Is it a female or a male?" You asked, showing your interest.

"It's a male." Iguro replied. Karabumaru looked at you, and a sense of nervousness washed over you. Was he testing you? Karabumaru gave a slight bow, and out of respect, you instinctively bowed back to the snake. 'Aw, forget it! This snake is absolutely adorable!' You thought to yourself. You exchanged smiles with Karabumaru, and it didn't go unnoticed by Obanai.

"Have you all decided what you're going to order?" Mitsuri asked, breaking the brief moment.

"Yeah, the food here looks good." You replied, trying to regain your composure.

"YES! THE FOOD HERE LOOKS DELICIOUS!" Mitsuri exclaimed with excitement.

"RIGHT?! I TOTALLY AGREE!" You chimed in, finding her enthusiasm contagious. You each placed their orders, and Kanroji seemed to order almost everything on the menu, displaying her usual voracious appetite. As the conversation flowed, Mitsuri and Obanai engaged in heartfelt dialogue, their affection for each other evident. Meanwhile, you couldn't help but find your gaze continually drawn to Obanai. His eyes captivated you, for you had never met anyone with two different eye colors before. 'He has no right to be so pretty!' You thought to yourself, feeling a mix of awe and amusement.

...

"Why are you looking at me so much?" Obanai finally broke the silence, his gaze fixed on you.

"Eh?" You stammered, caught off guard by his direct question.

"You haven't stopped looking at me... ever since we arrived here."

Your face flushed with embarrassment, and you averted your gaze, feeling the need to explain yourself. "I-I... Well, you see! I just think you have such... such pretty eyes!" Each word felt like a struggle as you sank into your chair, feeling self-conscious.

"KYAA!" Mitsuri exclaimed, grabbing your hands. "I THINK SO TOO! They are so pretty!"

"I think I could get lost in them! I love the colors!" You and Mitsuri fangirled together, leaving Obanai slightly taken aback. Being praised by two beautiful girls wasn't something he was used to.

"(Y/N)! Did you know that he was the one who bought me these wonderful socks?" Mitsuri interjected, changing the subject.

"Ehhh? Really!? They are so stylish!" You exclaimed, turning your attention to Obanai. "You have a really good sense of fashion! I love your haori too!"

Obanai was momentarily taken aback by your compliments but managed to thank you, albeit somewhat awkwardly. To your surprise,che gradually grew more open and comfortable in your presence, realizing that you were a genuinely nice person. The conversation flowed effortlessly between the three of you, and before you knew it, the food arrived. However, you continued chatting and enjoying each other's company, barely touching your meals.

"And I didn't believe it when I saw... what's his name again? Ah, Gyomei! He's huge!" You shared, recalling your impressions of the Hashiras when you first met them.

"I thought the same thing too! I never thought I would meet someone so big (😯)!" Mitsuri agreed, sharing in the reminiscing.

"And what did you think when you saw Tomioka for the first time?" Obanai asked, genuinely curious about your initial impressions.

"I feel a bit sorry for saying this, but... the first time I saw him, I thought he was a freaking emo!" You burst out laughing, Mitsuri gasped and Obanai covered his face..

"Wait, you thought he was an... Hahaha!" His stoic demeanor cracked, and he laughed, a tear forming in the corner of his eye. You looked at him, wide-eyed and stunned by his cute laugh, completely captivated. He noticed your gaze and blushed ever so slightly. "What are you looking at?"

"...You are so cute-" You inadvertently blurted out, gasping and covering your mouth in shock. It wasn't meant to be said out loud, but it slipped out nonetheless.

"(Y/N) is sooo right! You should smile and laugh more!" Mitsuri chimed in, reinforcing your sentiment. He didn't quite know how to react to the compliment, so he simply looked at the two of you, dumbfounded.

"Obanai, I think you dropped something under the table!" You quickly improvised, noticing his quiet demeanor. He looked under the table and found you extending your middle finger. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he shot you one back.

"Can't believe you fell for it!"

"...Can't believe I fell for it either." He admitted, leaving Mitsuri a little perplexed.

"This kind of reminds me of someone who fell for this girl a long time ago! I can't believe they're still together after all of that!" You jokingly remarked.

"Who?" Mitsuri asked curiously.

"MY ASSCHEEKS! HAHAHAHA!" You burst into laughter, falling off your chair, and Mitsuri ended up spilling her drink in her fit of laughter. The infectious laughter spread to Obanai, who tried his best to hold it back but ultimately failed. He ended up laughing heartily, covering his face with the table, while even Karabumaru joined in the laughter. The sight of the three of you laughing uncontrollably earned you a few odd looks from the other customers.

