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Chapter Text

Zenitsu burst through the doors, into the place where he could hear his friends battling Kibutsuji.

Kaminari no Kokyu - Ichi no Kata: Hekireki Issen!

He quickly dashed to the fight scene, panting and bleeding slightly from the backlash of using Thunder Breathing too fast - although he didn’t care.

“TANJIROU!”

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It happened too fast for Tanjirou to see - heck, even for Kanao to see if she was there.

He was panting heavily, bleeding freely - yet he still swung his sword at the writhing muscles that made up Kibutsuji Muzan.

Mizu no Kokyu - Ich -

He was cut off by a wayward shard of debris flying his way and nailing him in the gut, causing his already hurt body to cough out blood - Stupid body - and providing an opportunity for the Demon King to land a blow on him.

Tanjirou shut his eyes, awaiting the blow - And probably his death, let’s be real - that somehow never came.

Tentatively, he opened his eyes.

And promptly regretted it as he stared into a pair of eyes he knew very well - slowly bleeding out of life right before his perfectly intact ones.

“ZENITSU! NO -”

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Were the last things Zenitsu heard before spiralling into darkness, his last clear vision Tanjirou’s bloody face staring at him in horror and disbelief.

If this is dying, perhaps this isn’t so bad. I died fighting Kibutsuji Muzan, after all - and I laid Ani - Kaigaku to rest. I also avenged Jii-chan. I died saving my friend. My Friend.

Tanjirou, don’t beat yourself up for this. I loved having friends like you and Inosuke, and especially Nezuko-chan!

He kept on falling, but the fall was serene and unbothered.

He spoke too soon.

He landed in a familiar garden, greeted by a familiar face.

“J-Jii-chan?”

Jii-chan slowly moved around to look at him, a fond smile gracing his face.

“Zenitsu, you are my pride and joy.”

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Chapter Text

Zenitsu gasped, clawing at his throat and heaving big breaths. 

Ok, ok, calm down. What would Tanjirou or Kanao do in this situation? 

Ok, so I died, then I saw Jii-chan, and now - Where am I? 

He slowly got up, looking around his surroundings carefully. 

It looked suspiciously like Jii-chan’s peach orchard back home, and also smelled suspiciously like peaches. He also heard some noises coming from the wooden house nearby, right where Jii-chan’s house used to be.

But just because it sounded suspiciously like Jii-chan, and the house was suspiciously in the same spot as in Jii-chan’s peach orchard, and it smelled suspiciously the same, and everything looked the same, and - 

“Oi! Zenitsu! Get your butt out here, and train!” 

No - it can’t be - but that would mean - Jii-chan was still alive? 

No, that couldn’t be. Zenitsu had held the letter in his hand, seen Jii-chan’s grave, sworn revenge on that filthy traitor who caused their shared father figure so much grief. 

“Oi! Zenitsu!” 

A sharp pain on his head shook him out of his thoughts as he turned to see the old face of his master. 

“J-Jii-chan?” 

He tentatively reached out to touch the familiar triangle-patterned haori, only to be smacked away by the knobbly cane Jii-chan used (more for smacking him than for walking, but he still used). 

“Zenitsu, you can’t just run away every time we train!” As if to enunciate his point, the old man waved his stick around before lightly tapping Zenitsu’s head with it. “Final Selection’s tomorrow, and you’ve only mastered the first form, so you need to make sure you’re fully prepared!’ 

A light, shocked smile graced Zenitsu’s face as he slowly fell into the old routine of being convinced to be braver by Jii-chan. He didn’t know what was happening, but he knew a blessing when he knew one - and he’d take the opportunity. 

“Y-Yep, Jii-chan! I’ll make sure to work hard!” 

His golden-amber eyes shone with unshed tears and sparkled with happiness as he tearfully gazed at Jii-chan. 

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Zenitsu hummed a tune he had once heard on the shamisen as he neatly sliced off a demon’s head, flicking his blade to clean off the blood as the head behind him slowly turned to ash. 

That makes demon number 48 or so? 

Wandering around the mountain with no clear destination in mind, he had killed every demon he crossed paths with - making it to the seventh day with no problem. 

Lost in his thoughts, he didn’t notice when he bumped into someone in front of him. 

“O-oh, sorry!” 

Stunned, he couldn’t respond to the apology and instead mumbled something and flashed away using the first form. 

The scent, the voice, the sound  - 

Tanjirou. 

He - He was alive, and breathing, and speaking, and so innocent - God, so innocent - no scars, or marks, or cold empty eyes - 

He was alive. 

Which meant Zenitsu had probably travelled back in time to the Final Selection he had attended with Tanjirou, Inosuke, Kanao and Genya. 

Which meant everyone was still alive. 

God, were all the Hashira still alive? Even - Even Rengoku-san? Ubayishiki-sama? W-Was Genya still alive? 

C-Could he save them? 

He was startled out of his thoughts by a bell ringing in the distance - meaning the Final Selection was over. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Congratulations on surviving the Final Selection.” 

Glancing around, Zenitsu could see at least fifteen people around him - a drastic difference from the last one, where only five had survived. 

“There are ten ranks in total.” 

“Mizunoto”

“Mizunoe”

“Kanoto”

“Kanoe”

“Tsuchinoto”

“Hinoto”

“Hinoe”

“Kinoto” 

“Kinoe” 

And one more  - Hashira, Zenitsu’s mind supplied instinctively. Which I should probably think about, if I want to defeat Kaigaku. At this time, he’s not a demon yet, but that just means I have more time to make sure Gramps doesn’t commit Seppuku. 

Looking around, he saw Tanjirou, Kanao, and Genya. Inosuke’s still on the mountain, the fool, he thought, shaking his head fondly. He got his Nichirin swords in my past, so no need to worry about that. However…

“Stop! You shouldn’t harm such a small child!” 

Tanjirou’s hand reached out to Genya’s arm, and to Zenitsu’s sensible ears, a faint crack was heard. “Let’s just get our ore and get out of here, yeah?”

Even before I knew him, Tanjirou really was a great person, huh? He doesn't deserve to die, - neither did Genya. Now that I’m in the past, with knowledge of what’s to come - I'll make sure no one dies! 

Chapter Text

“Die now, human!”

The vines shot out to Zenitsu - but he was too fast for them. 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Hekireki Issen! (Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!) 

The demon’s head flew off, landing a few meters away from Zenitsu’s sword. It quickly disintegrated into foul-smelling ash, and he flicked the remaining blood off his pristine Katana. 

