Kimetsu no Yaiba doesn't belong to me. This story is a translation of another fanfic of mine. I hope you like it!
Mitsuri paced back and forth in the master's garden. She had arrived first at the Pillars' meeting and was waiting for the others to arrive.
She had lost count of how many times she had walked the same path. It wasn't what mattered most to her at that moment. Wisteria houses continued to fall in her territory, and she hadn't been able to find that demon yet.
And the longer it took, the more victims there were. That was the part that ate away at the young woman's conscience.
"Kanroji?" Mitsuri didn't hear when Shinobu called her, so engrossed was she in her thoughts.
Giyuu, Shinobu, and Kyojuro, who had just arrived, looked at each other in confusion. Mitsuri kept circling the garden, paying them no attention. Of the three, Rengoku was the most worried.
"Kanroji?" The Flame Pillar called her out loudly. This time Mitsuri heard him. She turned and saw them, stopped, and quickly approached.
"Have you been here long?!" Mitsuri asked, with more fervor than she intended.
"We just arrived," Shinobu said, approaching the other woman, trying to figure out what was wrong. The Love Pillar was the kind of person you could read like an open book. And at that moment, everything about her screamed nervousness. "Is everything alright, Kanroji?"
"Huh?" Kanroji murmured, a look of surprise crossing her face, as if she hadn't expected that question. "I'll explain later," the young woman promised, shaking her head a bit, once again looking worried.
Shinobu exchanged a quick glance with Giyuu, who simply shrugged. Mitsuri didn't seem ready to tell them what was troubling her just yet. Shinobu sighed and nodded.
She stepped back and returned to the other two, staying close to Giyuu. If Mitsuri had been in a better mood and more attentive to her companions, she would have noticed that detail and started daydreaming about a possible romantic relationship between the two of them.
She continued to wander the garden, once again paying no attention to the other three Pillars.
"And what's wrong with her?" Shinazugawa asked, who had just arrived.
Giyuu shrugged, preempting the other two in responding. But the mere act of doing that already irritated Shinazugawa, who looked at him with bloodshot eyes.
"Can't you respond verbally like a normal person!?" shouted the Wind Pillar.
"Come on, Shinazugawa, Giyuu answered you, didn't he?" Shinobu quickly intervened, giving him a sinister smile, but making sure only the Wind Pillar could see it. "We don't want to start an argument here, do we? What would the master think of you?"
Sanemi frowned upon hearing that and stood still, pondering the words of the Insect Pillar. Then he relaxed and snorted, "Bah, I'm not wasting my time arguing with Mr. 'I'm not like you guys'."
Giyuu, upon hearing that, raised an eyebrow, confused, and looked at Shinobu. "Is he angry about something I said?" he wondered. Shinobu sighed and was about to respond, but her words were drowned out by Shinazugawa's furious shout, who had also heard the Water Pillar's question.
And in the midst of Giyuu's confused gaze, Sanemi strode away angrily. Shinobu watched him closely. The Wind Pillar seemed like a volcano about to erupt.
"Don't worry, I'll explain later," the woman promised Tomioka.
Just then, the remaining Pillars arrived and approached them. Shinobu glanced sideways at the Serpent Pillar, another one prone to losing his temper with Tomioka, although at that moment, he seemed more focused on the Love Pillar. She chuckled at that, sometimes, or rather, most of the time, things were quite obvious.
"How's everything going?" asked the Rock Pillar, looking in their direction.
"Good, still adjusting to managing more territory," Shinobu acknowledged. It was busier to control more areas, but she didn't think she was doing a bad job. "And you?"
"Demon attacks have increased," Himejima said.
Giyuu moved away from them, taking advantage of not being the center of attention, but Shinobu, who was watching him, gently grabbed his haori, preventing him from leaving.
"Um, Shinobu..." murmured Giyuu, glancing at her hand that was still holding onto his jacket, "is something wrong?"
"It's impolite to leave without saying anything," the petite woman replied, smiling a little. She let go of him when she saw that he no longer seemed inclined to leave.
Himejima, who had been paying attention to the whole exchange of words, looked at Shinobu with some concern. "Kocho, can we talk alone for a moment?" the towering man requested.
