Demon slayer: The tsukuyomi kagura chronicles

by James D. heavens

Renjiro ikeda wanted nothing more than to live a quiet life but fate had a different plan. Stripped of a family and home, they was nothing left but to use the gift his family gave him to protect human lives and to avenge the death if his and the centuries of humans that fell to the demons. He won't rest until the bodies of upper moon 1 and The Demon King lay in ash.

3. Alternating Progress

Chapter 3: Alternating Progress

Sup, James D. Heavens here...again...after a month.*Cough* It's a bit later than I expected in uploading this chapter. But hey it's here, more action this time, possibly a linear plot if you look had enough (I'm actually new to writing, ignore my confidence)

A certain hashira makes an appearance and we see the inner working of the characters minds.

I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer

Demon slayer: kimetsu no yaiba is owned by Koyoharu Gotouge and ufotable. I own nothing but the OC(s).

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December, 1914

Frost Estate, ōme

" This can't be happening."

The mournful voice of kōri kagurazaki echoed around her room's walls.

The large bedroom was in a slight mess with a few books spewed left and right. The curtains were down, they were blocking the morning sun from illumining the room. The girl groaned again into her hands, her master sat besides the bed. Sorochi appeared calm but he too was a bit down cast by the events leading up to now.

"Well, it is happening. what now?" Sorochi asked stuck he scratched his chin absent mindedly. He looked to kōri for an answer but the girl just lay faced down on her bed, her soul crushed.

A Day ago at the dojo

"What do you mean?" Kōri asked, a nervous sweat forming on her forehead.

''I know what to do. I won't quit training to be a slayer but i-i don't feel like using this technique.'' Renjiro says evident sadness in his voice. He turned to the exit of the dojo, half aware of his surroundings as he swayed forward.

Kōri's mind was in shock as she tried to piece together the information.' I don't get it. He wants to still be a slayer but he wants to abandon one of the most strongest breathing styles I've seen? H-he actually wants to pass that up? I have to stop him!'

She rushed towards renjiro's retreating back and clasped his shoulder, stopping him.

''Renjiro! Y-you can't really be thinking of this right?'' The frost user questioned, letting her voice rise in volume. ''What style will you use if not your own families technique?''

Renjiro answers with a soft voice.'' The demon that attack my home, killed my family and ruined my life used the same style. Their so identical, i-i don't think it's a coincidence but I know I don't want anything that relates to that creature. Besides I could just create my own, I know the basics so making up a new style can't be that hard right?'' The conviction in his voice just aggravated kōri more, her finger dug into renjiro's shoulder.

all her hopes were slipping away.

''I admit your reasons are valid but your body is more suited to the tsukuyomi! I mean, do you not see what you did to the wall? Imagine if that was a demon, it would be on the brink of death from just one swing of your sword!'' She points to the massive gashes in the wall before continuing.

''Others that create their own breathing styles do it because their bodies aren't suited for using the main they learnt. Please renjiro don't do this! Y-you can power through the trauma, i-i'll... Yeah I'll even be there to help you! I'll do anything you ask!'' Kōri desperately reasoned. The pleading in her voice clear as day.

But, her hand is instead brushed off his shoulder though it wasn't with aggressive intent. Renjiro turns to face her, his tone hoarse as he answers; '' I can't do it kōri, even if I wanted to.'' He lifts his hands, they were shaking badly. Kōri calmed herself at the sight, she knew the signs of PTSD when she see's it. His trembling was very much involuntary.

She couldn't force this. She's lost.

With that renjiro once again slowly walked out the door, kōri stood still as her heart sunk into despair, tears stinging her eyes.

This is it. It's over. I failed.

The Present

After yesterdays events renjiro shows no interest in training in the estates but seeks permission to go to the mountain instead, Bent on developing a new breathing style.

Master sorochi couldn't care less where his student went as long as he kept training. But, right now his favorite student is in need of help. So, he offers some; ''Kōri. Come on you can't be this sad over a boy can you?.'' He says jokingly trying to lighten her mood.

''But, I tried so hard to make sure everything went as planned but it still got away from me. Why?''

Sorochi gave an exasperated sigh, he forgot that kōri couldn't tell a joke from common speech. Sighing once again he leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on her back, after a short pause the master decided to answer; ''Kōri, Every plan or decision one makes is a gamble, because sometimes what we plan never go the way we hoped, it's just something that happens, whether you think its for a reason or not. So, don't feel sad. It will work next time.''

Once he was done the room fell into a silence. Sorochi wasn't worried, he knew kōri was considering his words. But, he also knew that they was always doubts when it came to teenagers.

''But...'' Their it is. ''Renjiro made it clear that he didn't want to use the tsukuyomi kagura. He has PTSD for goodness sake!'' Kōri's yell was muffled by her pillow. Her voice gains a defeated tone as she mutters.'' It's not gonna work anymore. I'm not gonna bother trying.''

Sorochi gazed at his student, he hasn't seen her this depressed in a long while.

''Come on kōri what would your siblings say if they could see you like this?'' The frost master chastised lightly. That got the girl to visibly stiffen...but nothing beyond that. The master stared in slight bewilderment.'I guess she really doesn't let the past affect her present. Admirable but troublesome.'

Sorochi sighed deeply, it seemed he had to pull out the trigger words.

Man, what a pain.

The frost master grabbed his crutches, slowly got of the bed, stood up then turned towards his student.'' So, are you saying you're gonna stay here forever? Then who would kill all those revolting demons.''

Kōri jerked up from the bed and snapped her head towards her master, a worried look plastered on her face. Seeing that he got his students attention sorochi continued with an overdramatized voice. ''I guess you don't want to be a hashira anymore.''

''No! I do!!'' That got kōri to jump from her bed. As she frantically mumbled and stuttered, as if trying to convince her master of something ''I-i can go on a mission t-tommorow! Or even today, right now even!!''

Sorochi chuckled as he allowed a hand to land on his students head, it also stopped her from running to her closet to retrieve her uniform.'' Tommorow is fine kōri. I just don't want you beating yourself up over other people's choices, maybe a miracle will happen and the brat will change his mind or just keep doing what you need to do and take your time to come up with a plan.'' At the end of his small speech the master drew his student in for a hug.

The young girl jolted in surprise, this isn't something her master had done In a while.

They stayed silent for a good while.

Eventually kōri just had to comment; ''master your acting like your old self again.'' She notes, a smile gracing her face.

''Yeah, don't get used to it.''

Base of 'Trap' mountain

Renjiro lay prone on the hard, cold ground his eyes fogged over, breathing deeply with his practice sword clutched in his right hand.

After finishing his warm up, renjiro ascended the mountain then descended, cutting away the foliage in his path. Afterwards he decided to practice a new breathing style.

For more than an hour he had tried new styles he made up but all ended in failure; breath of star, breath of forest, breath of sand, breath of frustration?

Yeah, none made sense or worked for him, they always resulted in him losing breath, chocking on his own saliva, his lungs straining themselves needlessly and extreme crippling fatigue. Though he didn't want to admit it, his body really was meant to use the tsukuyomi kagura.

'The tsukuyomi...'

Renjiro groaned, rolling on the ground hysterically. 'How did I not piece that together? It literally means 'Dance of the Moon Goddess'! I'm such an idiot!!!'

After berating himself for a whole minute, renjiro finally got off the ground. The sword he wielded was no longer wood but steel, it weighted slightly more than the former and way more dangerous. He knows he won't accidentally stab himself or anything but the fact his using it without a set breathing style makes it's movements haphazard and unpredictable, something renjiro doesn't want.

But, every time he tries to use tsukuyomi kagura his hands shake so badly he loses his grip on the blade.

Renjiro didn't want to use the dance but it felt like the universe didn't want him to use any breathing style either. With a sigh he continued with his self training till sunset.

January, 1915

''What the...'' A gasp escaped renjiro's mouth, he looked around the small room that was an exact replica of his old homes kitchen. Actually on closer inspection... It WAS his old kitchen and in his hands were the dirty bowls that he probably intended to wash.

Then it clicked, this was the day his and his whole families life was ruined.

''Mom! Kioka! All of you get down!!'' He sprinted out of the kitchen, into the main room. But, he was slow again. The crescent moons flooded into the room, the blinding light, the scene of his mother and sisters being chopped to pieces, blood, limbs and gore exploding into the air. Most noticeable was the shearing pain but it came from his neck, in less than a second, renjiro realises he's been decapitated, he pain died down but no darkness consumed him, he was still aware. He expected to wake up from the nightmare but it only got worse.

The six eyed demon that destroyed his home came up to the remains of the building, closer than he remembered. Once it was close enough renjiro stared in shock.

The demon had his own face, they was no six eyes just two, mouth twisted in a psychotic smile, he crouched down and laid it's cold hand on renjiro's head then lifted him so they were on the same eye level. Dread was evident on the poor boy's face. In contrast his demon copy was ecstatic, the smile on it's face widened further revealing it's massive fangs. It's mouth parted as it asked in a grim, malicious voice.

