Final, And Blissful, Preparations

Hello everyone and welcome to the latest chapter for 'Breath of the Rifleman'! Our little lull in the action is about to come to an abrupt end with this chapter, so hopefully you'll all enjoy this little calm before the bullet storm! And as per the usual, I'd like to thank LoneTaker, groche9655 and Noble Eight for their contributions to this story. And with no guest review questions this week, happy to hear you're doing well DCDGojira, let's get on to the story!

Daytime: The Butterfly Estate

The quiet of the day was being repeatedly shattered by the piercing sound of gunfire as Subaru shot target after target with his M1918 submachine gun. While he had basically completed the Pillar Training, he knew he couldn't let his aim slide, especially not when he was familiarizing himself with so many new weapons. And to a degree, he'd missed the smell of gunpowder somewhat given that he hadn't really been able to fire a gun during all the physical training. Though even the usual feeling of adrenaline he'd get from doing a shooting course couldn't put a smile on his face right now, not after the happenings of the last couple of days.

Flashback: Home of the Stone Pillar

"I really wish you could come with me to see Giyuu," said Tanjiro as the two of them walked along the training area, "you and him haven't had a lot of chances to speak even with the Pillar Training going on."

"Believe me I would go with you right now if I could," said Subaru as he adjusted his rifle and supplies, doing one final check to ensure everything was in its proper place, "but after the scolding we got from the higher-ups, it'd be unwise to ignore a summons from Oyakata himself. Not to mention, at least one of us needs to visit Nezuko soon. I'm sure she'll be getting lonely by now even if she is in someone else's care."

"Well, if you do get done with your meeting early, at least try to visit Giyuu," said Tanjiro, "I was finally able to convince him that he earned his title of Hashira just like the others, so he could use more people to talk too."

"I'll see what I can do on that front," said Subaru, "but I can't promise anything."

"I can't ask for much more than that at the moment," said Tanjiro as they passed one of the large rocks. Though unlike the others, this one had someone sitting on it. "Oh Zenitsu, there you are! Have you been able to move the boulder?"

"Not yet," replied Zenitsu without turning around to face them.

"Oh okay," said Tanjiro, "Subaru and I are heading off to the next training, will you be okay? You haven't said much at all lately and I'm starting to get worried." Indeed, the usually loud and whiny slayer hadn't had any kind of outburst ever since he received that letter from Jinora.

"Okay, good luck," said Zenitsu simply while still facing away from them.

"Look I don't care that much personally, but at least give us some clue as to what's bugging you right now," said Subaru, "otherwise Tanjiro's just gonna keep prodding until you do tell."

"I just," Zenitsu began, "have come to terms with what I need to do, no, what I have to do."

"Did something happen recently?" Questioned Tanjiro, "is there anything we can do to help?"

"You and Subaru should worry about doing what you need to do," said Zenitsu, "I appreciate the help both of you have given me up to this point, but this is something that only I can do."

"But if it helps," said Jinora as she came walking out from behind the boulder, "I'll be keeping an eye on him. I know you only met me yesterday, but I promise I know what's going on right now. So please, leave this to us." Tanjiro and Subaru both searched her features, looking for any sign that she was being untruthful. After all, it was an older woman who'd screwed Zenitsu over in the first place. But after a minute of scrutiny, they found no hint of malice or deceit from her.

"Just remember he's a womanizer," reminded Subaru as he and Tanjiro turned to leave, "and contact us immediately if you do need any help."

"I will, thank you both," said Jinora with a small smile. The two slayers descended the mountain then and bid each other farewell once their paths had to split.

A Day or So Later: The Main Demon Slayer Compound

Much like his trip to the Swordsmith Village, Subaru wasn't allowed to see or hear the route he was being taken on as he was passed from one transporter to the next. They even tossed him into a couple of carriages and at one point, a car as well until he finally arrived at the compound. It was very much the same as it was before as he entered the garden, with the main difference being the lack of angry Hashira wanting him and his friends executed. Though he was still met with a surprise upon reaching the main entrance of Ubuyashiki's residence. "Well, well, well," said an older man who was currently polishing his makiri knife, "about time you got here, I've been sitting around for almost an hour."

