The Life and Times of an Average Coward
Chapter 11: The Blade of Change
Notice: To clarify, everyone who is in the know of Zen-chan being a girl refers to her with gender neutral pronouns when talking about her when she's not there (otherwise Zen-chan would go into full blown panic at being outed for who she really is). Don't mistake it as the boys calling her 'them' or 'they', it's just in Nihonggo or Japanese, people sometimes refer to others in gender neutral pronouns like 'aitsu' or 'koitsu' which can both mean him/her. So, for the time being the boys who are talking about her are switching from him/he to her/she. I know that it is probably confusing, but I would just like to remind you of this. Anyways, sorry for the interruption and carry on reading.
To Oyakata-sama,
Hello. How have you been doing Oya-sama? (Wait, is it really okay if address you as such? Isn't this too informal? You're my boss now, right?) I'm doing quite well and I hope that you are too, so please don't overwork yourself again and take all your medicines. I'm really worried about you, you know? And everyone is also worried about you. ALWAYS take care of yourself.
How is everyone doing? I hope Yuu and Mui-chan aren't giving you too much trouble, I don't know if you already know this, but those two can cause trouble even though they don't look like it. I trust Mei-nii enough to not cause you any trouble, that guy is just too reliable to do any troublemaking.
I'm sorry if I'm occupying your precious time with my trivial concerns, I know that managing the Demon Slayer Corps. isn't exactly a walk in the park, so I'm sorry for wasting some of your time for reading and replying to this letter. Oh, I would also like to thank you for the gifts you've given me and for congratulating me! I really enjoyed learning and reading these books! It's nice to have something to read in my leisure time. Also, if possible, tell Amane-san, Hina-chan, Chika-chan, Kiri-kun, Kui-chan and Kana-chan that I thank them all for giving me something so pretty! I'll be sure to tie the charm on my Nichirin Blade once I got it. And, can you also tell that I apologize for not immediately recognizing Kiri-kun and Kana-chan, I swear I didn't know it was them! They didn't really introduce themselves and I don't really know what they look like! I sincerely apologize for my mistake! And I'm so stupid for not recognizing the headpieces that I bought for them because of my nervousness. I hope Kana-chan is doing fine; she was harassed by an angry guy at the debriefing I hope her face wasn't bruised too bad.
Anyways, this letter is getting really long. Real thanks for even sending me a letter of congratulations for making it and thank you for supporting me and telling me that I can do this. It really gave me great courage when the esteemed leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. told me that I can do it. Really, I thank you and I hope you continue to do well.
Sincerely your friend,
Agatsuma Senritsu
P.S If it's not too much trouble, will I be able to see you now, now that I'm a Demon Slayer? If so, I would really love to have tea with you and talk to you Oya-sama.
P.P.S Always take care of yourself and always listen to Amane-san about overworking yourself.
P.P.P.S You guys can pick the bracelet that you want from the small pouch that Kurotsuki is carrying. I hope you guys like it and please don't argue like last time, I've all made you ribbons just in different colors.
I think this letter is good enough. My handwriting is legible and my grammar is good enough. This should do.
"Are you done now, Zenitsu-kun?"
Right, Kurotsuki-kun is waiting for me.
Removing the stray hairs that had gotten to my eyes, I smiled at the crow.
"Yeah, I think this is about right. Thank you for waiting and have a safe trip." I ruffled his shiny dark feathers softly after tying the letter to his leg while I hooked a small pouch over his neck like a necklace.
Nodding his head regally, he gave me an eyeful. "'Till we meet again good friend."
With a flap of his wings he was off, zooming through the sky with practiced ease. Sighing to myself, I looked down on the table top, the charm that the Ubuyashiki family has sent me gleaming in the sunlight. It was a simple silver charm, five little wisteria flowers linked together into a golden cord.
"What even is life at this point."
Groaning, I banged my head hard enough to the table surface to leave a goose egg.
"Tanjiro. Nezuko-chan."
Red eyes filled with warmth and kindness and soft pale pink eyes filled with curiosity and innocence came to mind. A tragic story of a family that was destroyed once again by a demon.
It all ties back to the demons once again being the cause of a torn-up family.
The horror they must have gone through.
I can't imagine myself going through the same thing and still be able to smile like that.
It's already been thirteen years but Kaa-san's death, or should I say, watching her dead body get devoured, was still fresh from my mind. Daiki-ojiisan, who had been a father to me in this world literally dying on my back and hearing the sound of his heart slowly fading was the worst of all, the helplessness that I felt on that night is something I don't want to repeat again.
But at least Tanjirou still has Nezuko on his side. Tengu-jiji, Yuu, Sachi and I guess me too is now with him. Tanjirou's a good person and Nezuko, despite her demon self, is such a sweet person. Her sound was quite tame, tamer when compared to the other demons, still chaotic though, still a blend of animalistic ferocity and frail humanity. And if I listen deeply, I can hear the trickling body of spring water, warm and level, a testament to her former humanity.
She's undoubtfully adorable too.
Her child-like form is the cutest thing I've seen next to seeing Yuu and Mui-chan smile for the first time and Jii-chan showing his blushing face when I tell him that I love him.
Nezuko is for sure added to my 'cute' list.
She's undoubtfully unlike other demons who only hunger for human flesh.
"Maybe I should've written them a letter too."
Sighing once again, my mind wondered to Yuu who had done something so out of character of him. Yuu hates demons, period. So, what made him support the Kamado siblings like that? They must've done something to change his mind, it's gotta be more than words, words are useless against someone who's as stubborn and firm as Yuu.
(A/N: She also totally doesn't know that Yuu would probably listen to her in a heartbeat.)
