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Time to answer your questions!
Guest: Good riddance to Enmu. It was utterly despicable how he took advantage of people who are dying of illness and made them his pawns! On the bright side, Rengoku is alive and has cast his vote for Yua to become a Hashira! I forgot that Akaza has a code of not harming women; good job portraying that side of his personality! I also liked the quote from Kakashi, who, in turn, got it from Obito! I wonder what other deviations from canon will happen here? I guess I'll have to wait for the next chapter of this awesome adaptation of Demon Slayer! Keep up the great work and stay safe from the coronavirus!
-Rengoku is alive and we all are so happy! :D That quote is amazing, it fitted perfectly in the sitation, I had to include it.^^ We will see and thanks again, your comments really keep me going! You stay safe like everybody else.
Chapter 16: Hashira
Yua's heart was beating so fast, that she felt it in her whole body.
Nervous sweat was forming on her forehead, and her hands felt clammy, as she sat in perfect seiza before Oyakata-Sama.
The head of the Demon Slayer Corps just gave her a gentle smile.
It did calm her down a bit.
"My child.", began he in his soothing voice. "Since you have become part of the Corps you have been an incredible swordsman. Bringing honour to the corps and your family. I heard what outstanding progress you even made these last months. You may be even stronger than dear Noritaka."
The young woman bowed in thanks to Oyakata-Sama.
"You honour me, Master. It did what was right. Protect humanity and the people who are dear to me from the Demon Treat."
"You did outstanding well. I fear we would have lost Kyoujurou if it wasn't for you. Mochizuki Yua, your strength and determination are admirable. So it's my great honour to raise you to the Rank of Hashira. The second Moon Hashira we ever had. Do you accept this honour and the duties it comes with?"
For a second Yua closed her eyes.
This was it.
This is what she had worked on her whole life.
First only to make her Grandfather proud and accept her, however, she had started to think for herself.
Thanks to Tanjiro and all the friends she had made.
There was only one answer.
Tired Yua opened the door of the Butterfly Mansion.
The whole Mugen Train Mission had been a whole week ago and she may not have any heavy wounds, but she had still had strained herself.
The neck of an Upper Moon was hard!
She was happy to be back at the Butterfly Mansion to get cures and rehabilitation training. She would need it.
"It's really quiet.", she noted out loud.
Normally at dinner time, you would hear Inosuke and Rengoku shouting over each other for food/how delicious the food was and Aoi-San chastising them.
Not even Shinobu-Sama's laughter could be heard.
Confused she took off her white-silvery booths and walked to the Dining Room.
Why was it dark in there?
"Hello anyone there?", she called into it.
Then suddenly the lights flicked on and you could hear loud shouts of Congratulations from every corner.
Astonished Yua looked at the people inside the dining room.
Ema and her friends were holding up a banner with Welcome New Hashira. Aoi, Kanao and a woman with pink-green hair had sparklers in their hands. Shinobu-Sama and the Water Hashira were applauding, while Tanjiro, Rengoku, Inosuke and Zenitsu were throwing confetti into the air. Nezuko was waving around with two little flags with her face on it.
"What the?!", Yua couldn't help but shout and laugh at the same time.
"We already heard the news!", called Shinobu-Sama over, as Yua was stormed by the little girls and Nezuko in a hug. "This is a little party for our newest Hashira!"
"Oh my Tsukuyomi you guys are crazy!"
"You deserved it, young Mochizuki!", laughed Rengoku.
The little girls chorused a big yeah.
Yua laughed, hugged them and then Nezuko took her hand.
Her sister-in-law dragged her into the room.
In one instant she found herself in the embrace of the unknown pink-green-haired woman.
"Aww, it's so great to meet you, Yua-Chan!", cooed the woman. "I'm Kanroji Mitsuri or just Mitsuri the Love Hashira! I heard only good things from Shinobu-Chan and Kyoujurou-Senpai about you! I hope we can be good friends!"
Kanroji Mitsuri made her title Love Hashira all honour, Yua could see it in her pink and red Aura how sincere and loving she was.
She hugged her back.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mitsuri-Chan. I would love to be your friend."
A little happy Kyaah came out of Mitsuri and she hugged her tighter.
