Kurai Sato jumped from one shadow to the other with exact precision, gaining more speed and momentum as she did. Her long black hair that was darker than the night sky flowed in the wind behind her and she disappeared into the darkness of a littered towel. Her body melted and became one with it, truly hiding where she could be lingering.
She could still very well see and feel everything that was happening around her. In the void, she could even sense who was talking, who was doing what, and predict everyone's next movements. The rest of the Hashira were lingering around the Master's mansion awaiting orders as to what they could do next. Kurai thought she could busy herself with training on her shadow leap and hiding technique… but thought it'd be more fun and hilarious to peep in on what Kocho, Rengoku, and Tenshi were speaking of nearby. Juicy gossip was what she was hoping to hear!
With giggles leaving her mouth, Kurai leaped out of the shadow and continued jumping from one to the other hoping to at least catch a snippet of her comrade's conversation!
She hurriedly jumped into the shadows of a nearby flower bed and peeked her head out slightly. Seeing Tenshi and Kocho waiting on the side with Rengoku standing right outside of the mansion made her head tilt to the side slightly. Rengoku bowed his head to the Master standing in the shade, his red and yellow locks waving slightly, before turning away.
He sheathed his sword, readjusted his white flame-décor haori, and began to take his leave. It seemed the Master had given him a mission and he was to leave at once. To say she was disappointed would've been an understatement! She wondered when she would leave on a special mission by the Master! All she had been doing for nearly a year since being granted rank of Hashira was help lower Demon Slayers couldn't even do their job properly! She wasn't even sent to help with Tenshi, Tomioka, or Kocho on Mount Natagumo!
Kurai growled lowly to herself but forced in a deep breath.
If the Master hadn't sent her out on special mission, it's more than likely because they're not that difficult to begin with. Her breathing style is far more superior than theirs and shouldn't be used for mundane tasks like the one Rengoku was being sent to.
Ha! If only they were as strong as her!
"Are you heading into battle?" She suddenly heard Kocho ask of Rengoku.
Rengoku turned and his eyes brightened seeing Tenshi and Kocho approaching him. Though, Kurai knows for a fact he was mostly glad to see Tenshi rather than Kocho. They were all friends as well as comrades-in-arms, but Rengoku and Tenshi have… a little more than friendship in mind.
Kurai smirked and held in her giggles straining to hear their conversation.
"Ah, Tenshi, Kocho," He greeted them enthusiastically with that same insufferable smile. "We just got some new information about a demon, and the Corps members who went to confront it were taken out. We're losing rank and filers, too, now. We can't stand by and do nothing! We have to act!" He explained the situation to them without a falter in his smile.
Kurai couldn't understand how he could smile while speaking of death. It was weird… but also charming.
"Could it be a Twelve Kizuki?" Tenshi asked in a serious tone much to Kurai's dismay.
Rengoku nodded his head. "Most likely, yes. It might even be an Upper Rank," He answered proudly and with hope.
A Twelve Kizuku?! She should be the one deploying for the mission! Not him!
"It sounds like a difficult mission," Kocho started with that faux friendly smile she always had plastered over her face that revolted Kurai to her core, "But as long as you're going, Rengoku, there's nothing to worry about."
Tenshi nodded her head and grinned. "I wish I could come along, but I know you have it handled, Rengoku."
Rengoku basically had to tear his eyes off of his 'perfect' angel and turned to Kocho, who still stood there with that smile. "What about you, Kocho? What's your plan for taking in that head-butting kid? You mentioned possibly making room for more Tsuguko, but I'm sure that's not the reason. You already have Karasuma and Kanao."
"You seem concerned. Don't worry. It's not as if I'm going to gobble him up," Kocho giggled.
"Well, of course you wouldn't!" Rengoku let out a loud laugh before turning to walk away.
Tenshi made the slightest of movements looking as if to take one step forward and reach a hand out. It may have been small but it was enough to catch Kurai and Kocho's attention, even making Rengoku falter in his step even for a tiny bit. The precious angel kept her eyes to the sky, her hands held tightly behind her back, hidden beneath her white haori splattered with golden angelic runes, as her blonde hair swayed silently in the wind. Neither Hashira said anything but Rengoku had stopped in his tracks.
