A/N: This is the final Part to the Cruel World series :)

Public Enemy #1 was what Sanemi became. In the eyes of the Hashira - even Obanai who attempted to be neutral even gave him a look of disdain. Uzui often berated him, stating that he didn't deserve a woman like you - and Sanemi knew as such. Shinobu made it her mission while treating him to make it as painful as possible - seeing as she could be gentle when she desired.

Hell, even Tomioka gave him deeper frowns than normal and that was saying a lot. You set your mark upon the Corps and now that you were going to be leaving soon, everyone despised him for it.

Did anyone know the true meaning? No. They didn't dare ask Sanemi. They didn't wish to ask you, either, not wishing to see the sadness grow deeper in your eyes. What they did know was that Sanemi and your relationship had grown sour, you were leaving the Corps and the only logical person to blame was the man in the situation.

Sanemi hisses when a sharp pain swipes at his neck. It's Hiyori - again - claws digging deep into his neck while her beak bites against his ear. This is the fifth time in the last two days she has attacked him randomly, Sorai no longer wishing to help out of fear of her attack coming to him next.

"Fuck." Sanemi swipes at the crow to defend himself from her attack. She squeaks, eyes glaring before she flocks away. He couldn't be upset with Hiyori - she adored you just as much as everyone did. Even Ginko - Muichiro's sly crow - had come to your defense. Sanemi likes to believe that the crow just desires to berate anyone that isn't Muichiro and joins in on the torment out of boredom.

"Serves you right."

Uzui.

Sanemi sighs. Great, another session of the man berating him because of you.

"I don't have time for you right now." Sanemi continues his stroll back to his estate. He had tatami mats to slice up to get his mind off of you.

"What'd you do to Y/N?"

Sanemi continues to walk.

"So unflashy."

"Your lack of hand is unflashy." Sanemi retorts.

Uzui cackles. "Yet I can keep all three of my wives. I cannot say the same for you, Shinazugawa." Tengen trails behind the younger man who's shoulders tense at the remark. "I'm serious now. What did you do to her?"

Sanemi stops in his tracks. He doesn't turn to face Uzui. Even with one eye, the man knew how to see right through him.

"Did she leave yet?"

You haven't spoken to Sanemi in a week. His heart hurts and longs to see you, just to see that you're alright. But he cannot be selfish enough to hold you back from what you want.

"No. She will in another week." Sanemi exhales at the response. "You make her cry. I can never forgive you for that, Shinazugawa."

Sanemi recalls your wet eyes as you were leaving his estate. His throat tightens.

"Y/N saw you as a savior of the sort. She spoke so highly of you - even now. I rarely see her smile and there's always a sadness behind her eyes. It outweighs Tomioka's."

Sanemi swallows the lump in his throat. He continues walking and this angers Uzui. "I'm talking to you!" the retired Hashira roars. "What the hell happened-"

"I took advantage of her!" Sanemi roars back, turning to face the taller man. "I took advantage of her and I can't forgive myself."

Uzui stops in his tracks, fuschia eyes examine Sanemi's face. "Are you admitting to…assaulting her?" Uzui is unsure where this conversation was heading. He doesn't want to believe that Sanemi would intentionally cause you any harm.

"Ye-"

Sanemi falls onto his back and there's a sting in his face. Even retired with one hand and eye, Uzui was just as fast and strong as ever. Sanemi holds his nose and glares at the man, liquid leaking into his palm.

Tengen steps back and admires the sight. "You have changed." he murmurs more to himself than to Sanemi. "You're hurting just as much as Y/N. You're better at hiding it." Uzui kneels down to reach eye level to Sanemi. "The Shinazugawa I know would've never let anyone hit him and get away with it."

The teasing was back. Uzui was willing to hear what Sanemi had to say. "What really happened?"

Sanemi rips a piece of his haori and plugs his nose. He does speak. He explains the entirety of the mission - the demon art and how he felt, the demon that was a Lower Moon that took your shape and how you managed to defeat it effortlessly. He explained how his body felt - hot, heavy and in excruciating pain; nauseous at the forbidden sight of you. Sanemi even goes as far as to detail the internal dialogue and the flashes of delusion his mind sent as to how badly he desired to have you.

Tengen listens with wide eyes, attempting his hardest now to cackle at Sanemi's explanation.

"What you explain to me, Shinazugawa, sounds like consensual sex." Tengan shakes his head. Kids, he thinks, even if you and Sanemi were considered adults. Still, anyone younger than him would be kids in his eyes. "She wanted you. You wanted her. You fucked the life-" Sanemi growls, tips of his ears hot red.

"Look," Uzui chuckles. "That's not assault. Did Y/N feel indifferent about it?"

