1st POV

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Two weeks passed soon after Tengu Gramps sent the letter detailing my request to the Ubuyashiki estate using his kasugai crow. We waited for an answer, though I have no idea how he worded everything I told him. Did he reveal what I was or did he just write about a potential ally?

Anyway, I shrugged it off. I was currently in Tanjiro's new room keeping an eye on the demon child's sleeping form while fumbling with my phone out of boredom.

Speaking of her, ever since our arrival, Nezuko fell into her long-needed sleep, as if she knew it was her cue to do so as Tanjiro's training had begun. Speaking of him, he went into a full-blown panic on the third day when Nezuko still laid unmoving and I had to spend the night reassuring him that she was okay, that it was her way to replenish energy instead of devouring humans like other demons. The boy, not knowing what to do, and truly uninformed, took my words at face value, or scent value? Though he looked crestfallen every time his eyes fell on her each night as he wrote in his journal, but was glad of that solution rather than Nezuko attacking an innocent in a fit of hunger. It pained him but he kept up to focus more on training to become a slayer.

As intriguing as Tanjiro's training sounds, I had already seen it happen once and wasn't interested in watching Tengu gramps beat the living daylight out of him again, so I stayed put in the cabin with Nezuko most of the time. Sure I sneaked a peek or two when the old man began explaining their breathing technique and even tried it in private only to find myself wheezing on the floor like a gasoil engine starting up.

Damn this shit was hard.

Though tengu gramps was more focused on the Kamado- as he should- but still had time to spare when the boy was busy parkouring and avoiding traps here and there to answer some of my questions on total concentration breathing which wasn't an ability I could mimic off the bat with my imagination like ODM skills were to be learned. So when I asked if he could teach me how to do it even when we both knew I won't probably need it, he was surprised but did not object. He did ask however why when I declined to learn swordsmanship and simply answered "To pass time" which wasn't a lie.

There were only the three of us here— not counting Nezuko and the ghosts I haven't still seen— plus Tanjiro would be too exhausted to keep a conversation with me whilst the demon child blissfully snoozed in her futon, so yeah. I was bored. Not to mention that Tengu gramps was a man of few words. Sure, learning how to wield a katana sounds fun but I'm more of the 'punch it till you make it' than the blade-wielding type, besides I knew how to use swords given my 3 years of titan training though that wouldn't be useful here, plus I don't lack resource given the plethora of abilities at my disposal. And...I didn't feel like being chased by their swordsmiths.

So yeah, after a week of explanation, breathing exercises, and continuously getting my stomach punched because 'I keep breathing wrong', I slowly, but surely was on my way to learning it after managing it correctly one time, and damn, I immediately felt the change! I could feel the way oxygen flowed to enhance my muscles to the point where my vision was clearer than usual. It lasted for 5 seconds before I lost it. I was so surprised that I reverted to French with a "Putain..." And gawked at the old man who was surprised as well because I succeeded after a WEEK though that was maybe because of the training I went through at camp. Yeah, I had no time to be a couch potato in aot.

The punches lessened 3 days after the initial success, though Tanjiro cried in shock when he saw me getting gut-punched the first time around. Tengu gramps was a ruthless bastard, but his training methods were effective enough that a dumbass like me managed it. So yeah. Success! Now in case I, somehow, grab some nichirin bullshit, I'll see what color it'll take! Hope it's gold, it's my theme.

A knock on the front door caught my attention. I was too focused on the video I was watching to have noticed the new presence in front of the cabin which made me frown.

"Visitors?" I mumble absentmindedly.

Had Tengu gramps received people in the anime? Probably, they didn't linger on his life that much. Instead, they focused on Tanjiro's training arc even if that was briefly overlooked with him resuming some events that happened, though two years is quite long so they had to rush for the plot to go back on track instead of getting more information on the old man's life.

Anyway, the door. I focused on the aura behind it, attempting to discern their identities, and honestly, by the way Pillars were known to be busy with duties, I doubt that's Giyuu. Besides the presence felt nothing like calm water and was by far weaker than a pillar like him. It felt more normal with nothing interesting to note aside from a subtle earthy feel and some uncertainty. Sure the person behind the door wasn't near pillar level, they were strong enough to handle current Tanjiro.

The second set of knocking had me on my feet, putting the phone in my red dashiki dress pocket,

Before making my way to the front door, quietly closing Tanjiro's bedroom door so as to not disturb Nezuko, not that anything would wake her up. The person, a woman if I base myself on the shape of her aura as I got closer was shifting uncomfortably with nervousness.

