Chapter Text
Yoriichi’s refined propriety incessantly desisted from discrimination. Bless his late mother’s soul, for her gentle virtue undertones only earned when together, if able. Even if she could not, Yoriichi, despite all that has happened to him since, remained deferential and just. Born with a heart of untarnished gold, yet filled with self-despondency from being burrowed in haunting failures.
He remained unfazed facing unfamiliarities. A foreigner. Gaijin. Diversity is a part of human nature. We are a sundry of intelligent and pondering beings born in every corner of the world. Born and bred to evolve, innovate, and adapt. Different appearances but the same colour of blood nonetheless. It was his first time meeting one.
You. One look and others would say you are not a dweller within the grounds he found you. Saved you at a moment’s notice when you were alone with a hungry demon that he slayed in the blink of an eye, and then right after he was showered with praises that he often acknowledged quietly or with a shy curt of his head to hide his pleasant expressions. That was, until this moment.
For the first time, he was unsure. You are strange— no— eccentric. Yes, that’s how he would describe you.
There was an underlying strangeness about you, almost like a mystery. He had an inkling in his presumptions based on your crafty vocabulary and conveyance, moreover. He was not someone to judge one’s character, though, especially a woman. If he were someone else, they would’ve been perturbed by your boisterous bundle of energy, rare amongst modest women of this era. A woman of individuality. Commonly unwelcome.
Your nonchalance consolidated your quick-wittedness. Yoriichi was used to panic and mania from the victims he successfully saved, searching for answers in the world they’re unaware of, realising the horrible truth. That man-eating demons were, in fact, real. The sudden lucidity among the hysteric masses. A spark from grating flint igniting a burst of flame, burning and consuming sanity.
Except he found none of that from you. But he was greeted by a certain emotion he rarely encountered from people. It was… overwhelming.
“Wow! You are as strong as they say in the books. And you look so dashing up close! Quite handsome. The way you saved me– eee! You’re so kind! I like your sword. It's so cool-looking. Mind if I touch it? Don’t worry. I won’t steal it~ Oh no, wait! Those earrings! Woah! I can’t believe that’s the real deal! These are better than mine!”
Those were the first words you said to him, and he was unable to speak as you kept on babbling to no end.
I hope she’s all right, Yoriichi thought. But seeing your jubilation made him think otherwise. An emotion with questionable intentions. Quite similar to how he often received fawning from the ladies, which he turned down without exception. But seeing your heartbeat, he discerns excitement instead of attraction. Otherwise, there would be more reactions than just your heart.
The more you let on, Yoriichi gathered that you talked as if meeting an eidolon. He was aware of his reputation. His comrades boasted about his accomplishments more than he ever did. Given his contributions, he’d understand the pride just as much as his brother honing his swordsmanship, but he didn’t feel content. It makes him uneasy, being unable to think of any form of acknowledgement he could give. It seems you understood that.
“Pardon me.” You sheepishly said. “I-I was excited to see… you. I know who you are, sir. I’ve always wanted to meet you.” You raised a hand towards him, and he merely stared at you. “It's a pleasure. Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Please refer to me as… Nanashi.”
What name… Yoriichi had never heard of such a thing, wondering why you would address yourself like that. There was a deliberate pause in your introduction, as if pondering carefully what to say or not to say. As if you were redirecting your words in a timely manner. It was evident that you were hiding a part of your identity from him.
Just by introductions, you are a liar.
“You good there, man?”
“Yes.” He answered finally. The way you referred to him was so… casual. Someone immediately came to his mind, and the sudden thought invoked a surge of sadness within him, but he still appeared calm and remained refined.
You took it the wrong way, though, glancing between his face and your outstretched arm.
“You’re supposed to shake my hand.” You said when the silence stretched out between the two of you. Yoriichi started idly as you boldly took his hand and shook it up and down. “I forgot you people have yet to know this kind of stuff. Guess I’ll just walk you through when the time comes. Otherwise, you’ll keep leaving me hanging. Awkwaaaard .” You laughed jovially.
