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(Also, if your wondering where the 'EH?! ' chapter I deleted it and added it to the first one!! Anyways,back to the story)
Tanjiro suddenly stopped Hotaru.
"Wait! If you're gonna forge that sword then… what will I be using?" he asked, completely lost.
Hotaru paused mid-step, then turned around and handed Tanjiro a fresh sword.
"Use this one," he said simply.
Tanjiro carefully took it from him, his eyes shining.
"T-thank you! Very much!" he said, grinning from ear to ear.
The next day, you were sitting with Tanjiro and Genya when Tanjiro began rambling.
"So yeah, that's what happened yesterday. They say it takes three days and three nights to polish a sword, so he'll be finished the day after tomorrow. But you know, the polishing process is supposed to be so brutal that some people have actually died! That worries me! I know he strictly forbade me from checking on him, but I should go! Right, Y/n? Genya?"
You looked at Genya, who looked like he was about to explode."I don't know! I don't care! Now stop talking to me like we're friends!" Genya snapped.
You chuckled quietly at how dramatic he was being.
"Hold on… you mean we're not friends?" Tanjiro asked, hurt.
"Not by a long shot! Idiot! You broke my arm, remember?!" Genya barked.
"I remember. It's your own fault for hitting a girl, Genya. I had no choice," Tanjiro said calmly.
Genya's face turned red with anger. "Don't ever call me by my first name!"
Tanjiro ignored him and instead reached into his bag. "These rice crackers are delicious. Want one? Y/n? Genya?" He held out a cracker.
(Credits to RYUX on Pinterest)
You were just about to grab one when Genya slapped his hand and crushed the crackers to dust.
"No, I don't want one! Get lost!" Genya shouted.
Your jaw dropped. "Oh, YOU FUCKING HO! I was about to eat that, dumbass!" you yelled, ready to tackle him.
Genya froze and turned to you, flustered. "O-oh! Y-Y/n...!!I didn’t know." His ears went red as he looked away, embarrassed.
You just grumbled and went searching for more food instead.
"Wait, Genya? Didn't you lose a tooth at the hot spring?" Tanjiro asked innocently.
Genya stiffened and looked away. "You must've been seeing things…"
Tanjiro reached into his pocket. "Not only did I see it, but I got it!" He proudly held up the tooth.
Genya's eyes widened. "You had it in your pocket?! What kind of creep does something like that?!"
You sighed and gave Tanjiro a very unimpressed look. "Seriously, Tanjiro? That’s gross."
He blinked. "What? I was gonna give it back!"
"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?! TOSS THAT DAMN THING! NOW GET OUT OF MY SIGHT!" Genya yelled, kicking Tanjiro out of the room.
"Do I leave too or...?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh!! N-no! You can stay if you want," Genya stammered, suddenly shy.
"Mhm, I'll go with Tanjiro," you said, standing up and heading toward the door without looking back.
Genya looked disappointed, his shoulders dropping but whatever.
꒐ꋊ ᗩᑎOTᕼᗴᖇ яσσм
You were sitting cross-legged behind Nezuko, gently braiding her hair as you hummed a random tune. The afternoon sun lit the room in a warm glow, catching the slight sway of her ribbons.
"Wow, Y/N, you're really good at this! Thanks for braiding her hair too!" Tanjiro said with a bright smile.
You waved him off casually. "It's nothing. Plus anything for my baby girl."
You leaned forward and hugged Nezuko from behind. She giggled through her muzzle, shoulders bouncing, eyes crinkling with joy.
Tanjiro watched the two of you quietly. Something warm stirred in his chest.
Y/N really takes good care of Nezuko... She's so gentle with her.
His gaze lingered on your soft expression. I wish she was hugging me like that instead though...
He quickly shook his head, cheeks tinting pink. "D-don't be stupid, focus," he mumbled under his breath.
Just then, Nezuko turned her head slightly, trying to look back at you.
"Mmmm?" she tried to say.
You smiled, brushing a bit of her hair behind her ear. "All done! Now you're the prettiest demon girl in the entire world!!"