''So, what do you think of my technique?''

Renjiro nearly leapt off his bed, it was a miracle he didn't scream upon waking, he was sweating bullets, his breathing uneven. Today's nightmare was completely different from all the others and was very much the most terrifying. He quickly darted his head back and forth around the room, making sure he didn't wake to another nightmare.

Finally at ease the tanned boy shakily got off the bed, his hand rubbing his neck making sure his head was actually attached. 'Why. Why! Why!! Just when I taught I could get over the trauma and try the tsukuyomi kagura again!!! This happens.'

Before more mournful thinking could continue.

A knock rang from his room door, it thankfully interrupted his thoughts. Renjiro stumbles to the door, His frantic heart slowly calming.

On opening the door renjiro was greeted by a mop of spiky white hair, Kōri stood at the entrance her face expressionless. The two teenagers stared at each other.

After a minute, the petite girl finally spoke; ''The cake is ready. Come down to take your share.''

Renjiro stared blankly, then he turned back into his room and realized that it was already morning. 'I guess I didn't notice throughy panic. That means today is pipsqueaks birthday.'

He turned back to the girl and offered a smile. ''Well, happy birthday pipsqueak. I see you cut your hair. You really dislike long hair huh? Also, did you get taller?'' He asked, trying to lighten a suddenly dense atmosphere.

Kōri had in fact grown taller, she now stood at 5'1''... It wasn't a massive change but It's taller than her original height. Unfortunately renjiro at 16 is 5'8''. Now despite the boy's best efforts to lighten the atmosphere Kōri's expression barely changed as she plainly answers, ''Thank you.''

Renjiro hesitates in making any further comment. Ever since he gave up on using the tsukuyomi kagura, kōri had been cold around him, she wasn't ever angry but they was an air of sadness and disappointment around her.

Disappointment that i caused.

That was the thought that had gone through renjiro's head for weeks, it was this thought that also forced him to start training on his own.

''I don't want any presents unless you can actually use the tsukuyomi again?'' Kōri's sudden question caught the boy off guard but he quickly recovered, renjiro considered an appropriate answer, as much as he didn't want anyone close to him to be hurt physically or emotionally, he just couldn't lie about it.

Renjiro rose his hand as he answered; '' Sorry, I don't thin-'' the words die in his throat once he notices his hand...

His hands were shaking. again.

'Just the mention of the dance makes me shake now! That damn dream messed Me up that bad!?' Renjiro's thoughts were abruptly cut short when kōri grabbed his right hand in an iron grip.

''Your shaking is getting worse.'' It was more of a statement than a question, before renjiro could answer her.

''Do you two have to flirt right now'' the voice of their teacher interrupts them from the end of the hall. The two students ignored the teasing tone as the diminutive girl released the boys hand.

Another moment of awkward silence later, the teens eventually made their way to the dinning hall.

The rest of the day went relatively okay.

.

The next day

Very early the next morning renjiro was taking the long trek to 'trap' mountain. The walk was quiet, seeing as it was too early for most people to even be awake. Times like this reminds him of those days when he would walk the distance to okutama's market usually accompanied by kioka or taiga, thoughts like these would usually cripple the boy emotionally but now they were fond, treasured memories.

The weight of the katana and scabbard on his hip was something renjiro quickly got used to. The dirt road doing nothing to stop his even steps, his stamina had improved so much that now he barely felt like he walked 3 kilometres.

Once he was approaching the foot of the small mountain, renjiro turned his gaze towards a fairly large farm. Ever since he started training he took notice of the farm that was close to the mountains base, it's crops weren't large probably due to ōme's cold environment, from what he could gather; the farm was owned by the kagimara family, an old couple lived there. The farm was being used for self consumption but from the size it seems to have been used for more.

Today the slayer in training had decided to ask in helping, his reasons are actually more selfish but if it helps people in the process it fine right?

Renjiro arrived at the door of the farm house, it was larger than his old home was, it's roof was more traditional in a sense, it was right next to a flowing river which was probably the reason the farm could even support anything in this cold.

Two quick knocks on the door and after a moment it opens revealing an elderly man, he seemed to be in his late 70s, he has short messy grey hair and on his face were deep wrinkles a testament to his age.

"Hello? How can I help you?" The man asked, a kind smile on his face.

Renjiro answered while he bowed low, ''Good morning sir, my name is renjiro ikeda. I was passing just passing by this path when i noticed that you owned quite a large farm, so I came to ask if you needed extra workers to help around.''

The old man eyed the boy inquisitively; ''I'm sorry um...renjiro but they're no workers on this farm to begin with, not to mention that we can't even give you a stable salary.'' He informed sadly.

''That doesn't matter, I don't need to be paid, I just want to help, I have experience in farming anyway.'' Renjiro answered trying not to sound desperate.

''Nagisa! Who's at the door!''

An elderly woman appeared from the behind the now named nagisa, she was dressed in a deep purple yukata, It looked slightly worn but still in good shape, there was a tinkling kanzashi keeping the woman's white hair in a bun.

"Well, hello young man, what can we help you with?'' She asked surprise evident in her voice, they never get much visitors.

The older man answers,''This is renjiro ikeda, he wants to help us on the farm but I'm telling him we can't pa-...''

''Nagisa are you turning someone - who is trying to help us from the goodness of their hearts - away!? For shame!'' The woman chastised her husband.

'How does she know it's from the goodness of my heart? She wasn't even here when I said it!' Renjiro thought incredulous but he kept a smile on his face non the less.

The old woman turned her attention to the boy and peered around him. "Where are your parents?"

"They're not around." Not technically a lie. He smiled through the dull heartache. "I'm just looking for a way to occupy myself and decided to work on this farm.''

The half lie slipped out much easier than it had the first time.

''Is that why you have a sword?''

Oh shit!

''I-i um... This is my dad's! He says is should take it wherever I go... For protection!'' Renjiro stuttered out an answer.

The old couple both stared at the boy with raised brows.

''That makes sense! Right nagisa?'' The elderly woman exclaims nudging her husband playfully, he just nods silently in agreement.

Renjiro sighed in relief. But that was short lived; ''Wait, before we agree, where do you live?''

''Ah! Well I live near the frost estates!''

The two elders gasped in shock which caught renjiro off guard, ''w-why the sudden gasps? Is something wrong with the estate!?''

Sensing his fear the elderly man - Mr. Nagisa clarified, ''Nothing it's just the fact you live on the same street, you must be new, because no one stays on that street anymore. The frost estate used to take in orphans, it was basically an orphanage.''

'That explains why the street was always empty. But, An...orphanage?' The tanned boy thought in confusion.

''They used to be a lot of kids there but slowly over the years more of the children got adopted, even those who you would say were too old also got adopted. Anyway, all of them left, the only one left is little kōri. A few years ago an incident happened and the owner; sorochi ichikawa refused any more orphans, since that day the street were it resided fell quiet.'' Mr. Nagisa ended with a sad smile, it was a bitter memory for him to remember.

''I hope your family settled in without trouble.'' Asked the older woman.

''Um...yeah we're fine, so can I start today? I've got the energ-...'' Renjiro started before he was interrupted.

''Okay then! Welcome to the family!''

''Fumi! Calm down!! You'll scare the boy!''

As the old couple bickered said boy just stood in silence.

Family. Huh? Maybe but not likely.

'How can such an old lady be so energetic.' Renjiro thought in amused confusion.

During the coming months renjiro came to the farm everyday, he learnt even more about farming. He had to admit after hitting a dead end in his slayer training, he just took his sword on habit as he barely went to the mountain. Master sorochi never asked him any questions about his training or even show concern about him coming back layer than usual.

Most days renjiro pulled all nighters, planting seeds and getting rid of weeds. Mr and Mrs kagimara were in awe by how much stamina he possessed but always wrote it off on them being old. The newly planted vegetables were progressively growing, Mr. Nagisa always helped despite renjiro's charging.

Whenever he came to the farm or was returning to the estate the old couple always gave him grilled rice cakes and miso soup. He tried to refuse but they always insisted or Mrs fumi would trick him into taking it.

'Is this how tanjiro felt!?' He would think.

But, all the hospitality and familiar kindness, renjiro never knew his grandparents but he imagined the feeling would be exactly like how he felt around Mr and Mrs kagimara.

It felt nice. He was free around them just like with the 'old man' and 'pipsqueak'. The elderlys found out about renjiro's blunt, admittedly foul way of speaking. But, coincidentally Mrs fumi was used to speaking the same way.

They put their scary vocabulary to use every time rogue children tried to play on the farm, Mr nagisa just silently watched with a nervous sweat drop.

Despite his training progress grinding to a halt, renjiro felt happy and sort of... Satisfied.

