A family isn't always defined by blood. It's the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones who accept you for who you are. 

They are the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you unconditionally. Being part of a family is being blessed with one of nature's greatest masterpieces.

I woke up late the next morning, thoughts of yesterday's revelations haunting me throughout the night. The possibility of Ame Arashi being the Upper Moon 7 sent anxiety coursing through my veins, leaving me restless. By the time I stirred awake, it was already past noon.

My dove, Fuki, came tapping at my window, rousing me from my troubled sleep. The warm afternoon breeze tangled with my peach-colored hair as I swung the window open. 

Fuki perched comfortably on my head, ready to deliver today's message. "Grand Master Oyakata summons you on a mission. Head to the headquarters immediately. I repeat..."

Finally, a mission! It's been too long. Perhaps I could also talk to Miss Shinobu about the investigatory mission regarding Ningyo.

Sending Fuki away with his food, I began to prepare. I donned my uniform under my blue-red haori and braided my hair. I made a batch of rice balls, storing some for Hoshiko before heading towards the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.

The sun was warm against my skin, sweat trickling down my cheeks with every step, as Fuki flew ahead to guide my way.

The anticipation of the mission filled me with renewed energy. Despite the heat, the thought of contributing again, of being part of something bigger, fueled my every stride.

Upon my arrival at the Headquarters, I noticed the Insect and Water Hashiras seated calmly, an air of tranquility enveloping them. On the engawa, the Grand Master and his two children sat with their backs to us, exuding strength and steadfastness on their shoulders.

The Hashiras exchanged pleasantries as I knelt beside Miss Shinobu, my heart fluttering at the thought of being chosen to accompany her on this mission.

Despite the serene setting, an underlying tension permeated the air as we awaited the Grand Master's words.

"This may be the work of the Fourteen Kizuki," Mr. Oyakata muttered, his voice stern and heavy. "It seems... I must send off the Hashiras. Giyu, Shinobu, and Shiori."

The Grand Master entrusting three high-ranking demon slayers with a mission at Mt. Natagumo stressed the severity of the situation.

"Understood," we replied in unison. Although I felt embarrassed for arriving late, more pressing matters demanded my attention. I couldn't afford to be lousy.

"It would be nice if humans and demons could get along. Don't you agree, Mr. Tomioka?" Miss Shinobu asked, her soft voice tinged with sarcasm.

"As long as demons eat people, it's impossible," Mr. Giyu replied, nonchalantly brushing off her question. These two never got along in the first place.

"Hmmm, what about you, lil' Shiori?" she smiled as she turned to me.

"That would be nice, Miss Shinobu. We wouldn't have to constantly fight for our lives," I replied, genuinely. "However, I think I agree with Mr. Tomioka. The demons are the ones threatening us, and we're merely fighting to defend ourselves. As long as the demons mercilessly attack us, I don't think it's possible to get along with them."

Engaging in battles against demons daily, the scent of blood, the sight of the bloodied battlefield, and the relentless struggle for survival leave scars that last a lifetime. 

It's exhausting, terrifying, and often feels hopeless. Yet, we persevere for a future where humans can live safely and happily.

- - - - -

It was already night-time when the crew arrived at Mt. Natagumo, a towering mountain infamous for the recent deaths of several demon slayers, reported to be caused by one of the 14 Kizuki.

Missions like these are typically assigned to Hashiras when situations spiral out of control.

"The moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Miss Shinobu mumbled, running close to Mr. Giyu as we entered the dense forest. The air was thick, and the moon cast an eerie glow as our only source of light.

The demons' auras pressed heavily on my shoulders as I tracked their locations with my senses. We decided to split up to cover more ground.

Near the bottom of the mountain, I heard a thunderous roar and a demon's presence suddenly vanished. On the eastern side, near a river, I sensed another pair of demons, one significantly stronger, battling two lower-ranked demon slayers.

I headed straight for the summit, drawn by the oppressive aura of one of the 14 Demon Moons. I quickened my pace, not wasting a single second.

The sight on my way up was gruesome. Lifeless demon slayers lay sprawled on the ground, dismembered and broken, while some were strung up in the trees like macabre decorations.

How cruel must the demons on this mountain be to toy with human life so heartlessly!?

On the western side, multiple thread-like cocoons dangled from the trees. I slashed them open, hoping to rescue trapped demon slayers, but I was too late. The cocoons had already dissolved their prey, leaving nothing but bones and remnants of flesh.

How nauseating.

Gripping my katana tightly, the nerves on my head popping with anger. Demons are nothing but cruel, ruthless creatures. I can never get along with them.

"Please take care of them," I commanded the Kakushis to tend to the fallen demon slayers, hoping they could, at least, have a proper burial. 

I offered my deep condolences to their families and trainers. To think that there are demons capable of merciless mass killings like this.

"I'll take it from here, Shiori," Miss Shinobu walked past me. "Mr. Tomioka might need your assistance." Across the forest path, the aura of a demon girl radiated fear and panic as the Insect Hashira closed in on her.

