Primed for Duty:

Disbanding of the Demon Slayers after the end of Muzak didn't really change the framework of the Ito family. They carried on with their business after acquiring certain rights to Wisteria crest and other secrets. Using the excuse the untold history of corps should be kept alive in some form. While they still lived their lives now as fellow citizens of Japan with dreams. One member of the family was putting his knowledge of essential sciences after time spent with Shinobu and Tamayo. By attending classes in medical school in Edo by a group of Dutch-trained Japanese physicians. The young man's knowledge alone impressed his professors on many levels. Got them bothering him to become an actual doctor when meeting in private. Each time he gave this blank stare for a second that turned into a half smirk.

"Sorry I have other plans." Would be his answer before he went on his day until the first school break took place.

Instead of sticking around to be shown off to his professors friends in the government over late night drinks. He instead took a long train ride back home all by himself on the last day of classes. Sleeping and eating in his seat without much of an urge between the stops the trains made. Only getting up to use the bathroom and stretch his legs as hours passed for him. To grab his bag and get off the stop of his hometown to be greeted by his aunt and uncle- in- law.

"You wear that suit I made for you so well," Miru was rather impressed with her nephew on his appearance in western wear. "Welcome home."

"You have made us proud upon following a path of healing hands and medicine," Kyojuro proudly announced. "I look forward to hearing your stories of what you learned."

"He still hasn't learned to use an indoor voice." Mu was glad to be home.

Miru would stand on her top toes to place a simple kiss on Kyojuro's cheek as a reminder of where they were. Put an equally crimson streak on his face and left him quiet for their remainder interaction.

"May I know where everyone else is?" Mu noticed the lack of a few people.

"Gyomei is back at home watching the kids for us and your father is a workaholic with his new assistant. Giyu and Shinobu are at the Butterfly estate celebrating with the others over another birth. Tanjiro and his little family wish they could be here but something came up." Miru tried to recall where everyone was. "Here we are!"

"Always will be until the last breath leaves my body." Kyojuro boasted.

"Aren't I lucky." Mu always knew his aunt and uncle- in- law would be here.

He had his bag taken by Kyojuro as to let Miru wrap her kimono clad arms around his waist and hug him. This was where Mu regretted being embraced by his aunt for a few passing minutes. Since he forgot she possessed the strength she had when she wielded her sword. Sticking to his breathing lessons until she released him was a challenge for him now. Since it had been months since he held or swung a sword as full force against a demon. He had lost a good amount of muscle mass and tone when he picked up a pen over his sword.

"Have you been eating well? Has a girl taking a liking you for you and nor out family's fortune? Did you get along with your fellow classmates?" Miru asked her usual amount of questions. "Yo look like you lose weight. I do I need to take in any of your clothes?"

"Oji-san!" Mu tried to breathed after her grip got tighter.

"Miru!" Kyojuro noticed Mu struggling in her grip. "I don't think he's supposed to turn that shade of blue."

"Oh dear." She loosen her grip with out realizing it.

Mu tried to speak with his sides hurt from her with Kyojuro inquiring about him keeping up with his sword drills or any activity requiring physical effort. Would gain his answer if he didn't ave Mu's bag shoved into his arms by Miru just wanting to get home. Had him doing as she requested once Mu came to follow beside aunt to try and answer her questions. Allowing them to walk through the train station until they came upon a familiar face belonging to a bento vendor. She had a short stature and a pair of large round glasses with a plain red and brown haori over a white-collared shirt, as well as a white kappgi. Told Miru the identity of this girl when they almost passed her in the crowds. Had her leaving Mu and Kyojuro to purchase a a few bentos as a added treat with few yens coins. That were accepted while attention was pointed to the suit her nephew wore and what he's future plans were.

"That would completely be up to him," Miru took hold of the bento boxes. "I am just glad there is a future for him."

"Oji-san!" Mu noticed Miru staring at him."Do you need any help?"

"No. Why?" She answered back. "I am just getting you something to eat."

Mu ended up about say he had something on the train before he got off from the dining car with Kyojuro silencing him. Left the two to be joined by Miru as she shoved a box and packaged chop sticks in Mu's arms as they started walking. Until they came to the where a source of transportation was awaiting to drive back to Ito/ Rengoku estate.

"Where did you get a 1917 Mitsubishi Model A and who did you trust to drive this?" Mu couldn't believe how aunt and uncle- in- law.

"Your father bought it used and I had fixed up for personal use," Miru had Kyojuro load Mu's bag. "Genya say hello."

"What has happen while I was gone?" Mu asked rather confused by what he seen.

