~*~

TWO MONTHS LATER

The heat gradually consumes the fresh air, as summer finally has returned.......

Walking through the wooden garden gates (Torii) of the Ubuyashiki residence, I make my way towards the meeting area where we've been summoned. Making my way through I see a few Kakushi busy running around the large residence, but some pause to bow in acknowledgment of my arrival. Smiling warmly I return the small gesture, as I resume my through to the back gardens to where I see Shinobu, Tengen and Gyomei already there.

They stood whilst waiting for master to arrive, while I give them my usual warm smile acknowledging their presence.

"Kocho," I address her, with a gentle formal tone.

"Mizutsuki, you look well," She replies back, with her usual smile though was a mask. 

A hand rests on my shoulder glancing up, "She sure has, her cheeks have gotten and herself have got this flashy glow," A loud voice exclaims, recognising as Lord Tengen. "I mean come on, she's looking rather healthier.....and the hips--"

"Too inappropriate to address, whilst within Master's residence," Himejima cuts Tengen off, feeling his hand drift from my shoulder. 

"Awe come on, I'm just observing!" Tengen pouts, with a deadpanned expression towards the Stone Hashira. "Anyway........do you guys know whom that is?" gesturing behind me.

Glancing over my shoulder for a moment, my eyes finally lock with large bright eyes. Golden and red hue, shaped like an owl with a warm expression on his face. When his eyes lock with me, a flash of surprise and recognition surfaces his face.

"Why is he here?" Shinobu murmurs to herself.

Is it something that involves Shinjuro's sudden disappearance, or some would say....retirement...

Soon Giyuu and Sanemi arrive not even noticing Rengoku's presence, as Sanemi walks up to me giving me a nod. "Wonder what master wants," he asks, with a slight edge to his tone. Gazing over his face and then his exposed forearms, fresh scars were marred across his pale flesh. I even grimace at the sight, with my hands hesitantly reaching over and touching them. 

"Did you.....please don't tell me you've been doing it again?" I whisper to him, harshly. My brows pinch together with concern, knowing how strong and potent his marechi blood is. It still held no excuse for him to harm himself, despite that he doesn't feel pain in the moment. "Sanemi, you know how it makes me fee--"

"Shut it, don't mother me," He seethes through his teeth, while pulling his haori sleeve down forcefully with a huff. 

"It has been six months, my dear Demon Slayers," A soft hypnotic voice greets us, our eyes briefly met master who slowly knelt down on the engawa. His two children accompanying him either side, causing all of us to bow down respectfully before him. "Have you all been well?"

"Yes sir," 

"And we are glad for your health, master," Himejima adds, rolling his beads together in his palms.

My lashes flicker up to meet master gentle and warm expression, "Our numbers dwindle......even as Kibutsuji's strength grows," Master mentions, with his voice slightly troubled. Though it was coaxed with a mellow sound, like warm honey. "Thus, I have greater need of your services.....and I ask you to support each other on missions."

Humming in agreement, I nod taking his wishes to account, "But your health is the most important of all, master....." I softly spoke, earning a gentle smile in return.

"As you wish, but Master......." Sanemi lifts his head, side-glancing towards Rengoku who knelt silently at the sidelines. "........Why is there a non-hashira here? Where is the flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku?"

Silence fills the air as everyone slightly turns to Rengoku, who sat there with a firm expression for a moment. 

"Father--"

"Hey!!!!" Sanemi barks loudly, as a chill runs down my own spine as one. "Can you really fill in for a Hashira?"

Rengoku seems slight intimidated by Sanemi's abrasive attitude, as if attempting to scare him away from even dwelling on becoming an official Hashira. Gently my hand tugs on Sanemi's sleeve, trying to ease the menacing and daunting tension that slowly built within seconds. 

"Sanemi....enough," I hiss quietly, causing him suddenly mellow back down.

"Sanemi, do not bully Kyojuro," Master scolds gently, causing Sanemi to bow his head down further; taming him. "I've invited him here to offer an explanation."

Seems like something have come up about Shinjuro, and I mean finally it's coming to a serious conversation. That old man has become more grouchy since i first met him years ago, when he was more bright and less grouchy to the man he's become now. I even saw him drinking whilst on duty, and it was disappointing to see as a Hashira. Usually sake was a delicacy to enjoy, but he sculls it down directly from a jug bind in rope. 

