The Butterfly's Embrace | Demon Slayer x Male OC

Chapter 10

The trip back wasn't as lonely as Hibiki first thought, thanks to his new crow companion. Despite the crow's limited vocabulary, Hibiki was glad to have someone to talk to, making the journey feel shorter. The trip took more than three days due to his injuries. Initially, he intended to return to the Rengoku residence but decided to head to the Butterfly Mansion instead, to avoid worrying them.

"Well, here we are," Hibiki said, standing at the entrance of the mansion. "You'll like this place. Great gardens, elite hospitality, and delicious food," he told his crow, resting on his shoulder. He realized it had been a long time since he was last there and entered through the main gates with excitement. As he stepped inside, he saw the usual Kakushi walking around, performing their duties.

A female Kakushi suddenly approached him. "Excuse me, sir, this is a private hospital. You will have to leave," she said.

"Yes, I know. That's why I'm here. I need medical care," Hibiki replied.

"Sorry, we only treat registered people in our organization," she responded, trying to remain professional.

"I am a Demon Slayer," Hibiki explained.

She scrutinized his attire, seeing no official uniform.

"Well, I recently became one. See, I even have my crow with me," he said. His measurements had been taken on the mountain, and he was told the uniform would be delivered by next week. The crow started speaking, protectively of its human. "Let him in, see he's injured, you dumbass," it called out.

The female felt insulted but before she could reply, Hibiki quickly stuffed a biscuit into the crow's beak, rendering it busy. "Sorry about that," he apologized before having an idea. "Here, I can prove it to you." He lifted his arms, showing his hands, clenching them hard and saying, "Show me my rank." Suddenly, the Kanji for Mizunoto appeared.

Finally convinced, she smiled and ushered him in. "Apologies for doubting you. We must be cautious about who we let in," she explained.

"No worries, I understand the need for secrecy. You're just doing your job," Hibiki said, understanding her situation.

Happy with his response, she led the way. "Here, I will take you to a room," she said before asking, "What is your name?"

"It's Hibiki Takamiyashiro," he answered.

"Follow me then, Hibiki-Sama," she said, surprising him with the honorific.

"Sama? I mean, I'm flattered, but it sounds weird," Hibiki remarked.

"We address all our slayers with 'Sama' out of respect for their bravery and efforts in fighting demons," she explained, giggling. "You'll have to get used to hearing it a lot now."

"The Demon Slayer Corps sure know how to make their members feel special," Hibiki commented as they continued walking.

Meanwhile, not far away, a purple-black-haired girl was discussing new patients with two other Kakushi members when she spotted someone wearing a familiar indigo haori. She knew only one person who wore such a haori. Excusing herself, she quickly went to confront him.

"What brings you here?" she asked as she approached.

Recognizing the voice, Hibiki turned around to see Shinobu, her hands on her waist. "Oh, Shinobu-San. It's been a long time," he smiled.

"Around ten months," she nodded, noticing his beaten-up condition. "What happened to you?"

"Final Selection. I just passed the exam a few days ago," Hibiki proudly answered.

"I see. So you are a Demon Slayer now," she commented, noting the crow on his shoulder. "You did it earlier than I expected."

"Ten months of daily training is a long time, but still, I did it. No more freeloading," Hibiki joked.