Miru had so much to inform him about since so much had changed since he left those months ago for Edo. She went on about how main source of drama in Butterfly mansion was how former Hashira ended up together. During their LONG recover period in isolated wing away from public eyes and outside world. Bandaged up individuals could be found one after another in single beds while keeping to themselves. Seems a few were confronting promises made in the heat of battle about being together in the next life. Since the end of the demon threat finally came for them and they were able to live normal lives. A second chance at living came for them to the point one was struggling how to approach the other. Aggressive tact was taken to get him to open up after he was forcefully tackled to the ground. Others it came more of question over sharing a life together as another was given to offer to come live and work in Ito/ Rengoku estate. Anyone else were given a open invitation to visit or stay the growing family of Miru and Kyojuro. Being that Miru had prematurely given birth at 8 and half months to set of twin boys that were in great health.

"..." Mu went wide eyed at the thought of what he missed.

"That's not even the kicker," Miru was holding something back. "Kanata has taking a liking to Genya."

"Senjuro?" Mu asked his romantic life.

"That's going to be a surprise." Kyojuro winked.

"That worries me."

When the actual got into the car and doors were closed that Genya blushed at Mu when asked about his romantic ties to Kanata. He all Mu got was a mumbled and a red faced Genya that out the car into drive and started them off. Mu sat back in his seat with Miru and Kyojuro sat quietly keeping to themselves the whole ride back home. Letting the news that was told to Mu by his aunt about what had been happening to everyone while he was away.

8*8

Returning to a place that was defined his family and the Breathing Style in which they passed from parent to child. Become nothing more then a written entry in a book his aunt kept on a shelf with other breathing styles. Along with restored art of the Flame Breathing along them thanks to Miru's efforts over the months. Now lay with her brother's sword as part of the Ito/ Rengoku family alter within the estate. Be the first thing Mu say when he paid his respects to family ancestors in passing when he further walked. He stopped every now and then to take in the changes that estate went under since he left. His aunt had a few modern touches and up keep to the place that Senjuro couldn't handle alone. Bronze lanterns with turtle hexagon diaper pattern and three circular windows with round ovals in halos patterns. Stopping when he saw western style furniture in the public sitting room when the door were open.

"Your back?" Gyomei greeted him.

"Yahho Gyomei- sama," Mu kneeled down to pick up his cousin. "Glad you up and walking."
"Yes, I would like to thank you again," Gyomei looked to his mended limb. "You don't have to address me so formally any more."

This was where Mus?ka was told to go find his nanny or mother by Mu when given a package of Namagashi in shape of cherry blossoms. Excited young man before he was released from Mu's arms to run off as he called for his mother; very loudly. Putting a smile since a few months ago under the watchful eye of his Uncle Yume and Grandfather Shinjuro. The youth was learning the basics of swordsmanship before going on to even learn the Dream or Flame Breathing. Which he was struggling in some places where he his foot work needed to improve when swinging the blade. Become different since n ow the youth was smiling over the littlest things that he was getting to do right now.

"I'll never stop addressing you or the others for being heroes." He bowed to Gyomei.

He then bowed to Gyomei and made his way out the room to let an ounce for other to start a pointless argument over the topic. Didn't mean the men didn't think about going after Mu to straighten him out in his own way. If Miru with her son at her side didn't came into his line of view with her head turned to where Mu had rushed off from her.

"Compared to the ricks he took in the defeat of Muzan," Miru recalled life altering events. "You'll always be a something more to him."

"..." Gyomei stayed the quiet the whole time.

"God! You only knew what I had to do get him to attend medical school in the first place," She proudly smirked. " Kyojuro actually enjoyed it."

She ended up telling Gyomei how she didn't what her nephew to waste his potential he had still tending to the former Hashira. Off to Edo with him, where she wanted him to learn or train to become a proper doctor after sending formal letter. Just getting Mu at out that door become a fun distraction during the disbanding of the Demon Slayers and recovering process. Kyojuro help Miru in getting that to happen was a bonding moment at the same time and altering one.

"He still checked in with Aoi during everyone's recovery during his education," She pointed out his letter writing. "Never once stopped up until he holiday."

"Means he hasn't stop thinking about where he came from." Gyomei whispered.

"Hai." Mus?ka loudly waved around his present from Mu.

Miru ended up asking Gyomei if he wanted to join her and her son in some tea in the sitting room and enjoy the snacks Mu brought. He kindly turned down with a nod of his head and as he slowly made his way toward the direction Mu walked toward.

"Okaasan!" Mus?ka caught his mother's attention. "Is there some thing wrong with ojisans?"

"No Mus?ka- Chan," Miru assured him. "Now lets go bother Otousan."

