Mitsuri thought of herself as pretty lucky. She had a nice family that she loved, and enough food to get by on, which was… good. Life was good! Even her soulmark was unique, something anyone would want.

Sure, she had no idea what it meant, but the characters comforted her. Out there, her soulmate was waiting, and they thought she had grit. Her! She could only hope she'd live up to their expectations.

Many people complained about how vague their soulmarks were. The kanji for 'Good evening' curled around the wrist of one girl she knew, one who liked to make her own paint from nature. She had many close calls, but no success yet. One of the doctors in the village only had a 'hi'; it was a miracle that he had a convoluted greeting prepared for anyone he bumped into. So, yes, Mitsuri was lucky.

But what on earth did mizunoto mean? She'd very much like to find out.

"Watch out!"

Mitsuri threw herself down into the mud, narrowly avoiding a strike from her squad's current opponent. Her stomach rumbled with nerves. How did I get here?! Why did I choose this as my way to belong?!

She was only 17.

Having run away from a sham of a marriage, the discovery that demons exist inspired her to do something bold with her life at the time. Even the brutal training didn't deter her from trying her hardest; no matter what, Mitsuri wanted to excel. But the aftermath of Final Selection - one she only got to by using Flame Breathing as little as possible - solidified her resolve in each and every way.

"You are all at the rank of mizunoto." They said. At that very moment, those words resonated with her soul.

If I stick around, she thought back then, I can find my soulmate! This is so romantic!

Except it wasn't.

Here she was, choking on mud and praying for a miracle. Romance couldn't be found in how her muscles were cramping up. Half her squadron was already dead or too close to it to be saved. Come on, Mitsuri! She cursed herself for her inability to think properly. Lives are on the line here! Are you a hero or not?!

Through her blurred vision, Mitsuri noticed a boulder that lay a few feet away. No one could have called that thing beautiful, but she almost felt herself weep from joy at the sight of it. Even if her sword had shattered minutes ago, this was still something only she could do.

She hefted it up easy; the weight hardly mattered, even with her exhaustion and pain. I'm a Slayer! Her head whipped around to find her target. Here I go! Before the damn demon could rip out another person's throat, she flung her weapon.

Knowing what such a thing could do didn't prepare her for the sight of exposed skull and crushed flesh. So gross! So gross! I'm totally going to hurl! If only that would do the trick! Where's a good sword?

"Wow! You've got grit, mizunoto!"

Eh?

"Don't worry!" Yellow and red hair crossed her field of view. "You've fought well, but I'll take things from here!"

Eh?!

Very recently, she had been daydreaming about her soulmate being some cocky kanoe, or even a tsuchinoto if she was really lucky. But never did she expect an actual real life Hashira! She had to say something! She had to tell him!

… But tell him what?! That she was some abnormally strong girl with a marriage complex? She had never thought about getting this far before!

While she fretted, he took care of their foe without breaking a sweat. Her instructor had been cruel, to the point where she strongly disliked the style beaten (quite literally) into her, but he made the swirl of flames look gorgeous. There's really something special about Hashiras, huh… Her gut heaved a little within.

"That was a former Lower Moon." He said next, shattering the silence. "They're challenging to deal with, but you all did admirably! The sacrifices your team made will surely be remembered!"

Thank you…? Not keen on appearing rude, she nodded her head at him with maybe a little too much fervor.

"My name is Rengoku Kyoujurou!" He couldn't have known, not unless he had the power to read minds, but she was already engraving his name into her memory. "What's yours?"

Just then, a truly stupid idea occurred to her. She already knew that she'd regret doing this later on, but what choice did she have? The right words weren't coming!

With a frown, Mitsuri tapped her throat and shook her head.

"Ah! You can't speak?" Rengoku-san paused for a moment. "That's unfortunate! Could you write it for me later?"

Yes, yes, I'll do whatever you want! More nods followed her rushing thoughts.

Now that she had more time to focus, the Hashira before her actually looked more impressive than she originally thought! He's really leaning into the fire aesthetic… Cool… A small blush rose to her cheeks, one that she hoped would be covered up by all the muck.

If he noticed, he never let on that he did. "What breath style do you use?" His back was now turned to hers as he began checking over the fallen. It seemed like an impractical position for a conversation with only one speaker.

Spurred on by a need to communicate, she trudged over and knelt with him. A glimpse of dull gray irises was all she got before his fingers pulled their eyelids down. They fought well, all of them, but she had been too slow to help properly. Tears sprang to her eyes. Could this really be all there was to her new life?

"Well?"

