~*~

A MONTH LATER

"Dragon breathing: Fifth form......severing wave!!!!!"

Driving my blade vertically up  the centre of the large demon, it's body remains in intact for several seconds. Twisting sharply my eyes peer through my shadowed gaze, before slicing across it's throat with a quarter of my strength. Standing to my full height as my breath grew heavy, the demons body finally crumbled into four sections in a bloody pool of it's own dark crimson blood.

The remnants of the deceased limbs scatter the grounds, of where the battle took place. Torn to the bone with flesh shredded, it always left my gut churning with disdain towards the demons.

Originally this mission was for Demon slayers who were ranked Hinoe, Kinoto, and Kinoe, but clearly it got worse when squads were left unheard from or they sent more backup. It seems were not even getting any more good Demon Slayers lately, all hanging at ranks below us Hashira now and not stepping up. Understanding some are unable to progress as quick as some do, it still means Muzan will get the upper hand if we don't get our act together.

Swiping my blade from it's fifth I guide my blade carefully into the scabbard, before my attentions shifts to the side seeing a few young demon slayers injured or were killed on this very mission.

"Lady Hayami!" A Demon Slayer rushes to my side, as his eyes were filled with relief. He suddenly bows, "Thankyou! Thankyou!!"

Smiling sheepishly I pat a warm hand on his shoulder, "No, thank you for hanging in there a little longer," reassuring him, before gesturing to the casualties. "We have about eighteen casualties, and I need kakushi here soon...........Lady Shinobu will need to tend to the fatally wounded first........so if you're not severely wounded, please start aiding...."

The slayer bows, "Yes Ma'am!!!!!"

Taking a moment to recuperate after a long night of missions, and then finally this one that was given to me for the last minute. Apologising to Mitsuri for leaving her behind on patrol, I knew I owe her a day out or something. Searching for any signs of more threats in our wake, I soon turn to a young boy probably around fourteen leaning up against a tree. His hair disheveled along with his forest green haori ripped, with blood pouring from his shoulder and torso. 

"Hey.......hey....." my feet carry me with haste, kneeling before the young slayer. "......you with me? Hey........I need you to breath steady, with using full total concentration for me."

The boy's eyes wearily flicker to mine for a moment, "This is.....p-patheti-- Argh!" he grimaces, hunching in response to the deep wounds. His breath was unsteady, that he was inhaling too much which is making his vision to grow fuzzy leading to hyperventilation. 

"Listen to me, breath...." I spoke more sternly, taking his hand and placed it just above my chest for him to feel my steady breaths. ".....breath with me okay? In.........then out........"

Taking a few seconds to adjust to the rhythm of my breathing, he slowly begins to breath and starts using total concentration with it.

"That's it........in.......then out," I breath out quietly, releasing his wrist as it falls to his side. Once he finally calms down and uses his total concentration, the blood flow decreases allowing him to regain some little energy he had. "What's your name?"

His soft slender green eyes meet mine, "Kaito, Kaito Igarashi........."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Haya--"

"Hayami Mizutsuki.........The Dragon Pillar," He cuts me off, with a hoarse voice. His left eye was shut with blood covering it, with his disheveled hair mixing in his own crimson. "I know who you are......"

Guiding him to sit down to rest for now, the Kakushi finally have arrived in time. The sun blares brightly as it begins peaking from behind the mountains, feeling the morning fog lift slowly surrounding in a cloud of white around us. A kakushi arrives by my side checking me, but I step back and bow politely. "I'm unscathed, tend to the casualties.......I'll tend to whatever I'm left with," I assure the kakushi, as she bows.

"I'm sorry!" She suddenly exclaims, which was out of character. Must be a new Kakushi, learning on the field.

"It's fine, but please take good care of him and the others," giving her a respectful bow, before heading to the village in the ease which was the main village in the rural area. 

Tonight has been a bit scattered with high risk level demons, that it became more concerning or more important to get on board. The lack of strength in the younger years of the Demon Slayers, is really disappointing me. I really hate sounding like that person, but it just irritates me when no one takes this job seriously. Even at meetings, all the other Hashira's mention their concerns and complaints on the young generation of slayers. 

I need sleep more than anything right now, maybe I'm just tired.........

