(4400 words - not proofread)

If I remember correctly, it has been a month since that weird day off us Hashira recently had. I've still been training Genya secretly, and he's made some progress, he's definitely more confident in his combat abilities, despite not having a breath technique. Muichiro came to help at times, but all he did was distract me.

Today was another bright day, warmer than usual, but that didn't stop me from training Genya. Instead, it excited me that it was warmer, which meant it was a chance for us to sweat more!! Losing fat and gaining muscle!

"Genya, great job today, also you need to get your weapon today right? Let me come with you, I want to refine my katana." I eagerly smiled at him waiting for his response back. I hope he knows getting there isn't easy...it's more weird.

"Yea I don't know how to get there, it'd be great if you can join me," he then proceeded to walk in a certain direction and stopped, "How do we get to the Swordsmith village again?"

"I don't know," I shrugged my shoulders and looked at him. He gave me a 'are you being fr rn' face. "Hey I'm serious, the location is a secret, no one is supposed to know. I can get a Kakushi to take us though...well the first part."

I could feel the immense confusion radiating from Genya as he gave me the most confused look ever.

"You'll find out soon enough," I said as I pat his back. "I'll be back with the Kakushi!"

I ran off to find the Kakushi that was supposed to take us to the Village, but something came to my attention.

I heard loud voices coming from the Butterfly estate. Feeding my curiosity, I followed the voices. I kept luring around until I was met with a group of people huddling over a bed, specifically huddling over what appeared to be the boy with the demon sister. What was his name again? OH TANJIRO, sheesh what happened over at the Red Light District?

"Hey Aoi, did the redhead wake up?" Maybe I should be more polite...he is older than me, by a little at least. Eh, whatever.

"Tomioka-san!" Aoi ran up to hug me, "I haven't seen you in a while, but that's a good thing!!" A laugh escaped my mouth and I looked over to the bed.

"You know there's a boar on top of- oh it's Inosuke." Of course it is, who else.

"[insert weird pronoucation of your name]! SO YOU CAME FOR A REMATCH!!" Inosuke pointed at me and I didn't know which eye to stare at...they were looking in opposite directions.

"Inosuke we never fought," I sighed and decided to ignore him for the time being. I walked over closer to the bed's edge and looked down at the boy.

"You were out for a month Tanjiro! Tengen retired...and has no hand...no eye. What even happened over there?" I gave him a worried look.

He looked over to the side and took in a breath, "Just Uppermoon 6."

You say that so casually...

I nodded my head and leaned against the wall. I then heard the three younger girls speak to Tanjiro about the Swordsmith village. I interrupted them in the middle of their sentence.

"Oh, Tanjiro you're going there too?! I'll see you there then, take your time though." While saying the last sentence I looked him up and down, hinting at his current condition.

Hmm...what now?

"Tomioka-sama we are ready to take you to the village." Two Kakushi bowed before me and I smiled. "Thank you, my companion is over there."

One of the Kakushi then ran past me, going to Genya, and the other knelt down signaling me to get on her back. I really do hate this part.

★ Swordsmith Village ★

The Kakushi unraveled the blindfold off of my face and my eyes met with the beautiful sights of the Swordsmith Village. I looked over to my side to see Genya in the same 'awe' as I was.

"Well Genya, go where you please, if you need me I'll either be in the hot springs or with the Chief."

I left him be and made my way toward the Cheif's shop. He was the one who created my Katana. Although he was getting quite old so I worry I might have to get a new Swordsmith soon...

I took a right turn, then walked up the small three steps he had in front. Is he home?

I'mma just go in...is that rude of me? He's pretty old so what if he's dead?

I went in and I saw Tecchin having a chat with Tanjiro. oops.

"Oh Tecchin-san your busy right now? Sorry for intruding on your conversation."

"Ah Tomioka-chan, come sit, sit! I have you a sword prepared already! One of my latest works." He ordered the other two people in the room to go fetch it and I sat next to Tanjiro.

"I've just been telling Tanjiro here that Hotaru-kun was at fault for his swords." His aura ran deeper and I seemed to smile awkwardly at him.

"Haha...Haganezuka-san is something else for sure!" I let out an awkward laugh and glanced at the people coming in with my new Katana.

My old one was pretty chipped and worn out, I've had it since the Final Selection.