Rengoku-san was looking at her expectantly, a bright smile on his face, like he wasn't affected at all by where they were or what had transpired. Shockingly, it made her stop right away. He probably used that smile to placate loads of people, all terrified and mourning like her. Knowing that didn't make it work any less though. Her body tensed up, then relaxed.

Before she could think any better of it, Mitsuri found herself tapping the design on his cape. "Oh? … Oh! So you use mine too? Who showed you the techniques? Ah, wait, you can't share yet." He clapped his hands together. "Still, this works perfectly!"

Eh? But how? "Mmm?" She questioned, furrowing her brow.

"Your strength's incredible! You ought to become my tsuguko! I'll help you refine your skills!" And then the Flame Hashira beamed, and her heart was set aflame.

It was child's play to nod her head in agreement.

So this was the situation.

Her name was Kanroji Mitsuri, and she was 17 years old. At one point, all she truly had to her name was a strong constitution, and a strange turn of phrase scrawled across her chest.

She was now the Flame Hashira's tsuguko. She was also presumed mute. Now that was a problem.

This is crazy! She thought as they approached his family estate. Absolutely crazy! I have to think of something to say soon, or I'll burst!

"We won't be staying here long! I just need to see my little brother before we head off to where we'll be training." Rengoku-san made an enthusiastic gesture. Mitsuri was starting to think he did those a lot. "Do you have any siblings?"

Oh, I can't tell him that as the first thing I say! That'd be terrible! She showed him five fingers. Sweat kept gathering on her brow. Can he tell how nervous I am?!

"Wow! And you're eldest?"

A nod.

Rengoku-san looked even more energized with this confirmation. "Me too! No wonder we get along so well already!" While on their way to the estate, over the past few days, he kept speaking about synergy and focus without any consideration for her poor heart. How was she meant to do any of that properly before finding the right words?!

"No worries though, tsuguko! There'll be plenty of food to fill your belly and paper to tell your story once we get inside! And I'm sure you'll love Senjurou!" He didn't sound like he had any doubts about that, unlike herself. Surely there wouldn't be enough food to meet her requirements and satisfy everyone else there, right? There was no way!

But Mitsuri held her tongue.

There was a young boy sweeping the porch. Even if he hadn't reacted with shocked delight when Rengoku-san came into view, she would have automatically known that they were related; the resemblance was uncanny in every way. "Aniki!" He cried, launching himself at her new trainer.

Her heart clenched. That's so adorable! Gosh, I miss my little siblings so much! At least they were safe. She couldn't bear the thought of them getting harmed. And, if her intuition was right, Rengoku-san felt the same way.

"This is Senjurou! Senjurou, this is my new tsuguko!" Introductions went by quickly when most of the parties didn't know your name.

The newly identified Senjurou gave her a wide eyed stare. "Is she really, Kyoujurou?" He sounded more awed than doubtful. There was something practically unbearable about that look and how adorable it was. He had a naturally melancholic face, which made the shine in his eyes all the more cute. To her, he gave off the energy of a sad looking kitty.

Right then and there, the Flame Hashira said something truly astounding as his reply. "We share the same breath style! It was meant to be!"

MEANT TO BE?! All the color came rushing back to her cheeks in full force. Aaa, what does that mean exactly? Does he know we're soulmates? Did I say something by accident?! Oh no!

Her flustered state persisted long enough for them to lead her into their home without any difficulties or reaction on her part. "Father's asleep, so he shouldn't cause you two any trouble." The little boy whispered to his older brother. It was the only part of their conversation she caught on to.

Mitsuri, being herself, nervously gnawed at her lip. Any trouble? But what does that mean? There seemed to be a lot of ways to stress herself out by merely thinking these days.

Before she could work on achieving anything near the definition of composure, some paper and ink was handed to her. "Um, and here's a quill." Once that was completed, the two brothers sat down next to her, expectant.

"So!" Rengoku-san broke through her tension with one word. "Who are you?"

I'm Kanroji Mitsuri! She wrote before she lost her nerve. It's very nice to meet you both!

"How old are you? Who did you train under? Is your mutism because of an injury? Why are you in the Demon Slayer Corps?"

What is this?! An interrogation?!

Mitsuri took in a calming breath before continuing on. I'm 17, and I trained under Yamada Hoshi. She was not very kind to me, but I did my best! I will do my best here too! I am strong and determined! I'm in the Demon Slayer Corps to help make people feel safe!

The mere thought of elaborating on that made her want to puke. In her head, the idea of putting her strength to good use while searching for her soulmate made sense, but now that she had actually found him, justifying her path required mention of her other bits of motivation.

