~Butterfly mansion~
Becoming a Hashira felt surreal, but the weight of your new title pressed heavily on your shoulders. Hoping to clear your mind, you decided to visit the Butterfly Mansion. You also wanted to meet Tanjiro, having heard he was resting there with his friends.
The familiar scent of herbs and the soft hum of cicadas greeted you as you stepped inside. Aoi was bustling around as usual, while a few younger Demon Slayers recovered from injuries sustained during the Natagumo Mountain battle.
“L/N-SAN!!”
“YOU’RE BACK!”
“CONGRATULATIONS ON BECOMING A HASHIRA!”
Naho, Sumi, and Kiyo beamed as they rushed to hug you. You smiled warmly and thanked them. Suddenly, you overheard someone talking about the Hashira. Curious, you followed the voices to a nearby room where a loud, whining tone caught your attention.
“They let you guys leave, but we were questioned so much!” a familiar voice complained.
“I even had to meet the Hashira and explain everything!”
You peeked in and recognized the speaker—Murata. He was talking to Tanjiro and two others.
“They’re so scary,” Murata muttered, his face pale with exaggerated fear.
“Am I scary?” you asked playfully as you stepped into the room, startling him.
“AAAAAH! L/N-SAN! HELLO AND GOODBYE!” Murata stammered, then bolted from the room, leaving you laughing.
“Y/N-san!” Tanjiro greeted you with his usual bright smile, his eyes lighting up when he saw you.
“AHHH! TANJIRO! HOW DO YOU KNOW SO MANY BEAUTIFUL WOMEN?!” a blonde-haired boy beside him suddenly shouted, shaking Tanjiro violently.
You guessed this was one of his friends. His arms looked oddly frail, likely due to a recent demon attack. Another boy lay nearby, silent and restrained, seemingly still recovering. He wore a boar mask which you thought was odd.
“Zenitsu!” Tanjiro yelled as the blonde-haired boy continued to shake him.
“HOW DO YOU GET TO MEET SUCH PRETTY PEOPLE?!” Zenitsu exclaimed, his voice dramatic, his eyes wide in admiration.
As much as you appreciated the compliment, his energy was overwhelming, and you couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Zenitsu-kun, you might reopen his wounds,” you said gently. Zenitsu immediately snapped his head toward you, his eyes still filled with awe.
“Oh my! Such a pretty voice too! Am I in heaven?!” Zenitsu blurted out, grabbing your hand with enthusiasm.
“WILL YOU MARRY ME?! I MIGHT DIE SOON ANYWAY!” he cried, looking at you with exaggerated pleading eyes.
“Zenitsu, stop! She’s a—” Tanjiro tried to intervene but was cut off.
“SHUT UP, TANJIRO!” Zenitsu barked before turning back to you with a hopeful grin that melted your heart for a moment.
“Miss Y/N, will you marry me~?” he asked sweetly, his voice soft and earnest, the humor fading into sincerity.
“No,” you replied firmly, trying not to laugh at his adorable pout, but your heart couldn't help but soften at his antics.
Zenitsu’s face fell dramatically, and he sulked in a corner, looking utterly defeated.
“Tanjiro-kun, how are your injuries?” you asked, shifting your attention back to the matter at hand and ignoring Zenitsu’s whining.
“They’re much better now, thanks to Shinobu-san. And thank you for helping me earlier,” Tanjiro said with a grateful smile, his eyes sincere.
“I’m glad you’re both okay. I believe in you, so please make sure Nezuko never harms anyone,” you said earnestly, your voice laced with concern.
“I will,” Tanjiro nodded firmly, a sense of responsibility in his words.
“Ara, ara, Y/N, you’re here too?” Shinobu’s voice chimed as she entered the room, her calm presence adding a sense of peace.
“Shinobu-san,” you greeted her with a smile, your shoulders relaxing a little at the sight of her familiar face.
“I just came to check on Tanjiro. I’ll be leaving soon,” you explained, walking toward her.
“Congratulations on becoming a Hashira again,” Shinobu said warmly, her voice a soft melody of encouragement.
Zenitsu, overhearing this, yelled once more, “WHAT?! YOU’RE A HASHIRA?! EVEN BETTER!”
“Congratulations,” Tanjiro added, giving you an approving nod. His smile was so warm it felt like it was lighting up the room.
“Thank you, Tanjiro and Zenitsu-kun,” you replied, trying to keep a calm face despite the rush of emotions from their praise. You turned to leave, your heart full, but you couldn’t shake the feeling that Zenitsu’s antics would follow you.
“Take care, Y/N-san,” you heard Tanjiro call out as you exited, the sincerity of his voice leaving you with a smile.
Later, while wandering through the garden, you spotted Obanai with... Mitsuri. He was smiling, seemingly captivated by her enthusiastic chatter. The sight made your heart sink. Mitsuri was undeniably amazing...she brought out a side of Obanai you had never seen. He spoke to her so gently, whereas with you, he was curt and distant. Just for a moment you wished you were Mitsuri.
As you turned to leave, Mitsuri spotted you and immediately called you over.
“Y/N-SAN! YOU’RE HERE TOO!” she squealed, running toward you.
“Mit—” Before you could finish, she grabbed your hand and dragged you over with surprising strength. There was no escaping her grip.
Obanai looked slightly awkward as you approached, his gaze flickering between you and Mitsuri. You could feel the tension building, and your stomach twisted. Mitsuri continued chatting animatedly, oblivious to the silent discomfort in the air. You noticed Obanai’s rare responses, and they only deepened your sadness. Why couldn’t he be like this with you? He hadn’t even properly congratulated you on becoming a Hashira.
You forced a smile, trying to hide your feelings, but Obanai noticed your mood shift. He wanted to speak with you earlier but had let his pride get the better of him during the meeting.
Excusing yourself, you left and headed home. Despite being offered a larger residence as a Hashira, you had chosen to stay in your old home. It felt more like you.
As you arrived, your kasugai crow fluttered down.
“CAW! CAW! FIRST MISSION AS A HASHIRA!” it announced.
It seemed it was time to prove yourself even further.
YOU ARE READING
𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘬𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴 || 𝙸.𝙾
Fanfiction[ON HOLD] "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...
