Fuck.
That is the only word that comes to mind, considering what is standing in front of me.
Muscular arms and legs, with thick blue striped tattoos. The markings of a criminal.
Pink hair and a wide grin, but the thing that scares me most is his eyes. There are kanji in both of them, they dictate his rank and power.
Upper Moon Three.
I've always had good luck in life, but it seems today is the day that it runs out. I'm not so conceited that I think that I'll survive this.
If the Upper Moons are as powerful as we think they are, then it is most certainly my end.
Fifty-three years old, not a bad age to die. I've been a Hashira for almost thirty years now, the time has flown by.
Joining the Demon Slayer Corps at twenty-one, becoming a Hashira at twenty-four. Is this where my thirty year journey ends?
What am I doing? Thinking about dying here, I really have gotten old. So old that the boy could push me even when he was weakened.
But that's got nothing to do with my age, he is just that strong. I never would have thought that the scrawny boy we were introduced to would go on to become somebody like that.
A Hashira already, less than two years after picking up a sword for the first time. He'll do it, I'm sure of it.
"What's your name?"
The silence is shattered alongside my daydreams, Upper Moon Three has spoken.
"Kojiro Hideki, the Leaf Hashira."
If I really am going out here, I'll carve my final moments deep into his core. He will never forget this for as long as his existence continues.
Leaves fall all around us, creating a veil that hides this encounter away from the world itself.
It's funny, I never thought my final moments would be in a forest. Very fitting for the first and last Leaf Hashira.
"I am Akaza. Your fighting spirit is honed right down to the hilt, but it'll never be good enough. Do you know why that is?"
He sounds almost melancholic as he speaks, his mouth contorts and his eyes focus on me as if he is seeing something that only he can see.
Fighting spirit? Is this part of his Demon Blood Art, can he gauge the strength of an opponent just by looking at them?
Whatever, it doesn't matter what he can or can't do. All I have to do is chop his head off before he can use anything.
"Because you're human, you're weak. You've already started to decline and your skills will follow suit. Become a demon and you'll be able to fight at your strongest forever. Age won't bother you and your wounds will disappear. Become a demon, Hideki."
His words fill me with rage, an emotion that I work so hard to repress. He reaches his hand out towards me, as if he is a messiah offering salvation.
I can feel the fire that has been reignited inside me. I'll fight until there is nothing left. If my sword breaks, I'll use my hands. If they break, my feet. If they break, my teeth.
Until I have nothing left, I'll fight.
Become a demon? Why would I ever want to do that? Those beasts that have taken so much from so many, why would I become one of them.
I can see them in my mind's eye, lying in the snow. It has already taken on their colour, a deep red that spreads and spreads.
Even though the snow was falling and the cold wind was blowing, all I could feel was heat. It was like every nerve in my body had been set aflame.
My wife lay atop our daughter, an attempt to shield her from whatever had attacked. That attempt had failed.
Insides had been scattered everywhere, but the offender was nowhere to be seen. They had butchered my family and left.
I later found out that this was a demon, because somebody arrived at my house and said so. A man in a patterned kimono that looked like the sky and the clouds.
Sakonji, to think that it has been so long since that day. It was you who taught me how to fight, and then you became a Hashira. I used your Water Breathing, but this style suits me far more. A style of my own creation.
That journey has led here, to this moment. To this situation that could result in my death.
"I refuse."
Through gritted teeth, I give him my reply. It takes everything I have to quell my anger, I need to fight calmly.
"Then you will die."
As soon as he speaks, he takes a martial arts stance. I don't know which one it is, but his stance is incredible.
He crouches down, with his left arm out in front of him. One palm is open, but the other is clenched tight. This is somebody who has trained relentlessly, even if he is a demon.
"Technique Development: Compass Needle."
An incredible aura surrounds him, one that makes me hesitate for a moment. If it can have this effect on a Hashira, then anybody else might faint from it.
From his stance and the grin on his face I can tell that he is inviting me to attack, it's what he wants me to do. If that is what he wants, I'll give it to him. This time, I can use it properly at it's full strength.
"Leaf Breathing, Third Form: Koyo."
I used this one against the boy, but it wasn't good enough. But that helped me understand it more, and now it is better.
Left, right, left, right. I sway in time with a silent rhythm, shifting my body weight from side to side.
Faster and faster, I sway until I can barely keep my movement contained. When I was younger, I could do this much faster. Instead, I have to compensate for my age.
Forwards, my feet carry me towards the enemy. They are silent as they dance over the leaves. My movement is so unpredictable, even I am not sure where I will strike.