That is until...

.

April, 1915

'Trap mountain', Ōme, Tokyo prefecture

The day befor. Mr Nagisa had accidentally hurt his leg with one of the tools, it was a deep cut they had used a lot of tissues and bandages to seal the wound. His wife wanted him to get medical help but the aged man being the overly kind heart he is didn't want to trouble anyone and opted to stay off farming for a few weeks, renjiro was also asked to take a break off farming even though he didn't need it. But, he couldn't refuse them, just because he wanted to selfishly hold onto a nostalgic feeling.

And so the tanned boy found himself back on the mountain, facing off against the invisible opponent and still without an actual breathing style.

''Hello darkness my old friend...'' Renjiro sadly sang. Then gave a confused hum ''What the hell kind of song am I singing!?''

Renjiro found himself blinking at the pitch dark trees in bewilderment.

He glanced up at the sky, but saw no sign of a sunset, then he looked back down at the trees. Squinted down at his feet.

'How did it get so freaking dark already?'

He was pretty sure it usually took a lot longer for night to fall. Maybe it was because he had gotten too used to working through the night to care about it... or maybe it's the fact that he mindlessly stood in the training area, not expelling any stamina for hours, he's mind not thinking of any new breathing styles.

With a loud sigh, renjiro sheathed his katana and turned making his way back to the estate.

CRACK!

Renjiro sharply looked back to the trees, just in time to spot one falling to the ground.

The world slowed.

There in front of him was one of the creatures he spent more than a year training to kill.

A Demon.

It's black hair was short and messy, it had six insect-like eyes, a wide mouth that was pulled in a blood thirsty smile, showing gleaming white fangs, it's cloths where tattered and worn. But, it's most noticeable feature were the massive pray mantis like claws that were in place of it's hands.

Anger flooded renjiro's senses as he unsheathed his sword, he subconsciously breathed into the tsukuyomi kagura, causing crescent moons to erupt around the blade as he shot towards the demon.

He demon turned it's head in time to see the blade already inches from it's neck. Then with something reminiscent to a backhanded slap, it deflected the blade entirely.

Renjiro's arm's were thrown to his side by the almost casual deflection. He ground his foot into the ground, 'A demon is here. Ōme is like okutama, very few demons ever show up here, so where the hell did this grotesque fuck come from!?' He internally spat.

CLANG!

Both renjiro and the demon looked down towards the source of the sound.

It was a katana. Renjiro's katana. It had slipped from his hands. His shaking hands. 'No, why!? Why haven't I gotten over it!!?? Stop shaking! Grip the fucking sword!!!' The boy yells to himself a torrent of emotions flow through him. He's internal conflict was interrupted by a dark chuckle.

''Hehehehe. HAHAHAHAHAAHAHA!!!'' The demon bellowed in amusement. ''You little brat! You almost got me there!! For a second I thought that slayer had found me. But it was just a punk with a sword!! HAHAHAHAHAAHA!!''

The vibrations from the loud laugh shook renjiro to his bones but instead of fear, anger piled up his senses, he closed his hands in a tight fist but even with that the fists shook.

The insect demon seeing this only laughed more.'' Hahaha! Look at you, your a complete mess!! You can't even stand here without shaking in fear!!'' It taunted in a mocking tone.

The tanned boy growled in anger.''Shut up you retarded pest! I ain't afraid of you!! I'm just shaking in anticipation of killing you.'' He half lied. Renjiro was running on emotion here and he knew that.

The insect demon smiled wickedly as it raised a claw to point at it's own neck.''Well then put your money where your mouth is and try it then!!'' It demanded a manic look in it's eyes.

...

...

...

Renjiro quickly squatted down to pick up the katana.

Vibrations shuddered ahead of him.

Gripping the sword, the boy launched himself into the air. Evading an attack by the demon.

This wasn't like training, this was an actual life or death fight.

He landed directly behind the demon, his sword ready to swing. He was already using total concentration, he just needed to use the...

...

The what?

Renjiro's momentary pause allowed the demon to swivel around and smack the boy off his feet and go flying a good distance away.

THUD!!

Despite hitting the hard ground with force, the Boy's features were still stuck in bewilderment. 'What breathing style do I have to use...I haven't come up with anything. Do...do I even need to use a breathing style?''

''Seriously, i'm starting to think your not any ordinary punk. So, i poisoned you.'' The demon states, a more serious expression on it's face. At the news renjiro flinched as pain suddenly shot through his right arm. He inspected it, spotting three deep bleeding holes in his flesh. ''The tips of my claws release nerve paralysing fluids, you won't find a human doctor who can cure this. I mean don't you think i would have killed you if i wanted to when you were day dreaming in the middle of a fight. Hehehe.''

Calming his breaths, renjiro stopped the bleeding and attempted to stop the poison.''So, your gonna eat me now or what?'' He asked with venom evident in his voice.

''Funny. You think I came all the way down that mountain just for your punk ass. No way a girls gotta have standards.'' The demon chuckled.

A long pause ensued.

''WHAT THE HELL!? YOUR A GIRL!?'' Renjiro yelled with the most confused face he has ever made.

''Yes! Wasn't it obvious!''

''What!? No! No, it wasn't!! Your baggy ass cloths and fucking loud voice made that hard to guess!!!''

...

...

...

...

''Y-you...you suck man'' the demon sniffed, tears evident in it's...um... Her eyes. Renjiro sweat dropped as he mumbled a silent sorry.

Then he caught himself, thinking in irritation.'why am I apologising to a demon?'

The insect demon seemed to have calmed down as she got her murderous confidence back.'' Whatever. It's fine since you'll soon be paralyzed forever and you'll suffer for making such a mistake.'' She finished with a sadistic grin.'' But like I said, I'm not here cause of you. I'm looking for this delicious smell of marechi! Coming from somewhere down this mountain''

'Marechi?...oh yeah special blood. But, who could... Mr. Nagisa. His injury. The bloody tissues and bandages. Oh God!' Renjiro's horrifying revelation left him shaking in actual fear this time.

''So, I'll be off now. Remember to get poisoned quickly punk, see ya!!'' The insect demon exclaimed bracing her legs for a powerful jump.

Immediately she let her legs go, the ground cracked underfoot from the forc. But, the she-demon literally got dragged from the air by a strong tug on her right arm.

The insect demon turned her head to the offender, rage clear on her face but It quickly morphed to fear once she came face to face with a royally pissed renjiro.

''You demon bitch. I don't want you anywhere near that farm!!'' He yelled as he swung his sword at the demons neck, cleanly separating her head from her shoulders.

The decapitated head hit the ground with a audible thud.

The boy huffed in anger and pride.''Don't mess with me or my...family? Man, never thought I would say that out loud.''

'I feel more tired than usual though.' He thought wiping sweat off his fore head.

Sheathing his katana back Into the scabbard, renjiro tiredly trekked down the dirt path, he momentarily forgot about the poison.

Barely 10 metres down the path and a wave of killing intent slammed the boys senses. Reacting as quickly as he could, he spun around while drawing his blade.

STAB!!

Boiling pain erupted from renjiro's side. The giant claws of the insect demon was buried in his side, barely avoiding his internal organs. The headless body seemed to be pleased with it's work as it roughly dragged it's claw out, sending a splatter of blood onto the ground.

The 16 year old fell to his knees in pain, clutching his side.

''Hahaha, yeah get snuck upon! You stupid punk! But seriously...wow, I thought I was done for sure back there but I didn't die, you fucked up big time boy.'' The Insect demon's decapitated head spoke, clear malice in her words. She reattached her head to her body, the wound sealed immediately.''Your probably wondering how I'm still alive right? It because your stupid sword wasn't...''

A nichirin.

''...A nichirin! Your idiot self tried to kill a demon with a regular blade. That is an insult to my pride, thinking me of all demons would die from anything less than nichirin, you deserve eternal paralysis.'' The demons mocking tone turned into one of seriousness and hate.

Total concentration breathing!

The sharp edge of the katana was slammed into the insect demons neck as renjiro attempted to decapitate her once again despite his hopeless predicament.

The blade went half way but moved no further, he was stuck. Not giving up the boy dragged his sword back...

SNAP!

Renjiro fell back onto the dirt. He quickly raised his katana to eye level, only to find it broken. Half the blade was gone. His eyes widened in shock.

The insect demon chuckled darkly, the other half of the katana stuck in her neck; ''Useless human. Your swordsmanship lacks so much technique it's laughable, you can't protect anyone with skills like that but don't worry though, I'll make sure to savour the taste of your 'family'.'' With those dark words she launched herself over the boy, ran into the forest and practically flew down the mountain.

...

...

Renjiro knelt still, alone on the dirt path, his dark and purple hair shielded his dazed expression, his mind stuck in a state of numb conflict.

