Chapter 9
Wanderingtree here wishing you a good read and more info at the end as always.
The morning sun graced its warmth onto the forest. Some people had to the luxury to wake up leisurely and sluggishly start their day. This however, was not the case for the Butterfly Mansion. All the residents, save for the patients, had to wake up and start their day with their designated duties. The triplets were tasked to look after the patients and lend a hand in cleaning. Aoi was tasked to oversee the patients as well as cook for everyone. As head of her home and territory, Shinobu was in charge of overseeing everything and treating everyone within the demon slayer corps, in addition to her duties as a hashira. Kanao and Yuki were tasked to hone their training. Shinobu's tsuguko was practicing in the dojo while the dull eye boy started his day running. Since the start of February, he had been asked to run around a marathon around the border of the Insect pillar's territory. It had been about a week now since he was becoming accustomed his exercise and felt his legs began to bulk in stamina and endurance.
"Made it." The lanky teen said, gasping for air. He placed his hand at the gate and looked at the floor before looking up. It was at that moment, he saw a silhouette enter the mansion before him. Yuki decided to check up on the mysterious person who had allowed themselves in. He stepped as lightly as he could, even if the sight of a 6-foot tall boy tip toeing could be seen as hilarious from a distance. Once Yuki arrived at one hospital room with no patients, he poked at the strangers shoulder.
"Hmm, Can I help you?" The mysterious person looked up. He wore an oddly patterned haori. One side was red and the other was yellow and green. He wore the same demon slayer uniform everyone else did. His eyes were of dull blue and had a scowl on his face. The back of this stranger's hair seemed prickly all over the back.
"Who are you, mister?" Yuki looked down at this person.
"Kocho-chan. Is this boy one of your students?" The stranger in the oddly patterned haori asked out loud. Soon enough, the Insect hashira stood up to get a better look to whom her friend is referring to.
"Subachi-kun, what are you doing here? This is a private conversation between colleagues." The petite woman stated as she went up to her student. He looks down at her, donning an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry. It's just I saw someone unfamiliar come by here and I wanted to see if they were someone you or anyone knew." The dull eye boy replied earnestly. He felt ashamed for interrupting his teacher's conversation.
"It's okay. I believe introductions are in order." She nodded at her student, prompting him to start.
"My name is Yuki Subachi, I am a former heir and now a student of Insect hashira, Shinobu Kocho." The lanky student bowed politely.
"Tomioka Giyu" The blue-eyed swordsman muttered while glancing up. Yuki looked into his eyes. He expressioned saddened when he noticed this person's eyes bore a similar dullness. It wasn't until the water hashira turned around he immediately recognized him.
"Wait, I remember you. You were in that meeting with Kocho-sama and Master Ubuyashiki. Your hair still reminds me of a porcupine." The lanky child explained.
"I remember a boy repeating his name over and over. I'm guessing your that same child." Giyu replied in a confrontational tone. Shinobu then stepped in between them.
"Ara Ara, aren't you two getting along? What good timing for you to make a new friend on your birthday no less, Tomioka-san." She teased her friend and colleague, followed with her poking him.
"Must you do this every day?" the water hashira grumbled and folded his arms.
Giyu-san, if there is any day to poke you, it's got be your birthday. Since you're now 19, you'll receive the same number of pokes." She giggles.
"Whatever you say, Kocho." The water hashira muttered
"Wow, must be a tradition around here" The former heir thought aloud and writes down on his note card.
"Giyu-san. Are you going to ignore our conversation? It's not nice to ignore people. You won't make too many friends at this rate." She sighed while not letting her smile falter.
"Subachi-kun. Since Kocho and I have this conversation often, do you believe we should kill or befriend demons?" Giyu glanced at the boy.
"Um, I think we should kill them. It's rather stupid for anyone to think demons and humans can be friends. The whole point of the Demon Slayer Corps is to get rid of all demons right?" The dull eye student spoke meekly shuffled through his cards.
"It seems we agree on something, kid. the enigmatic swordsman nodded.
"Could you give me a minute, Tomioka-san?" the lavender haired woman replied with a tone of irritation, prompting her student to follow her outside the room.