"DAD!" Exclaimed Subaru as he rushed over and embraced his father, "what are you doing here?!"

"Got a message that Oyakata needed to see me," replied Saburo as he hugged his son back, "I got no idea why, but just being able to see my son again in one piece makes going through all that security and misdirection worth it. Tell me, did you really-?"

"Hantengu is dead," affirmed Subaru with a nod, "I watched him burn alive by sunlight myself after stabbing his main body with my knife. All that's left of him now, is in here." He pointed to his head as he said that.

"I was worried sick when I read the first part of that letter," said Saburo as a few tears fell from his eyes, "but once I read it and understood that he was truly dead, I was relieved. I'd always hoped that someone would kill that monster some day, and to think it was my own son who wound up doing it. I'm so proud of how much you've accomplished, even if I was against the idea at first."

"It is understandable that you would be," said the familiar voice of Gyomei as he also came walking into view, "this life is not for the feint of heart. But after fighting alongside him, I can assure you your fears were unfounded."

"Ah Gyomei, is that you," said Saburo as he shook the tall Slayer's hand, "the last time I saw you was when you were a teenager, just starting out. Guess it's been more than a few years now."

"It is good to see you are also in good health, Saburo Genjirou," replied Gyomei, "the years hardly seem to have diminished your strength."

"No need to be so formal with an old man like me," said Saburo, "I haven't been part of the Corps in a long time."

"Father hopes you will temporarily reconsider that," said one of the white-haired twins of the Demon Slayer head before they both spoke, "he is ready to see you now. Please, follow us." The three slayers nodded as they were led down a short hallway and into a mostly empty room, save for the mat in the middle of the floor. And on it, was Kaguya Ubuyashiki who was now wrapped up in enough bandages that one might assume he was a mummy or a burn victim. The purple infection which had been present over his eyes had also spread, now covering much of his upper body.

"Ah, it seems my children have arrived," said Ubuyashiki weakly, "please, sit down so that we may welcome our other guests." His daughters nodded before going to the opposite door and opening it to reveal Yushiro and Tamayo.

"What, Genjirou, you're here too?" Said a surprised Yushiro.

"That's my line," said Subaru, "weren't you both back at the Butterfly Estate working with Shinobu?"

"We were summoned here by your leader just like you were, I imagine," said Tamayo.

"You were all summoned because you are the ones I need now," said Ubuyashiki, "please, sit down." They complied with his request as everyone kneeled around the bed of the sick leader. "Speaking is more difficult than it used to be, so I'll try and keep this simple. At some point in the next five days, Muzan Kibutsuji…will find this place."

"WHAT?!" Said an alarmed Yushiro, "you told us this place was safe from him! We haven't even been here a year and you're telling us Muzan already knows about this hideout?!"

"Please be calm," said Gyomei, "Oyakata would not be telling us this if he did not already have a plan. Tell us, why is it you believe Muzan will arrive here within that time?"

"No real reason," said Ubuyashiki as he laughed weakly, "it's just something my instincts are telling me."

"Instinct," repeated Yushiro, "that's hardly proof of anything-."

"It's proof enough for me," said Saburo, "you haven't been hanging around here long enough to know, but the Ubuyashiki family line has tremendous instinct and I'm saying that as a Matagi hunter. They built their wealth and avoided numerous disasters by relying on it over the centuries, so if he's expecting Muzan himself to show up soon then it's probably right on the money."

"So, we should probably talk about this 'plan' that Oyakata has already got cooked up by the sound of it," said Subaru.

"Indeed," said Ubuyashiki, "as hunters, I imagine you two will understand the merits of this plan better than most. And as for you, Gyomei, you are likely the only one of my children who will understand my reasonings for this particular plan." He then proceeded to lay out what it was he intended to do and the parts each of them would play. It wasn't a long explanation and there were a few details that needed to be ironed out, but it was a solid plan.

Despite that, Subaru couldn't keep from clenching his fists in frustration. "I understand I'm asking a lot of you, young Genjirou," said Ubuyashiki, somehow picking up on his apprehension.

"That's an understatement," said Subaru, "Father has served you faithfully before and I've got nothing but gratitude for your sanctioning of my, Nezuko and Tanjiro's situation. And now you're asking us to do something that the entire rest of the Corps will likely hate us for. Moreover, what makes you think we'd be capable of going through with it?"