Senjurou smiled a little, though it didn't stretch out incredibly far. "Aniki's 18." He told her softly.

"I've been doing this for a long while!" Rengoku-san declared with a chuckle. "That being said, I've never heard of such a person, but I hope they trained you well. I'm certain that you'll make a nice addition to my team! Ah, but you didn't answer my inquiry about your condition!"

Oh! Sorry. Her hand shook, just for a moment, but it dripped ink splatters onto the page. I can speak. I just find it hard to do it when I'm nervous sometimes! Please bear with me!

It was the truth. Nerves gave her lockjaw, and she often found herself fretting without any outlet. Even if she wanted to talk right now to them, Mitsuri wasn't sure she would have been able to.

"That's alright!" The Hashira nodded in her direction. "You don't need to until you feel 100 percent comfortable with doing so!"

As much as she didn't like to think about it, she was certain that kind heart could be the death of him one day. I'll have your back! She thought, her eyes welling up with tears once more. I promise you that! Until the day I can call you by your name, and beyond that, until the day I die, I'll do my best to be of use to you!

Predictably, both of them were startled by her tears. "I-I'm being a bad host! Uh, I'll go get you something to wipe your face with…" Senjurou stood abruptly, quickly becoming a quivering container for the tension within.

AAAA, NO! Mitsuri desperately reached out for the young boy. It's okay! I don't-

Her fingers brushed against the back of his clothing the very second someone else stepped into view. "What. The fuck. Is going on here?!" This newcomer snarled, all flushed with rage and drink. "Kyoujurou. How dare you bring some… some harlot into my home?! Have you lost your mind?"

She couldn't help but try to mull over what the man said. Harlot? Me? Does he mean me?! But that couldn't be right! She hadn't even done anything!

"Please don't be rude to our guest." Rengoku-san replied, stepping forward. From the way he stood, it was obvious that he was bracing for an argument. "Her name's Kanroji Mitsuri, and she's my tsuguko. We'll be out of your hair by tomorrow."

"By tonight, you mean. I will not have you cavorting around in front of my son, especially not with some stranger who thinks she can just play at being a Slayer! Get out!"

Having already thrown an entire boulder at a demon, Mitsuri didn't think she was really playing at anything to begin with. Neither did the man's son, whose face darkened a little at those words. "She's already helped me deal with a former Lower Moon, which more than proves her potential as a Demon Slayer! I understand that you are upset with me, but to take it out on her is the complete opposite of hospitality!"

I would very much like to climb out of the window. She thought to herself, immensely uncomfortable with the entire affair. Walking into the midst of a familial confrontation hadn't been her plan at all.

"Well, I certainly won't be hosting her!" Their father - at least, that was who she assumed he was from the dialogue - spat. "And you're not allowed here either! Out!"

"But-"

"OUT!"

"... I apologize, Mitsuri! It seems we'll have to wait a little while longer for a meal! Let's make haste!" With more grace than she would have expected, he strode past the other man and out into the hallway. "Come along!"

She tried her best to. Key word being 'tried'. A meaty hand clamping down on her wrist prevented that.

"I don't know who you think you are," the Rengoku patriarch snarled in her direction, all vitriolic, "or what you've promised that fool, but if you think I'd let you sully the Flame Hashira name without any protests, you're out of your fucking mind! You will refuse the tsuguko title!"

Now, Mitsuri didn't want to throw the man away from her. She could have easily done it without putting much effort into the action, but it didn't feel like the polite thing to do. Instead, she gently pried his fingers off and shook her head with a small grin. Thank you, but no. She said without speaking.

The first blow took her by surprise. Even though he was clearly deep in his cups, that didn't decrease his strength or speed. Wow! Scary! She recoiled, hand flying up to her damaged jaw. No hesitation!

People were yelling, but she ignored it in favor of dodging the second hit and narrowly deflecting the third. What was wrong with this man? While she wasn't proud of it, striking him back in the throat and running away ended up being her course of action. Thankfully, Rengoku-san followed, though not without making a truly nasty expression.

"You'll never amount to anything!" His father yelled at their backs. "Give up and stop playing pretend!"

We throw ourselves into mortal danger! How is that pretend? But her throat ached too much to say it.

Rengoku-san laughed once the estate was out of sight. "You know, I didn't even get to say goodbye to Senjurou."

Her shaky hands ended up patting his shoulder and arm. At least she didn't need words to show her sympathy. Her face ached, just a little, but she held her tongue. There'd be a better time to say her first words.

Training with Rengoku-san came easier than Mitsuri ever presumed it would. It helped that he possessed patience, even when he pushed her to the brink of what she was capable of. He never beat his lessons into her, choosing only to set expectations and wait for her to meet them.