"Subachi-kun, you attended business meetings with your parents right?" the petite woman spoke sternly.
"Hmm? Sometimes." He replied honestly, unaware of her change of tone.
"Then you should know better than to interrupt a formal conversation." She gave him an annoyed look.
"Are you mad at me?" He flinched.
"Yes, you came in unannounced and undermined my beliefs." The insect pillar retorted at her student
"I didn't mean to upset you. I only wanted to ensure your safety." Yuki cowered in fear. The violet eyed woman stares at him a moment longer before sighing.
"I'll believe you. However, I expect better from you since you're familiar with professional courtesy. It does not help that Tomioka-san is an enigmatic person. Do you understand?" The Insect Hashira looked up at her student who responded by shaking his head.
"Enig…matic?" He replied hesitantly.
"It means he doesn't open up to people easily. In fact, I'm one of the few people who talks to him consistently." She nodded solemnly.
"I'm sorry. is there any way I can make it up to you." Yuki trembled.
"Please return your training. And, In the off chance you do see him again, please poke him for me" She glanced upwards.
"You got it. Anything else, Kocho-sama." Yuki looked down at her and sighed with relief.
"Could you come down for a moment? Shinobu asked softly yet sternly towards her student.
"Yes?" who had nodded and crouched to meet her eye to eye. He winced he felt her grip on his shoulders.
"Never insult my beliefs again by calling them stupid, especially around others. Or you will face punishment, understood?" Shinobu face darkened despite maintaining a smile.
"Yes, K-Kocho-sama" The dull eye student quipped and took off to the dojo.
This was the second time Yuki had found himself intimidated by his teacher, despite their size difference. He found it impressive how someone as short as his teacher could intimidate everyone around her. Regardless, he was thankful Shinobu let him off with a warning but took her words to heart for he was didn't want to be on call for chores again or worse.
(One Week later)
The former heir sprinted towards the gates of the Butterfly Mansion, panting heavily. In his hands now carried a bouquet of all sorts of flowers: Japanese Camellia, Violets, roses, sunflowers, lily's, and wisteria. He rushed to the nearest flower shop the moment the sun had risen to wait in line. Only one type of flower remained to acquire.
"Almost…got it!" The lanky student latched onto the lowest branch of a tree to pick out cherry blossoms. He was excited for today just so happened to be valentines day. He had attended several valentine day events with his family at home where they would host banquets with couples dancing on the floor, listening to serenades. Last year, his sister was the star of the banquet and had plenty of guys asking to dance with her. Despite being an heir, he never garnered attention as easily as everyone around him did.
"Last year, I only danced with a pretty girl because my mom forced me to." He gave a sad smile recalling that night when he stuttered his words and his hand fidgeted greatly. A pathetic sight for all who witnessed it.
"I won't embarrass myself again. I will give Shinobu these flowers without faltering." Yuki stoked his confidence and formed a tiny smile.
He walks inside the butterfly mansion and heads to her office. Yuki is about to knock on her door until he hears noises inside. Upon closer inspection, a conversation could be heard between Shinobu and a male demon slayer. The former heir stepped back, which proved to be the right course of action because a demon slayer stormed out of the door. Tension filled the hall despite no words being exchanged. The demon slayer's face and upper body was drenched with tea.
"What are you looking at?" The demon slayer glared up at Yuki, who had since lowered his head and looked away. The demon slayer rushed out of the mansion, humiliated by the Insect hashira.
Yuki took a moment to collect himself, read over his notecard, and carefully knocked on his instructor's door.
"Come in." A calm and collected voice replied.
The lanky student hunched over to enter the room and took a seat, hiding the bouquet behind his back.
"G-Good morning, Miss Shinobu, are you okay?" He stuttered.
"It's nothing. Just some love-struck demon slayer trying their luck to confess their feelings with me. I don't mind people opening up to me, it is however, uncalled for when said person tries to make advances without permission. Now, was there something you needed from me, Subachi-kun?" The violet eyed woman asked her student.