~*~

AT THE VILLAGE CAFE

"Ahhhh, thank goodness your alright!!!!" 

Mitsuri sheds a few relieved tears while eating sakura mochi, as she looked like a sobbing mess with pink crumbs on her cheeks. She finishes her mouthful and pours herself some tea, while I sip my own finding it rather energising and refreshing for this morning. Always and has been, she's filled with energy and full of love to start the day. Even her expression of concern, brought a small sheepish smile on my face.

"I thought you were terribly wounded!" She continues on, her glassy eyes met mine with genuine worry and concern in them. "Well, as you've told me........luckily you stepped in just in time before any carnage began, right?"

With a sigh I lean forward resting my head into my palm, "I guess so......."

She pauses for a moment, "I feel like there is gonna be a 'but' in there somewhere....." She meekly admits, whilst munching into her sakura mochi. Her cheeks round out with her mouthful, giving her chubby rosy cheeks.

My other index finger traces the rim of my tea cup, ".....but, our younger generation of slayers are becoming weaker as we continue forth," my jaw tightening. "What's the point in becoming a slayer, if you're not gonna put extra effort. I don't mind if they're from different backgrounds, with families or not, you just can't become a slayer and think of it so damn lightly...."

"Mmmm.....youfv got a fpoint....." Mitsuri muffles, with a mouthful before swallowing her bite. "If you want the job, you work harder. I haven't been a slayer as long as you have, so you'll know more than what I know. Have you considered a Tsugoku.....? Or training a few under your dojo? I heard you can do that, even if they don't do dragon breathing. Like Water, or maybe Wind.....it doesn't matter......"

Nodding, "I've had two Tsugoku, and lets say.........I don't think I'll be taking in students for a bit," with a cold look, feeling the guilt gnaw me to the bone. 

"Hmm? How come? Mr Rengoku mentored me, and I turned out great!" She throws her hands up, while a shadow casts over my eyes. Her smile slightly falters, "Um.......sorry, I shouldn't of said that........but I don't know how you feel. Yet, I don't want you to give up finding students, and a Tsugoku......"

The absolute hesitation in finding students was greater than my control, it was hard to even consider it. 

"It's gonna take one hell of convincing, for me to take in another student," 

~*~

A WEEK LATER ~ AT THE DRAGON ESTATE 

"Breath in and out......."

Standing in the centre of the dojo I remain focused on my sense of surroundings, wanting to train my body physically than wielding my blade. Wearing a yukata with sleeves tied around my armpits, and hakama pants with my hair tied up in a low effort of a bun, feeling the thin line of sweat coat my skin. 

With a few hours of stretching, and doing karate and the basics of training my body, I was feeling somewhat troubled as usual. 

Dismissing it like every time I felt it, I began to repeat my punches in the same direction with sharpness and precision. The shifting to my foot, all the way through the memory of my muscles, to the core of my tummy and all the way to the brain. Allowing the air to circulate my body and bloodstream, finding my body in a state of calmness. My hand gracefully move like a snake, maintaining the flexibility within my joints and body. 

~Knock~Knock~

"Hmm?" 

Glancing over to where I heard the sound towards the open door entrance, there stood a Kakushi as they bow.

"Lady Mizutsuki, I've brought a guest by their request," The male Kakushi spoke up, bowing upon the floor in respect. His tone was more formal and masculine, with a level maturity behind his voice. "They came straight from the butterfly mansion, so I had to escort him here......"

"A guest?" I question, confounded by someone new. No one except Mitsuri or Sanemi would come here, unless it's an emergency. "I'll go to the front entrance, your duties are fulfilled......you may head back to your normal tasks."

He nods with one final bow, "Yes Lady Mizutsuki,"

Once the Kakushi has left the Dragon Estate, I follow down through the Zen garden feeling the tranquility leave a peaceful aura surrounding my home. Finally after a few minutes I open the large doors to the entrance, before falling upon a figure. Having to taking a second look at the boy, I soon recognised him from roughly a week ago. "Kaito Igarashi, correct?" I question, studying his state he was in.

