Dark secrets ~ Rengoku x reader

𝑪𝑯𝑶𝑰𝑪𝑬𝑺

As I continued my search for Rui, I encountered more demon-controlled individuals. Recognizing their helplessness, I fought them with the intention of subduing rather than killing. Despite being outnumbered, I relied on my newfound strength, fighting relentlessly. However, in the midst of battle, a sharp pain pierced through me as one of my opponents landed a deep stab. I could feel the wound on the other side of my body, but I reassured Tanjiro and Inosuke, who had joined the fray, that I was fine.

As I engaged in combat, the person controlling the demonized individuals suddenly turned against them, swiftly ending their lives. With a smile, I extracted the blade from my side, fully aware of the depth of the wound. Though it was significant, I knew I could endure it.

Reunited with Tanjiro and Inosuke, we pressed forward. Tanjiro's secret was revealed when I realized he was carrying a demon in a box. I glanced at him, understanding his unspoken plea, and nodded in acceptance of the situation. Our journey brought us face-to-face with a headless monster wielding two swords. It appeared invulnerable, lacking any apparent weak spots. Undeterred, I swiftly spun my scythe, slicing through the monster with its long, dual-sided blade. The creature began to dissipate before our eyes, fading away into nothingness. Inosuke, seizing the opportunity, grabbed Tanjiro and propelled him into the air, allowing Tanjiro to strike the final blow.

Addressing Inosuke, I informed him that I would be separating from the group to search for another demon. With those words, I dashed off, determined to confront the next adversary.

————

As I continued my journey with Tanjiro, the wound on my body continued to seep blood. However, I focused on using Total Concentration Constant to steady my breath, temporarily halting the flow. I knew that this would place a strain on my body when I returned.

While we were walking, we heard a woman's screams and moved towards the sound. It led us to Rui, the spider demon, and another girl demon. Rui appeared irritated and questioned our presence, asking why we were interfering when we were supposed to be on the same side. Tanjiro inquired about my familiarity with Rui, sensing that I knew him well enough to address him by name. To conceal the truth, I fabricated a lie, stating that I had heard of Rui before. Frustrated by Rui's actions and disregard for life, I confronted him with anger-filled eyes, demanding an end to his harmful behavior.

As Tanjiro and I engaged in combat with Rui, his threads struck us, causing cuts all over our bodies. Igniting my fighting spirit, I unleashed my First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace technique, gaining momentum as I leaped into the air and struck Rui from above, severing his arm. However, in return, my mask was chipped, revealing a jagged line in the middle. Although the mask remained intact, another powerful blow could shatter it. Furthermore, during the clash, a thread managed to cut open my cheek. To my astonishment, I noticed that Tanjiro's blade was broken. Confusion filled my mind as I couldn't recall him attacking alongside me, and panic gleamed in his eyes. Just as I was processing the situation, Rui launched another thread towards us. Realizing the need to protect Tanjiro, I swiftly dodged and deflected the incoming threads, determined to prevent any harm from befalling him. However, in my attempt to shield him, I put myself in harm's way, taking a blow that cut through my lower body. While the wound wasn't too deep, it aggravated my previous injury, causing me to cough up blood. Stepping back, I collected myself as Rui, seizing the distraction, took Nezuko and suspended her in the air with his threads. Reacting swiftly, Tanjiro and I prepared to launch a decisive attack. At that moment, I recognized the hesitation within myself, realizing that it stemmed from my long-standing connection with Tanjiro. However, I quickly silenced the conflicting emotions within me, reminding myself of the danger Rui posed and the lives at stake. Capitalizing on the opportunity, I swung my scythe with all my might, slicing off Rui's head.

After the intense battle, I carefully retrieved Nezuko, acknowledging her bravery with a warm smile before succumbing to the exhaustion and pain. Falling to the ground, blood continued to seep from my wounds.

When I regained consciousness, I found myself in the Butterfly Mansion. Determined to join the other hashiras in their meeting, I gathered my strength and slowly made my way to the meeting place. As I approached, the hashiras were already engaged in their discussion. Despite coughing up blood and my lower face stained with it, I refused Rengoku's plea for me to rest, insisting that I was fine and taking my rightful place among them.