Sanemi glances away with a shrug. He didn't know how you felt.

"Did you two talk about it?"

Sanemi shakes his head.

"...What did you do?"

"Ignored her."

Tengen groans. He wants to send another punch to Sanemi's nose but refrains. "You take her virginity and fuck her all night while declaring to always protect her and," Tengen raises one hand and does air quotations. "the child you were begging to fuck into her just to ignore her this whole time?"

Sanemi stiffens. When he thinks of it that way, it sounded more fucked up then he intended.

Tengen stands, shaking his head at the dumb Wind Hashira. "Unflashy of you." he turns and begins to journey back to his own home.

Sanemi stands with a huff. His nose was broken now and the only person who could fix it was unfortunately Kocho. He journeys to the Butterfly Mansion, mind on his conversation with Uzui.

Sanemi didn't want to leave you the morning he woke. He desired to hold you close to him, inhaling your sweet scent. But he was disgusted with himself more than anything. In his mind, he took advantage of you and your intoxicated state. There were bruises and marks littering your once perfect skin - all made by him and his savage ways. He couldn't control himself and now you were forever tainted - he didn't regret his night with you. He regretted how it happened.

Sanemi admitted to himself that morning that he loved you, stating it aloud while you slept soundlessly. His mind also recalls the way you also admitted to loving him during your time together, but that was during your intoxicated state of sex and the demon art. But knowing what love meant to him only meant there was a matter of time until the love he harbored would crush him. Memories of the night prior flood in and he thinks about how deep he was into the demon art that he was paralyzed right beneath a Lower Moon. What if you weren't capable enough to stop her? It would've been his fault why you died - and the thought sent shivers all over his body.

It hurts Sanemi to ignore you, but he wanted you to hate him. He wanted you to eventually be so angered with him that you wouldn't bother to care for him any longer.

But no, instead you apologized. You thanked him. You left - all because you thought you were a burden to him.

"Sit." Shinobu is curt with her responses to Sanemi. "Oh my, your nose is broken. Who managed to get to you first?"

Sanemi doesn't retort in the way he usually would. "Uzui."

Shinobu giggles with satisfaction. Serves you right, she wants to say.

Shinobu places her hands on Sanemi's nose and jerks it harshly. Sanemi hisses, eyes snapping shut at the pressure.

"Fixed." Shinobu sing-songs. "You're free to go."

Sanemi doesn't stand, not even when Shinobu has turned to give him a look of distaste.

"Is Y/N alright?"

Shinbou's eyebrows knit harshly. "Y/N is none of your concern!" she snaps. "Not after all you've done to her."

Sanemi sighs. "She told you." he states. "I saw her…coming here a few times. Just-"

"You don't have the right to act concern now, Shinazugawa." Shinobu interrupts. Sure, she doesn't know the full story of you and Sanemi's relationship, but she knows enough of the outcome of it. "You've put her through enough."

Sanemi stands and makes his leave. Everyone loved you, as they should, but everyone hated him. He wasn't going to get any answers from Shinobu about you and he cannot be upset about it either way.

Y/N-san. How have you been since retiring? It gets lonely sometimes without you here but I I was told by Genya-kun to be a man. Even so, I can see that even he appears to be saddened by your loss. He doesn't speak to me much without me talking first, but we eat together often when we can. It feels different without you here to keep the peace. I hope you're doing good, Y/N-san, and you find the peace you deserve.

-Hoshi Shinra

You read Shinra's message with a soft smile on your lips. You're glad that he and Genya could get along with one another. You know just how Genya could be - similar to his brother at times. But he was a good boy, after all.

It's been only a month since you retired from the Corps. Retired sounds foreign to say. You haven't been a slayer for long and you even felt ashamed to say that you've retired already. Those who were younger than you remained in the corps and fought while you retired; seemingly from a broken heart. You want to laugh at how weak you truly were, but you decided against it.

Returning home wasn't what you truly wished to do. You haven't spoken to your father in close to two years - not even a letter. He hasn't attempted to find you, either, and possibly assumed you were either dead or a part of someone's brothel.

The look on your fathers face upon your return was one of pure shock. He hadn't said anything for the first few moments of seeing you. Was he happy? Angered? Relieved to see his only living child?

Your answer came when the man raised his hand to slap you - a hand you caught easily. You pushed the man away and swallow thickly. He was upset. Surely because you had gone rogue and that meant whatever money your husband had paid you for had to be returned. But, your father was never violent towards you before - the smell of alcohol laced in his breath told you that he had taken in the habit even more while you were gone.

