~*~

EIGHT MONTHS LATER ~ UNKNOWN LOCATION ~ (Kuragari's Pov:)

The blood deliciously rolls down my throat, as I feast on my prey........

The still night allows me to relish in my own world, devouring prey after prey wanting to become strong. The urges channelling through my body desiring only for myself to become stronger, to rise up the ranks. Despite myself already rank four, it wasn't enough. Purely it wasn't, and I had to claim further up to gain Muzan's full complete trust. 

I had nothing to lose anymore......now those two brats I killed a year or so ago.......

"Master Kuragari, we've brought you offerings," 

My eyes slice across to the lowly demons, that cower beneath my piercing gaze; already intimidated by my presence alone. This feeling of dominance made my body thrum in excitement, and contentment. Three humans laid dead at my feet, more importantly they were woman. The fresh scent of their fertility and nutrients burning my nose deliciously, feeling satisfied with their offering.

With a low sneer, "Glad you know what pleases me, however......." growling in displeasure. "......you killed them without my permission, as you know I love a good meal that screams pointlessly......"

Licking the residue of the blood from my previous meal, my nails glimmer beneath the moonlight that casts upon us. Taking the body of the woman's, my nails trace over her smooth flesh that was still faintly warm and soft. Lowering my head I take a bite into her neck forcefully, fangs piercing into her flesh before tearing it messily. Blood cascades down my chin and neck, smearing across as I chew into the delicious meat.

Tossing them the leftover limbs to the demons in exchange, they all rush towards the meat while I resume my meal.

"Lord Kuragari...."

Lowering the woman in my arms that hangs lifelessly, my golden eyes pierce into the many eyes of the first Upper Moon. Kokushibo.

"Lord Kokushibo," I acknowledge bitterly, before swallowing the rest of my meal. "May I ask, why you've come here.....to see me specifically?"

The Upper Moon stood tall as his many eyes blink once before a trembling aura surrounds him, as he approaches me. His intimidating aura sent many of the demons that served me, to step back cowering in fear. "You realise having other demons serve you, will only ruin your reputation and not gain any sufficient acknowledgment by our master?" he questions, provocatively. "Though you may have killed a Hashira, many more will rise to that position. You even failed to kill one.......or have you not been informed?"

Furrowing my brow in response, "Tch, me.....fail?" cocking my head to the side, with a bitter sneer. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

"You figure it out, if you think you're so sharp-witted and judicious," Kokushibo's voice deepens, with a hint of a threat rumbling in his voice. "You take action more than understanding your situation, and just because you raised your rank in a matter of months? Doesn't mean the master will fully acknowledge you, and don't forget.........I'm much experienced in what I do. You won't be so lucky if you keep being so damn reckless.....remember master chose to turn you into an eternal being."

With a slight snarl in response to his lecture, my nails dug into my palms as the scent of my blood overwhelms my heightened senses.

"Don't patronise me, Kokushibo," I utter, tilting my chin up before my eyes turn into slits feeling my body heating up in raw anger. "I've never disregarded any of my kills, so quit hollering me and leave....."

His six eyes bore into my soul, only finding the middle two to stare daggers into mine with venomous intention.

"Like I said you fool," Kokushibo steps dangerously close, causing my body to slightly tremble out of instinct. He nears my ear, "Figure out what you forgot to do, because you'll become a bigger fool if you don't....."

Without a single sound after, he disappears into nothingness; leaving me standing there stunned and annoyed.

What could he have possibly meant by a false kill? I don't understand, my memory keeps fogging up every now and again since my transformation. The master wishes for us not to speak of his name, or we will be killed instantly without any mercy. It was such a curse, seeing many already fall from blurting his name or slain by the blades of the Demon Slayer corps. So what did Kokushibo meant by missing one? Nothing seems to be--

".....Wait......"

"Master Kuragari, your rather quiet," One of the demons approaches me, cautiously. Sinking my nails further into my palms, blood soaks into the soil beneath. 

"One? If the last Hashira I killed was.......my son, no...." Shaking my head, I snatch the torn limb off a demon and tore into the flesh messily while in deep thought. The grinding of the bones reaches my ears with satisfaction, ".....he wasn't my son, he didn't even take my damn offer to become a demon. Then that means........"