Poor creature. Once Miss Shinobu has locked on her target, it's nearly impossible to get away from her poisonous sting.

I hurriedly made my way toward the peak, the ominous aura growing heavier with every step. The air thinned the higher I climbed. Had I not mastered the total concentration breathing technique, my lungs would have exploded by now.

Upon my arrival, I found a familiar-looking demon slayer clad in a green checkered haori lying helplessly on the ground. 

A small spider demon unleashed its blood demon art, a red thread cage threatening to slice Tanjiro into pieces.

With a swift slash of my katana, I severed the threads just in time, standing protectively in front of Tanjiro. The little demon's eyes widened as the moonlight illuminated the letters "Lower Moon 5".

"You did well to hold on until we got here," Mr. Giyu said seriously, without looking back. I glanced at the young demon slayer, offering a reassuring smile. "Leave the rest to us, okay?"

Tanjiro's scarlet eyes reflected a familiar sense of determination. Covered in cuts and bruises, he still wanted to fight and protect everyone on this mountain, just like the first time I met him.

 Those wounds bore witness to the deadly battles he had faced, standing his ground against one of the Moon Demons.

That same pride and willpower reminded me why I'm here and fighting—why I became a Hashira.

With a sharp breath, I jumped to the other side, cornering the Lower Moon 5 as the Water Hashira stayed in front of Tanjiro. Holding his katana close, the Water Hashira countered the spinning threads sent in his direction with precise, fluid movements.

Switching positions, I launched a frontal assault, my blade scraping the demon's neck as it lashed its threads at me. I twisted my body backward, narrowly dodging the attack as I leaped away.

In the blink of an eye, Mr. Giyu nullified the threads with a swift slash of his blade, emerging unscathed. Effortlessly, he decapitated the Lower Moon 5, standing behind the demon before it could react.

That's the Water Hashira for you.

As the demon's head fell to the ground, its eyes fixed on the sight of Tanjiro hugging his little sister. The one he fought with his life to protect. 

So, this is Master Urokodaki's student.

I knew there was something odd, a hidden secret that the former Water Hashira kept from us. This scene brought me back to the night I met Hoshiko, with her brother turned into a demon.

Yet Tanjiro still chose to fight for his only family, hoping to save her from the curse of being a demon. Despite the odds against him, nothing is stronger than the bonds of blood.

I couldn't help but feel envious of their strong and special sibling relationship. My brother Sabito fought for us back then too, and I'm sure he'd still do the same if he were with me now.

Perhaps with him, I wouldn't be afraid.

The Lower Moon 5's body moved without its head, seemingly drawn toward the siblings. I instinctively held my blade in front, ready to protect the siblings in case the demon pulled its strings once again.

But instead, it collapsed in front of them. I didn't sense anger or malice from its lifeless body—only guilt and desperation.

Desperate for love, desperate for a family.

Deep inside, he must've longed to be loved and cared for. He created a fake family despite the pain, wishing for a lost bond after turning into a demon.

Losing a family, and yearning to feel loved, he and I were quite the same. But he was on an unfortunate path. I wished him a better second life.

As the demon faded into ashes, I stepped aside to let Mr. Giyu approach Tanjiro, who was stunned on the ground after everything that had unfolded.

He stopped a few meters away, stepping on the demon's white kimono—an action that showed that demons don't deserve empathy.

"Don't pity a demon that ate dozens of people, even if it looks like a child," he spoke, a sharp seriousness in his voice. "It was a monster that lived for hundreds of years."

I watched him look down at Tanjiro, his gaze heavy enough to pierce through the young demon slayer's soul. Even I couldn't say a word. Yet, Tanjiro never wavered.

He looked back at the Water Hashira with a defiant stare and declared that he would swing his blade at any demon without mercy, to give justice to those it killed and to make sure it wouldn't claim further victims.

Tanjiro's voice was full of genuine determination and morale, something I had already heard and grown accustomed to over the years. He's the kind of demon slayer we need in this line of work.

"But I won't belittle those who regret and suffer over their actions as demons," he added. "Because they were once humans, like me." Silence fell among them, neither daring to speak another word.

"Move your foot," Tanjiro threatened. How bold of him to go against a high-ranking demon slayer. Be it demons or Hashira, even if he has to turn the world upside down, Tanjiro has the will to protect his sister.

I knelt to his level, extending my hand to help him to his feet, his sister snuggling beneath him as she slept peacefully. Mr. Giyu stood motionless, cautiously assessing the situation around us.

An immense aura emanated from within the forest, carrying a lethal intent directed toward the demon girl on the ground. The Water Hashira unsheathed his sword, thrusting it forward as Ms. Shinobu leaped away, her blade glinting in the moonlight.

He crouched in front of us, shielding the siblings behind his broad shoulders.

"You said yourself that there's no getting along with demons, so what are you doing, Mr. Tomioka?" The Insect Hashira asked, her voice soft masking a sinister edge. "You're always like this. That's why everybody hates you."

