CAT || Kimetsu No Yaiba Fanfic

Cat Chapter 39

The mission was successful.

Though the slayers had suffered a lot.

Zenitsu's legs were broken and he had cracked ribs along with numerous injuries. Inosuke still had little poison left in his system even after Nezuko healed him, with broken ribs and wounds. Tanjiro was cleared of poison, but he was given medicine just in case. He had a lot of broken bones, his chin was pierced, they lost a lot of blood, and he was absolutely exhausted. Tengen survived with only an eye left and his arm broken.

The damage would have been worse, or rather would be the same as what should originally have been, if Sanzo didn't send Obanai immediately after he saw the group about to go to the flower district.

"What do you want," was the first thing Obanai said as he stood in front of Sanzo. He had more things to do other than being there. Like seeing Mitsuri. Or spending time with Kaburamaru. Or seeing Mitsuri and spending time with Kaburamaru.

Sanzo was sitting on a chair beside Hotaru's bed, looking down on his partner resting soundly. He shortly wondered if Oyakata-sama will let him take Hotaru in a few missions when she wakes up. Maybe three, or twelve missions.

"Iguro-san, Uzui-san finally went to the flower district to end the demons there. He took Kamado Tanjiro's group with him," Sanzo informed carefully. "In a few hours, I would like you to back them up just in case."

The Serpent Hashira clicked his tongue. "Uzui can handle that himself. He's a Hashira, isn't he?"

"Yes, but this is different," he said. "I gathered information about the demons. They are upper moons."

Obanai narrowed his eyes. "Number?"

"Six."

"That's the weakest of the upper moons."

"Yeah, but it has two bodies," Sanzo said. Upon his confused look, he continued, "Their bodies are merged, but they can seperate if they want to. You need to cut both of their heads at the same time to slay them."

Obanai was silent for a short while, his heterochromia eyes staring intently at the other male. "Where did you get this information, Sanzo?"

It's Sanzo's turn to narrow his eyes. "I got this from the same source I got the information about the other demons you've slayed in the past. Why? Are you doubting me?"

Obanai sigh, raising his head and almost looking like he's looking down on him. "You're hiding something, aren't you?" He muttered, though it was heard clearly.

"I am," Sanzo confirmed, crossing his legs and leaning on his hand with his elbow on his knee. He smirked. "Don't worry, Oyakata-sama knows about my little dirty secret. I wouldn't hide something that would harm us all."

The Serpent Hashira only grunted, turning on his heel and exiting the room. It's not like he could disobey orders. And he can't just let those slayers just die like that, he has his duty.

In the end, the only things he recieved are wounds that are thankfully not deep nor fatal, and a chopped off pinky.

Another thing greeted the group when they arrived at the butterfly estate to get treated. And this time, the group was happy of the news.

Rengoku Kyoujuro is awake.

"Rengoku-san!" The trio of boys cried, quite literally, at the sight of the man.

The dumbass was trying to sat up, with Senjuro crying in relief but trying to get his brother to lay back down. Shinobu, who was checking up on the still asleep shifter, was emitting a dark aura while keeping her smile intact.

Tengen had to grab their collars from behind to stop them from jumping on the man. But no one can stop a small Nezuko as she jump out of her box to hug Kyoujuro's leg.

Kyoujuro brightened up. "Kamado, my boy! Inogashira, my boy! Golden boy!" He reach and patted Nezuko's head with a small wince. "Nezuko. I'm glad you're all doing okay!"

"Rengoku, my man!" Tengen greeted with a grin, Obanai going past him to Shinobu to get treated first so he can leave immediately.

"Uzui-san!" He grinned. "Its been a while! How are you?!"

"My eye's gone, but I'm still the most flamboyant!" Tengen said, slowly letting go of the three boys. They were in Kyoujuro's side in an instant, clutching his sleeves and the bedsheets. At least they know not to tackle an injured man.

"You've gotten stronger. I'm glad." Kyoujuro said, happily patting their heads which made them sniffle. "But you should let Kocho-san treat you first then rest! We'll catch up later."

"Haii..."

"Speak for yourself..." Shinobu muttered darkly, but he only laughed off her concern.

"Nii-san, please lay back down. You'll hurt yourself." Senjuro said, still gently tugging his brother down while sniffling.

"It's alright, Senjuro!" He beamed, patting his head once again. He did not know that waking up would make him pat a lot of heads. He wince a bit.

"Oi, don't crowd around him." Uzui called to the smaller slayers when he noticed the man's breathing getting heavier. They move back a bit to give him space, and Kyoujuro voiced his gratitude. Zenitsu saw Obanai going around them silently out of the door, but he didn't bother informing the others.

"Shinjuro-san is speaking with Oyakata-sama with Urokodaki-san. They said they'll visit later." Shinobu said, while checking on Zenitsu. Kanao and Aoi came in to assist Shinobu with Tanjiro and Inosuke.

At the mention of the other man, Rengoku scanned the room to see a very familiar face. His eyes landed on the person laying on a bed just beside him.

"Hotaru?" He exclaimed. "What happened to Hotaru?"

"She fought the upper moon after you passed out, Rengoku-san," Tanjiro said, also staring at the still asleep woman. "Shinobu-san said she wasn't that hurt much, but she's really exhausted." He said, looking at Shinobu to which she confirmed with a smile and a nod.

Kyoujuro blink in surprise. Hotaru fought the upper moon three? And she (thankfully) survived? His shock was apparent due to the fact that he had no idea about the said demon moon's absolute refusal to ever intentionally harm nor kill women.

He then laughed. "She's amazing, but that's really careless of her."

This time, multiple people choruses, "So are you."

Zenitsu can't help but smile as he heard Kyoujuro's laughter. It was a bit strained, but the room seems to be brighter unlike the past month.

'We're now only waiting for you, Hotaru-san.'

"It's clear that you're too tired to keep going. Why do you still continue? You're just gonna suffer more."

"You're right, I'm tired."

"Then why–" she cut them off.

"But I've come this far already, so why stop now?" She smiled as the figure beside her stayed silent. "It's inevitable anyway. As much as I want to deny at first that I'll be playing a part in their lives, doing just nothing while everything is getting fucked makes me feel bad."

"But you're becoming too attached," the figure mentioned, "To the point where you'll really sacrifice yourself to protect them. How heroic." They tilted their head.

"You still haven't lost someone close to you before, right? Do you think you can handle a single one of them dying?"

She huffed, cranning her neck to stare at the endless whiteness above her. "I'm prepared for that but... I don't know. I have no fucking idea anymore."

"I guess whatever happens, happens."

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Why we going so fucking fast?