"Oh fuck! My stomach hurts!" You exclaimed, still chuckling, as you composed yourself and returned to your seat. As you smiled to yourself, witnessing Obanai and Mitsuri laughing together, you couldn't help but feel a warm and fuzzy sensation inside.

"Aw! I had such a great time, but..." Mitsuri glanced at the time, realizing the mission was completed and you needed to return to the Butterfly Mansion. "I think (Y/N) has to get going now! I was told to make sure you reach the mansion as soon as the mission was finished!"

"EHH?!?! NOOO! I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE YOU YET!" You cried out, embracing Mitsuri tightly while Obanai paid the bill.

The three of you walked towards the Butterfly Estate, with Mitsuri and Obanai offering to accompany you since you were likely unfamiliar with the route.

"I had tons of fun! The three of us should hang out together more often!" You suggested.

"We totally should! I loved being with you two!" Mitsuri replied enthusiastically. "Hehehe, right Obanai?" She turned to him, who seemed lost in thought.

"Hmh..." He responded softly, his gaze fixed on you, as if contemplating something. You looked back at him, waiting for his reply. "I never thought I would enjoy your company after all..."

"Hehehe! That's my charm, after all!" You playfully placed a hand on your hip, flashed a peace sign with the other, and winked at him. Obanai chuckled at the sight, unable to resist.

"We've arrived! Aw... :( time passed faster while we were walking..." Kanroji pouted.

"Well, they say time passes fast when you're having fun." Obanai remarked.

"I had a great time with you two! Thanks for everything! I hope we can hang out again soon!" You bowed and smiled.

"I'll miss you a ton! I love you sooo much!" Mitsuri hugged you tightly, and you returned the embrace. You suffocated each other... with love. Tiny tears welled up in her eyes as she reluctantly let you go.

You approached Obanai, smiling at him. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Iguro! I'll miss you too!" You extended your hand for a handshake. Obanai looked at you, and instead of a simple handshake, you excitedly held his hand with both of yours and gave him a wide smile. "Hehehe!"

"I'll miss you too, Karabumaru!" You blew a small kiss towards the snake, causing him to blush.

You turned to leave but stopped when Obanai called out to you. "(L/N)."

"Yes?" You turned back, curious about what he had to say.

...

...

"You can call me Obanai..." He said, looking away. Mitsuri was on the verge of screaming from the overwhelming cuteness but managed to contain herself.

"Okay! But you must call me (Y/N) then!"

"I'll do it."

"Hehehe, bye-bye!" You waved at him, your eyes closing with a big smile.

"Goodbye." He responded.

"Obanai, bye-bye!" You opened your eyes again and added a bit more force to your last words.

"..." Obanai's eye twitched slightly.

"Obanai, bye-bye!"

"Gh..." He let out a sigh. "B... Bye-bye..." He waved back.

'OH MY GOD! HE SAID IT! HE'S SO CUTE!' You squealed internally. "Mitsuri, bye-bye!"

"Bye-bye, (Y/N)!" She waved happily.

You smiled and finally entered the mansion. Soon enough, you were greeted by everyone, even though it was very early in the morning.

"(L/N)! How are you? I'm glad you're back!" Tanjiro beamed at the sight of you.

"(Y/N)!! IT FELT SO BORING WITHOUT YOU!" Zenitsu exclaimed, hugging you tightly as always.

"I BET IT WAS BORING WITHOUT MY PRESENCE, RIGHT MINION?!" Inosuke shouted excitedly.

"I was told Mitsuri was the one who accompanied you! You must have had a great time then!" Shinobu smiled.

"We're glad you're back safe and sound, Master (Y/N)!" Naho, Kiyo, and Sumi greeted you in unison.

"Are you okay? You're not injured, are you?" Aoi asked, checking you for any wounds

"(Y/N)...?" Kanao asked, worried for your lack or response. You stood silent. Still processing everything that happened. Some days ago you met rengoku. Yesterday you met Kanroji, Iguro and Senjuro. And you even managed to meet Douma and Akaza. You opened your eyes to look at them. You smiled dumbfounded.

"No worries, i'm fine." You said as you fainted, making everyone scream of worry.

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Taisho Secrets ~

- Author can really see Mitsuri, Obanai and (Y/N) be in a polyamorous relationship

- This chapter is the longest one yet. With more than 13k+ words (😭).

- Douma first noticed you among the crowd because you had a distinguishing peculiar scent that was very alluring. Even Akaza sensed it but didn't knew it was from you until you three interacted in the forest.

- Originally, Sanemi was the one who was going on the mission with you but he got some things to do and couldn't do it.
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Please, tell me if you liked this chapter! ^_^

Xoxo, azamishomie.