'Wonder who that could be.'

Before I could open the door, a thought paused me in my tracks.

'Maybe I should cover myself this time...'Yup, comments on my complexion every time I accompany Tengu gramps to the village had gotten on my nerves. He and Tanjiro were okay since they dismissed it immediately after I introduced myself, plus Tanjiro was just curious but remained respectful. Strangers, on the other hand, had no such qualm about asking weird-ass questions, particularly those with loose mouths made me want to hurt them so freaking much!

Anyway, cover!

I knew I could shapeshift into anything but changing my complexion just to avoid weird looks was out of the window! I love my melanin thank you very much! And if someone has a problem with it, I'll beat them up.

With the usual snap, I knew it ain't necessary but Joséphine l'ange gardien, a dark hooded cloak with a gold sun on the chest area, clouds patterns on the sleeves and brims was long enough to cover my entire figure, a gold kimono top underneath with bandages on my neck and arms, dark-colored gloves on both hands and the iconic swirly lollipop orange mask with two eyeholes this time covered my face so no one could see my skin..huhuhu. That was followed by an ebony hakama where my phone now resides and white stockings. I put on the black sandals I've been wearing for a while 'cause getas kinda hurts, then finally slid the door open.

'Whoever that is ain't gonna see a black person today'

Apparently, abruptly sliding a door open when the person behind is about to knock is enough to scare them shitless if the loud 'eep' is anything to go by. My eyebrows rose to my hairline at the sight of the spooked girl in front of me. Black head covering followed by a black and white mask concealing the nose and the mouth leaving only the eyes to view, along with a black version of the regular demon slayer uniform consisting of a gakuran jacket and hakama pants— aKakushiwhose eyes widened at my sight.

"Can I help you?"

The Kakushi was startled at being suddenly addressed by the weird masked person-Me.

"U-U-Urokodaki-sama?"

I tilt my head to the side. "Gramps? he's not here, do you need something?"

She looks hesitant, aura flickering with uncertainty but quickly regains her composure, plastering a more professional demeanor as she straightens up. "Hai! I was sent to deliver a letter to former water Hashira, Urokodaki-sama!" She exclaims.

I blink,'well, that's a surprise. Is it about me?'With a nod, "I see, come along then, he's at the training grounds right now and I assume you've never been there." I begin walking up to the forest toward Tengu Gramps and Tanjiro's auras, one flowing like a vast current of water and the other emitting heat reminding me of the warm summer sun.

The Kakushi scurries to follow but remains a little distance behind me.

"You look nervous, is my mask scaring you?"

She stiffens at my voice, eyes blown wide at suddenly being addressed. What? Did she think I wouldn't talk to her? Yeah sure I tend to do just that-introvert moments-but it's been a while since I spoke with someone else.

The kakushi stutters a bit, searching her words "n-n-not at all! I was...simply surprised. Sorry!"

I hum, "that so? I see." a silence "why are you so nervous though? I can feel your nerves without looking. Is there a problem?" I turn to look at her smaller frame. My 14-year-old form (1m58) wasn't that tall, but it was taller than her if only for a few inches (1m50)

"a-a problem?! Of course not!—" she abruptly stops, hands on the spot where her mouth was supposed to be with wide horrified charcoal eyes when she realized that her voice grew in volume at the end. I simply wave a hand dismissively, showing that I wasn't bothered which makes her relax a little and apologize profusely to my dismay. "it's just that...i-it is my first time meeting an honorable former Hashira!"

"Oh...a fan then" I nod, looking at her in amusement before resuming our walk. She scrambles to keep up with an awkward chuckle. She was definitely new to this.

"Y-You could say that, though I have been meaning to ask, hum...?"

Should I say my name? Hm...meh fuck it. "Colith."

"Colith-san...? Never heard that name before..." She mutters before resuming with a curious tone. "A-Are you Urokodaki-sama's student? It must be an honor to learn under such a legendary swordsman." She sighs in bliss, clasping her hands together, "To say that he was the current Water Hashira's master...how lucky!"

'that much...?'

"Sorry to disappoint but I'm just passing through." I shook my head, "I didn't get your name earlier, or are kakushis supposed to remain anonymous?" I turn to look at her inquisitively which causes her to tilt her head, seeming to think of something before nodding.

"It is, but since you are an acquaintance of Urokodaki-sama, it's not a problem! My name is Enoki, but I dislike mushrooms, nice to meet you." She dips her head in a little bow as I chuckle and mimic her.

