Stone and Shadow

Chapter Three

Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, faced off against Kaito, Lower Moon Two of the Twelve Kizuki. The battlefield was enveloped in a tense silence, broken only by the rhythmic clash of their weapons. Kaito possessed the Blood Art of Transfiguration, enabling him to morph into anyone he had come into contact with and mimic their movements flawlessly. This ability had thrown even Gyomei off balance, for he relied heavily on his sense of touch and hearing rather than sight.

As the battle intensified, Himari watched with growing concern. She had detected the deception early on when Kaito transformed into Gyomei himself. Knowing Gyomei couldn't see, she shouted, "Himejima-san! It's Kaito using his Blood Art!"

Gyomei's hands tightened around his weapon, his heightened senses now attuned to the subtle differences in Kaito's movements. He swung with precision, forcing Kaito to evade and counterattack. Each strike reverberated through the air, echoing their determination to prevail.

Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of battle, Himari's mind wandered back to a private conversation she had with her older brother, Kagaya.

**Flashback**

"Sit, Himari," Kagaya gestured to the cushion opposite him, his voice calm yet firm.

Himari obeyed, settling herself gracefully as she awaited her brother's words. Kagaya's presence always commanded respect, not just as the head of the Ubuyashiki family but as a wise leader among Demon Slayers.

"I have seen glimpses of what awaits in Tokyo," Kagaya began, his voice carrying an otherworldly certainty. "A chance will present itself—a moment when you can draw closer to Muzan Kibutsuji."

Himari's eyes widened imperceptibly. The opportunity to confront Muzan was a rare and perilous one, a prospect that stirred both fear and resolve within her. She understood the implications of her brother's foresight—they were not just to hunt demons but to grasp any opportunity to rid the world of their greatest nemesis.

"As a member of our family, Himari," Kagaya continued, his gaze unwavering, "you bear the responsibility of seizing this chance. Our duty demands it."

Himari nodded solemnly, her hands clasped in her lap. The weight of her lineage and the legacy of the Ubuyashiki family pressed upon her, yet she found strength in Kagaya's unwavering belief in her abilities.

Kagaya's eyes softened as he regarded his younger sister. "Do you understand, Himari?"

Himari met his gaze with unwavering determination. "I do, brother. I will not falter."Kagaya nodded in approval. "Then go, with the blessings of our ancestors and the strength of our family."

**End of Flashback**

Back in the present, Gyomei and Kaito continued their deadly dance. Kaito, despite his mimicry, could not replicate Gyomei's sheer strength and determination. With each clash of their weapons, Gyomei pushed Kaito back, inch by inch.

Then, a sudden change rippled through the battlefield. Himari, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and determination, stepped forward. She whispered, almost to herself, "If this is the chance... if this is what Kagaya meant..."

In a daring move, Himari allowed Kaito to approach her.

"That's enough," Himari called out, her voice cutting through the clamor. She stepped forward, her expression a mix of defiance and resignation. "Take me as you wish, Demon."

Kaito's grin widened as he closed the distance between them, his blade lowered but still poised for attack. Himari stood her ground, her hands steady at her sides, every fiber of her being poised for the pivotal moment she knew would come.

Gyomei watched with a mixture of concern and disbelief. His fists clenched, the urge to intervene overwhelming his sense of duty. He had sworn to Kagaya, entrusted with the solemn vow to support Himari's decisions, no matter how perilous they might be.

Gyomei moved forward, his heavy footsteps echoing against the battlefield's tumult. "Lady Himari," he called out with the signature tears in his eyes, his voice resonant and commanding. "This is madness. We cannot allow you to—"

Himari turned to face Gyomei, her gaze unwavering despite the turmoil around them. "Himejima-san," she said softly, yet with unshakable resolve, "Kagaya-nii-sama entrusted me with this. I must follow this path."

Gyomei's jaw tightened, torn between his duty to protect and his oath to respect Kagaya's foresight. He can never oppose the will of the Ubuyashiki family head, yet the thought of Himari facing Muzan Kibutsuji alone filled him with a dread deeper than any battle he had fought.

"Lady Himari," Gyomei began again, his voice tinged with desperation, "you know the risks. We cannot predict—"

"I know," Himari interrupted gently, her eyes softening with understanding. "But this is our chance. Kagaya-nii-sama saw it. I trust in his vision."

Himari can tell that she will not be able to escape alive once she meets Muzan, and Muzan will never let her go willingly. She understands Gyomei's desperation. Although it is her duty, she is still afraid.

But Himari's resolve did not waver. She met Kaito's eyes, unflinching. The demon smirked, thinking victory was within his grasp. Muzan would be pleased with his gift. He would gain more blood from him and grow even stronger, perhaps enough to challenge an Upper Moon demon.Himari turned back to Kaito, who had been observing the exchange with amusement. Without another word, she gestured for him to lead the way.

