Chapter Text
Hands fiddled with the end of the short outfit Hinatsuru wore in unease. Eyebrows were pressed firmly into the center of her forehead in uncertainty. Hinatsuru should be terrified. She should be screaming and begging to be let out. That would be the normal reaction of a person trapped with a demon. And yet… Hinatsuru wasn’t at all frightened. Her nervousness was because of meeting Gyutaro again after what happened in Yoshiwara. She had attacked him, and he had to be irritated about that at best.
Hinatsuru hoped and prayed that Gyutaro wouldn’t be too cross with her.
Yet the woman was unsure. It was still the same night when everything happened. Gyutaro still had to be angered over everything. The woman was nervous about what the demon might do to her. The demon was liable to raping her…again… Sure, even when he violated her in the past, it was gentle. He was taking her without her express permission. Yet he was not hurting her in the process. It was so…foreign to Hinatsuru.
Tengen always hurt her when they had intercourse. Natural size certainly contributed. Yet it was also the fact that Tengen was rough. Perhaps he was rougher than he should be. Tengen always apologized for how intense he was. Hinatsuru barely accepted it at the time. It did make her nervous about sex as a whole. Her mission had her sleeping with men. Mainly Gyutaro, but occasionally other men. Hinatsuru loathed that she had been made to do that in general. It was both a loyalty thing and a desire to just be left alone.
Hinatsuru didn’t hate sex. She hated being in pain due to sex. The woman has long suffered time and time again due to such roughness. Gyutaro was a change in pace for once. There was dignity that was, for once, shown to the woman. Hinatsuru honestly wished that she could have more sex like that. Not the pathetic, mentally destroying kind Hinatsuru had been forced to endure. Yet that didn’t translate to this night. Gyutaro may use Hinatsuru in a cruel manner. All for the crime of interfering…
Hinatsuru was scared…
The slide behind the woman made her heart sink in dread. Plum eyes were wide as can be in dread. Her body was tense as steel. Hands were gripping the fabric as if it were Hinatsuru’s only lifeline. Breathing was uneven as the woman expected hands to suddenly grip her frame. Hinatsuru sat down in anticipation of whatever was to come. All the tar-haired woman could do was pray that Gyutaro was merciful to her. Hinatsuru shut her eyes, feeling the demon’s presence draw nearer.
Rather than the harsh hand she was anticipating, it was a soft grip. Hinatsuru’s eyes went wide as can be. She didn’t say a word. She just processed and prepared for whatever was to come. Plum eyes dared to look back at the demon. Putrid green eyes were looking at the woman with a gentle expression. The demon appeared more tired than angry. Was that good? Hinatsuru was not sure. Gyutaro shrugged. “You should head to bed, Hina… It's late, and I know you’re exhausted…”
Hinatsuru was rather shocked to hear that. She surely thought that Gyutaro was going to use her body. The fact that he wasn’t was messing with the woman’s head. Hinatsuru was so used to being the stress relief for her husband. Hinatsuru had intercourse with Tengen far more than Makio and Suma did with him. So Hinatsuru had fully anticipated Gyutaro to get right to the point. He truly wasn’t going to have sex with her?
Really?
Hinatsuru wasn’t about to squander this precious chance. A slight nod was all that the woman needed to present. A weakened, tired body crawled to the futon beside her. It had been thrown out without much regard. Hinatsuru couldn’t be bothered to fix it. It will have to do for this evening. Adjustments and proper preparation can be done when she wakes up. There was one thing on the woman’s mind, though.
Does she dare escape or not?
Was Hinatsuru happy to be here with this demon?
Did Hinatsuru even want to return to her husband?
Hinatsuru woke up feeling refreshed. All the strain that Hinatsuru felt from the day before was gone. The woman felt that she could take on anyone and anything. Well, not quite yet. Stomach growled in deep, longing hunger. When did Hinatsuru last eat anything? Plum eyes looked up at the ceiling in contemplation. Hinatsuru frowned, recalling that it was morning the day before.
That didn’t bode that well.
Hinatsuru stood up slowly to see if she could locate something to eat. Maybe she could find Gyutaro and ask for help? Barely having the chance to stand up, Hinatsuru spotted the demon. He was walking in with a massive armful of clothes. They were not folded or anything like that. A frown formed on the woman’s lips, seeing the dishevelment.
Gyutaro, on the other hand, was bright. Putrid green eyes were alight in excitement. A toothy grin flashed from the man’s lips. The demon stepped closer. His body leaned forward to be right up before the woman. Voice was clear as can be. “Oh! Good morning, Hina! How are ya? Did ya sleep well?”
Hinatsuru returned the smile given to her. Only hers was gentler and less toothy. Hinatsuru’s frame was collected. Plum eyes observed the demon with intent. Her response was clear yet gentle. “I did sleep well. I am just hungry, I haven’t eaten since yesterday morning. Do you have anything I can eat?”
Gyutaro frowned upon hearing that. Eyebrows furrowed in the center of his forehead. There was a clicking sound that escaped the demon’s mouth. Putrid green eyes quickly glanced at the ground. A sigh breached Upper Moon Six’s lips. “Shit, you're right. Ya haven’t eaten in a while. Um… Alright then, I’ll organize food and water for ya! While I do that, you should get changed. Cause uh well… Your uh top…“
Gyutaro pointed at Hinatsuru with his finger. The woman was incredibly confused. At least she was until she looked down. Plum eyes widened seeing that her left breast was poking out of the immodest top. She hadn't noticed that she had even been exposed. It probably slipped out while sleeping. Hinatsuru nonchalantly adjusted her clothes. Looking back up, Hinatsuru shrugged. “Oh. I’m used to this happening.”