She clapped her hands excitedly and pointed at your hair, then mimicked a braiding motion.
"She wants to braid yours now," Tanjiro translated, amused.
You blinked. "You want to braid my hair?" You turned your head slightly. "Go ahead, Nezuko just don't pull it too hard or I'll cry and tell everyone you bullied me."
Tanjiro laughed. "You're seriously going to fake cry because of a fourteen year old?"
"Yes. Have you seen how strong her little hands are? She's built like a tiny tank."
You sat down in front of Nezuko, and she eagerly started messing with your hair. You didn't care if it turned out messy or not it felt nice, being cared for like this.
Tanjiro’s eyes softened. "She really likes you..."
You turned slightly, catching his gaze. "Huh? You say something?"
He quickly looked away. "No! Nothing! I-I mean... I'm just glad you’re good with her, that's all."
You smirked slightly. "Aw Tanjiro are yu getting all sentimental on me?"
He flailed a little. "N-no! I just..! Nezuko’s happiness is important, okay?!"
"Sure, cinnamon roll. Sure."
He groaned and buried his face in his hands.
Nezuko tapped your head proudly, holding out a tiny flower she'd somehow stuck in your braid. You beamed. "I'm a fairy now. All I need is wings."
Tanjiro nearly choked trying not to laugh
"So Y/n, Nezuko. Why was Genya so mad? Maybe he was hungry! We should get breakfast with him tomorrow!"
Nezuko hummed, nodding her head at Tanjiro after he said that, and you, knowing the reason he doesn't eat is because he eats demons, just said, "Yeah, good idea!"
"I like Genya! I'd like to get closer to him," Tanjiro said as he turned around.
"Hey Y/n... doesn't the moon look beautiful tonight?"
You just chuckled and nodded.
"Yeah yeah, it sure is.." you said.
You, Tanjiro, and Nezuko lay down, tired and ready to sleep, just to be interrupted by Muichiro pinching Tanjiro's nose with his fingers.
"Have you seen a swordsmith named Kanamori?" Muichiro asked the half-asleep Tanjiro and you.
But you two both jolted awake.
"Oh hey Tokito! Whoa, is there something wrong? Wait, hold on a seconddid you just pinch my nose?!"
"Yeah, I did. You took too long to respond."
"Sure, I know Mr. Kanamori. What's going on? If I had to guess..he's probably with Mr. Haganezuka."
"Kanamori's my new swordsmith. So where's Haganezuka then?"
"I dunno! Let's go look? Wanna come, Y/n?" Tanjiro said, smiling.
"Why do you care so much about other people? You and that girl," Muichiro suddenly asked.
"First of all, I'm not 'that girl.' My name's Y/n and I'm the one who clocked your crow’s shit! Plus, whatever you do for others comes around to help you as well in the end -well hopefully but you get my point!"
Muichiro's eyes widened at your explanation.
"Huh? Repeat what you just said! Right now."
"You mean me or Y/n? That I was gonna go anyw-OW!"
Nezuko sat up and hit Tanjiro in the chin with her head.
Tanjiro turned to her.
"I'm glad you're awake, Nezuko!"
She hurriedly sat on your lap, wanting to cuddle with you.
"Let's go see Mr. Haganezuka," Tanjiro said.
"This girl is really an odd one, isn't she..." Muichiro said as he pointed at you.
"Odd?! What do you mean?!" Tanjiro yelled.
"Let's see... I can't describe it. I get this feeling that I met her before..."
Muichiro tilted his head, followed by Tanjiro and then Nezuko, while you just sat there watching everything unfold."Did you just call me odd?!" you grumbled.
"Is someone here?" Tanjiro asked as he heard the shoji door sliding.
"It seems like it," Muichiro responded as you got up and grabbed your sword.
"H-huh? Y/n?-"
Tanjiro was cut off by the demon who had just stepped into the room.You quickly mumbled, "Sun Breathing: First Form: Dance Form," as you attacked the demon, but it was too fast, now crawling along the ceiling.
