The first few weeks of training with Obanai were harsh, to say the least. He had no patience for mistakes, and even a small slip-up would earn you a reprimand. You were used to pushing yourself, but this was different. His sharp, unforgiving words stung, and you often found yourself questioning whether you were truly cut out for this.
“You need to be more precise,” Obanai would say, his voice cold as he watched you falter during sparring sessions. “Weakness will get you killed. Focus.”
Meanwhile, there was another slayer who seemed to take an interest in you, though you weren’t sure why. Sanemi Shinazugawa, the Wind Hashira, was known for his short temper and brash personality, but somehow you found yourself getting along with him better than you expected.
It started with small interactions. You’d see him during meals or in passing, and despite his tendency to be abrasive, you couldn’t help but banter with him. You weren’t afraid to stand up to him when he insulted you, and he seemed to like your fiery attitude.
One day, as you sparred with a fellow Demon Slayer, Sanemi watched from the sidelines. You weren’t holding back, and the exchange caught his attention.
"Not bad, brat,” he called out, his voice carrying over the sound of clashing swords. “You’ve got some fight in you after all. Maybe you won’t be such a pain to work with.”
You glanced at him briefly, a small smirk forming on your lips despite the ache in your muscles.
“Oh, I’m just getting started.”
Sanemi raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.
“Yeah? Well, let’s see if that mouth of yours holds up when we’re in the field.”
You rolled your eyes but couldn’t help the faint smile that lingered as you turned your attention back to your opponent. After the sparring session ended, you wiped the sweat from your brow and sat down on the edge of the training field to catch your breath.
Sanemi approached, towering over you as he crossed his arms. “You’ve got guts, I’ll give you that,” he said, his tone a mix of approval and challenge.
“But don’t think that means you can slack off. You’re still a rookie compared to us.”
You scoffed, leaning back on your hands.
“Thanks for the vote of confidence, Wind Hashira. I’ll be sure to remember that when I’m outshining you one day.”His grin widened, his sharp teeth flashing.
“Outshine me? Bold words for a brat who’s barely surviving iguro’s training. Let me tell you something...when you’re out there, it’s not just about swinging your sword around. You’ve got to have instincts, guts, and the will to survive.”
“I’ve got plenty of that,” you shot back, meeting his intense gaze. “Maybe you’ll see it for yourself someday.
Sanemi chuckled, shaking his head. “You’re feisty, I’ll give you that. Just don’t lose that fire when things get tough.”
Despite his words, there was a glimmer of respect in his eyes. It was small, but it was enough to fuel your determination. You didn’t need anyone’s approval, but earning the acknowledgment of someone like Sanemi felt like a victory.
As he turned to leave, he glanced back over his shoulder. “Don’t let Iguro get to you. If he gives you too much trouble, you know where to find me.”
You raised an eyebrow, amused by his unexpected offer. “Thanks, but I can handle myself.”
“Sure you can,” he said with a grin, walking away. “But remember, if you can't then don't bother..we don't want to lose another hashira...” he said, a bit of sadness visible in his tone. His mind going to kanae, whom he once loved so much but died due to an upper moon.
"But I'm not a hashira.." you reply
"You will someday brat" he said and began walking away. As you watched him go, a strange sense of comfort settled over you.
This was the start of a very unexpected friendship.
YOU ARE READING
𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 || 𝙸.𝙾
Fanfiction"You're reckless," Obanai muttered, his tone colder than usual. "Do you even think before you swing your blade? If I hadn't been here, you'd be dead." "I wasn't reckless!" you shot back, frustrated. "I handled myself just fine. Or did you not notice...
