Tanjirou disagreed with everything. If he had known, would not have allowed it. The worst part was it made sense and was a very useful plan. But he refused to accept Inosuke taking such a risk, even though it was late. There was nothing he could do, the mission had been launched, and he was prohibited from intervening in it unless it was to gather and collect information. The messages by raven were not useful, the demon could not read or write. They had to choose to try to meet each night at a specific point outside any territory. They knew that the first few nights they would not hear from him. If they were in the place of demons, they would take advantage of the dark hours to train the boy until dawn. It was logical. They trusted Inosuke's stubbornness and his mania for opposing in any situation, that he was not going to be influenced by the beings he considered enemies. Still, Tanjirou couldn't get the worst situations out of his mind because of his excessive concern and sense of protection. The worst of the situation was that he had just woken up from his comatose state; He opened his eyes that afternoon and the next night he left with the enemy... As recent, as weak as possible. Easy prey. The only thing he was sure of was that Muzan would keep him out of the sun. That could reassure him during the day, since none of them could move from their shelters. Sighed heavily, and immediately, he felt a soft hand pat his head. Tturned his slightly muffled eyes to Nezuko, who was looking at him uneasily. He was worrying his sister, and couldn't allow that. Had to put up with his attitude in front of her.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just was thinking." smiled with a forced sweetness and returned the caress. "I'm fine, seriously." but it did not seem to satisfy the younger, who made a tense sound with her vocal cords. "Trust me."

She just closed the eyes, getting into the pampering of her brother.

"But you should trust Inosuke." said Zenitsu, who was sitting on the wooden floor of the entrance.

"I do. I know-"

"You don't." he interrupted, watching how the redhead had been on the garden lawn for a while, creating a flower headband for Nezuko. "You're dying of anguish because you can't control the situation yourself." was not answered. "That guy has been alone on a mountain full of wild animals since baby. Since baby, Tanjirou! Do you really think he can't cope with being surrounded by bloodthirsty predators?" He was referring to demons at the time. Got up and accompanied them in his small circle, taking advantage to enjoy the closeness of the little woman. "Even she trusts him more than you!"

"Well, you win..." sighed again, rubbing his red hair back. "I know he can, though..."

"You fear losing him." Zenitsu touched his forehead, allowing himself to be more compasive. "I already know it. You love him so much everything scares you. You can't let it be like that and try to keep an eye on him all the time. I'm sorry to say it, but in the loving sense you're a controller, Tanjirou."

That didn't sound good at all. A controller? It sounded so... negative, so toxic. No, it couldn't go on like this. He didn't want to be that to the demon. Didn't want to deprive him of anything, and that also meant letting him carry out his own missions, his own fights. Bit his own lip in anguish. He would accept it, he just wanted to be the best boyfriend, and if he had to correct those brutal mistakes that could cause damage, he would do it. Would not allow their relationship to be intoxicated by his insecurities. Somehow, he had to mature in that regard. Didn't care if it was his first experience, he wasn't looking for a second one.

"I will work on that, I promise." placed that floral crown on Nezuko's head, and Zenitsu seemed to die of tenderness when saw her, forgetting the conversation and beginning to praise the beauty of Kamado sister. The redhead averted his eyes to the horizon of trees that rose behind the fence and the territories of the estate, expelling longing through his dark pupils. He wish knew where the wild boy was, if he was in good spirits, if he also missed him...

Inosuke wondered all this, if he had thought about him since he left, if he still loved him for having done it... Tried to tell him, even if Nezuko began to be violently. Tanjirou couldn't blame him for not making the attempt. And all he managed to do was make Tanjirou more angry. He hated the way they had said goodbye, had no plans for this to happen. He wanted kisses, hugs... not tears and suffering. Was staring blankly at the ceiling of that lonely home, imprisoned by thoughts that he didn't understand very well and that were not making him feel happy. His arms outstretched outside the blanket made him feel less trapped, although it was nowhere near a solution. How long would he have to be like this, away from his precious subordinates and his partner? Or more importantly, how much could he get through without going crazy and destroying the entire mission?

"What is it that ails you, Kiba?"

Kokushibou's velvety, deep voice rang gently in his distracted ears. He was standing, leaning against the sliding door that led to the only room for lodging, except for the room where Inosuke was.