"I…wanted to give you a gift to show my appreciation. H-Happy Valentine's day but also, th-thank you for looking after me these last few months. I-I didn't know which flower was your favorite, so I went to the nearest vendor and got you one of everything, m-miss Shinobu" He was flustered while his hands were visibly shaking, revealing a bouquet of flowers. He anxiously waited for the insect hashira's response, trying to anticipate her next action.
"In nature, in order for some insect species to survive, the males must appease their female counterpart. It is a risky process because a single mistake can lead to the males death. A male bee, no matter how big they become, are always at the mercy of the females." Shinobu explained.
"So, do you not like my gift?" He stared at the petite woman while scratching the back of his head.
"Apologies for the misunderstanding. You are a sweet person, but I cant help to inform you to be mindful of whom you share your affections with, especially towards woman. The feelings of rejection is never pleasant. Regardless, thank you for this lovely bouquet" She smiled softly and accepted the flowers.
"Oh, okay. I'm so glad you like my gift." Yuki gives her a heartwarming smile. Shinobu couldn't help but to blush faintly. She admired how despite his hardships, her student was able to maintain such an innocent and pure smile.
"Whether a girl accepts or rejects your feelings, you must always be respectful towards them. Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?" The insect hashira looked up.
"N-not really, other than I'd like to make c-cookies for all the other girls here. To show I'm th-thankful for them all." He stammered once more and pulled out a note card to read over.
"That sounds wonderful, just be sure to resume your training once you finish baking." The lavender haired woman.
The former heir bowed politely and left her office and headed towards the kitchen. He found Aoi, who had just finished preparing breakfast for everyone.
"G-good morning, Aoi-chan." He looked down at her with a smile.
"Geez, you scared me just now, Take-kun. Can I help you?" The blue-eyed girl folded her arms.
"Yes actually. I was wondering if you could help me make chocolate chip cookies?" He asked reluctantly.
"Might I ask why?" Aoi glanced up.
"Since I just gave Kocho-sama flowers, I feel bad I didn't get you or the other girls something to show my appreciation." He replied bluntly.
"You don't beat around the bush, do you?" The head nurse sighed and shook her head.
"Yeah, I get that a lot. I'm told it's both a good and bad thing." The lanky student shrugged.
"Sure, we can get started. And just so you know, I'll be offering minimum assistance. I'd like for you try and make these cookies yourself. Homemade gifts are supposed to made by yourself, you know." Aoi stated as she washed her hands and began to collect the ingredients they needed.
I'll try to not bother you too much" Yuki nodded and followed her lead to wash his hand and grab the remaining ingredients. He follows her instructions as best as he could. Through several trial and errors in the span of a half hour, Aoi and Yuki had successfully baked a dozen cookies. Aoi took a bite of her cookies and maintained a neutral expression.
"These…are edible. You may have overdone it with the flour. But hey, now you know for next time. Good job on your first attempt, Subachi-kun." Aoi tried not to react strongly towards the cookies.
"Thank you, I guess we should meet with the others at the dojo." He gathered the rest of the cookies then waited for the head nurse to lead the way.
"They're in for a real treat." Aoi thought to herself.
(One more week later)
A young woman had awoken by the sound of chirping and felt the sun's warmth surrounding her room. The petite woman had risen from her bed and went to take a bath. She enjoyed these small moments to herself for her days were always busy from start to finish.
She was a special case because at the age of 14, she had become the head of a large estate and territory after succeeding her sister. She had then become an elite swordsman at the age of 16, the youngest at the moment. On top of these accolades, she had developed a poison to kill the demons out of wisteria, as a means to make up for her inability to behead them. Lastly, she has used her home to foster several girls who've lost their families to demons and tend demon slayers who are in need of medical attention or rehabilitation. This woman had unique characteristics from her violet hair and eyes, one of a kind haori, and her constant smiling. She was none other than Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho.
After she had concluded her session, she dried herself, followed by donning her signature attire to prepare mentally for the day. The petite woman decided to check on the triplets. She spotted them tidying a hospital bed and room, so she decided to reach out to them.
"Good morning, girls. How are you all today?" She smiled softly.
"Good morning to you too, Shinobu-sama." The butterfly triplets bowed politely.
"I see our patient has just left. Did the demon slayer say anything beforehand." The lavender hair woman asked.