Your father didn't stop, however. He was just as talkative as he once was. He yelled at you, stating that you were the reason he had gone broke. He had to work his ass off to pay off your debt to the man that you were destined to marry - that he even had to sell personal items. You shoved a few wads of cash in his face to shut him up.

You were an adult - always had been. However, you were stronger. You trained alongside Hashira. You beheaded demons - and though you were not on the level of a Hashira, you were damn near close. The Lower Moon was nowhere near what Upper Moon Uzui, Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu fought, but it was a kizuki nonetheless. You would return home and deal with your father, but you weren't going to tolerate disrespect.

Your father noticed the change in you. He doesn't ask where you've gone for nearly two years. He knows that you've grown. Hair longer, body toned and strong and face stoic. You appeared to be alert at all times, even with the slightest of sounds. But, that didn't stop his disdain for you.

"You could've been set for life." your father told you one night at dinner. He ate what you cooked with a side of alcohol - a normal set up for him.

"Could I have? Or would you've been set for life without me?' you retort, taking a bite of the chicken you prepared. Another thing your father had to grow accustomed to - your mouth. You talked back now, an act he didn't appreciate.

"I gave you to that man to take care of you!" your father yells, banging his hand onto the table. His breath stinks of sake. You contemplate hiding the bottle, but that would only mean he'd tear the home apart looking for it or just go buy another.

"You sold me to him." you deadpan. You're unsure what lie your father had told himself to make himself feel better about it, but it wasn't the truth. He sold you to get money for himself and get rid of you. You're back now and he hated you for it - oh well. "I paid my due to you already. Eat your food."

"Where did you get that money?" your father hisses. The only time he's seen so much cash upfront was from the man - and you didn't return from him. "You decided to be an Oiran like I said?" your father scoffs with a shake of his head.

Your appetite is lost now. You gather the dishes and begin to wash them, deciding that ignoring your father was for the best. But that didn't mean your father was done. He continues, carrying on how you cost him a lot of money and you being back was a slap to the face. You pondered if retiring was even worth it if it meant you had to deal with him on the daily. You cooked for him on the daily, made sure the home was clean and even bought whatever was needed for the home - and still, he hated you. It was as though your existence here was causing him such anger.

Genya, I'm glad to hear from you. I've heard from Shinra that you've been eating together! I'm glad you and he are building a friendship! I hope you're eating well and staying healthy.

Please, stay safe.

-Y/N

You folded Genya's letter and placed it inside a small envelope. You had several letters to go through, even some from those you weren't expecting. You opened an envelope and were surprised to find several leaves, acorns, seeds and even rocks. The next envelope was from Tanjiro who apologized for the mess caused by Inosuke. Apparently the boy wanted to gift you something after Tanjiro explained that he would be writing you a letter - it warmed your heart knowing that even Inosuke was a part of your penpal group.

The next letter was a surprise, signed by several lower-rank slayers. It caused you to laugh upon reading it, catching you completely off guard. It detailed how Sanemi had turned sour once more and that he was utterly murderous. It continued saying that they wish you were there to calm him down with whatever "miracle" tea you made him while in Asakusa. In the end, they wished you the best on retirement, warming your heart even more.

Y/N, I hope you're well. Sumi, Naho and Kiyo miss you and though she won't admit it, so does Aoi. It feels different without you here. Shinazugawa still gets attacked randomly by Hiyori and now even Sorai is too frightened to help! I know you wish to not speak of him, but he asks about you constantly. I have not told him anything, do not worry! I've attached some medicine to this letter that would help ease the morning sickness - please take it daily. Please keep yourself in good health; not only for you, but for the baby.

-Kocho Shinobu

Shinobu was sent from heaven, you're convinced. It was only a few days ago that you spoke of your nausea daily in a letter - even when it stretched far from the morning. It was difficult keeping any food down and water appeared to be the only thing that didn't mess with your stomach. The medicine she gave appeared to be enough to last a month or two.

You laid a hand on your stomach and sighed. You weren't far along, only in your fourth month. You thought you appeared bigger than normal, but maybe it was just your head doing things to you,

Your mind flickers to the same day you found out about said pregnancy and how you spoke with shinobu. She had assured that it would be painless - and you believed her. She made you a drink and handed it to you with a warm look in her eyes.

You recall the way you smelt it before attempting to drink. Your hands were trembling and as you brought it to your lips, you felt just how wet your cheeks were.

You couldn't do it.

Shinobu had consoled you for what appeared to be hours. You apologized profusely to her, stating that you were doing nothing but wasting her time. She assured you that you weren't, that you were going through something normal. She never onced judged you - and for that you were thankful. She had kept your secret and allowed you to leave the Corps with whatever dignity you had left.