He had zero control, and it concerned me as to the reason why he acts like this........

Master turns to Rengoku, "We are concerned about Shinjuro, what is his condition?" concern lacing in his voice.

Rengoku nods, ".....I don't fully understand, but....ever since my mother passed away......" He spoke up, addressing the issue with a formal response. ".....I feel like he has lost heart. He's started bringing sake with him on his missions. At night before his missions, he drinks alone in his room."

Himejima sobs, "Ahh......how sad, Shinjuro is a veteran Hashira," he comments, sympathetically. "He should be working to pull everyone together."

Tengen growls soft, "Tch, it sets a bad example and has a dulling effect on morale," He spoke up sternly, grimacing at what has become of Shinjuro. "I recommend he retire with style....."

So it seems he hasn't retired, but hasn't been acting how a Hashira should be; going against protocol as an important person and example to all Slayers.

Sanemi sighs, "We don't have enough Hashira," he replies to Tengen, before turning back to master. ".....but master can't send him on missions drunk."

"Don't worry!" Rengoku exclaims, with confidence. "If I become Flame Hashira....he's sure to regain his motivation!!!!!!"

Everyone falls silent while I glance at the fiery boy, eyes filled assurance that definetly lit a flame within me for a moment. It easily distracted my malice towards all demons, but judging by the heavy tension surrounding Sanemi and Tengen......

Tengen smirks with a scoff, "Oh really?" his eyes narrowing, with a doubtful look.

"Hey...... Kyojuro Rengoku!" Sanemi snaps, his eyes become crazed with his usual intimidating exppressions. "You're sure cocky! But it isn't that easy......to be a Hashira you know!"

Rengoku's eyes lit up, "Actually, I know the criteria for becoming a Hashira!" informing him that he's been addressed with the given instruction, in becoming a Hashira.

Sanemi slowly stood up with a smirk, "Okay, then show us what you got!"

My lips press together firmly as I tug on his sleeve, "Sanemi, not now," I sternly spoke, but he brushes my hand off. 

"Shinazugawa....." Himejima warns hims, attempting to stop the Wind Hashira from doing something he might regret. 

"Let me do this, Himejima," Sanemi growls, with a fire ignited within Sanemi while slowly walking towards Rengoku. His upper lid irks with a twitch in his fingers, "Forgive me, Master...."

Without hesitation Sanemi charges forward, and swung a powerful kick, delivering it to the side of Rengoku's head. However the young man manages to block the blow with his forearm, managing to surprise Rengoku in the process. My eyes flew open, startled myself because of this display before Master. 

"Shinazugawa!!!!" Himejima protests, sharply.

Sanemi ignores our pleas and continues to try and intimidate Rengoku, delivering many powerful blows like a gust of wind and tornadoes. His moves were rather unfair, and unpredictable due to his swift mobility between the two. Rengoku manages to block every attack, not even retaliating while Sanemi growls with his usual crazed expression trying to provoke him.

"Hurry up and make Hashira!!!!!" He delivers another blow towards Rengoku. "Get out there and find a demon! We've got empty seats! When you gonna come fill one?! Get moving, you fool!!!!"

My heart hammers against my chest, but my body couldn't move knowing men should resolve their own issues. It's not my place, not yet anyway.....

Rengoku holds his forearms tightly in front of his face, "What's your problem?!" Sanemi sends another punch, almost hitting his temple. "Fight back!!!!!!!!"

He goes and drives an elbow attack, but Rengoku manages to hinder Sanemi's next blow and grips his bicep and arm, catching Sanemi off guard.

"I will not hit you!" Rengoku snaps angrily, putting his foot down. "Fighting amongst corps members is forbidden, and hitting people is bad anyway!!!"

This made Sanemi freeze on the spot for a moment, stunned by Rengoku's reasoning by not retaliating and not being dragged into fighting back. For a moment I realised I even forgot to breath, with how intense the fight started out that I exhale slowly with relief washing over. 

"Besides, I don't even want to hit you!" Rengoku pats Sanemi's shoulder, with a bright smile. "You've got a temper, but I like your spirit! Thanks for the encouragement!"

Sanemi stammer, "Y-Y......." being left with nothing, but small grunts of frustration as a few stressed veins rise against his neck and temple. "You're thanking me for roughing you up?!!!!!"