'My sword snapped. Mr and Mrs kagimara are going to be killed. The blade snapped because of me, if I had just made up my mind to use the tsukuyomi kagura, that fight would have gone differently. If only I wasn't so scared.'

The harsh reality of his mistake made his body involuntarily clench his fists, it was shaking.

...

...

'But, why do I even care if that demon uses the same breathing style. If I used that demons technique to protect human lives, yes If I use his own style to kill him! It would be a lot more satisfying!!'

His dark green eyes shone brightly as if new life had entered into him. He lifted his hand to his face, the shaking had stopped. ''Finally! Ya hear that pipsqueak, old man! Mom, dad, kioka, taiga, yami. I will kill that demon even if I have to use the devil's own technique!!''

Grabbing what was left of his katana, renjiro gave a feral grin.'' I have no idea why I'm so excited. Maybe it's the poison in my body, either way I'm gonna ride on it!!''

With that declaration the tsukuyomi user took a deep breath then sharply released it through parted lips, his breath so hot it appears to be steam. Finally he shot off dashing down the mountain with renewed vigour and speed.

.

The foot of 'trap mountain'

The base of the mountain was quiet, all residents were in there homes, it was late but not late enough for anyone to be asleep.

The lights around the town street were limited and barely illuminated the lone houses near the mountain foot. If it was more brighter anyone would be able to make out the solitary figure stalking towards the houses from the tree line.

''I'm finally here! The smell is stronger now. I'm near just a little closer..'' The she-demon took a few more silent steps, sniffing the air. But, suddenly her senses alerted her of a presence behind her. The insect demon spun her body around, her right claw swung at any would-be attacker.

A black blur passed by. Her claw barely made contact with it.

Even though she possessed six movement sensitive eyes, she couldn't even identify what passed her.

THUD!

The demon stared downwards, her eyes landing on her right arm that was now a bleeding stump. The claw appendage stayed prone on the dirt ground.

The demon slowly turned her head around, to find the punk she had poisoned. 'Infuriating bastard! How is he still moving! And did he just cut off my arm with a broken blade!?'

Renjiro stood one leg ahead of the other, his body low with his back to the insect demon and his right hand was far behind him, the broken sword tightly in his grip, blood dripping from it's edge.

''Tsukuyomi kagura: shining moon, evening palace.'' He breaths. Quickly turning around renjiro blocks an attack that he admittedly just instinctively caught.

CLANG!

The force of the clash sent the breath user flying backwards, he gracefully landed back on the ground.

The insect demon pulled her left arm back, slashing at the air. A sort of green liquid followed the movement, then she attacked again.

CLANG!!

Once again renjiro intercepted the attack, as he was again thrown backwards.

They were both at a disadvantage, renjiro with a half blade and the demon with only one ar-

The right arm of the insect demon was quickly growing back, bone and the exoskeleton reformed, muscle overlapped and flesh covered over the new limb. The scene was sickening but it was also debatably epic to witness.

So, now only renjiro was at a disadvantage. Great.

CLANG! CLANG!! CLANG!!! CLANG!! CLANG!!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!! CLANG!!! CLANG!!! CLANG!!!

''DIE YOU LITTLE PUNK!!!'' The demon screeched in anger.

Renjiro kept blocking and deflecting, believe it or not...kōri's attacks were faster than this demons.

The droplets of green liquid kept raining on his skin, were really irrita-

Poison.

The liquid was poison.

With this revelation, the urgency in renjiro peaked. 'I've got to find an opening but I keep having to dodge this poison.!'

Straining his eyes the tsukuyomi user searched for an opening...

It would have been easier if his blade hadn't snapped. 'Ah, fuck it! I'll just go for it!!'

Renjiro breathed his deepest breath, he was about to perform his most tasking form with a broken sword. He prayed it worked.

He's eyes caught sight of a silver string attached to his blade, it suddenly drew taunt.

Tsukuyomi kagura: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon – Incessant!

Putting all his strenght into swinging his sword into 10 wide vertical arcs.

His movement was so quick the she-demon couldn't react, until she was torn to pieces by waves of massive glowing pale yellow crescent moons, the smaller rotating moons ripped whatever flesh she had left.

She had no chance of deflecting that.

Renjiro's breathing hitched for a moment, the gruesome scene giving him some unpleasant flashbacks. But he shook it off as he made his way towards the eviscerated demon.

He squatted down to the head of the insect demon, ''Well, aren't you gonna regenerate anytime soon?'' He spoke using he's most condicending voice.

''I...I can't. I can't regenerate!!'' The demon screamed in shock, the pieces of her flesh wiggling as they struggled to grow back.

A dark ominous chuckle drew the demons attention back to the boy. ''Heh, what a useless demon you are. Your poison was quack, you barely had any speed in your movements, your ugly as fuck not to mention your boyish ass voice. 'Girl' my ass your actual gender is 'worthless'. Your skills are shit too.''

Through his insults and mockery the insect demon started having tears form in her eyes. Eventually the tears fell.

Renjiro ceased his insults, a look of sympathy flashed on his features but it quickly morphed into a sadistic grin. ''Awww! Are you crying? You sad little creature, you lived for who knows how long, just so you could get defeated by someone who isn't even a slayer yet!''

The insect demon was crying now, the words hitting deeper than they should have. Renjiro leaned close, his hand near his ear as he listened to her wails of sadness. A content smile on his face.

The tsukuyomi user had heard a lot of beautiful music through his life but this...this was one of the best.

So, this is what kioka meant, though I still think her love for tormenting children is weird but on demons... now 'that' I understand. I hope this isn't actually genetic.

''Hey worthless bitch, keep this shit on repeat, okay?'' The crying increased, a relaxed smile grazed the boy features. He ignored the numbness travelling through his body.

Renjiro couldn't recall what happened after that. But, as far as he knew he just fell asleep listening to a one of the best lullaby he's ever heard.

.

A Day later.

Frost estates, ōme, Tokyo prefecture

Early the next morning, ''Master! I suggest we get professional help from miss kocho!''

''No! Quit suggesting shit!''

The master of the frost estates was engaged in a fierce argument with his prized student.

Roughly a day before, Mrs kagimara and a neighbor of hers had brought an injured renjiro to their door.

Once he was taken to the medical bay, it was noted that he had a number of deep puncture wounds on his abdomen and was heavily poisoned.

When renjiro woke he narrated an abridged recollection of the incident. Oh, also he couldn't move...like at all. The insect demon's poison really was paralysing. The frost estates doctors weren't versed in cures for demon based infections. They was only one option. But, it was very much a controversial topic in the estate.

''Why? Do you want ikeda to be paralyzed forever, for all your training to go to waste?''

Kōri could see the way her master's eye twitched. It was the same as every other time she tried to bring up the past.

The master was silent, the argument was very solid.

He gazed at the box at the edge of the room, the box where he kept all the kocho's letters. They were all unread.

With a defeated sigh he answered, ''Fine, call whoever you want. Just know I'm not talking to her.''

''Master, you know you can't avoid conversation in your own home.''

Again the former hashira was unable to counter. He had a lot of come backs but non of them were very realistic.

'Since when was kōri so good at debating!?'

''Okay! Whatever! Just send the stupid letter already.'' He grumbled.

A smile illuminated the petite frost users face as she quickly answered; ''I already sent yukine to deliver the letter this morning.''

That got sorochi to pause, he slowly turned his head towards his student, a bewildered look on his face. ''Are you serious? You sent it before even asking me?... What if I had said no?''

Kōri softly bowed in apology then answered,''Sorry master, but like you said everything's a gamble.''

She exited the room, quietly closing the door behind her.

''That girl, what I'm I gonna do with her'' sorochi huffed in annoyance, it took everything in him not to let out a smile.

Medical bay.

The only occupant of the large room, lay motionless in his bed and bored out of his mind.

Now renjiro wouldn't mind a day of doing nothing but he was still a farmer and a slayer in training, staying in one position for so long was making him feel uncomfortable.

He had to wait for this special doctor to show up but first 'pipsqueak' had to convince the 'old man'.

The door of the room creaked open and kōri entered (speak of the devil). She had a graceful smile on her face that renjiro wished she had on more often.

''I can guess that the discussion went well?'' The boy asked with a raised brow.

''Yes. Yes it did.'' The girl answered Wistfully, she took a seat next to renjiro's bed as they sat in silence.

The quiet was more soothing now but renjiro was still very bored and decided to ask for more information. ''So, this doctor... Shinobu kocho, right? Can she really heal this.''

Kōri hummed thoughtfully. "She isn't just a doctor, she's also the insect hashira.'' That got renjiro to gasp in surprise, he also cringed a little at the word 'insect'. Ignoring his surprise the frost user continued, "Miss Shinobu is a pretty amazing healer. She's good at coming up with antidotes to poisons, as well as making poisons to fight demons. Chemistry is kind of her passion."

