影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi

3 - Wind

"Caw caw—demon southwest from here. It's located in a shrine, caw!" My crow, Sen, screeched from the branches of a nearby tree. I glanced up at the sky, wiping the sweat from my brow after hours of intense training. The sun was dipping low, casting long shadows across the courtyard. I shrugged on my dark purple haori, its wisteria pattern catching the last rays of light. As I secured my scythe to my back, I could feel the familiar rush of adrenaline building within me.

"See ya later!" I called out, my voice echoing in the stillness. Without another word, I bolted out the door, my feet pounding against the dirt road. The world around me blurred as the trees zipped by, their leaves a cascade of green and gold.

It wasn't long before I caught the stench of blood in the air. Barely ten minutes had passed, and I found myself face to face with a demon, its hulking form blocking the path. The creature hadn't noticed me yet, too lost in its bloodlust to sense my approach. I took a deep breath, channeling my energy into my limbs.

"Insect Breathing, First Form: Butterfly Dance—Caprice!" I whispered, my body moving with lethal grace as I darted toward the demon. My scythe sliced through the air, the blade gleaming as it met the demon's flesh. The creature roared in pain, its claws flailing in a desperate attempt to fight back.

"Second Form: Dance of the Dragonfly—Compound Eye Hexagon!" I spun around the demon, creating a flurry of strikes, each one precise and deadly. The demon stumbled, its eyes wide with shock as it realized it was outmatched.

With a final, powerful sweep, I unleashed my third form. "Third Form: Dance of the Centipede—Hundred-Legged Zigzag!" My body twisted and turned, weaving around the demon with blinding speed. In an instant, my scythe cleaved through its neck, severing its head cleanly. The demon's body crumpled to the ground, its life force dissipating into the wind.

I knelt beside the fallen creature, offering a small prayer. "May you find peace in the next life," I murmured, my voice barely a whisper. The first light of dawn was breaking through the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold. I couldn't help but smile as I stood up, the weight of the battle lifting from my shoulders.

With the shrine now silent, I made my way to the nearest village. The streets were just beginning to stir with the sounds of early morning life. I stopped at a small shop, buying sweets for my sisters. It was a simple gesture, but one that brought me comfort after the night's events."I'm back!" I called out as I entered the Butterfly Mansion. The maids greeted me with bright smiles, quickly ushering me inside. I handed out the treats, their excited chatter filling the air. But as I stepped further into the mansion, I felt it—a powerful presence, even stronger than Shinobu's. It was overwhelming, like a storm contained within a single being.Following the source of the aura, I found my younger sisters tending to a Demon Slayer who had his back to me. His presence was imposing, commanding the room despite his injuries.

"I'm back. Who's the old guy?" I asked casually, dropping my equipment to the floor with a thud.

A low growl answered me. "Who the fuck are you calling old?" The man turned slightly, revealing white hair and a scarred face twisted in annoyance. His voice was rough, his demeanor even rougher. My sisters broke away from him, running toward me with outstretched arms.

"Big sis!" they cried in unison, leaping into my embrace. I laughed, ruffling their hair as I handed them their treats.

I turned my attention back to the man. "You, you have white hair." I tilted my head, studying him. His aura was undeniable—he was the presence I had felt earlier. Beneath his scarred appearance and deep scowl, there was something striking about him.

"I'm 20, you fucking idiot," he snapped, his chest wound reopening as his temper flared. My sisters quickly scolded me, telling me not to agitate their patient.

"So you're only a year older than me? What's your name?" I asked, genuinely curious about this man who radiated such power.

"Don't talk so casually with me, fucker."

"Ara, ara, it seems like you've met the Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi." Shinobu's voice cut through the tension as she entered the room. Her polite smile belied the anger simmering just beneath the surface. I could tell she was none too pleased with the ruckus we were causing.

I blinked in surprise. "You don't look like a Sanemi, you look like a—"

"Shut the hell up!" Sanemi snapped, hurling a pillow at me with enough force to knock me backward. I caught my breath, about to retaliate, but Shinobu grabbed me by the haori and dragged me out of the room before I could react.

"Nice to meet ya, Sanemi-kun!" I called back with a mocking laugh as she pulled me out.

Once we were outside the medical room, Shinobu turned to me, her hands on her hips, the smile completely gone. "Why did you have to disrespect him like that?"

"Because he's a man. I hate men," I replied, crossing my arms defiantly.

Shinobu sighed, shaking her head. "I know you come from a rough background, but Shinazugawa is a respected Hashira. He's not like the men you've met in the district." Her words stung more than I expected. 

"Sorry, Shinobu," I muttered, feeling a twinge of guilt. I fished out one of the treats I had bought and handed it to her as a peace offering.

She accepted it with a sigh. "I'm changing you to Shinazugawa's care."

"What?!" I nearly choked on my own breath, my eyes widening in disbelief.

Shinobu held up a hand to silence me. "You've reached your potential here. The Insect Breathing Style doesn't suit you, and I've been observing you closely. I believe Shinazugawa will help you unlock your true strength."

"But what about my sisters?" I asked, my voice softening as I glanced back toward the mansion.

"They will stay here. I promised you they wouldn't become Demon Slayers, and I intend to keep that promise." Shinobu's hand was firm on my shoulder, her gaze steady. "You're the oldest. You need to become stronger so you can protect them."

I stood up straighter, realizing just how much I had grown over the past year. I now immensely towered over the Insect Hashira, but her words still carried the weight of an older sister's wisdom, even though I was older.

"When do I leave?" I asked, my voice tinged with resignation.

"Next week," she replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.

~*~

Taisho-era Secrets

~ The main protagonist's choice of weapon is inspired by her time working on the farm, where her favorite tool was the scythe. She also loves the dynamic flow of its movements.

~ She also always buys treats for everyone when she has time.

~ Sen has never revealed their gender but is a loyal and dedicated crow.