Speaking of changing minds, I wonder what Oyakata-sama would think of Nezuko when he hears this news.
Though knowing him, he probably knows about it already.
"Is there something wrong Zenitsu?"
I shot up from my slump in surprise, looking wide-eyed to the old man who had just entered the room.
Am I that out of it that I didn't hear him coming?
Sighing once again, I placed a hand on my forehead massaging the area where the bump was, Jii-chan seating himself next to me.
"It's just that… I'm worried."
A calloused hand grabbed my face, while the other removed my hand away from my forehead, his eyes intent on the bump that formed there.
"Well you might be worried, but you shouldn't hurt yourself with that worry." Carefully, the calloused hand resumed the massage. "Are you worried about your first mission or is it something else entirely?"
"Well," I held eye contact, before casting my sight on the dark table top, specifically the ink stains present on it. "I am worried about that, but I'm also worried about something else."
"And may your Jii-chan know what that worry could be?"
I nibbled at my lips and kept my eyes resolutely on the ink stains, my fingers fiddling with my currently unbound hair, the soft feel and the slight pain in my scalp from pulling on it had my stomach slightly settled.
"I'm worried… for them."
The fingers on my forehead stopped for a second before resuming the circular motions. Jii-chan's heart sounds content, proud even, just like the time when I first managed to use my own breath style and form, when I returned home after the Final Selection he had a similar sound too.
(Though he was also angry for not coming home to him first, he's really miffed that Tengu-jiji was the first one to know.)
I really love the sound of the purring thunder and the piano piece that accompanies it.
Arms encircled my waist, pulling me into the familiar scent of a damp forest, a comforting scent that I've already come to associate with security.
Fingers threaded through my hair smoothly. "You're such a sweet, kind-hearted child and I'm proud to have you as my granddaughter."
Tears automatically collected in my eyes.
"Jii-chan, you're going to make me cry again."
"If anything does happen to them, then support them as a friend but that doesn't necessarily mean that you'll have to put yourself in danger."
"Umm…"
Grabbing me by the shoulder, he puts a slight distance between us to look me in the eyes.
"I know how kind-hearted you can get, but please don't do anything that might put you in danger, especially now that you've become a Demon Slayer. You already have one foot in the grave, and I don't want you to put yourself in unnecessary danger, run away if you have to. Me, and knowingly the others and even the Kamado siblings too, wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
Tears slipped through my lashes, making them stick to my cheeks, a familiar sensation by now. This old man just knows how to strike my spirit back up but also hit me right in the feels.
(I'm so blessed to have him as my Gramps.)
Smiling, I buried my face once again on his shoulder.
"I'll try Jii-chan, I'll try."
The soft rumble of thunder hit my ears and a kiss was placed on the crown of my head.
"Don't try, do it. I believe in you Senritsu, you're my granddaughter after all, and no matter what, I'll always be proud of you."
With a shuddering breath, I lifted my face back up and planted wet kisses on Jii-chan's cheeks.
My lips lifted into a smile.
"I love you Jii-chan, forever and always."
The sudden roar of thunder in his sound almost had me jumping if it weren't accompanied by another bear hug and an elated trill of the piano, I could already feel the slight dampness seeping through my shoulder.
"I love you too Senritsu, always and forever."
"Thank you Kurotsuchi-kun for delivering the letter and the pouch." A calm serene voice addressed the crow perched on the table.
"It's my pleasure Oyakata-sama." Kurotsuchi said, bowing his head to the man who's left eye was already consumed with blindness, the unsightly purple molted skin slowly spreading across the porcelain skin.
"I apologize for interrupting the meeting, I'll be on my way now."
With one last bow to the leader and a bow towards the other people present in the room, the bird flapped his wings and flew through the open door without missing a beat.
Glancing down at the parchment delivered to him and the cottony small pouch with wisteria patterns, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, smiled tenderly at the small, neat handwriting.
I foresee something great is going to happen sometime soon.
One pale and one lavender eye look up to the people gathered in the room, his strongest children, sitting on attention for his next words.
"Today is a day to be celebrated, we have five more children entering our fold with none of the other children dying during the Final Selection. I feel that a great change is coming soon. A change for the better."
Amusingly, as soon as he had stated that no children had been harmed or had parted, three of them relaxed.
Gyoumei openly cried tears of joy and relief, praying something unintelligible under his breath in a rush, though that reaction could be attributed to his nature.
Muichiro's sharp eyes started glossing over again, his stare now focused on his wrist where a charmed bracelet was tied, mind elsewhere and most likely thinking of the person who gifted the trinket.
Giyuu's reaction is both subtle and attention grabbing at the same time. His stiff posture was now relaxed, his shoulders falling down from the tension and most importantly, a small smile graced his lips, warmth entering his cold blue eyes, making him look much younger and more like his age.
It immediately got every other Hashira (except for the other two) in surprise, not expecting that type of expression from a man whose main countenance is always cold and severe.
My dear Senritsu, this is the power of your love and kindness to the people around you. Kagaya couldn't help the smile stretching at his lips, his little friend is truly amazing in her own way despite her insistence that she isn't.
"Hahahaha! He looks like a whole new person with that smile on his face."
"Maybe you should try smiling more like me Tomioka, then maybe you'll get a pinch of my flamboyance! Haha!"
"I didn't know that the unfeeling bastard is capable of emotion."
"W-wow! T-Tomioka-san… h-he's smiling! His cold aura suddenly became warm by just doing that. This might be, the ice prince's warm interior!"
"Tch. If anything, Kanroji-san, it looks weird seeing that kind of expression on someone like him."
"Tomioka-san, what are you smiling about?"