Perhaps you were indeed not from around these parts, he had never heard of this way of introductory greeting before.
“Is there something wrong?
“Nothing.” Yoriichi took his hand back, curling his fingers at the feeling of your skin. He was unsure why he needed to clarify his musings to prove your humanity by your oddity. Or maybe that was your personality. A few words exchanged within a matter of seconds and he was silently befuddled. Like encountering a new creature he didn’t know how to handle.
Mainly because it was to be socially dealt with, and Yoriichi lacked the talent. He took a step back before falling into a curt bow. “I must go now, miss. The night is dangerous and demons are still lurking. Please head back—”
“Please train me!”
Yorichii stared on silently once again. He did not expect such a request, but still declined with politeness, thinking better for your well-being. That did not stop you, regardless, as you were persistent. After being endangered and almost losing your life, you were so quick to be on your feet. Yoriichi admired the tenacity for a moment.
He still believed you wouldn’t be able to handle the training that even his comrades had a hard time adjusting to. Still, you followed him like a puppy. Your voice hollering his family name over and over, that alone could attract a horde of demons, baiting them with your demanding voice. Yoriichi thought that this would be a quicker way to hunt, but he didn’t want to use you like that. That seemed like a lousy method to endanger a civilian.
“Tsugikuni-san! Tsugikuni-san! Oh come on. I don’t suck. I swear! I promise I'll do well in your teachings!”
You kept chasing after his attention even when he returned to patrolling and he was positive he would’ve lost you if he weren’t so fast, yet you managed to catch up. It seemed that you were no ordinary woman. Even the Hashira’s he trained had a hard time catching up to him. You weren’t even panting, no sweat breaking either.
Seeing as you were able to move with ease, he decided it was better to take you to a village nearby, in hopes that it was your home. You refuted, though, saying you were homeless. He assumed you were well off alone if that’s what you meant. A traveller, perhaps. But you didn't carry any baggage and didn’t seem to have any belongings on you either.. A sense of pity welled up inside him at that. With your witty communication, you must be trying to convey that you were seeking help all this time.
Yoriichi dug into his robes, hands slipping within the layers of cloth until he found a dense pouch. With full consideration, he handed it to you with all the contents still inside.
“What is this for?” You shook the pouch and the sound of change clinking inside could be heard.
“Allowance. For your travels.”
You shot him a bewildered look before you laughed. Not what he expected. He almost felt embarrassed at that, nearly dropping his head low.
“I’m not a beggar, Tsugikuni-san.” You paused with a considering expression. “Although I have no money. So I appreciate the charity.” You pocketed the pouch.
“Then I must be off.” He curtly bowed once again. “It’d be wise to seek shelter before you are endangered again.”
“You must be searching for demons around this region, right?” You suddenly said. “I took care of them.”
Took care of them?
“Are you one of us?”
“Not yet.” You answered with unparalleled confidence. An attribute mirrored his kin. “I’ve been looking for you to train me. Heard you’re the best of the best. The original cultivator of breath techniques. Not to mention the sole wielder of Sun Breathing. I’d want to be taught by someone as awesome as yourself!”
Awesome? He has never said such a word, but it sounded like a compliment just by your tone alone. Aside from your appearance, your peculiar vocabulary was unheard of.
Just as much, he has never seen a human like you before. Strange? Yes. Foreign? Yes. Alien? He is starting to lean towards that.
“Which cultivator has taught you?”
“Multiple. I just hop over one over the other until I’ve learned everything that I need.” You answered, bored. “I just wanted someone legit this time, y’know. I mean, my previous teachers are also good but… no one could ever compare to you. ”
He acknowledged that silently. While he pondered the meaning of the unfamiliar word legit, his eyes swept from your face to your transparent body, solely focusing on your lungs that were steadily breathing in a composed and controlled manner. Your heart was strongly pumping rich-oxygenated blood surging throughout your body.
Total Concentration: Constant. Now he understood why you were able to match his speed. He finally recognised the familiar pattern of your body that took him a minute to realise.