"Lord Kuragari--"

Instantly I disappeared and stood above the demon, with my claws dangerously close to his throat with a threatening gaze.

"Shut the fuck up!" I growl angrily, blood rolling down my lips from my meal. "Don't talk to me, I need time to let off some steam..."

~*~

AT THE VILLAGE ~ (Hayami's Pov)

Time went by as usual........

We soon gained another Hashira by the name Obanai Iguro, whom is now the Serpent Pillar that I've heard was taken in by the Rengoku family. He was rather a dismissive, harsh and strict kind of man and he was not much older than myself. What even didn't surprise me was that he seemed to have clicked with Sanemi lately, that the two share missions together instead in their assigned territory. Though I was disappointed to lose my position working alongside Sanemi, we later soon gained another Hashira whom I've met early last year. 

Mitsuri Kanroji, the Pillar of Love derived from flame breathing.......

She struggled abit whilst coming into the world of demons, but soon I was assigned to be partners with her when on patrol in my designated territory. She was a real talker, and always surprisingly a big eater which to me was amazing. Though I have no clue to her reasoning to becoming a slayer, it wasn't my place to pry into her own life. However she was brightest of the group, and it felt refreshing having someone look more positive than most of us. It's been roughly four months since she's joined, and Iguro about six months ago.

"Hayami, may I ask something?"

Breaking out of my tired daze directing towards my tea, I blink a few times before adjusting my attention upon Mitsuri in the middle of eating her sixth bowl of ramen. "Hmm, what is it?" bringing the matcha tea to my lips, taking a gentle sip.

She lowers her bowl and finishes her mouthful, "It's.......about Shinobu," her voice shakes nervously, which made me furrow my brows in response. "Do you think I may have done something wrong, or possibly made her upset? I'm not sure.....it's like I must've said something to easily irritate her. I dunno, maybe I'm overthinking or thin-skinned..."

Noticing the way he hands fiddle with her chopsticks, it slightly bends in her grasp.

"Well, what was your last conversation?" I lean forward, giving her my full attention. 

Mitsuri was rather hesitant than her usual self, "Well........I may have found out her past, and I accidentally realise my own past compared to hers......." with a slight shaky tone, finding it more unusual than she should of had at least more bowls already eaten already. However the amount was less than what she would consume, that it left me more curious and worried. ".....I didn't know, I didn't realise--"

She cuts herself off, her skin was much pale and her cheery mood was more melancholy and her eyes don't even meet my own.

"Tell me.......of your past, so I can understand," I spoke more softly, sipping my warm matcha tea. "Maybe I can help, or maybe.....venting might deal with those inner thoughts....?"

Offering my full attention, she seems reluctant but doesn't meet mine fully.

A short sigh leaves her, "My reason joining the demon slayer corps, was to find a man to marry and that is stronger than myself," She spoke up, with a flustered look that she looks feverish and troubled. "Someone who can take care of me, instead of the other way around. When I said this to Shinobu, I sensed something just by her fake smile........and how stupid I was to realise she has a better reasoning in being a slayer."

Now I somewhat understand why Shinobu been acting this way, that I felt suddenly guilty if I spoke of my own history. 

"Mitsuri, take a deep breath in and out....." taking her hand, I gave it a gentle and strong squeeze of assurance. "That's Shinobu, she can be unpredictable and unreadable. Don't overthink so much, and beside's we're all different here. So please--"

Mitsuri suddenly stood up and slapped her cheeks, "Oh that's right, I've got a sparring session with Rengoku.....I'm sorry I gotta go!!!" she slams her yen upon the table for payment, before she rushes out without another word. Taken back by that revelation and her abrupt interjection, I soon sigh deeply and straightened my posture. Staring at the many bowls that were laid on the table, the owner came over and was surprsied.

"That miss has quite the appetite, and still looks gorgeous!" He comments, in shock from her appetite. Passing him Mitsuri's yen to him, he thanks me as he collects it into his pocket before gathering the bowls on top of each other. 

"She is," I agree softly, before standing up before lifting the rest of the dishes for him. "Here, allow me......"