Gyutaro set the clothes onto the ground without a second thought. Though there was certainly some confusion. That was evident in the expressions on the man’s face. The man’s nose was scrunched in confusion. “Eh? You are? Why? I never once saw that in the month you were with me.”
“You didn’t because of what I wore. Before this mission that I was on, I would wear things like this.”
“At your home?”
“And other missions…”
“But why?”
Hinatsuru honestly couldn’t fully answer that question. Tengen stated that it was for the mission. The women needed to fully utilize their sexuality for their missions. But did other women kunoichi wear clothes like what Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma wore? Hinatsuru wasn’t sure whatsoever. She didn’t really have a basis of her own. Sure, she was raised and performed missions before marrying Tengen. But it was different. It was all infiltration missions. She had specific outfits she was meant to wear.
Once she married Tengen, that all changed. It was now all these rather… crass outfits…
Hinatsuru’s breasts were always out now. Even when the woman was not on a mission. When wearing a relatively normal kimono, her chest had been out. That was the case with Makio and Suma as well. Hinatsuru was never all that comfortable being so exposed for all the world to see. Yoshiwara had unironically been a break from that. And that place was the entertainment district! Even so, Hinatsuru could cover up.
If there was to be a reason for why that is the case, Hinatsuru could only guess. The root of the reason was more than likely one person. That person is Tengen. Tengen insisted that the outfits were necessary. He also took advantage of Hinatsuru wearing what she did. Hinatsuru had found herself being groped quite often by her husband.
Tengen constantly grabbed her butt or chest. He would do it nearly everywhere at home. Hinatsuru could be cooking, cleaning, or folding laundry, and Tengen will touch her. He has even done so in front of Makio and Suma in the past. Whether Tengen meant to do that intentionally or not, Hinatsuru was unsure. But she knew one thing for sure…
Hinatsuru was favored by Tengen.
Hinatsuru found that she was often the object of Tengen’s affections. Hinatsuru was taken care of by him. Touched by him. Embraced by him. Hinatsuru was kissed often by him. Slept with him. Had intercourse with him.
It was far more often with Hinatsuru than it was with Makio or Suma.
Towards the start of the marriage, it did drive the two crazy. They would do their best to grab Tengen’s affections. Get him to notice both of them. They only wanted Tengen to spend time with them as well. Over time, Hinatsuru noticed that Makio and Suma stopped trying to get Tengen’s gaze upon them. It was pointless in their eyes, and Hinatsuru knew that. It was no wonder they did what they did…
With the benefit of hindsight…
No…
Hinatsuru will not touch on that right now. That would be thoughts for another time. Hinatsuru simply wanted to put on clothes that were comfortable. After being with Gyutaro for that month… Being in Yoshiwara in general… It was a breath of fresh air… Hinatsuru was happy to finally wear more modest clothing. It was far more comfortable than what Hinatsuru had been forced to wear for years at this point.
The woman shrugged at Gyutaro’s past question. She answered as honestly as she could. “I am unsure… I assume it's just what my husband wanted from me. He particularly liked me over my friends…”
Gyutaro made a noise of realization. He folded his arms over the other. Head cocked in interest. “Oh, that’s right! That Hashira had three of ya, didn’t he?”
Hinatsuru nodded slightly. Were Makio and Suma alright? Hinatsuru was unsure about how everything ended in Yoshiwara. What did Tengen do to the two? They had technically been the ones who allowed Hinatsuru to be captured. Seeing as Daki and Gyutaro left not long after blowing up the district. Apparently, there had been a demoness on the side of the corps who could cure Gyutaro's poisonous blood. So the siblings left.
Hinatsuru hoped that Makio and Suma were not punished for what happened.
Hinatsuru was despondent in her tone of voice. “That’s right… The two you saw as you grabbed me? That was them…”
Gyutaro scratched the back of his head. He looked to the side in worry. The man mumbled in sympathy. “Yeah… I figured as much… I did leave them alone, of course! I saw no reason to kill them as me and my sis left…”
Hinatsuru and Gyutaro were quiet for a moment. The woman was considering those she left. Makio and Suma. The boy who saved her. Even Tengen… She missed them all in varying degrees. Tengen was the least. Hinatsuru wondered what Gyutaro was thinking of. Perhaps he was considering Makio and Suma as well. Maybe he felt guilty about leaving the two behind? He could be worried that they were going to be harmed by Tengen as well. They won't be surely.
That was Hinatsuru’s hope as well.
Gyutaro cleared his throat. Face was flushed just slightly. The demon pointed behind his frame with both of his thumbs. Stuttering escaped Gyutaro’s lips. “W-Well! I sh-should get ya some food! You get changed, and I-I’ll be back!”
Gyutaro scampered away at once. Hinatsuru smiled in amusement, hearing Gyutaro trip over his own feet. He was such a silly man, wasn’t he? It was no wonder Hinatsuru was reluctant to the idea of escaping. She wasn’t in the worst position, being the beloved of a demon. It was not as if Tengen would be exactly happy with her should she return…
But that was a problem Hinatsuru didn’t need to fret over. A smile formed on Hinatsuru’s face. Turning to the pile of clothes, plum eyes raked over the kimonos Gyutaro left. Finally… Hinatsuru can wear what she wants… After such a long time of wearing what Tengen demanded she wear…
It was liberating…
A routine was established by this point, a week later. Gyutaro gave directions for where Hinatsuru grabbed her food. She did ask for a kitchen, stating that she’d rather make her own meals than rely on another. It gave her something to do. Hinatsuru wanted to do things with her hands and not be trapped just twiddling her thumbs. Gyutaro joyfully agreed and granted that request.