Renjiro nodded as best he could. He really didn't want to be bedridden forever. So, if a member of the Corp says they have a doctor that cure demon poison, he wasn't gonna ask questions or need to see a certificate.

''So, how long would it take for her to get here?'' He asked, his breath hitched as a barely visible blush overtook his face at the sight of kōri softly holding his limp left hand.

Said girl slowly nods. ''She should be here by tomorrow or the next.'' She idly answers, her attention solely fixed on the boys digits.

Renjiro would have yanked his arm away if he could. ''Hey, um...is there a reason to why your touching my hand?'' He asks a little agitated. She was being too physical! Is it because she's happy.

The frost user slowly shakes her head. Then quietly asks. ''No... But, you really can't feel anything below your neck?''

''Oh. Yeah nothing. Guess using breathing could only slow it not stop. though, I'm thankful that it protected my head. I've got no idea what I would do if I couldn't talk.'' Renjiro laughs.

''I'm Sorry.'' Kōri softly says.

''Huh? What are you apologizing for? Your not the one who poisoned me. Besides, you should be happy, this whole in incident got me to overcome my trauma.''

That didn't sit well with the white- haired girl at all. ''Ikeda. Trauma isn't something you can just forget or simply overcome in a single day. What if your last fight instead gave you a new fear. I have concerns about you failing if that happens.''

''...''

''...''

''Nah. I'd win.'' Renjiro simply says, a confident yet calm smile on his face.

Kōri was taken aback by his response. She wanted to argue more but stopped her self, she was in no position to tell him how to handle trauma.

''And like I said you should be happy. I can use the tsukuyomi kagura now without shaking.''

They was a pause.

''I see. Thank you ikeda, that does delight me to hear..'' The slayer says, a reluctant but warm smile on her face.

Renjiro and kōri stare at each other. The boy took notice of the slowly growing brightness and emotions of kōri's green orbs totally unlike the usual blank, uncaring coldness that he knew.

The coming days though would be tough.

.

2 Days Later.

The day had gone as it now usually did. Renjiro would wake up, eat his breakfast (with help) and the doctor and a nurse would help him to the bathroom (he felt bad for troubling them) then he would return to the infirmary and sleep.

Later that morning, the sound of whispering slowly brought the tanned boy out of sleep. The more awake he got the more the whispers cleared into speech. He shook his head a little and slowly cracked his eyes open.

''Oh, he's awake'' kōri informed.

''Yes. It seems so.'' A unrecognized voice answers. That got renjiro to snap his eyes open in alarm.

He turned his head towards the new voice and was met with the sight of kōri and an...equally short girl.

'Shit. Their multiplying!'

The new girl was a petite young woman with a slender and short build not different from kōri's. She has large eyes that were a haze of gradient purple. They kind of unnerved renjiro but he was already used to feeling uncomfortable.

The diminutive young woman has short raven - black wavy hair that fades into dark purple at the ends (It looked just like his) and was styled at the back of her head into a flat yakai-maki bun and was fastened with a beautiful white, turquoise and light purple butterfly ornament.

She had a dark purple tinted standard Demon Slayer uniform and over her uniform, she wore a white haori patterned to resemble butterfly wing pattern, specially that of a monarch Butterfly? Is that the word?

Another thing the tsukuyomi user noticed was, despite her size this stranger was more bodily developed than kōri. Which probably meant she was likely older too.

''Hello, nice to finally meet you renjiro ikeda. I'm shinobu kocho, a hashira and...a doctor, you could say.'' The now named shinobu says with a smile. Her voice was soft and nice to hear but her smile was pretty unnatural in a way. Renjiro was okay with that though.

''Yeah the pleasure is all mine, I've heard alot about you but never about you being such a beauty...unlike kōri.''

That got the frost user to immediately react. ''Huh! What did you just say? It seems you wanna die before your held huh!?'' She said cracking her knuckles.

The insect hashira giggled at the two teens exchange as she answered, ''Well, kōri also never said you were a charmer. I should be weary'' she joked. Shinobu then raised a bag, unclipped it and brought out a tiny red tinted bottle. ''You will be drinking this medicine for the next week by then you should get complete control of your body again. let's just hope they was no nerve damage''

''Wait! Wait! Wait!! How do you have a antidote already!? Do you just have that on standby?'' The tanned boy asked, confusion so clear on his face it was comical.

''Oh, I just took your blood to analyse the poison then with kōri's help rever-''

''Wait you took my blood without asking me!?''

''Well yes? I am a doctor trying to help you plus kōri said you wouldn't feel anything, so it was fine.''

The boy wanted to argue more but couldn't. He didn't know if he should feel violated or grateful. ''Fine, whatever thank you for the medicine, miss kocho.''

Shinobu giggled once more, a surprisingly genuine smile on her face. ''Please, call me shinobu. We're friends now renjiro.''

Huh? What's happening right now?

The two teenagers gawked at the hashira's words.

Kōri knew that the hashira would do something like this but on the first day they just met? That's too suspicious, ikeda would notice immed-

''Yes!! I actually have a new friend now! Thank you mis- um..I mean shinobu!'' Renjiro yelled very excitedly. Totally missing the flat look the frost user was shooting his way.

''But, um...not that I'm not happy but why would you want to be my friend? Theirs nothing interesting about me.'' He finally asked.

Shinobu didn't answer but instead leaned down to the boy till their faces were only a few centimeters apart. ''Renjiro, you are actually very interesting. Your eyes hold emotions that I am looking forward to knowing, your history is something I also want to hear about, not to mention that you are one of the few people I've met with such tanned skin, it's fascinating. Plus, from everything kōri told me about you, your breathing style is one of the most destructive I've ever heard of and it would be a huge favor if you could show it to me soon.'' She finished her explanation pulling away to stand to her full height.

The poor boy was frozen with a deep blush on his face.

He shook his head as he responded, ''Okay, that's great. I don't want to be a bore to any potential friend of mine.''

''Of course, then theirs also the fact you got this one to show so much emotion'' shinobu says pinching an annoyed kōri's cheek. ''I was afraid she would turn out like tomioka.''

''Wait. You know Mr giyuu!?'' Renjiro asked, excitement in his voice.

Shinobu wearily looked to the boy. ''Yes? Yes I do.''

''Woah! He's pretty cool, he's actually kind despite him having a cold demeanour. Oh, I'm also growing my hair out so I can make it like he's.''

As renjiro rambled on, shinobu simply smiled, a very not kind or happy smile.

''Well, I'll be going now kōri. I would stay but a hashira's work is too high a priority to be left alone. Remember to give renjiro his medicine everyday, I'll be back once the week is over.'' As the hashira took her leave, she stopped short of the door then turned back to the duo, ''Oh also you'll have to give him full body massages to make sure his muscles don't stiffen or his nerves weaken. Okay? Okay! Bye!!.''

She teleports away.

No. I mean she literally just disappeared.

Renjiro was stunned he thought tomioka and kōri were fast but shinobu was insanely fast!

Kōri on the other hand was in shock for a different reason, she had more than two weeks of rest after her last mission but she didn't think she would have to take care of renjiro. But, now she also had to physically touch him.

Outside on the mansion balcony, master sorochi sat on a chair while drinking his signature honey tea. He sighed in satisfaction.

''Moshi~ Moshi~ Sensei.''

The retired hashira did an immediate spit take, spewing his oh so precious tea on the floor.

With a groan of annoyance he glanced at the culprit. ''Why do you have to be creeping around when you could just come through the door, you weirdo!?''

Shinobu giggled as she sat on the unoccupied chair besides the frost master. ''Sorry, I actually wasn't looking for you, I thought you would just squeeze yourself into a hole again. But, then I saw you up here I just had to come surprise you.'' She said with a mischievous glint in her eye.

''Whatever. Before you ask, I'm up here because kōri made me see that it was useless trying to hide from someone who is already in your home.'' Sorochi says taking another sip from his cup. The man hated random questions or just questions in general. So, he learnt to read peoples way of thinking and speaking, that way he can just answer before it's asked.

''Sensei.'' Shinobu's voice was calmer and solemn. ''Why haven't you been responding to the letters nee-san sends?''

The former hashira breathed a slow breath, he expected this question too. ''I already made it clear the day I retired. I'm not worth talking to, I was a disgrace of a slayer, your nee-san would still be a hashira if I wasn't so weak. If she doesn't acknowledge that fact then I just won't let her waste her time on me.''

...

...

''Sensei, nothing you said is true. nee-san always cared about you, even when you retired she wrote those letters to make sure you were okay.'' Shinobu say concern plain in her voice. ''When you never responded she got worried, the only reason we even knew you were still alive is because kōri wrote back to us!''

Sorochi remained silent, he took a quick sip of his tea. ''I told kōri not do shit like that.''

Anger veins bulged on shinobu's face, the smile on her face long gone. She wanted to strangle the man so much right now!