Chuntaro’s wings flapped frantically around his head, chirping what he liked to think to be praises. 

After Final Selection, he had returned home to his master, who tearfully greeted him. He had obtained his Nichirin blade two weeks later, and had his first mission. 

Honestly, why are all the demons so weak? Their Blood Demon Arts barely scratch me, and I hardly ever need to even exert any kind of effort. Maybe this is a good time to figure out the other five forms of Thunder Breathing? 

                           ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shit! Why isn’t this working? 

Zenitsu waved and slashed his katana around, frustration mounting higher as he struggled to pull off the extreme leg movement needed for the third form. 

Kaminari no Kokyu, San no Kata: Shubun Seirai! 

He pushed off the ground, rapidly circling around the target faster than the average human eye could see. His katana arced around the training dummy, delivering lightning-coated slashes. The dummy burst into flames, its head, torso and feet neatly sliding onto the soil. 

That would have killed a lower-ranked demon, but Upper Rank Six? There’s no way….

“Chirp! CH-CHIRP CHHHHH!” 

Chuntaro descended from the sky, pecking at his head lightly - summons to a demon. 

Ah, so it’s that time, with the Tsuzumi Demon - Kyogai, was it? He was the former Lower Rank Six, but Tanjirou beat him pretty easily last time. 

“Alright, alright! I’ll get going soon enough!” 

Zenitsu started running to catch up with the already flying Chuntaro, slightly peeved he didn’t get to finish his training. 

Ah - but I’ll get to see Tanjirou again! 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Ah! Mister - Could you maybe help me find my ring? I seem to have dropped it somewhere nearby..” 

“Yeah, sure! Lemme just..” 

Zenitsu crouched down, scuffling around on the road to look for the shiny ring she had dropped. The past him would have started harassing her, but after Infinity Castle - well, he didn’t have that kind of thinking anymore. 

His ears picked up a metallic clink beside him, and he looked over and saw the shiny bit of metal glinting in the sunlight. 

“Here it is, ah-”

“Sato, Sato Akari.” 

“Well, have a good day, Sato-san.” He tipped his head and continued down the road, not sparing a glance back when he picked up the faint sound of her voice calling out to him, asking him for his name. 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

He had made it a good ways down the road until he saw the teal-and-black checkered haori waving in the distance. 

Just the sight of that haori is enough to raise my spirits, Zenitsu smiled. Tanjirou just really has that effect on others, eh? 

“Hello! Are you Agatsuma Zenitsu-san? I think I’m on a mission with you! Oii!” 

He waved back, a smile already creeping up on his melancholy face. “Yep, I’m Agatsuma! Nice to meet you, Tanjirou!” 

Oops. I’m not supposed to know his name, right? I might have fucked up….

A confused look flitted over Tanjirou’s face for a moment, but then his face brightened into a contagious laughing face. “Nice to meet you too, Agatsuma-san!” 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gosh, Tanjirou really is medicine for the soul, eh? 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tanjirou walked side-by-side with the new slayer, the one with sunshine-yellow hair and triangle-patterned haori. 

“So, Agatsuma-san, what made you decide to become a Demon Slayer?”

There, that’s a good question, right? Probably better than “Hey, so which members of your family got murdered by a demon? Mine got murdered by the King of Demons!” 

“I was in debt to some people, but then my shishou took me in - he paid my debts in exchange for training me in the way of the sword.” 

Ahh, I see! Though it’s probably hard to follow up with “I trained for two years on a mountain while my demon sister slept with a masked man..” 

“So, what’s your favourite colour? I like every colour - all of them have their own charms!” 

                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My favourite colour, eh? 

Zenitsu thought about all the unique colours his friends and comrades brought to the battlefield. Shinobu-san’s purple, Kanroji-san’s beautiful pink-green, Iguro-san’s black and white, Tokito-san’s teal, Tanjirou’s red and blue, Inosuke’s muted yet stunning browns, Kanao’s pink…they’re all so beautiful! 

“Tsuma? Agatsuma-san?” 

He looked up into Tanjrou’s concerned eyes after musing for a while. “I think every colour’s unique in its own way, don’t you think? “ 

                             ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Arrival! Arrival! Kamado Tanjirou, Agatsuma Zenitsu! Please carry out your mission to the utmost of your capabilities!” 

“All, right, let’s do our best, Agatsuma-san!” Tanjirou said with those big, sparkling eyes. “I’m sure with the two of us working together, no demon will be any problem at all!” 

I sure missed this side of Tanjirou. Zenitsu reminisced. After the Entertainment District, he always seemed so much more serious and composed - especially after he unlocked the full capabilities of Sun Breathing. 

“Help! Our Nii-chan got swallowed by the house!” 

Well, doesn’t that sound ominous, Zenitsu thought. Ah well, at least I know for sure what to do this time, instead of abandoning Shoichi-kun.  

“Don’t worry, we’re here to help rescue your brother!” Tanjoru reassured them with a bright smile on his face. “Can you maybe describe what he looks like?” 

It was no sooner than the words left his mouth that a body fell out of the mansion with a loud plunk, making the children jump in fright and Tanjirou quickly rushed to block the body from their sights of view. 

“No worries, it’s not your brother,” Zenitsu told them. “He’s much too old, for one thing, and I can hear someone more sprightly still in the house.” 

Judging by last time, it’s safe to assume the brother’s still in the mansion. I think that’s a pretty good explanation, and it ties into my ear capabilities as well. 

“Re-really?” The children looked up, tears filling their eyes. “You sure, Nii-san?” 

“Positive.” Nii-san, eh? Glad I earned their trust, at least. 

“Agatsuma-san, shall we go in to defeat the demon now?” Tanjirou asked. “I can ask Ne - I mean, I can leave this magic box here to protect them!”

Zenitsu raised an eyebrow. “Magical…box?” Tanjirou, you really have to come up with some more believable explanations. I know that’s Nezuko-chan, but are you going to tell the Hashira your ‘magic box’ can kick demons’ heads off and heal people with fire? 

“Yep!” 

“Sureee….Let’s get going then. You two stay here where it’s safe, alright? We really can’t afford distractions.” Zenitsu fixed them with a firm glare. “Also, protect Tanjirou-san’s ‘magic box’, okay?” 

“It is a magic box!” 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zenitsu and Tanjirou cautiously made their way into the wooden halls of the mansion, careful to make minimum noise. 