"Huh?" did not understand what that word meant; ails. He hadn't heard it before, and didn't realize when the demon had peeked in either. He really had to improve his personal skills a lot, he couldn't allow him to be surprised like that and not feel any kind of vibration. He watched with his pair of rainbows as Kokushibou approached and sat cross-legged next to him.

"I'm responsible for your well-being, if you don't rest properly, I won't be doing my duty." He never meddled in anything, no matter what it was. He didn't even have extensive knowledge about demons or moons because of being so asocial and lonely. But the wild young man was his responsibility, so he had to meddle with him. And if it had to be personal to keep him physically and mentally stable, he would. Loyalty to Muzan was the only thing he took into account.

"And what do I care about your duty? Just make me stronger and go."

To the six-eyed demon the boy's lack of knowledge was evident.

"It doesn't depend on a simple training. Rest is crucial." He glanced sideways at the thin slits of light that leaked through the curtains without permission.

"I don't need to rest!" uncovered himself violently as he straightened up to sit down, but in a measly second he found himself lying on his back. In just a blink. The rough fingertips of the adult demon swordsman stood firm, but delicate, on his chest. He had made him descend with them with a push that Inosuke felt nowhere. Those multi-colored eyes stared, wide as saucers, into the two centers of the other demon, amazed, stunned. And still under that stupor, he watched without breaking eye contact as the other hand gently covered him with the thick sheet once again. That... felt warm. Dangerously warm. And Kokushibou perceived it.

"I don't know what you do in the Upper Moons, Kiba... This life isn't for you." He had realized Inosuke did not detached evil, desire for revenge, rancor or cruelty from any pore, just the opposite. He was innocent, capricious, responsive, indomitable... Although he could feel a desire for power, the boy was not desperate for it. Like a kid. But it was too late for him. Once entered he, did not exit. Or at least, not alive or intact. "Perhaps that's what prevents you from resting. Do you think you made a mistake?"

"No." was quick to reply. Nor did he jokingly consider taking a risk on that mission. It was his duty, and he saved lives with it, including Tanjirou's. It was more than enough.

"You miss your past life, then." He withdrew the hand from the smaller body. "Unfortunately, I can't do anything against the yearning you feel. You won't be able to return to the past, and it will be better for you to overcome it and forget everything you lived through and whom you knew before selfdestructs you."

Strangely, he seemed to know what he was talking about. But the wild boy did not listen to him. Believed that having no idea of his secret reasons, everything he said would be useless.

"Whatever you say, Kakisoba." he growled his misspelled name and turned to turn away.

"You have to collaborate. Do it just for yourself, I doubt you want to take longer than normal to regain your power." He knelt down to prepare to get up. "My mission is you, Kiba. And you won't be a failed mission." and without another word, he returned to the room and slid the door quietly.

"How heavy..." he whispered against the pillow, tucking an arm under it. Although he was right. If wanted everything to be fast and in the best way, had to collaborate with him and make him fulfill the task that Kibutsuji ordered him. He smiled to himself, determined and proud. Would show that boring demon his strenght, even if he ended up a thousand times on the floor.

And so it happened.

The expert blade bathed in the brilliance of the stars dug its point into the ground behind his bare and pale feet. Tangled with the sword and each other as he moved, and fell sideways onto the padded grass ground. His only task? Dodge or block. Didn't even have to attack. Kokushibou withdrew the weapon and stepped back.

"467 deaths." That number were the times that Inosuke had fallen in ten minutes, and therefore, the times they could have killed him for it. He had spent more than half of every second on the ground since he started. He was pissed off. Very pissed off. And that was what kept him firm and decisive, reluctant to surrender. The demon admired that quality when he had his 300th death, but he also considered it to be an enormous danger, both for the boy and for his opponent. Wasn't going to let him out of a workout early, either, so it was fine that way. And they wasted no time on anything else, Kokushibou hunted for useful demons to feed him each night before beginning. "Position." and while the minor got up, he took the same advice for the fifth time. "Channel your anger or eliminate it." As long as Inosuke didn't do something with it, would keep losing.

