Chapter Text
"You possess no talent for flame breathing, and I have wasted enough time on you. You are no longer under my training," your flame-breathing mentor, Shinjurou Rengoku, said with finality.
"Master, please!" you pleaded, bowing your head as it touched the ground, hoping against hope that he would reconsider. "I have trained with you for years, dedicating myself to mastering the art of flame breathing."
"Dedication means nothing without talent," Shinjurou snapped, his eyes ablaze with disappointment. "You may have put in the time and effort, but you will never become a true master."
"Please, master, give me another chance. I will work harder, I promise!" you begged, desperation creeping into your voice.
But Shinjurou's mind was already made up. "No," he said firmly. "You are wasting your time and mine. Forget it and find another path. Perhaps you will find success in something else."
"But I have devoted my life to the art of flame breathing. I cannot just give up," you said, feeling the weight of his rejection bearing down on you.
"Then it is time for you to face the reality that you are not cut out for this. You are not fit to be a flame breather, and you never will be. Leave my dojo at once and do not return," Shinjurou said, turning his back on you without another word.
You stood there, frozen in shock and disbelief, as your mentor's words sank in. It felt like a crushing blow to your heart and soul. You had given everything to become a flame breather, and now it was being taken away from you.
"Yes, master. Thank you for your training and guidance," you said with a heavy heart, bowing deeply to your former mentor. You turned and walked away from the Rengoku mansion, feeling lost, worthless, and unsure of what the future held.
You walked down the road, lost in thought about your late father's final words. "You must listen to Rengoku-sama. I’ve gone through great lengths to ask him to be your mentor. Become strong and protect the remainder of our family and yourself." Those words echoed in your mind, reminding you of the weight of responsibility that had been placed on your shoulders. As the last child of your generation with no siblings and your cousins killed by demons, you felt the burden of your family's legacy resting heavily on you.
The disappointment in your mentor's rejection weighed heavily in your stomach as you walked. Suddenly, you heard a distant voice shouting your name, pulling you back to the present. “(y/n)-kun!” Turning, you saw a boy with the signature Rengoku hair color running toward you.
No one knew you were disguised as a boy. Your father suggested that you dress and act as a boy since you would be training with the Rengoku sons. So, no one knew you were a girl. Not even the eldest son of your former mentor.
"Kyojuro-kun?" you called out in surprise.
He was out of breath and hunched over. "What Father said back there. I'm so sorry, (y/n)-kun."
You shook your head, offering him a gentle smile. "Don't be. I'm just not cut out for it, that's all."
"No, it wasn't that! In fact, you were one of the very few students who were trained by Father for this long." Kyojuro protested.
There was a moment of silence as he gathered his courage to speak his mind. "Ever since Mother passed, times have been hard, especially for Father.” There was a palpable heaviness in the air as Kyojuro spoke, his voice filled with sorrow and regret. The weight of his family's pain and struggles seemed to bear down on him, and his head hung low. It was clear that his words had been hard to say. "I'm sorry for my father's harsh attitude." He bowed to you deeply.
You felt a pang of empathy for Kyojuro and his family, and your heart went out to them. The loss of a loved one is never easy, and it was clear that they were still struggling to cope with the absence of their mother. You keeled down to the level of his bowing head and reached out to put both hands on his shoulders, offering him a reassuring squeeze.
"Please, stop apologizing.” You pulled him into a tight embrace. Hoping that your gesture would convey the depth of your sympathy and support. You knew that words could only do so much, but sometimes a simple touch could speak volumes. Kyojuro hugged back tightly as he thanked you.
Both of you gave reassuring rubs and pats to each other’s backs to break away the embrace. "So, what will you plan to do now?" His voice regained some energy as he smiled gently despite the pain.
"I’m not sure. Maybe I'll head back home to see my family first. It's been a while. I'll take a little break and see what I'll do next." You replied with a small smile, trying to hide the uncertainty you felt.
"I understand. It's always good to go back to our roots and spend time with family. Take all the time you need, (y/n). You deserve a break." Kyojuro replied, his voice filled with kindness and empathy.
"Thank you, Kyojuro. Your words mean a lot to me. I'm going to miss you and your family." You couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness as you left the Rengoku family behind.
You said your goodbyes to Kyojuro. Uncertain of what the future held for you, you couldn't help but feel a sense of melancholy as you walked away.
“(y/n)! If you need anything at all, let me know. I’ll help you in any way I can.” Kyuojurou said, waving goodbye from a distance. His words were filled with genuine kindness. "Take care, (y/n)! Have a safe trip back home!"
Touched by his words, you turned to your friend, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to fall. “Thank you, Kyojuro! You and your family take care as well!” You gave him one last wave. But when he waved back with more enthusiasm, a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips, and you found yourself waving even harder, as if trying to hold on to that moment just a little longer. The exchange grew more passionate, the energy between you two sparking like a flame, igniting a sense of hope within you.
