𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

三十一

𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ー 残酷な意図

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐎𝐧𝐞
⎡ 𝑻𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 ⎦

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The moment Kyojuro's eyes opened was the moment his gaze connected with (Y/N)'s. Her body was shrouded in the shadow of the toppled train so as not to burn from the rising sun, the rays of light however bouncing off the dew-covered leaves and grass that reflected so brilliantly in her eyes. His lips couldn't help but curve into a small smile as he raised his hand to cup her cheek, his touch surprising her yet she making not move to push him away, instead relaxing as the rough skin of his thumb caressed her skin.

"Thank you, (L/N)-san," he mumbled, the pure gratitude and admiration he felt towards her shown so clearly in his gentle expression. "Because of you, because you held out against Akaza, no one died... including myself and young Kamado. I am forever grateful, and deeply indebted."

"No, I... I honestly don't remember doing such things," (Y/N) shook her head as she delicately moved Kyojuro's hand back down so as not to strain him. "It was as if I was in a liquid where everything was muted and nothing was for sure. I had no control over my own body. What I do know... is that the moon was a factor."

"The moon?"

"Yes," she nodded. "I believe it is the source of where my power comes from—my Blood Demon Art, that is." Hesitating, she then continued, "But... you also played a role."

Kyojuro blinked, puzzled.

By that point, Tanjiro had also knelt beside them, having been glaring into the darkness of the forest where Akaza had disappeared, cursing and shouting at the demon for attacking them so remorselessly before fleeing so cowardly. His red eyes, however, were now softer than the piercing blades they were before when staring at Akaza, instead his entire focus on both Kyojuro and (Y/N)—the two who were brilliant in his eyes.

He now gazed at her expectantly, urging her to go on with his kind smile.

"Rengoku-san, you are the one that is supposed to kill demons—that is supposed to kill me," (Y/N) continued after a soft breath and with a sad smile, the look almost blindly beautiful to Kyojuro. "But, you didn't. You gave me your trust, your companionship, and your friendship. You didn't just look at me as a demon. So, to think that someone as great as you would die... I couldn't stand the thought." Shaking her head vigorously, her grip on his hand tightening, she then said, "You are too good for this world. That is why it still needs you."

Silence lingered between the three.

All that could be heard were the chirping of birds in the early morning air and the drifting chatter of Zenitsu and Inosuke helping the passengers.

Finally, Kyojuro's lips parted so he could say, "...You may call me Kyojuro."

(Y/N)'s eyes widened.

"Like you've said, we are both companions and friends—friends who have fought side by side and protected one another," he closed his eyes at the thought, finding that he didn't dislike it in the least. "I believe we should act as such. After you've saved my life, it's only natural."

"Then... may I call you '(Y/N)-san' as well?" Tanjiro asked, his cheeks flushed pink as he fidgeted with his Haori. "I respect you... a lot..."

"Of course," she smiled brightly, her happiness growing tremendously.

"Oi!" Inosuke shouted at (Y/N) from where he was approaching the three, his tears seeming to have dried out with his personality back to what it was before. "You're strong! Let's fight!"

(Y/N) tilted her head with a chuckle.

"Hah!?" Inspire huffed. "Are you looking down on me, woman!?"

"No, Hashibira-kun, but... you do remember that I am a demon, right?" She hummed with a lilting smile, watching in amusement as the boy stuttered in response. "Even if I did want to fight you, there is a limited space as to where I can move in due to the sun. And besides..." A yawn escaped her lips, her hand quickly shooting up to cover the action as she continued, "...I'm much too tired for that. Both R— Kyojuro-san and I must rest."

"Before that..." Kyojuro jumped in as he raised himself up by placing a hand to the ground, (Y/N) guiding him all the way. "I must speak with young Kamado first..."

(Y/N) couldn't help but feel as her heart was growing lighter for the first time in a long while the longer she observed Kyojuro speaking with and encouraging Tanjiro. The joy of making sure not a single life was lost was one that affected every single person in the most infectious way. Unfortunately, not all were pleased by the turn of events, for come the next evening, a meeting took place.

A boy stood alone in a rather grandiose room with polished wooden floors overlain by a hand woven carpet, shimmering gold-like curtains, a single table and chair in the middle of the room, and large floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. The boy was currently flicking through one book in particular that had garnered his interest. In an instant, the curtains fluttered as the window panes swung open, Akaza having appeared with his head lowered and a knee pressed to the floor.

It was a bow of respect for the one in front of him—the one who was his master.

"I am here to report to you..." Akaza uttered lowly as he lifted his yellow gaze upward. ever so slightly to stare at the small boy. "...Muzan-sama."

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【 大正の秘密 | 𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐒𝐇Ō 𝐄𝐑𝐀 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐒 】

► Kyojuro knew that he would forever follow (Y/N) not only because he needs to repay his debt, but because she is now a trusted friend

► Kyojuro really liked (Y/N) caring for him

► Not only was Kyojuro pleased about being able to call (Y/N) by her given name, but he was also pleased when hearing her speak his given name

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