I can hear the big demon’s footsteps already, Zenitsu pondered. I could reach it with one Hekireki Issen, but would Tanjirou panic? No, he’s probably seen Giyuu-san in action, so he’ll probably think all slayers are this level and won’t mention it at the Hashira meeting. 

“Hey, Tanjirou-san, I’ll be back, alright?” Zenitsu called over his shoulder as he raced away. “Take care of the people for me!” 

A puzzled Tanjirou stood there, staring after him. “What should I dooo?”

Chapter Text

Zenitsu raced off to where he could hear the thundering footsteps of the Tsuzumi demon, keeping an ear open for Tanjirou and the other people in the mansion at the same time. 

I can slice off the head in one clean slice, but I don’t know how that’ll affect the rest of the mansion under his Blood Demon Art. After all, the pair’s brother is still in here, Inosuke’s in here, and I can hear a few other people trapped inside. I need to be careful of Tanjirou as well. 

Considering all that, I guess the best way to go is Hekireki Issen? It’s my strongest move, and I’m sure Tanjirou can manage to save the brother. Inosuke’s strong too, so that’s not a problem at all. 

Suddenly, he stopped as a giant hand came out and slapped where he had stood just moments before. 

THUMP

The room suddenly spun around, disorienting him as he let out a quick swear before jumping in the center to avoid getting too dizzy. 

“Why are you in my domain, human?” he could hear a deep voice echo. “Do you have a death wish, facing Former Lower Moon Six?” He heard several consecutive drum beats after this, each one of them rotating the room in a different direction. 

“Well, you know - it’s kinda my job…?” Zenitsu threw out as he carefully went in the opposite direction of the rotations to avoid getting hit. “So, mind telling me your weak point so I can get out of here?” 

The demon growled, his hands a blur as he hit his drums. “You’re not even a Hashira, and you think you can defeat me? I haven’t even seen your attack yet, big talker!”

“Well, if you so wish to see it, please do - but can you?” 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Hekireki Issen! (Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!)

Zenitsu drew his katana out of his sheath as fast as he could, swinging it towards the demon’s neck as the sound struggled to keep up with his speed. The golden lightning followed his blade, as the demon’s head dropped neatly from his neck and hit the ground with a thump. 

Well, that was…underwhelming, to say the least, Zenitsu stared at the crumbling demon. This guy was Lower Moon Six? It felt the same as those random ones on the mountain, to be honest. His Blood Demon Art didn’t even affect me, let alone harm me. 

“Comin’ Through!” 

The familiar voice and cry was enough to shake Zenitsu from his thoughts, as he saw a certain Hashibira Inosuke crash down from the ceiling above him. The dual pair of Nichirin blades cut through the wood like it was paper, easily shredding through the already broken floors. 

Oh shit - he’s going after Nezuko-chan, isn’t he? Zenitsu thought in a panic, hastily running to the exit as the mansion toppled down behind him. I’ve gotta stop him - Nezuko-chan’s not strong enough, and who knows where Tanjirou is right now?! 

“Tanjirou! Go to Nezu - your magical box!” he panted, catching up to the familiar checkered haori and grabbing onto it. “There’s a wild boar-person chasing after it, and they’ve got Nichirin blades!” 

“Excuse me?” Tanjirou huffed out as Zenitsu dragged him along by his teal-checkered haori. “How do you know that?” 

“I-I have really good hearing, okay? I also know there’s a demon in your box!” Zenitsu threw back as they burst outside. “You’re a really good person though, so I didn’t-” He was cut off as Tanjirou wrenched his haori from Zenitsu’s grip and swung his katana to meet Inosuke’s before it could hit Nezuko-chan’s box. 

“Oi, what’re you doing?!” Inosuke yelled at Tanjirou, bringing his katana down on the box, only to be blocked by Tanjirou’s black katana. “It’s a demon - and we’re Demon Slayers!” 

“Guys, break it up,” Zenitsu said as he jumped in between the pair. “The demon in the box over there is Tanjirou-san’s sister, and she hasn’t eaten any humans yet.” I forgot how we calmed Inosuke down in the original timeline - ah well. That should do it, and we can head to the Wisteria House now. 

“There’s a house we can go to a ways down from here,” Zenitsu said to the subdued Inosuke and Tanjirou. “We can bury the dead, and escort the kids to their home - Oh, Tanjirou-san, did you find their brother?” “Yep! He was in the room just across from me.” “Alright, escort them home and we’ll head to the Wisteria House.” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Please, make yourself at home. A doctor will be here soon to check up on you, so please relax and wait for him,” the old lady said with a smile. “Dinner will be served in about an hour, as well.”

Gosh, this baa-san was really nice, wasn’t she? I missed this feeling - the feeling of home, and just hanging out with Tanjirou, Inosuke and Nezuko-chan. Dinner as well - when was the last time I just relaxed and ate, without the pressure of demons and Muzan over my head? 

“Hashibira Inosuke, coming through!” Inosuke burst through the shoji doors, waving his katanas around as he did so. “I challenge you, Monitsu!” “Why would you challenge me?” Zenitsu mumbled through his mouthful of chestnuts he had gotten from the baa-san. “Go challenge Tanjirou-san, or his magical box.” 

Dinner Time

“Oi! Gonpachirou, give me more meat!” Inosuke screamed, his sound muffled by the food filling his mouth. His chopsticks flew faster than his katanas, as he tried to steal both of their meals. Tanjirou was just letting him take whatever , while Zenitsu was passing his bowl around his hands while eating. Turns out Thunder Breathing is good for more than decapitating demons, after all, he thought ironically.

After dinner, the three of them went to their room to rest up before departing to their next mission - most likely Mount Natagumo - and found an adorable little surprise waiting there. 

“Nezuko! Why’re you out of your box?” Tanjirou approached her, only for her to dive under the covers at the sight of two unfamiliar faces approaching her. 

“Ne-I mean, your demon’s really cute, Tanjirou,” Zenitsu amiably walked over, holding out his hand not unlike how you did to a dog. “Your family member?” “Yes, my sis - Inosuke, stop!”

Chapter Text

“Attention! Attention! Kamado Tanjirou, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke! Depart to Mount Natagumo for your next mission!” The Kasugai Crow screamed in their faces. Sometimes, I wonder if they have names - Kanroji-san’s had a name right? I’ll call this one Sophie!

So, starts Natagumo, eh? I can’t wait to see Giyuu-san and Kocho-san again - oh, and the girls, Aoi and Kanao-chan also! 