He bows formally, "Yes, that's right!" he replies, before his jade green eyes meet mine again. "I wanted to........um, thank you for helping me a week ago. I'm even surprised you remember me, cause you seem to meet alot of slayers--"

"Just know a face at first glance," I reply, cutting him off. Studying him he had a few patches on his cheek and temple, with faint blemished spots from the bruises. "So......you didn't come all the way here, just to thank me.....did you?"

He seemed to be taken back and sheepishly smiles, "Well, that's true....." he slightly stammers, before clearing his throat. "....I actually over heard you're looking for a Tsugoku, and I was hoping to learn from you! For you to mentor me!!!"

His face lit up like he was given a gift on his birthday, with hope in his eyes.

My face shifts from gentle to a slightly downcast expression, "Sorry, you must be mistaken," I reply quickly, about to close the door. "I seek no one......"

He suddenly wedges his foot between the doors, "Please? I'm not mistaken, surely!" he pleads, while holding the door open. "I overheard by a few other slayers, that you're looking for a few students.........to pass down your breathing technique right?! It's a hard breathing style to master, but with a lot of effort and practice I ca--"

"Sorry Igarashi, like I said.......you're mistaken," I firmly spoke, biting back the thoughts of my past students that fell prey to the demons. On my own account, I took full responsibility for their deaths. "Listen, I'm glad you've recovered and well..........I'm just not taken in any students. You just go and get some more rest, you're still gonna need a lot to get your body back to shape."

With that I close the door, with him reluctantly taking his foot away. 

"I'm sorry........" muttering beneath my breath.

~*~

THREE DAYS LATER - BUTTERFLY MANSION

"......and there, your done,"

Shinobu finishes gauzing a heavy wound on my bicep, while she cleans up her workspace right after. "Thank you Shinobu, much appreciated......" I spoke gently, slowly pulling my haori and white faux furs around my shoulder for warmth.

"Anything, just rest easy........" Shinobu nods, while sterilising some of the equipment she used whilst tending to my wounds. 

Taking in the room I've noticed a few changes to the interior, finding it more comfortable and more wide open. The smell of freshly painted walls make my nose tickle, with the mix of disinfectant and floral incense embracing the room. Even the medical beds were positioned differently, with fresh new indoor plants either corner of the room for an natural display.

"Seems this place has changed quite a bit," I murmur softly, sliding down carefully as the pads of my feet touch the floorboards with a slight creak.

Grimacing slightly, I rake my fingers through my hair messily.

Shinobu glances over her shoulder, "Also, when you go out.......please don't stress your body too much," she adds, with a soft expression and mutual level of concern. 

Scoffing lightly, "Can't make promises, but I'll try--"

Suddenly the sound of thumping and yelling causes my eyes to blink in surprise, before the doors fly open, "Lady Mizutsuki! Please! Please mentor me, I know you can?!" A familiar voice, reaches my ears before meeting a pair of green determined eyes. "I'll work hard! You know I would!!!!"

"My, my.......seems like an eager one," Shinobu softly chuckles, with a closed eye smile.

My brows furrow with a sigh, "I'm sorry Igarashi, but I've told you no,"

His face falters feeling dejected, "Uh, but I--" 

Without another second someone from behind wraps their arm around his neck, and starts tugging him out, "I apologise for my partners intrusion! Please forgive him!!!" The scared slayer exclaims, as if assuming we were planning to punish them both. He bows three more times, before shoving the determined young slayer outside the medical room. Soon the doors slam shut with such ferocity, that I stare blankly at the spot that Kaito once stood.

Silence falls between Shinobu and I, but the question and the tension hung in the air.

"How come you're not accepting candidate's anymore?" Shinobu turns to me, whilst collecting more of the medical supplies beside the bedside table. Her violet eyes flicker to my own troubled ones, causing me to avert them quickly with a despondent sigh. 

"You know why Shinobu........and I know, you've experienced the same thing," I purse my lips; fiddling with the hem of my haori sleeve. "You would've tried to prevent the same fate, for anyone else."

She sighs deeply, "I've got Kanao training beneath me now, she's......persistent per se," with hesitance in her voice. "Aoi would've, but.......she remains with self-depreciation. She's remains as my right hand around the mansion, so her help has become somewhat of a strength instead as I don't expect much from her."

"Shinobu.....I....." hesitance hangs in the air, finding my stomach churn and my heart tighten in response.

