~*~

LATER THAT NIGHT

Today was rather eventful.........

After reporting in everything of our patrol missions, and informing the master of everything we know so far; more demons continued to multiply and so forth. Even after the intense argument early today about Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado's fates, my mind was still made up by inviting them into the Demon Slayer Corps. My reasoning might seem heroic, yet I didn't deem myself that in any way. I just found that Master has many good reasons to keep them alive, and maybe a demon on the inside can aid us to Muzan Kibutsuji now we know Tanjiro saw him. 

I even felt bad for that ppor young Slayer that came to report, who looked terrified while Sanemi gave him a good scolding. I'm sorry....

Now here we all knelt down on our knees as we were before the Master, that sat before us in front of a painted Shoji divider. The warm glow from the paper floor lamps emanated dimly, creating a cozy and warm feeling. 

Nestled between Sanemi and Giyuu, my eyes rest upon our master and his two daughter either side of him in a respectful orderly manner.

"Just as you all have reported," He spoke up firmly. "The carnage of the demons has grown more than ever, meaning the threat to human life in turn is greater than it has ever been. We must bolster the ranks of the Demon Slayers. What, then are your thoughts?"

"The incident on Mt Natagumo says it all," Sanemi spoke up, in a calm and mature tone. "The caliber of Demon Slayers has dropped tremendously. Most of them are useless. The trainers must have gone blind, or something. You'd think they could at least tell if someone's competent or not."

Tengen smirks, "Well, that kid today sure packed a lot of power," He lifts his fist to his chin, with an impressed grin. "He landed that dazzling blow on you. He's got potential."

Sanemi scoffs feeling ashamed of the headbutt, especially from a child no less making me send a sharp subtle glare towards Tengen earning a sheepish look from him.

"The more the human race grows, the harder it becomes to control and unify them," Shinobu shifts the conversation, back to Masters question. ".....and in this era, that seems to be even more true."

"There are those who've joined us after their loved ones were slaughtered," Gyomei spoke up. "...and there are those of noted pedigree who have hunted demons for generations, but for everyone else, it's another matter. Asking laymen for the same or even greater commitment to our cause, I feel, would be much too cruel."

"But consider that this boy soon after joining encountered a twelve kizuki!" Rengoku spoke up, his voice loud and clear. "I think he can draw them out! Even we rarely get the chance to confront one! I am envious!"

 Master nods, "A fair point," he agrees, pausing for a moment. "However, the fact that lower-five demon made such a drastic move, likely means Kibutsuji is far from Mt Natagumo. Like with Asakusa, whenever he wishes to hide something, he proceeds to create a clever diversion to throw us off his trail. To be honest, it's quite frustrating. But as long as those demons linger as they do now, freely devouring humans and gaining strength as a result, there is only one thing for us to do for the sake of those who have died."

My expression remains relaxed despite how tight my chest felt, knowing death follows where ever Kibutsuji goes. How sneaky he is, like a fox in the night....

"I feel...........you who are present today, the core Hashira, are the finest unit I have assembled since the first breathing swordsmen of the feudal era," Master admits proudly, lifting his gentle blind gaze. "Tengen Uzui, Kyojuro Rengoku, Shinobu Kocho, Mitsuri Kanroji, Muichiro Tokito, Gyomei Himejima, Sanemi Shinazugawa, Iguro Obanai, Giyuu Tomioka, Hayami Mizutsuki.......my beloved children......I look forward to seeing your success."

~*~

"Hayami........before you go...."

Sitting back down upon my knees closer to master keeping my respective distance, once realising it was just me, Master and his two daughters within the room. Everyone left to go back to their assigned territory for patrol or to rest for the night, as Master gives me his usual warm melting smile. "Yes master?"

"What would you say about todays.......end result?" He questions me, with a gentle tone. "Your words peaked my interest when you spoke about the allegations that were made.....so why did you really go against the rest of the hashira's wishes to Tanjiro's execution?"

Didn't Mitsuri agree with whatever Master's wishes were too? Why am I being questioned? 

"Respectfully I found that the accusations were harsh, and abrupt," I spoke up softly, recalling the event that occurred earlier. "Kamado never even got a chance to speak up, but even when he was given time to explain........no one listened. I understood that demons have killed our kind for generations, but I sensed no malice when Sanemi brought the box on the scene. The child held no bloodlust, and even refused Sanemi's special Marechi blood. That must've took every fibre of her being to refuse, despite having demonic instincts."