“Don’t think too much about it.” You reassured him with a smile when you sensed his glare. “So, am I fit to be your student?”
Yoriichi pondered. A path as a Demon Slayer was not as easy as it sounded. You didn’t seem to mind at all, though. Too positive to recruit yourself in a group of warriors that was filled with men.. The Demon Slayer Corps had never recruited women before; however, their abilities in warfare were not unheard of.
This was too different, though. They were not up against humans but demons. But since you mentioned that you had dealt with the creatures that he was supposed to slay, and he truly couldn’t sense anything dangerous nearby, he thought he shouldn’t doubt your words more than he needed to. It seemed like a waste of time to dwell any longer on a decision he had already reached.
“I must tell you that this is not a simple path you can just take.”
“ You’re taking me in? ” You gasped, almost hopping while muttering, ‘That was easy.’ Yoriichi had rarely seen any people expressing their excitement through their bodies in this way before. You moved too much. Your reactions are too easy to see. “Nice! Thank you!”
He hadn’t even spoken it aloud yet, but you already beat him to it. In an intrusive, strange way. Yoriichi returned to his patrol, swiftly slaying the remaining demons left and right, with you following behind him, watching and praising him every time he lopped off the heads of the demons, causing him to be bashful at the attention. He had to bear it until sunrise, when the demons were scared away by the light and scurried away, back to their dark hiding spots. Those who couldn’t make it in time faced Yorichi’s sword or were disintegrated by the first rays of sunlight.
When morning finally came, he led you to where he currently resided. Alongside a vast mountain was a hidden house, a large property where he lived by himself. He kept glancing in your direction to see if you were tired now, given that you’d been following him around the entire time. He had told you early on in your journey to head here as it was much safer than simply wandering around in the dark, but you refused, claiming you were terrible at navigation, so he had no choice but to keep you around him as he fulfilled his duties.
You made a noise of astonishment when you saw the vast gates to his house. Your eyes followed along the structure stretching far and wide. It was built like a fortress. Thick cemented gates with heavy roofing, but as you head in, you’re greeted by the massive structure of his house.
“Woah!” You exclaimed. “You have a mansion?! How come I have never heard of this? I mean you’re the G.O.A.T so what am I expecting?” You cringed immediately when you received a blank stare from Yoriichi. “Erm… “
While his silence tipped you off, he was also internally perplexed. The goat? Is that supposed to be an expression? Does he give off something akin to an animal? Yoriichi pondered silently. He had never received such a ‘compliment’ before, and he wasn’t sure what to make of it. Yet again, Yorichi acknowledged how unpredictable you were.
“Ignore me.” You shyly said after noticing his expression. “You’d often hear random crap spewing from my mouth the more you’re with me.”
At least you possessed some level of self-awareness.
You still kept making sounds when Yorichi led you inside, though. You peered into every empty room you could see, amazed even though there wasn’t much to see. Yoriichi wasn’t particularly fond of the place, but this is where he was stationed, so he didn’t complain either. He was given an area where travelling on foot is vexatious. Hence, it is a difficult area to protect other people, but with Yoriichi, he does so with ease.
He hasn't brought any visitors except for his fellow Hashira. They often told him to liven up the place since he is alone. When he had yet to accomplish such before their next visits, they would bring house gifts as one of their ways to express gratitude for what he had done for them so far.
“It’s so barren. You should redecorate… but you’re not that kind of person, are you?” You commented. He has obviously given the impression. He preferred a simple solitude. “I never knew you’d live in it. Nice house though.”
“...Thank you.”
He followed you around the house as you led the tour yourself — he should be the one to do so, and yet he doesn’t say anything when you’re already way ahead of him — you stepped down at an engawa amid his mansion. Taking a break with a view of his little garden that he tended to alone. He watched you silently as you hummed to yourself and dangled your legs.
“Tsugikuni-san, can I crash at your place?
“Crash?” Why would you attempt to hurt yourself in his house? He sounded a little concerned, but for some reason, you looked amused when you noticed his expression.