"Not really, but he said he'll have breakfast first and will head out afterwards" Kiyo said.
"He was a nice guy except whenever he'd wake up from his sleep." Sumi replied.
"I hope he does well on his next mission." Naho quipped.
"I'm very glad our patient recovered to full health and more importantly, we made a good impression as doctor and patients. Thank you for making our guest feel welcomed and looked after, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho." Shinobu sighed in contentment.
"You're welcome, Shinobu-sama." The triplets cheered in unison.
"Oh, you girls just reminded me to check on a patient I promised to look after. Once you're done cleaning this room, you may go ahead and enjoy breakfast." The insect hashira rubbed each of the girls' head and waved goodbye.
She had almost forgotten to check on an individual who has been residing in her home for about four months now. Her interaction with this person was minimal due to unforeseen circumstances but the bit of banter they exchanged helped her understand her student better. She entered the room nearest to her office and sat right across her patient.
"Good morning, Haruno Kenji. It's been a while since I last heard your voice, I stil remember how desperate you were, concerned for your master's wellbeing above your own. He must truly be a special person for you and the others to have huddled onto him throughout that night. It is nothing short of admirable. Haruno-san, as the head servant, I have several questions to ask you. Does the Subachi family truly have the ability to see the future as the rumors say? Was his mother always so heartless?!" Shinobu exasperated over her last question. She loosened the grip from her uniform and collected herself.
"Forgive me for throwing so many questions at once, especially since you're unable to voice your opinion. I just... wanted to check in and assure you, Yuki-kun is safe under my care. I best be going, today is my birthday yet there is so much work to be done. Take care." Shinobu concluded and was taken aback for she had witnessed a smile on the head servant's face. She smiled kindly in return over Haruno-san's fortuitous approval.
The purple-eyed woman left the room and decided to go to the dining room to eat breakfast with Aoi.
"Good Morning, Aoi-chan" The insect pillar said.
"Good morning to you too, Shinobu-sama." The blue-eyed girl replied politely.
"I understand Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho are cleaning up rooms, but where are Kanao-san and Subachi-kun?
"Eh, they are probably training by themselves. They still can't stand each other." Aoi huffed.
"It's such a shame. They'd be a formidable duo if they could just find common ground." The petite woman sighed melancholy.
"So, how do you like today's breakfast? I made miso soup, steamed rice, grilled fish, and salad. I just though we could use some variety today." Aoi explained.
"Thank you, Aoi-chan. You're as considerate as always." Shinobu expressed her satisfaction.
"It's my pleasure." The raven-haired girl was flustered. The women ate their breakfast mostly in silence.
"Apart from lunch, what will you being doing next?" the insect hashira asked with a small smile.
"I think I will check your tsuguko's. They're both training diligently. I'll give them that. Aoi replied.
"Indeed. As for me, I have several errands to take care by the end of today. Sayonara, Aoi-san." Shinobu bowed softly and went inside the kitchen to wash her dish and decided what to do next. Meanwhile at the gates of the butterfly mansion, Yuki was spotted pleading to the kakushi to hear him out. Although, they were shaking their heads.
The petite woman decided to pay a visit to Master Ubuyashiki. By no means did she have anything urgent to report, but she enjoyed spending a moment of her time with the master, just as all the other hashira's did too. She considered herself fortunate the butterfly mansion was not far from the demon slayer headquarters. She enters the meeting room where she kneeled to Master Kagaya once he arrived, along with his daughters.
"The master will now give his undivided attention to Insect Hashira, Miss Kocho Shinobu." Hinaki and Nichika said in unison. Their father sluggishly stepped forward and sat on his knees.
"Good morning, Shinobu. To what do I owe the pleasure of today's visit?
"The pleasure is all mine, Oyakata-sama. My fellow hashira's and I love to give you a moment of our time when we can." The lavender hair woman spoke cheerfully.
I'm truly honored to consider you all my children." He nodded with approval.
"I'm glad to see you're in good spirits today, Oyakata-sama". Shinobu smiled.
"Indeed, the weather is pleasant as well. Pleasantries aside, how may I help you today?" Master Ubuyashiki replied kindly.