Surprised that even Rengoku was even able to hold himself against Sanemi, he's convinced me enough that he's trained hard. In regards to times when I train with Sanemi, I know the wind Hashira is quite the strong one. menacing and always in the heat of the moment, but that's what makes his efforts for not. Glancing Shinobu's way with my face fading back to a neutral concern look, the Insect Hashira only shook her head.

"They are really at odds....." She murmurs, closing her eyes.

Judging by Tengen's dumbfounded expression, it seems Rengoku has sparked an interest amongst some of the Hashira. 

"Sanemi..." Master spoke simply.

Immediately with that single name being addressed, Sanemi was on his knees bowing towards Master. "Forgive me, I lost my temper," he spoke, with a more gentle and formal tone.

Master nods, "Indeed........" he turns to Rengoku, who was surprised to see Sanemi tamed just like that. "........Kyojuro, you are well acquainted.....with the criteria for promotion to Hashira........and we have information about a demon near the Imperial Capital that may be one of the twelve Kizuki. I would like you to go defeat it."

Everyone else was surprised that it could be a twelve kizuki, as it made Sanemi lift his head up quickly. A shiver ran down my spine, wondering if it was my father. Maybe.....or another demon we haven't crossed yet.....

Shinobu lifts her head, "May I speak, Master?" politely interjecting. "If it's one of the twelve Kizuki, shouldn't we Hashira go?"

"I need you to defend the territory usually covered by the missing Hashira," Master replies, giving us our simplest order. "Besides.......it is in Shinjuro's former Territory," master turns to Rengoku. "You insist you are worthy.....so earn our esteem.....through action and not mere words. Go demonstrate your skill......Kyojuro."

Rengoku smiles widely, "Yes Sir!!!!!"

With that Rengoku excuses himself from the meeting, before heading off as a few Kakushi rush towards him with concern. My eyes rest on the young man, already having a good feeling about him. I didn't understand it, but for some reason that meeting a few months ago must've been a sign. He didn't seem arrogant, nor was he boastful enough to claim his rights as a Hashira's son. He simply took his father's responsibilities upon himself, to prove that his father's retirement is needed and is in need of a new step in as the flame Hashira.

Sanemi grizzles and groans, "Unbelievable!" he mutters bitterly, whilst Tengen smirks at how easily made Sanemi look like a fool in front of Master and everyone. "Gimme a break!!!!!"

"Master, do you see a future in which he defeats one of the twelve kizuki?" Himejima questions him, his beads grinds together with his palms pressed together. "....Or is it.....just your instinct?"

"More than instinct....." Master replies confidently, with a gentle smile. "....I feel certainty. Kyojuro Rengoku......will soon alter the destiny of the Demon Slayer corps."

Lifting my eyes to master, "Master, I believe in your own intuition," I spoke up, after being silent for a while. Given the situation, I felt the need to speak my own mind on this. "I've sensed it.......when I first met him a few months back, I know he's got what it takes too......"

Master nods, "Seems you've become more open-minded and perceptive.....Hayami," he compliments. "Glad you two met paths, it brings more confidence.......with my instinct..."

After a while we resume our meeting for a little further along, until we finished. Once Sanemi stands tall, I turn to him and pinched his cheek with a light scolding look.

"Ow! What the hell?!" He snaps, snatching my wrist in his tight hold. "Seriously, quit mothering me! I'm not some fucking child--!"

He cuts himself off when he realises Tengen, Himejima and Shinobu was standing there, while Giyuu already left a while ago. His cheeks burn in anger and embarrassment, as I rip my hand from his grip. "I wasn't......" I simply state, with my eyes not bothering to meet his.

"Wow, you seriously blew your shot," Tengen sarcastically sympathises, patting the wind Hashira on the shoulder. "No wonder you're still finding it difficult to find a wom--"

"Shut it! You have too many wives to begin with!" Sanemi barks back, in retaliation.

Bowing to everyone I bid my farewell, before making my way through the garden of the Ubuyashiki residence. My steps were strong in short strides, feeling my chest tighten trying to not let his words cut me. "Hey! Wait!!!!" his voice calls. "Hayami!!!!!"

Feeling hands grab my shoulder gently, I felt him tug me back to turn me around.

"What is it? We've got a mission together, so I'm gonna use my time working on myself," I reply steadily, my brows furrowing when our eyes meet. "After that display today with Rengoku, I am disappointed......there were better ways in handling tha--"

"Excuse me?" He questions, his lips twitching into frown. "You're telling me what i did was wrong?"