Even with the swaying, his eyes never leave me. He is tracking every single movement with ease, he almost looks bored. Normally that would infuriate me, but now it just forces me to push myself harder.
For the first time in as long as I can remember, I am the one at a disadvantage. The demon in front of me is the stronger one, the tables have turned. It's an unusual feeling, but it serves to push me further.
I've killed Lower Moons with ease, four of them in total. But they don't even compare to the feeling that this man gives off, the difference is laughable. Twenty Lower Moons wouldn't be enough to make up the difference here.
The distance between us is covered in a second and our duel truly begins, a hidden fight that shakes the power balance of two organisations.
Whoever survives wins, that is the only rule for this bout. Come sunrise, one of us will be dead. Winner takes all.
My blade feels heavier than normal, but that is not enough to deter me. It moves faster than ever, even with the weight of my future added to it.
I sway left and as I move right again, I swing with all of my weight. Steel blurs brilliantly, caught by a solitary beam of moonlight. The nichirin shines as it seeks to fulfill it's duty.
But it can't do that because of what is in front of it. Even though I could not see my own movement, Akaza has blocked it. Did he see it? Or is it instinct?
It doesn't matter. Faster. I need to be faster. I need to move so fast that there is no way he can see it. If his instincts are the best they can be, I just need to be even better. That is how it has always been.
He blocked it with his hand, but that meant sacrificing the limb. The nichirin cleaves through his wrist but the trajectory was offset by the blow. It does not reach his neck and he returns fire.
The opening blow was mine, but striking with all my weight has left my balance dependent on one foot entirely.
He moves to the opening, his fist shooting forward to end my life in one blow. It is aimed right at my stomach, getting hit there will mean the end. My organs will paint the surrounding greenery.
Calm down. Think. How did the boy do it? It was something like this, twisting like this was how he did it.
I twist my body and evade the blow that should have killed me. It's exactly how the boy did it, but not as fast as he is. I'm sure the next time I try that, I'll die.
But in this brief moment of surprise, I find my opening.
My momentum carries me forward, like a hawk swooping towards it's prey. I feel my entire body shift to my right as I lean and strike again. This time, even the moonlight cannot reach my blade.
It's exhilarating, the sing of steel as it traces an invisible line that leads to the end. In these moments, everything clicks. I feel alive again, I feel whole. The blood that flows through me ignites and I can feel something incredible.
I'm on the tip of a precipice, my body burns brilliantly. It feels like something is about to happen, something incredible. I know that if this does not land, I will die. If I do not strike here, I will die.
Something within me understands that and I feel superhuman, as if I can do anything. It's as if thirty years have disappeared and I have regained my strength.
My veins explode with power, my grip tightens and the steel screams under the pressure. The blade gains even more speed, destroying anything that might get near it. What is this feeling? I feel like the most powerful man in the world.
There is no way that he can block or deflect this strike, it will annihilate any defence he attempts. This strike is it, a strike with every ounce of power that I have ever had. I can feel it, their expectations and lives have tempered this steel.
At this moment, I am the stronger one. I can see it in his eyes, the surprise that he shows as he stares at my face. His eyes are fixed on one position, but I won't fall for it.
His surprise is overcome by determination. It's impossible, but he matches my speed instantly.
Even if he blocks it, it will go straight through his arm and his neck. The blade has far too much power and momentum behind it. It is the perfect strike.
It is so perfect that I can't believe it, I have never felt this before. Everything moves in unison, as if the world revolves around me. I feel like I am the centre of the universe.
And just like that, my blade stops. The unstoppable force has been thwarted. The ice cold grip of death has seized hold of my arm and it refuses to let go.
Instead of focusing on the blade, Upper Moon Three has seized hold of my wrist and stopped the movement of my arm.
"Let go!"
I roar at him, striking at him with my free left arm. I rain blow after blow down on his face. My strength has grown immensely, his nose bursts and his eye sockets shatter. The bones in my hand implode and shatter, but still I keep on punching. It is not enough, because he does not let go.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Shit. It's breaking. Tearing. Splitting. Rending. Snapping. Separating. Gone.
The feeling of pain that races through me overcomes anything I have ever felt before, like a flood of hellfire that baptises me anew. The sound of something impossible roars through the forest, followed by a sickening squelch as tendons part.
Blood sprays in the moonlight, like a pipe bursting from incredible pressure. My arm has been torn from my body, taking my only means of defence with it.
I can't breathe. Everything is frozen. Time does not move, because the concept of time has been overridden by pain. Pain dominates everything, it takes precedence. My nerves are crushed by the pressure.
