The 10th Hashira - Rengoku X Reader

Chapter 18 - Fate Finds a Way

Rengoku and I walk hand in hand towards the meeting hall. As we arrive at the hall's door, I can hear the murmurs of the other Hashira leaking through the screen; shoji doors are very thin. I release Rengoku's hand and bring my hand into my haori's sleeve. We stand in silence for a few moments.

"Tengen probably already told everyone, but I am not ready yet." I clench my hands under my haori.

"I understand. Let us prioritize this meeting first, and then we can discuss further," Rengoku turns to me with a gentle smile. He raises his hand and slides the door open. He gestures for me to enter. I follow his movement and enter the room; however, his hand lands on my waist as he guides me through the doorway. I stand a couple of feet away from the doorway in shock at his casual gesture as he slides the door closed behind him and releases my waist.

I make my way over to the rest of the Hashira standing in a line facing Ubuyashiki and stand next to Giyu. Rengoku makes stake next to me, bumping arms, and lightly brushing fingers.

A blush forms on my face and lingers. His fingers, not too long ago, were... no, no, no, no, we are standing in front of Ubuyashiki, I must maintain a professional presence in mind and body. I narrow my eyes to focus on Ubuyashiki's presence. He is sitting in front of us while his wife, Amane, pours him tea.

"Everyone is here. We can now discuss why I summoned all of you." His voice is solemn, and I clench my jaw at what I can only imagine to be horrible news that is about to be shared.

"When a demon slayer chooses to join the demons, it is inevitable that they will become one of the 12 Kizuki. One of our own was injured recently due to such a scenario that took place many years ago," Ubuyashiki gestures towards me.

The demon with the swords? They were a former demon slayer? I feel my mind racing, trying to remember what they looked like. Did they not kill me because they were feeling reminiscent? Or because they wanted to send us demon slayers a message. Or even worse, a warning. Will they try to recruit more demon slayers with the sweet offer of eternal life? Will this mark the end of demon slayers? What is going to happen now?

I can feel my legs growing weak. An arm wraps around my waist and pulls me closer to them, steadying me. I glance up at Rengoku, thankful. Falling after hearing that announcement would be both super dramatic and embarrassing.

He looks down at me compassionately, but brings his serious attention back to Ubuyashiki after a few seconds.

"We must be more vigilant than ever. We must watch over every demon slayer and provide our support to both them and the common folk. Now, we are more vulnerable than ever, and it will only become worse," Ubuyashiki takes a sip of his tea with the guidance of Amane.

"However, even in the face of these threats, we are the strongest we have ever been. Do not think of yourselves lightly, remain the beacons you know you are, and we will persevere." Ubuyashiki provides a gentle bow of his head to acknowledge us.

"With this in mind, we have a serious mission that requires both speed and agility, and is assured to have one of the Kizuki involved, most likely the one I just spoke of." The room goes silent; it is obvious who he is referring to. I pat Rengoku's shoulder, causing him to release me. I stand up straight before kneeling on the ground, my eyes peering into the wooden floor below me.

"Allow me the privilege to fight one of the Kizuki. I have trained for this. I have already encountered the Kizuki you spoke of and am familiar with their general techniques. I am the only choice for this mission," I raise my head and stare into Ubuyashiki's cloudy eyes. I know he cannot see me, but my determined presence should reach him. I clench my jaw. I know this could be a suicide mission, any mission involving one of the Kizuki is unpredictable and normally fatal.

He lets out a gentle sigh, "You have been with us for many years. You are no longer the young girl tripping over her own feet. You are ready. I will provide you with details soon," he lets a gentle, melancholic smile lace his lips. I close my eyes and hang my head. I take a deep breath and rise from my kneeling position.

"Thank you, Ubuyashiki," I bow to him and rejoin the line.

"One more mission needs to be assigned, this one also having a high probability of being related to one of the 12 Kizuki," Ubuyashiki's voice echoes in the quiet room.

Two missions potentially associated with the 12 Kizuki? I clench my eyes shut. If fate loves me, it won't do what I think it will do. I reach my hand out and grab Rengoku's hand, squeezing it tightly.

"Rengoku, you may be one of the newest members of the Hashira, but you have proven yourself to be vigilant and capable. I am assigning this mission to you," it is Rengoku's turn to pat my hand. I reluctantly let go of him, allowing him to bow to Ubuyashiki's order.

"I am honored, Ubuyashiki. I will fight for you like my father once did," Rengoku rises, bows, and steps back into line next to me.

I can feel tears forming in my eyes. If I start crying now, I won't be able to stop. If my hand brushes against his, I will break down. If he reaches for me, I will break down. What are the chances we both return from our fights with the 12 Kizuki? Zero. There is no chance.

"I will inform you of your mission soon as well," I bow my head, trying to hide my face from anyone's view. I clench my eyes shut. What if we leave tonight? What if tonight is the last night I ever see Rengoku?

Ubuyashiki shares a few more details that fly over my hunched head. I have stopped listening; all my worries are bubbling.

"Hey, hey," Rengoku's words take me out of my trance. He speaks softly as his hands rub my shoulders. I turn my head to the side, seeing that all the other Hashira have already left, and now it is just Rengoku, Ubuyashiki, and I left.

I feel my tears start to form again. Rengoku's eyes soften as his brows raise. He pulls me into a tight embrace as he combs his hand through my hair.

"Shh, it is okay, it will be okay," he whispers gently. He holds me close to his side as we face Ubuyashiki together.

"I know the outcomes to these missions already seem decided, but that is never the case. You are both strong warriors, mentally and physically. You will be able to defeat these foes for our present and future demon slayers and Hashira," I smile at Ubuyashiki's words.

"For the first mission, you will be inspecting a series of killings that have been taking place in a nearby village. There have been many reports of people found with slashes, and they died due to bleeding out."

"Understood," I respond with confidence.

"And Rengoku, you will be inspecting a series of disappearances that have been happening on the Mugen Train."

"Understood," Rengoku mimics me, but with a stronger, more boisterous voice.

I close my eyes once again. Everything will be okay. Everything will be okay. We are both strong. When I open my eyes again, I am ready and determined to destroy any Kizuki that crosses my path.