"Well, if it's no problem, I humbly request to have some funds allocated to the butterfly mansion. I would like to construct additional rooms, provide more beds for emergencies and in general." The insect hashira looked at Master Kagaya, who nodded in return.
"I say that's an excellent idea. While there hasn't been a surge of casualties on our side, it would be best to plan ahead of time and prepare for any occasion. Very well, I shall grant you with any amount within reason and you may also keep the remaining funds for any equipment you deem necessary for your estate." The silver-eyed master declared.
"I am honored to have my request heard and approved of." The violet-eyed woman stated.
"It is no problem. Your service to the demon slayer corps has been quintessential to our cause. I do have one matter to discuss. How has Subachi-kun been?" Master Kagaya asked.
"Oh? He's been getting by just fine. Subachi-kun has since accepted his role as a demon slayer after his parents abandoned him. Apart from him being highly emotional, he is a good kid, who follows what I say most of the time. Oyakata-sama, do you believe he is the one who'll take down Muzan?" Shinobu asked.
"To be honest, I'm not so sure. Yet, from what I heard of Subachi-kun's description. His stature and strength would prove to be a boon to our cause. I have full faith that of all the hashira's, you are the most qualified to help him overcome his insecurities, Shinobu Kocho. Master Kagaya expressed with conviction.
"If that is the case, then I will do my part and make him an outstanding demon slayer." The Insect Hashira nodded. The master stood up slowly and waited for his children to grab hold of his hands.
"I'm sure you have other matters to attend to, but before you head out. I will send you your desired grant as soon as possible. Take care and happy birthday, Shinobu." Master Ubuyashiki said kindly.
"Thank you so much for remembering, Oyakata-sama. Have a pleasant day." Shinobu bowed and waited until the master to leave to room first before heading home.
Once she had arrived home, she had heard some noise within the dojo and went in to check on Kanao and Yuki. The first thing she witnessed was all the girls and the lanky student sat down with a gourd on their mouth. By the count of three, all the girls had instantly broke their respective gourds. Yuki however, struggled for a moment. His gourd had several cracks but he needed to take a second breath. Much to her relief, her newest student was not only able to succeed in his second try, but the whole gourd was reduced ash. The girls teased him over the mess he had caused, who had glanced at them and huffed. Shinobu was still standing at the entrance when she noticed her student's were neck to neck at the cup game. Kanao would splash him sometimes and Yuki would splash her immediately after.
After the cup game concluded, she noted both her students were even during the tag challenge. Yuki was able to keep up with Kanao's speed and tag her back. Kanao was not sluggish by any means, she retaliated with equal speed in evasion and strikes. This match lasted for ten minutes and her tsuguko's were neck to neck until her senior tusguko pulled Yuki off the ground. Shinobu was proud to see this rare display of mutuality and deemed her junior tsuguko officially mastered total concentration breathing. The Insect Hashira left the dojo blissfully, knowing her junior tsuguko was now ready to learn her breathing technique.
Shinobu walked back to her lab and went through a quick checklist to make sure she had everything she needed and nothing was misplaced. Satisfied with her report, she had then took a moment to create more wisteria poison. She hadn't gone on a mission lately but had a feeling that would change soon. The petite woman needed to make the necessary preparations to not let down any of her comrades, especially since she was the only demon slayer unable to behead a demon.
After creating a new batch of wisteria poison, the Insect Pillar locked her lab and enters a small and secluded room. Inside this room contained a small shrine dedicated to her family along with two picture frames of her parents and older sister.
"Good evening, mom, dad, Kanae. It's been a few months I've become the most recent hashira. I don't know how you did it so gracefully, big sis. Handling hashira duties, overseeing this mansion, and protecting people from demons while hardly looking tired. However, my most pressing concern is how do i manage two tsugukos'? Kanao has been improving her swordsmanship but still doesn't fully expresses herself. Now, we have our very first male tsuguko under our tutelage and, he expresses himself far too much. They're polar opposites of each other. My apologies, I almost gave into my emotions just now." She took a moment to collect her composure.