"Please... stop it... it burns!" the demon cried.
Tanjiro and Muichiro both got up to attack."Hinokami Kagura: Sunflower Thrust!"Tanjiro muttered as he lunged forward, blade flashing. The demon stumbled, falling just as Nezuko transformed into her full demon form.
"Why isn't he fighting back? He's not an Upper Rank?" Tanjiro asked, panting.
"He is!" you shouted. "He's just not in his full form yet!"
Muichiro didn't wait. In a single motion, he sliced through the demon's neck.
"Muichiro, back away!" you yelled, but it was too late.The body convulsed. With a sickening twist, it split into two new demons one holding a massive fan, the other radiating fury.
"I'll take this one!" Tanjiro shouted, charging at the angry one. Muichiro went after the one with the fan, but with a single swing, the demon sent him flying. The wind cracked the building apart, splinters and tiles flying as you and Tanjiro lost your balance.
Nezuko latched onto the wall with her claws, grabbing both of you just in time.
Your eyes widened in horror as Muichiro disappeared into the trees below.
"Muichiro!" you screamed.
Now standing on the shattered ceiling, you faced the two demons.
"This is fun! Did you see how that peanut went flying, Sekido?" the one with the fan laughed, eyes glinting with amusement.
"There's nothing fun about this," Sekido growled. "All I feel is uncontrollable rage. Karaku, I despise being trapped with you."
Karaku grinned, licking his lips. "Well, it's a good thing we got split up, huh?"
His eyes landed on you. "Now... who's that pretty girl?"
Sekido ignored him and slammed his staff into the ground. Lightning crackled blue and red sparks bursting out as it struck Tanjiro. He convulsed, a pained cry ripping from his throat. You dropped to your knees from the impact, but forced yourself to stay awake.
High above, Genya stood on the roof, rifle raised. With sharp precision, he fired, bullets slicing through two demon necks.
Karaku just laughed. "Isn't this entertaining?"
"Genya, stop!" you shouted, breathless. "You'll only-"
Before you could finish, he charged and sliced off another demon’s head.
"It'll only end up multiplying!" Tanjiro yelled. "They’re counting on us to behead them!"
You ran toward Genya and yanked him back. "I thought it was just four demons??!"
Before Tanjiro could answer, the fourth demon appeared behind him, grabbing him and taking off into the sky. You reached out, helpless, heart racing as he disappeared.
Your fingers clenched around your sword. Your body trembled, not from fear but from the weight of knowing how much was at stake. You didn’t know what to do, but you knew you had to act. Now.
"Nezuko, Y/n! Don’t worry about me, try to help Genya!"
Tanjiro yelled, voice raw with urgency.
Your body moved on its own, no time to think. Aizetsu lunged forward, spear aimed straight for Genya. Without hesitation, your blade clashed against it, deflecting the strike just in time. Genya’s eyes widened at you in disbelief relieved, but also annoyed that you were getting in the way because you were in danger now. "You look so weak it’s sad," Aizetsu sneered, voice calm.
"Says the emo guy with permanent eyeliner," you shot back with a grunt, struggling to hold your ground as his spear came at you again and again.
Your arms were shaking. The pressure was insane!!his strength wasn't helping either. You gritted your teeth and thought desperately,
"Yoriichi! Please help me!say something, anything!"
His voice echoed gently, deep and steady in your mind.
"I’m here. Breathe, Y/n. You’re not alone."
You dodged another attack, barely avoiding being skewered.
"They won’t kill you. You’re too valuable. Just focus on staying alive."
"Right… KibutsuBooty still wants me breathing. Good for me I guess," you thought sarcastically, stumbling a little before regaining your footing. You could hear your heart pounding in your ears.
Aizetsu’s attacks were getting faster. Smarter. The moment you blocked one, another came from a different angle.
"I’m starting to get annoyed," you growled.
Yoriichi’s voice came again, clearer now closer.
"You’re doing well. Keep your eyes on his stance. He telegraphs with his left foot."