"Of course," she said and followed him to an area where no one could hear them. "Is something the matter, Himejima?"
"You shouldn't get too attached to Tomioka," advised the Rock Pillar. "You, of all people, know what a bad idea that is."
"With all due respect, Himejima, that's none of your business," the woman snapped back, defensive and sharp. "I know perfectly well what I'm doing."
"I hope so, Kocho," muttered the man, far from convinced. He looked in the direction where she walked away and couldn't hold back the tears anymore. Part of him, a small part, was glad to see that since what happened with his sister years ago, she was starting to open her heart, even if it was to the reclusive Tomioka. And he hoped she wouldn't regret it if the Water Pillar died on some mission.
Amane looked at the Pillars with a serious expression. She had already gone out to greet them, and they immediately kneeled before her.
"I'm glad to see all of you well," she said and sighed for a moment before continuing, "Today, we will hold the meeting inside the building. Please follow me." Kagaya wanted to see them, he wanted to personally ensure the wellbeing of the Pillars. And Amane couldn't deny him that.
The eight swordsmen opened their eyes wide upon hearing that and quickly stood up. They followed Amane into the house, to the room where Kagaya was.
The man was lying on a futon. He was staring at the ceiling, but when he heard them enter, he turned his head and looked towards the entrance.
Mitsuri, who had been the second to enter after Amane, let out a stifled exclamation upon seeing the state of the leader. Almost his entire face was covered in bandages, and it seemed like his neck as well. Mitsuri quickly averted her gaze when she realized she had been staring for too long and that the other Pillars were waiting to enter. She stepped aside and, still with her head lowered, kneeled once again.
"My patron," she murmured. The other Pillars, more skilled than her in masking their emotions, didn't take long to imitate her and kneel.
"I'm glad to be with all of you again," said the leader, smiling affectionately. "I apologize for not being able to preside over the previous meeting."
"Don't worry, patron," Giyuu requested, "Taking care of your health is the most important thing."
"Thank you, Giyuu," the leader responded. "We have been reading the reports you have sent us about the demons. And I must say that Mitsuri's report has been particularly concerning." As soon as he said that, the attention of the swordsmen focused on Mitsuri, who cleared her throat.
"There's a demon that has started attacking the wisteria houses in my territory," she explained. "I haven't been able to find it yet, but it always leaves the same mark. The kanji for 'Upper Moon One.'" The woman took a breath before continuing, "That's why I need help. I'm sure it won't just limit itself to destroying the wisteria houses in my territory." It was a mere hunch, she had no proof of it, but if that could convince them... it would serve its purpose.
Iguro immediately raised his hand. "I'll go with you," he offered without hesitation.
"I don't think it's something we should rush into without further consideration," Giyuu opined, seemingly more talkative than usual. "If it's truly the Upper Moon One, it would be better for those of us with more experience in battle to handle it."
"Are you suggesting that Kanroji and I couldn't handle it and that we are weak?!" Iguro exploded, giving a hateful look to the Water Pillar.
"For once, I agree with Tomioka," Sanemi reluctantly admitted. "It's better to leave it to us."
"Who are you thinking of, Sanemi?" Kagaya inquired curiously.
"Well, Tomioka, Himejima, and myself," the man immediately responded. The two mentioned Pillars nodded in agreement with his words.
"I'll go too, of course," Kanroji interjected. "After all, it's in my territory."
"And it wouldn't hurt to have someone with medical knowledge," Shinobu remarked.
Kagaya observed the Pillars with poorly disguised pride. Despite all the conflicts that arose between them due to their personalities, when it came time to organize themselves, they were able to set aside their differences.
Kyojuro looked with interest at those who had volunteered. He also wanted to offer himself, not wanting to be deprived of the opportunity to face one of the Upper Moons. But then, Senjuro and Sumiko came to his mind, and his once resolute gaze lost its luster. If something happened to him, Senjuro would be completely alone, and Sumiko still needed someone to help and teach her to become the next Flame Pillar someday.
"You have my blessing," Kagaya declared.
"There's something else you should know, patron," Kyojuro intervened at that moment, "about Nezuko Kamado."