Inosuke had mellowed out since last night, ever since Tanjirou had headbutted him in concussion-ness. He still had his original personality, of course, but at least he had accepted Nezuko-chan as part of their group. 

Sophie flew along the winding road to Mount Natagumo, leading them across the long path. Their black wings showed up strongly against the blue sky, so it was easy to follow - better than Chuntaro for sure…

“Hey, Inosuke! What’s your favourite colour?” 

“What do you mean, Gonpachirou? Colours are colours, like demons are demons!”

“Do you know what colours are?”

“...Food?” 

A caw from Sophie caught their attention. “We’ve arrived at Mount Natagumo! Please carry out your duties to the best of your abilities, and slay the demon!” They flapped away after that. 

Alright, here we go. After this, I think Tanjirou met with the Hashira while we met at Kocho-san’s mansion. Inosuke met Tomioka-san and I met Kocho-san, then we defeated Lower Moon 5 and met the Hashira. 

“Hashibira Inosuke, comin’ thro-” Inosuke was interrupted by Zenitsu and Tanjirou pulling on his shoulders simultaneously and hitting him on the head. “Let’s go all together, I-no-su-ke!” 

Who knew Tanjirou could be so terrifying? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Please, help us!” 

Zenitsu stared in horror at the suspended Demon Slayers, their limbs connected to a demon by silvery threads. Their bones were broken, and they were mere playthings in the hands of the mother spider demon. 

Beside him, he could hear Tanjirou and Inosuke’s  heartbeats increase - perhaps from adrenaline, indignation, anger or simply the feeling that humans shouldn’t be like that. 

“We don’t mean to attack y-ahh!”  

He could hear it before he saw it - the sound of despair, pain and limbs moving grotesquely as the controlled puppets swung their katanas towards the trio. This is why I hate demons - they attack people without ever thinking about how the other ones would feel. Just like Kaigaku. 

“Wh-What’s wrong with them, Zenitsu?” He could hear the desperate and confused warble in the question. That’s right, his magical sense of smell would be able to smell everything I can hear. Same goes for Inosuke, actually, since his sense of touch is as strong as our senses. “I think a demon’s controlling them from afar, so if we can locate them, we can stop th-” “Just fight them, Monitsu, Kentaro!” 

Well, he’s gonna be useless. 

I think I can hear where the strings are concentrated - since Inosuke seems to have deviated from the original timeline, I suppose I’ll have to kill her. “Hey, Tanjirou, I’m gonna be off for a bit!” he called over his shoulder, triangle-patterned haori flapping in the wind as he dashed towards the controlling demon. 

Gosh, she’s really pretty, actually. Why did I have to face the ugly brother with the bald heads?! She’s pretty weak, weaker than Kyogai. Should be easy enough. 

Kaminari no Kokyu - Ichi no Kata - Hekireki Issen!

His lightning-coated katana sliced through her neck as her head fell to the ground, Zenitsu’s blade too fast for her to see. The strings she was controlling fell to the ground, and he could hear multiple bodies collapsing to the ground a few ways off. “Ra-ha-ha! You bow down to the King of the Mountain!” Oh Inosuke, same as ever…

Then again, there’s still a Lower Moon on the mountain. I don’t think Tomioka-san and Kocho-san have arrived yet, so I think I have time to spare to look for it. Perhaps it might know where Kaigaku is…oh! But before that, I need to meet up with Tanjrou and Inosuke. 

“Hey, you guys alright?”

Chapter Text

Zenitsu raced through the forest, following the sound of silvery strings snapping through the forest to look for Lower Moon 5. After he had killed the mother demon, he checked up on the trio he had left behind - but mostly Nezuko-chan!

Who else was there on the mountain? Lower Moon 5, the mother, sister, brother, and probably a father. I think I remember Tanjirou mentioning Tomioka-san slaying him. Actually, when are Kocho-san and Tomioka-san arriving? They would be a huge help in helping the slayers. 

Ping.

Zenitsu jumped back as a sharp silver string shot out at him, almost severing his leg. A horde of spiders followed, all of their faces screaming with terror and their hair falling out. The brother? But he didn’t shoot out any threads, so that means - 

He looked up. 

The kanji for Kagen Five stared back at him menacingly, a sharp frown lining the mouth below it. The demon’s pale white hand was outstretched, silver strands of silk expelling from the fingertips. He was short, but an aura exuded from him that could only be matched by the Twelve Kizuki. 

Still, weak compared to Akaza, Kaigaku - and Kibutsuji himself, as well. I’m fairly confident I can beat him, but the question is - when are the Hashira arriving? I’m sure Kocho-san and Tomioka-san can beat him with ease. I don’t want to draw too much attention to myself ei-

A crimson string interrupted his thought process, causing him to look up at the pair of brothers “You’re strong, slayer. But can you beat both myself and my brother?” 

Giyuu POV

Well, this sucks. 

He raced through the dark forest beside Kocho-san, trying valiantly to avoid conversation with the petite Hashira. 

“Tomioka-san, don’t you think you should take a Tsuguko soon?” 

“Tomioka-san, don’t you think that slayer at Final Selection showed promise?” 

“Tomioka-san, don’t you think you should be a little more social to people? Perhaps they would befriend you then!” 

Don’t you think you should focus on the mission? 

“I…do have friends.” 

Don’t I? Rengoku-san talked to me..

“Ara ara! Do you, or are you lying to yourself?” 

Cruel woman. 

They came to a stop as a crackling sound filled the air, the sharp smell of ozone reaching them. “Kocho-san, you hear that?” 

“Who wouldn’t?” 

They raced to the source of the sound, only to be met by a triangle-patterned haori, a golden, sparking katana, and one beheaded Lower Moon. 

The hand holding the katana shifted, flicked the blood off neatly, and sheathed it with a soft clink. The person carefully raised their foot, stamped it on the ground and yawned, swivelling to face them - and abruptly stopped mid-yawn, hand flying to their katana before taking in their appearance. 

“Tomioka-san? Kocho-san?” 

Zenitsu POV

The butterfly-patterned haori and the split haori greeted him as he stared at the two Hashira, taking in their appearances. 

Kocho-san - she’s - alive! 

Giyuu-san looks wayy more depressed than after he met Tanjirou - I guess that’s to be expected, he just had that effect on people. 