Master hums, "I see.........so you already knew she had no ill intentions from the start?"

"Yes, Master," I spoke softly, lowering my eyes. 

"Despite your life being taken from demons, you remain calm and resilient," Master comments, with a gentle smile reaching his hand out. Placing one hand upon his, he squeezes it helping him find his grip. "You've been up against a twelve Kizuki, survived that attack.......you've experienced up close the strength of one. Especially with the face, of a man who belittled you........how much you've grown my child. How I'm so proud to see you still fighting, and becoming stronger from that defeat and losing your big brother. I place my trust in you helping Tanjiro Kamado, and Nezuko too."

My heart swells with this different kind of warmth from his praise, feeling that tightness disappear from earlier. He knew my struggles.........

"Master........I hold no regrets serving you, and I wish you good health," I spoke, and brought his hand to my lips and kissed it. "I shall continue fighting, mentoring and guiding others to serve this family with strength and resilience......"

Truly Master has been someone that is very important in all our lives, impacting us and gaining more followers just by his presence alone. It's even amazing how my clan has been hunting demons for generations, and now it could end with me cutting off the traditional ways. Just imagining how hard it was for women to serve and fight for humanity, now I still question if my efforts were in vain. 

Yet Master confirmed that I shouldn't doubt myself, despite it creeping back every now and then.

"My child.........you're the peace to the hashira," Master spoke gently, as I lift my head. "You may be dismissed, thank you for your input on Tanjiro's story."

Taking that moment to leave I stood up releasing his hand, before my feet padded across the flooring and out to the foot of the verandah. Sitting down on the edge hearing the crickets sing their tune I slip my feet into my sandals when I felt presence, recognising him easily. Standing up to my full height I approach Sanemi, hearing his heavy breathing and the intensity of his gaze upon me from today I assume. 

Pursing my lips I sigh, "What do you wish for me to say?"

"........"

His eyes filled with such anger, left me standing there useless.

The silence made my stomach churn feeling numb at the fingertips, as my question was left hanging in the still air. Knowing his hatred for demons, and then today I sided by allowing the young demon child to survive. Swallowing thickly I take a step away from him, probably assuming he doesn't want to speak with me. The topic was sensitive enough, and I still resent demons as a whole. It was the situation that changed my mind, wondering if it costed my relationship.

A firm hand grabs my wrist tugging me back, before arms enveloped around me tightly as his hot breath coaxes my neck.

"You're such an idiot," He mutters out, as his hands rub my back gently. "Siding with a demon and that kid? They broke the damn rules, and yet you defended them........"

My body slowly relaxes into his warmth, "Because she refused your blood, because I sensed no malice in that child........" I softly spoke, my hands clutch the back of his haori holding him close worried I could lose him. "..........something feels different, something has changed........and that boy has a warm comforting sense of resilience and determination. Master must know something......."

Sanemi gently scoffs pulling away, but his hands glide along my forearms to my hands and interlaces them securely.

"Anyway, I wanted to um.......apo--" he mumbles the rest, with a slight subtle growl at the end seeing his face grimace. 

"hmmm?"

He sighs, "I wanted to apolog--" he continues to murmur the rest, while I raise a brow in response pulling him close.

"Speak up, I can't here......." I tease him gently, earning him to squeeze my hands tightly but comfortably. 

"I'm sorry! There.....dumbass," He huffs, before he begins dragging me to the entrance of the Butterfly residence due to us not knowing exactly where master's real residence is. Stumbling a bit I couldn't help but chuckle picking up the pace, finally following behind his footsteps. "Your too beautiful for your own good........I can't stay fucking mad at you."

My cheeks glow warmly feeling my heart flutter, causing a soft smile to grace my lips.

Reaching to his side and walked  ahead of him, he matches his steps with my shorter pace making our way back to his estate. "Thank you for apologising, but you know.....I'm not the one you should be apologising," I tease him softly, causing him to reach over and pinch my hip tugging me closer.

"Watch that pretty mouth.......or I will shut it for you," He warns, before a smirk etches on his handsome face. 

