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Chapter 12
HONEYSUCKLE

The week was finally over. You stepped out of the forest, seeing the wisteria flowers, you concluded that you must be near the exit.

You looked around to see only a few survivors. A red-head boy and another scary-looking boy. You were surprised to see the blond-haired boy alive, he does look pretty beaten up. Lastly, your eyes went to Kanao who looks good as new, not a single scratch on her body, not even a messy hair, same as you. You were pretty proud for the two of you both.

The twins from earlier congratulated all of you. You felt a weight on your shoulder to see a crow, a majestic crow that looks beautiful beyond belief. You were excited to finally own a pet.

"What a pretty thing you are." Smiling fondly, you gave the crow a gentle rub with your index finger, to which the crow soaked it up greedily.

You beamed at its action, immediately taking a liking to the bird. "Aren't you such a sweetheart!"

"I shall call you, Ryu."

Just then, the scary-looking male from earlier started throwing a fit, harshly batting away his crow. You frowned at the sight, feeling sorry for the poor crow. He grabbed one of the twin's hair and demanded the Nichirin sword.

'Yikes... can't he be a little patient?' you grimaced but before you can even intervene, the maroon-haired boy beat you to it. The rest of the situation went in a blur. You chose a random ore and went home with Kanao.

But before you can even go home to rest, Ryu has informed you of your summoning to the Headquarters.

"Miss (Name), Oyakata-sama requires your presence."

You giggled at the honorific, gently booping its beak. "Aren't you such a gentleman, Ryu?"

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It would be a lie to say you aren't nervous at all. You were so nervous that you could feel your heart beating loudly in your ears as you walked through the corridor.

"I wonder why I was summoned..."

When you get there, you see all of the Hashiras and the Master already in a meeting. The two girls announced your arrival, causing nine pairs of eyes to look at you. You flushed under their gazes, not used to the attention.

"Welcome back, (Name). I am pleased to know you are safe and sound." Kaguya's gentle voice snapped you out of your daze and you immediately kneeled down in respect, squeaking out a small word of gratitude.

"May I know why we and the little girl are summoned here, Master?"

One of them politely raised his question. You looked at the man to see the Flame Hashira. He had long bright yellow hair with red streaks akin to flames, and golden eyes. He looked extremely handsome.

"Yes, a new Hashira will be joining the ranks. (Name) here has defeated enough demons to become a Hashira." Surprises were seen on their faces as they stared at you with mixed reactions.

"Now then,"

"I hereby bestow the title of 'Star Hashira' to Tokito (Name) here, for defeating more than 50 demons in the final selection exam." There was silence before Misturi squealed out loud, congratulating you immediately, followed by others.

The Master left soon after the meeting was over.

"Another genius kid, like Tokito here eh?" The Sound Hashira ruffled Muichiro's hair and grinned at you. Muichiro however ignored his messed up hair and engulfed you into a hug.

"Congratulations, (Name). Welcome back."

"My my.. what an adorable sight." Shinobu smiled, followed by Misturi agreeing with her with an excited face.

"It seems Kanroji was right about you, congrats. I am looking forward to seeing your progress." The Serpent Hashira nods at you, followed by the Stone Hashira, the Wind Hashira and the Flame Hashira congratulating you, to which you happily bowed in gratitude, mumbling out a 'thank you'.

"Tokito? What's up with that name? Are you two engaged or something?" The Sound Hashira butts in.

"Ah no, it's a long story..."

"Muichiro-kun here gave (Name) his last name because she doesn't have one! It's so adorable, don't you think?" Your Master squealed delightfully.

"HAHAHA so that's what happened." The man laughed heartily, teasing Muichiro about how flamboyant his advances were, to which Muichiro decided to ignore him and focus on the fluffy clouds in the sky instead.

"My.. Tomioka-san. Where are you going? Aren't you going to congratulate our cute little (Name) here?" Shinobu called out to the Water Hashira who was about to leave unnoticed. He stopped at her words and mumbled out a small 'congratulation' which you barely heard his voice. You bowed again in gratitude as he left in a haste.

Both the Wind Hashira and Serpent Hashira let out a tsk at his detached behaviour.

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"There, you're all good. Again, congratulations on becoming a Hashira, (Name)."

Shinobu gave you a soft smile to which you returned with one of your own, you thanked her shyly.

"Tokito-kun was a mess when you were away, you know. You should go spend more time with him ahaha~" She mentioned in a teasing tone, to which you look up in concern.

"Eh? Is he okay? Did something happen?"

"Huhu~ nothing happened. Don't worry about it." Shinobu reassured you with her signature smile.

"It's just that, he always comes to me and asks where you are at least five times a day, forgetting that you were taking the Final Selection exam."

"Oh.." You flushed a bit, not knowing how to react to that information. Shinobu chuckled lightly at your expression and sent you off, claiming that you should rest soon.

Tomorrow, you will get your uniform and Nichirin sword, just the thought made you extremely excited.

_________________

You returned to the Mist Estate to see Muichiro waiting for you in the kitchen, he was dozing off while leaning on the table. With a full course meal beside him.

"You... Oh, (Name). Welcome home. Let's eat together." He stirred awake when you came closer. "I prepared this for you."

You stare at him surprised, before gently smiling.

"I'm home."

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Taisho Rumors

All the Hashira knows (Name) because of Misturi. (Name) was very confused when they were so familiar with her.

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Author Notes

Did you guys see the new episode? Muichiro is very handsome there, I like him the most when he's happy 😊

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