It was then that Hinatsuru learned that Gyutaro could eat human food. In fact, outside of two demons in the Upper Ranks, all of them could technically eat normal food. It just provided little to no nutritional value to them. Gyutaro and Daki benefit the most from the human food of the Upper Ranks and the master. It was fascinating to learn. So did that apply to all demons? Hinatsuru didn’t think to ask. It wasn’t that important to be fair. Hinatsuru just enjoyed being with Gyutaro.
In this week, Gyutaro did not touch Hinatsuru sexually. Cuddling was the most that Gyutaro did. He liked to kiss Hinatsuru, but he never pushed it. He would inexplicably give Hinatsuru a smooch on the cheek. But that was all. There was never any breach of boundaries. Gyutaro was considerate. Gyutaro was waiting for the time when Hinatsuru was comfortable with him again. There was recognition that he went too far. That night in Yoshiwara. He was too forceful when grabbing her.
For which Gyutaro profusely apologized for that.
Hinatsuru found it in her heart to forgive Gyutaro.
She could understand why he did what he did. There had been an undeniable shock in seeing Hinatsuru on the battlefield. It had to have gotten worse upon realizing that Hinatsuru was the wife of the Sound Hashira. Hinatsuru couldn’t fault Gyutaro for that whatsoever. And yet he still felt it was awful to even dare ask for intercourse. Though Hinatsuru had the sneaking suspicion that he was going to ask soon. But is Hinatsuru ready to say yes?
The woman was unsure…
That night, Hinatsuru had made a lovely tempura dinner for the two of them. They laughed at each other’s stories and jokes. Gyutaro had many humorous tales of his time as a demon. Yoshiwara might be a dark place at times, but there could be some fun had. It nearly made Hinatsuru wish she could experience the happy part of the entertainment district. They even played a game of hanafuda. Gyutaro won every time. But he was years older than her, thus had more experience. It made sense. Truly a magical evening, Hinatsuru couldn’t lie about that. Nothing could dampen her spirits.
Hinatsuru was straightening up. Gyutaro kept looking back at Hinatsuru on occasion. He wasn’t really doing anything. He offered to help, but Hinatsuru assured him that she’s got this. There was not much to clean up anyway. In fact, the woman was essentially done. Hinatsuru straightened her back as she got to her feet. Her hands were on her hips as she looked at the well-cleaned floor. But now what does she do? Plum eyes were sparkling in the light.
Gyutaro had gotten over quietly. Muscular arms wrapped around Hinatsuru’s waist. A tiny squeak escaped the woman’s lungs, having not anticipated that at all. Plum eyes looked back at the demon. His face was practically resting on her right shoulder. Putrid green eyes were trained on the ground in meekness. Flush was just visible on the demon’s cheeks. A gulp was barely detectable. “So… Hina…”
Hinatsuru raised an eyebrow externally. Internally, there was this sensation at the back of her head. Deep down, she knew what the demon was about to ask. It was the most obvious thing of all time. A man was a man at the end of the day. They had their needs and desires. The fact that Gyutaro lasted this long was nothing short of amazing. Gyutaro went on. “Ya see… I was wonderin’… Could we perhaps… Have… Um… sex? If you want, of course! It's your decision! I’m not forcin’ ya!”
In contrast to the month that Hinatsuru had been held captive, honestly. That time, the demon did not really care what Hinatsuru wanted. He just took without asking. This was an improvement. It Hinatsuru had to assume why he was inquiring now; it was the battle in Yoshiwara. Gyutaro witnessed Tengen’s one singular reaction to Hinatsuru. It did not paint that marriage in a pleasant light.
Seeing as Tengen had yelled at Hinatsuru when grabbed, rather than the demon said enough. The look of jealousy and rage added to it. Hinatsuru could only dread what could have been done to her had she been taken back by Tengen. It was horrifying just to think about. But Tengen was long gone. Hinatsuru didn’t have to fear him whatsoever. That brought up the question of what to do now.
It wasn’t that Hinatsuru feared sex with Gyutaro. If anything, Gyutaro was the gentlest man Hinatsuru had ever slept with. There was, for once, care about her pleasure. The woman had received things from Gyutaro that no other man prior had even thought of. Hinatsuru didn’t even know that women COULD receive oral pleasure before Gyutaro. Sure, Hinatsuru came because of Tengen. But that was only due to his actions in vaginal sex. Hinatsuru knew things about sex and female pleasure. But not in the way that Gyutaro showed her.
So Gyutaro is asking… It made Hinatsuru more open to the idea. Even just asking for permission made Gyutaro leagues above Tengen. There was more honor from the demon than from her husband. There was an incentive. Hinatsuru held all the power in this dynamic. That gave the woman an idea. She dared to ask. “Could you possibly do me first before anything is done to you?”
Gyutaro turned around Hinatsuru with profuse desire. Putrid green eyes were wide as they stared at the woman. Twinkling was evident in the orbs. A toothy grin escaped the demon’s lips. Upper Moon Six’s reply was as swift as possible. “Oh, of course! Of course! Whatever you want, Hina!”
Hinatsuru yelped in shock when she was suddenly picked up. Gyutaro grabbed the woman in a bridal carry. Plum eyes blinked rapidly as the demon walked towards the bedroom. Since getting here, the area has expanded. There was a kitchen, a living area, a miniature library, and a bedroom. Gyutaro expressed that one day he wanted to get a better place for them to live. A location that allowed Hinatsuru access to the sun. That's for a future day, though. When things died down, then Gyutaro could begin to look.