"The day you were here on trial," answered Ubuyashiki, "I heard you were willing to kill Sanemi to save Nezuko. I imagine young Tanjiro was much the same, but there's a slight difference between the two of you that makes you better suited for this. You understand what it is to kill mercifully…."

Flashback End

"Subaru, Subaru!" Called the voice of Shinobu, breaking the Matagi out of the rest of the memory. "The sun's starting to go down, why don't you consider coming inside before I get complaints about everyone being kept awake."

"Right, on my way," said the Matagi as he cleared his M1917 of the remaining rounds before putting a fresh magazine in it. He then slung it over his shoulder before picking up a few other items and beginning the walk back with Shinobu. "By the way, thanks for helping me improve on form six, I can better sustain the technique's duration now."

"You're quite welcome," said Shinobu, "it's the least I could do after the heartfelt plea you gave for me not to die. After all this time I didn't think I could be talked out of it so easily."

"Hey I still owe you more," said Subaru, "Like I said before, if not for you and the girls at the mansion here, Tanjiro and I would've been long dead. Which reminds me, I got a little something for you." The two stopped at the porch as Subaru produced one of his sleeve pistols. He now carried two of them, along with two knives thanks to his bayonet being a flipout now, and two revolvers with one on each hip. He was going to need all the firepower he could get with what was coming up. "For you, an unconventional gift to the slayer who fights unconventionally."

"I remember firing this one a few times," said Shinobu as she accepted the miniature firearm, "it has more recoil than one would assume from something so small." She tested it out by sliding it down her sleeve. "My, it really is easy to hide."

"The last backup after the backup fails," said Subaru as he produced his other sleeve pistol before quickly sliding it back down his sleeve, "it's saved my ass on more than a couple of occasions and I doubt anyone would see it coming from you."

"Thank you," said Shinobu as she practiced the sleight of hand trick with the sleeve pistol a couple more times, "for so long I assumed my inability to cut off a demon's head was a weakness. But now I see, all I needed to do was get a little more creative. With luck, this'll prove very useful."

"There's, one more thing I should probably tell you," said Subaru, "I know you hate demons, but you were still willing to give Nezuko a chance when few others would. So, if you're able, could you keep that same open mind now?"

"I suppose I can," said Shinobu with a hint of concern in her voice, "but whatever you have to tell me, it can't be that bad, can it?"

"Guess we'll see," said Subaru as he removed his eyepatch and took a deep breath, "Domain." The mansion was suddenly gone as Shinobu and Subaru found themselves in a mountain forest.

"W-what, where am I?!" Said a surprised Shinobu as she looked around the area, "and how did you do that?"

"It's an ability called 'Domain', apparently," explained Subaru, "it's something that only very powerful demons should be able to use. Though I can't maintain it for too long."

"Only powerful demons…," Shinobu trailed off as she slowly looked at Subaru, "are you…a demon?"

"Half right," said the voice of Momiji as she appeared, her hands raised as Shinobu drew her sword and pointed it at her, "easy, it was my idea to bring you here. My name's Momiji, I've been living in Subaru's mind for a few years. A pleasure to finally meet you in person, Shinobu Kocho."

"Living in Subaru's mind?" Repeated the Insect Pillar, "that doesn't make any sense. How can a demon live in someone's mind?"

"You remember I told you about Hantengu attacking and killing most of my family," said Subaru as he touched his scar, "I mentioned I got this during the attack. It was caused by his blood aparentally. Turns out, it went deeper than I thought and changed me over the years but due to all the wisteria around my father and I, Muzan's curse never took over nor was I ever fully turned into a demon. The result, Hantengu's attachment formerly known as Azakeru, or 'Mockery' before absorbing the rest of him formed in my mind. For all intents and purposes, I'm effectively the one and only known half demon walking around Japan right now."

"This…...explains a lot," said Shinobu with a sigh as she lowered her sword, "your healing, your strength, your immunity to demon poisons, the demon mark and the weird occurrence Tokitou and Sanemi saw while fighting you. But why tell me this?"

