The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 22: A Bet

As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Tsukiyo stood with a sense of determination radiating from her every move.

Her gaze fixed on a figure in the distance, Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Pillar, renowned for his ferocity and strength.

With a silent resolve, Tsukiyo stepped forward, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Care for a spar, Shinazugawa? I'd like to test my skills against you," she declared, her eyes gleaming with a challenge that dared him to accept.

Sanemi looked her over and scoffed, "You? Against me? You're not even close to my level, Amano."

Undeterred, Tsukiyo's determination only grew. She wasn't about to let his dismissive attitude hold her back.

"Scared of losing to me?" she teased, "That's why you're avoiding a spar with me?"

Sanemi's pride was stung, and he responded sharply, "Fine, if you're so eager to spar, don't come crying later, claiming I bullied you, Amano."

"I won't," Tsukiyo shot back confidently, "Because I'll be the one beating you."

Sanemi smirked, his eyes glinting with mischief. "How about a wager then? If you lose, you'll do whatever I say for a month."

Tsukiyo hesitated, weighing the risk of having to follow Sanemi's orders for a month. "And if you lose?"

Sanemi rolled his eyes. "That's not going to happen. But if I do lose, I'll obey you for a month."

Sanemi's challenge spurred Tsukiyo's competitive spirit, fueling a desire not just for victory, but this could also be a chance to mend the fractured bond between the Shinazugawa brothers. 

"Fine, I accept your bet!" she blurted out impulsively, her words outpacing her thoughts.

As the declaration left her lips, Tsukiyo couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret, realising that her tendency to speak before thinking had once again gotten the best of her.

However, she wasn't about to back down, not with Sanemi watching. Determined, she mentally vowed to win the match.

"Alright then," Sanemi agreed, "You can have one week to prepare. We'll meet for the challenge in a week." Sanemi waved lazily, putting his arms over his head as he walked away.

Tsukiyo nodded, realising the clock was ticking. She had just one week to train, to ensure she could stand toe-to-toe with Sanemi. Failure was not an option; she could only imagine the torment she'd endure if she lost.

With a resolve as unyielding as steel, Tsukiyo sought the aid of her fellow Hashiras, recognising their guidance and expertise as crucial elements in her pursuit of victory.

Turning to her closest friends among the Hashiras for support in her audacious challenge against Sanemi, Tsukiyo was met with a mixture of surprise and concern.

"What? You challenged Sanemi to a spar? You're crazy, Tsukiyo!" Mitsuri exclaimed, her voice tinged with worry.

Shinobu added her thoughts, expressing a similar sentiment, "You're going to be in for a hard time."

Feeling a pang of disappointment at their lack of confidence in her abilities, Tsukiyo couldn't help but question, "Don't you girls have any faith in me winning?"

Mitsuri attempted to rationalise their concerns, highlighting Sanemi's reputation for ruthlessness and strength. "Well, of all the Hashiras, you're up against Shinazugawa. He's quite a formidable opponent, not to mention his ferocity."

Sighing at her own impulsiveness and the daunting challenge ahead, Tsukiyo lamented her initial intentions for a friendly match with Sanemi, now overshadowed by the weight of her impromptu bet. All she wanted at first was to have a friendly match with Sanemi, and to learn some skills from him from a friendly spar.

Observing Tsukiyo's despondent demeanour, Shinobu endeavoured to uplift her spirits. "You still have a week to prepare. Let's make the most of it and strategize. There's always a chance, especially when we use our wits."

Shinobu provided Tsukiyo with invaluable insights into the art of deception and strategy, teaching her to outmaneuver adversaries with cunning and finesse. Together, they devised plans to exploit Sanemi's weaknesses and anticipate his moves.

Following Shinobu's guidance, Mitsuri, known for her compassionate nature and formidable combat skills, imparted her wisdom to Tsukiyo. She taught her to harness empathy as a source of power, enabling her to predict her opponent's actions and strike with calculated precision.

With the combined teachings of Shinobu and Mitsuri, Tsukiyo honed her skills and sharpened her mind, readying herself for the ultimate spar against Sanemi.