Bardo (a Kimetsu No Yaiba [Demon Slayer] Fanfiction)

Chapter 2: The Stubborn Disciple

Toramaru (Yes, I pictured him as Hyakkimaru X3 he's just too cute! >< )
Well, anyone here also watch Dororo? It was also a very good anime! X3

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3rd POV

Senbonnoki Forest, a forest which stood between some villages near it and Kawaguchiko town. It was actually a strategic pathway for the villagers to go to the Kawaguchiko town for selling their crops, merchandise and many more. To be blunt, it was the shortest and the quickest path for the villagers to their source of income. 

But, no one would ever dare to take that forest path. They rather waste a few days to take another way around instead of going through the forest. Why? Because, they didn't want to end up missing and dead. Yes, there was several cases about missing people in that forest. And we are all know the reason.

It was because, in the forest, reside three serpent demons. But, be at ease, they were no longer alive now, thanks to the red haired and the brown haired swordsmen. The forest now is free from the nasty demons and everybody could finally walk pass through the forest safely.

Their job was done. And they were on their way back to the headquarters, responding to their call before. 

Normally, it would take one day journey from the forest to the headquarters. But, Toramaru has a special ability to shadow-travelling. It would cut short their journey hours, probably, into six hours for them to reach the headquarters. Yes, that ability is quite handy, but it drains a lot of energy. 

And, unfortunately, his fight with those two serpent demons had spilled half of his energy. He doubt if his energy is enough for taking both of them back to the headquarters. Even so, he cannot and didn't want to show his weakness in front of Kazue. He knew, for sure, that Kazue was far more tired than he was.

"Toramaru-kun. Please, stop at the meadow up ahead." Kazue suddenly commanded, and he did what had she asked. They stopped, and surfaced from the shadow.

"Is there something wrong, Kazue-sama?"

"You should have known why I stopped you, Toramaru-kun."

He gulped once, knowing exactly what she meant. Kazue had sensed his lack of energy and she was worried about his well-being. Lying would be pointless now, but as a hardheaded person, Toramaru still didn't want to admit it. He believes this was something he need to overcome, to surpass his limit. He must grow stronger in order to protect his Kazue-sama.

"I'm truly thankful for your concern, Kazue-sama. But, I'm fine."

She shook her head once. "No. Your vitals say otherwise. You know that I could sense life force within a person, Toramaru-kun. You cannot lie to me." she turned around and her icy eyes glared straight into his brown orbs.

She wanted to yelled at him. However, she doesn't have a heart to do it. Her eyes softened and she smiled at her stubborn disciple, "You should head back to your estate first and rest. I will go to the headquarters by myself."

"I apologize for my boldness. But I can't let you to go alone, Kazue-sama. What if something happen to you while I'm not at your side? Let me -" before Toramaru could even finish his sentences, Kazue had raised her hand, giving him a sign to stop.

"I'll be fine. Just rest. That's an order."

Toramaru seems reluctant. Even though that was an order, he still simply can't accept that. It was still risky to let Kazue wander around on her own. What if something like had happened in the forest reoccur and Toramaru can't protect her? But, as he thought again, if something really happened, Toramaru also can't protect Kazue on his weakened state. He'll just be a burden for Kazue.

Seeing no room for him to object, he sighed. "Understood. I'll rest, but please, Kazue-sama, if something happened, contact me immediately."

"Very well. I will do so. We will meet again at the headquarters." Kazue said and without waiting for Toramaru's reply, she teleported away.

Toramaru then, decided to shadow-traveled to his estate with the rest of his energy. When, he finally reached his home, the first thing he did was, of course, contacted Kazue through their telepathy communication. 

"Kazue-sama. I've arrived at home. Do you need me to prepare anything?"

And they just been parted for a few minutes.

"No, Toramaru-kun. Thank you, and have a nice rest." she gently replied before ended the communication.

He opened the gate, and took off his sandals before stepped into the house. As he stepped in, his tiredness began to slowly consume his body. He shook his head and immediately dragged his feet to the bathroom. After took a short bath, he put on a black trousers and go to his room. 

He threw his body on his futon, and soon he was drown into his sleep.

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Me: Toramaru-kun! You are exhausted! You should rest!

Toramaru: *yawn* No...I need to...be in Kazue-sama's....side..... *his eyes had already closed* *softly snore*

Me: *glanced at Kazue*

Kazue: *sighed* Could you help me carry him to his room?

Me: *nodded and talked in a hushed voice* Sure! No Problem!

*Still talked in hushed voice* Okay guys, see ya until the next chapter! ;)