My uniform and hands were dusted off. A low whistle escaped my lips as I saw the boar spread like a starfish on the ground. Little Kasugai Crows might as well be flying above his head now.

"What persistence. A good batch graduated this year."

Both Kamado and Agatsuma were left cringing at the boar who named himself Inosuke and nothing more. I held my hands on my hips proudly, tempted to blow a raspberry but held myself back. A silent victory dance in my head would do.

The boys questioned if I was alright once they got over their shock.

I sent them a sweet smile and replied, "Yeah, of course, I am!"

Zenitsu turned into a wiggly worm and started saying stuff like "your so strong, Y/n-chan" and "Marry me!" I declined multiple times before he stopped asking and just kept complimenting me.

"It's L/n-san to you. You're all Mizunoto ranks after all."

"Right! On that note, what rank are you, miss L/n?"

Maybe I was getting in over my head but, I couldn't help the pride in my voice, "I'm a H-"

A terrible squawk rang in my ear before I could finish. So much for being proud. Hoshi then came and landed on my arm, "Give this to the kid!" Like a cat puking up a hairball, he spat out a pouch of wisteria into my hand

"You had to be gross, didn't you!?" I nearly gagged.

"Quiet! Caw! Give him the pouch!"

"You are eating all the spiders when we get back home."

"Caw! You wish, you wish!!"

Hoshi and I got into a mini squabble again. How I've been blessed with the kindest bird.

Soon enough, we settled and Hoshi found his place on the ground. I handed the pouch over to Kiyoshi, the oldest of the three siblings, as well as the one with the marechi blood. Giving his hair a light ruffle and the rest of them words of encouragement.

"What courage you've all displayed today! Be safe on the way back home, and farewell."

Teruko had given me back my sword and spoke with an open-mouthed smile, "Goodbye! I want to be just like you when I grow up!" I blushed at the statement and a warm smile spread on my face.

"That's sweet of you, Teruko." She exchanged my blade for a wildflower, one she placed on the graves, "Be sure to protect your brothers. Stay strong, and hold fast."

I had earned a giggle from the young girl. She waved us bye, as well as her brothers, and they were on their way. Hopefully that wisteria wards off the demons.

Hoshi spoke up once more, "Wisteria Crest Mansion! Wisteria Mansion! Rest up! Go!"

This was quite an eventful day. Writing a letter to Kanroji wouldn't hurt, telling her about this bizarre group of boys I've met. They showed potential, I wonder if they'd be the key to ending this cycle of misery.

Who knows? Certainly not me.

⊹₊┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ✿ㆍ┈ㆍ┈ㆍ┈₊⊹

Oh goodness me. This chapter needed some work. First one down, thirty-something more to go!

word count 3852

edited 11/9/24