“Oh. LOL, not like that. I mean like, can I stay here? You have a freaking huge house!” You threw your arms up to gesture at his property.
The scene gave him a sudden sense of déjà vu. A memory from a long time ago echoed that he reminisced and yearned to return to. He remembered travelling in the mountains alone until he saw paddy fields and a girl in a yellow kimono standing still, holding a bucket. Only an image of peace exists in his mind since.
He couldn’t do anything else but move forward, and now he is at the time when he met a new eccentric companion, in whom he sensed that you meant no harm. In society standards, it is odd for a widowed man and an unmarried woman to live together. But with your circumstances, you’re homeless and his student. If he were to have a dojo, he would’ve agreed. Besides, it is not the first time he has lived with someone else.
Reaching a conclusion you desired, he approved of your odd request.
”I accept you.”
“Wow, really?” You squawked. “Damn, you’re so nice, Tsugikuni-san. Really are a humble dude and all.”
Humble what? Yoriichi blinks.
It was odd, though, to have another person live under the same roof as him. It has been years since he last had company. While he was getting accustomed to this arrangement, which was decided within the last twenty-four hours, you weren’t. You’re ecstatic to be a student, but you lacked the necessities and the “lifestyle” you mentioned, you scampered off and only returned after a few hours. Yoriichi didn’t think much of it
You left to buy clothes in a nearby town and you returned with a lot of purchases. Have you already used the money he gave you? He was mildly stunned to see you pulling a trolley with a heap of clothed carry bags.
“Shopping in this era is so annoying sometimes.” You huffed as you dropped the handles of the trolley. “I forgot women needed a chaperone. Like I couldn’t carry all this stuff on my own .” You said mockingly.
“Do you want me to escort you?”
You seemed surprised at the offer. “Oh, you don’t have to, Tsugukuni-san. I can shop on my own. I don’t think you’d like the idea of following me around to browse and window shop through…” You yanked a bag, untying the knot and opening the contents. “These things are so outdated like I just bought a bunch of artifacts, but… this is my life for now.” You shrugged. “Here!”
You tossed him a small pouch. Yoriichi catches it. “What is this?” He asks.
“It’s a gift. A token of my appreciation.”
He opened it and took a peek, only to see a bundle of fresh peaches. The sweet smell was vivid and deliciously wafting through his lungs. “...Thank you.” He set it aside, but you made a noise that caused him to pause.
“You should taste it now! It’s delicious.”
“I will when I am hungry.” He said politely. “Nanashi, where did you come from?”
Yoriichi didn’t mean to pry, but he was wondering how someone such as yourself had met a bad end. He was also curious about your past, especially how you ended up with this energetic behaviour and incomprehensible blathering. He wonders if that is a thing with foreigners, even the way you addressed yourself as Nanashi is a cultural custom.
Yet, you kept that almost bland smile and answered simply, “Somewhere very, very, veeery far away from here.” Then you added vaguely, “Somewhere unreachable to even someone like you, Tsugikuni-san”
That was a peculiar statement. He was not someone who can go everywhere, but the borders were open. He could go to where you’re likely to live. But he wondered why you kept your home anonymous, were you being simple with him? As if he won’t know the country where you were born in? You knew where he lived now, so why couldn’t he know about your home?
”And what was your purpose for coming to Japan?”
”I don’t know.” You shrugged. “I was brought here?”
Brought? Yoriichi noted. Against your will or… “Do you remember who?”
”Nope.” You shake your head, shifting your leg to another. “Anyways, when can we start training? I’m so pumped!” You hopped on the word. “I wanna start learning from you now, Sensei! ”
The change of subject was deliberate. It seemed prying into your past was sensitive for you. You may not show it, but he could tell. The pump of your heart hardened, and the slight clench of your jaw was evident from his attuned senses.
Perhaps it was too soon to ask. You must’ve been through so much that he couldn’t help but pity you. Seeing you ecstatic when he helped you must’ve brought you relief, for someone to finally notice you. Japanese are wary of outsiders, and no one must’ve batted an eye at you.
