The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

15

Since that kiss, my mind was a battleground. I chastised myself repeatedly—Why did I let that happen? Yet, despite my efforts to stay focused on the mission, I found myself touching my lips as if it still tingles from that day, trying to recapture the taste of him. It was foolish and reckless...ugh I was extremely deprived I guess.

Over the next week, my vigilance on Tengen shifted. Before, I'd been a shadow, always watching from afar, but now, there was no point in hiding my presence—he knew I was there. It changed the dynamic of our surveillance, making each encounter between us charged with an unspoken acknowledgment of what had happened.

One afternoon, I observed him from the rooftops as he mingled in the town, using his charm to gather information. Tengen was naturally charismatic, and his interactions were usually smooth, but today he was laying it on thick with a local girl, smiling and flirting as he tried to pry loose some details about recent demon activities. The sight irritated me more than I expected. I wasn't sure if it was professional annoyance or something more personal.

Unable to stop myself, I flicked a small dagger in his direction—an object so tiny and thrown with such precision that only someone of his caliber could detect and dodge it in time. True to form, Tengen sensed the incoming threat at the last moment and sidestepped smoothly, his eyes immediately scanning the rooftops until they found me.

I met his gaze coolly and mouthed a warning that only someone with sound Hashira capabilities, like him, could hear. "Stay focused." My voice, though silent from the distance, was sharp as the blade I'd thrown. That'll teach him, I thought bitterly. If he thinks I'm jealous, he can eat shit.

Despite my harsh words, a part of me wondered why I felt so riled up. Was it the kiss that still lingered in my mind, or the way he so easily slipped into his role, charming information out of unsuspecting townsfolk? I needed to get my emotions under control. This mission was bigger than any fleeting moment of weakness, bigger than whatever game Tengen thought we were playing.

As the days passed, our interactions grew more frequent and filled with a tense sort of banter. He would often flash a knowing smirk in my direction whenever our paths crossed, as if challenging me to admit something I wasn't even sure of myself. Each smirk, each pointed glance, sent a thrill of frustration—and something dangerously akin to anticipation—through me.

I had to remind myself of the stakes. We were in the heart of an area controlled by demons, where every shadow could conceal a deadly threat. The Upper Rank demons, Daki and her brother Gyutaro, were still out there, and the longer it took us to find them, the more danger the townspeople were in.

As the sun set one evening, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, I found myself on a nearby rooftop overlooking the district. The laughter and chatter below belied the danger lurking just beneath the surface. I gripped my spear tightly, scanning the crowd for any sign of demonic activity, when I felt a presence behind me.

Turning, I saw Tengen approaching, his steps silent despite his size. His face was serious, the usual flirtatious demeanor gone. "We need to talk," he said, his voice low.

I nodded, steeling myself for what might be another round of infuriating banter. But as I looked into his eyes, I realized this was different. This was about the mission, about what we were both here to do. It was time to put aside our personal conflicts and focus on the fight ahead. Whatever this thing between us was, it would have to wait. The lives of countless innocents, and our own, depended on it.

I turned to face Tengen, bracing myself for whatever plan he was about to lay out. He took on a more serious demeanor than usual, evidence that the situation was indeed as dire as we feared. He detailed his strategy, which involved infiltrating the Entertainment District alongside the three young demon slayers—Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu—to tackle Daki, the Upper Rank Six demon terrorizing the area.

Listening to his explanation, I understood the risks involved, especially with the unpredictable nature of Daki and the potential for her brother Gyutaro to appear. Despite my confidence in Tengen's abilities, a gnawing concern grew inside me, tugging at my heart at the thought of him stepping directly into such peril. However, I kept my worries hidden; voicing them would serve no purpose other than to betray my own fears. Tengen didn't need that burden, nor did I want to hear cautionary advice myself.

With a steady voice, I contributed my own tactical suggestions to his plan, focusing on the positioning and emergency extraction methods, should things goes to shit. I noticed Tengen's attempt to step closer, perhaps to acknowledge the tension he sensed in me or to offer reassurance, but I cut him off. My words were firm, almost cold, as I insisted on my role.

"I cannot interfere directly unless absolutely necessary," I said, dismissing his movement with a hand. "It's crucial that my identity remains concealed, not just from the enemy but from anyone who might compromise our positions. I can't risk being seen."

He nodded, understanding the weight of my words, though I could see the faint trace of disappointment in his eyes. My next statement was harder to voice, the reality of it heavy on my tongue. "Once this is done, I'll be gone."

My voice cracked slightly, betraying the tumult of emotions swirling within me. I almost stumbled over the words, overwhelmed by a mix of duty and a strange sense of loss. Throughout this mission, despite the constant danger and the necessity of keeping my guard up, there had been moments of unexpected camaraderie, even fun. Tengen's presence, as infuriating as it could be, had given me a rare sense of partnership that I hadn't realized I'd come to value.

As these thoughts flooded through me, I struggled to maintain my composure. Why had I let him see me? Why had I allowed myself to become so involved, to feel something more than the cold professionalism of our task? These were questions I couldn't answer, not yet, and maybe not ever.

Tengen's response was a simple nod, his features hardening with resolve. "Then let's make sure we end this with a win," he said, his tone more gentle than before, as if he understood the unspoken words between us.

I forced a nod, turning away to hide the conflict evident in my expression. As I walked away, I felt his eyes on my back, a silent acknowledgment of the uncharted territory we had ventured into, together. The battle loomed ahead, fraught with danger and the unknown, but for now, the mission remained our focus. Everything else would have to wait.