I grabbed the Katana from them with respect and sat back down in my spot admiring it.

The scabbard was white and the hilt was (f/c) with gold accents. I glanced over to the tsuba and it was a circle, with a moon cutout and wave engravings

"Thank you Tecchin-san! I'll treat it with care!" Well...not really.

"Tomioka-chan, can you tag along with Tanjiro to the hotspring please?" Knowing that I might get lost I nodded my head and bowed a little before going out.

"It's nice to see you're in good health Tecchin-san!" He chuckled a little and I gently pushed Tanjiro out of the door to make him start walking.

I shook my head a little and adjusted my new katana to be more balanced and comfortable on my hip.

"Alright, Tanjiro the hot springs are this way," I said as I led the way. From a distance, loud stomps down the stairs could be heard. I looked up and I saw Mitsuri running down frantically.

"Ohh! It's you Tanjiro-kun! Y/N-chan!! you're here too!!!!" My eyes blinked a little too much at her sudden yelling.

Her boobs are practically gonna fall out...

I felt a gust of wind pass by me, messing up my hair a little. I saw Tanjiro pull her haori together, but considering how strong Misturi is, I know wouldn't last to long.

Just like I predicted, Mitsuri was swinging Tanjiro around complaining about something. I walked a bit closer to hear what she was ranting on about and it caught me by surprise.

"I just go ignored! I tried to say hello but he ignored me!" Mitsuri uttered.

Who would ignore Mitsuri? She's literally everything.

Before I could say something, Tanjiro took the words out of my mouth, "Who ignored you?"

"I don't know!!" She burst out, which surprised me a little.

"So I only asked him his name, only to be ignored!!! Isn't that awful I'm a Hashira after all!! All the good vibes from my bath have been canceled out..." I see Mitsuri put her hands on her face and look sad.

I look at Tanjiro and he turns his head to me for help. I shake my head and use my hand to motion him to say something.

"I hear that dinner will be soon. It's supposed to be matsutake rice!" he says in his usual cheery voice and Mitsuri's mood seemed to get light and cheery.

Ah that Tanjiro, he really has that charm to him, doesn't he? I smiled at the thought while looking at Mitsuri happily skipping up the stairs.

"Well Tanjiro, I'll follow Mitsuri-san, see you soon~" He smiled at me and I also happily, walked up the stairs following after Mitsuri.

"Mitsuri-sannn!!! wait for me!" I went by her side, accompanying her to the place we were all staying.

We arrived and sat down, ready to start ordering food. "Y/N-chan let's have a food-eating contest!"

I let out a soft laugh and sweatdrop remembering the last time she asked. Heh...I almost threw up the last time...she always wins too.

"Sorry Mitsuri-san not today...I don't have much of an appetite." I see her putting on a little pout and nodding her head, "It's okay more food for me!"

After almost years of deciding what to eat, Mitsuri decided to order everything and I just ordered some Kastu.

I continued to smile awkwardly until Tanjiro popped in after his bath. "No Genya huh?"

He looked surprised at my sudden comment, "How did you know-"

"I figured it was him, you just confirmed it," I interrupted. I would've looked real stupid if it wasn't him.

He smiled again and took a seat next to Mitsuri. Since Tanjiro took a while the food had already arrived and I was waiting for someone to start eating.

Uhh should I eat first? I don't wanna seem rude...I glanced around to see if they would start. Come on someone just pick up a damn piece and I'll happily gobble this shit down.

I let out a sigh when Mitsuri started eating and I started to as well.

"I see Genya-kun isn't going to join us" I mentioned.

"Kun? Isn't he older?" Tanjiro politely asked and all I did was shake my head.

"I'm secretly training him, so technically in ranking sense I say kun and he says sama."

Mitsuri giggled at this comment but Tanjiro just sat there in shock.

"Wow Y/N-chan!!! You're growing so fast!"

The comment from Mitsuri made my stomach turn a little. It was like I had to practically raise myself?

I could feel the sarcasm wanting to escape out of my mouth, but I couldn't do that to Mitsuri, she's too nice for that.

I almost spoke, my brain betraying my intentions, but I was caught a bit off-guard when Tanjiro's sister, Nezuko, came out of hiding.

She's a lot smaller than I remember...

I tried to speak again but I was left in awe when Nezuko went to hug Mitsuri. It was like they were siblings by blood.