In an instant the smile vanished as soon as it came and was replaced with chilling coldness.
"You shouldn't concern yourself Kochou-san, it's nothing."
"Oh it's definitely something, otherwise you wouldn't smile like that Tomioka-san. Don't be so stingy and let us know, so that way we could come closer to becoming friends."
"I already have friends so you don't have to strain yourself Kochou-san." Giyuu replied steadily as usual but the clear sharpness in his gaze is obvious.
"Ara, I didn't know you have friends Tomioka-san. Do you mind telling us who?"
That obvoisly ticked off the young man. "Yes, I do mind. So please stop asking."
It really wonders Kagaya how Giyuu could get into a fight with someone without much trying. But then again, Senritsu had called him a "natural troublemaker". His too blunt nature has the ability to cause hostility in other people.
Kagaya was about to interrupt them before it escalated when Muichiro suddenly spoke.
"Did Ritsu pass?"
Hiding his surprise, he settled on another smile while the others were confused who this 'Ritsu' was and how come Muichiro remembers their name.
"Yes she did. I was told that she got out with just a few scratches and bruises and performed quite well."
There was another stunned silence when the other 'unemotional' person smiled so widely and innocently, bringing home that Muichiro was still a child despite his position.
"Just as I thought. Ritsu really is amazing."
"Of course she is, a child with such a good heart is bound for greatness."
"Zen had always been amazing. I should know, I grew up with her."
Are they all talking about the same person? If so, who's this 'Ritsu' or 'Zen' guy, they've all been talking and arguing about him sometimes. He must be strong to be praised by two geniuses and one of the Corps. ruthlessly honest guys.
These were the collective thoughts that the others who aren't in the know of Senritsu.
Turquoise eyes became sharp and filled with challenge, daring Giyuu to refute his next claim. "But I bet you never say that she is amazing even if it's warranted. You never even bother to write letters to her Koori-san."
(A/N: Koori-san literally means Ice-san, Muichiro doesn't remember his name but since Giyuu is connected to Sen he remembered his face. Anyways, carry on.)
It really is amusing to watch two of the most untalkative children he knows to argue just because of someone they both consider as precious to them, Muichiro acting his age is also a refreshing sight, knowing the burden he holds for someone his age.
But even so, this argument is counterproductive since they are holding a meeting. There's also the fact that it may cause a few more destroyed rooms if this continue.
"Stand down everyone, you can ask your questions in another time. But for now, we must remain focus." At his careful words, everyone regained their composure and acted like they weren't being childish.
"The names of the five children who will be joining us is as follows; Agatsuma Zenitsu-kun," The three children related to her all sat up straighter. "Kamado Tanjirou-kun, Hashibira Inosuke-kun, Shinazugawa Genya-kun," At the mention of the name, Shinazugawa Sanemi gritted his teeth and clenched his pants but otherwise remained silent. "and Tsuyuri Kanao-kun. As the eldest children, I hope you all guide them in this new path they have taken."
Schooling his face, Kagaya relayed the news he had been hoping to announce. "As of now, the matter at the Natagumo Mountain is still unsolved. I am planning to deploy two teams of Mizunoto at that area two months from now, and I am assigning Tomioka-kun and Kochou-kun to lead them."
Both Giyuu and Shinobu, nodded at this and Kagaya directed his attention to Sanemi.
"News of the 'Centipede Demon' and 'Scorpion Demon'," Giyuu's countenance immediately darkened. "are found in the Asakusa Area, I am entrusting this matter to you Shinazugawa-kun, I'll be sending in an enforcement to help in taking care of it."
"Understood."
Looking at the gathered faces once again, he took their image in for this might be the last time that he would be able to see them clearly.
"That is all I have to say for our meeting, you are all free to leave."
Having said that, all of the Hashiras bowed in unison and said their farewells and well wishes to their leader before calmly letting themselves out of the meeting room.
Kagaya gave a look of understanding towards Giyuu and his frosty expression, the young man only nodded before seeing himself out, leaving Kagaya alone with his two eldest daughters.
"Nichika, Hinaki." Kagaya's voice flowed gently to their ears, a slow smile growing in his face. "Call everyone at once."
The implication was not lost on the twins, eyes glowing with excitement as they carefully but swiftly bowed and left the room. A certain bounce on their step, that amused Kagaya of the foreseeable happenings after a letter from a certain person was just delivered.
Out of nowhere, a wave of dizziness and sharp pain coursed through his head, a reminder that he doesn't have much time left. The pain only lasted for a few seconds but it felt like an hour, his unused energy was drained right out of him.
"It seems like I won't be able to see a glimpse of you before we could meet." Kagaya smiled tiredly at the slightly crumpled letter in his hand, a sense of regret washing over him before he suppressed it entirely.
It wouldn't do to have these kinds of selfish thoughts. It wouldn't be of any help in the situation. Kagaya can't afford to think this way now that Kibutsuji Muzan might make moves soon.
He had already slain most of the Kamado family, a family that was connected to the first breath user and Kagaya is sure that Muzan is planning something.
The only thing he could afford is to hold up until he can finally meet his friend.
A soft voice came from the door, halting his musings. "Father, we have gathered everyone."
Though almost undetectable, the excitement in his eldest daughter's voice was clear to him.
With a tired smile, he bid them entrance.
"Come in everyone, it seems like our friend had given us gifts."
Fifteen days have passed since the Final Selection and today is the day that I receive the famed Nichirin Blade of the legends.
And today I am also facing a great anxiety attack.
W-what if it doesn't change colors?! What i-if I'm a complete hopeless case?! O-Oh God I'm s-seriously gonna start hunting demons now?! Shit! W-What if I die again?! W-Will it be p-painful like last time?