Move.
Move.
Move.
Move.
MOVE.
Their faces come to me once more, lying in the snow. Expressions of terror forever painted upon them, the look on my daughters face as she reached towards a saviour who would never come.
Compared to that, even this life ending pain can fuck off. I'm so angry that I can't even organise my thoughts properly, all I can do is rage against the situation.
I'm on my knees, I don't even remember falling. The leaves beneath me are soaked with my blood, I'll die soon. I know that. There is no Breathing Technique that regrows arms.
Minori-san, Atsuko. I hope you're watching, I'll be with you soon.
"If you were a demon, that would heal in an instant. Say you'll do it, say that you'll become a demon!"
Ah, my hearing is fading. I can barely hear him, even though he is shouting. My senses are dulled. I don't know if that is because of the pain or death rushing towards me.
But even now, standing on the edge of the abyss, I will never become a demon.
Riko, I'm sorry. I treated you like a daughter, but we didn't get to say goodbye. Even after you poured your heart out to me, I was unable to save your heart. I'm sorry.
Sakonji, thank you. Because of you, I was able to save so many people. From the bottom of my heart, I am truly thankful to you.
Oyakata-sama, you always believed in me. Maybe I should have retired, but that isn't an option anymore. Thank you.
"Shut up… bastard."
My voice comes out as little more than a dry whisper, but it carries far enough to be heard. The embers of my soul flare up, and I find the strength to stand.
It hurts, it hurts so much. My nerves are being forced against a grindstone, but still I stand. Because they all had it worse than I do, I will not just lay down and die.
My sword is out of reach, still clutched tight in the hand of my right arm. Even though the limb is not there anymore, I can still feel it.
My balance is shaky, but I can still move. The pain should have killed me by now, but I refuse. I will not give in, not until I burn everything I have left.
"I'm still alive…"
With as much strength as I can muster, I speak as loud as I can. It disturbs the atmosphere, and elicits a reaction out of the monster stood opposite me.
"Hideki… you…"
He gulps slightly before smiling widely and baring his teeth. It's blurry, my vision is narrowing even further.
"Come…"
With my mutilated left hand, I fire off the signal for the final assault. The final clash is here. Is this how Shinjuro felt?
But even if this is my end, I can rest easy because I know he'll do it one day. The blade that Kibutsuji has forged himself, the feelings that have lasted for a thousand years, have been tempered into a blade named Yoichi.
If anyone can do it, it'll be him. I can't tell you this now, but I believe in you. All of us do. Everybody will believe in you, even if they don't now. A time will come when the Demon Slayer Corps will rely on you more than anybody, it is then that you will know just how strong you are.
Ah, he's moving. He has accepted my challenge with vigor. Upper Moon Three is moving in for the kill.
I talked big, but my legs won't even move now. I'm a standing sandbag, something that will be blown away immediately.
He seems to only aim for my vitals, except for when he stopped my arm. But he did that because if he didn't, he would have died.
There is no point in wondering how he matched my speed, it's too late for that.
Is his fist even bigger?
No, it's just that my vision is that narrow.
This is it, the end.
"Papa, come on!"
Papa will be there soon, Atsuko. You don't have to wait any longer.
I feel the impact briefly, but it's already over by the time the full force of his punch hits. I'm sure my head has been smashed like an egg, splattered across everything in the vicinity.
Are those red spider lilies?
"Hideki-ossan is dead?"
Riko's voice trembles, as if the weight of the world has fallen down upon her shoulders. It's sunken into her core now, her knees buckle and I move to catch her before she can fall.
The news is devastating, but not just for us. Another Hashira is down, the numbers have fallen once again. Hashira are dropping like flies, which means that the organisation is weakening as a whole.
When a pillar is removed from it's place, the foundation of the thing it upholds weakens greatly. As of now, the Demon Slayer Corps is not far from collapsing. We desperately need a new generation of Hashira to sustain it.
I will do everything in my power to uphold the corps, even if it means I am the only one left. If the Corps falls apart, I will continue on my own.
Riko trembles against me, it is obvious that this has hit her even harder than I could have imagined.
The night's events do not leave my mind, but they are pushed back by what we have just learnt. Hideki-san is dead. Upper Moon Three.
Upper Moon Two was powerful enough to kill Shinjuro-san. If Upper Moon Three can kill Hideki-san, does that mean that all of the Upper Moons are capable of killing a Hashira?