The door to the bedroom opened up with the nudging of a foot. Plum eyes looked at the bed with neutral eyes. The futon was large and organized now. Hinatsuru had tidied it up after getting dressed on the first full day here. Gyutaro did sleep beside Hinatsuru the other days of this week. There was just no intercourse. That was changing on this day. And the woman wasn’t so upset about that.
A body was placed on the bed with care. Hinatsuru was still sitting up and looking at the demon. Face was flushed as putrid green raked up and down the woman’s body. Adam’s apple bobbed in deep want. Hands shook in anticipation while reaching for the fabrics on his frame. The red clothes were pulled off and tossed to the floor without care. Slate colored pants were lowered with even less concern. That allowed Hinatsuru to see Gyutaro once again.
Plum eyes raked up and down Gyutaro’s body. Hinatsuru had yet to really look at the demon in this specific way. He usually just took Hinatsuru when he felt like it. It didn’t give Hinatsuru the opportunity to properly examine the demon’s naked frame. It was different from his human disguise in some way. In other ways, they were exactly the same. The demon Gyutaro was as skinny as can be. Human Gyutaro was not. Hair was dipped in green as a demon and not a human. The eyes did not need to be explained.
What was the same was Gyutaro’s cock. Long yet not as girthy as Tengen. Tengen was punishing in his length. It hurt more than it pleased. Whereas with Gyutaro, he always focused on her. The demon didn’t always give Hinatsuru oral pleasure. But he still made sure that Hinatsuru had fun as well. Hinatsuru could feel herself actually start to become… excited. Her guts coil and twist in desire. Never once has she felt this way with her husband.
Gyutaro swallowed thickly in unease. A foot moved closer towards the woman. A hand reached for the tar-haired woman. And yet he didn’t dare touch Hinatsuru without her permission. His voice trembled in deep lust. “Um… C-Could I undress ya?”
Hinatsuru didn’t want Gyutaro to take off her clothes. The reason wasn’t related to discomfort. No, that was the furthest thing from that. There was a different plan in mind. Hinatsuru expressed her idea. “No. But not because I am uncomfortable. I want to strip for you…”
Eyes widened to the max. He placed his hands at his sides in obedience. Gyutaro watched in anticipation. That allowed Hinatsuru to pull off her top. Breasts spilled forth for Upper Moon Six to see. It evidently affected the demon. Plum eyes noticed Gyutaro’s penis leap up in desire. Hinatsuru observed it grow harder with each second. And this was only the beginning of this encounter.
Hinatsuru peeled off her obi in less than a moment. Hinatsuru pulled off her kimono, leaving her only in her fundoshi. Gyutaro’s face was as red as can be. Encroaching hands were dangerously close to beginning to rub his penis. The appendage kept leaping in want. Just the final part of this small tease was left.
Hinatsuru grabbed the cloth around her waist and pulled it off. Hinatsuru showcased the fabric and tossed it off the bed. With that, Hinatsuru spread her legs apart. Two fingers grabbed her folds and spread them apart. Plum eyes stared heavily at the demon before her. Green eyes were staring at the woman’s intimacy with a wide gaze. The man looked up, practically asking if he could plunge in. Hinatsuru gave a simple nod to allow Upper Six his desires.
Gyutaro practically dove towards Hinatsuru. Mouth quickly pressed against the woman’s clit. A bumpy tongue dragged against the bundle of nerves with need. Even though the texture was strange, that didn’t diminish anything. It felt incredible all the same. The woman gasped in equal lust. Oh, how has Hinatsuru missed this! She could never get enough of Gyutaro doing this to her!
Hinatsuru brought a hand up to her lips. All the while, Gyutaro gently pushed the woman onto the bedding. The left hand reached up to the corresponding breast. Calloused hand brushed against a hardening nipple. A sharp wet gasp escaped Hinatsuru’s lips. It was clear that the woman had needed this for a while. Why she suppressed this, Hinatsuru didn’t fully understand. Loyalty was a fickle thing at times. Especially for a man who had done nothing really good to her.
Tengen has sold her to men before.
Cruel and wicked men.
All for the mission…
Hinatsuru gasped once more as Gyutaro sucked particularly harshly on her clit again. His right hand stroked the inside of the woman’s thighs. Plum eyes pressed shut as her back arched. A heavy moan escaped Hinatsuru’s lips. Looking down, Hinatsuru examined the demon between her legs. He looked utterly enamored by her. Green eyes were practically rolling back into his skull. Hinatsuru wondered if his cock was fully erect.
Who cared?
Hinatsuru was beginning to drown in the heat. Her guts churned as her orgasm drew nearer. Never once has Hinatsuru felt so incredible. There has not been a time in which Hinatsuru felt such feelings. It felt so…good. Hinatsuru’s gaze was as unfocused as ever. There was an inability to hear anything beyond the sucking beneath her. It felt so good.
So fucking good.
Hinatsuru couldn’t get enough of it!
With that, Hinatsuru came heavily against Gyutaro’s lips. Stomach muscles twitched and contracted as she orgasmed. Gyutaro was slurping up the liquids pouring from within her. Hinatsuru’s breathing was as heavy as can be. Fingers were almost digging into the flesh of Hinatsuru’s cheek. Relaxing puffs of air escaped the woman’s lungs. Hinatsuru calmed down from that powerful reaction. She genuinely hasn’t ever had something like that happen to her before.
Plum eyes looked down at Gyutaro when her nerves settled. A long tongue licked up Hinatsuru’s folds once more. The demon moved so that he was hovering above the tar-haired woman. He was so imposing, and Hinatsuru loved it. Green eyes stared at Hinatsuru with deep arousal. His cock was as erect as can be. Eyes were as soft as can be. “You look so beautiful, my dear Hina…”
Deep flush spread across Hinatsuru’s face. Truly… She had never heard it be stated like that before. Men have stated similar. Tengen stated something almost exactly like this before. And yet…it felt hollow with them… It was as if they were not at all serious about what they said. In the case of Gyutaro, though…
He meant it.
