A Life Worth Living Alt.

The Castle

Training with Genya proved useful. He was getting better at staying in control and using his abilities, and Mira had even allowed him to start using weapons to better simulate what a real battle would be like. She quickly found out that dodging his practice bullets was difficult when he first started using them. She ended up getting hit a few times, but she quickly adjusted and was able to dodge them fairly easily now.

As the day turned into dusk, Mira and Genya said their farewells. That evening was supposed to be a break from her nightly Hashira training, but in Sanemi's outburst at finding out her true identity, he had demanded she meet him at the training grounds. As she walked, she felt her anxiety start to rise at the thought of what Sanemi would say or do.

She hadn't intended for him to follow her, but when she noticed his presence, she felt that him finding out her true identity was her best shot at stopping the feelings he had started to develop. And if she was being honest with herself, to stop her own feelings as well.
She soon arrived at the training grounds to find Sanemi waiting for her There was a small creator from where a tree stump used to be just the day prior, but if Sanemi had noticed, he didn't bring it up.

"About time you got here," he spat. His eyes were filled with anger and irritation, but Mira could see another emotion underneath. Under the mask of anger was pain, but she wasn't going to bring it up. She wanted- no. She needed him to get over his feelings to save him from going through the same pain he did with Kanae. As she approached, she looked him over and noticed he didn't have a practice sword.

Does he want to fight me with his actual blade again? she thought. Or maybe he doesn't intend to spar at all.

"Sorry, I got caught up with Genya's training. He's progressing well."

"I don't give a crap about that brat! If he wants to get in my way, then he's just as much of an enemy to the Corps as you!" Mira flinched at Sanemi's words, which made him feel bad about saying them. He didn't really feel that way, but he couldn't let up. He had convinced himself that acting like he wanted to kill her would be the best way to get himself to actually do it when the time came.

"Don't be mad with Genya. He's just scared," she harshly replied. She was fine with Sanemi being mad at her. Hell, that's what she wanted. But she wouldn't him to deflect his anger toward his brother.

"Whatever, just shut up!" Before she had even processed that he had moved from his spot, the Wind Hashira was already right in front of her. His fist was mere inches from her face, but she managed to twist out of the way at the last second. He followed up with a kick, which she blocked with her forearms.

"He knew you were a demon this whole time, yet you both kept it from everyone else! Are you conspiring together or something!?" He continued the attack, attempting to sweep Mira's legs out from under her. She managed to flip backward onto her hands and spin, landing a kick to his neck. As she tried to get back to her feet, Sanemi wasted no time going in for another attack. Between their exchanges, Mira spoke.

"No. When I went to Mr. Ubuyashiki, he told me to keep my identity from the slayers. He knew that it would cause turmoil in the ranks at a time when you all should be focused on the upcoming battles. Genya only knew because Mr. Ubuyashiki wanted me to tell him so I could help with his training, so don't drag him into it!"

Sanemi growled as he threw a fake punch with his left hand, but instead punched with his right, which caught Mira off guard. She managed to avoid the majority of the blow but still got nicked, leaving a cut along the side of her cheek and ear. Sanemi's eyes widened as he watched the wound heal almost instantly. He had yet to see proof of Mira being a demon, but now there was no denying it.