But, she held herself off. She slowly stood up then jumped onto the balcony rails, she turned back to the frost master and bowed. ''Well sensei, I'll be going now. I'm at least glad you still drink your faviroyte tea, I don't know what nee-san would think if you turned into an alcoholic.''

She vanished, leaving master sorochi in his lonesome.

''Great. Now I fell even more depressed'' he said, letting his head lay on the table.

Day 1

''Take your medicine already.'' Kōri sighs. It was 6 in the morning and renjiro wasn't even half awake. ''Maybe I shouldn't be waking you up this early.''

''You think?'' Renjiro says flatly as he opens his mouth, kōri feeds the spoon of pale yellow liquid.

''Blegh! This tastes gross pipsqueak! Gross!'' Renjiro roared in disgust.

Kōri rolled her eyes, ''What kind of medicine do you know that tastes good?''

''Natures unbeatable sweet vegetables and all powerful herbs.'' The boy answers with a smirk. He was sure he had won.

Unfortunately. ''Ikeda, you do know most, if not all herbs are anything but sweet. A lot can be sumed up as just plain bitter.''

Renjiro fell quiet. Then he just turned his head away from the diminutive slayer.

The silence was...awkward. The two teens had tried to talk about something that wasn't training and they succeeded for a few seconds.

''Well, I'll go call the nurses to give the massage, bye'' kōri briskly walked out the room red tint on her cheeks. The thought of doing the procedure herself was too much to think off, she would rather have to go through another awkward conversation.

Unfortunately they had to repeat this 'delightful' experience the next day.

Day 3

''Mr. Ikeda, you have visitors.'' One of the nurses announced.

Renjiro sat up in his bed. From day 1 the medicine had taken an almost immediate effect, he started to fell his fingers again and his body pricked with the nerves in his body coming back to life. By the 2nd day, he could feel his spine as well. He was beyond happy, so he finally sat up and was flexing his back and arms.

As of present his lower body was still numb.

Renjiro shook his head and focused back to his visitors, before gasping in surprise. ''Mr and Mrs kagimara? T-This is just! I-I don't... I just hang out in here sometimes thi-''

''Renjiro! Are you feeling better!?'' Mrs. Fumi yelledasked.

''Fumi, calm down. Renjiro has your wounds healed up.'' Mr. Nagisa asked a lot more softly.

''Are you being fed well!?':

''Of course he is he's in a hospital. Fumi calm down.''

''Are you feeling any pain!? Is your bed comfortable!? Is the doctor treating you well!?''

''Fumi please calm do-''

''Are the nurses aren't taking advantage you!?''

''What the heck?''

''I wish.'' This time it was renjiro that spoke. He immediately regretted it as the two elderly couple stared in disapproval at him.

A few minutes later

''So, you both knew i lived in the frost estates. H-how long?'' The tanned boy asks.

''Since the day you first came to our house.'' Mrs. Fumi says with pride.

Renjiro's jaw dropped. ''S-since the first day? Seriously!?''

''Well of course. The frost estates street may not have residential buildings but it does have shops, one of those shop sells all the farming supplies that I use. We've caught sight of you many times over the years coming to and from the estate.'' Mr. Nagisa elaborates.

''It was easy for me to recognize you, I have great memory you know.'' The elderly woman boasts.

''That's not true.'' The older man kindly reminded.

''Okay, I don't but nagisa does, he remembered you quick.''

Renjiro was stunned he didn't even know how to react to this news. He lied to them just so he could pursue the nostalgic feeling of working in a farm. He wanted to apologize but if Mr. Nagisa always knew that he was lying then they were technically tricking each other.

''I see. Thank you so much for visiting me.'' He said giving a half bow.

The older man simply chuckled. ''It's fine renjiro...we came in because we got too worried to wait.''

''Ichikawa didn't want us to come in but I put him straight by asking as many questions as I could.'' Mrs fumi announced with pride and amusement.

The tanned boy snorted, he barely kept him self from laughing. He imagined the frost master being bombarded by his most well known weakness.

''Renjiro?'' The voice of the elderly man drew his attention. ''The day we found you, you were covered in injuries and blood, we saw the body of the demon you fought burning away in the sun. But, renjiro even though your training to be a demon slayer please try not to get too injured. No matter how much you fight even if you win, if your heavily injured it could become fatal and you'll die even though.''

''So, your not discouraging me from training?'' The boy asked.

''Goodness no! We're not your parents. We actually want you to kill demons, just be careful and take every injury you get seriously. The last thing we want is for anything to happen to you.'' Mrs. Fumi says with a forlorn tone.

Renjiro was stunned silent, tears were at the corners of his eyes but of course never fell.

''Don't worry I'll train really hard so nothing is gonna happen, honestly with the objective I have in mind I doubt that anything can kill me.''

That both reassured and worried the elderly couple. But, they couldn't complain.

They were just happy he was okay.

Day 5

The application of make up is something that has been a central part of women beauty since the days of feudal japan. Note for women, it was 1915 and make up is still exclusively for women.

''So, why exactly are you forcing this on my face?'' Renjiro muttered in embarrassment.

Kōri was currently using the poor boys face as a canvas for her make up set. ''It's not like you have anything better to do. I need to practice and I don't want to make myself look like a clown.''

Renjiro sighed as he accepted his fate, he really didn't have anything else to do since he's legs were still numb.

''It's still difficult your darker skin is making it hard to get the colour in.'' Kōri says. ''Why is your skin dark? You lived in okutama that isn't exactly a hot place.''

The tanned boy thought on the question a bit, then answered. ''I'm pretty sure it's just genetic. My dad was darker than I am and my youngest sister was also pretty dark.''

Kōri nodded. ''Anyway I'm done, you look fairly good. Seems I've gotten better at using make-up.''

''I would ask why you even need make-up but whatever, let me try!''

The frost user was mildly surprised by the sudden enthusiastic request from the boy. ''Well, I suppose it's fine.''

Renjiro smiled happily as he picked up the annoyinglysmall brush.

'I'll make you look like a clown! Let's see how you like it!?'

He then got to work.

Hours later, after so long of applying and subtracting, Renjiro is glad to say he... regrets the fact that he was actually good at it!

Kōri ended up actually looking prettier!

And he also acquired a weird skill.

Day 7 (last day)

Renjiro read through the tsukuyomi kagura guide book again. He had long memorised the words, as far as he knows frost breathing is a combination of water and wind breathing, which gives it it's flexible, rigid, fast and all around powerful strikes. It had a total of 12 forms.

He knew enough about the main breathing techniques and he realized none are anything like his. The tsukuyomi kagura seems to be an unknown breathing style? It wasn't mentioned once, the closest to it's properties was breath of wind, the recent breath of sound and breath of stone? Maybe.

Anyway, today once shinobu has confirmed that he's fine, he had to complete a test so he could go into final selection.

''Moshi~ Moshi~ Renjiro.''

The poor boy yelled in fright as he fell over clutching his chest, the two books spread around him. Speak of the devil.

''Are you trying to give me a heart attack!? Your worse than pipsqueak, when did you even get Her!?'' He questioned loudly. He didn't know if he should be happy or angry.

Shinobu simply giggled. ''No not really. Well now that I'm here we can get to the test right?''

''So, I'm good to go?''

''Well, you did walk all the way up here right?''

Renjiro looked around at the forest around him, he got off the log he had been sitting on. He forgot that he was already on 'trap' mountain.

With Master sorochi and kōri, huh?

Said individuals were already waiting for the two.

''Great, your finally here.'' The retired hashira grumbled, he lightly scratched his chin as he spoke, ''Okay, Renjiro to day your going to go through your first test. You and kōri are going to fight for real no sparring, you will be using real swords, complete use of any of your breathing forms. Plus, you will do that while making your way down this mountain, I wil inform you that the traps are very much active. Renjiro, i know you weren't really ready for this so I don't expect you to win but if you survive to the end then you've more than passed.''

He's words got mixed responses, Renjiro gulped slightly, he wasn't exactly afraid but fighting kōri seriously was not something that was high on his to-do list. But, a hashira was here so he couldn't show weakness!

Shinobu didn't like the thought of a potential powerful slayer dying before even joining but this was how it was done, it was cruel, the corp would probably have more members if most didn't die in training or final selection. But, again what they need are strong individuals not multiple fodder. Intact a single hashira was worth twenty slayers. She would just have to let fate play out.

Kōri had no real objections, she just prayed Renjiro was as strong as he said, if he died her plans were as good as done.

''Well then, you can begin.''

The two teenager each took deep breaths.

Renjiro unsheathed his katana, the bright silver steel shone in the afternoon sun. He took a stance the blade firm in his grip. Thankfully his gi was easy to move in, his black bogolan patterned haori wasn't going to hinder his movements, he was sure.

Kōri also unsheathed her katana, it shone a pale icy blue, the hilt of the blade handle had a white ribbon? She also wore a gi , her white and leaf patterned haori fluttered in the wind.