Gyutaro really and truly loved Hinatsuru…
Hinatsuru reached her hands up towards his face. Warm flesh made contact with cold skin. He was always naturally cold. Hinatsuru wanted to be the one to warm him up. The woman smiled at the demon as gently as she could. Voice cooed out in deep affection. “Thanks… I really like you, Gyutaro…”
Green eyes widened upon hearing that. Jaw went slack as those words sank in. His voice squeaked, unsure what to respond with. Hinatsuru found it so cute that she got such an imposing demon to react like this. Upper Moon Six is being rendered mute by words alone. It would make any demon slayer lose their mind at how easy it was. Gyutaro cleared his throat. “I-I like you too, Hina! Uh… C-Could I…Um… Stick it inside now?”
Hinatsuru nodded slightly. Legs spread as wide as could be spread. Plum eyes were filled with complete innocence. Gyutaro smiled widely with excitement. He maneuvered his penis towards Hinatsuru’s intimacy. Hinatsuru readied herself for the fun that was to come. She just knew this was going to be magical…
Time flew by whilst with Gyutaro. Hinatsuru wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. The bedroom was the place where Hinatsuru enjoyed herself the most. The woman had not anticipated what she would be into. There were things done on the bed that the woman didn’t know could be done. So many more positions and ways to be pleasured. Hinatsuru couldn’t get enough of it.
All Hinatsuru could think about was that she didn’t want to ever return to where she once was.
There was comfort here where there was never before. Hinatsuru felt so good being here. There was peace in this new life. Though one thing Hinatsuru had to admit was that she wished she could talk to other women. Gyutaro was fine, don’t get it wrong, it just wasn’t enough. There was just something about talking to fellow women that was enjoyable. Perhaps she should inquire if she could talk to Daki.
Surely that would be fine. Speaking to Daki shouldn’t be that big of an issue, surely. Unless she was busy, which Hinatsuru was unsure about. Hinatsuru stepped into the room where Gyutaro was. He was preoccupied with reading at the moment. The demon found it boring, but he was apparently required to. Something to do with studies on strategy and history. It was part of his punishment for not killing Tengen in Yoshiwara. There had been another aspect, but the woman was not told what that had been. Hinatsuru didn’t need to know.
The woman stepped into the room quietly. Even then, Gyutaro heard her. Putrid green eyes looked up and back at Hinatsuru. A wide grin formed on his lips. Sharp teeth flashed in excitement. Being around the woman was certainly better than reading. Body fully faced his dear pet. Head cocked in profound interest. Voice was bright as can be. “Hinatsuru! How are ya today?”
A wide grin formed on the woman’s lips. Plum eyes were filled with unbridled affection. Hinatsuru’s smile was wide as can be. “I am good. I see you are busy, though.”
Green eyes rolled heavily as a sigh escaped lungs. A hand waved the book he gripped in frustration. The demon mumbled in annoyance. “Yeah… But it's boring as all hell… But what brings you in here?”
It was now or never. Hinatsuru breathed to relax her nerves. She didn’t fully understand why she was uneasy about asking. This wasn’t Tengen. Tengen might have gotten maddeningly jealous depending on who it was. Even with women, did her former husband act that way. Hinatsuru wasn’t attracted to women at all. That was Suma; she was preferable to both. Was this just Hinatsuru being put off due to the past? Must be.
Hinatsuru’s question was blunt. “Would it be possible to speak to any other women in this place? If there is anyone I can talk to. Like your sister, that would be nice. But I wish to talk to a human. I know that would be difficult, but I wish to have more companions…”
Gyutaro blinked several times as he stared at the woman. A frown formed on human lips. Did Hinatsuru push it too far? She didn’t know and was scared that she did. Hinatsuru shifted uncomfortably. Shoulders tensed in uncertainty. Feet shuffled on the ground. Plum eyes gazed towards the ground with nervousness. Hinatsuru hoped that Gyutaro wasn’t mad at her. That would just be terrible.
Gyutaro stood up and looked at Hinatsuru. Feet stepped closer towards the woman. They were firm; there was purpose. Tension stiffened Hinatsuru’s body. Why was she so scared? It was not as if the woman was about to be hit. Yet that didn’t change much. If Gyutaro noticed the reaction, Hinatsuru didn’t know. The woman braced for whatever was to come. Gyutaro was blunt. “Oh yeah, that’s fine with me! I know a few ladies that you can talk to. My sis is busy, but there are a few humans you can talk to in here!”
Plum eyes widened in shock as she looked at the demon. Firstly, Hinatsuru was surprised that Gyutaro didn’t react negatively to the inquiry. Past experience had been the end result. Secondly, there was the revelation that Gyutaro just stated. Hinatsuru was not the only human in this place. There were others. Who? Who were they? Where were they? Curiosity was getting to Hinatsuru. All she could utter was. “Th-Theres other people?”
Gyutaro tossed the book over his shoulder. The loud thud indicated its landing on the floor. Where exactly it was, no one cared to figure out. Hinatsuru merely stared at the demon before her. Gyutaro’s gaze was cheery. Voice was as bright as the sunlight. “Yep! I forgot about them till just now! But I am positive I can arrange a meetin! Besides! I imagine none of the ladies here enjoys being alone.”
Hinatsuru was quite interested in the women that Gyutaro was referring to. When did they get here? How long have they been in here? So many questions. And Hinatsuru supposed that she would be getting her answers soon. What was important now was at least getting some information. Just a small basis would be fine for now. So Hinatsuru pressed on. “How many are there? And what are their names? And who are they with?”