A slap on the back brought me back to Earth.
"O-Ow! What the hell was that for?!"
"Stop overthinking and just open it already!"
"Okay, okay, just stop hitting me already!"
Huffing, Jii-chan looked apologetically towards the masked female swordsmith before him.
Her name is Morizawa Aitsu, one of the few female swordsmiths in their village as she had introduced herself as. Like the rest of her fellow villagers, she wears a hyottoko mask to cover her identity. Morizawa wears a light blue yukata and dark blue hakama ensemble and a white haori with cheerful yellow dandelions by the end of the fabric. The only thing defining her is her dark gray hair that was tied in a high ponytail. Her sound is like that of the Taiko drums, loud and full of life.
Daiki-ojiichan has a similar sound but unlike him, this woman is a steady fast beat while his is a loud marching beat.
"I'm very sorry about this, my grandchild doesn't have much confidence with himself. But he's a good kid nonetheless."
The woman waved her arm in return, laughing good-naturedly.
"No offense taken Kuwajima-san, it's a natural thing to be afraid after facing the reality of a situation they can't escape from," Ouch. Reality hurts as much as your words lady. "but I believe that your granddaughter would do my sword a great justice!" Her clenched fist rose over her head and if it weren't for the hyottoko mask I bet that her eyes would be sparkling with excitement.
Wait. Biting my lips nervously, I tucked a lock of hair on my ear with a shaking hand. D-Did she just say granddaughter or I just misheard?
"I can feel it in my veins! That she would provide a wonderful color for this blade, one that befits a strong woman! A blade that would topple that annoying wind-chime wearing fly's blade!"
By the end of it she was grumbling and cursing someone to high heavens, but most importantly―
"What are you saying ma'am? I don't understand at all, I'm not a woman." With that I pointed at myself while smiling naturally.
(Surprisingly enough, I'm a pretty great liar when I'm in a pinch. It's a sort of survival instinct that just kicks in when I'm in a dire need to lie but most of the time, if I'm too flustered, I'm going to do a terrible job at it.)
Seemingly coming down from the high, she tilts her head cluelessly.
"What are you saying young lady?" Out of nowhere, rough calloused hands were pulling at my cheeks and inspecting my face as she points out every aspect of it. "With this smooth skin, natural peach colored lips, rosy cheeks, those thick eyelashes that frames those expressive golden eyes and!―"
"GYAAH!"
"Even if it's contained, these knockers right here are a dead giveaway!"
"LET GO OF ME! EEK!" With my panic and embarrassment, I accidentally swatted her head too hard and she went flying.
…
"AAAAAHHHH! I'M S-SORRY! I D-D-D-DIDN'T MEAN TO! 'C-C-CAUSE YOU J-J-JUST GRABBED MY CHEST S-S-S-SO SUD-D-DENLY!"
"Zen…" Maybe I was too spazzed out or just plain inattentive, but I didn't notice that Jii-chan was already right in front of me, standing protectively. The rumbling drone of thunder and unintelligible curses flying loudly in his thoughts had me standing rigidly.
Is he angry because I assaulted an honored swordsmith? Oh Music Gods, whatdoIdowhatdoIdowhatdoIdowhatdoIdowhatdoIdo?!
Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes as I waited for the disappointed spiel to come out. I've never heard Jii-chan become this angry before. The ominous stir of a thunder storm lurking to wreck everything on its path had me shivering on the spot.
"STEP AWAY ZEN! GO OUTSIDE! AND YOU! I DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE A WOMAN, NOBODY SEXUALLY HARASSES MY GRANDCHILD IF I HAVE ANY SAY IN IT! YOU,"
Wait… did I heard that right?
Jii-chan pointed at the downed Morizawa who was currently shaking her head. "YOU HAVE FIFTEEN SECONDS TO EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"
His completely blowing his top off. I can already see steam coming right out of his ears as he wielded his cane like a sword.
"Wowowowow! Hold up Kuwajima-san!" She righted her mask and started waving her hands. "It's nothing like that at all, I'm just proving to your granddaughter that she won't be able to fool these eyes of mine. I have no ill-intention whatsoever, besides I prefer men. Reliable, obedient and intelligent men, unlike some asshole that I know." The last part was whispered but because of my hearing it was easy to decipher.
But to be fair, she was being honest. Morizawa s-sure is one eccentric character.
"Ya think I would just believe that huh?! Do you take me for a gullible old fool?! Our Senritsu is a beautiful, caring lovely young lady, everyone who knows of her loves her immediately and the whole village agrees. Are you saying that my wonderful granddaughter is unworthy of appreciation?!"
"Yes, yes, yes, she's completely lovely, and if I am of the male species I would totally simp for this shy-unconfident-cute type in a heartbeat. All I'm saying is that I didn't mean it in that way."
Hugging him from behind, I tried to calm the old man down. "J-Jii-chan! Y-Your blood pressure, please calm down! I don't want you to collapse later j-just because of this! A-And she's not lying! She totally means what she says. So please…"
This exchange took about thirty minutes before Jii-chan finally calmed down and Morizawa to have a healthy fear of pegged leg old men with a cane.
"I-I present this to you Osen-hime, t-the sword that this lowly h-humble woman had forged. P-Please take it a-and if you are unsatisfied I can―"
"N-No! Stop! P-Please stop speaking like that a-and you don't have to redo it just because I d-didn't like it! S-So please sit up and stop the d-d-dogeza! D-Don't call me a princess either I'm not even―"
"I'm not worthy of calling you so casually―"
"N-NO!" I think I just reached a new record for reaching that decibel. I groaned in frustration, pinching my brows to abate the oncoming headache.