"Yes, it's worth it!" He got up while shouting it. Was sick of hearing the same phrases over and over as if the other had been stuck in time. Did not know how to eliminate his anger, that was impossible, he had always had it in his day to day, although it was also harmless. And the first option confused him. What was he supposed to do? He didn't quite understand the word "channel". A second later, when he realized it, the edge of the sword touched his neck, but it didn't squeeze or cut. He didn't have time to move or blink, so didn't even try, he was already dead again.

"468 deaths." and that had been one of the stupid deaths. "There's no room for distractions in the middle of a fight, make you an easy target." He pulled back that sword. "We won't stop until you stop or dodge only three attacks. If you don't make it, we'll be here until dawn. Without a rest."

It had to be a damn joke...

He didn't know how many days and nights had passed since then. He only knew that he had had the same training countless times, possibly more than the number of fingers on his hands and feet together. Kokushibou really seemed trapped in time, only changing the number of his falls always adding one more every two or three seconds.

Once again, Inosuke fell. He hit the butt on the ground and complained. That had hurt.

"1,728,005 deaths."

He was tired, desperate, angry. Had never heard so many numbers in his life, much less so long. He could swear that every time he fell hot steam came out of his ears and turned as red as Tanjirou's eyes. Ah, that fool's pretty irises... Visualizing him made him feel as if everything was fine, dissipated his anger and only left the feeling of well-being. Saw him smile at him and hear that melodious laugh dedicated only to him. Bright, imaginary fluffy cottons floated free around his head. His eyes hidden by the lower part of the boar's head clinked as much as the lonely stars of that night, dreamy and happy.

Kokushibou watched him fall back into distractions, and like the rest of the time, it would be yet another death. He slipped the sword horizontally at the young man's neck. Obviously, it would stop only when the edge will gently brushed against him, not before. His six eyes widened, being a slow-motion viewer of how the demon's torso flexed back effortlessly and dodged the full swing of his sword, which had not stopped. He came out of surprise within seconds, incorporating a natural position. Kokushibou didn't expect his first dodge to happen so soon. He was the fastest, the most impossible to avoid. The most powerful swordsman, the First Moon. Such training with another demon would have taken months, even a year, only to dodge once. And in just twenty days that boy took the first step. Even Douma didn't go that far avoiding attacks. He didn't do the Second Moon stand justice. What kind of demon was he and how exactly had he gotten out? It was the first time that he felt the need to get into subjects that did not concern him.

"Oh, yeah! Did you see that, Kukosabo?! I dodged you! Hah!" began to laugh and rejoice loudly. He needed to get that happiness out somehow, and couldn't think of anything but to run to a tree and ram it with the head. An act that made the other demon feel bewildered. He did not know how to react, that boy was a box of new surprises for him. He tried to come to himself, combing his ponytail.

"Celebrate when you complete the first part." He took advantage of the boy's distraction, the one he had repeated so much that he did not have or the same would always happen to him. And there he went again. Faster than a blink and stealthier than a slight summer breeze, he executed an upward diagonal cut. The most logical thing for him was to see that the boy had barely moved, but he managed to avoid it a second time just sticking like a piece of paper to the trunk, taking advantage of the current thinness he had. He came back again, unsure whether to be satisfied or concerned. "Ok, two in a row. One more and we will go to the next level of the first part."

Not even Inosuke knew how he had started to move forward like this. It didn't feel any different, except for... And then he realized, his scalded brain worked just fine at the time. He had been trying to train with no real goal, just thinking of winning for a mission that was making him nervous. It was as a result of starting to think about Tanjirou that he felt his body release. He had been wrong all along. Wasn't doing all that to be stronger, to complete his job or finish Muzan. Those were not his fights. His fight was for the redhead, he was his motive to fight and win, not just the fun of hitting. That he could always do and it was not something that would ensure his victory. He could fight for pleasure, but he would not win with that. However... with that in mind he wanted to protect who he longed for so much... He detached himself from the tree and took a few steps towards the older demon, with a determined, proud and confident gaze. He snapped his fingers and took up a position, taking on a provocative attitude.

"Now you're not going to take me down." His deep voice rang out in the other's ears in a different way, though he didn't have to focus on that. Was just following orders, and that was good. It meant that he was doing the task that Kibutsuji set for him well.