Their green eyes met. Different shades but the determined fire was present. A sort of traded message.

They weren't going to hold back.

Kōri dashed forward, the ground crack under foot, she crossed the distance between herself and renjiro with a single breath. She slashed upwards at the boy, her blade radiating freezing air.

CLANG!

Her swing was blocked, the tsukuyomi user bright his blade down just in time. Kōri was honestly surprised, 'he's faster than before.'

She slid back as a number of small crescent moons spilled out of the boys katana, caught her blade and pushed her back.

The small breathing space was enough for renjiro, he immediately kicked the diminutive girl away. Sending her a good distance away.

Then he turned and ran into the trees and down the mountain.

Regaining her balance kōri shot forward once more, chasing after the boy.

...

...

''So.'' The former hashira finally broke the silence. ''What do you think of that little display.''

Shinobu hummed, ''Well, renjiro isn't as fast as kōri is but the power behind his moves are incredible. Did you see those Moons they were so pretty.''

Sorochi just blankly stared at the hashira, ''If you call that weapon of destruction pretty then you actually have a screw loose.'' Groaning with exasperation, the master took his crutches as he too made his way down the mountain.

Shinobu shot passed him, eager to see more of the tsukuyomi's capabilities.

Leaving sorochi behind, the frost master just rolled his eyes. ''Tsk, children.''

.

Somewhere on 'trap' mountain

Renjiro ran down and pass the trees, his feet hitting and leaving the ground so fast he was almost flying. His blade was at his side, in a tight two handed grip.

His dark green eyes scanned the forest floor and top for any traps and most importantly any petite girls.

The sound of flying projectiles caught his attention, a pit fall nearly got him but he skillfully leaped over it.

They was a blur at the corner of his eye.

Shit! It's her!

They was no way for him to evade her. He had to get her to abort the attack instead.

Tsukuyomi kagura: moon spirit calamitous eddy!

Renjiro forced his body into a haphazard spin, his blade launching 5 massive and numerous small crescent moons around him.

It effectively forced the frost user to dive out of the way and deflected some projectile arrows coming at him.

Tsukuyomi kagura.

The ikeda family ritual dance is composed of eight segments repeated throughout the night of a full, wanning or waxing moon. Despite coming to terms with it, renjiro couldn't get over the reality of his family dance being a lethal breathing style.

Once his feet touched the ground the tanned not was off running down a slope.

''Ikeda!! Get back here, your gonna pay for this!!!'' The anger in kōri's voice actually got the boy to stop and turn back.

The sleeve of the girls haori had a large cut in it, likely cause by one of the small moons grazing her.

''It's not my fault! You could have just avoided it!'' Renjiro called back.

''How could I avoid something that was barely a foot away from me!?'' She screeched back.

'She was getting dangerously angry over a haori? I mean my haori is special to me too but not that much, geez.'

''Sucks to suck'' renjiro simply stated. That was a mistake that would take him a long time to forget.

The atmosphere grew thick, kōri's eyes were shadowed by her white hair, her body stood frozen, angry thick veins grew on her skin.

The temperature around her dropped.

Then she moved.

So fast that renjiro's eyes almost didn't catch her. Almost.

There was the haziest afterimage and His blade was already moving, the steel coming down inches from piercing her shoulder.

''Frost breathing: sixth form - falling snow, starlit dance!'' The frost user called in anger. Her katana snapped the tanned boys blade away.

She then grabbed her sword by the tip of the white ribbon and began to swing at a speed so fast it seemed to have created a ball around her.

The cold wind bit at renjiro's skin, the boy was too stunned to react properly. 'I thought the ribbon was just a decoration.'

Stumbling backwards renjiro stopped as the places where the cold wind had stung, were actually cuts, he had been hit... Numerous times.

''Your lucky.'' Kōri snarled, ''I wasn't attacking to kill. But, it seems I never told you this but never even think of damaging my haori!!''

Renjiro got angry too, he knew that this was supposed to be a serious fight but pipsqueak getting angry over a stupid cloth got under his skin.

''Fuck your haori! Nobody cares about it!!'' Mistake number two. Kōri disappeared, the ground exploding in her wake.

BOOOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!

In less than a second renjiro found himself flying through the air, the tip of the trees speeding pass below him, his arms also hurt like hell. 'W-what just happened? Did she hit me? When though?'

''Frost breathing: eleventh form - Northern Azure Sky, Mega frost Storm! ''

Acting on pure instinct, renjiro swung his sword upwards.

CLANG!

He was sent back towards the ground.

Using his breathing he was able to reinforce his legs enough that they wouldn't break on impact but the force was still powerful enough that he felt it in his jaw. He could swear his teeth wanted to break free.

THUD!

Quickly turning around renjiro was able to once again catch another strike. Then another, another, another, another and another.

Kōri was spinning her blade either in a continuous wheel or switching to thrusting and close range slashing. Using the full power of her eleventh form.

Through this all they were both aware that they were in trap, a constant spray arrows, spring spikes and hiden bear traps.

The battle had taken a dangerous turn but not once did the two teenagers take their eyes off each other. Their blades constantly clashed, crescent moons flying into the air, freezing wind and ice circling around them. Through that all the duo expertly dodged and evaded the projectiles.

''Tsukuyomi kagura: solar rings, moonlight haze!'' A swing of the silver steel and a small storm of tiny rotating moons blasted forward.

''Frost Breathing: twelfth form - Frozen Ocean.'' Kōri stands still, a sudden calm air hangs over her. Every one of the rotating moons and stray arrows were deflected a whole foot before even touching her. But, it looked like the frost user barely moved.

Renjiro's eyes widen, he's out of breath and covered in blood, arrows were imbedded in his left shoulder, right forearm and right calf. ''H-how did you do that?''

The frost user didn't answer but instead disappeared.

Renjiro raised his blade in time to block a slash aimed for his neck.

Letting himself fall backwards, renjiro dragged both himself and kōri down into an unknown area.

They tumbled through the foliage, stones and branches scratched their skin.

THUD!!

CLANK!

''Ahhrrgg!!''

Renjiro groaned from landing in the hard ground, back first. He finally registered a scream earlier and quickly turned to find his friend? Trembling in pain.

A bear trap had latched onto her left leg, the bone most likely fractured.

''H-hey pipsqueak are you okay?'' The boy asks in concern, he slowly walked towards the downed girl. But, before he reached her...

SNAP!

A sound that carried a promise of trouble. The tsukuyomi user quickly spun around. A massive log was swinging his way, the ropechain must have been herculean in nature to even be able keep it above the ground.

If he dodged it would likely land on kōri!

Without thinking renjiro gripped his katana, took in his deepest breath, raised his sword high then quickly brought it down.

Tsukuyomi kagura: Shining Moon, Evening Palace!

SLASH!

THUD!!

The two halves of the log fell by either side of the boy, they landed with enough force to let renjiro know they were heavy!

His hands were shaking, he felt like his hand would lose feleling if he relaxes, most of the other forms use lonh ranged projections but a few used close ranged, requiring the blade to touch the object. Shining Moon, evening palace was one of them.

The sound of his heart beating so loudly worried the boy, it was beating like...it wanted to stop again. From his first day of training up to this point; renjiro's heart has stopped a total of 5 times!

Not letting that stop him the boy dragged himself up. He turned to help the injured frost user.

Kōri wasn't there.

''Ara renjiro ~'' He sharply turned to the voice his grip on his katana tightened. Only to loosen once he saw kōri safely in the insect hashira's arms, who also happened to be a medical professional. ''What were you going to do with poor kō-''

THUD!

The boy fell to the ground out cold.

...

...

...

''Okay, maybe the jokes can wait.'' Shinobu hurriedly said.

Nearly An Hour Later

''So, long story short you pass all the tests, so you can go to final selection.'' Sorochi says plainly. Renjiro was left dumbfounded as he sat motionless under a tree.

''B-but I thought you said...''

The retired hashira interrupted, ''I lied. Surviving kōri was one and splitting that log in two, you went even futher since you did it with a blunt blade. You did it, Congratulations you brat.''

"Ah, what in the hell kind of wood was that?" Questioned renjiro as his hands shook from remembering just how hard it was.

"Akagashi, Japanese Red Oak," answered Saburo, "if you didn't freaking know, it's the toughest known tree in Japan and the wooden boards crafted from it are literally first rate."

"And you expected me to cut that on my first try?" The young man asked shock allover his face. "Even with total concentration breathing that way nearly impossible, I thought my heart was gonna stop."

"Renjiro stop, your bitching again. Besides they are some demons out there whose skin is as tough if not tougher than stone,'' said Sorochi. "So, it was either that or a giant boulder. But, you'll still have to keep training, you'll split more akagashi until you can cut it easily.''

Huh? That was sort of easy.