"I just wanted to remind you all that today is my birthday. I wish…I could hear you all congratulate me on my special day. I suppose it's a good thing I'm surrounded by people all the time. No matter how occupied my life has become as a hashira and doctor, I will always keep your memories alive in my heart. Take care, mom, dad, Kanae. I'm positive the others are planning a surprise for me." Shinobu finished her monologue and went to the dining room. She used this walk to wipe her face, ensuring no one would spot her vulnerable, let alone crying.
"SURPRISE!" everyone shouted the moment she had entered the room.
"We made you birthday cards and origami!" Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho all said at once.
"I made plenty of ginger tsukudani for everyone to have seconds, Shinobu-sama." Aoi placed her arms on her hips and smiled proudly. Kanao then led Shinobu to sit at the middle of the table everyone gathered around.
"Kocho-sama. I found this lavender scented candle from the city. It's said to have a calming effect." Her tsuguko smiled softly at her older sister. Last but not least, her newest student sat down a chair in order to see everyone at a more leveled height.
"I had some difficulty asking the kakushi for help, but I was able to get you this wisteria bouquet since you told me they are your favorite. Oh and cookies too" Yuki confessed and offered his gifts to the Insect Hashira.
"Thank you all so much. You're all like family to me. You've made my day" Shinobu gave off a big smile.
"Happy Birthday, Shinobu-sama!" everyone cheered and celebrated the night in honor of the Insect Pillar with food, singing, and laughter.
"Hi everyone, welcome back. Before we begin this taisho era secret, please give a warm welcome to Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka." Yuki replied cheerfully. His guest was not having any of it.
"My impression of Subachi-kun is he seems like a good kid. He seems way too curious and nosy for his own good. For someone so loud, he doesn't speak up much." Giyu muttered.
Hmm, did you say something, Tomioka-sama? I didn't catch what he just said but im afraid that is all for today. Next time on chapter 10: I can finally see Shinobu's technique in action and we have a new hashira?! Ohh I can't wait to meet them. Until then, I got to poke Mr. Tomioka since Miss Shinobu asked me to. Bye!"Yuki waved goodbye and jabbed the water hashira 19 times.
"I'll take Kocho's pokes anytime" The water hashira sighed.
Wandering Tree here,
So, I recently checked out how long its been since I uploaded anything here was almost a month ago. Wow, the time sure flew fast. So what's happened since then? I had a full time job that I ended quitting shortly because it wasn't the right fit for me. What have I been doing since? Well, I have been writing and drawing. I have to say, I've gone on and off on it my entire life, but I decided to make a new years resolution to draw seriously this year. By no means am i a professional, but i am happy with the progress i've made more importantly, i'm having fun with it. Which is the goal of any hobby/interest. Why I'm saying all this is because the day I discontinue this fanfic is the day I transition to drawing series of fanart or full on comics for this fanfic and other stories I have in mind.
Getting back on track, I did just so happen to have a special treat for anyone reading this story. I made a commision sometime last month to celebrate it's six month anniversary. So yeah, expect to see that real soon.
In terms of the story, thank you all for putting up with this two year gap of training. From here, we'll be seeing more one on one training with Yuki and Shinobu teaching Insect breathing along with the remaining hashira's during Tanjiro's training arc. My personal goal remains to post monthly. I want to proceed to the final selection arc by the end of this year.
I also want to take time to address my first reviewer: thank you. Reason being is because I have been asking for one for a while now and I got what i wanted. I will say that because of this review, it got me to rework the section of Shinobu's birthday. I initially had it where her and Yuki would have a conversation together, but I decided to make it so they didn't talk to each other at all, save for the celebration. I try to keep everyone in character when I can. But yeah, for anyone who finds Yuki annoying and wanted a break from him; wish granted. In all seriousness, it was a good challenge to not have Yuki and Shinobu talk to one another, at least for a moment.
To wrap things up, these next two chapters will focus on Rengoku's and Muichiro's inclusion as hashiras and seeing the first two techniques of Insect breathing. I also need to come up with more fluff moments between Yuki and the butterfly girls.
Until then, have a nice day
Edit: Should've mentioned this sooner but, shoutout to Pikarina for the art commission.