"As said, you were more open-minded about the whole thing, like Giyuu," said Momiji, "we haven't told the other Hashira quite yet because it's already been a chore convincing some of them to accept Nezuko. Can you imagine Sanemi not wanting to kill Subaru upon learning about his condition?"

"I suppose that's a fair point," conceded Shinobu as she sheathed her sword, "this is still a lot to take in. Naturally, I'll want to examine you and I imagine Tamayo will most certainly be onboard with studying your blood if she hasn't been already. But for now, we'll keep our focus on Muzan."

"Just so long as you don't prick us in the back, we'll be good," said Momiji as she noted the forest starting to disappear, "looks like we're about at our limit now. But before you go," she reached out and hugged Shinobu suddenly, "your sister always wondered if you'd be able to make friends with demons. Well now you have two, congratulations. And please, be safe. Ever since Saburo trained you and your sister, I've considered you practically family."

She pulled away then, smiling despite the tears in her eyes, "Whatever happens, I'm glad I was able to meet you at least once." She disappeared then along with the rest of the forest as Shinobu found herself back at the entrance to the mansion. Subaru, meanwhile, was a little out of breath.

"Still takes a bit out of me to use it for an extended period of time," said Subaru, "so it's more of an ace in the hole than anything. Also, sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I wasn't sure how you'd react."

"Make no mistake," said Shinobu as she pointed a finger at him, "I'm still a little angry at you for not sharing this before now. But, after everything you, Tanjiro and Nezuko have done for the Corps, I see no real reason not to accept you as you are."

"Thanks Shinobu," said Subaru with a smile, "now then I gotta head off. There's an important engagement about to happen that I do not want to miss." He bowed quickly then and hurried to his room in the Butterfly Estate. He hadn't intended for it to get filled with as much firearms equipment as it had, but that just goes to show how much time he and Tanjiro have spent at this particular mansion.

Though that wasn't his biggest concern at the moment as he deposited his stuff and slipped out of his training gear. He got washed up a bit more quickly than usual, not wanting to smell like sweat and gunpowder but also not wanting to take too long. After all, it was never polite to keep a girl waiting if one could avoid it. And before long, he found himself standing at the door to the room Nezuko had been using.

"Hey, Nezuko," called the Matagi as he knocked on the door, "it's Subaru. Hopefully I'm not running late, are you in there?" He got his answer in just a few moments as the door was almost flung open before Nezuko leapt out and threw her arms around the Rifleman's neck.

"SUBARU!" She sang happily, "you made it just in time, and you even wore the kimono I picked out for you."

"It honestly feels a little weird wearing this after having the slayer uniform on for so long," said Subaru as he adjusted the dark blue robes his girlfriend had picked out for him. They were adorned with simple, white bird designs, not that Subaru minded terribly what was on it. Ever since the 'uniform' he had to wear while training with Mitsuri, even something as simple as this felt quite fancy.

"Well you're off demon slaying tonight," said Nezuko with a toothy smile, "so let's get you something to eat." She looped her arms around his then and led him out to the porch by the garden where a table with food had been set up.

"Explain to me again how you were able to get Shinobu to agree to this?" Asked Subaru as the two of them sat down across from each other.

"Nezuko asked the girls really nicely," she explained, "and they asked Aoi nicely who asked Kanao nicely, and then we all asked Shinobu nicely. Aoi says Shinobu never could say no to the little ones."

"And yet I get the feeling the little ones didn't make this meal," said Subaru as he took a few bites of onigiri. She really had relearned quite a bit in such a short time from speaking to cooking and numerous other tasks. Obviously she still needed work on a lot of them, but it was still remarkable progress in comparison to what she'd been before.

"They helped Nezuko make it," she said with a smile and a tilt of her head, "there's a lot I don't remember how to do, but they've all helped me remember a few things."

"Write another one down on the list of things Tanjiro and I owe the staff here," said Subaru, "because this meal is pretty good, and I can't thank them enough for keeping you company while we're both gone."

"Nezuko does get lonely when you and big brother leave," said the demon girl as she put her hand on Subaru's, "but I know you have important things to do, and I know you're trying to help me while doing that important stuff."

"From what I hear, it won't be much longer," said Subaru as he intertwined his fingers with hers, "you'll be back to your old self again, and then we can all go home."