"There have been many demons this month... I'm so tired..." Zenitsu returned to the gates of dawn along with Tanjirou and the famous box. Both were injured, but could walk. " Everything hurts so much!" he whimpered. "We used to make less effort, it's not fair!"

"It's normal, Zenitsu. We were three fighting."

-Ahh... It's true." he sucked on the nose. "Waaah, I miss Inosuke!" He latched onto the redhead's haori and let himself slide to the ground, pulling him down.

"Hey, let me go, you're going to make me fall!" He was not the only one who missed Inosuke, his absences had always been brutally noticed throughout the environment. On the one hand, it was sad. They still had no news of him, but no one seemed concerned. And on the other, it caused him tenderness to see Zenitsu openly expressing that he wanted Inosuke back, that he felt more cowardly and weaker than he thought if the wild boy was not next to him, that he was bored without his games or grudges. Every day Tanjirou saw Zenitsu cry for him at some point. Sometimes he wondered randomly who the hell was more in love with the demon, himself or the blond. Obviously, it wasn't a suspicion or serious question. "Come on, the girls are waiting for us."

"Girls!" He stood up suddenly, and against the pain and wounds, he began to run like a soul carried by the devil, screaming for medical attention from his favorite little women.

Tanjirou laughed softly and was able to continue slowly and carefully so as not to injure himself further. Paused for a moment in front of one of the windows, watching the orange rays of light gently bathe the tops of the trees on the far green horizon. All that under a violet, pink and blue sky. A beautiful mix of colors that reminded him of those irises he hated and loved at the same time. Was Inosuke already sheltered? He knew nothing... If he was well fed, if he was well treated... The second was what tightened his chest the most. The demons were not kind, they were not compassionate, they were not sympathetic... What kind of hell was his beloved boyfriend going through? It hurt so much...

"HAHAHA! You fall further behind, old man!" Inosuke laughed, unable to stop at the expense of Kokushibou, who really didn't care.

"Distractions, Kiba." he repeated again. In the eyes of other, he could begin to resemble a father, brother or uncle who was tired for the younger to take it so lightly. Although this was not the case, his mettle was unwavering. He sat down in front of the kotatsu with a glass in his hands. "You have a big problem with distractions."

"Does matters?!" sat bolt up on the other side of the floor table, facing him. "I'm so fast when reacting that it doesn't matter if I'm distracted." He crossed his arms, proud.

"That will only carry you to death. Be more consistent." He drank a silent sip. "The Hashiras aren't going to be playing when the day comes."

Silence.

He had completely forgotten that demons thought he was on their side and that he was going to help exterminate the slayers. Heck... Kokushibou was right, he couldn't be distracted. Not because he was attacked in battles, but because he forgot about things by focusing on other. He was so focused on his training and thinking of leaving soon with Tanjirou he removed the main deception from his mind. For the first time in his life, he was thanking a demon. But only mentally, he wouldn't even say it out loud. The six-eyed man saw her expression and was satisfied, knowing she had finally heard him.

"What is that?" He changed the subject, asking about the contents of the glass. The other was surprised that he did not know.

"Just water."

"Really?" he couldn't believe it was something so simple and basic. Didn't see the contents, so he hoped it was blood.

"Blood doesn't stay fresh in a place like this." that was the reason why he didn't take it that way. "So, take advantage quickly when you go to eat, they will be the only moments in which you can drink."

He hadn't had a problem with it yet, but he would consider it. Also because the demons disintegrated and he had to be quick to feed. It was something that did not worry him either, he was used to being in a hurry.

Unfortunately for him, the price for it remained the same. The more he fed, the closer he was to losing his identity, his desired life. Kanao and Aoi's medicine was not a cure, it was only a pain reliever for his head, not to hear the screams of anxiety his demonic nature gave. They did not eliminate it, were still there, eating his own blood and making him gradually forget who he was.

And after two more weeks, the first symptom occurred.

"Boy." Kokushibou was leaving the house in the recent darkness after the wild kid, who was eager to continue his training. Since he started doing it right, was excited to think about the next level.

"Kiba!" and there it was... His name. He had forgotten his real name. Although listening it for so long also influenced a lot.

"Yes, sorry." He pulled a thick white bow out of his clothes and make of sturdy fabric. "Come closer."