(We're going nowhere at this rate.)
Sighing, I found myself slumping before looking directly through her mask's eyeholes, catching a pair of silver eyes. "Please don't call me a princess, I'm, I'm flattered and all but I go by as a man. S-So please don't call me that. My name is enough, please Morizawa-san."
The drumbeat picked up once again, energetic, excited and fascinated?
"O-Of course! I, Morizawa Aitsu understands you and I apologize for putting you in a difficult position!"
'The princess wishes to disguise herself to mingle with the masses! How admirable!'
I just smiled awkwardly with her sudden weird interpretation of the situation.
"N-No it's fine…"
"I shall address you as Agatsuma-dono and please, take a look of this humble one's creation."
Taking the covered sword that Morizawa had been presenting to me, I uncovered it and found myself staring at an ivory white scabbard with a golden tip. The same goes for the hilt and its white and golden inverted triangle pattern. The guard's rim is golden and white on the inside, shaped like a four-petaled flower with symmetrical triangles.
My hands started shaking without meaning to, probably because of all the anxiety I've been harboring these past few days finally bursting out.
What if I can't make it change color?
A large gust of wind burst outside causing the little windchimes to rattle softly. Morizawa growled at the sound.
…
What if it's all for nothing?
TOK!
"Youch!"
"Stop spacing out and just take the scabbard off!"
Petting my abused head, I nervously glanced at the old man who gave me a stern look filled with confidence.
"J-Jii-chan…"
He must've seen something in my face to make him stop from slapping me on the head because he sighed and smiled instead.
It's a look that says, "You got this! I believe in you!"
Gulping, I closed my eyes and counted down methodically.
Once I'm sure that I wouldn't be hyperventilating for the next few seconds, I opened my eyes again and took hold of the hilt.
(Surprisingly enough, Morizawa was very patient the whole way.)
Carefully sliding off the white scabbard, I stared at the glistening blade. It was beautifully made, and felt completely natural in my hand like it was a part of my body.
For a moment nothing happened.
And that moment made my heart plummet downwards like the first time I fell off a cliff when I was three.
That moment didn't last for long and soon enough the blade glowed golden, a golden lightning etching itself right down the middle before the edges became black, it left the whole blade dark with the lightning pattern being the exception. The sharp edge remained as is, it was a very unusual coloring and here I thought it would become one solid color. Then again, Kai's blade had just a black lightning pattern on it.
"I-It changed…" I spoke out of disbelief. This thing should be considered magical if anything, like a mana stone that changes color depending on the user.
"Hmm… it's not the famed crimson but…" Morizawa's face came close, one finger touching the golden lightning. "What an interesting pattern. I've been told that Thunder Breathing users had a lightning pattern on their Nichirin blade, but I've never seen something like this on the records."
"J-JII-CHAN!" I cried in alarm when I saw the old man's tears.
"I'm so proud of you Senritsu!~ And I told you so, you really have the talent for this! I'm so proud of you!"
Unconsciously, tears started pouring right out of my eyes. Overwhelming happiness, relief, fear, pride and trepidation churned inside of me in a mish mash pit of emotions.
I did it.
All my hard work had paid off in the end, all the blood, sweat, tears and my anxiety attacks aren't all for nothing.
The opportunity to help my brothers is now at my hands and I don't know if what I'm feeling is joy or fear.
Probably both.
From now on… I-I'll be facing D-Death in the face. I j-just hope that I get to live pass my teens unlike the first time.
Someone loudly cleared their throat.
"W-Well, it seems like my job here is done. I would like to take my leave now and," She bowed a perfect ninety degrees towards me. "Thank you for showing me an interesting blade Agatsuma-dono! And I apologize once again for making you uncomfortable!"
Haha…. It seems like Jii-chan's lecture is a little too effective.
It's amazing how Jii-chan can turn an eccentric passionate woman to an obedient servant. Does Jii-chan secretly have the power of awesome old men in anime?
(I mean, Joseph Joestar, Netero, Captain Yamamoto, Silver Fang, and Master Roshi were all awesome old dudes, the only setback to some of them being their questionable morals.)
But still after going through all that trauma, the least I can do for her is escort her out nicely.
Wiping my face and sliding the sword back to its scabbard, I stood up from my seat and followed her to the entrance. "No, it's alright, t-that was just a misunderstanding and I'm," I bowed towards her. "Thankful to Morizawa-san who had forged me a great sword. I'm very thankful for the care you have given in creating it!"
The drumbeats picked up, giddy and humbled.
'Kuwajima-sama is right! Osen-hime is such a lovely, kind and caring lady! I'm so blessed to be thanked by her!'
Oh Gods, this is going to be a thing is it?
"N-No! It was my pleasure to serve you! And I'm sure that you're going to care for it and use it well. I just have this feeling that Agatsuma-dono would not let this blade break, n-not to say that my work is subpar but I just know that it is going to be used wisely with a nice master the likes of you."
I just stared at her masked face for a moment, touched by her trust and sincerity but also a bit bothered with her servile speech. I've long been accustomed to formal speech with Kurotsuki around.
"I-I'll make sure to do just that a-and thank you a-again! H-Have a nice safe trip back!"
Putting her wide brimmed straw hat, she nodded.
"I will and may the Gods above bless you with luck."
I stayed at the genkan for ten seconds before blankly closing the shoji door.
God. I placed both palms against my face, rubbing and pinching my cheeks repeatedly in order to wake me up to reality. This day is just too much, I don't know if I can take more of this.
I'm officially a Demon Slayer now, like real, real Official. Of course passing the Final Selection could be the indication enough that you passed, but the real exam really starts if you're even able to make the Nichirin blade change colors.