"Can you say something like 'you got this queen' or 'he’s not even hot' or something a little more motivational?" you mumbled out loud as you rolled under another sweep of the spear.
"He’s not even hot. "
"Thanks, Yoriichi. "
"You’ve faced worse. You’re faster than him when you stop panicking. "
You took a deep breath and stepped back, trying to feel your body again. Your muscles were screaming, but you were still standing. The next time Aizetsu’s spear came down, you ducked low, spun, and slashed slicing through the edge of his robes.
A spark of surprise flickered across his face.
"Stop trying to act cool with your sad boy lines.."you said, panting. "It’s not impressing anyone."
Aizetsu narrowed his eyes. "You’re annoying. "
"You’re dramatic."
A faint chuckle echoed in your mind.
"You’re fearless, Y/n. Just like you used to be."
"Used to be? Damn, was I cooler back then?"
"You were reckless. But you were always brave."
You looked over your shoulder quickly, nezuko was holding her own and Genya was back on his feet..
Aizetsu’s spear clashed with your blade again, the sound of metal meeting metal ringing through the chaos. You skidded back, boots ( or whatever shoes you're wearing)scraping against the dirt, arms trembling from the force of the hit.
"You're persistent," He muttered, emotionless eyes scanning you. "But you'll break eventually."
"Yeah? So will that sad little haircut," you huffed, lunging forward before he could finish blinking.
He blocked, but you were faster this time. Your foot came up and kicked him square in the chest, making him stumble.
Genya scrambled up behind you, blood running down his face. "Why are you helping me?"
"Because I don’t feel like crying over your funeral today," you grinned, swinging your sword again.
Aizetsu was suddenly behind you, spear aiming for your ribs. You ducked but a big cut opened across your arm "fuck.. "
"Tanjiro! Genya!Nezuko!!Focus on the others!" you yelled. "I got emo boy."
"You won't survive this.And what does even mean?!" Aizetsu said.
"It means your sad and you think that's tuff. Neither will your eyeliner," you snapped back, parrying hard (btw Y/n doesn't hate emo people at all, she just wants to make him mad)
Then you felt Yoriichi??The same feeling when you were fighting with Inosuke the first time you met him.
His presence slipped into your chest like a warm current, ancient and familiar. Your hands steadied.
"Shift your weight to the left. Good. Now drop your shoulder when he goes low," his voice guided you through the fight
You obeyed, ducking low, the spear slicing the air where your neck had just been
"DAMN!! Atta boy," you murmured, and he almost chuckled.
"You always say that," Yoriichi said in your head, sounding faintly amused. "You're doing well. Don’t think. Just move."
"AlriGht.Trust!! "
You leapt, using a chunk of broken wall to launch yourself higher, bringing your blade down with both hands. Aizetsu blocked, but your strength forced him back several steps.
Genya stared in disbelief "She’s... holding him off?" he breathed
"Focus, Y/n" Yoriichi’s voice was more serious now. "Your timing is off by a fraction. Listen to your heartbeat. Match it to his."
You exhaled.
Your blade clashed with the spear again, but this time, you moved just a little faster. Your elbow grazed Aizetsu’s side the sharp edge of your sword cutting into his shoulder and he winced.
"You’re improving," he muttered.
You smirked. "Thanks. I’m a fast learner. Unlike some hoes I know."
He launched at you again, faster now. Spear flashing in a blur.
"Left. Up. Step forward"
And you did. Perfectly. Aizetsu missed.
Your sword grazed his cheek this time.
"You little-!"
"That's right. I'm not even using a breathing style and you're sweating"
The other two demons were watching you fight Aizetsu, but you weren’t paying attention to them anymore. Your eyes locked on Nezuko. She was still fighting Karaku and starting to struggle.
You had enough.
"Sun Breathing. Second Form. Clear Blue Sky," you said quietly as you spun around fast.
You slashed Aizetsu’s arms off in one clean hit. He flew back and hit the ground. You didn’t stop. You ran straight toward Karaku and Nezuko.
"Sun Breathing. First Form. Dance!"