Your father, on the other hand, was another story. Upon returning home with a flat stomach, he was beginning to think he was seeing things when your stomach began to grow. Your kimono couldn't have been that big and your weight didn't change elsewhere but your stomach. "That's why you returned home." he spat once he realized just what was the issue with you. "Because whatever man that did this to you had left you! It's what you deserve for leaving."

It's what you deserved, his words rang in your ear.

Once all of your letters were written, you pushed yourself away from your desk and stood. You were trying to make it a habit to walk. You didn't feel different now early on in your pregnancy, but you didn't want anything to change as you grew closer to when you were expected.

You strolled out of your home, finding the sun to be high in the sky. Your father would be at the pub right about now, not that you cared where he spent his time.

There's a light breeze, you note, as you walk. It isn't a warm breeze that causes your skin to crawl with such heat, but a nice one that causes you to sigh in relief.

"I hope it's a girl!"

You turn to the sound of the sudden voice. You were strolling for about ten minutes, not far from your home. You thought you were alone - a village is not far from here, but usually people didn't tend to walk down this path often.

Your eyes catch a child - a small girl. Her eyes are large and blue and she's smiling at you. Her hair is black and tied in a low bun. Her kimono was long and red and her obi was orange.

"Ah, hello." you offer her your own smile. She's cute, so small and innocent. "I never thought about gender much."

You're unaware she could see your bump through your kimono.

The girl crosses her arms. "I hope it's a girl." she repeats. "There's a lot of boys in my family. I only have one sister." she has a look of disdain on her face.

You giggle. "Is that so? But don't you love them?"

The girl seems to ponder on your question before nodding.

"Then it's alright, isn't it?" you question.

The girl slowly nods. "I guess so." she murmurs. "I remember when my baby brother was born!"

"Is that so?" you ask.

The girl begins to walk besides you as she speaks, never focusing on just one topic and instead jumping between a few of them. You listen to what she has to say, unphased to be speaking to a child. You assumed she lived nearby and her brothers were in the village where the majority of the shops were at. She spoke fondly of them and this causes your heart to swell. You missed your own brother at times.

"Would you like something…to drink…?" your eyes scan the surrounding area for the little girl who was just talking your ear off to find her gone. You hum. She must've ran off somewhere. You only hope she would find her siblings before the sun set.

Taisho Secret: While Tanjiro & Zenitsu sends you letters, Inosuke sends rocks & leaves that he thinks are gift worthy. You aslo send Inosuke stones and marbles that he keeps. Zenitsu thinks it's weird, but Tanjiro is thankful that you know how to make Inosuke not feel weird about being from the mountains.

"Must you cut yourself so deep?" you sigh, dousing the ointment across his open wound. "Surely any amount of blood could intoxicate the demons."

The mission was done, leaving Sanemi a bloody mess before you. You learn to pack a small kit for this moment after the first time he cut himself in front of you to distract a demon.

Sanemi snickers. "I get carried away sometimes."

You knit your brows, glancing into his eyes. He's already watching you, and noticing your eyes meet, he glances away.

"It doesn't really hurt anymore." Sanemi continues just as you apply the bandage over the wound. "I've got enough scars to prove that I've been doing this for a while."

You nod at his words, your eyes scanning the amount of scars littering his skin. It covers his entire torso, back and arms. Some appear to be fresh while others old and forming into new skin on top.

"Do they bother you?"

Sanemi's question catches you by surprise. You shake your head, hoping he didn't think you were insulting his appearance. "I think they're interesting."

Sanemi hums.

Sanemi's not entirely convinced.

"Each scar has a story to it." you say. You lean back to give the man a smile. "It shows just how strong you are."

You pat a scar on his chest gently and Sanemi feels himself grow hot. He turns his eyes back to you, finding that you weren't lying. Your eyes show just how sincere you were being with him.

"Children often run from me." Sanemi tries to joke with you to lighten the mood, but he curses himself mentally at the look in your eyes.

"Maybe you should smile more." you offer and this causes Sanemi to scoff aloud. "I'm serious! You look terrifying to others when you're upset."

"Not to you." Sanemi states. He didn't care what other people thought of him. You were different. Your opinion of him mattered.

"Of course not." you grin. "You're nice to me."

Sanemi swallows.

"Let's try to smile without appearing menacing." you suggest. Your hands touch his face and Sanemi feels the familiar jolt in his heart. Your hands are soft and you come even closer, your scent surrounds his nostrils.

You've grown used to being able to touch him without a care and Sanemi never pushes you away.

Your fingers lift his cheeks up and you begin to giggle at how unnatural he appeared. Sanemi concludes that he likes the way your laughter sounds.