No matter what, she felt that Rengoku-san's methods were truly kind and beautiful.

Not once did he make her speak. Not once did she say a word. They simply worked together in something that wasn't quite harmony, but could be if they put in the work. And she wanted to. No matter how many times she got knocked down, she'd push herself right back to her feet because he wanted him to feel pride in his choice.

But why did this have to be so difficult?! I'm not used to hitting all these walls!

On one of the days where she found herself collapsing onto the ground, Rengoku-san unexpectedly threw himself down with her. "It's a shame about your flexibility!" He bellowed out of nowhere, startling her into producing a squeak. "Breath of Flames isn't entirely suited to your mixture of strength and evasiveness! We might be forced to adapt a little to compensate for it!"

Is it really something you need to consider? You're a Hashira after all! Mitsuri worried about him often. He took her along with him on most missions by now, but there were still ones he had to do alone that always left him in a terrible state. Surely he had more important things to be concerned with than the failings of his tsuguko! Then again, maybe that was part of the Hashira thing to begin with. Not wanting to leave him hanging, she let out a little grunt.

For the briefest of moments, they both stared up into the sky. The clouds sure are pretty… Just like Rengoku-san.

"I received a missive from Oyakata-sama this morning." He said it so quietly that she almost missed the words. "There's another high level demon I've been tasked to deal with."

She moved her head to look at him, staring directly into his eyes. It wasn't often that she dared to, but she couldn't help but get the feeling nowadays that he was throwing himself right into the jaws of some beast she couldn't see.

"I have to go soon, but would you come with me?"

If anyone else were to ask, she might have stalled or even declined. But, when any question came from the lips of her most precious person, any answer but a resolute yes ceased to exist.

So that was that. Mitsuri nodded, knowing full well that they both might die, because there wasn't anything else to say. Not when Rengoku-san shined like the warmest, most benevolent sun.

If nothing else, she thought with a smile, I hope everything doesn't go to shit!

Everything went to shit.

Mud and blood mingled in her mouth. It was all too familiar, but this time, rain cascaded down her face, making it almost impossible to see where she was going. Rengoku-san. Where did he get off to?

Last she could remember before defeating the demon, he had been flung straight into a tree that she could no longer find. That horrible crack still resonated in her mind, a telltale sign of snapped bone. Oh, Rengoku-san! Mitsuri kept thinking. What happened to you?! If the sound belonged to his spine or neck, she didn't think she could ever forgive herself.

It felt like a lifetime had passed before she tripped over his prone body, but it was only five minutes at most. The shock of being sent sprawling stunned her for a few seconds, precious time that she couldn't get back. Her body ached, and there was a gash slowly oozing more blood by the minute on her side, but she pushed herself to check on him, no matter how terrible her condition was.

He looked like death. All the color had fled from his cheeks, except for smears of blood and mud and god knows what else. Desperate in a way she couldn't name, Mitsuri pressed her ear to his chest and tried to listen. I can't tell… I can't tell!

Horror made her drag him into her arms; its icy grip squeezed her heart. "Don't die on me, Rengoku-san!" She felt along his neck for a pulse, sobbing the entire time. "Please! You're meant to live!"

"Who…" A weak heartbeat came to rest beneath her fingertips. Shocked by the discovery, she almost flinched away. "Who says I'm dying? Have… more faith in me, Mitsuri!"

A horrific wail left her throat. "Rengoku-saaaaan! Hold out a little longer! I'll take you to where there's help!" Carrying him like this would have nice if things were different, but now, she felt stressed over her ability - or, more accurately, potential lack of ability - to keep hold on him.

"I know you will! I trust my soulmate!" He leaned back, relaxing. "I hope I haven't worried you too badly! I always thought I might, what with your words over my heart."

Many, many times, she had wondered where his soulmark resided. Only now did she finally understand. "O-Only a little..." She told him honestly. "Have you really always had 'don't die' written on you?! I'm so sorry!"

Rengoku-san opened his eyes, though only for a moment of gazing. Green briefly met orange yet again. "I have, but it's alright! It reminded me that I couldn't! Why, with you here, I'm sure to have the blessing of growing old!"

Mitsuri wept even harder. "Y-You deserve to, Rengoku-san! I'll make it so! I promise!"

"Yes," he sighed, still so beautiful even with a shattered leg and brown staining his hair, "and you'll be right there next to me."

There was still so much to discuss, so many things for her to finally say, but for now, she steeled her resolve and kept moving. Rengoku-san believed in her, and that was all she needed.