(Though I've been told that it's really rare for someone who have passed the Final Selection to have their blades unchanged. The probability of it still happening is what I'm truly concerned of.)
I'm a Demon Slayer now.
Tears flowed from my eyes naturally, my fingers threaded through my hair and pulled. A pair of gentle amber eyes and a breathtaking smile flashed through my mind, accompanied by the tinkling wind chimes. Boisterous laughter came through with heavy drum beats, the image of a massive man and his brown eyes pulled into crescents. These images caused a wave of old pain and sadness to resurface.
The vision of a man, a woman and an old woman from another life had me wailing. I can't even remember much of their faces anymore. I'm sorry Mama, Tatay Ricky and Granny. I'm sorry.
This is all too real, I'm going to face the very creatures that can kill in a heartbeat, something so very unlike me at all.
Something I actually volunteered and worked very hard for, something that I was adamant to do even.
This is crazy.
"Zenitsu?" I heard the clack of a socked foot and one wooden leg and in no time, I was encased by a pair of warm arms, the scent of the damp forest and the sound of rolling thunder felt incredibly reassuring.
"What's the matter Sen?"
Sniffling and furiously rubbing at my face, I leaned more onto him.
"I," Ew, where's my handkerchief?
"Here."
A handkerchief was thankfully handed to me and I immediately blew my nose on it, taking care of that issue.
Arghh… what have I gotten myself into?
(This all those random omnipotent fuckers fault! Curse you ROA, ROB and ROBi!)
But still… at the end of the day, it was still my decision to go in this destination. I have nothing to blame it on but myself.
Come on Sen, just accept reality already! You made the bed so you gotta lay on it.
Using the breathing technique, I managed to calm my frayed nerves into something much more orderly, there's really no point in crying right now.
…
"Haha you finally stopped crying brat, here's some water. How come someone so tiny like you could tear up that much?"
"This is all your fault you s-stupid old man! I'm gonna tell Kaa-san that you almost dropped me in the head after t-tossing me up so carelessly!"
"H-Hey now, there's no need to tell Suzu, I promise I won't do it anymore!"
"I can hear f-from your voice that your lying and even s-so, I'm still telling Kaa-san!"
"Hey wait―"
…
"Senritsu?" Jii-chan's worried timber brought me back to the present and I stared at his eyes that were only filled with concern.
Rubbing at my eyes again, I smiled somewhat weakly.
"I-I'm fine Jii-chan. Just…"
Heavy drumbeats and a tinkling windchime.
"A bit overwhelmed I guess."
He stared at me with wide eyes for a sec, before grinning proudly.
"Like I've said before, I'm very proud of the you Senritsu. I'm proud of the warrior and the person you've become."
Hugging him again, I hid a smile on his shoulder.
"I love you Jii-chan."
I love you Kaa-san, Daiki-ojiichan, Mama, Tatay Ricky, Gram. Are you guys proud of me too?
"I love you too Senritsu."
The wind rushed over the hills, rustling the blades of grass as the morning fog starts to dissipate. It was still a bit dark but a few peaks of yellow streaked over the cloudless horizon giving way to a new day. I can hear the distant sound of the villagers preparing themselves for another day filled with work as lively as always.
Closing my eyes, I let all of these mundane sounds surround me, memorizing it to heart, knowing that this might be the last time that I would be hearing it.
I'm going to miss this. The mundaneness, I mean. I'm not really that close to the other villagers, I have few acquaintances, most of them girls – that for some reason think that I'm husband material – Kobayashi-sensei who I'm friendly with, being a weekly patient of his and of course can't forget Amai-obaa who's one awesome granny.
She reminds me a lot of my own Grandma from the past. A person who is kind but also doesn't take shit from no one.
I would still be able to visit like how Yuu and the others get to visit me, but like them, I won't be able to do it frequently.
I expected myself to get all teary eyed seeing that I'm going to work as a demon buster from now on but oddly enough, my eyes were dry.
Very out of character if I do say so myself.
"Senritsu."
I turned around at the call of my name and the first thing I saw were those slightly tearful eyes and glowing smile.
The very expression seemed to say, "I'm so proud of you." and at the same time, "Please don't go."
A smile stretched at my lips automatically, a sudden breeze making its sudden appearance left my still unbound blonde hair flow with it.
"Make sure to come back."
'Don't die.'
"I'll make sure to do that and I'll write to you."
"Eat well and stay hydrated, the Gods above knows how much you cry each day."
'Take care of yourself.'
"I'll do that too."
"Don't panic when facing those Demons, once they get to you, that's the end."
'It's okay to be scared, just don't let it get to you.'
"Un."
"Calm your heart and take a deep breath, always have confidence on yourself and your ability."
'I'm proud of you so you should take pride on yourself.'
"Haha… I'll try to do that."
"Lastly, always remember that I love you."
Yep. Fuck this.
Tired of holding myself back, I dived in for a hug that was tightly and warmly returned. I've been holding myself back for doing this in fear that I might cling to him and never want to let go.
"I love you too Jii-chan, t-thank you for everything! I-I will make use of all you taught me. A-and Jii-chan you also have to remain healthy and alive! Watch what you eat and don't stress yourself, okay?"
Ah. There are the missing tears.
"I'm afraid that I'm already far too old and I'm not getting any younger, we don't know how the wind will blow."
"Shut up s-stupid old man and just accept my love! S-So don't die!"
I felt him push me off and I let it happen, otherwise we would be stuck here the whole day.
"Senritsu." He stared at me straight in the eyes, all serious without anymore tears blocking the way.
"What Jii-chan?"
"Be careful with boys, don't trust any of them except us who is your family okay. Remember, a man can turn into a beast too and they can be even worse than demons, so stay away from boys alright?"