"......Yes, but no...."

"Then what is it?!" He snaps angrily. "Tell me whats the damn issue, and why your walking away withou--"

"I'm not mothering, and I'm sorry if it seems that way," I sternly spoke, swallowing the lump in my throat. My feet shift making the pebbles grind beneath my weight, "I'm sorry that I try to prevent you from your short temper episodes, and even Master can agree......."

I couldn't understand how I felt, but i did feel wounded by his words......

He clenches his teeth with a slight growl, before he takes a moment and breathes in and out steadily through his nose repeatedly. His face slowly softens, when suddenly I felt myself being embraced, his arms envelope around me tightly securing me. My face was buried between his bare chest, taking a moment to register what was happening. The silence itself was heavier, but his heart was beating against his ribcage and against my ear.

"....tch.......I'm, s-sorry," He murmurs against my neck, in the crook of my flesh. "Don't fucking apologise, it's.......my fault. I blew up, and made a fool of myself in front of Master. I know what i did could've had consequences.......if I went further........"

"Sanemi........" whispering his name from my lips.

He buries his face deeper and pecks the juncture of my neck, peppering in small lingering kisses, "I'm sorry......that I snapped at you, when you were only trying to keep me in line......" he apologises again, his fingers tangling through my hair. He pulls away as his cheeks dusted red with a sheepish expression, ".....it wasn't you, it was my damn emotions.........scold me if you need. Sometimes, I can't help it.........when it's in the heat of the moment."

Taking in his apology to my heart, my hands reach up causing him to slightly flinch; as if Im gonna slap or pinch him again.

"Seriously........." my hands finally cup his face, leaning against him. ".........you can be a fool sometimes, and even myself can be a fool too. I accept your apology, and we'll work on that anger in front of the master.......and we just wait and see.....if Rengoku proves you wrong. I mean, he's better suited, compared to Shinjuro Rengoku who is currently drinking on the job......"

He rolls his eyes while his hands drift down and massage my hips, "Come on.........he was just all talk and--"

Raising a brow, "So? He blocked that powerful ass kick of yours......now that's something," with a smirk curling upon my lips, as his pinches my doughy hips. "Hey!"

"Whatever," he mutters, and pulls me back into his arms and holds me close. "I'm an ass, I know......."

~*~

THREE MONTHS LATER

It seems Rengoku has proven his worth.........

After about one week Rengoku was able to keep his word, defeating a lower moon demon of the kizuki. Another week after his recovery, he was soon then promoted to the newest member as the flame Hashira. His father resigned, and retired back to his home but over time since I've spoken to Rengoku....his father continues to drown himself in sake, misery and complete anger.

Though I know Rengoku was intimidated to take on the role, his confidence outshined us all and paved a path for us to become better.

~*~

The air grew thick with stench of rotten corpses lingering in the air.........

The mission that Sanemi took on board and asked for me to accompany, turned into a longer mission due to the distance and time it's taken us. Though we were in a rundown village, that was once resided in rocky mountains, was basically now the perfect hideout for demons. Debris was splintered, and the stone walls remain as a hazard. Like Sanemi would say in places like these, he would say....

"This place looks like shit," he comments, bitterly. 

Rolling my eyes for a moment from his own observation, I sigh deeply while swiping my bloody blade to clean. Drawing back into my scabbard, there laid the demons disintegrating body cursing at us. Demons at this level were weak, but my question raises more in why us Hashira were summoned at a place like this. Why do low level demons become such a high priority, when slayers at a low rank can take this level?

Something doesn't sit right with me.......

"What?" He notices my silence, while I take a moment to listen to my surroundings. "Something on ya mind? Dontcha think we're fini--"

Holding my index finger up quietly, "We're not done here........it's too easy," speaking quietly, keeping my voice for him to only hear. "When we got here, we found the nest.......children and women's bodies only......right?"

He grimaces, "Right, so.......maybe a lower rank Kizuki?"

Shaking my head, "Our chances are quite slim, if it's a kizuki....." dismissing that, but demons are demons. No matter what, they're dangerous regardless by rank or title. "Just be on guard, I'm gonna--"

Without warning I felt a gust of wind blow past me, while I managed to dodge the attack just by a