I guess they came to slay that demon just now…what do I say, actually? “Surprise, this random Mizunoto killed a Lower Moon all by themself? Oh, I also know about the existence of Hashira two days after Final Selection and their names and appearances?” 

“Ah - Hello! I’m Agatsuma Zenitsu, a mizunoto who just came across this random demon! I also saw some…tomatoes and carrots! Yes, tomatoes…and carrots…” 

I think that was the most unhinged answer anyone’s ever given the Hashira upon meeting them…I can blame it on stress, I guess? 

Giyuu POV

Tomatoes…and carrots? 

I’m sure I heard him say Tomioka and Kocho - maybe I heard him wrong with all the rustling in the forest. 

I should get my ears checked. 

Ah, but I would need to go to Kocho-san for that. 

Never mind. 

Shinobu POV

Tomatoes and carrots, eh? 

I’m quite sure he said Tomioka and Kocho, there’s no way he didn’t. 

Knowing Tomioka-san, I’m sure he thinks his ears are the problem. 

“Why would there be tomatoes and carrots in the forest?” 

“Ah - I thought I saw them! Sorry, Ko-I mean, who are you again?” 

“Kocho Shinobu, Insect Hashira. The antisocial one over there,” she jerked her head at the impassive Tomioka, “Is Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu.” 

She could see the uneasiness in his eyes as his hands fumbled about, trying to create an explanation as to how a Mizunoto had killed one of the Twelve Kizuki. 

“Ah - What’s a Hashiraa….” He trailed off as Shinobu gave him one of her sickeningly sweet smiles, one that screamed I know you’re lying, fess up. 

“I mean, nice to meet you, Kocho-san, Tomioka-san!” He nodded quickly, then jumped when Shinobu drew her katana and flicked it in his direction. “Now, care to tell me how a Mizunoto who passed the Final Selection two days ago decapitated a member of the Twelve Kizuki, without any wounds, no less?” 

Zenitsu POV

Ah, shit. 

How did I end up like this, huh? 

Questioned, nearly stabbed by Kocho-san, while Tomioka-san stands there with his stupid monotone face. 

 “Now, care to tell me how a Mizunoto who passed the Final Selection two days ago decapitated a member of the Twelve Kizuki, without any wounds, no less?” 

How do I even answer that? “I travelled back in time after Kibutsuji Muzan himself killed me and somehow retained all my skills and memories?” “I’m actually a secret Hashira?” “Some slayer swooped in and heroically saved me?” 

“A-A mysterious slayer swooped in and chopped its head off! Yes, yes of course - I’m too weak to even think of slaying tha-” 

Clink.

Zenitsu started as he reflexively drew his katana at blinding speed to meet the needle-sharp tip of Kocho-san’s katana, staring into her violet eyes as she pushed harder to cut his chest. “Hey, what’s the big idea-” “So, you do have the power needed to slay that demon!” Her cheerful smile cut through the silence. “Ara ara, were you lying to Tomioka and I?” 

Cruel woman. 

Cruel woman. 

(At that moment, Giyuu and Zenitsu’s minds connected as one.)

“I mean, how can you tell?” Zenitsu forcefully shoved his katana up, just missing Kocho-san’s hair. “Maybe my life-or-death reflexes just kicked in, you know?” 

“You think so, eh?” 

“Shishou?” 

The light, girly voice cut into their conversation as both of their heads snapped to the black-haired girl standing there silently, watching their katanas spark against each other with wide eyes. 

Kanao? 

“Kanao-chan, what’re you doing here? I thought I sent you after those two slayers and the demon with them?” Shinobu jumped back, sheathing her katana and tilting her head towards her. “You caught them, right?” 

She was sent after Tanjirou and Nezuko-chan?! Oh, and Inosuke. “Did you kill that girl?” he demanded, turning his katana towards her. “What happened?” 

“I caught them, but the teal-checkered haori one seems to have attachment problems to the girl,” Kanao said lightly to the trio. “The pig-headed one is also very loud, so I gave him a big bonk on the head, Shishou.” 

She dragged a familiar box into the clearing, and then the pair of slayers with growing lumps on their heads. “These three, correct?” 

“Mmph-not bad-mmph!” Tanjirou screamed from behind the clump of spiderwebs shoved in his mouth. Brave try, soldier - but I don’t think any of these people will forgive Nezuko-chan even if she hasn’t killed any human. We’ve got the most depressed, antisocial person in the world, a person who relies on a coin to make decisions, and quite possibly the person who hates demons the most in the world…

“They’re my companions - and the girl demon hasn’t killed anyone, so you can rest assured,” Zenitsu waved his hands about, trying to convince the three difficult people to understand. “Maybe I can take them, and you’ll never have to see them again!” 

“Attention! Attention!” Sophie cawed. “Capture the slayer wearing the hanafuda earrings, and the demon girl accompanying him! Also maybe talk to the suspiciously OP Mizunoto!” 

Almost immediately, every single slayer’s eyes snapped to the trio on the ground, even the antisocial Tomioka’s eyes showed some interest in them. 

“Well, I don’t need to convince you now, right?” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zenitsu sweatdropped, watching the Kakushi piggybacking the three to the Oyakata-sama’s mansion. Is it really necessary for Tanjirou and Nezuko? Then again, I guess they would be suspicious of them…

“So, Agatsuma-san - you agree that Tomioka-san is more than a tad antisocial, yes?” 

“Maybe just a bit…” Should we really be discussing this right here, right now? Tomioka-san’s right there, and he looks slightly more annoyed than usual - or that might be his normal look. Who can tell? 

“Ne, Agatsuma-san - you think Tomioka-san should get a Tsuguko, or maybe be a little more social, right?” 

This whole talk has been about bullying Tomioka-san! Zenitsu deadpanned. Does this woman ever think about anything else? 

“We’ve arrived.” 

Those two words made everyone’s attention divert to the ring of wisteria flowers around the mansion as they walked through the gates leading to the platform where Ubuyashiki normally sat. 

Oyakata-sama - he’s alive! I guess this really confirms it, I’ve travelled way back…and everyone’s still alive! Zenitsu sighed with relief - and immediately regretted it as he started wheezing when he saw Rengoku-san alive and Tengen with both arms intact. Gosh, this brings me way back…

Tanjirou and Nezuko were dropped on the ground nearby as the Kakushi carrying Inosuke ran off in the direction of the Butterfly Mansion. Kocho-san and Tomioka-san soon joined the rest of the Hashira sitting on the ground, and Zenitsu followed suit. 