"Why?" Despite not knowing why and asking, turned around and stopped when he was in front of the tallest. Kokushibou just turned him around, removed the boar head and began combing the two-colored mane with the fingers. "What the hell are you doing?" He did not like to have his boar head and fur removed. Received no response, just felt his scalp start pulling slightly and felt his long hair being pulled back. Since he came out, no one cut it again and it grew out of control.

"Like this it won't bother your face, and won't hinder your vision." When he finished tying the ribbon in a nice bow, he put the precious animal head back on.

Before they could say anything, they both fell into a hole that opened under their feet. The situation caught the younger one by surprise, who started screaming trying to control his body in midair. They fell non-stop into a hole that seemed endless. Inosuke envied the ease with which his mentor did it. Surely he would have gone through that situation many times. The man on his feet when the sudden ground came, unlike the wild boy, who crashed. He made multiple groans, rolling a little and getting up. Began to drop a bunch of expletives and gross complaints, one after another, as he spun around and kicked into nothing. Hardly seemed to breathe.

"Agh, shut up!" Kaigaku's jovial and annoyed voice echoed in that echoing room, capturing the other's attention.

"Hah?!" stopped walking in circles to head furiously towards the dark demon. Was not stopped by Kokushibou, that was no longer his concern. "You shut up!" He finished arriving to face him from a lower height, but he was not distressed.

"It's you who doesn't stop bellowing like a baby! You've been here a minute and you've already breacked my balls very hard!" he jabbed the pad of her index finger under Inosuke's chin, forcing him to raise the head.

"I'm not a baby, idiot!" swatted him to remove the damn finger. Instead, he grabbed Kaigaku by the clothes, pulling him in a menacing way. "You don't order me, coalhead!" a nickname, Kaigaku did nothing but sharpen his gaze and shorten the distance between them until their noses collided.

"Listen to me, little princess of woods! I don't care who you are, what you are for or how you look, if you're going to be bothering me I won't contain myself in beat you!"

"Do it, coward!" his smile of interest and emotion appeared then, causing a confused and incredulous grimace in Kaigaku, who did not know how to answer that. The wild boy was supposed to react the opposite way...

Before he could think to ask what the heck that guy had on his bluish head, Kibutsuji's heavy presence was felt over their bodies as Nakime's strings vibrated. Kokushibou dropped to one knee gently and Kaigaku eagerly rushed to imitate him. He put the hand on Inosuke's head and bent him down with all his might, forcing him to kneel down. But the other kid refused, and under a gasp of effort, freed himself from the elder demon, rose and watched Muzan from his position, showing no respect or devotion to him. He even frowned at him.

Already, it was over. It was the boy's end. That was what those present thought. And to their surprise... Kibutsuji completely ignored his wild and disobedient forms. Kokushibou could understand why a little, but the other two couldn't. One would not even speak, and the other was too scared thinking what would happen to him if he objected. They knew what that was... Inosuke was Muzan's new favorite.

But no, they were wrong. It was simply their deal, their agreement. Inosuke didn't have to prove anything to him, and Kibutsuji didn't have to punish him for it. The clauses were clear; power and "good life" in exchange for fidelity only in battle. Nothing else entered.

"I never imagined being a witness to this again." the great demon spoke about silence. "It feels..." he paused. "Nostalgic, isn't it, Kokushibou, Nakime?" They both nodded without making a single sound. "It's good to see that customs are not lost. They are almost the living image of Douma and Akaza when... they played to kill each other." Inosuke rolled his eyes and crossed the arms. Didn't even know who Kaaza was. "Leaving memories aside... You have to work, your ration of blood isn't free. And you already know what happens to those who stop meeting my expectations." His hard gaze was chilling, so much so that the wild boy was still not used to it. And never would. Muzan plunged deeply into the two young men, one feeling that he might die at that moment, and the other who did not care what kind of fool was in front of him. "Kaigaku.

"Yes, my lord!" He ducked the head, to which Inosuke giggled loudly enough that only he would listen. That ignited the anger of the lightning demon, who almost broke his teeth clenching.

"You will collaborate with Kiba in this mission."

"WHAT?!" It was the turn of Inosuke to lose the control, and Kaigaku returned it with the same coin; giving him a sly laugh that made the wild kid red with fury.