"Hey why don't we pay Genya-kun a visit? Bring him some food too," I suggested.

All of their eyes light up at this idea and they prepare Genya two rice balls and tea.

"You're so considerate Y/N," I look over to Tanjiro while walking down to Genya's room and smile.

"Just some human decency," I glanced over to Nezuko who seemed to be enjoying our company.

I could feel the tiredness erupting out of my system and I honestly just wanted to sleep now.

Option 1, give up on Genya and sleep? Or option 2, go with what you suggested...

"Oh he isn't there?" Tanjiro's voice woke me out of my thoughts.

Oh that's good cause I was gonna leave.

"Well that's settled then, i'll go off to bed, i'll meet you in the morning Tanjiro~ Bye Mitsuri-san!"

I quickly walked away to avoid any sort of convo cause wow, I could be out cold any second now.

I rushed into the room that I was staying in and I slid the door shut, putting my katana against it so no one could intrude.

Throwing off my shoes and haori, I plopped down onto my futon and enjoyed the soft touch.

Fuck the light...

The light was still on and I didn't feel like getting up. Should I?

I grabbed one of my shoes to throw it at the light, and to my surprise it turned off.

I sighed a little and went off to sleep.

★ Morning ★

The morning birds woke me up, and the littlest amount of sunlight shone through the crevices. This bed ass.

I groaned a little at the feeling of my back ache and sat up from my position on the ground.

It was a new day, and that meant anything could happen, possibly crazy things.

I hoped nothing happened because I was tired and overworked, I'd probably have old people people joint problems by the time I was 20...well if I don't die by then.

A soft knock was heard from the door and it was carefully opened.

"Y/N...let's get going." Tanjiro's soft voice went through my ears and I closed my eyes a little.

Im still tired though, couldn't he have just waited??

"Give me a minute," I hurriedly gathered my items and followed Tanjiro to the outside.

"So what's your plan?" I questioned.

"Wander around until my sword is finished," he laughed a little.

I just realized, anyone who hangs out with Tanjiro gets hurt badly.

I nervously glanced at him..nah I'm sure it's just a coincidence.

Voices could be heard a few steps away, one being oddly familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it...

"You're wasting my time arguing with me," a rather cold voice said.

"Hey isn't that-" I was rudely interrupted by Tanjiro, "That's a Hashira! Muichiro Tokito, right?"

Fucking no brainer, I'm a Hashira too you know!

I gave him an exaggerated smile. "Spot on!" Heh I guess he doesn't know about us yet...man that's gonna be awkward.

"Hand over the key." His voice was rude, and it sounded like he wasn't going to take no for an answer. "What part of 'no' do you not understand?! Get lost!"

The little boy with the mask didn't budge, obviously Muichiro probably isn't liking this.

I admire the guts this kid has.

Me and Tanjiro continued to watch and listen to the conversation from afar and not bud in.

I kinda wanna hug the both of them right now, they're fighting...but they're so cute!

I continued to listen and I saw Tanjiro's eyes look at the mechanical doll that was behind the eyebrow kid.

My thoughts quickly went away when I heard a big, fat, slap.

A gasp came out of both of us and I was about to intervene, but Tanjiro went in first.

Tf? This is like some main character shit going on.

"Cut it out!" Tanjiro's yelling was actually quieter than usual, he was yelling in lowercase.

"You're voice is annoying."

Although Muichiro was being mean right now, just hearing his voice made my heart flutter.

Tanjiro grabbed onto Muichiro's wrist and wouldn't let go until he let the kid go. Uh oh...this ain't gonna turn out well.

Muichiro then proceeded to jab him in the stomach. This was the time I decided to intervene.

"Muichiro let that kid go!" Muichiro turned his head around slowly, looking as unfazed as ever. I could see that Tanjiro took this time to grab the kid since he was no longer in Muichiro's grip. "Y/N?"

I shook my head, "Slapping a kid Muichiro? How low can you go?"

I was a bit disappointed...actually I was very disappointed because this kid wasn't annoying like the others, he was trying to protect his robot thing. Kids do be annoying though...

His eyes were still looking at mine and...I couldn't stay mad at him. A little smile crept up onto my face and I wanted to slap myself for it. Y/N no!....he's looking so good though...Y/N NO!

"All of you leave!" I turned my attention to the boy pushing Tanjiro away, and Muichiro stepped in front of me closely.