Miss Shinobu Kocho, the current Insect Hashira, fights with both grace and a deadly stinger. Behind her cheerful smile and friendly demeanor lies a woman greatly feared by demons, a poisonous bee on the battlefield.

"Move aside, Mr. Tomioka," she warned, her blade's edge reflecting the piercing glare in her eyes.

I tried to stay calm as I looked for an escape, not wanting to get caught in a brawl between two Hashiras. The air was thick with tension, and the moonlight barely illuminated our surroundings.

"Why did you say that everyone hates me?" Mr. Giyu broke the silence, taking us all aback. He's more concerned about that than Miss Shinobu's anger!?

"Oh my, I guess you never realized it. I shouldn't have said anything, I'm sorry." She taunted further, and the brawl continued.

I struggled to suppress my laughter.

Ms. Shinobu was not amused. Her tone made it clear how much she wanted to exterminate the demon in Tanjiro's arms. I tried not to be swayed, because the bond they shared, though against the Corps' rules, was something I, too, wanted to protect.

I wish I could have done the same for Hoshiko's brother, but I was too late to save him. That's why, even if I had to bend the rules, defending Tanjiro's sister felt like a chance to gain an advantage against Muzan.

"Shiori, be a dear and get that demon away from him," the Insect Hashira called, her blade still pointed at us. "I'll help kill her with a gentle poison."

She's crazy, of course! Who wouldn't go crazy when facing humanity's biggest threat?

I rose from my position, standing behind Mr. Giyu, and faced the woman before us. Her once warm and kind eyes had lost their color, now a cold warning in her smile.

If I weren't a Hashira, I would've already cowered under her gaze. But as someone standing on the same stage as her, I also had the option of staying neutral and letting the adults handle the final decision.

"I only care about Tanjiro and his determination to protect and fight, Miss Shinobu. He could be a really good soldier for us, so I hope he won't get kicked out of the Corps," I said, pushing Tanjiro behind me as instructed by Mr. Giyu. "But his sister still has her human attributes despite being turned into a demon, so I will follow whatever the Grand Master decides for her."

I couldn't let my own sentiments mingle with my choices at work. So, if I couldn't face the problem directly, I would find another way.

As the two moved behind us, I ran in the opposite direction, passing by Ms. Shinobu as I descended the mountain. 

In the split second that I neared her, I saw a look in the corner of my eye that I never thought I'd see from her—disappointment.

For the first time, I went against the rules and morals of the Corps and even disobeyed a senior. Of course, she'd be disappointed. If it were Madame Yumira, she would've already clashed blades to protect what she believes is right.

On my way to the foot of the mountain, I saw Kanao darting between the trees, swinging her blade to catch the demon girl. Tanjiro was nowhere to be found.

I pursued them through the dense forest, maneuvering on the tree branches for a wider peripheral view. Just as Kanao was about to draw her blade into a sharp arc, I reached for my own, ready to defend the helpless little demon. Suddenly, a crow's shriek cut through the tense atmosphere.

"Take Tanjiro and demon Nezuko into custody! And bring them back to Headquarters immediately!"

I let out a sigh I didn't realize I'd been holding as I leaped to the ground. Kanao turned to face me, her eyes widening at the sight of the wooden box in my hand, handed to me by a kakushi as I followed Ms. Shinobu's student down the mountain.

She stared at me, her big purple eyes full of curiosity and shock at my sudden arrival. The demon looked up at me, like a baby seeing a stranger for the first time—harmless and innocent.

"It's alright, I won't hurt you," The words felt bitter on my tongue, having to say them to a demon. As the little demon nestled safely in her box, I realized just how heavy a burden Mr. Giyu had to carry alone.

I, too, felt conflicted about whether to keep the demon alive or not. My mind recalled every reason to hate demons, yet my heart resisted the taint of disdain and yearned to show a bit of compassion.

Had Mr. Giyu and I not been lenient Hashiras, the demon girl's life would have ended right then and there. I think I'm the only one who doesn't hate the Water Hashira.

After all, water mirrors the moon's quiet strength, reflecting its silent wisdom.

As we directed the Kakushis in the clean-up operation, I turned to Kanao. She had been quiet and distant since my earlier interference. I needed to explain my actions to prevent any misunderstandings.

"As much as you want to kill the demon girl as instructed, Tanjiro and his sister are now in custody by order of the Grand Master. We have to keep them alive until further notice."

The demons in the nearby areas had been exterminated thanks to the combined efforts of three Hashiras and a tsuguko. Despite the earlier dispute between Mr. Giyu and Ms. Shinobu, they had set their differences aside to maintain professionalism and complete the mission.

In this line of work, even a single ounce of emotion could be either an advantage or a fatal flaw.

~ ~ ~

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Paralyzed by the fear of disappointing everyone who had high expectations of me.

---

I had given up on saving her brother.

『𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭』

Kanao is older than Shiori by two years, but Shiori treats Kanao like someone her age. On the other hand, Kanao sees Shiori as someone she respects, the same way she does with Shinobu and Kanae.

『Author's Note』

Thank you for reading 
Your votes and comments are appreciated so much💕✨

- Rezella

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