Dark secrets ~ Rengoku x reader

𝒃𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒍𝒆

The bright morning was disrupted by the unsettling news from Tengen Uzui. Perched on a roof, you, Inosuke, and Tanjiro absorbed the gravity of the situation.

"Zenitsu won't be coming," Tengen announced, his tone heavy with regret.

"What do you mean?" you asked, concern etched on your face.

"I feel bad now about putting you all through this. It seems I was so desperate to rescue my wives that I made some poor decisions regarding the mission. As it stands, Zenitsu is missing. He's been no contact since last night. You two should leave now. Your rank is too low for this. If the demon here turns out to be upper rank, you'd be dead weight. If you vanish from here, they'll just assume that you're dead. Therefore, me and y/n will be continuing on our own," Tengen explained.

"Please, Mr. Uzui, we can help," Tanjiro pleaded.

"Don't be ashamed. Life is all about survival. So take this chance and get out," he advised before disappearing.

"He's right, you know. You're young. You shouldn't have to die," you remarked.

"But, Miss y/n, you're young too. What about you?" Tanjiro inquired.

"I'm bound to die by someone's hands eventually. It's inevitable. You're either born with talent or someday killed by someone who does," you replied, fading away.

In your heart, worry festered about the whereabouts of your mother and Gyutaro. They weren't the type to run, and your absence might expose the truth to the demon slayers. Swiftly, you changed into your demon slayer uniform, adorned your signature mask, and summoned your scythe with a flick of your wrist.

The sound of battle reached your ears. You materialized at the scene, where Tanjiro was engaging with Daki. "Water Breathing Fourth Form: Striking Tide!" he exclaimed, lunging towards her. Each strike was met with Daki's adept defense, utilizing her blood demon art obi sash. As the battle unfolded, the weight of your hidden identity pressed upon you. You couldn't let Tanjiro die, not here, not now. The repercussions of such an event could expose your deepest secrets and turn allies into adversaries. With determination in your eyes, you prepared to enter the fray, the scythe in your hands ready for action.
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**Y/n's POV:**

With a glance at my mother, filled with regret, I couldn't stand idle any longer. Joining the fray, I swung my dual-sided scythe with practiced precision.

"Hinokami Kagura Raging Sun!" Tanjiro's voice rang out as the bright flames of his attack cut through Daki's obi sash. Seizing the moment, I followed up with my own technique.

"Sixteenth Form: Moonbow, Half Moon!" I declared. The dual-sided scythe arced, sending six crescent slashes crashing down. But Daki, quick on her feet, skillfully blocked the onslaught.

**Tanjiro's POV:**

My body ached from the aftermath of using Hinokami Kagura. Lying on the floor, gasping for breath, I noticed something odd. Y/n wasn't attacking, and the demon wasn't attacking her either.

"Still alive over there?" Daki's annoyed voice reached my ears. I struggled to regulate my breathing, trying to recover. Meanwhile, y/n, a Hashira, was holding back. It perplexed me.

She unleashed a barrage of attacks, "Sixth Form: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon - Incessant!" she yelled. Rapid slashes filled the air, but Daki managed to block them all. Y/n wasn't fighting at her full strength, and I couldn't understand why.

**No one's POV:**

"The way you sweat like a pig is truly repulsive," Daki taunted, her ruthlessness evident.