As Himari followed the demon into the uncertain darkness beyond, Gyomei watched her go, his fists clenched at his sides. He had sworn an oath to Kagaya Ubuyashiki—to support Himari's decisions, no matter the cost.

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Gyomei Himejima's heavy steps echoed through the quiet corridors of Kagaya Ubuyashiki's mansion. His mind raced with a mix of relief and unease, his heart heavy with the weight of the recent events on the battlefield. The memory of Himari's resolute decision lingered, haunting him.

As he approached the grand doors leading to Kagaya's study, Gyomei hesitated for a moment. He clenched his fists, bracing himself for the conversation ahead. With a deep breath, he pushed open the doors and entered the serene room where Kagaya awaited him.

Kagaya looked up from his papers, his expression serene yet attentive. "Gyomei," he greeted warmly, gesturing for the Stone Hashira to approach.

Gyomei bowed respectfully before speaking, his voice tinged with urgency. "Master Kagaya, I must inform you of what transpired with Lady Himari on the battlefield."

Kagaya's gaze sharpened slightly, sensing the weight of Gyomei's words. "Tell me everything," he urged calmly.

Gyomei recounted the intense battle with Kaito, the Lower Moon demon, and Himari's courageous decision to confront him alone. "She allowed Kaito to take her, believing it to be the opportunity you foresaw," Gyomei explained, his voice betraying his inner turmoil.

Kagaya listened attentively, his expression unchanged as Gyomei finished his account. Silence hung in the air for a moment before Kagaya spoke, his voice measured yet filled with assurance."You did well, Gyomei," Kagaya praised gently. "Your loyalty to Himari and our family's mission is unwavering."

Gyomei's brow furrowed, his unease palpable. "But, Master Kagaya... Lady Himari..." his concern for Himari's safety evident.

Kagaya nodded thoughtfully, acknowledging Gyomei's sentiments. "Himari may appear to be just a woman, but she carries the blood of the Ubuyashiki family," Kagaya explained calmly. "She is the Raven Mistress, the core intelligence of the Corps."

Gyomei looked up, his eyes searching Kagaya's face for reassurance. "The Raven Mistress..." he murmured, the weight of Kagaya's words sinking in.

Kagaya continued, his tone gentle yet firm. "Himari possesses a strength and resolve that surpasses mere mortal capabilities. The crows are very loyal to the Demon Slayers thanks to her. Even now that she's gone, rest assured that she never left the sight of the crows."

Gyomei nodded slowly, his doubts easing slightly in the face of Kagaya's wisdom. "I trust in your judgment, Master Kagaya," he conceded quietly.

Deep down, amidst Kagaya's fears and responsibilities, he held onto the hope that his sister would return alive, her spirit unyielding against Muzan.

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Gyomei stood at the edge of the training grounds, his massive frame casting a shadow over the worn wooden floor. His hands, calloused from years of wielding the heavy Stone Breath technique, clenched and unclenched as he processed the events that happened.

Himari's courage had sparked a tumult of emotions within him—admiration, respect, and a deeper, more complex feeling that he struggled to name. He admired her willingness to put herself in harm's way for the greater good, stirred something deeper within him.

"She is incredible," Gyomei murmured to himself, his voice a low rumble that echoed through the quiet training grounds. "Her resolve... her bravery..."

He recalled the moment she had turned to face Kaito, her voice steady despite the chaos around them. In that instant, Gyomei had seen not just a Lady of the Ubuyashiki family, but a woman of unwavering conviction—a woman he had come to admire deeply.

Yet, beneath his admiration lay a storm of conflicting emotions. He cared for Himari, more than he had realized. The thought of her facing Muzan Kibutsuji alone, of the dangers she would undoubtedly encounter, gnawed at him like a relentless beast.

"I should have stopped her," Gyomei muttered, his brow furrowing in frustration. "I should have found another way."

But deep down, he knew he couldn't have dissuaded her. Himari was not just any Demon Slayer; she was the Raven Mistress. Kagaya had entrusted her with a mission that only she could undertake, and Gyomei respected that—even if it meant grappling with his own feelings of helplessness and longing.

As the evening settled over the training grounds, Gyomei turned his gaze skyward, where the first stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky. He prayed silently for Himari's safety, for her swift return from the perilous path she had chosen.

"Lady Himari," Gyomei whispered into the quiet dusk, his voice a mixture of hope and concern. "Come back to us, safe and sound."

And as the night enveloped him in its comforting embrace, Gyomei vowed to be ready—to stand by Himari's side when she returned, and to offer her the silent support of a heart that beat only for her.