He glanced around inconspiciously, trying to drink in the sights of all the Hashira alive before his eyes. Kanroji-san, Iguro-san - I’m so glad they’re alive! I’ll try my best to give you a happy ending this time around…Tokito-san, I didn’t know you that well - but I’ll try my best to save you as well. Rengoku-san, Tengen - I’ll make sure you don’t die or suffer in front of my eyes ever again. 

“Oi! Care to tell me why a demon’s on Oyakata-sama’s grounds?” 

Oh, that voice - Shinazugawa Sanemi. 

The white-haired Hashira tossed Nezuko-chan’s box up and down, his face twisting into a gruesome smile as he stared the Hashira and Zenitsu down. Beside him, he could see Tanjirou starting to stir as the commotion got to him. 

“I concur!” Rengoku-san bluntly said a few people over from him. “As we are Demon Slayers, it is our job to kill any demons we come across - I will not tolerate a direct insult to the Master!” 

“A demon is a demon…we should kill it…” Tokito-san absent-mindedly mumbled, his eyes and attention fixed to the clouds above him. “But I’ll forget soon anyways, so do whatever…” 

“Give it to me!” Tengen grinned and flexed his muscles. “I’ll kill it in a flashy way, make no mistake!” 

“It is a demon. Therefore, we should kill it,” Iguro-san said from his perch in the tree. 

“I mean, do we really need to kill such a cute kid?...” Kanroji-san mumbled out. 

“Namu Amida Butsu…May their souls rest in peace,” Himejima-san prayed as the beads wound around his knuckles clinked together. 

Kocho-san, Tomioka-san, give me some backup here! 

“Well, let’s hear out what the kid has to say first!” Kocho-san clapped her hands and did one of those smiles. “I’m sure Agatsuma-san and Tomioka-san will also explain their points of view, yes?” 

Kocho-san! Help me! Not! Put! Me! On! The! Spot!

“Let us wait until the Master arrives.” 

Tomioka-san, you need to stand up for yourself more! You’re just putting more pressure on Tanjirou and I to explain! Don’t let Kocho-san bully you like that!

“And you, hay-for-hair?” 

“Ah-ah - me?” Hay for hair? “W-What do you need, Sh-Sh-Shinazugawa-s-san?” Zenitsu managed to stammer out. Should I have said Shinazugawa-sama? Tanjirouuuu, help me! 

“Don’t hurt Nezuko!” 

The familiar voice rang out through the garden, eliciting a sigh of relief from Zenitsu and perking the interest of the Hashira. “Who are you, boy?” Rengoku-san questioned. 

“I’m Kamado Tanjirou, and that’s my sister you’re tossing up and down!” Tanjirou said indignantly, struggling valiantly against the rope binding him. “Let her go right now!” 

Hey, Tomioka-san, Kocho-san, a little help here? I can’t take on all nine Hashira at their peak, let alone in front of Ubuyashiki-sama! 

“A demon’s a demon! You are a demon slayer!” Shinazugawa-san snapped at him, veins in his forehead pulsing. “Kill her without a second thought! How many people will die because of your stupid sentimental family values?” 

“Nezuko would never eat a human!” Tanjirou rebutted valiantly, almost getting the ropes off while trying to get to Shinazugawa-san. “She slept for two years straight just to get the proper nourishment without consuming human blood!” 

“Then, I’ll prove to you just why demons and humans can’t coexist!” Shinazugawa-san drew his green-edged katana and sliced his arm open, dripping blood onto the wooden box. Almost immediately, Zenitsu could hear scuffling and the sound of drool coming from inside the box. 

“No!” The sharp rebuttal was paired with a hard smack to the head. Tanjirou had finally got his bindings off, and smacked Shinazugawa-san on the forehead with his exceptionally hard head, causing a small bump to form there. However, this accomplished nothing but to make the already pissed slayer even angrier. He pointed his katana at Tanjirou, ready to cut his arm open, and that was when Zenitsu snapped.

“Don’t touch Tanjirou-san any longer, ne?” 

God, he felt like Kocho-san with the sickly sweet smile adorning his face right now, but that was truly how he felt. 

If you don’t want humans and demons coexisting peacefully, that’s your problem. The whole reason we kill demons is because they kill people, and Nezuko-chan hasn’t killed a single person yet. What gives you the right to decide she’ll snap for sure, and in the near future? 

“Nezuko-chan hasn’t killed a single person yet. If that ever happens, I’ll commit seppuku to atone for it.” 

“What?!” 

Tanjirou POV

“Nezuko-chan hasn’t killed a single person yet. If that ever happens, I’ll commit seppuku to atone for it.” 

“What?!” 

Agatsuma-san, you’ve only just met us! Why would you go that far? 

“I will as well. I believe that this Nezuko can control her desire, and my master - former Water Hashira Urokodaki Sakonji will as well,” Tomioka-san said with a straight face from the corner of the garden. 

Tomioka-san as well?! People sure are nice, but I don’t want them all dying if Nezuko loses control one time! 

“I-I will as well! Nezuko’s my sister, so my responsibility!” 

There! Now I’m doing my share! 

But who’re all these people, and why is Agatsuma-san so familiar with them? He knew everyone’s name, and he didn’t panic at all when we were brought here! There’s so much wisteria here, whoever owns this house clearly doesn’t want any demons coming near here. 

He looked around as the purple-haired, petite lady rebuked the white-haired man who was bullying Nezuko to little success. There was a giant mountain of a Buddha priest, who was currently praying while tears steam down his face. 

On a tree, there was a person with a black-and-white striped haori, with a snake wound around their neck. Beside the monk, there was a pretty lady with pinkish-green hair, and beside her, there was a girl? boy? with seaweed-like hair. There were also two other fairly large men, one with flaming-orange hair and the other with bandages wound tight around his hair. Beside the purple-haired lady, Agatsuma-san was sitting before he had dashed forward to take Nezuko’s box from the white-haired man. 

“Who are you peo - Ow!” Agatsuma-san bonked his head before sitting down beside him. “They’re the Hashira, stupid. The nine highest ranking slayers in the Demon Slayer Corps, so shut up and show some respect.” 

“O-Oh! I’m terribly sorry then! My deepest apologies!” Tanjirou quickly bowed down, his head hitting the ground. “But could you maybe not bully my sister?” 

That was polite, right? 

“Why are you protecting a demon, Tanjirou?” 

