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

Chapter 7: You want to join the demon slayer corps?

—Time Skip—
Three Days Later

(Y/N) P.O.V
It's been three days. I can finally walk properly again, though my bruises and cuts are still healing. I have bandages wrapped around them to prevent infection. Since I'm finally able to move, I decided to visit Sanemi-san. I grabbed my bear and stepped out of my room.

Just as I was about to head toward the garden, I heard Mother call out to me.

"(Y/N), where are you heading?" she asked.

"I'm just going to visit Sanemi-san, Mother," I replied.

"Are you sure? Those girls that bullied you might find you and hurt you again," she said, her voice laced with worry.

"It's okay, Mother. I'll be careful."

"Alright, be back before sunset."

"Yes, Mother."

And with that, I left to visit Sanemi-san.

—Mini Time Skip—

I finally arrived at Sanemi-san's estate and let myself in since the door wasn't locked. I didn't see him inside, so I walked toward the backyard, hoping to find him there.

Sure enough, in the backyard, I spotted Sanemi-san training alone. He was moving swiftly, swinging his sword in powerful, precise arcs. His breathing was sharp and focused, sweat glistening on his forehead from the effort.

I took a deep breath and called out, "Sanemi-san!" loud enough for him to hear.

He paused mid-swing and turned his head toward me, scowling slightly.

"Tch. What are you doing here? Can't you see I'm busy?" he said in an annoyed tone.

"Sorry, Sanemi-san. Your door wasn't locked, so I let myself in. I just came to say thank you... for saving me from those girls," I said softly.

"Yeah, no problem, kid. Now go home. I'm still training."

I hesitated. I still wanted to talk to him.

"Sanemi-san... can I ask you something?"

He sighed. "Sure, just make it quick. I'm not done with my training yet."

"What do Demon Slayers do? And what do demons do too?"

He froze for a moment before turning to look at me seriously.

"Why are you asking that? You're still too young to know about this. Just go back home."

"But... I really want to know what they do."

He sighed again, seeming reluctant. Then he spoke.

"Demon Slayers fight demons who lurk in the dark and eat humans. We protect people from being killed. Demons gain power by eating humans—the more they eat, the stronger they become."

"Can demons be defeated? How?"

"Yeah, they can be. You defeat them by cutting off their heads with a Nichirin sword. Like this one." He held up his sword for me to see.

"Why does it have to be that kind of sword?" I asked.

"Because it's forged from a special ore that's been exposed to sunlight for years. Demons are weak to the sun, so this blade works against them. It's also called a color-changing sword."

"Why is it called that?"

"Damn, you ask a lot of questions, kid," he grumbled. "It changes color depending on the breathing style of the wielder. I use Wind Breathing, so my blade is green."

My eyes sparkled with curiosity. "That's so cool! I want to join the Demon Slayer Corps too!" I said with excitement.

He blinked in surprise. "Whoa there, kid. I'm not sure if Oyakata-sama would allow his daughter to join the corps."

"I'll ask Father myself. Bye, Sanemi-san! See you again!" I waved as I turned to leave. He gave me a small wave in return.

—Mini Time Skip—

I finally arrived back home and headed straight inside to look for Father. After searching for a few minutes, I couldn't find him, so I asked Mother.

"Mother, where's Father?"

"He's in the garden, sweetie," she said.

"Alright, thank you, Mother."

I walked toward the garden and saw Father sitting on a bench near the pond. As I approached, he noticed me.

"Hello, my child. What brings you here?" he asked with a gentle smile.

"I want to talk to you about something, Father."

"Of course, come sit beside me," he said, patting the space next to him.

I sat down, feeling a bit nervous.

"What is it that you want to talk about?"

I hesitated, lowering my head.

"It's okay, my child. Don't be afraid. I won't be upset," he said softly, trying to ease my nerves.

"...Father, would it be alright if I joined the Demon Slayer Corps?" I asked.

His eyes widened a little. "Why would you want to join, my child? It's dangerous."

"I know it's dangerous. But I want to protect people. I want to learn breathing styles... and I want to find the demon who murdered my real parents," I said, voice firm with determination.

He let out a sigh. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, Father."

He looked at me for a long moment, then finally nodded. "Alright. Your training will begin tomorrow morning. I'll ask the Hashira to help you."

His voice trembled slightly, full of concern, but I hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Father! When I become a Demon Slayer, I want to be a Hashira like Kanae-chan someday!"

He smiled gently. "Be careful, alright? Training will be hard... and it will hurt. A lot."

"I will, Father."

"Can I stay here for a bit? I want to spend some time with you."

He smiled again and nodded. We stayed in the garden until the sun began to set. Then we walked back to the estate together.