[Revising] The Broken Pillar (Kimetsu no Yaiba x F!Reader | Slow Updates)

Chapter 5: Meeting the other hashira

Third P.O.V

After Kagaya formally introduced (Y/N) to his family, the girl grew curious. The estate was peaceful and beautiful, far different from any place she had ever known. Wanting to explore more, (Y/N) quietly wandered through the gardens and narrow stone paths.

She clutched her small bear close, its soft fur worn from the tight grip she often had on it. As she turned a corner near one of the estate's outer walkways, she accidentally bumped into someone — hard.

She stumbled back slightly and looked up, startled.

Standing before her was a tall man with a terrifying presence. His white hair fluttered gently in the breeze, but it was the numerous jagged scars across his body and face that froze her in place. His eyes, narrowed and intense, glared down at her with suspicion and irritation.

(Y/N)'s small body trembled as she clutched her bear tighter. The way he looked at her — it wasn't kind. It was cold, angry, and unfamiliar. Tears welled in her eyes.

"Who are you, kid?" the man asked in a sharp, rough voice.

(Y/N) couldn't speak. Her throat tightened, and she just stood there, eyes wide and unblinking.

"I said," he growled louder, "who the hell are you?! What are you doing in Oyakata-sama's estate?!"

His raised voice shattered her composure. (Y/N) burst into tears, trembling like a leaf as her cries echoed around the estate. The sound made the man's expression twist further in frustration.

"Tch. Oi! Stop crying! Just answer me already!" he barked, clearly annoyed by her sobs.

But before things could escalate further, a calm, deep voice rang out.

"Shinazugawa-san, please... you shouldn't shout at her. She's only a child."

The voice came from behind, and (Y/N) quickly turned to see a large man approaching — gentle-eyed despite his towering figure. It was Gyomei Himejima. Relief flooded her face as she ran toward him without hesitation, throwing her arms around his leg. Her small frame shook as she continued to sob.

Gyomei knelt down and picked her up with practiced care, holding her gently against his broad chest. "There, there... it's alright," he said softly, rubbing her back. Slowly, her cries faded into soft hiccups and sniffles.

He turned to Sanemi with a calm yet firm tone. "Shinazugawa-san, why did you yell at her like that?"

"She wouldn't answer my question!" Sanemi snapped. "She just stood there and cried! For all I knew, she could be a spy or someone dangerous sent to harm Oyakata-sama!"

Gyomei blinked slowly and sighed. "She's just a little girl. That fear was genuine. Look at her — she's terrified. There's no way she's a threat."

"Tch... then what's a kid like her doing here? She doesn't belong."

"She does now." Gyomei's voice was calm but resolute. "Oyakata-sama has adopted her. She's now (Y/N) Ubuyashiki, his eldest daughter."

Sanemi's eyes widened. "That's bullsh*t! Since when?!"

"Just a short while ago," Gyomei replied. "Kocho-san told me the news. The master has taken her in."

(Y/N) stirred gently in Gyomei's arms, lifting her head. Her voice was small, curious. "Gyomei-san... who is that scary person?"

Gyomei smiled warmly. "That's Sanemi Shinazugawa. He's the Wind Hashira."

"Why does he have so many scars?" she asked innocently.

"They're from the battles he's fought. He's defeated many demons. He's very strong."

Her eyes widened. "Wow... you must be super strong, Sanemi-san!" she said with awe, completely forgetting how scared she had been moments ago.

Sanemi froze. His lips parted slightly, but no sound came out. He quickly looked away, a deep blush spreading across his cheeks.

Gyomei couldn't see the blush, but he could sense the sudden shift in Sanemi's presence. A chuckle rumbled softly from his chest.

(Y/N), now more comfortable, giggled at Sanemi's reaction.

"Oi! Don't laugh at me, you damn brat!" Sanemi grumbled, but his voice had lost the edge of anger.

Her giggles continued, and Sanemi's glare softened into a reluctant smirk. "She's annoying... but she's cute," he muttered under his breath. "If anyone lays a finger on her, I'll kill 'em."

Moments later, (Y/N) stretched her arms toward Sanemi, a soft smile on her face. "Sanemi-san, Can I go to you?"

Sanemi hesitated, startled. He wasn't used to being approached like that—especially by a child.

But then, slowly, he reached out and took her from Gyomei's arms. She settled into his hold as if it were natural. Looking up at him with admiration, she whispered, "Your scars look so cool. You must be a hero."

Sanemi's blush deepened. He quickly turned his head to the side so she wouldn't see it. But then something happened that made him freeze completely — (Y/N) wrapped her arms around him in a hug.

He stood there, stunned. After a moment, he awkwardly returned the hug, patting her back in the most gentle way he could manage.

From behind, Gyomei smiled knowingly.

The three of them began walking through the estate — Gyomei silent and peaceful, Sanemi holding (Y/N), and the little girl nestled into his arms like she belonged there.

(Y/N) closed her eyes, her head resting against Sanemi's chest. "You're warm..." she murmured.

Sanemi glanced at her, then down at her bear. He adjusted his hold, making sure she was safe and steady.

"...Tch. Don't go falling asleep on me, brat," he whispered.

But he didn't complain. Not once.