If that is the case, then surely the Demon Slayer Corps would have been wiped out long ago. There must have been cases in which Hashira overcame Upper Moons, so that means all we have to do is overcome them again.
That is the only option left to us, so that is exactly what we will do. If I meet an Upper Moon, I will not leave without their head. Even if they are far stronger than I am, I will win.
I don't know what to say right now, so I hold Riko for a few moments as she sobs. It takes several minutes for her to compose herself, but when she does, I can tell it is a false composure.
She is lying to me and she is lying to herself. She is forcing herself to smile, one of the things that I hate the most. False smiles are evil, but I will hold my tongue because now is not the right moment.
She wants to say that it can't be helped, that it is something we should all be prepared for as we know the risks. But that doesn't change a thing, she has lost somebody incredibly important to her.
Our journey home is almost as silent as the trip here. A dense fog of solemnity has settled over the both of us, neither willing to speak. It is not like the awkwardness from before, but it might be even worse.
Even though the journey to headquarters is a week long, not a word is spoken between us. The only time we speak is when we are kneeling in the garden, in front of the master.
An emergency meeting has been called due to the nature of the situation. The Hashira have gathered, all of us that are left anyway.
"The longest serving Hashira has been killed. A moment's silence will be held for Hideki, the Leaf Hashira. He saved many people and made a difference in many lives, he will never be forgotten. His death will not be in vain. You may rest easy, Hideki."
The Master's voice is filled with melancholy, more proof that he cares deeply about all of us.
We fall silent, not even our breathing can be heard. Hideki-san was friends with these people for the longest time, so I can't imagine what it feels like for him to be gone.
Riko is hit the hardest, but she is still able to move on. That is a testament to just how strong she is, she will be able to get back up from this and carry on moving forward. As a person, not just as a Hashira, she is strong.
The unified silence of the strongest is something I hope never happens again. I hope there are no more moments of silence after this one, that no Hashira falls in battle upon meeting an Upper Moon.
"Yoichi, you carried out your duties splendidly. Even in the face of a tough decision, you saw them through until the end. You have heightened what it means to be a Hashira. You are granted one weeks respite from your duties upon returning home."
How can I afford to take a week off now, when everybody else will have to continue working their hardest?
"With all due respect, oyakata-sama, I do not think that rest is necessary."
I voice my opinion on the matter, as respectfully as possible. I should carry out my duties to the highest standard possible, even if I am not at a hundred percent.
"Yoichi, please rest. You have sustained great injuries recently and have only just recovered."
It is non-negotiable, I am to rest for a week. It will take me two weeks to get home and then I am to rest for another week. In total, that means three weeks off duty. It is not good enough, but I cannot argue further.
"Understood."
I will follow the Master's orders, even if I disagree with them. I'm sure everybody else here would feel the same.
The Hashira meeting progresses and everybody provides reports, except for the Silence Hashira. They remain silent, nodding at the Master's words and gesturing occasionally. The full bodysuit that they wear is loose and hides any discernible features. A grey hood is pull down over their head and coupled with a smooth mask of the same shade.
It is unknown if they are a man or a woman, only the Master knows. It doesn't matter either way, they are a Hashira and a powerful one at that. From what I know, they have been a Hashira for three years.
I wonder how old they are, or why they even picked up a sword in the first place. I suppose I would have to ask, but the likelihood of me receiving an answer is low.
The Hashira meeting ends and we part ways. I notice that the Stone Hashira looks at me differently now, as an equal. I'm not so conceited as to call myself his equal, but I appreciate the change in atmosphere.
He seems to be getting older too, it looks like this generation of Hashira have lasted for a while. I am the start of the next generation, I will do everything in my power to ensure that everybody here remains alive.
As for the problem that we face, it seems that two people have been lined up to become Hashira. I wonder who they are, but I'll see them soon if they fulfill what has been asked of them.
Whilst it is imperative that we bolster our ranks, we need to ensure that the people awarded the rank are up to the task. It sounds harsh and cruel, but to be a Hashira you have to be strong. You cannot be made a Hashira on merit alone.
I nod at Riko as I leave and she smiles back at me. This could be the last time that we ever see each other, considering the current situation. One of us could be attacked and killed at any time.
I hope not, I really do consider her to be my friend. Not in the same way that Masuyo-san is my friend, but I hope that good things happen for her. Speaking of Masuyo-san, I should write her a letter when I get home.
I can ask Shou to deliver it to her, it will be quicker than if I sent it by courier. I'll write to her about what has happened, but I don't know if she will find it interesting. I'll have to send a gift with it, but I don't know what to send.