Gyutaro snapped his fingers and pointed at Hinatsuru. Eyes were wide in openness. Voice was firm as can be. “Figured that you’d ask that! I can yell ya!”
Gyutaro urged Hinatsuru to take a seat. The woman adopted a seiza position on the ground. Gyutaro’s sitting was in a rather improper form. But that was just how he was. Hinatsuru observed the demon with firmness. Listening intently was of utmost importance at the moment. Gyutaro began at once. “So there are two others in here right now. Well, not including you, of course.”
A finger was held up to indicate the first woman. “We have the newest arrival along with you. She’s from Yoshiwara and has been there her whole life. I don’t know her all that well. I only knew that Daki tried to eat her the night everything went to shit. I believe she was brought here that same night after being released from Daki’s sashes.”
Gyutaro looked up at the ceiling. The demon clicked his tongue. “Her name is Koinatsu. She was an Oiran.”
Hinatsuru knew the name; she had never met the woman, though. Koinatsu was well known in Yoshiwara. A kind and gentle soul, it was always stated that she was in the wrong place. Popular amongst men, many wished to marry her. Hinatsuru did not expect Koinatsu to be here. Hinatsuru was honest. “I don’t know her personally. But I have heard of her from before you kidnapped me the first time. I didn’t know she was here. Which demon is she with?”
Gyutaro placed his hand on his knee. Green eyes looked right into plum ones. “Stronger one than me. Upper Moon Four, specifically the anger clone.”
Hinatsuru frowned in confusion. “There are multiple parts to Upper Moon Four?”
“Yep. They are based on emotions. The angry one is the one ya need to know about right now. Sekido is his name. Koinatsu has been here the same amount of time as ya. Although I think he’s been seeing Koinatsu for longer than I have been with ya. I dunno though, you’d have to ask her.”
Hinatsuru nodded in understanding. Koinatsu probably does have far more experience than Hinatsuru. In the sense that she knew how to placate men. If she truly was with the demon of anger, then she was probably fine. But having another woman in here was good. Hinatsuru wondered who the final woman was. The woman watched Gyutaro with keen interest. Yet something was off.
Gyutaro looked to the side with hesitation. Lips curled in uncertainty. Eyes flashed in worry. Something was terribly amiss. Was it related to the final woman? Did she suffer a horrible fate? What was wrong? Plum eyes mirrored Gyutaro’s own. The woman wanted to ask, but felt it would be perhaps inappropriate. Hinatsuru was silent as a mouse. Gyutaro seemed to be thinking about how he was to word whatever was next.
With a sigh, Gyutaro held up two fingers. Voice was far quieter this time around. “Then we have the second… girl…”
Girl.
That word was intentional. It indicated something far darker to Hinatsuru. The frown present on Hinatsuru’s lips turned sharper. Gyutaro looked to the side. He took the hand that held up the fingers and scratched the back of his head. Questions left his lips. They were asked to himself. “Is that appropriate to call her? I mean, she is young. But would it be approved? Is there a better word to call her? I dunno…”
Hinatsuru still said nothing. But she was cobbling together what Gyutaro meant. Finally, he fully explained. “The other girl is the…uh…wife of my master. It’s a… complicated situation. Though that is putting it rather mildly… Her name is Nezuko…”
Eyes turned forlorn. “She’s, I believe, fourteen right now…and with child…”
Child bride and pregnant. It was a horrific fate that Hinatsuru could not lie. Suma had been one and admitted that she found it stressful. The only advantage was that she and Tengen were closer in age. This Nezuko girl was certainly not close in age. This was Kibutsuji. And she was pregnant with his child. Hinatsuru wanted to meet and see her. Nezuko must need a friend. Hinatsuru hoped such a meeting would be approved.
Gyutaro seemed to detect that thought. His sigh was heavy as can be. “I mean… There shouldn’t be a reason I’d be told no. My master knows Nezuko needs more human interaction. His saying no would be due to him seein’ Nezuko as needing punishment. But for what? I would have no clue… So it should be a quick yes…”
Hinatsuru agreed and thus nodded. There shouldn’t be any holdups in getting this meeting arranged. To brush aside the worrying aspect that was Nezuko, Hinatsuru wondered what they were like. What were Koinatsu and Nezuko’s like? Were they anything like Makio and Suma? Hinatsuru missed them terribly and hoped they were doing all right. They should have had stable situations to flee to.
Hinatsuru recalled the day that she realized her fellow sister wives were having affairs. It was who they were having their affairs with that was rather shocking. The ones they were sleeping with were other Hashira. Specifically, the Water and Wind Hashira. Makio was with Sanemi. Suma was with Giyuu. The woman was still boggled by what occurred. It was simply a shocking event to see for the first time. It had been a get-together with all the Hashira. Everyone had been drinking at varying levels.
Tengen had been the drunkest of them all. Hinatsuru did not drink much at all. It wasn’t for her. That had allowed her to see what was going on. Makio and Sanemi had been rather drunk. Hinatsuru noticed them hanging off the other. It was nothing too terrible. That often happened. Mitsuri had been doing that with Gyomei. Suma and Giyuu had been preoccupied with their conversation. These things alone wouldn’t be a cause for a second thought.
It was near the end of the night when things changed.
Hinatsuru had been tasked with taking Tengen to his room. He could barely see straight; he was so drunk. It was while basically dragging the man to bed that Hinatsuru saw it. Makio had been leading Sanemi into a bedroom. He had been taking his top off, too. It was worse when Hinatsuru saw Suma clinging to Giyuu in a dark nook, kissing Giyuu. There was no denial about what was going on. They were cheating on Tengen.