But you’ve had teachers before. The other Hashiras came to his mind, he could ask them if they had a foreign woman to be their student. You seemed to know him before you had met him. It may be the doing of his comrades, who often praised him. Just like what you’re doing now.
They have never heard of a female Slayer in the Corps joining in, meaning you’re yet to be a member, as you’ve confirmed it yourself. You were confident to join, too. He hoped it wouldn't be easily crushed once he started teaching you. Often his students, the current Hashira, were having trouble keeping up with his otherworldly lessons.
Training started with immediate difficulty as he learned that you already knew the basics. Seeing how you’re successfully using the Total Concentration: Constant, you seemed to excel more than meets the eye. You knew how to hold a sword, as you insisted when the two of you sparred. He did not use the Sun Breathing until you used various breathings, especially some that he, Tsugikuni Yoriichi, had never heard of.
Flower Breathing. Second Form. Honourable Shadow Plum.
Beast Breathing. Tenth Form. Whirling Fangs.
Insect Breathing. Dance of the Butterfly. Caprice.
Sound Breathing. First Form. Roar.
Mist Breathing. Third Form. Scattering Mist Splash.
Love Breathing. Sixth Form. Cat-Legged Winds of Love.
Serpent Breathing. Fourth Form. Twin-Headed Reptile.
At the end, you lost, but you were satisfied. Yoriichi admitted that he was stunned at these unheard-of breathing techniques that managed to parry against him. The thought of the other Hashiras: Moon, Water, Wind, Thunder, Stone, and Fire, being your teachers was out of the question. These breaths… are derivatives. Some of them reminded him of the Water Breathing technique.
Another questionable event. Yoriichi again looked at you in a different light for the umpteenth time.
“If you’ve already learned so much, why do you seek me out? Do your previous teachers lack what I possess?”
“To be honest, yeah.” You bluntly responded. “They’re not you. But if you are asking why I wanted to learn from you, it is because I want to learn Sun Breathing. I want to be your successor.”
That’s ambitious coming from someone like you. Yoriichi had no qualms about having a successor; the problem was: “No one has successfully inherited it.”
”Yeah, I heard.” You knew? Just how much did you know about him? “That’s why I wanted to try! You think I didn't use all the other Breath Techniques all those years just to show off? Sure, I caught you off guard but it is to study your technique!”
Yoriichi has heard of how far the others would go trying to understand the Sun Breathing. But not this. The unheard breathing styles are one thing, although to learn more than one and excel it? Someone like you was already worthy of becoming a Hashira. You had the potential.
You might be able to do it.
“All right.” Yoriichi nodded. “I will teach you.”
He performed it first.
You stood by the sidelines in awe, not uttering a sound. Your eyes never left him, engrossed indefinitely, taking all of his forms into your mind. Shining and astonished, almost blankly in a daze, as if there is more to his breath technique that you could see.
Yoriichi graciously swung his bright red sword until he completed all forms of the Sun Breathing. Dance. Flame Dance. Fake Rainbow. Fire wheel. Beneficent Radiance. Solar Heat Haze. Setting Sun Transformation. Dragon Sun Halo Head Dance. Sunflower Thrust. Burning Bones, Summer Sun. Raging Sun. Clear Blue Sky. He did not slacken in any form, expressing with utmost refinement as if he were fighting. Fighting for others. For humanity.
You clapped once he was done and galloped over him with singing praises that he humbly took with a shy curtsey.
“That was amazing! It looked even better in person! I never thought the flames would also erupt from your blade like a torch. How amazing indeed!”
”Flames?” He looked down at his sword. He was aware that the sword burnt the demons, they always wailed and screamed as if they were burning. Never ignited in flame though.
”Oh right, you guys don’t have the eye for it. Unlike me! Hehe!” You boasted. “I can see the elements of the breathing techniques. Yours is, well, sun! Like sprouting flames from the star itself. Of course, if one dares to be within your proximity, they would burn, right?”
Again, Yoriichi was starting to wonder how much you knew of him. And you could see something that others couldn’t? You sounded like him. Like seeing TheTransparent World as he did. But breathing elements? None of them were capable of summoning them, so how come you were able to see them?