"I'm not forcing you to do anything, but maybe consider it," Shinobu walks past me again, and sterilises her equipment. "If I'm being honest, it's the first someone seems rather eager to be a student of yours.......considering your title sounds rather intimidating and scary."

Giving her a deadpanned look for a moment, I couldn't help but chuckle in response.

"Yeah........yeah I understand,"

~*~

A FEW DAYS LATER - BUTTERFLY MANSION DOJO

Maybe.......I should check in, to see if he's doing okay......

Making my way through the beautiful zen garden, filled with flowers sprouting in the autumn which brightens the dullness of the weather. Water fountains pouring into a small pond, fills my senses and surroundings whilst stepping over the gravelled stone. My steps light and perfectly balanced, hearing the distance yells and grunts coming from the dojo.

"You've done very well with the garden, Aoi," I smile warmly.

She blushes furiously, "Thank you, I've been studying on the biology of plants for the right seasons," sheepishly fiddling with her uniform cuffs. "It's hard to plant them at the right time, but I do get some professional help."

"Well, I am impressed by your dedication," I stop at the front of the verandah, that leads into the dojo. "Thankyou for escorting me here, I shouldn't prevent you from doing your duties.......don't over exert yourself."

She nods bowing respectfully, "Thankyou, I will keep that in mind,"

With that I slip off my sandals and positioned at the step, aligning with a few more pairs of sandals from the young slayers in rehabilitation. Making my way down I turn to the entrance, before seeing two slayers sparring with wooden blades. Suddenly one was knocked to the ground, finding their stances flimsy and filled with no purpose. Keeping myself out of sight from the slayers, I resume observing them all.

After another sparring match went by studying them, I saw soon a familiar face walking to the centre with a face full of perseverance and resolute.

Kaito positions himself in a familiar stance finding it rather strong and balanced, surprising me already at the beginning. Facing his opponent despite the heavy wounds inflicted on him from his mission about two weeks ago he remains steadfast and diligent. His shaggy deep blue hair covers his eyes for a moment, before the two began to strike each other's blades. My eyes flicker with every movement, analysing both their techniques and how well Kaito kept going with a feverish complexion. 

His strikes were strong and with precision, and his feet stay on the ground with a well balanced stance that kept his momentum sturdy and clean. 

Even though this is the first time I've seen the young slayer fight, he impressed me already compared to my past Tsugoku's. However they were different, and learnt differently. I was a horrible mentor to them, that my self-esteem kept lowering the more I dwelled on their deaths that came out of nowhere. Devastating as it was, I knew I might need to push forward and get past those pessimistic thoughts. 

Finally with a sharp move bending down, Kaito knocks his opponent off his feet and aimed his blade down to the fallen slayer.

"You sure have gotten better," The fallen slayer comments, as Kaito offered him a hand to stand up. 

"Not bad yourself," Kaito comments, with a wide grin on his face. 

Taking this moment I walk towards them both while clapping, with a gentle warm smile. "You two have done well, considering your still in recovery" I spoke to the two, which made most of the injured slayers to be surprised by my presence. Turning to everyone else, "I'm here to observe in Lady Kocho's position today, as she's rather busy.......so I'll be watching you all spar and do your rehabilitation. Let's keep this respectful and encouraging........I hope to see you all do your very best....."

"Y-yes Ma'am!!!!"

"Yes Lady Mizutsuki!!!"

"Ma'am!!!!!"

Their voices were either panicked or nervous, which made me stifle a chuckle before kneeling down on my knees on the floor instead the cushion. "Today I'll be like one of you, and I'll help anyone who has difficulty in total concentration........" I add, patting my pants down with a neutral expression.

Kaito's eyes were still wide, "lady Mizutsuki.....I--" his sword drops from his hand, in surprise by my unannounced arrival.

I raise my hand to stop him, "I'll speak with you after.......okay," reassuring him with a smile, before turning to everyone. "You may resume."

-----------------------------------------

A/N: Hey guys!

I apologise for not updating in a long while, as I came down with something and have been unwell. I've been loving the comments I've been getting, and it gives me more motivation to write for you all! I will be continuing this story, so don't worry!

~ Little Bean