A light, sweet voice tinkled in the air as Tanjirou tried his hardest to look respectful as he looked up. The petit lady with the butterfly-patterned haori was speaking to him with a sweet smile on her face, holding out a canteen of water as she did so. “Take a sip of water, then answer to your best ability, please.” 

“There’s no need to hear him o-” “Be quiet, and listen to what tragic tale the young boy has to tell us.” 

Tanjirou nodded gratefully to the butterfly lady and the big monk, and got ready to begin to recount his experiences thus far. Just before he was about to start though, a tall man with a strange purple growth covering his face walked out of the double doors, and every Hashira immediately bowed down in respect. 

A hiss of pain escaped his lips as Agatsuma-san’s hand came down on his head, forcing him into a bow as well. 

“Welcome, my dear children - and the small demon gracing us with her presence as well.” 

“Good afternoon, Oyakata-sama. How are you?” 

“I’m fine, thank you, Sanemi-kun.” 

What happened to the angry and screaming person from five seconds ago? Tanjirou deadpanned as best he could when a hand was slowly crushing him into the ground. 

Zenitsu POV

Gosh, Oyakata-sama’s voice is as soothing as ever. 

He could feel his body slowly relaxing as the voice swept over all of them - he could hear the other Hashira slowly relaxing as well, even Shinazugawa and Tomioka. 

“Oyakata-sama, would you be able to inform us as to why you are sheltering a demon?” Shinazugawa politely asked, his demeanor completely switching up from a moment before. “After all, isn’t the entire point of the Demon Slayer Corps to slay demons?” 

Didn’t even know his voice could be that mellow and polite…if only he could be like that with everyone. What did Oyakata-sama even do to get this much respect from him? 

“An excellent and pressing concern, Sanemi-kun,” the man said soothingly. “However, I believe that this demon girl - Nezuko, was it? - is the key to defeating Kibutsuji Muzan.” 

The reaction that sparked from this was instantaneous,as all nine Hashira started at the sentence - even Tomioka. Tanjirou’s head also snapped towards him, his mouth already opening to ask what they knew about Muzan. 

Nezuko-chan, the key to defeating Muzan? But why? Isn’t she just a demon with a conscious mind and intact memories? Is it because - oh. Nezuko-chan had the capability to handle sunlight, right? Tanjirou told me about that before we were dragged into the Infinity Castle. 

“Forgive my intrusion, Oyakata-sama,” Zenitsu started, only to be met with death stares from Shinazugawa and Kocho. Nevertheless, he persevered. “But since Nezuko-chan is supposedly the key to defeating Kibutsuji, shouldn’t she be kept alive and in good condition?” There, Tanjirou. That should protect her from the more volatile Hashira, since Ubuyashiki-sama’s word is law, especially among the higher-ups. 

“Indeed, Zenitsu-kun,” Ubuyashiki-sama nodded to him. “I would like Shinobu-chan, if possible, to take care of Nezuko-san, Tanjirou-kun, Inosuke-kun and Zenitsu-kun at her mansion. I’m quite positive Nezuko-san won’t attack any humans.” 

Out of the corner of his eye, Zenitsu could see Shinazugawa slowly getting ready to move, his hand slowly inching forward. He’s probably going to attack Nezuko-chan, to prove she can’t handle Marechi blood. I need to stop him from doing too much harm, but I also need to show the Hashira and Ubuyashiki-sama that Nezuko-chan can handle human society. 

“Forgive my intrusion, Oyakata-sama, but I need to see for myself that this so-called “peaceful” demon can really handle human blood!” 

Shinazugawa raced forward, snatching Nezuko’s box from Tanjirou’s arms below him, and stood inside the mansion behind Ubuyashiki. He stabbed the box with his razor-sharp katana and a cry could be clearly heard from inside as blood sprayed out. “Now, see the true nature of a human-eating demon!” 

Three…two…one. 

Shinazugawa sliced his arm open, dripping Marechi blood onto the hole in the box, and Nezuko crawled out, tempted by the smell and clutching the arm that was stabbed by the Nichirin sword. She stood there heaving, drool dripping from the bamboo muzzle as she stared at the blood on the floor. 

C’mon Nezuko-chan, hang on for five more seconds - then I’ll help you out. 

“Nezuko!” Tanjirou screamed helplessly from the side, his head thrashing beneath Zenitsu’s hand. “Agatsuma-san, let me go! I need to help my sister!” “Panicking won’t do anything,” Zenitsu smacked him lightly, keeping his hand steady. “Do you truly believe that someone of your level could defeat a Hashira? Shinazugawa-san’s the second strongest one here, if Hashira wasn't enough, so let your sister deal with her own troubles.” 

Then again, I just need Nezuko-chan to prove herself to be resistant to the smell of human blood - then I can stop this madness. 

With a blink, he disappeared from beside Tanjirou and reappeared in front of Nezuko, drawing his katana to face the Wind Hashira. “Please forgive this offence as well, Oyakata-sama. I believe Nezuko-chan has shown she can resist even Marechi blood, so I would like to bring a stop to this test.” 

“Don’t mess with me, punk,” Shinuzagawa growled at him. “I decide when this test is over, not you!” 

“That’s quite enough, Sanemi-kun, Zenitsu-kun,” the man gently said. “I believe Nezuko-san to have shown proper restraint when it comes to human blood, so please rest assured she will be fine traversing the outside land with that trio of slayers.”

“Yes, of course, Oyakata-sama.” 

The two of them slowly sheathed their katanas, both jumping backwards warily before slowly returning to their original spots. Zenitsu made sure to put Nezuko in her box before going out into the sun, and pushed the box over to Tanjirou with a pat on the shoulder. 

I’m glad that’s over - but what do the other Hashira think about this? Zenitsu anxiously peeked at them, observing their various reactions. 

“I’m glad we can leave such cute children alone…” Kanroji-san said brightly, smiling at the trio on the grass. 

“I don’t really care…are we leaving the demon girl alone, then?” Tokito-san mumbled with his usual detachment, still staring at the clouds. 

“If Oyakata-sama says so, I’ll accept it,” Igruro-san muttered reluctantly, still in the tree. 

“I’d be willing to host these three at my mansion, but I’ll ask Kanao to keep an eye on the demon - and on Agatsuma-san, ne?” Kocho-san smiled cheerfully, tilting her head at Zenitsu. 

“I’m indifferent, but I’m glad Kamado survived,” Tomioka-san said in a monotone voice. 

“Namu Amida Butsu…May you live your lives in peace, young children…” Himejima-san’s answer was predictable. 