Nonetheless, he brushed it aside when he continued training you, teaching you how his body worked. His breathing, stance, and abilities.
He taught you everything that you needed to know, and you diligently followed his instructions with ease, and acknowledged it all without so much as a reaction, unlike the Hashira, who would shoot him confused and bewildered looks. As if he were an alien. It took time for them to grow accustomed to him, but you didn’t. It was as if you accepted him wholeheartedly, even for just a few days.
It took you a while to get it, though, surprisingly. You practised the first form first, not wanting to rush the others. You did it so differently, though. Yoriichi would find you dancing in the morning, surrounded by torches, as if you’re performing a ritual. He questioned you once you’re done.
”The Dance of the Fire God.” You answered. “Your dance.”
”You developed it from my forms?”
”Yep.” You breathed. “Let us see if I’ll be able to do it.”
You danced for days. Sparred for days. Meditated for days. You had commitment. Yoriichi supposed you were fit to be a student as you’ve learned so much from many teachers. He had yet to ask about it, as, again, you evaded his questions like a plague.
You promised to tell him once you’ve mastered the Sun Breathing, though. Yoriichi did not protest as he respected your privacy. He was a patient man, after all.
And that born fruition. It took you a month to perfect it.
Yoriichi returned from patrol one dawn, you asked to borrow his sword and he let you. Then it was his turn to be in awe.
You seemed to struggle, all because you were exhausted, but you did not falter to show him his techniques. From one to twelve, you danced until sunrise. The morning glowed in his mansion.
You breathed heavily until you collapsed. Yoriichi caught you as you gasped for air and sweated profusely. You clutched his red haori as he carried you.
”You’ve done well.” He praised you. Up close, he saw you blushing at the compliment, or perhaps it was the heat that you objectively pointed out:
”T-thanks. Gee, you’re kind of warm for a human.”
”I get that a lot.”
” Hah— God, I don’t know how you’re able to do Sun Breathing! It takes a toll on you!” You laughed. “I need water.”
”I’ll fetch some for you.”
When he put you down on the engawa , you instantly lay down. “I’m beat!” You yelled, then you said quietly when he returned with a cup of water: “Thank you for teaching me. I can see why everyone likes you. You’re so, hm, so nice. To be at the top of everything no one else can.”
“I’m not.” Yoriichi said out of reflex.
“Really? How come you’re the one who is implementing breath techniques and the Corps have been able to fight the demons, hm? Is that not so accomplishing? To you, maybe not. But to others, yeah, it is.”
Yeah. You kept making that sound, and in an approving tone. So perhaps it was equivalent to saying yes. He has never heard of this term before, though.
In any case, Yoriichi couldn’t deny what you said, but he was still not worthy. He has made a mistake he couldn’t undo. A failure that will forever haunt him. He was not as perfect as everyone viewed him. He was not some god. He was just someone. A person.
“I think I will change my mind about being your successor.”
Yoriichi stared at you. “Why?”
”I want to breathe differently. One of my own. Say, how do the other Hashira create their own derivatives?”
“Derivatives vary from each user.” Yoriichi explained. “You master the breath and it will hone your body. What you choose to be. To cultivate a technique suited for you. Only you. Your breath technique must answer to you and your body.”
“Cultivate my own.” You mused as you swirled your cup of water. “I’m not sure if that’s allowed by them.”
Yoriichi is confused. “By whom?”
“A crocodile.” You shrugged.
Yoriichi was even more confused. The look on his face made you choke. Regardless, he added, “Cultivation is limitless.” He felt the need to say it. He didn’t want you to refrain from doing so.
“I get what you mean. I’ve broken many rules too. What's the harm with one more?” You stood up, stretching and cracking bones that brewed a disconcerted look from Yoriichi. “I actually have a breath in mind. Would you like to see it, Sensei?”
Who was he to refuse? Yoriichi was swelling with a sliver of eagerness inside as he watched you pick a bokken instead of a sword.