Hinatsuru didn’t want to believe it, but the evidence was before her. It was the little things that Hinatsuru pondered on that had it all make sense. There was so much that told Hinatsuru that Makio and Suma had been at this for quite some time. But how long? Hinatsuru wasn’t sure. She wasn’t told when she confronted the two early on in their mission at Yoshiwara. All that was gauged was that they were leaving Tengen once this mission was over.
They had security.
There was a place that they could be.
Hinatsuru didn’t understand it at the time. She does now, though. She was in a slightly similar situation. In that she was not unhappy with being with Gyutaro. She was more than pleased sleeping with the demon. Tengen really had not been good for any of them. It was so funny. Hinatsuru once preached utmost loyalty. She had been offended that her sister wives betrayed that. Even so, she never ratted them out.
Deep down, perhaps Hinatsuru always knew that Tengen was not a good person for the three of them.
That was unimportant now, though. Hinatsuru wanted to meet the other two. Hopefully, that would be sooner rather than later. Hinatsuru didn’t enjoy being alone for so long. Having friends in this place is beneficial on all fronts. Especially for that girl, Nezuko, spoken of. Hinatsuru just had to be patient.
Approval for the meeting came not even a day later. Things just had to be arranged. This was so that schedules could line up. Missions conflicted at least with Upper Moon Four. He was gone right now. Yet the man was still able to agree to the idea. Although Hinatsuru learned his acceptance came with more reluctance than it did for the demon king. It was fine, though. Hinatsuru was fine with waiting.
It has been yet another week, and now was the time.
Two hands smoothed out the front of the light pink kimono. A small breath of air escaped the woman’s lungs. There was slight nervousness, but not for the reason that she was nervous in general. Hinatsuru was hoping that she could be able to ease Nezuko specifically. It must be terrifying to be carrying a child so young, Hinatsuru felt terrible for the poor girl. Maybe she and Koinatsu could help Nezuko out?
Gyutaro appeared before plum eyes. The demon was smiling as wide as can be. He was excited for Hinatsuru to meet the other two. It was so good that he approved of this. Hinatsuru had heard tales of demons who were maddeningly jealous of any interaction their pets had with another soul. Gyutaro was amazingly relaxed with most things. The only time she’s seen him be mad was in Yoshiwara the night Tengen fought him. “Are ya excited?”
Hinatsuru smiled affectionately towards the demon. “I am indeed. I cannot wait to meet the two.”
Gyutaro slid to the woman’s side. His hand wrapped around her waist. It was a gentle grasp for such a rough-looking demon. Honestly, the contrast was something that Hinatsuru really loved. Gyutaro was blunt. “Well then, let’s get going!”
Plum eyes blinked to see a door suddenly appear before her. The woman still has yet to learn who on earth was the one who controlled this place. Questions about that could be for another time. For now, the other two humans here were more important. Gyutaro nudged Hinatsuru forward to tell her to go through. It was a command that she didn’t hesitate with. Hinatsuru’s steps were evenly paced.
When the pair stepped inside, the woman could observe her surroundings. There wasn’t anything too different about this room. It was just a simple place. A small table was situated within. A piping hot teapot and three cups were on top of it. Drinks for the meeting. There was not much else within. That was just fine with the tar-haired woman. She was far more intent on speaking to the others.
Gyutaro let go of Hinatsuru. Plum eyes glanced back at the demon once more. An eyebrow was raised as she examined Upper Moon Six. Gyutaro looked cheerful still. He was confident about leaving Hinatsuru here. He gave a farewell for now. “Well then, see ya later, Hina! Have fun with the others!”
Gyutaro stepped through the door behind him. It shut in but a moment. If Hinatsuru had to guess, it was a stipulation to the women meeting. Gyutaro was perfectly fine with this all. But that may not apply to the other two. Hinatsuru had absolutely no clue she knew so little about any of the other demons anyway. But was it really so important that she knew them? Not really. Hinatsuru did not want to know them.
Hinatsuru would be so utterly disgusted by them; she just knew it.
Plum eyes snapped to the left, noticing yet another door appear. In stepped a woman who seemed to be about Hinatsuru’s age. Onyx hair shimmered in the light. Gorgeous copper eyes focused on Hinatsuru in an instant. This must be Koinatsu. She really was as pretty as the rumors stated. Lips were furled in a fashion to indicate curiosity. She was the first to speak. “Ah… You must be Hinatsuru?”
The tar-haired woman nodded. She also afforded a quaint bow of respect. Hinatsuru had to ensure that she left a good first impression on her fellow companion. Hinatsuru didn’t see herself as trapped in the way that Koinatsu might. Nezuko for sure had to see this place as a cage. Nezuko was for a bit, though. Hinatsuru introduced herself. “Indeed, I am… You must be Koinatsu. I have heard of you when I was in Yoshiwara.”
Koinatsu cocked her head just slightly in further intrigue. Copper eyes bore holes into Hinatsuru’s soul. The woman nearly shirked away from the intense gaze. Koinatsu furled her lips. “Oh? You are from Yoshiwara as well? What house?”
Hinatsuru rubbed the back of her neck. Plum eyes glanced to the side for a split second. She explained what really went on at once. “I was not there for long. It was a mission with the Demon Slayer Corps. I was tasked to find the demon of Yoshiwara. Ironically, he found me before I ever realized it.”
Koinatsu’s head motioned slightly to indicate she understood. “I see… Isn't it true that Upper Moon Six is two people? I met the woman, but I heard that there was a man as well.”
“You would be right. That’s who I am with right now.”