"Subaru," said Nezuko, "I've always wondered: what if the cure doesn't work? What if I stay a demon forever? What would you do?"

"Nezuko," said Subaru with a smile and a shake of his head, "I never cared in the first place that you were a demon. I wanted to turn you human again so you didn't have to keep fighting that terrible hunger of yours and so you could walk in the sun again. The latter part's solved now, and even if Tamayo's cure doesn't work she still might be able to do something about your appetite. So to answer your question, I'd keep on loving you for as long as I could. And once we take out Muzan, you'll be able to live happily whether or not the cure works."

"Nezuko feels terrible that you and big brother have to keep going through this," she said, "you shouldn't have to hurt so much because of me."

"Hey," said Subaru as he put his hand on her head and gave it a quick pat, "none of this is your fault, just like it wasn't Tanjiro's fault or my fault for not showing up earlier three years ago. As much as I hate to admit it, none of us could've done anything about what happened. If swordsmen and women as powerful as Giyuu, Shinobu, Tokitou, Mitsuri or Rengoku couldn't kill him on their own, then what chance did we have? But now we do have a chance, now we're far more prepared than before and when we take the fight to that bastard we'll make sure that he regrets not leaving us alone to live our lives on that mountain. So even if it has been a long and painful journey, I'd gladly do it all over again if it meant I could make you smile."

"Subaru," said Nezuko as a few tears of joy came to her eyes before the two pressed their foreheads together. They didn't need to say anything, opting instead to just let this moment last for a little longer. When they finally did separate, it was with smiles on their faces as they switched the topic to whatever strange or hilarious happenings had occurred over the last several weeks. When dinner was finished, the two set the bowls and plates aside in a nice, neat stack so the other three girls could easily retrieve them and went for a walk around the mansion garden.

They held hands the entire time and enjoyed the sight of the nearly full moon and stars, happy that the weather had cooperated for such a clear night. Their conversation, and their laughter, continued throughout this little walk as they managed to forget about everything for a little bit. Right now, they didn't have to think about Muzan or demons or preparations for an all-out battle. Right now, they were just enjoying each other's company like any couple would. And as Nezuko put her arms around his neck and pulled him in for another kiss, Subaru was half-tempted to stand there with her all night.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end and the need for air eventually forced them to separate. The two then took one last trip around the garden before heading in with Nezuko hanging on Subaru's arm the whole way. When they finally made it back to Nezuko's room, she released the Hunter's arm as he opened her door for her. "Sorry I haven't been able to do this more often," said Subaru, "I'll need to get caught up on taking you out when this is all over."

"Nezuko really enjoyed it," she said with a smile as she stopped in the doorway, "she's glad she could spend this time with you."

"Well, you're the one who set everything up," said Subaru, "so I can't really take much credit for it. But next time, your brother and I will set up a great date for you in one of your favorite places." The Matagi wanted to say more but stopped himself. 'I really could ask the question now, but that might jinx the whole thing,' he thought until Nezuko placed a hand on his wrist.

"But how can there be a next time, when this date isn't over?" Nezuko seemed to question. Subaru tilted his head in mild confusion before he was suddenly yanked into the girl's room by her surprising strength with the door closing and locking behind him. She gave him no time to ask what was going on as she crashed her lips into his, pushing them both onto the bed. Despite his surprise, Subaru melted into the kiss and returned one of his one as they continued to kiss passionately for almost a full minute.

When they finally did break apart slightly, Nezuko was looking down at him with a smile and a longing in her eyes. "You don't have to lie to Nezuko," she said, "I know, you and brother are about to do the most dangerous thing you've done yet. There's no telling what could happen."

"Nezuko," said Subaru, "I don't want you thinking about that. We can't leave any room for doubt or hesitation now, we have to believe-mmmff!" He was silenced by another kiss from the demon girl before she retreated slightly and spoke again.

"Nezuko loves Subaru," she said, "and Nezuko loves big brother. So I'll worry, even if it's certain you'll both come back. That's why Nezuko, that's why whether I end up a human or a demon in the end, I want this to be a night, we'll remember for the rest of our lives." She pulled him into a softer kiss this time as the two put their arms around each other.