You took a deep breath and started moving with a whole new technique that he had never seen before. It wasn’t like before when the two of you sparred. Viscous or gentle. Or in between.
Yours was similar to his. Bright and graceful. You swung, twirled, and thrusted your weapon in the air. A myriad of combinations of the breath techniques you’ve done earlier, but this is yours. All breaths are similar, adapted to each user.
Your attacks were trails, a string of swings and bursts of slashes. Your bokken, regardless of its material is organic, seemed to shine. Is that what you meant by seeing the element? Yoriichi saw a glimpse of blinding flashes in certain angles of your wooden sword. The feat itself should be impossible, but it was happening right before him.
A series of lights like stars vividly twinkling.
Star Breathing.
“So what do you think?” You asked, huffing as you stopped.
Yoriichi liked it. He liked it so much that he couldn’t help but smile. “It’s beautiful.”
“Woah?” You blinked owlishly. “ Is that a smile? Tsugikuni Yoriichi smiling? ”
You laughed as Yoriichi shyly dropped the curl of his lips.
“I promised you an answer for your question.” You reminded him after the joyous moment passed. “What do you want to ask?”
”I only have one question.” He says. “Why do you want to join the Corps?”
You didn’t say anything for a moment until you smiled slightly.
”I just feel like it.” Was all you answered. Yoriichi expected this, being that you have been inadequate with your words. “Tsugikuni-san, would you keep the whole thing about me using the Sun Breathing a secret?” He replied with a quirk of his brow. “Promise me.”
If he were to be honest, you were an untrustworthy person to keep promises when you have been barely honest with him. But your emotions gave away, and this one you are vexatious. The slight agitated beat of your heart betrayed your thoughts. Your body was the only thing for him to understand you a little, even when you’re full of mystery.
He nodded nonetheless. Promises were what kept people together, and perhaps you’ll become closer soon for him to earn your trust. “All right.”
Regardless of being dishonest, you were worthy enough to receive a weapon of your own. Your training had paid off. Yoriichi sends a letter to the Swordsmith Village and recommends one to you. A few days later, a faceless swordsmith visited his mansion, wearing a Hyottoko mask, while you could not contain your excitement, smiling ear to ear.
Ores were offered to you before and you picked the one in the middle. The quality was equal to successful ores forged into weaponry. You waited for a while until the swordsmith returned. Now, seeing he was carrying a box, means your time has come.
“The name already is unusual, and you are already unusual. You, a gaijin , are commonly unusual.”
“Uhm.” You dumbly said.
“I do not care, though. What I do care is if you are worthy of this sword.” The swordsmith huffed, gesturing to the box he was carrying, where your weapon was likely hidden. “With your unusual appearance, you may most likely wield a very unusual sword. I cannot wait to see it.”
Yoriichi glanced at your face and he could tell you were hot and bothered by the word “unusual” right about now. This was common for people to react when it came to foreigners, most were unsure and unresponsive, it was uncommon to be welcomed with open arms. You seemed to be content meeting your swordsmith without him giving any qualms.
Behind his mask, his eagerness awaited. Your swordsmith presented you with a black-sheathed sword that had yet to express your powers. You waited a while for it until your swordsmith returned with a fresh, colourless sword. You thanked him politely and calmly. It was the first time Yoriichi had witnessed you displaying such intricate manners.
“Now unsheathe the sword and hold onto it. The blade will change colour depending on the wielder. As you can see here, Yoriichi-dono.” Yoriichi flashed his black sword for reference. “ Nichirin swords are also known as color-changing swords. If your sword changes colour, then it means you are worthy as a Demon Slayer.”
“I see. Y’know though, this moment is giving me a deja vu. Almost as if Haganezuka is telling me all this.”
“...Yes. That is my family name, madam. I don’t think I have told you yet.”
“Wait, really?!” You sputtered, followed by a disgruntled reply from the masked swordsmith.
Shaking your head, you unsheathed your sword. A colourless blade underneath. You slowly held the hilt with both of your hands and waited.