After they let go of each other Shinobu with the Water Hashira stood before her.
The Water Hashira made a little bow in her direction.
He introduced himself as Tomioka Giyuu and gave her his congratulations.
She returned the bow, hoping they would work well together as Hashira.
Then Aoi with Kanao hugged her, Kanao managed even to congratulate her all alone without throwing her coin, which made Yua proud of her.
Rengoku, with his now eyepatch, ruffled her hair and told her he couldn't wait to work with her.
Finally, she reached Tanjiro and the guys.
In the loving arms of her boyfriend, Yua felt at home.
Tanjiro chastely kissed her cheek, telling her how proud of her was and he knew she would become a Hashira.
Nearly anyone in the room awed at them.
Zenitsu and Inosuke gave their congratulations too and finally, they all could sit down to celebrate.
Shinobu-Sama told her to drop the Sama. The Insect Hashira told her the other Hashira couldn't come, but they sent their congratulations too and would surely meet her in the next few days.
Yua accepted it, what else could she do, Aoi served the food.
The dinner party was filled with laughter and joy. Yua couldn't believe how lucky she was to have such wonderful friends and colleagues.
She had always been a bit of a loner, but since meeting Tanjiro and his friends, she had found a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before.
As they ate and talked, the grey-eyed girl felt herself relaxing for the first time in a week.
The mission on the Mugen Train had been incredibly intense, and she had pushed herself to her limits to protect her friends. But now, surrounded by people who cared about her, she could finally let go of some of that tension.
After dinner, they all gathered in the courtyard to watch fireworks.
Mitsuri had brought them as a surprise for Yua's promotion, and they were absolutely beautiful.
As they exploded overhead, Yua felt tears prick at the corners of her eyes.
She was so grateful for everything that had led her to this moment - for her family's teachings (Besides her Grandfather with his toxins), for Tanjiro's kindness and support, and for all the friends she had made along the way.
As the night wore on and everyone started to drift off to home and/or to bed, Yua found herself walking hand-in-hand with Tanjiro through the gardens behind the mansion. They stopped by a koi pond and watched as the fish swam lazily through the water.
"I'm so proud of you," Tanjiro said softly, breaking their comfortable silence.
Yua smiled down at him. "Thank you."
"You know," he continued after a moment. "I never really believed in fate or destiny or anything like that before I met you."
The girl raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"But now," he went on, "I can't help but feel like we were meant to find each other. Like our paths were always leading us here."
"You know what made me accept being a Hashira? It was the dream I had on the Mugen Train.", she confessed.
Surprised Tanjiro looked up at her, leaning his head on her shoulder.
"Really?"
She nodded.
"I dreamed of a world where no one in my family had to be a Demon Slayer anymore. All were so happy living their dreams. You and Nezuko were there too, your family also living the best life. I wasn't sure what I would do, but I know I wanted to be at your side and find out who I am."
"You were in my dream too.", he confessed also. "You and your father had left the Mochizuki to live a simple life. You seemed so happy just to live normal."
Grinning she kissed his temple.
"This sounds nice, but what I wanted to say is this. All my life I was told I had to become a Hashira to clean the Mochizuki name from the sins of our ancestors. I didn't believe in the Demon Slayer Cause, because for me it just was a task I had to finish. Now after I saw what a world without demons could be...Now that's my dream. To kill every last demon so that my family can be free and live their life how they want. To be free myself and choose the path I want to walk in life. That we all are free from them and can live simple but good lives!"
She felt how Tanjiro lay a hand on her cheek, so he could turn her head down to kiss her lips.
They shared a soft, tender kiss.
"This sounds wonderful, dearest.", told her Tanjiro. "Besides making Nezuko human again, I want this too."
"So we walk this way together?"
"Of course!"
Laughing their lips found each other again.
The star twinkled and the moon shone softly down on them.
They continued to walk, hand-in-hand, through the gardens, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
As they strolled along, Yua couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. She had achieved her dream of becoming a Hashira, and she was surrounded by people who loved and cared for her.
It was a feeling she never wanted to let go of.
As they neared the end of the garden path, Tanjiro stopped and turned to face her. "Yua," he said softly, taking both her hands in his. "I know we've been through a lot together already, but I want you to know that I'm here for you no matter what happens."