You felt grateful for the brief moment of connection and the comfort it brought you amidst the uncertainty of your future. The world was full of uncertainty and challenges, and you were unsure of what the future held for you. But you took comfort in the knowledge that there were still good people in the world, like Kyojuro and his family, who were willing to offer a helping hand to those in need. And with that thought, you continued on your journey, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
(Years later)
"Did you hear, Rengoku?" Tengen asked with excitement. "There was an examinee who used flame breathing during the Final Selection. And I heard they held the highest demon slaying count. Pretty impressive for a good tsuguko if you ask me."
Rengoku's eyes widened with amazement. "How wonderful! Another comrade has risen from the depths of hell's flames! What's the name of the user?" he asked eagerly.
"I believe it was (y/n)(l/n)," Tengen replied.
Rengoku was momentarily silent before bursting out in uncontrollable laughter. "AHAHAHAHAHA!"
"Dang it, Rengoku! Don't just burst out in loud laughter all of a sudden!" Tengen scolded him.
"So our paths cross again! It's been years since I saw my old friend!" Rengoku exclaimed, his heart full of joy.
"Oh, so you know this person," Tengen said, considering the situation. "Well, hopefully if they accept to be your tsuguko, they won't run away before starting your hellish training."
"I am confident that he will stick to the end! I must pay him a visit and congratulate him for entering the Demon Slayer Corps. Where is he now?" Rengoku asked, his excitement palpable.
“I heard that the tailor is giving them their uniform,” Tengen replied.
Rengoku wasted no time and headed to the cabin near the demon corps. When he arrived, he asked the kakushi if (y/n)(l/n) was there, and she directed him to the other room where they were trying on their uniform.
You heard footsteps as you were buttoning up your white collar shirt halfway. A silhouette with great stance appeared at the wooden door.
“(y/n)-kun? Are you in there?” A man asked, his voice eager. The wooden door slid open with one fast swift, revealing a man with the familiar bright golden hair with tips ending in red flowing in the air. The same hairstyle and radiant smile as your childhood friend, expect that his smile faltered as his cheeks grew pink. “S-sorry for the intrusion!” He stammered. He quickly shut the door, embarrassed that he had made such an ungentlemanly mistake.
As he stood outside, holding his head in confusion and panic, he heard a soft voice call out to him. "Kyojuro?"
“I’m terribly sorry, miss! I was looking for a friend of mine. I must have mistaken the rooms.” Rengoku said, his back facing you. “Don’t worry, I-I promise I saw nothing! I’ll be leaving now."
“No, wait!” you said, dressing up as quickly as possible. You slid the door open to find the flame hashira. “It’s me, Kyojuro! (y/n).”
He hesitantly turned to see your face. Eyes widened in disbelief. Is she really the (y/n) he once trained with when they were little? The one that sometimes looked after and played with his little brother Senjuro with him? His partner in crime of stealing dangos and sweet potatoes from the kitchen with him during training breaks? But that face! It’s all so familiar. “But… the (y/n) I knew was a boy.”
“That’s because my father told me to act and dress like one so that your father would take me in as his student. Sorry for the confusion,” A little gasp escaped his mouth as he listened to your explanation. Feeling a little uneasy about the situation, you hoped that you didn't just ruin your friendship with him.
“...Are you angry at me for lying to you?” you asked, worried.
“Of course not,” Rengoku turned around to place his hands on your shoulders. “I'm so happy to see you again, my friend!” How much you missed that radiant smile of his. You couldn’t help but embrace him tightly, overjoyed that he accepted you even after you revealed the truth. The warmth of his laugh as he hugged back made you feel like you were home again.
“So, you're the examinee that wields the flame breathing technique?” He asked excitingly.
You couldn't help but match his enthusiasm as you replied with a firm, "Yes!"
"And you scored the highest demon slaying count?" he exclaimed with even more passion.
"YES!" you replied, feeling your heart swell with pride at your accomplishments.
"And for all these years, you decide to become a Demon Slayer?" he continued, his voice filled with admiration.
"Yes!" you confirmed, still feeling a rush of excitement and joy at the opportunity to be here.
"Are you willing to become my tsuguko?"
“!!!”
“Why the hesitation, (y/n)??”
You just got in as a part of the demon slayer corps. Only battled with the weakest demons on the mountains. Yes you used flame breathing, but you knew it was not powerful enough.
"Are you sure? I'm not sure I'm good enough to become your tsuguko, I haven’t finished mastering the art of flame breathing and-"
"Nonsense!" he stopped you from your concerns, his voice booming with confidence. "You are the most passionate and hard-working person I have ever seen. From now on, I'll be your flame breathing mentor. You'll master these skills in no time! So, please, will you become my tsuguko?"
Feeling his unwavering faith in you, you couldn't help but smile widely and say, "Yes!" with renewed determination. You knew that with him as your mentor, you could become a useful member of the demon slayer corps and achieve anything.