The owner lets out a gruff chuckle, "Thankyou miss,"

Though she left so abruptly, I could tell she's trying to avoid the embarrassment of her story that she's admitted to me. If I'm being honest I found her strength rather attractive and rare, but I also understood that Shinobu has a weak body and strength alone. She must've felt jealous, judging by the look she gave Mitsuri. If comparing strengths, I'm more near Mitsuri's strength but as an adult from my hard work. Not gifted.....

~*~

TWO WEEKS LATER ~ AT THE BUTTERFLY MANSION ~ (OBANAI'S POV:)

"Oi......does Kanroji seem off?"

Shinobu glances up with her head cocked to the side, as if surprised that my concern lies with Mitsuri Kanroji. Standing inside the medical office side of the mansion, I remain waiting for her response. She seems to be developing some kind of medicine, due to my abrupt visit coming unscathed instead of needing tending too. 

Judging by the liveliness of the butterfly mansion, majority of the place is filled with injured people within her residence. 

I held a dark and serious look in response to Mitsuri's off nature, which has been eating away at me for sometime. Clearly it seems my presence wasn't being as acknowledged by her, due to still getting used to being a new hashira and being surrounded by women, especially. The though shudders, not wanting to replay those memories.

"Off in what way?" Shinobu spoke up.

Furrowing my brow, "In every way. Thoroughly off!" reproaching towards her, with frustration slowly surfacing. "You haven't noticed?"

Kaburamaru my pet snake slithers around my shoulders, his tongue flicking in and out in response to my sudden change of emotion. She hums in response tracing her index finger around her upper in thought, "Hmmm, let me think," her eyes flicker from mine, before averting them before she slightly shrugs. "No, nothing in particular since our recent hashira training......"

A subtle twitch to my brow irks, "What have you even been looking at? Are your oversized peepholes?  Are they just for decoration," I sneer, with a heavy exasperated sigh. 

"I don't exchange letters with Kanroji as frequently as you do you know," She bites back her tone, with an apologetic smile. "Well now, I'm terribly sorry."

Despite that it was the middle of the day meaning no demons to tread the lands for now, all of us have our duties to fulfill by day before night arrives. Yet I gave up everything to figure out about Kanroji's sudden change of behaviour, pushing aside my own needs for her. I'm not here to waste my damn time with this damn hashira and going out on a whim. I consider Kanroji a friend, and she goes above my priorities.

"Could you tell me exactly what about Kanroji has been off?" Shinobu breaks the silence, her eyes met my piercing ones. "Anything you've personally noticed is fine."

Giving her a meekly nod, "Fifty,"

"Sorry?" 

Trying to keep my head held high, "Normally she eats a hundred dumplings, but she only had fifty. Get it? Just fifty?" I inform her, pointing out how controversial this was. "The Kanroji. Famed lover of dumplings."

Noticing Shinobu unconsciously took a step back as she saw how serious I was, judging by how tired my eyes and bloodshot they were. Stepping closer leaning my head forward, "And her replies to my letters are very curt. Terribly concise, and formal almost, like we're not friends. Why?  It's strange. All of it's plain weird."

"Aoi. Iguro is leaving now," Shinobu sharply turns her back on me, as one of the butterfly girls enters the medical office. "Iguro, you can go out that way."

Shaking my head, "That's not all," I ignored her sarcasm, bitterly in her throat and continued. "At the Hashira training, Kanroji wouldn't meet the eyes of any of the Hashira. Even Mizutsuki, whom she seems rather close to. And not just the hashira, she wouldn't even meet master Ubuyashiki's eyes either."

For a moment Shinobu pauses in her steps, taken back by the added news I shared. She glances over her shoulder skeptically, finding her reaction in disbelief.

Even I couldn't believe it especially seen she practically worshipped Kagaya Ubuyashiki with all her whole heart. Like the rest of the Hashira, she held Ubuyashiki in the highest esteem as possible. "Then after that, Tokito picked up a handkerchief she dropped, and when he called out to her, she practically jumped through the ceiling and then ran away,"

Shinobu nods in agreement, "That is indeed strange,"

"Normally, Mitsuri would clutch her hands to her chest happily and express her honest gratitude with a 'thankyouuuu, Muichiro," I sigh deeply, deeply troubled by it all.

"Was that when you first noticed that something was off with Kanroji?" Shinobu asks.