Cheer from Mus?ka ended up echoing off the walls of the large building until fading once reaching the more private rooms. Ones used by the individual people of the merged ito and Rengoku families that came to settle within them. One such room was one used by Mu and still when he started to settle down after dropping his bag on the floor. Taking in the sights of the details he came to miss about having his own room and what one could find inside inside. He eyes stopped at the remands of his Nichirin Sword still on his desk after being left behind those many moths ago. Memories of being inside the Infinity Castle were not quickly fading and being replaced by new ones he formed. Had his sighing when he laid the jacket of his suit aside to seat down by a window he barely open to the light in. Allowing a certain set of memories that took place between recovery of former members of the Demon Slayers and his departure. Ones where the embers of a romantic nature formed between him and former Hashira until snuffed out.

"At least I got to know your still alive." Mu pulled a ojuzu beaded balance out from of his pockets.

He held for a minor second within his fingers with slightest of care until he got a a visitor at the door of his room. On to the corner of his desk he placed the beads with out a second thought when he got to his feet. Coming to barely answer the door when his hands was mere inch from reaching handle to open. When the outline alone told him who was standing there awaiting permission to step into in his private space.

"Before you tell me to leave or addressed me by my former title," Gyomei's voice made Mu freeze. "Feelings I confessed to you that day were real and not out of gratefulness I carry for what you have done."

"What are you trying to say?" Mu found his voice.

"I wish you look upon as a humble person wanting to get to know a fellow person as he begins his life as a healer." Gyomei made a simple request.

A door opens to reveal Mu stepping aside to allow Gyomei entry for them to talk away from prying ears. Being that few house servants were just around the corner and wanted to hear what was further being exchanged between them.

8*8

Mu knew about the anger that Shinobu need for vengeance was a strong one since he once carried that same rage deep down. He lost most his mother and grandparents to the demon at a young age when he couldn't do a thing to avenge them. When he got older and started being trained in the Dream Breathing style then he knew he could when he allow out. Just he discovered despite the strength he developed and the changes in his body thanks to nature for the upper hand. He came to understand living to avenge his family wasn't a proper way to live as his life went on as a Demon Slayer. Besides his aunt's romance with a fellow Flame Hashira and his father's blindness become one of many awakenings for him. Maybe the reason why he cultivated the different species of Wisteria Flower on Ito estate was for a more deadly poison. Which he kept in its undiluted state for when he interfered in Shinobu's fight against Upper Rank Two.

Where he was complimented on his skill with Dream Breathing and how it was branched off the Moon Breathing before he got angry. To only start insulting him one after another about being an unwanted savior to a maiden with an inferiority complex. Didn't seem to scratch his surface during his bouts before blocking fatal strikes to Shinobu with his blade. Didn't stop her from getting a crack collar bone and ribs in her successful attempts at a powerful hit. Seem to work for a few seconds with Shinobu slowly growing tired within those passing seconds when Doma faked. Become an opportunity for Doma needed to absorb her until Mu snatched and replaced her body with a vile or two of poison mixed with the Shinobu's poison-soaked blood. Trying to carry a hurt Hashira and use a blade to defend them was hard, but Mu pulled that off. As Shinobu started up an argument with him about getting in her way in her weak state. Left him to tolerate her abuse long enough when Kanao and Inosuke showed up to finish Doma. A brief thank you was an exchange of gratitude from Kanao to Mu took place for the risk he took in protecting her sister.

Afterward when the Hashira and others were being tended by Kakushi long after Muzan drew his last breath in the living world. Mu came to share with Shinobu about knowing her plan by sharing how he fought Demons during his missions. Pulling off the trick of using her poison-soaked blood with one of his made from non-Japanese Wisteria poison. Had worked tenfold for them and also stated that he didn't want Kanao to grow up as he did with little family. Advising Shinobu to find another purpose in life since he knew his aunt was already making them for everyone.

Was the history that Mu and Shinobu currently shared

Since he now ended up visiting her in the private wing of the Butterfly Mansion in the company of his aunt like he promised Kanao and Aio. First-person he pulled chair up to was the bedside of quiet Shinobu just staring at him the whole time.

"Ready to deliver on that threat?" He asked her in an amusing manner. "Cause I heard you made a proposal to Giyu."

"Just following some good advice." She plainly smiled.

"Glad to know," He thought she looked better with a genuine smile. "Remember my offer is always opened."

"What are you chatting about?" Giyu piped in.

Mu would have said something about courting Shinobu, if crying from a ward down of Tengen's newly born daughters were heard. Mu was thankful he wasn't here for the birthing process of Tengen's three wives those lost few days. Had Mu closing his eyes and trying his best to not be bothered by the wailing before comments from Mitsuri started up.