Kocho's eyes looked back and forth between the blushing Tenshi and the Flame Hashira who kept his back to them. She didn't seem shocked or had a moment of realization when she giggled, "Oh, you two are just adorable! Who knew love could possibly bloom in these troubling times?"
"Kocho!" Tenshi gasped out in surprise.
Kocho just gave her a grin and simply spoke, "Don't worry, your little secret is safe with me. I suggest making your parting quick before the others get suspicious. I'll turn my back to give the two of you some privacy."
Tenshi didn't fight Kocho or say anything else. When the Insect Hashira turned around, and motioned for Tenshi to say goodbye to Rengoku, Tenshi walked forward and around Rengoku to meet him face to face. Kurai almost gagged seeing the two Hashira smile lovingly at each other with their eyes fixated on the other. She hoped to get some juicy details and gossip, not affirmation to something she already knew. How is she supposed to tease Tomioka when the lovefest is over?
The two of them grasped hands and drew their bodies close, their eyes never leaving each other's. Kurai placed an elbow against the ground and her chin against her hand, already bored.
"I have the utmost faith you will succeed, Kyojuro," Tenshi said with a blush on her cheeks.
Rengoku let a hand caress her cheek then place a finger underneath her chin, tilting her head up more to meet his. "Your faith is not and will not be displaced, Angela. I will defeat this Twelve Kizuki and return home. I will send a crow of my accomplishment and hope to see you waiting when I return," He said gently.
"Of course. Always," She mumbled with a small smile before reaching around her neck.
Unclasping the small silver necklace, she reached up and tenderly placed her arms around his neck. "This is the necklace Adam gave me before he was needlessly stolen from the world. It's the symbol of Michael the Archangel who is known throughout most Western religions, like Christianity. He is known for providing mortals strength and protection at all times. I would like… for you to have it," Tenshi softly explained clasping it around his neck.
Kurai had no idea who that Adam person was but the necklace seemed like a big deal, even to her standards! Finally, something to gossip about!
When Tenshi moved to pull her arms back, Rengoku grabbed them and held them where they were. She gazed up at him curiously, seeing his hands holding her arms in place around his neck, but didn't question it a single bit. Instead, she tightened her grip and moved in closer to meet him. Their bodies were mere centimeters away from one another. The rosy blush on her cheeks darkened heavily but she didn't move a muscle. She didn't step forward or back, seeming to wait for him to something else.
Rengoku didn't seem bothered. In fact, it looked as if he was welcoming it. "I will protect this with my life and will always think of you, your love, and your beauty when I feel its weight against my heart," He muttered out gently touching the necklace with two fingers. When his eyes met hers again, he concluded with a loud declaration, "I must be off, Angela. I will return soon."
Kurai's eyes widened and a small gasp left her mouth at what happened next. Tenshi and Rengoku tenderly held each other close, their bodies touching delicately, as they kissed gently over, over, and over again. Her arms were still wrapped securely around his neck with his hands placed firmly on her hips. Their eyes were closed, the wind softly blowing through their hair and haori's, and the sun shined warmly down on them. Both of them looked as if they didn't want the moment to be ruined or disturbed. To never let the other go from their arms. It was quite the romantic setting… and what a great detail to add in when confronting Tomioka!
When they finally pulled apart, Rengoku bid his farewell. Laying a gentle kiss on Tenshi's knuckles, he turned and began to walk away.
Tenshi and Kocho stood together watching him leave the safety of the Master's mansion then property. "Please come back to me," Tenshi whispered softly in the breeze seeing his figure get smaller and smaller before disappearing.
I got all I needed!
Kurai jumped from her hiding spot and dashed all around the Master's mansion looking all over for Tomioka. A mixture of a squeal and a giggle escaped her lips seeing him in the garden with his sword unsheathed. His typical look of nothing but stoic-ness was all over his face as he stared calmly at his surroundings. He looked to be having quite a peaceful day… and Kurai definitely wants to have the pleasure of ruining it!
