影と風 | Kage to Kaze | Shinazugawa Sanemi x reader |

26 - Yuka

"Let me take this, you're too slow," Sanemi said, grabbing the heavy bag I had been carrying since the Stone Hashira's challenge. My shoulders and legs were still sore from hauling logs the day before, making me more than a little grateful for his help.

The sun was just beginning to rise as we made our way down the mountain, the snow crunching beneath our feet. A sharp breeze brushed my shoulders, and I shuddered at the chill.

"Too bad we didn't get any more intel, huh?" I said, breaking the quiet as we trotted through the thick snow.

"Happens," Sanemi replied nonchalantly, not seeming particularly bothered. "I'll have to report to Oyakata-sama."

I, on the other hand, couldn't shake my irritation. Not being able to sense the demon before it was too close gnawed at me. It felt like a failure, one too dangerous to overlook.

"Why are you scowling?" Sanemi asked, throwing a sidelong glance at me.

"It's the sun," I lied, turning my gaze away.

"Bullshit. You're thinking."

I sighed, unclenching my jaw. "I'm just doubting my skills. If something as simple as a demon can slip past my senses, how can I protect my sisters?"

"It wasn't a simple demon," he said, his tone unusually steady. "Might not have been a Lower Moon, but it was sent to spy on us. Those duplications? A distraction. Don't know what it wanted, though."

He slowed his pace for me, clearly aware of how exhausted I was.

I ran a hand through my hair, nodding slowly. "I guess there's nothing to do but get better, you know."

"Exactly," he said gruffly.

The journey to the Wind Estate didn't take long, thanks to Sanemi carrying my things. As we approached the estate, he veered off toward the headquarters without so much as a goodbye. I watched him go, then turned and made my way toward the Butterfly Mansion. I needed to see my sisters.

~*~

Entering the Butterfly Mansion, a feeling of warmth and familiarity greeted me as the soft scent of medicinal herbs wafted through the air. I sighed in relief; after grueling challenge with Gyomei and the tense encounter with the demon, I needed the comfort of my sisters. Yet, something felt... off.

I felt a presence, wild and feral lingered nearby, making my muscles instinctively tense. I glanced upward, my eyes scanning the rafters of the mansion. Then I saw him: a man, or rather, what I assumed was a man, hanging upside down from the ceiling, his face obscured by a wild boar mask. His body was muscular and wiry, exuding raw strength.

"What the hell are you?" I asked, a bemused smile forming as my hand crept toward my scythe, ready in case he was anything but friendly.

The figure flipped down, landing with an audible thud, and crossed his arms in a triumphant stance. "I am Inosuke Hashibira! King of the Mountains and the strongest warrior you'll ever meet!" His voice was brash and full of pride.

Before I could respond, a cheerful voice chimed in. "Ah, Inosuke, please don't startle others!"

I turned to see a young teen with kind, determined eyes. His crimson-tipped hair fell in waves around his face, and the aura of calm he carried reminded me of a still, sunlit forest. Beside him was a smaller boy with yellow hair who was trembling as if his very existence depended on it.

"Uh, hello there!" The red-haired boy stepped forward, offering a polite bow. "I'm Tanjiro Kamado, and this is Inosuke... and that's Zenitsu." He gestured to the yellow-haired boy, who was now partially behind him.