He looked to kōri whose leg was wrapped in bandages. The girl thankfully had no bone fractures but it was still a deep wound. Shinobu did a good job I keeping it from getting infected, she's a hashira but it feels like she has a medical kit in her pocket.

''Hey, pipsqueak are you feeling alright.'' Renjiro softly asked.

The frost user nodded. ''Yes I'm fine, I should be asking you though. How is your...everything.''

The tanned boy glanced down at the bandages on his body. ''Their fine. You really did a number on me huh?'' He laughs.

''Yeah I'm sorry. I got too carried away.''

''I know. I think I like stoic you better than angry you.''

''Right. But, seriously never mess with my haori. Or I will end you.'' Kōri declared her tone dripping with venom.

...

...

''T-thats a joke right?''

Shinobu softly giggled, kōri just smiled. While Renjiro gave a awkwardly and fearfully laughed despite the pain aching around his body.

''Can We Please Go Back To The Estate!?'' He finally yelled, the pain became unbearable.

.

October, 1915

Months have passed since passing the test and now renjiro, who is now 17 years of age, a full 5'8'' tall, his long black and purple hair was tied into a low pony tail? And finally the body of a professional boxer.

In those months the young man had been restlessly training, cutting away at all the akagashi wood provided. At some point using a katana had gotten too easy, so renjiro began using his fists.

By the end, his palm and knuckles were heavily scared and more importantly solid as hell. He now had so much Strength in his arms that a lumberjack would be jealous. It takes him at least three strikes for him to punch through the thick trunk.

It late at night, tomorrow morning he would have to make his way to Mt. Fujikasane; the venue for the final selection.

''Man, I am beat.'' He sighed tiredly. He still had half his wits to know he should go to his room.

On his way, he suddenly stopped as he saw the master of the frost estates once again near the garden drinking tea - probably honey tea.

''Hey old man. What are you-''

''Renjiro sit down, I wanna tell you something.'' The boy stopped. It was out of character for his teacher to want to talk to him.

He wearily took the sit next to the possibly tired man.

''I bet you've been curious about my story for a while, and since your about to go off into the dangerous world of demon slaying...I'm just gonna let it out.'' The man mumbled, his eyes down cast, the dark bags under his eyes were more prominent than ever before.

''My real name is Sorochi Jonathan Vinechester. My father is British and my mother Japanese, I lived in England for 27 years of my life, less than 8 in Japan. My family were rich so I had to trouble in the financial ground. So, you must be wondering why I decided to leave that behind and join a group of suicidal maniacs.

Immediately I came to Japan my car was attacked by a demon, it was by far the most horrifying experience I ever had in my life. But, I was rescued by the former water hashira. Right after that I begged to join the corps, why...because it looked cool''

Renjiro actually slipped of his chair, hitting the ground with a very audible thud. ''Are you serious!!?? What kinda retarded reason is that!!!???''

WHAM!!

The boy folded over a comically large bump on his head. The frost master stood over him with a snarl on his face.

''Shut up and let me finish talking you deep shit!'' He took a sip of his tea, after calming down a little he continued. ''Anyway, my life up to that point was colourless and bland, I was rich, had a loving family and women who where waiting at my beck and call... Yet I felt nothing. My father thought it was due to me staying in one place for too long and said I should visit mother's home country, which brought me here and honestly it was like I was fated to join the corp. I was never one to do manual labour back in the day but once I started water breathing training? It was like I could be enthusiastic about something again. Soon, I realized breath of water wasn't my thing, so in my bid to invent a new style I found breath of frost. The position of frost hashira had been empty for over a hundred years, I had no one to teach it to me but by God was it the best days of my life. In about four years I climbed the ranks and finally became a hashira. I made a lot of friends, a lot of enemies but most importantly a lot of memories. During that time, i rebuilt the frost estate here in ōme, because in the former frost hashira's journal, he wrote ''i always wanted to visit ōme.'' So, thats what i did. Then one day when i was still a rookie slayer, i got a mission to exterminate a demon that was spotted around a orphanage. By the time I got there the demon and its friends had already destroyed in place and killed dozens of children. I actually can't remember how I killed those demons but at the end of that day, I took in 13 kids. They lived in the estate with me, you could've said they were like...my children. But, once i became a hashira the good times lasted three years, by the end I -''

Master sorochi suddenly stopped as if his brain finally caught up to his mouth and forced him to quiet down. To keep a secret. Shaking his head the man continued.

''Let's just say an incident happened and I lost my leg, I gave up my position as a hashira effectively losing one of my purposes in life. Since that day three years ago I haven't been sleeping well, in fact I don't sleep. My mind is constantly racked with guilt and self hate. The only things keeping me tethered is the fact I still have a family overseas, I still have kōri and I have a student to teach. I hope this has satisfied some of your questions.''

The master ended his story with a tired sigh, his voice hoarse an laced wit fatigue.

''But, why are you telling me this? I hope your not planning suicide.'' If it was meant to be a joke renjiro's face didn't convey it, he had a very serious and concerned look.

The master simply laughed, ''No, I wouldn't dream of i-''

Before his head hit the hard table, renjiro had grabbed him before gently laying him back on his chair.

'Why? D-did he already drink some kind of poison?' But, before the boy could call for help, his ears picked up the sound of soft snoring.

The master wasn't in any danger but was instead sleeping. It must have been a while since he had let himself this necessity.

''You must have really been holding that in huh?'' He says with a sad smile. ''It's fine master Sorochi just sleep till you feel better. I'll go get you blanket.'' With that the tanned boy walked back into the mansion, he had a big day tomorrow but for today everything was calm.

.

The Next Day

Today was the day renjiro would depart for the final selection, the master of the frost estates decided to personally escort his student out of the town. Unfortunately, the young man had one thought going through his head that did not relate with demon slaying.

''So the reason you like tea so much I cause your british! It makes sense now!''

''Shut it you brat! That just a stereotype.'' The master yelled in anger and despair. He really wanted this to be over soon.

''That also explains why the mansion looks so western!''

''That was just my personal preference nothing to do with me being British!''

''Fine...Jonathan.'' The boy mockingly says in surprising good english, before getting whacked in the head.

Renjiro had dressed in what he would call appropriate, a katana tied to his waist, monpe pants and a pale grey, green leaf-patterned jinbei top. His hair was tied into his new favorite style, a low ponytail.

He was ready to get to that mountain and murder all the demonsprove himself to be a strong slayer.

Soon the two had reached the edge of the town, the next journey will take him pass his old home and into Mt. Fujikasane. The tanned boy turned back to his teacher and gave a low bow.

''Thank you for getting me this far and for putting up with me for so many months.''

The frost master let out a reluctant chuckle. Renjiro straightened, expression smoothing. The older man spoke.

"This is just the first step," he said. "There is still much more shit you have to go through before you can reach your goal, don't die before then''

"I understand, Master."

"Remember what I told you?"

"The strong become stronger so they can protect the weak. The protection of human lives come first, revenge should never be the only reason you fight. Because the soul can be willing but the body weak is the reason we train beyond human limits. If you hesitate, you die. Never pity a demon. Once your soul and body are in sync not even the strongest demon can defeat you.''

...

...

''Okay those actually sound pretty cheesy, don't follow those.''

The boy shook his head, ''No, it's fine. These words will help me keep my way, I'm sure. See you later master.''

With that he left down the trail.

Sorochi stared at the retreating back of his student.

'Renjiro ikeda. When I first saw you I thought you were some sort if divine punishment against me, then from you blood lusted goals I thought you were a devil. But, now I see that you were just a boy. A boy who was lucky enough to survive and live long enough to show your importance to our small world. Don't die on us renjiro.'

Unique Strength. Strong Convictions. Burning Passion and a avenger.

Those seemed to be the traits all his past student possessed.

Renjiro would not fail.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxXxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

And...done! Man this took ms forever. I'm ashamed to say, in an effort to make this chapter longer I took too much time. So I deeply apologize.

(It would seem I have to reduce the amount of words so I can update faster. Maybe I can organize my format better those 'xxx' things annoy me -_-)

Anyway yeah the doctor was shinobu kocho (yay). I didn't want to add her at first but then I realized I didn't know any other demon physiology specialist.

This chapter was honestly just full of sadness, fights, internal regret, honey tea, butterfly girls and poison. If you can actually piece together a bigger picture then thank you for understanding my crap writing. XD

So, the next chapter is The Final Selection. A chapter that will hopefully have more action and see the return of tanjiro (even happier yay). It's gonna get awkward when they talk and realize both their families are dead and that both believed the other was okay! XD

Note: Renjiro had tried to send a few layers to the kamados in okutama but his letters were always returned without reply, this got him worried but he once again choose work over his friends welfare.

Yep, that won't be a problem in the future.

Anyway, next chapter is hopefully gonna arrive soon but no promises. Thank you for reading, please leave reviews or just do whatever.

Freaking 14,000 words! Damn!!