I can figure it out when I get home. Finally, I'm going home. It's been a long time now, three months in total. Ruka-san must have given birth by now, I can't believe I forgot. I wonder if it's a boy or a girl.
My feet carry me the entire journey home, it's nostalgic now. The first time I made this journey was with Shinjuro-san and now I am alone. I am the Hashira now, the person that oversees his territory.
I have not succeeded his legacy, that task is left to Kyojuro. If he becomes a Demon Slayer, then he will become the Flame Hashira. But if he does not wish to pick up a sword and set his life ablaze, then I will ensure that he lives a long and healthy life.
Even though it is expected of him, he does not have to live up to that legacy. Choosing a different path is something completely open to him, I will make sure he knows that.
But for some reason, I don't think he will choose otherwise. I can hear a bokken being swung as I stand outside the gate to the Rengoku Estate, the only person doing that would be Kyojuro.
"Welcome home."
The gate opens and a tired Ruka-san welcomes me in, the bags under her eyes are more than enough evidence to prove that she is dealing with a newborn child.
I wasn't here to help, which makes me feel a bit ashamed but it is through no fault of my own. I will be able to assist whenever needed now that I am home.
"I'm back."
I reply in turn and smile at her, she seems to have gotten thinner. Her cheekbones are slightly more prevalent. She might be overworking herself, so I'll have to make sure that she rests sometimes.
The sound of the bokken being swung is replaced by booming footsteps that tear across the courtyard. Kyojuro must have heard my voice.
He rounds the corner of the main building and stops right before running into me. He has grown a bit bigger over the past three months and he clutches the bokken that I made for him in hand.
In his other hand is a book from Shinjuro-san's study. An old book that has been bound in a new cover, I remember seeing it on the desk. Maybe it's a storybook of some kind or something left to him by Shinjuro-san.
"Welcome home, Yoichi-nii!"
He smiles up at me before racing off to continue his training. Whilst I'm home, I can supervise him and ensure that he at least trains properly. If he really trains from such a young age, he could become incredibly powerful.
I follow Ruka-san into the household and we make our way towards her room. She shushes me as we near the other side. This is not the room that she shared with Shinjuro-san, but a different room that she has chosen for herself.
It is near to the courtyard, with the sliding doors wide open to allow the sun to enter. From here, she can see everything. Kyojuro is in the centre of the courtyard, reading from his book before standing up and attempting different swings.
Lying on the cool blue futon is a baby swathed in a bundle of clothing, I can tell right away that it is a boy. He looks exactly like Shinjuro-san. He must be around two months old, he has an almost full head of hair already.
It is the same bright orange and red that Kyojuro has, the symbol of a Rengoku. He sleeps peacefully as he basks in the warm sun. Ruka-san smiles down at him, before looking out at Kyojuro. She coughs slightly and looks up at the sun.
"His name is Senjuro."
I don't know what characters have been used or whether his name has any distinct meaning, but it sounds nice. Senjuro, the newest member of the Rengoku family. I will ensure that he grows up safe and sound. That is the least that I can do.
To ensure a better future for everyone that I care about, that is my goal. The only road to the end is one soaked in blood, but I will walk it anyway. I will take up that role so that nobody else has to, so that everybody else can sleep soundly. That is my duty as the Kagura Hashira, to dance towards a future in which nobody cries.
Taisho Secret: Hideki and Sakonji were long time friends, Hideki is proficient in Water Breathing but could not become the Water Hashira because Sakonji Urokodaki held that position. Instead, he created his own Breathing Technique based off of Water Breathing and rose to join his friend in the ranks of the Hashira. They often met up to drink tea and play shogi, sometimes with Jigoro as well. As for the demon who killed Hideki's family, it was none other than Muzan himself. Hideki was helping an old couple prepare their winter provisions, so he came home the next day to see the horrifying scene we know of in his flashback.
Well, I really enjoyed writing that. The fight between Hideki and Akaza was something I had to show and as you may have noticed, Hideki did recieve his Demon Slayer Mark. That is the first of the series, but it was not enough to overcome Akaza. He was stopped early, but maybe if the battle had continued or Hideki had been younger... No point dwelling on what ifs though! I decided to write the fight that way instead of making it a long drawn out epic battle because I did not want it to feel too similar to the Mugen Train battle. I will reply to all the new reviews in the next chapter. Also, there will be a timeskip from between the end of this chapter and the start of the new one. It will be a two year timeskip, so nothing entirely drastic! As always, I would love to hear your thoughts on this chapter and I appreciate your continued support! - TheGrailsVoice