"Have you been through torture training?" Muichiro spoke out of the blue.

"Even most grownups can't take it, you'd never last," he still showed no emotion in his voice.

They continued to listen through Muichiro's lecture? Even I couldn't tell what he's trying to say right now.

"A Hashira's time is worth far more time than time spent by you people."

That hit me hard. You people?

"Swordsmiths can't fight, you can't save lives. Because making weapons is all you're good for." The kid had tears in his eyes and I could tell that he was refraining himself from crying. "Come on, the key."

Muichiro spoke again and that was the limit, I shoved him a little, giving him an angry look, and Tanjiro slapped his hand away.

"What are you guys doing?" I tensed a little at that question and went over to the boy.

It seemed like it was Tanjiro's turn to ramble on about something since he spoke non-stop. I took that as a chance to speak with the kid myself. "So kid, what's your name?" I spoke in an attempted kind voice, to not scare him or anything of sorts.

"Kotetsu, and I'm not giving you the key!" His voice cracked a little and I softly smiled. "Believe me, I don't want it."

I patted his head and made my way toward the two boys fighting.

I wanted to say something again but was interrupted AGAIN by Muichiro jabbing Tanjiro in the neck.

"Muichiro! That was unnecessary!" I spoke out.

"He was in the way." He spoke while continuing to walk over to the boy.

"Don't do anything to him Muichiro," I walked over to the both and I saw Kotetsu hold on to something with dear life.

"If he doesn't give it, I'm going to take it by force." I see him reaching over to his katana. He cannot be serious right now!

"Hey kid I'm sorry but I don't want him to hurt you...he won't hurt me if I protect you but I can't guarantee your safety," I bent a little over to his height and I really was hoping that he'd hand it over. After a few seconds he ending up reaching in his pocket and handing over the key to Muichiro.

"Im sorry," I said in a weary tone and followed Muichiro to wherever he was going. "Muichiro we needa chat."

"I see no point in chatting Y/N, he gave me the key and it's done." He looked over to me.

"You can't go over threatening children! Or hitting them!" I saw him ponder about it for a while.

"If I say sorry will that make you happy?" He gently grabbed my hand and looked deeply into my eyes. I swallowed my saliva and nodded my head.

"I'm sorry then, it won't happen again." He gave me a soft tug and continued walking straight.

This boy is giving me mad butterflies right now...I hate him.

We came to a stop and he put the key into the back of the doll.

"Y/N go over there," he pointed somewhere near the trees and I went over there.

I was glad he was being somewhat careful with the doll.

Once he saw I was out of the clearing, he turned the key. The machine started making noises and the six of its arms started swinging at him.

Of course, this was no challenge for Muichiro, as he was swiftly dodging the aimed attacks toward him. All I could do was watch him in awe while he was avoiding all of the attacks, reading his opponent. My smile lingered a little until I heard shuffling behind me.

"Kotetsu! Tanjiro! You here to watch the show?" A bit of my sarcasm showed and I instantly regretted speaking.

"Ah your here too Y/N?" I nodded my head in response.

"I kinda wanna try fighting it," I mumbled.

"Sometimes I forget you're a Hashira..." i laugh a little at his comment and sighed.

"My brother has always been the more known one, even if he's a lonely bitch."

My eyes widened at the sudden realization, I had cursed right in front of a child. "You heard nothing." I pretended to 'zip' my lips and smiled a bit.

Tanjiro started to ask more and more questions about the doll and I chose to ignore it. "Ah Muichiro..." my eyes lingered on the figure fighting.

An annoying voice caught my attention.

"After all, he's a descendant of the wielder of the Sun Breathing technique! That boy is a prodigy!" The familiar voice was shot into my brain and I turned around in annoyance.

"Hey Gingko." I rolled my eyes a bit at his crow, an annoying one she was.

"That isn't Sun Breathing he's using right?" Tanjiro commented, and I was already prepared of what was going to happen next.

"You shut your mouth or I'll gouge out your eyes!" Gingko then proceeded to bite Tanjiro's cheek, making him yell a little.

He continued to ramble on about this dream he had, but I really had no care for it.

"Tomioka-sama, I'm not surprised you're here. It seems like your everywhere he goes now! No time for me!" I shook my head a little, and put my hand on my head, "Yea,