(OC x Kanae Kocho) My Precious Butterflies "Kimetsu no Yaiba"

Chapter 2 - The Light Within

Yamato followed Jumonji into the hut, his anticipation building. Moments later, he emerged, a bag slung over his shoulder and a katana strapped to his hip.

"Follow me," Jumonji said abruptly, then took off in a sprint.

"So fast!" Yamato thought as he chased after his new mentor. The path was grueling, and Yamato's breath came in ragged gasps, but he refused to fall behind.

After three minutes that felt like an eternity, they finally slowed down. "I can't catch up to him," Yamato admitted to himself, "but I'm keeping up. I can do this."

As the sun arched toward noon, they arrived at their destination. Yamato was panting but his resolve is unwavering.

Jumonji spoke, a hint of admiration in his voice. "I am very impressed that you managed to keep up with me. Here we are. This place is my elder brother's home."

Yamato interrupted impatiently, "Just so you know, I'm here to learn more about demons and to take that stupid katana."

Jumonji nodded, his expression grave. "I told you, after you learn the Water Breathing, I will help you. But first, let's head inside."

With three knocks on the door, it slowly creaked open. A boy with peach-colored hair and a scar on his cheek answered.

"Hello," Jumonji greeted.

"I thought you would return at night, Master," the boy said, surprise evident in his voice.

Behind the boy, two more figures appeared - a youth with dark blue eyes and a short girl with deep cyan-colored eyes.

"Master, who's that behind you?" the girl inquired.

Jumonji smiled faintly, "I'm sorry, children, but I'm Urokudaki Jumonji, Sakonji's twin brother."

The boy with peach-colored hair exclaimed, "Eh!? Master has a brother?"

The little girl chimed in, "Well, that's surprising."

"I am Sabito, Master's brother," the peach-haired boy introduced himself.

"Giyuu," said the youth with dark blue eyes.

"And I am Makomo," the girl added.

The crackling of the fire provided a warm ambiance as the trio of Sabito, Giyuu, and Makomo continued their relentless questioning of Yamato. He found himself gradually giving in to their curiosity, opening up about his life as the night unfolded. The flickering flames danced in the darkness, casting shadows on their faces.

As the minutes passed, Yamato felt a camaraderie forming with his newfound companions. Sabito's eyes widened at the revelation of Yamato's age, and Makomo listened intently, absorbing the details of his life. Giyuu, however, maintained his characteristic silence, his gaze fixed on Yamato with a mix of curiosity and understanding.

Eventually, the conversation shifted to the origins of the trio. Sabito and Makomo, both orphans taken in by Urokodaki, shared their pasts. Yamato, in turn, began to understand the pain that linked their paths. When Giyuu spoke of his sister's sacrifice, a somber atmosphere enveloped the group. Yamato, feeling a connection to Giyuu's grief, smiled at him like an older brother comforting a younger sibling.

The night wore on, and the bonds between the four individuals deepened. Yamato learned about the tragic loss of Giyuu's sister and the challenges faced by Sabito and Makomo as orphans. In return, he shared snippets of his own life, revealing his mysterious white hair and his motivation to obtain a Nichirin sword.

As the hours passed, footsteps approached the Hut. Urokodaki Sakonji, the stern and red masked master, emerged from the darkness. Sabito and Makomo greeted him with enthusiasm, and Jumonji welcomed his brother warmly. Yamato observed the elder Sakonji with a discerning gaze, noting the aura of vengeance that clung to him, causing a chill to run down Urokodaki's spine.

Jumonji, ever the jovial sibling, introduced Yamato to Urokodaki. The young disciple rose, extending his hand in a gesture of greeting. The old master, his piercing eyes hidden behind the oni mask, stared at Yamato with a deep intensity.

"It's nice to meet you. I'm Endo Yamato," Yamato said, his voice steady as he awaited Urokodaki's response. The air hung with anticipation, and the crackling fire provided the only soundtrack to the meeting of pasts and futures.

The mountain air hung heavy with mist as Sakonji Urokodaki and Jumonji laid the foundation for Yamato's journey into the realm of Demon Slayers. The decision to train him stirred excitement in the atmosphere, with Sabito's enthusiasm echoing through the anticipation.

As the dawn of a new day approached, Yamato, fueled by determination, embarked on an unexpected night encounter with Giyuu. The rhythmic swings of Giyuu's wooden sword cut through the silent night, yet Yamato approached unnoticed. Sakonji, a silent observer, monitored the unfolding scene from a distance.

"Can't sleep, buddy?" Yamato's voice broke the stillness.

Giyuu, startled, confessed, "Ummm Yeah..."

Yamato, without missing a beat, suggested, "Let me try your sword."

Taking Giyuu's wooden sword, Yamato showcased his prowess with the katana. Vertical and horizontal slices danced through the air, leaving Giyuu in awe. Yamato's strength, seemingly beyond his age, was unveiled with every precise move.

"My mom said I was unusually strong for my age, but in these circumstances, it can be useful," Yamato revealed. A swift strike against a rock left a small cut, leaving Giyuu astonished. A bright red mark appeared on Yamato's forehead as he shared a glimpse of his past, a tale of protecting his younger brother against thugs.

Giyuu, witnessing the mark, remained silent as it vanished. Yamato, with a gentle smile, apologized for his sudden storytelling, prompting an accidental but heartfelt address from Giyuu as "Nii-san." Giyuu then becomes flustered of the accidental blurt of Brother.

"Don't worry about it, Giyuu," Yamato reassured, patting him on the head. The air shifted as Yamato involuntarily entered a selfless state, surprising even Sakonji, who detected none of the usual vengeance aura.

As the night lingered, Giyuu and Yamato continued their conversation, their connection deepening. Meanwhile, Sakonji and Jumonji approached, accompanied by Makomo and Sabito. Giyuu greeted them, referring to them as "Masters."

Jumonji, brimming with energy, announced the commencement of their first training set. Sakonji, however, redirected Yamato's path to the mountain's summit, setting the stage for a challenging trial.

"You are tasked to get to the bottom of the mountain at my house before sunrise, or say goodbye to your dream of obtaining a Nichirin sword," Sakonji declared before vanishing with the mountain mist.

Undeterred, Yamato accepted the challenge, considering three hours a seemingly easy feat. As he descended, he encountered booby traps strategically set by Sakonji, revealing the eccentricity of his methods. A rope tripped Yamato, and a swinging log posed further obstacles.

"Figures, booby traps. That crazy old man..." Yamato mused, dodging each obstacle with determination.

Despite the extended time taken due to the traps, Yamato reached the bottom unscathed, only to be greeted by Giyuu.

"Morning, Yamato-san," Giyuu acknowledged.

"Hi," Yamato responded, returning to the house with no injuries. Jumonji's laughter echoed through the air, and Sakonji stared at him with a measured gaze.

Jumonji proclaimed, "Looks like I won, brother!"

Sakonji acknowledged, "It would seem like you did, Yamato."

The revelation spurred newfound determination in Yamato. Sakonji, recognizing the potential within him, declared, "I'll teach you the secret of Water Breathing," setting the stage for the next chapter in Yamato's journey as a Demon Slayer.