Shaking my head, "No, she was already acting strangely twelve days earlier," I reply without any hesitation, with how accurate I specified when. However it meant she's been like this for almost two weeks, which was truly worrisome, despite how ripe my specified time was to be made fun off.

"She might be sick or something. I'll try poking around and asking her myself, but you keep an eye on her too. Okay, Kocho?" I conclude, waiting for her response. Earning a gentle nod in agreement, but she parts her lips in hesitance for a moment.

"Have you considered asking Mizutsuki for any information?" Shinobu suggests, before it causes me to grimace in response. "She's quite good at observing others, keeps herself up to date with everyone despite being just letters via crow. Maybe--"

"No,"

Shinobu arches a brow, "Excuse me?"

"Not that......woman," I bitterly spoke, my brows furrowing darkly. "It's not worth even visiting her, I can do this myself. I'm just asking you, that's all--"

"Iguro, do you............dislike Mizutsuki?" Her voice spoke sternly, but her amicable smile subtly changes to a subtle frown. 

The question alone left my body to burn, as I turn on my heel towards the door.

"I'm not sure," I reply, harshly. Kaburamura's tongue fluckers out, grazing my cheek in response to my abrasive attitude. That woman gets on my nerves, since the first day we met. Always acting like the mature one, and she's irritatingly calm and soft spoken unlike Kanroji. It was unrealistic of her personality to be so tame, when she could be putting on a facade. Like I said, I'm not very good around women in general. Unless it's......Kanroji.

"Don't be so shallow, and assume what's she's like appearance and personality alone," Shinobu's voice subtly changes, not seeing this side of her before. "I'm not enforcing you to get the idea of changing your thoughts, but we are hashira. We may have opinions of others, but your judgement doesn't sit well with my own. It's disrespectful."

With a dry scoff I begin to head out, trying to ignore her words.

"Just pay her a visit if your concerned for Kanroji, maybe it might help," Shinobu sighs, defeatedly. "Think of it like.......it like it will help Kanroji, and you want her well....."

This made my emotions twist and gnaw down on my heart, finding it more conflicting to act upon her suggestion. 

~*~

AT THE DRAGON ESTATE 

Why the hell did I even listen to her advice?.......

Gently patting Kaburamura's scaly head, he hisses gently in response to my gentle affection towards him. Slowly I reach forward and grabbed the handle twisting it, and tapped it three times simultaneously. After a few minutes I felt like she's not even here, making me scoff in relief and start to make my way back to where I last saw Kanroji. Suddenly the sound of the wooden doors to her estate open with a gentle chime by the dragon bell, that was hanging above the entrance.

"Iguro?" her voice reaches my ears, before the door fully opens. She glances either direction, before falling back on me in confusion. "May I help you?"

Judging by the sweat glistening from her face, she was probably training or sparring with someone. 

Furrowing my brow, "It's about......Kanroji,"

~*~

"......I see, guess it wasn't just me who's noticed," She lowers her tea, on the tray. 

My eyes tiredly watch how she gracefully displays herself, but she then meets my eyes for a moment, "I'm not sure what has happened, and I've spoken to Kocho," scratching my cheek, with my usual stoic and strict tone. "She's aware now of Kanroji's unusual behaviour, so I wanted to know if she said anything........or even did something out of the ordinary."

She rests her thumb and index against her chin in thought, "Well last we went out, she barely ate anything........and then suddenly when I asked.." Her shoulders slump forward. "...well she jumped out and left the restaurant to spar with Rengoku, but I actually saw him just a few minutes later after a mission just when she left the village. So it began to bug me........"

With a frustrated scowl, "You wench, you seriously didn't run after her or even decided to keep her still?!"

Her eyes shift to mine with a steady and intimidating glare, "I get your concern, but sometimes prying too much will only create more of a mess," She sternly spoke, her silvers had no light within them with nothing but resolute. "Look, I'm worried as much as you. She's my partner in patrol, but she avoids me like the plague and has not once joined me on patrol since that day. So please stop hammering on what I should, or not do....."

A growl rumbles in my throat in annoyance, tapping the low table repetitively in irritancy.  

"I don't like you, and you seem to know that much, clearly," I spoke bitterly, breaking the ill tension between us. 

Expecting her to lay a remark, she sighs, "I don't even know why I deserve you to dislike me, but it's your problem and