"Hmm......you know it's true,"

He sighs heavily in annoyance, "Yeah yeah.........I know,"

~*~

AT THE WIND ESTATE

"When will your Tsugoku be back?"

Threading through his fresh wounds he gave himself, I held the pin between my lips for a moment making sure my stitching was precise. Taking the pin away I sigh, "Well, I was informed by my crow, Nami, before the night meeting started, that he's in recovery at the butterfly mansion," I reply softly, as I break the rest of the thread off. Leaning over him I reach for the gauze and unravelled it up and began to bind it around his forearm, "He was hurt pretty badly, but Shinobu informed me he's under anaesthetic and will need some rest. Tomorrow I'll check in on him."

Sanemi grimaces slightly as my finger delicately wrap the gauze around, as I apologise softly beneath my breath.

"Well you shouldn't have cut your arm, just to prove a point," I scold him lightly, before clipping it together. 

"Tch...........but that girl, she was craving it--"

"Because you waved it around her, and stabbed her many times," I point out, blatantly before standing up towering him a little. Pushing his bangs away to check his temple, I gently touch the spot where Tanjiro slammed his head against earning a hiss.

"Fucking hell......." he curses, while his hand settles on my plush waist. 

"The kid sure has a hard skull," I murmur softly, before leaning down grabbing a cold wet rag. "This is all I can do, to reduce the swelling........sorry I can't do much. We can take you to Shinobu--"

His grip around my waist tightens holding me close, "No, you're perfectly fine.........just want you to treat my wounds please?" he insists firmly, but a hint of vulnerability in his tone. "Tch, that punk had no right to slam my head--"

"He had every right," I spoke up, before cleaning his face a little. "You took things too far, earning a scolding from master himself. Just remember he's above us, master knows what's best for us and you know it. Tanjiro was only defending his sister...........you would do the same for one of your siblings, anything."

He was hesitant when mentioning his family, before he sighs heavily in reluctance and soon defeat and buries his face into my chest.

"I'm tired......." he muffles into my clothing, as my fingers rake through his white hair. Combing them through gently I could feel like today was a big day, especially discovering that a boy travelled with a demon. Even with Muzan Kibutsuji finally appearing again after ages, things were beginning to shift. "Can we go to bed......? My head hurts still......."

Chuckling softly, "Sure......"

~*~

NEXT MORNING ~ AT BUTTERFLY MANSION

"Oh........Lady Hayami!"

Smiling warmly I slip my sandals off at the main entrance of the main building, of the Butterfly mansion. There was a beautiful flowery vase that was half the side of me, and a half painted partition with a golden landscape, with white azaleas and branches stretching out elegantly. Glancing up briefly, "Thought I would check up on my Tsugoku......." I mention, stepping up on the timber flooring.

From afar I could hear either yelling and lively chatter, as I curiously peek around the corner as one of the butterfly girls let's a troubled sigh leave her.

"We've got three other slayers with us, who were on Mt Natagumo," She informs me, while taking a tray full of empty bowls and cups to the kitchen on the opposite end of the mansion. "Igarashi is down there onto your right last door......can't miss it."

Smiling warmly, "Thankyou,"

Making my way down the hallway I could hear voices becoming louder, as a loud commotion erupted suddenly. "You don't know how good you have it!!!!!" Aoi's voice spoke up, reaching my ears. "You realise if you take this medicine and get lots of sunlight, there'll be no lasting effects, don't you?!"

"I can't do it!!!!" A different voice shouts, with a whiny voice. "None of that changes the fact that stuff tastes awful!!!!"

Approaching the room, the door suddenly opens up seeing Aoi about to storm out when she blinks in surprise.

"L-Lady Hayami," She utters out, before stepping aside. "Welcome......"

Sharing a warm tender smile I walk inside thanking her as I walk over to find five boys within the room, and one that was familiar from the meeting last night. 

".......I was summoned to the hashira meeting to give my report on everything that related to the Mt Natagumo incident," the Slayer spoke, his energy looks rather drained and dejected. "It felt like hell.......those hashira are absolutely terrifying! They were all really furious about how the quality of the new demon slayers had gone downhill, because there were a number of us who neglected to follow orders during what happened up there. They were asking me things like, 'who trained them, anyway?'  What good was it asking a no-rank like me into a meeting like that?"