"Has something happened, Kyojuro?" the patron asked, focusing all his attention on him.
"She has developed a demon blood technique despite not having devoured humans," the Flame Pillar recounted, disregarding the looks directed at him by Kanroji, Iguro, and Shinazugawa.
"Are you absolutely sure about that?" Kagaya asked, very interested in what he was being told.
"Absolutely!"
Kagaya nodded, about to ask more about it, but a sudden fit of coughing prevented him from doing so. Amane, who had stoically remained silent at his side, handed him a handkerchief. When he finally removed it, the eight Pillars noticed the bloodstains on it, as well as the blood staining the man's lips.
"Patron!" Shinazugawa, Kanroji, and Rengoku exclaimed in unison, making a gesture as if to approach him, but Ubuyashiki stopped them with a gesture of his right hand.
"Don't worry," he requested, remaining calm as Amane gently wiped the remaining blood from his lips. "I still have the strength to lead the Corps. I intend to do so until my last breath,and then I will be succeeded by my son."
"Isn't there anything you can do, Kocho!?" Shinazugawa shouted, looking at the woman. Shinobu sighed, closed her eyes, and shook her head.
"If it were an illness, perhaps I could do something," the Insect Pillar admitted. "But you know that what afflicts the patron is more complex."
"Don't argue, please. It's not worth it," Kagaya requested, trying to appease Sanemi. The Wind Pillar clenched his teeth, annoyed, and the patron continued speaking. "I wish you the best of luck on your mission, my dear Pillars. And I hope to see you at the next meeting."
Giyuu silently observed the map of Japan that Shinobu had spread out on the table in front of them. Shinazugawa, Kanroji, and Himejima were with them. Kanroji was pointing out the areas in her territory that had already been attacked.
"Setting up an ambush would be the best approach," Himejima suggested.
Shinobu nodded in agreement; it was a good idea. She focused her attention back on the map. There were several densely populated cities in Mitsuri's territory.
"We need to intercept him soon," Giyuu said, pointing out the obvious, much to Shinazugawa's irritation.
"Obviously, Tomioka," he snapped, in a bad mood.
"This area would be the best location for an ambush," Mitsuri pointed out, placing her right index finger on one of the southern regions near the border with Iguro's region. It was quite far from the assumed location of their enemy.
"It would take us over a week to get there," Shinobu said after examining the distance. The Love Pillar grimaced but didn't comment.
"Any other suggestions?"
"No, not from me," Giyuu replied.
"Alright, if it's agreeable to all of you, we'll depart in a couple of hours. Make sure you have everything ready by then," Shinobu declared, taking charge immediately.
Rengoku sighed as he saw Kanao and Sumiko in the training room. The two young girls were exchanging blows with wooden swords. The Flame Pillar observed their movements from where he stood, analyzing his pupil's techniques.
The concern that had settled during the meeting with the leader was still present. He sighed again, wanting to believe that he was worrying over nothing. Sumiko had proven herself capable on more than one occasion.
Closing his eyes, he reminded himself that they were demon slayers, and he couldn't treat her like a little girl. With that in mind, he quietly left the training room. He would find Senjuro and spend some time with him.
In the hallway near his brother's room, he crossed paths with Giyuu. Smiling a little, he approached him.
"What are you going to do in the end?" the Flame Pillar asked, interested, catching the other man's attention.
"We will leave soon," Giyuu responded tersely.
"I envy you!" Kyojuro admitted, trying to keep the conversation going.
Tomioka didn't respond, merely raising an eyebrow at him. But that didn't discourage the other man in the slightest.
"But I feel more at ease knowing that you all will take care of it."
"I hope we will be capable," Giyuu said.
"Well, of course you will!" Kyojuro exclaimed. "Among the Pillars, you are the most experienced."
"That doesn't mean anything," the Water Pillar reminded him.
"You should have more confidence in your abilities, Giyuu," Shinobu interjected, appearing in the hallway, carrying a medical kit and having overheard their exchange.
Rengoku turned and looked at her, smiling a little. "Is everything prepared, Kocho?" he wanted to know.
"Almost everything, yes," she replied. She had tried to gather various supplies, both for minor and more severe injuries. She hoped it would be enough.
