影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi x reader |

2 - Letter

I woke up with a jolt, my head pounding like a relentless drum. The room around me was bathed in a muted, warm light that filtered through paper screens. The scent of herbs lingered in the air, mingling with the distant sound of cicadas. I tried to sit up but had to brace myself as my head spun. As I tried to steady myself, the door creaked open, and a tall figure walked in. My vision was still blurry, but I could make out the distinctive butterfly-patterned haori. 

The young woman entered the room with a serene smile on her face.

"Good morning, my name is Kocho Shinobu" she said softly. "How are you feeling?"I winced, pressing my hand to my throbbing temple. 

"My head is killing me. What happened? How did I end up here?"

Shinobu approached my bed with a calm grace. "You've been unconscious for a while. You were brought here for your own safety. The pain is part of your body adjusting to the new reality."

Confusion clouded my thoughts. "What new reality? What are you talking about?"

Her expression grew serious. "Demons. You've been exposed to them now. Your strength is considerable, and it's too much for you not to be involved in this fight."

I tried to process her words, but the headache made it difficult. Shinobu's eyes softened with understanding: "You're stronger than you realize. It would be a waste for someone like you not to fight. I suggest you train to become a Demon Slayer yourself." 

Her words echoed in my mind as I struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation. I had always thought of myself as ordinary. The idea of becoming a Demon Slayer seemed almost surreal. But before I could voice my doubts, Shinobu gently placed a hand on my shoulder: "Take your time to think about it," she said. "In the meantime, I'll have someone help you with the transition."

As she left the room, I pushed myself up and tried to clear my head. My thoughts turned to my younger sisters Yuka and Haru. I needed to find them, to see if they were alright. Slowly, I made my way to the garden. The garden was serene, filled with the vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the soothing hum of nature. I spotted my sisters playing near the koi pond, their laughter like a balm to my troubled mind. Relief washed over me at the sight of them, safe and sound. Just as I was about to join them, a crow flew over my head and dropped a small, elegant envelope fluttered into my hands. I glanced at it, noticing the familiar seal of my grandmother. I frowned, puzzled about how she had known where to find me. Carefully, I opened the letter and began to read.

"My dearest Kiyomi, I hope this letter finds you well. It seems that fate has brought you to the Butterfly Mansion. I am both proud and saddened to tell you that this letter may be the last you receive from me. Our family has long been intertwined with the path of the Demon Slayers. You and your sisters come from a lineage of slayers who fought to protect others from the darkness. It is now your turn to take up this mantle. I know this is a heavy burden, but you have always shown great strength and courage. Embrace your heritage and prepare yourself for the trials ahead. Your journey is just beginning, and I have faith that you will honor our family's legacy.

With all my love,

Grandmother"

The words felt like a weight settling on my shoulders. My grandmother's message was clear: my path was laid out before me, and it was time to step into a role I had never imagined. I looked out at my sisters, feeling a surge of determination. They would need me to be strong, not just for them, but for the legacy we were all a part of. 

And so I trained. Everday, in rain, in the beating sun, in the darkness. Shinobu and Kanao became like sisters to us. I had yet to find my own breathing style because the Insect Breathing Style did not feel right to me. Shinobu had tried to make my sisters train, but I refused. This was a task only for the oldest sister to bear. 

After a year worth of training, I passed my trial to join the Demon Slayer Corps.

~*~

Taisho-era Secrets

~ The training the main protagonist had to endure was extremely challenging. Shinobu did not want to send someone off to die, and therefore made sure to put her under extreme conditions. 

~ The main protagonist dislocated her shoulders multiple times due to the harsh training, and therefore has a weaker upper body strength, which she compensates with her strong legs. 

~ The grandmother's true name is unknown, not even her grandchildren know it. They were all used to calling her "grandma". She was a loving parental figure for them while growing up, because their mother had died when they were young.