Shizen no Kokyou. (Shinobu x Male Reader) [COMPLETED]

Chapter 2

It had been about an hour or so, as we see Y/N sitting on the ground outside, looking at his blade with a blank expression when he suddenly notices someone sit beside him.

Rengoku sits beside Y/N and puts the tea between them.

Rengoku: Tea?

Y/N nods as he sheathes his katana and takes the cup in his hand.

Rengoku: So... Y/N.

Y/N looks at Rengoku.

Rengoku: You're 19, right? That's really impressive, you know?

Y/N: Thank you...

Rengoku notices that his try for small talk wasn't working as he thought of something else.

Rengoku: Y/N...? Can I ask you a question?

Y/N looks at Rengoku, indicating him to go and ask him.

Rengoku: What was the motive for you becoming a Hashira?

Y/N stays silent before speaking.

Y/N: To protect...

Rengoku: Hmm?

Y/N: I want to protect the weak...

Rengoku: I see. What do you think of demons?

Y/N puts his tea down and looks at the grass.

Y/N: They're... Misunderstood.

Rengoku: Hmm? You mind elaborating on that?

Y/N: Demons... Eat human flesh... To survive... What if the food you eat to survive, gets taken away from you...?

Rengoku: *intrigued and confused* So, you're saying that the demons' actions are justified?

Y/N shakes his head.

Y/N: They're not justified... Demons need flesh, yes... But they go on a killing spree... That's when it's not good...

Rengoku: So you're saying it's fine until the demons eat a few innocent humans?

Rengoku's voice was a bit louder now.

Y/N: No... But they can't survive on human food either, can they...?

Rengoku thinks for a moment.

Y/N: Evil or not... Demons are part of this nature... And I don't want to hurt anything...

Rengoku: Then why become a Hashira?

Y/N: I wish to protect the innocent... But I don't want to hurt anyone... That's why, I want to give the demons a peaceful death... one where they're not struggling, or are in pain...

Rengoku: Any particular reason to think of demons in such a pacifistic way?

Y/N: Mother... She used to believe that demons were misunderstood... and worked on a cure for the demons, so that they can survive on plant resources like us humans...

Rengoku mentally tells himself not to, but ends up asking anyways.

Rengoku: Used to...?

Y/N becomes dead silent.

Rengoku: I'm sorry, I didn't know it's a touchy subject...

Y/N remains silent as he runs his finger through the back of his blade.

Rengoku: So... Apart from your sword skills, is there anything else you're good at?

Y/N: I can sense the emotions of beings as an aura...

Rengoku looks at Y/N, intrigued.

Rengoku: Oh? Hey, how about this? We go and train together?

Y/N looks at Rengoku and tilts his head.