The Flower and the Butterfly

A Special Place

I stayed by Mitsuri's side the whole time, in the room with the open balcony, letting the wind pass through. Only a blanket protected her from the cold, but it seemed enough for her. Obanai Iguro, the Hashira who appeared yesterday, came to see her a few days later, but why? I don't want to get close to her, so why am I so concerned? Why didn't I immediately agree when Obanai asked me to take care of her? Why does she remind me so much of Kanae and make me feel... the nightmares I had about Kanae's death started to blend with Mitsuri's near-death experience. That's why my heart almost burst with happiness when the Love Hashira woke up... but why did that happen? I barely know her, I'm not even close to her... So, where are these feelings coming from?

Every day, I checked on her to see how she was doing. Even though she was already awake, she had some lingering effects. She couldn't eat properly, so most of the time, Aoi made soup for her. Remarkably, after a few weeks, she managed to heal. It was a quick recovery for a wound of that level. Maybe it was thanks to the intense focus and concentration she maintained. However, rehabilitation was still a slow process.

The days went by without major events. Mitsuri tried to walk and succeeded, but her stability was still weak. She took a short walk around the mansion every day, usually with the help of the girls: Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho.

And every day I cared for the Hashira, I also injected a bit of wisteria venom into my body. I feel like I'm getting used to the liquid flowing through my veins. My revenge will succeed... but the nightmares... are strange. They seem worse, and I don't understand, these days are so confusing...

-"Kocho-san!" I give a small jump; I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't realize someone was calling me. I look to the side and see Mitsuri biting her cheek, perhaps thinking that I was ignoring her.

-"I'm sorry, I got distracted." I smile as I apologize.

-"Sure, distracted. Well, like I said, I want to train." Mitsuri got straight to the point; maybe she was stalling before making the request, when I wasn't paying attention. It was impressive that she wanted to train.

-"Training? You're not yet in a condition to train. It's safer for you to keep resting."

-"But I'm just sitting around all day. That should be good, but I have nothing to do. I feel like I need to move, please, help me," she pleads, waving her arms up and down like a child. I sigh, starting to get a bit irritated with her insistence.

-"Look, Kanroji-san, you should focus on getting better first." I repeat what I've already said.

-"But I'm already better! I can walk already." She continues to insist, I should be used to this by now.

-"Yes, but not in the same way."

-"But then I won't do anything for five years!" She exaggerates the time. I start to think more about her request, putting my hand on my forehead. Okay... if she doesn't get too hurt... I know the so-called Hashira is going to keep pushing, there's only one option after all.

-"Fine... You can train a little with Kanao-san. But you shouldn't push yourself too hard in this training. If you feel pain, stop the fight immediately," I speak with concern, but Mitsuri barely pays attention to the warning. She's happy she got what she asked for. I sigh again, getting up. Mitsuri also stands up, and I help her balance, guide her walking, and take her to where Kanao usually trains alone.

When we arrive there, she's already training, as usual. I help Mitsuri once again, this time to seat her on the balcony. From a distance, I call Kanao over, making her interrupt her training. I explain the situation to her while Mitsuri warms up, sitting down.

-"...I think it would be good for you to train with another Demon Slayer... but take it easy, she's still recovering." I shake my head as I point towards Kanao's face, emphasizing that she should understand. Thus, Mitsuri stands up without assistance, giving two short hops. Even though I'm not entirely comfortable with that training, I hand them both two wooden nichirin swords and we begin.