"Tomioka, guess what I just saw!" Kurai giggled popping out of his shadow and speaking right into his ear.
He didn't react. Instead, he scowled heavily, "What did I say about invading my shadow, Sato?"
With a frown, Kurai jumped away and fell on her rear. She crossed her legs, placed her elbows against her knees, and dropped her chin in both hands. She huffed ungratefully, "You tell me countless of times not to occupy your shadow, yeah, yeah, whatever. But it's completely out in the open! It's not my fault it was exactly where I wanted to be."
Tomioka regarded her slightly and didn't say anything else. When he didn't speak, it ticked her off! She knows he heard her and he didn't want to guess what she saw!
"Hey, Tomioka! You're supposed to guess," She scoffed.
"It either has something to do with Shinazugawa or Tenshi. You're extremely predictable, Sato. Get a hobby or something," He scoffed at her, turning his body, then cocking his head when she sputtered completely annoyed. An even larger scowl spread across his lips when he added, "Oh wait, you already do. It's stalking people and listening into their private conversations. Imagine how the two of them would react if they found out you've been pulling that crap."
Kurai gasped out, thinking how angry Sanemi would get, and frantically spoke, "Please don't tell Sanemi! I don't want him to think I'm some sort of freak!"
"If he doesn't already," He rolled his eyes sheathing his sword. "You won't leave me alone unless you tell me what you've learned from eavesdropping on Tenshi. Just get it over and done with and leave me alone," He huffed.
All anxiety and tension left her body at his words. "Only because you said so," She chuckled with a smirk. "Your little crush has been getting along preeeeetty well with Rengoku, if you know what I mean," She taunted him with a wink. "He's totally leaving on a mission to defeat a member of the Twelve Kizuki, it should've been me but I'm getting off topic, and she gave him a going away present. Two, in fact. Her Michael necklace and her pretty tiny mouth. Mwah! Mwah! Oh, Kyojuro! Mwah! Mwah!"
Kurai had burst into a fit of large giggles, her body rocking back and forth in glee, making kissing noises and reenacting Tenshi and Rengoku's make out.
Tomioka glared down at her and it only hardened when she pointed at him, cackling, "Looks like she's no longer your girl. You've lost to Rengoku. It's only a matter of time before they finally make it official and—oh! Do I hear wedding bells? They're certainly not for you, Tomioka!"
"Tenshi and I are partners, comrades-in-arms, and nothing else. She's like a sister to me," Tomioka immediately snapped at her.
Kurai immediately stopped cackling and groaned in disgust, "That's pretty gross considering you like her."
"I don't have a crush on her. I never have and never will. Her relationship with Rengoku is none of my business and none of yours either," Tomioka growled and unsheathed his sword. Kurai yelped when he aimed at her and asked, still growling lowly at her, "If you came to just gossip and didn't assume I'd have you spar with me, you're mistaken. Show me what you've got, Sato."
Kurai gulped and let out an uneasy giggle.
She pointed behind her, slowly crawling backwards towards a shadow that was almost within reach, frantically speaking, "I have a hobby I need to get started on. Like stalking people! I'm going to see if Sanemi needs anything! Okay! Bye!"
She immediately jumped into the shadow and moved away from the infuriated Tomioka as fast as she could. What was his deal, she had no idea. He usually listened with an annoyed look and would repeatedly tell her to move or go away. She must've hit a nerve and pressed on it multiple times. Oh, how fun! She always knew Tenshi was his weakness and hearing about her confessing her love to another man must've made him so angry! Or, at the very least, heartbroken!
Kurai stopped at a tree and peeked her head out from within the darkness.
Her heart fluttered and her cheeks went warm seeing Sanemi training with his sword. The way his muscles flexed, the hard look on his scarred face, and total concentration made her feel warm and fuzzy inside. He was so strong, so handsome, and so powerful! The way he doesn't hesitate to act, calculating, and always cunning made her fall in love with him more and more.
If only she wasn't so shy. Maybe she could talk to him at least once…