Wait.....his name was Murata right? Yeah, he reported us in last night....

Walking up to them the two boys facing my way finally noticed my unannounced presence, when my eyes fall upon Kaito who was laying down staring at the ceiling tiredly.

"Whaaaa----"

"The Hashira really terrify me," Murata continues on, with a fearful tone.

"Excuse me boys..........." I spoke up softly, as the dejected slayer that I stood behind froze on the spot. He sat up straight when he stood up quickly as I glance down to him with a warm chuckle.

"L-lady Mizutsuki!" He stammers out, in surprise.

"Nice to see you again, Murata," I greet softly, giving him a calm and assuring smile.

"Y-You as well!!!" he stammers, with a flustered expression.

 With a big exaggerated bow, he begins to step out of the room.

"Good day to you," Shinobu suddenly appears, causing Murata to jump in surprise again as if caught red-handed.

"Lady--Lady Kocho!!!!" He stammers out, before bowing and rushing out of the room.  "You as well! Goodbye!!!!"

Blinking in surprise I chuckle softly before making my way over to Kaito, passing by the few boys and sitting down beside him.

My hand drifts over and brushes a few strands of his shaggy hair away from his flushed face, "You seem to have gotten a fever," I murmur softly, before reaching over taking a wet rag from his nightstand. "I'm sorry this has happened--"

"D-Don't apologise....big sis," He spoke, with a slight grimace and strain in his voice. His head tilts towards where Tanjiro and the yellow haired boy sat talking to Shinobu. "If I wasn't there and Lord Tomioka, Hashibira.........would've been killed."

Squeezing the excess water, I place it upon his temple and rested it there.

"Hmm? Hashibira?" I question softly, repeating the name.

He inhales sharply, "The one with the boar mask," he replies, before clutching his chest with a strained cough after. He must've broken a few ribs, which has put pressure on his lungs. The bags beneath his eyes blemish his pale complexion, and his hair was unkempt and oily. "Anyway........I'm sorry if I got hurt like this, pretty pathetic.....right for a Tsugoku?"

Shaking my head, "No......no, I'm really proud of you," I spoke softly, pinching his cheek softly with a smile. "You were the best out there, along with Tanjiro as I've heard. I'm glad you're alive and well, that's all that matters to me.......so don't beat yourself up about it. M'kay?"

He nods with a dry chuckle, "'kay,"

Glancing up I walk over to Shinobu, "Lady Kocho," I greet softly, when the yellow haired boy's eyes were wide with a high pitch voice.

"Ahhhh!!!! A gorgeous angel has come, Tanjiro!!!!!" The boy cries out, flapping his....tiny arms around?

"I'll be doing my rehabilitation program starting today," Shinobu informs me, gesturing to Tanjiro who seems he will be starting it. "Would you like your Tsugoku to try my program for a bit? Or would you prefer to let him heal under your supervision?"

With a gentle expression I glance over to Kaito, "Maybe give it a try........the severity of his ribs seem to be healing quickly, so give it a week or two," I suggest. Judging by his wounds I had no control of healing him quickly, except give him lots of rest and remedies. Broken ribs take six weeks at most as well, but for a demon slayer maybe less with the right training. "He is around these boys ages.......so I'll leave him in your care, if that's okay for the time being?"

Shinobu smiles clasping her hands together, "Excellent, glad to have Igarashi join us......." she confirms, with a calm enthused voice.

Glancing over to Tanjiro I make my way over, "How is that forehead of yours, by the way? May I touch your temple?" I ask him softly, waiting for his consent. 

"S-Sure," His face gets all flustered, as my fingertips drift upon the dark scar and his temple finding it rather firm. 

"You really sure have a firm skull," I mention, pulling my hand away. "Almost gave the wind hashira a concussion......almost."

Tanjiro sheepishly gives me a wry smile, but I held no grudge against his actions form yesterdays events.

"I wanted to apologise for my behaviour, I--" Tanjiro began, but I shook my head.

"Don't be........you had every right," I assure him, before glancing over to Kaito. "Could you boys take good care of my Tsugoku, Kaito? He'll need some company when healing, or he'll go insane........"

With that I head to the sliding