"Perfect!" Kyojuro exclaimed, in a good mood. "I wish you the best of luck!"
Giyuu, who remained silent, approached Kocho and stood behind her. Kyojuro observed that with curiosity but didn't comment on it.
"We will be leaving soon," Kocho said, smiling a little. "I will leave the house in your care until then, Rengoku."
"You can count on me," the Flame Pillar responded.
Shinobu smiled and turned around, looking at Giyuu. "Shall we go?" she asked. "Shinazugawa must be getting impatient by now."
A blond-haired woman with shoulder-length hair held onto her right arm, trying to bear the pain she felt, and struggled to breathe. She was dressed in the uniform of demon slayers and, with difficulty, wielded a sky-blue bladed Nichirin sword.
She had been resting and recovering from her injuries in a wisteria house when a loud crash awakened her. And upon going to check what was happening, she came face to face with a demon at the entrance of the residence.
Her natural reaction was to unsheathe her weapon. Although she knew from the kanji in the demon's eyes that the being in front of her was an Upper Moon, she intended to put up a fight, however brief it might be.
The demon, a creature with pale skin and peculiar flame-shaped markings on its forehead and chin, regarded her with little interest with its six eyes.
"If you let me pass and allow me to end the lives of the other humans in this house," the demon began to say as it unsheathed its own katana, "I might consider sparing your life."
The woman, named Mikasa, gritted her teeth upon hearing that. She let out a scream, releasing all the anger that suggestion provoked in her, and without a second thought, she lunged at Kokushibo.
Only to be cleanly split in half moments later by the katana of the First Upper Moon. Kokushibo watched as his weapon absorbed the blood staining its blade and, once it was completely clean, he sheathed it.
He raised his head and proceeded through the house; he had work to do. Passing by the body of the recently slain demon slayer, he knelt down. Respectfully, he closed the eyes of the young woman. As a warrior, she deserved that much respect. Afterward, the demon stood up and continued on his way. He would kill the civilians living there and depart.
Shinazugawa poked the fire with a stick. After having been moving all day, they had stopped to rest for the night. Shinobu and Mitsuri were lying on their haoris, covered with a couple of blankets they had packed on the advice of the Insect Pillar.
Giyuu watched him sitting in front of him, which made the Wind Pillar increasingly nervous. Himejima, who was nearby, had started meditating and paid no attention to his surroundings.
"Why are you staring at me like that!?" Sanemi exclaimed.
"You shouldn't raise your voice," Giyuu pointed out in a low voice, glancing at the two women to make sure they hadn't woken up. "You'll wake them up."
Sanemi restrained a growl of anger. He didn't want to deal with the bad temper that the Insect Pillar would have if she was awakened in that way. But above all, he hated Tomioka and his always arrogant attitude.
"Did I do something to bother you?" Giyuu asked.
Sanemi squeezed the wooden stick he was still holding so tightly that it eventually broke.
"Leave me alone," the Wind Pillar hissed, controlling himself from shouting and locking his bloodshot eyes onto the other man. Giyuu looked at him, confused, for several seconds before shrugging and imitating the two women, lying down to rest for a few hours.
The Wind Pillar returned his attention to the flames. He had volunteered for the first watch. Himejima would replace him, and Tomioka would take the last watch of the night. In front of him, he had three hours in which he would simply keep an eye on their surroundings in case they were attacked by any demon foolish enough to try.
His sword was on the ground, a few centimeters away from him. He looked up at the night sky. Although the nights were starting to become warmer, there was still a certain chill in the air. The leaves of the trees swayed gently in the breeze.
He sighed softly. The thought of soon possibly facing the First Upper Moon seemed unreal to him. It was an opportunity that few Pillars had. Of his generation, the only two who had had that chance had ended up badly. Kanae became a demon, and Tengen was dead.
He closed his eyes when he thought about the Insect Pillar's sister. They had gotten along well, and he didn't know if they could have considered each other friends, but he wanted to believe they were. Would she remember them? But did it even matter if she did? He clenched his teeth. She was still a demon, and their duty as members of the Corps was to eliminate such beings.
See you soon with the next chapter! Don't forget to leave a review! I would love to hear your thoughts!