A second later, a bright colour of white painted over the sword. You made a surprised noise, as well as the swordsmith. Yoriichi silently stared in wonder.
“White?” You titled the sword and blade shows a reflection of light. “That’s a first…”
“Indeed it is.” The swordsmith said in awe. “Unusual indeed.”
“Bruh, stop saying unusual.” You bemoaned.
The swordsmith ignored you. “A balance! Like the Yin and Yang.” Yoriichi didn’t realise his sword was taken just as yours. The swordsmith held the two swords next to each other. “Extraordinary. It is like your nichirin swords are a pair of duality. Either to compose harmony or… opposition.”
After that, the swordsmith was content and left the mansion, bidding luck to the two of you.
Just as you got your new sword, a mission was given to you along with Yoriichi. It was your first time going on a hunt, a mission, and Yoriichi was to accompany you since the two of you are in the same proximity of your destination.
Deep in the night, it was quiet due to the absence of your presence and the eerie night. Yoriichi searched for the demon, fueled with determination. He sensed animosity and death lurking in the air. His sword was in his hand, ready to slash.
He hadn’t heard any word from you ever since the two of you split up, as you suggested that it was faster for the two of you to cover more ground if you were separated.. He did not protest as he believed you were capable of doing so. You had proven yourself, but he still thought of your well-being. Hoping for the best and your safety.
He recalled when he first met you. You were weaponless, yet you’ve dealt with the demons he was tasked with. You seemed to be aware of his duties, as he had told you he patrolled this very region, and you responded almost uninterested. All you complained about was that it was hard to travel in the mountains. That, he agreed with.
You didn’t focus too much on the bigger picture, only on the little things that bothered you. He could imagine you starting to complain as you’ve yet to find the demon, trying to actively attract with your loud voice.
Yoriichi lifted his gaze to the sky. No crow from you. The both of you had yet to find the demon. Time was of the essence, and Yoriichi hurriedly sprinted towards the dark woods. After a few meters, he finally sensed a demon. It was not the one that he was looking for, but he had to kill it nonetheless.
It was as small as a child, crying and sniffling. Yoriichi gave him a quick death as it was unable to sense him because of his speed. He beheaded him without hesitation. The boy’s head lopped off and fell to the ground. He did not realise he was already dying.
“Why are you crying?” Yoriichi asked.
“I saw a lady with a sword.” The young demon answered. “She was scary.”
After that, it immediately turned to ashes. Death took it in its grasp..
Yoriichi wondered, pondering the answer until he heard an unfamiliar piercing sound that echoed throughout the entire mountain.
Bang!
What was that? Yoriichi heard it from the north and he dashed towards the sound. Another demon?
It did not take him long to find the source. There he found you standing in front of a demon, who was already turning into ashes. The demon was spouting profanities at you as its existence was fading.
“What was that?! What did you do to me?! How am I dying already with your sword touching me?!”
It was an odd statement and Yoriichi noticed it just as he heard it. By the demon’s neck, it was not a clean cut but a rugged and messy one. As if something small was pierced through and the entire flesh gave in. He had never seen a wound like this before.
Next to it, it was almost tiny but he saw it glint in the moonlight. He picked it up between his fingers. It looked like a projectile, cylindrical and pointy.
Metal. Nichirin.
He smelled burning metal.
What is this?
Yoriichi turned to you. You quickly shifted like you’re hiding something. He saw a glint of an object shining in your hand. A mix of black and steel. Unfamiliar.
Alien. Dangerous.
“What was that?
You stared at him. “Hm? Oh. That was mine.”
He waited for you to elaborate, yet you kept silent. You were never a direct person with yourself, regardless of being expressively direct with your mind, and this makes Yoriichi realise he did not know anything about you.
Yoriichi kept still and steady. His hand was holding the hilt of his sword.
While you remained watching him with a steady smile on your face.
That was the final sign. Of all the signs he recollected ever since he met you, he finalised his thoughts that you don’t just belong here. You don’t belong entirely.
This world is not your home.
Who… exactly are you?