They let their instincts take over from there as their hands explored each other's bodies and the night became more and more like a dream. Before long, they lost track of time, lost track of where they were, and everything else as they focused on enjoying this moment of passion. However many minutes, however many hours passed, neither of them knew or cared. And when they finally drifted off to sleep, bare skin pressing together as they held each other in their arms, they both knew that this was indeed a night, neither of them would ever forget.

The Next Day: Kabedon's Former Mansion

'Gotta admit, I never thought I'd find a use for this place, at least not so soon,' thought Subaru as he stood outside the mansion where he, Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke slayed several demons including a former lower moon. He'd had Izayoi and the Corps take care of the deed and had left the house for their use until he had a need for it. Now it was swarming with activity as Kakushi moved to and fro, carrying boxes, swords, guns, and explosives of all kinds. The mansion had proven to be a pretty good store house for such things thanks to its massive size.

"We've completed the main inventory," said Izayoi who was standing next to the Rifleman with a checklist in his hands, "all the necessary equipment that was needed immediately was already shipped out. We also have the requested items in store here and are preparing them for transport. How much do you believe we'll need?"

"I'm sure Oyakata already told you that," said Subaru, "but if he needs a second opinion then it's this, bring all we can carry and then some. We can't afford to spare any expense for the prey in our sights tomorrow."

"We'll move everything as fast as we can then," said Izayoi, "your own equipment is already on its way to the designated location."

"Thank you," said Subaru as he glanced up at the cloud sky, "the hunter's moon is tomorrow, how fitting. One way or the other, tomorrow night, everything will turn red."

Night of the Hunter's Moon: Outside the Main Demon Slayer Compound

Subaru again found it funny the way things were turning out. He'd spent two years learning how to be a Demon Slayer and a year or so doing the job while learning to get stronger from them. Yet now here he sat, hidden among bushes in a blind he and Izayoi had constructed from nets and the surrounding foliage as he prayed for a bountiful hunt with his rifle sitting in front of him. He'd checked everything he could think of from his equipment to the blind to the areas of approach and whatever else Ubuyashiki had suggested.

As far as he knew, there was nothing left to prepare. So now he waited for his prey like the hunter he was born and raised to be, his senses and instincts as in tune as he could make them. And that's when he heard it, or rather the absence of it. The owls and other birds had stopped speaking, even the crickets in the immediate area had gone silent and Shika had tensed before landing on the branch right above the blind. Subaru opened his eyes then, feeling the time had come as he loaded a round into his rifle and looked out onto the Ubuyashiki estate.

Sure enough, there he stood. A monster in the shape of a man with a slightly different outfit from last time. He had no hat on like before and instead wore a dark coat draped over his shoulders with a vest that just might have been snakeskin. Fitting, given the slimy, disgusting nature of the one known as Muzan Kibutsuji.

Subaru could feel every muscle in his body tense as the fibers of his very being begged him to pull the trigger and end the nightmare which was currently standing in the garden talking to the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps and his wife. But the Matagi held himself back, forcing his breathing and heart rate into an even and slow rhythm, hiding his bloodlust, and killing intent like his father taught him to do. He only needed to wait a little longer, just a little bit longer. As he waited, he adjusted his position slightly, ensuring he was on target.

And then he saw it, the signal as his two daugthers stopped playing their game of catch. If anyone asked him about that night, he'd swear they'd all looked right towards him as he fired his shot. The sound of the rifle broke the silence of the night as the bullet impacted on a spot right behind Muzan's feet. Then the entire mansion was engulfed in flames as a massive explosion blasted it apart in its entirety. "May you hear pleasant sounds in the next life," said Subaru, trying not to grit his teeth at what he'd just done.

Even if it was Ubuyashiki's orders, even if they'd all agreed to it, Subaru still felt a bite of fury at himself. He'd just killed the Leader of the Demon Slayer Corps along with his wife and two children. But he couldn't let that stop him for the moment as he loaded another round into his rifle and took aim again. For on this night, the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji, had begun.

And with the first strike it has begun, with Muzan being really pissed off. And as said, this battle is only getting started. In the meantime, feel free to leave a comment or review about what you liked/disliked or if you've got any neat ideas for future chapters. Be sure to stop in next time as the Corps goes on an all out assault against Muzan and his remaining demons. 'til then.