"W-What?"
"Just do as I say! This is very important! You grew up to be such a beautiful and kind young lady so I'm saying this for your own safety!"
I'm not entirely sure if what he's saying is what I'm actually think he's saying but let's just nod either way, plus he's right about some men being horrible or worst – like that man – than what you actually call human. Also, he's being too biased about me being beautiful since I'm his granddaughter.
"Okay! Alright Jii-chan! J-Just please stop shaking m-me!"
Satisfied, he grinned, barring all his teeth, stretching the scar on his face and turning his eyes to crescents.
I returned that smile with all I've got, tears, snot and all, hoping that he would hear it too without me saying anything. My face hurts slightly but it's well worth it, I'll take it as me feeling alive at this moment.
'Don't worry Jii-chan, I'm going to come back alive.'
After all, going back alive is probably the greatest souvenir that I could give.
Omake: Crybaby Cry
~Zenitsu age 10~
~Himejima Gyoumei age 20~
Exercising my breathing technique, I managed to calm myself somewhat. I closed my eyes to visualize what I'm going to say and what I'm going to do.
It's all simple really, I'm just going to give a congratulatory gift to someone I care about who's scheduled to visit today.
I'm going to give a gift to Mei-nii.
But what if he doesn't like it? What if he wanted something else? Did I choose the right gift? Is this even good enough? Why am I even giving a late congratulatory gift when I should have given it a month ago? I'm so dumb. Maybe I shouldn't give this at all, but wouldn't that be just plain rude if I don't give him something? After all…
I clenched the package in my hand, rumpling the wrapper.
He saved my life.
"Zenitsu? Is there something wrong?" Mei-nii's soft voice came from the other side of the door, startling me back to reality.
"N-No! I'm fine, I'll be right back soon!"
"Okay, if you are feeling unwell you don't have to greet me today, rest if you need to dear child."
"U-Un!"
After my reply, I listened to his near silent footsteps as he was walking away.
Don't chicken out Sen. I-It's just giving a gift, what could possibly go wrong? Besides, Mei-nii is not the type of person who'll reject a gift, he'll probably cry his eyes out if he receives one. He'll probably still be grateful even if he doesn't like the gift…
SMACK!
What the hell am I thinking?! I'll just do it! I'll fucking do it!
Gaining my meager resolve, I sighed and gently opened the screen door. Quickly before I lose my courage, I headed straight to the dining room where Mei-nii can be found sitting and drinking tea.
Jii-chan and Kaigaku were off training and I'm the only one in because I sprained my wrist yesterday.
(What good timing really.)
Taking my seat across from him, I gathered my meager courage to hand over the gift.
"Um… I know that it's a bit late. Mei-nii t-this is a gift that I made for you as congratulations for passing. I h-hope you'll like it."
There was absolute silence and all he did was stare at me, then afterwards he unwrapped the package carefully and unraveled the yellow green haori with a prayer – Namu Amida Butsu – stitched into its white lining and the prayer's kanji strewn over the canvas. I tried embroidering my calligraphy handwriting as it was, but it turned into a slightly messy calligraphy that I thought was sorta nice in the end.
He traced the embroidery, mouthing the character as he goes. Still silent.
(It's amazing really, how Mei-nii can read and write despite everything. It's all thanks to the very patient monks and a very determined Mei-nii.)
Sweat rolled down to my cheeks as Mei-nii remained silent.
Nothing at his dirt sounding heart and not even a piano note, nothing even in his thoughts.
It was straight up silence, nothing but the ambient noise and my own rapid heartbeat.
His white eyes bore at me, and despite knowing that Mei-nii can't see, I felt like he was staring right through my soul of how piercing it was.
A lone tear fell down my cheek.
I knew it he didn―
Then I heard it, the sound of the dirt being drowned in water, turning it into a mushy soft mud.
The late reaction finally kicked in and his eye sockets turned into a veritable waterfall of tears.
"M-Mei-nii!" I gasped as I dug around my inner pocket to find a handkerchief and gave it to him.
He took the handkerchief with no hesitation. "Thank you, dear child. I love it. I'll make sure to cherish it forever."
His sincerity pierces through my heart, the gentleness and the sheer gratefulness that he has is something that I cannot explain beyond words.
Not only that, his loud rampant thoughts kept the same theme.
Soon enough I joined him in trying to provoke dehydration through crying.
Good thing I have a spare handkerchief with me.
When Jigoro and Kaigaku came back home, they came back to the sight of Gyoumei wiping the very wet floor with no Zenitsu in sight.
The two – well just Jigoro really, since Kaigaku was also avoiding Gyoumei – wanted to question of why there is the floor wet and where could have Zenitsu gone, but they stopped themselves when they saw a familiar yellow green haori folded neatly on top of the table.
The two could already guess what happened here.
"Is Zenitsu alright?"
Teardrops started to fall on the man's cheeks once again making Jigoro and Kaigaku fear for the worst until the gigantic man smiled.
"The dear child is currently sleeping after tiring herself. Don't worry, I made sure that she drank plenty of water before going to bed."
The teacher and disciple duo watched Gyoumei try to futilely clean up the mess with his eyes still leaking out a waterfall of tears. And with that in mind of how emotional the young man was, he probably wouldn't be able to finish the task.
Jigoro sighed and grabbed Kaigaku's attention who also sighed and nodded without any protest as he usually would have. The boy understands this though, being in the same roof as the ex-monk in training for at least three years and a half.
He's going to be the one to clean up the mess if they want to clear up the living room.
"Himejima-kun," Jigoro started. "Let Kaigaku finish that up and you should rest, you still have a mission tomorrow."