She looked down at him with a pretty smile on her red lips.
"I know," she whispered. "And I'm here for you too."
He smiled at her and leaned in for another kiss, this one more passionate than the last. They stayed like that for a few moments before breaking apart and continuing on their way.
As they walked back towards the mansion, Yua felt more confident than ever before. She knew that there would be challenges ahead as a Hashira, but she also knew that with Tanjiro by her side, anything was possible.
Together they would fight to rid the world of demons and create a better future for all those they held dear.
As they walked into the warm glow of the Butterfly Mansion's lights, Yua knew that this was where she belonged - among friends and family who loved and supported her every step of the way.
Dear Father,
I'm terribly sorry that I couldn't write sooner or come home.
The family probably heard how I was raised in Hashira four months ago.
I bet grandfather is gleeful, but I took the position not for him, but for us all.
That one day no Mochizuki has to take a Katana in his hand and fight demons.
With the help of my love and friends, we will rid this world of demons!
I promise you this.
Since I'm a Hashira now, I get the toughest missions in the Corps.
Sometimes alone, sometimes with other Hashira's.
I found good friends in them like the Love Hashira Kanroji Mitsuri and others who are a special breed like Shinazugawa Sanemi. That guy has no eyebrows, it freaks me a bit out.
But mostly I get along with my Hashira colleagues.
I always return back to the Butterfly Mansion for cures and rehabilitation training, before going back out on missions.
Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke are also back in action.
When we all are back together we train like crazy.
The boys are getting stronger with every day.
I'm proud of them.
Kyoujurou-Senpai has returned home to be with his brother and teach himself swordsmanship with one eye.
It will take a while before he can fight demons again, however, I'm sure he will manage.
The day Tanjiro visited him to search for more clues about the Hinokami Kagura Dance had been something.
Your future son-in-law headbutted the ex-Flame Hashira, Kyoujurou-Senpai's father because he had talked bad about his children.
At least we learned a little more about the Hinokami Kagura, who apparently is Sun-Breathing the first-ever breathing technique from which all others come.
Did you know this?
It's so crazy to think about it.
Anyway, I hope at home all is good.
When I can manage I will come back with Tanjiro to visit you all.
I miss you all so much.
Besides Grandfather, but you know this.
I will wait for an answer with a hopeful heart.
With Love, your daughter
Frowning Yua stared at the letter she had written.
It seemed so little, however, she couldn't tell more about her missions.
Being a Hashira include also being secretive.
Kaguya beside her on the desk cawed.
"You are right my princess.", mussed Yua, giving the bird pats. "More I can't do, it's a wonder that I'm able to write finally a letter. So, off you go."
She gave her trusted crow the letter and Kaguya flew towards the Mochizuki Estate.
Signing Yua leaned on the chair she was sitting on.
She was as only one from their little group back in the Butterfly Mansion.
The midnight blue-haired beauty hadn't seen her boyfriend in a good three days, she formally ached for him.
Blushing she scratched a cheek of her.
They were now together for a good six months...Yua felt that she was ready to go the next big step with Tanjiro...they already started to get more handsy with each other...should she talk with him about this matter when he returned?
That's when she heard a loud ruckus coming from outside the Mansion.
"What the?", she grasped her Katana and ran out of the room.
As she came nearer the ruckus, she felt familiar Aura's.
"Tengen?", she mumbled confused. "What is he doing here, where are his wives?"
Also, she noted happily that Tanjiro and Nezuko were back, as Zenitsu and Inosuke.
"What is going on!", she shouted as she finally was outside.
The picture before her was priceless.
Ema and her friends hissed at Tengen's pervert. Aoi seemed ready to murder someone, Kanao was unsure but standing protective before the other Butterfly Mansion girls.
Her boyfriend and her two male friends had drawn their Katana at Tengen, while the former Shinobi just deadpanned at them.
"Oh Yua, it's you.", greeted her Tengen. "I actually want to have you with me on this mission with these three unflashy guys."
"What mission and where are you wives?", she asked back confused.
"The number one spot in Japan that's dripping with lust and desire, a super-flashy place… the Entertainment District where demons reside."
Why did Yua get the feeling that it would be a really hard mission?
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