Midnight's Reign

Chapter 4

Asami had to stay in the Butterfly Mansion for four days to recover. She was confined to her infirmary bed the whole time so her stitches wouldn't open up. She had snuck out of bed one night in search of a snack when she was caught by a very angry Aoi. Asami hadn't dared to sneak out again.

Mitsuri visited her often to spend time with her during the day. Not having much to do, she was grateful for the company. And of course, her number one supporter was Kyojuro. He made sure to visit her everyday, often bringing her treats every time.

She recalls a conversation they had on her last day in the infirmary.

"Maybe I should get hurt more often." She giggles as she munched on a rice cake.

He sat in a chair beside her bed, arms crossed against his chest. He raised an eyebrow, unamused by her comment.

"I wouldn't find it amusing if you got injured on purpose." He said.

She sees his frown and she shrugs her shoulders. "If you got hurt, I would sit with you everyday and spoil you with food. You're telling me you wouldn't like that?" She asks, a mischievous glint in her eye.

The smile that spread on his lips was enough of an answer.

"See, I told you." She said triumphantly as she ate another bite of rice cake.

Kyojuro just shook his head as she continued to stuff her face.

That was two days ago. She now sits on the edge of her porch, reading a book. The ladies at the Butterfly Mansion released her from her bed rest, but they still ordered her to take it easy for the next week. Which means no missions, no sparring, no fun.

Losing interest in the book, she sets it down and rises from the porch. She heads for the gardens when she hears yelling in the distance. Curious, she follows the sounds of the commotion. She rounds the corner of one of the estates and comes to a stop in front of a small training yard.

Inosuke and Zenitsu are splayed on the ground, limbs entangled together like a pretzel. Inosuke has him in a headlock, the blonde boy clearly struggling to escape.

"Inosuke! I tapped out already, let me go, you psycho!" Zenitsu shouts, tears streaming down his face.

Tanjiro is standing to the side, watching the pair, unsure if he should interfere. He's the one who spots her first.

"Lady Kimoto!" He greets her, waving his hand.

She returns his wave. "Please, call me Asami."

The other two look up at the same time, then Inosuke jumps to his feet and points at her.

"You again! Fight me!" He shouts.

Asami shakes her head, "Sorry Inosuke, I can't spar. I'm on orders to not stress out my injury." She puts her hand on her stomach, feeling the tightly wrapped bandages under her uniform.

Inosuke's shoulders drop in disappointment. She approaches him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "I may not be able to fight, but I can give you some tips as you train?"

He straightens up immediately. "YES!"

"Me too!" Zenitsu pleads while still laying on the ground.

Asami looks at Tanjiro. She smiles and raises an eyebrow.

He smiles sheepishly, "Me too, if it's no trouble."

She clasps her hands together. "Let's get started, shall we?"

She found a spot in the grass to observe the young Demon Slayers. Hands folded on her lap, she monitored their movements as they sparred. Her eyes picked up every detail. She would give tips to each boy as they went. Praising them for strengths they displayed, correcting any flaws she noticed.