Your blade moved like fire, cutting off Karaku’s hands before he could react. He stepped back, shocked.
You reached down and grabbed his fan.
"Thanks for this," you muttered.
As soon as you looked up, you saw Sekido. He was raising his staff, aiming it straight at Nezuko.
Without thinking, you threw the fan like a weapon. It spun through the air, hitting Sekido right in the chest and making him lose his balance.
You stepped in front of Nezuko and held out your sword.
"You’re not touching her," you said.
Sekido growled, picking himself up slowly.
"You’ll regret that," he hissed.
"Try me" you answered, eyes sharp.
"This girl's mine! You and Aizetsu can get lost," Karaku said with a grin, clearly impressed.
He was staring right at you, eyes full of interest. Not just because of how strong you were, but also because of how you looked and the way you carried yourself. Confident. Brave. Smart.
You rolled your eyes.
"Ew. No thanks," you said flatly.
You swung the fan again, sending a blast of wind that knocked Karaku off his feet. He hit the ground with a loud thud, laughing like a maniac.
"You're even cooler when you're mad," he said, still lying on the ground.
Aizetsu was back on his feet now, looking serious again. His grip on his spear tightened as he stepped forward.
"You should’ve stayed down," you said, turning to face him.
He didn’t say anything. Just rushed at you with his spear. You blocked it with your sword sparks flying from the hit. You pushed forward forcing him to back away.
Nezuko was beside you now, kicking Karaku in the face when he tried to get up again
"Thanks for the help," you told her quickly.
She gave you a thumbs up and then ran off to help Tanjiro.
Aizetsu tried to strike again, but you caught his arm and twisted it. Then you kicked him in the chest, sending him crashing into a broken wall.
Karaku stood again, fan in hand. He was grinning like it was all a game.
"You're amazing," he said. "I might actually love you!"
You blushed a little "I'm flattered tuff guy" you said with a smirk as you got ready again
But then your eyes caught Aizetsu's spear plunging into Genya's stomach and your heart dropped.
"GENYA!" you yelled
He gasped, trembling but still standing, gripping the spear stuck inside him
You moved fast, pushing off the ground but a sudden gust hit your side and slammed you hard across the floor
"You keep looking away" Karaku said, spinning his fan like it was nothing "That’s rude"You jumped up sword in hand, trying to reach Genya but Karaku stood in your way"Move" you snapped
Karaku raised an eyebrow and laughed "Make me"
You lunged he swung the fan, you ducked under the blast and slashed at his side but he blocked and shoved you back
"You’re fast" he said.
You didn’t answer, attacking again and again, your foot connecting with his ribs making him stagger.
You pressed harder but a burst of wind hit you, knocking the air out of you, you coughed and stayed on your feet.
"You’re tough too!!" he smiled "That’s kinda hot"
You kept one eye on Genya still standing, bleeding, holding the spear, while Aizetsu moved to attack again.
You shifted to run but Karaku blocked you, slamming his fan down cracking the floor
"You're not going anywhere" he grinned
Your grip tightened on your sword, body aching, but you weren’t quitting yet
"I’m gonna cut that smug face off your skull"
Karaku laughed loud "Try it, princess"
You steadied your breath, eyes locked on Karaku as he smirked, spinning his fan lazily.
"Sun breathing: Second Form, Clear Blue Sky," you muttered, moving very fast.
Your sword flashed, slicing through the air with a clean powerful arc. Karaku barely dodged, the edge grazing his cheek, leaving a shallow cut.
He hissed, wiping the blood away but didn’t lose his grin.
"You’ve got some skill," he said, lunging forward.
You twisted, avoiding his strike then spun into the next move.
"Sun breathing: Third Form, Raging Tide," you whispered, your blade cutting in wide crashing swings.
Each hit forced him back, his fan clattering against the ground as you pressed the attack.
Karaku’s eyes narrowed, realizing you were serious now.
But before he could counter, you leapt back, catching your breath and glanced toward Genya who was struggling but still holding on.
You gritted your teeth and stepped forward again "Oh fuck you..!! "
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