"I see, same here! Oh— Gramps!" Enoki startles in surprise as I call for the old man whose masked face turns toward our approaching figures. We had entered the clearing while talking and It seemed like he recognized me even with the new get-up, though his aura flowed with curiosity at the sudden change, "Oh yeah, I'm done with people always gawking at me, that's why I'm wearing this!" Enoki releases a faint confused "Huh" at this.

He stayed silent for a second then grunted in acceptance before looking toward the Kakushi who hid behind me. "Who is this?"

Her aura spiked in surprise and jumped through multiple emotions from nerves, fear, eagerness, and delight at the same time from suddenly being addressed that it was concerning. Guess I should help her then.

"Oh, this is—"

"O-OYAKATA-SAMA--uh I mean--letter! Oh no! Uh—" she squeaks, surprising Tengu gramps, and I. We exchange a glance then look back at the petite woman whose outburst stopped Tanjiro mid-swing, his puzzled eyes traveling to the commotion.

It took her a few seconds to continue after an internal scolding for her slip up, though I applaud the effort even if she stuttered "I-I have been tasked to d-deliver a l-letter from Oyakata-sama, u-u-Urokodaki-sama!" She clumsily fumbles with her pockets, retrieving an envelope with a wisteria crest she quickly presents to the old man in a deep bow, "I-IT'S AN HONOUR TO M-MEET YOU!"

Wow.

I watch in amusement as Tengu gramps gingerly accepts the letter with a gruff 'Thank you', likely used to this kind of behavior from his years as a pillar. However, this seemed to be the coup de grace because Enoki's body froze then tilted to the side as she literally passed out.

"EGH?!" Tanjiro and I cried in surprise as I quickly caught her before she could meet the ground. "what the hell ?!"

"I-is she okay?! " Tanjiro rushed to us in concern, sweat dripping from his young face from earlier training while Tengu gramps sighed in response.

"One of those huh?" He mutters as he opens the envelope, unperturbed by the turn of events that confused us.

"Eh?" we say at the same time.

"What do you mean by that?" The boy blinks before doing a double-take at me. "Whoa! Who are you?" He jolts in shock as if seeing me for the first time.

"Use your nose, Tanji," I say with an eye roll, placing the girl's head on my lap, mindful of her privacy. I ignore his cry of 'C-Colith-san' after sniffing the air to instead address the old man, "When you say 'one of those', you mean the fanatic type? This ain't the first time you've dealt with something similar I suppose?"

His mask briefly turns to me then refocuses on the letter with a head shake. "no."

A snort escapes me at the thought of a young embarrassed Tengu gramps surrounded by a bunch of passed-out kakushis. This is too funny!

"w-what should we do about her? And why are you dressed like that, Colith-San?"

"eh, don't worry, she'll eventually wake up. As for the second question," I startle him by suddenly whipping my masked face toward him while mimicking waves with my arms, "to look cool~"

Tanjiro blinks like a lost puppy, "...Cool?"

"yeah."

He stares at my mask before tapping his fist in his hand like he got an epiphany, "OH I understand! it's because you dislike being stared at, is that it?"

"Well, yea—"

"I see..." we both jolt at the elder's voice, glancing at him curiously while a little shift from Enoki made me briefly look down at her.

"See what?" I inquire, feeling that it was about me for some reason, "is this about the meeting?"

"meeting..?" Tanjiro mumbles, not knowing what we're talking about.

"Yes, Oyakata-sama has agreed to meet you."

Oh?

"Well finally! Was wondering if they refused when they sent your crow back with no answer! So! How do I get there? Where's my guide?" Tengu gramps points toward my lap, where Enoki's head rested. "Ah." this...was to be expected. "why not use a crow instead? It would've been easier."

"It is best if you ask her yourself, she's waking up." he turned to Tanjiro who flinched, "And you, who told you to stop? Demons are not going to slay themselves! 1000 more swings!"

the teen squeaked a "H-HAI!" and clumsily got up.

As Tanjiro went to resume his tor—training, the Kakushi groaned as she regained consciousness. I was about to make that Skyrim joke but refrained from it because she wouldn't understand. Trust me, I tried it on sunshine boi and he just answered me positively with a blush. Enoki was, naturally embarrassed for her reaction and profusely apologized, though Tengu gramps didn't mind.

"I-i have been sent to bring an important guest to Oyakata-sama as well. However, as a safety measure, they must be blindfolded." She presents us with a blindfold. "Hence my presence here instead of a crow, sir." She looks at the two of us, mostly me since she was intimidated by the former pillar.