Jigoro braced himself for the young man's refusal and was ready to argue back, but surprisingly enough, Gyoumei placed down the rag and slowly stood up.
"Thank you and I'm sorry for the intrusion."
It appears Gyoumei was more emotionally exhausted than they thought. The young man bowed thankfully towards Jigoro and lethargically walked towards the room where they can hear Zenitsu murmuring something under her sleep.
Really, for a man his size he has such a timid personality. It was like a mouse inside of a bear's body.
Once the shoji door closed before them, Jigoro whacked Kaigaku's back.
"What the hell are you staring at boy? The floor's not gonna clean itself."
Kaigaku then scoffed and murmured under his breath. "Why don't you clean it then old man?"
"Huh?! You sayin' something?!"
"Nothing, I just said your moustache needs some trimming." Kaigaku said, angrily grabbing the dishrag and getting to cleaning.
"Ho, is that so?" The old man self-consciously fiddled with said moustache. "Then I better get Kobayashi tomorrow for a good trim. But anyways, I'm gonna heat up the curry and rice, finish that and have dinner."
"Whatever."
When I woke up the next morning, my eyes hurt like hell, I felt like shit and absolutely need some major sustenance.
My stomach grumbled for further emphasis on the last part.
It was the start of any other day, the bare hints of sunlight peeked through the small window, with the cool breeze making the windchimes tinkle softly in their place, distant sounds of activity can be heard downhill where the villagers were ready for work and going on to their separate fields.
The only difference today is that someone was also in the room with me and I looked to my right to see, Mei-nii sleeping peacefully with a smile on his face and from the looks of it, he's having a nice sleep.
He looked so haggard yesterday.
I shuffled closer towards his futon quietly, making sure to not make any noise. After getting into a close reaching distance, I reached out a hand towards his spiky hair and started petting it.
It must've been tiring, going through all that.
Considering the fact that, children under his care had died because of a demon attack, forced to kill a living being to survive, had himself falsely accused of a crime he hasn't done and now a demon slayer who is facing danger most of the time.
I withheld myself from crying anymore and my eyes still hurt from crying too much yesterday. I sucked it all in and waited for the tears to abate.
Having done the job despite being teary eyed, I leaned in and kissed his scarred forehead.
"I wish you happiness Mei-nii and always stay safe."
Satisfied, I got up and grabbed one of the hanging scrunchies to tie my hair up in a messy bun, grabbing my bandanna on the way.
Welp, time for morning exercise.
Once the shoji door closed and Zenitsu's distant footsteps can be heard, Gyoumei couldn't hold himself back anymore and started crying.
"Such a precious kind child."
And she really is, Gyoumei just couldn't bear himself to say anything about what exactly happened that night when the demon attacked the temple and it breaks his heart that he couldn't speak about this matter for now.
He could still vividly remember it, Zenitsu diving into the fray, pushing him out of the way when the demon's horn suddenly elongated, that was about to pierce Gyoumei's heart. But in the end, Zenitsu was the one to bear the injury.
The horn cleanly pierced her left shoulder.
Thankfully, no major muscles or nerves where damage that could cause any complication to her mobility, a puncture scar only remains as the evidence of the injury.
That fact still weighs heavily on Gyoumei's mind.
He wasn't able to protect them, lacking in strength.
After getting injured, Zenitsu suddenly passed out, the stressful situation getting to her. Gyoumei panicked then, he was a bit far away than he thought he would be, Zenitsu was stronger than he thought she would be.
The claws of the demon were about to close in when suddenly its whole hand was cut off. It was Zenitsu, all despite being unconscious managed to do that. Gyoumei hadn't really noticed when the young girl became in possession of a kitchen knife, but still the most surprising about this is her ability to do what she just did despite being so young.
Then he remembered a crucial fact.
Zenitsu was training to become a demon slayer under the old man who was looking after her.
During that time, Gyoumei really doesn't have much time to contemplate after that seeing the situation at hand. Gyoumei and Zenitsu fought together to keep the demon at bay until morning came, ridiculously, the girl remained asleep at the whole ordeal.
It was equally amazing and terrifying.
Gyoumei had brought this up to Oyakata-sama one time and the knowledgeable young man said that it's the way how Zenitsu's mind tries to cope with her fear while also moving on instincts to protect herself. It's a defense mechanism that comes up when she's in danger so there is no need to fear about her fainting spells.
And that's all Gyoumei has to know, that she is safe despite everything.
I wish for your happiness as well dear child; I wish you find the day where you are able to live freely without any fear in your heart.
~Taisho Secret~
The demon attack on the temple should have happened when Himejima was still seventeen. This changed because Kaigaku didn't really rebel towards any of Himejima's rule until he was eleven because he sorta want to be seen as a good kid by Zen despite always teasing her. And he only rebelled then because he got into a fight with another boy because the boy was hogging his precious Zenitsu's time.
A/N: To start with, I'm sorry for the late update. College started once again and I got stuck doing shit that I don't really like to do i.e studying. But anyways, I got around finishing this chapter after much deliberation. Not only that, a huge storm (Storm Ullysses) struck us here, it was really terrifying and more so towards my fellows living in Cagayan. I send my prayers towards those people and I hope that they would be able to pick themselves back up once everything is settled.
Question: What omake would you guys like to see? (Like when Kaigaku first Zenitsu told in Kai's POV, Kiriya's first time seeing Zen at the Final Selection, Zen preaching the gospel that is JoJo, an AU or anything really, take your pick guys) Just leave that comment and I'll see what everyone wants to see.
Anyways, stay healthy, stay safe and I appreciate all of you, just see you guys in the next chap!~