“I see… And how would you describe your plight?”
Hinatsuru was slightly reluctant. It was not that she didn’t know her thoughts on being here with Gyutaro. She was comfortable as can be. This was the best situation Hinatsuru has ever had, and that was saying something truly. The problem was that Hinatsuru did not know what exactly Koinatsu’s situation was. This could be a better place for her; it could be worse. Hinatsuru didn’t want to be rude or insensitive. Hinatsuru was blunt. “I am not unhappy being with Gyutaro. It is a better place than it was with my marriage…”
Koinatsu nodded softly. There wasn’t a kook of disgust or anything of that nature. It was as if she understood to an extent. Hinatsuru was relieved that it was the case. Copper eyes peered around the room. Hinatsuru was suspecting that she was looking for the other guest. Koinatsu confirmed that thought. “Will our other guest be here soon?”
Hinatsuru was unsure when Nezuko would get here. Hopefully, soon, she would need the company. Hinatsuru assumed that Nezuko had been here for significantly longer than she thought. Hinatsuru knew Nezuko was with child, but for how long? And how long had she been here before falling pregnant? Hinatsuru was unsure and feared for the worst. How much did Koinatsu know? Probably not too much.
Attention was grabbed by a new door opening slightly to Hinatsuru’s right. Plum eyes stared in horror, seeing who stepped through. It was a young person who could only be described as a child. Garnet eyes were filled with exhaustion and trained onto the ground. Face was lined with tiredness. The slight curve of her belly told Hinatsuru that this child was pregnant. She wasn’t too far along but still noticeable. There was only one person who this could be.
Nezuko…
Koinatsu looked at the newcomer. A heavy frown formed on her lips. Koinatsu probably didn’t know what Hinatsuru knew. The woman said nothing. Nezuko stepped inside the room. There was a slight flinch from the girl as the door slammed shut behind her. Nezuko dared to look up at the women around her. Lips were furled in hesitation. Her voice was soft as can be. “H-Hello…”
Hinatsuru was careful in taking a step forward towards Nezuko. The woman extended a gentle hand towards the poor girl. Koinatsu remained in place, simply staring at the young girl. A welcoming smile was sent in Nezuko’s direction. “Hi. How are you? I am Hinatsuru. You’re Nezuko, right?”
Garnet eyes looked up at Hinatsuru with slight hope. There was still some hesitation in her eyes. Koinatsu took the smallest step towards Nezuko. The older woman’s frame was still put together. Copper eyes did have a look of unease. Nezuko nodded slowly. “I-I am… I’m fine, I guess… I didn’t think that there was anyone else in here…”
The gentle smile persisted on Hinatsuru’s lips. A hand gently nudged Nezuko to the seat, and she followed without much hesitation. Nezuko sat down on the floor with an exertion of effort. Hands drew up towards her growing abdomen. It was hard looking at the girl. Koinatsu sat across from Nezuko. Hinatsuru sat right beside the teen. The elder woman stared at Nezuko in intense observation. Hinatsuru replied. “We’re newer here. We both got here, I believe, on the same day.”
Nezuko acknowledged the explanation. The woman looked down at her stomach again. The teen was unsure of what to say. Hinatsuru didn’t either. This was such a precarious situation, wasn’t it? Hinatsuru did not want to make Nezuko upset. The woman’s frown was heavy as can be. Plum eyes gazed towards the side as she thought of what to say. Koinatsu spoke at last. “Is it troublesome for you to be here?”
That was far too blunt.
Hinatsuru gulped nervously, worried that Nezuko was going to close herself off to the two. The woman stared at Koinatsu in unease. Plum eyes looked at Nezuko in further worry. In a shocking twist, Nezuko looked rather open. Eyes stared at the former Oiran in comfort. Was she never asked how she thought? What did she feel? What a monster that Kibutsuji was… The teen gulped quietly. “Y-Yes…”
Koinatsu leaned closer towards Nezuko. Her eyes were firm as can be. Voice was gentle as the breeze. “Do you want any advice on what to do?”
Nezuko scooched closer instantly. She was intrigued. Hinatsuru breathed a sigh of relief seeing Nezuko be ok. The woman could tell that this was the start of a good friendship. Hinatsuru could also offer her own advice. She’s dealt with her own rather abusive husband. It was so interesting. Hinatsuru truly enjoyed being around Gyutaro, a demon, more than Tengen, her husband.
Gyutaro was just so much better than Hinatsuru’s former husband…
Hinatsuru kept thinking about that one thought even now. Gyutaro was resting beside her body. Demons couldn’t sleep. They could rest, though. Hinatsuru was still awake as she thought about the friendship developing between the three women. Nezuko asked a great deal of things about how to handle a volatile man. Koinatsu and Hinatsuru offered whatever advice they could. It was a little late perhaps, but for the future, anything would help.
During that whole time, Hinatsuru couldn’t stop thinking about her position.
Hinatsuru was fortunate compared to the others. Nezuko’s was clear from the moment Hinatsuru was informed of her existence. Koinatsu slipped up sometimes, revealing how she had to act around Upper Moon Four. It was not so pleasant all around. It did make Hinatsuru feel both good and awful. Good in that she wasn’t in a terrible plight compared to the others. Awful in that she was in a better position. And even so, she couldn’t stop thinking about Gyutaro.
Gyutaro was such a good man…
Hinatsuru turned over towards Gyutaro to sleep. The demon shifted so that he could wrap his arms around the woman. What sounded like a purr escaped his throat. There must be a smile on his lips. He loved her. Gyutaro would do anything for Hinatsuru; that much was clear. Hinatsuru deeply appreciated the demon.
Quite the change from not too long ago, no?