"Oh, so you'll piggyback me there, I see." I nod with crossed arms. Makes sense, knowing they can't afford to put Kagaya in danger by showing the estate's way to anyone, it's safer that way. I could warp there but without a feel of their aura, it's impossible. Also, I haven't been there yet, and watching the anime didn't count!

"Yes that's—" She does a double-take, looking like a deer caught in the headlights, "EH?! IT'S YOU?!"

I chuckle while playfully gesturing around, "Yeah? I mean d'you see anyone else here?"

On cue she started freaking out again to my dismay, greatly apologizing for apparently 'Disrespecting' me which I quickly brushed off with a sweat drop because, God damn, THAT MUCH?! Anyway, I managed to calm her down before she could pass out again. I could feel Tengu gramps growing amusement through his aura at the scene while Tanjiro was wheezing in the background.

Anyhow, after that, I suggested she rest a little over tea before going because the travel here must've been exhausting. She tried to politely decline the offer, saying that it wasn't important but I had none of it! So after kissing (on the cheek, you menace) a red-faced Tanjiro goodbye, sitting over tea for an hour with a jittery Enoki, pecking Nezuko's forehead, and hugging Tengu gramps who surprisingly accepted the gesture'HOLY SHI—'with Enoki flipping out in the background— God I think this is going to happen a lot—we began our journey to the estate.

"So how long before we get there?" I inquire as we walk farther from the cabin.

"Erm, the Ubuyashiki estate is at two days walk from here. W-we will stop for the night at the closest Wisteria house then continue the next day and that is when you will have to put the blindfold on, Colith-Sama. " she dutifully answered.

I groan, "please, you don't have to 'sama' me you know? Just call me Colith!"

"E-eh, but you're an important guest—"

"now now you had no problem with it an hour ago!"

"That's because I didn't know you were my mission at the time!!" She shrieks before quickly covering her mouth in mortification. "I'm so—"

"ight none of that," I stop walking and whirl to her while shaking my finger like the momma I am. "Listen Enoki, I ain't no noble, princess, or some shit, so no need to use honorifics like these with me, alright? Don't worry about disrespecting me, just treat me like any other human being, would you? And don't be afraid to speak your mind around me, I won't mind, 'Kay?"

Enoki seemed extremely surprised by my words to the point where her arms fell to her sides as she dumbly nodded with wide eyes before muttering.

"...'princess'?"

"huh?"

"You're a woman...?"

We stared at each other blankly— well she eyed my mask eyeholes— before I processed what she said and startled her by bursting out laughing. I didn't see that one coming! Enoki seemed so lost that it made me choke at some point.

"OH sh— I think I almost died—" I managed to say from my hunched-up position.

"A-are you alright..?!" she was rapidly patting my back in concern. "w-what's so funny...?"

I waved a hand in a calming manner after calming down. "sorry sorry, phew...you thought I was a man?"

Enoki blinks rapidly, dumbstruck by the situation. "y-your outfit and your voice made me think that you were m-male, so I assumed... I'm sorry." she quickly bowed in apology to which I sighed.

I can't fault her about that one, my regular voice isn't high pitched soft, and sweet compared to hers and probably other females here since I ain't trying to act cute and meek every time I speak. Sure, can shift between mezzo and soprano when singing but continuously speaking like honey wasn't my jam. Though I understood where she was coming from if she never met any female with a deeper voice before, which seem very likely.

'So that's why Tanjiro was confused, huh...neat.'This could be useful if I want to mess with people in the future. Heh.

"it's okay don't worry, that's good to know actually," I say with both hands on my hips after straightening upward.

"Eh? How so?" gosh why are their voices so high?!

I chuckle, "Oh nothing. Anyway, which way to the Wisteria House again?" I start stretching out of nowhere.

Enoki tilts her head to the side in question while giving me a puzzled look, "Hum...south-east from here, why if I may ask Colith-sam—san?" Oooh, progress!

"East...East...oh yeah!" I nod because I was shit with directions then whirl toward her with open arms, "Alright come here, I'll carry you."

She blinks slowly, trying to process what I just said with a "what." before squealing in surprise as I scoop her off her feet in a bridal carry. She blushes profusely, looking at me with wide panicked eyes, "w-w-what are you—"

A mischievous grin stretch my lips upward, not that she could see then I chirp in a sing-song tone, "Aaaaalright! Hold on tight! Don't want ya slipping out of my grasp now, would ya?"

Before she could react to what I said, the ground cracked under me as I leaped into the sky and propelled us southeast at breakneck speed dbz style. I think Enoki's vocal cords didn't survive the trip.