~𝘓𝘶𝘮𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘳~ // 𝘚𝘢𝘯𝘦𝘮𝘪 𝘚𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘻𝘶𝘨𝘢𝘸𝘢 𝘹 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳

- 𝕏𝕏𝕏𝕀𝕀: Past Mistakes Always Bubble Back Up -

Disclaimer: the following chapter contains extreme spoilers for the finale of Demon Slayer. Please read at your own expense.

Himejima's expression was different. He could see something you couldn't. But what?

"Even if they manifest the mark and are able to improve their power, it merely reduces their life span. You showed the mark, and you are past the age of twenty five, so you will probably die tonight. Your body and the techniques you have developed to their upmost ability will disappear from this world. Do you not think that is lamentable?"

Himejima didn't hesitate. "No. I don't. The marked ones already understand that."

"So, you knew?"

"Even if the mark had not appeared, as long as you are in the Demon Slayer Corps, there is no guarantee you will live to tomorrow. Why would I cling to life at this point? No one becomes a Hashira with such half-hearted determination." Himejima clenched his jaw. "That horrible insult... makes me boil with anger."

The demon did not waver. "We should not be talking about trivial things like life and whatnot. If you become a demon, you can preserve your body and maintain your techniques. Why do you not understand that? How foolish..."

"I do not need to understand it. We are proud to live and die as human beings. Don't act like your worthless ideas are superior and force them on others. I have noticed something while we were talking. You stated one falsehood."

The demon scoffed. "What are you taking about? I have told no lie."

"I suspect there was an exception. There was one who had the mark who lived past twenty five and is still alive."

The demon didn't respond. All six of his blood red eyes turned to the floor.

"That shook you." All at once, Himejima was gone. "No?" When he reappeared, he was right next to the demon. His attacks and movements were so fast, you couldn't pinpoint where he was at any given time. You faced Sanemi, wanting to see what he did.

Everything stopped when you saw the new mark on his right cheek. A pinwheel. Sanemi had earned his mark.

You were angry and sad, all at the same time. A whirlwind of emotions overrode any logical thought you had. Your body grew hot. Hotter. So hot that it felt like you were going to die of some sickness right then.

Time slowed. You could keep up with Himejima's movements now. Sanemi jumped in and cut at the demon. You were right behind him.

The demon was thinking hard. This man also has the mark. Even the other Slayer. Are almost all Hashira at this time marked now? It even goes beyond the Hashira...

You skidded backwards; Himejima's mace just missed you. Sanemi took a low strike at the demon's feet.

They are using of different types of breathing techniques, and even in this speed of battle they cooperate!

"Good thing we trying together as Hashira, Himejima!" Sanemi cackled.

Sanemi took another strike, but it was sloppy. The demon cut at Sanemi's sword from the side, but before the blade could snap, Sanemi twisted his wrist and pinned the sword to the ground.

You lunged at the demon, but his sword cut at your throat. Warm blood spilled from the gaping wound. You stumbled back and grabbed at it, trying to stop the bleeding desperately.

Sanemi glanced at you and grew hot with anger. He ground them sword further into the ground until the floor split and cracked.

You slowed your breathing and closed your eyes. The bleeding stopped, but when you tried to utter the incantation for your next attack, you found you were unable to speak.