"You must look forward to your new nephews?" She asked about Miru's new sons.

"Haven't met their officially yet," He amusingly stated. "You ready to be a bride?"

The redness of her face took on when he brought up how she confessed to Obanai that had tension coming from someone. Which didn't bother Mu in any way since he knew the person that was staring daggers at him since he was talking to Mitsuri. Not that Mu was in the mood to bother him about his recovering vision or other wounds that seem to be healing.

"Mu?" Kyojuro voice called him.

"In the Hashira wing," Mu called him. "I getting death glare from one of your former pupils"

"Have you congratulated him yet?" Kyojuro also brought up the proposal. "Your Aunt and I are very proud of them."

"Can't 'cause of the way he was staring at me." Mu didn't want to look toward Obanai.

"Give a minute since me and your Aunt are going to visit Tengen." Kyojuro's voice faded.

Mu sighed and turned his sight toward Obanai with what he could muster since he could never bring himself to face the guy. Obanai's personality was what scared Mu half the time he was around him and even now when he tried to smile. Not knowing what to say when he gave a friendly wave of his hand and tried to say Kaburamaru was being cared for. How his aunt was always handed feeding her with the greatest of ease and giving her the needed attention all the time.

"She looks forward to helping with the wedding," Mu brought up his aunt's offer. "So approach her with any help you need."

"That would be grand." Mitsuri become excited.

Mu would have gone on if attention from Obanai got worst when he still refuse to use his words to even address Mu. Which made the youth smirk as he just face him when once more the of them become quiet in with happy Mitsuri.

8*8

Mu started to spend most of his evenings and late nights within the Butterfly Mansion, just helping with the rest of the former Demon Slayers. In the most basic of checkups and bandage care when an extra hand was needed among the staff. He rarely took a break since he used his downtime to rest on translated medical books or journals. Came to a crash ending when the end of a bokken was stuck in his face when he chose to sit in the count yard around twilight time for peace of mind after a slow day. Down went the reading article he was looking over to find a blank look belonging to Muichiro and the person who was pointing a wooden sword at him.

"Spar with me?" Muichiro requested of him.

"Shouldn't you be in bed?" He asked back.

"I want someone to spar with," Muichiro just stared at Mu. "Your only person here with the skills to do so.."

"As much as I will accept that as a compliment from a former Hashira," Mu had to keep himself from getting starstuck. "You need to get back to bed."

His answer came in the form of a single downward strike that would have torn the book he was reading in half within his hands until he ended up dodging it by getting out of the way. The expression that Muichiro now wore was one of annoyance as he just stared at Mu and waited for the other to make up his mind in being his sparring partner. Knew he wasn't going to get away from Muichiro and have a calm evening where he could return to a quiet household with a face knitting away as she waited for him.

"My aunt put you up to this?" Mu asked.

"No," Muichiro didn't remember Miru making that request of him. "I saw how your handled yourself in the fight and want to see if you still have what it takes."

"Now I think Kyojuro is behind this." Mu closed his book.

"I just said ..." Muichiro pulled the sword back.

Mu had to do a few things before he even lifted a bokken that started with him sending a Kasugai Crow to his sister at the Rengoku/ Ito estate to state he was going to be late. He had to put away what he was reading before his head was chopped off and served to Shinobu on a platter since his reading material was one of many gifts from her. He then got out his personal Bamboo Shinai from the things he brought from home to brush up on his basics and follow up on suggestions made by his aunt or uncle-in-law. How his daily sparring sessions with Muichiro went around lunch break or evening hours that passed him to review everything moment with his father as a youth. He got tired of must days when he got roped into being a nurse or forced to learn something he hadn't been covered by any of the classes as Aio showed him. Other days he came to a draw with Muichiro when he wasn't put through the wringer by Aio for making a mistake or accidentally did the procedure all wrong. Each time she had to remind him that one misup on his part as a healer or a doctor would result in his patient not healing quickly enough or an infection taking place. On top of the few times, he was getting his rear hadn't to him by Muichiro when his head wasn't in the right space when their wooden blades met during each bout. Left him to always seek out a different outcome when they were done and he started to think about what he could have done differently before moving on to something else.

"What are your plans for the future?" Muichiro sked him once.

"My aunt wants me to practice medicine," He pointed out. "Says what I did in Corps was enough to show that I have the skill and talent for it."

"Means she watching out for you," Muichiro was touched by Miru's actions.

"How are you?" Mu asked Muichiro.

"I am still figuring that out." Muichiro shrugged.

"Whatever it is," Mu knew Muichiro would pick his right path. "You'll put your mind to it."