The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

8

---continued from before---

With that, I turned swiftly, aiming to blend back into the shadows and disappear before Tengen could press further. I moved quickly, stepping into the deeper darkness of the alleyway, hoping to use the night to cover my retreat. The last thing I wanted was for him to get too close, to start asking questions that would make me reveal more than I intended.

But Tengen wasn't easily deterred. His footsteps followed me, his voice echoing softly as he called out, "Hey, wait a moment!"

I didn't slow down, trying to put as much distance between us as possible. The shadows of the alleyway wrapped around me, but his voice persisted, cutting through the darkness. "You're quite the skilled fighter," he continued, his tone both curious and admiring. "I didn't expect anyone to handle a demon so efficiently. We haven't had a chance to really talk. What's your story?"

I kept moving, though I could hear the slight hint of frustration in my own voice as I replied, "I'm just someone who does what needs to be done. You should focus on your own mission." My words were blunt, perhaps even a bit rude, but I didn't have the luxury of being polite right now.

Tengen's voice followed me, his tone now tinged with a mix of amusement and persistence. "Is that so? I think there's more to you than that. Why so secretive? Surely you can spare a moment to chat?"

I didn't respond, continuing to navigate the stupid alleyways, each turn carefully calculated to ensure I remained hidden. My heart was racing—not just from the physical exertion, but from the pressure of maintaining my facade. He's getting close...too close. Don't let go y/n.

He didn't give up. "You know, it's not every day you come across someone who can match my speed and skill," he said, his voice warm with genuine interest. "I'm curious about who you are. What drives you? Why the shadows?"

I clenched my jaw, frustration mingling with concern. I knew he was trying to connect, but every question he asked made me more anxious. The danger wasn't just about revealing my identity; it was about protecting him from the threats I was facing, threats he didn't even know existed. I am shadow to help him, to help the corps, to help repay what dad did for me...

"You're wasting your time," I snapped back, my voice sharper than intended. "There are more important things to focus on. Just leave me be."

I heard him stop, the sound of his footsteps fading slightly. "Alright, alright," he said, his voice softer now. "But if you ever want to talk-"

I didn't wait for him to finish. I slipped into the darkest corner of the alley, using the shadows to conceal myself completely. From my new hiding spot, I watched him turn away, his figure receding into the distance. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, the tension slowly easing from my shoulders.

I knew Tengen was persistent and curious, qualities that made him a good Hashira. But right now, I needed him to stay away from the shadows I was navigating. The more he learned about me, the more likely he was to put himself in danger—something I couldn't allow.

As I waited for the sound of his footsteps to fade completely, I reflected on the strange mixture of emotions I felt. His interest, even though I might've liked it, was also a complication I couldn't afford. For now, I had to focus on my own mission and ensure that both he and I could continue our work without further risk.

Only when I was certain he was gone did I emerge from the shadows, preparing to resume my watch over the district. My heart still raced, but now it was from the weight of the responsibility I carried—both for myself and for the corps.

Frustration gnawed at me as I retreated further from the city, finding solace in the secluded woods just outside the entertainment district. The air here was crisp and quiet, a stark contrast to the chaos and shadows of the district. I needed to clear my mind, to channel the turmoil that had built up inside me into something productive. And so, I began a private training session, far away from prying eyes.