“I’m sorry, Oyakata-sama - I simply can’t accept this just yet!” 

Rengoku-san, Tengen, and Shinazugawa all exclaimed, looking a mixture of sheepish and defiant. “Oyakata-sama, isn’t it our duty to kill any demons who pose a threat?" 

“But does Nezuko-san pose a threat?” 

Zenitsu sighed in relief when the trio stopped questioning, although Shinazugawa and Tengen both glared at Nezuko-chan on their way out. Now, we can head to Kocho-san’s mansion, right? There shouldn’t be anything after this, and I can just rest for awhile and worry about what happens next…

“Ah, but Zenitsu-kun - would you mind staying behind for a little bit?” 

Never mind! What would he possibly want to say to me? Is he suspicious about how I killed Lower Moon 5? How I knew the Hashira so soon? Why I’m not panicking? Why????? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, Zenitsu-kun - how exactly did you, a Mizunoto two days out of Final Selection, manage to kill Lower Moon 5 and its family all by itself? Shinobu-chan and Giyuu-kun reported the entire family dead by the time they arrived, as well as you standing over the decapitated Lower Moon without any wounds.” 

Shit - I knew this was coming….Why didn’t I prepare some kind of believable excuse??? Zenitsu wailed internally. What do I even say???? 

“Ah - I just kinda did what my Shishou taught me too, and I think some mysterious Hashira saved me, because I don’t remember a thing! Ahhahahha…” 

“Zenitsu-kun, the only Hashira I dispatched to Mount Natagumo were Insect Hashira, Kocho Shinobu, and Water Hashira, Tomioka Giyuu. The decapitated demon’s head showed clear signs of electricity, and there is no Thunder Hashira.” 

“Th-There could be a mystery Hashira! Someone who used Thunder Breathing to - save - me?....” 

“Zenitsu-kun, you defeated Lower Moon 5 without any trouble, yes? I believe that’s the basic requirement to ascend to Hashira.” 

“O-Oh, no thanks,” Zenitsu shook his head furiously, waving his hands around wildly to get his point across. “I. Would. Not. Be. A. Good. Hashira.” 

“I think you’d be-” 

“Nono, Oyakata-sama, thanks so much for your time and your offer but I really need to go so have a great day!” 

Zenitsu rushed out the door after this statement, hurriedly bowing and heading to the Butterfly Mansion where Tanjirou, Inosuke and Nezuko-chan waited for him. 

Chapter Text

Zenitsu hurried down the path to the Butterfly Mansion, trying his best not to dash so fast as to screw the road over. He could hear the light pitter-patter of butterfly feet landing on flowers getting louder, as he speed-walked to the big house in the distance. 

What did Oyakata-sama mean by me becoming a Hashira? Zenitsu pondered as he walked down the road. There’s no way I could be one, I’m not even higher than frickin’ Mizunoto yet! There’re still nine Hashira too, and hopefully it stays that way. After we got better with Kocho-san, we headed to the Mugen Train. 

Rengoku-san…I promise to make sure you live this time. I won’t let you die, even if Upper Moon 3 himself shows up! 

He stopped his wandering thoughts when he realized he was standing in front of the double doors leading to the garden in front of the house. He raised his hand to knock, and did three sharp raps on the door. 

“Yes, who is it?” 

The pretty feminine voice cut through the air, and a familiar pigtailed face stuck itself out of the doorway. “Ah, Agatsuma-san? Kocho-sama told us to expect you.” 

Aoi! The last time I saw her was maybe before we went to the Infinity Castle - I really missed her brash personality. 

“Y-Yes, that’s me! Are Tanjirou, Inosuke and Nezuko-chan already here?” 

“Yes, they’re resting inside. Would you care to join them? Kocho-sama said you’re in perfect health, so you’re free to just train with Kanao-chan for a bit while they train.” 

Training with Kanao, eh? Sounds fun, but what will Kocho-san say when I tell her I can already do Total Concentration: Constant? I think Ubuyashiki-sama mentioned his request to the other Hashira, so they’re sure to start pressuring me into accepting the offer. 

“Sounds fine, I can look for Tsuyuri-san on my own! Could you maybe let me know if those two wake up?” Zenitsu grinned at Aoi, slowly walking inside and following her down the hall. “Also, is Kocho-san here?” 

“Not sure, but I’ll inform her that you’re here.” Aoi nodded at him, then shoved a platter of onigiri in his hands. “Eat these, then head to the garden. Kanao-chan should be there, she’ll explain what to do.” 

“Thanks!” Zenitsu called after her retreating figure as he headed down the hallway. He headed towards the garden, which he vaguely remembered the location of from his previous visits. I can’t wait to see Kanao-san again! She was always so sweet and quiet - quite the perfect match for Tanjirou, if I do say so myself. 

He opened the doors leading to the garden, and was met by the young black-haired girl standing in the middle of the garden, butterflies flitting around her. Her hair was twisted into a side ponytail, and a white shawl-like haori wrapped around her shoulders. She sounds so quiet, and hesitant - a really pretty heartbeat. 

“Tsuyuri-san? Aoi-san and Kocho-san asked me to train with you. Is that alright?” Zenitsu tentatively asked her, not wanting to scare her off with the prospect of decisions. “We can just play tag, spar, or even meditate while using Total Concentration: Constant!” 

He saw her hand reaching for her pocket, pulling out a coin and flipping it in the air. By the sound, I can tell it’s tails - but which one was the option “yes”? I sure hope it’s yes - it never hurts to have more friends, after all. 

“Sure. What would you like to do?” 

The light voice shook Zenitsu from his butterfly-staring-thinking combo, making him stare awkwardly at Kanao-san as they both rubbed the back of their necks, both clueless what to do. 

“Do you want to-”

“Maybe we could-” 

They both blurted out at the same time, then promptly stopped and flushed red with embarrassment. Gosh, this is so embarrassing….maybe I should just shut up? She seems fine choosing what to do, and she is a lady…I’ll just let her talk. 

“You go first, Ka-Tsuyuri-san. Ladies first, after all!” Zenitsu awkwardly gestured to her, fumbling over words and hands. “What did you want to do?” 

“You can go first, I don’t really mind.” 

“Ah - then do you want to spar somewhere? Y’know, hone our skills and all?” 

“I’m fine with anything, so sure.” 

Well, that was quite possibly the most drab and productive thirty second conversation I’ve ever had. Kanao-san really has a talent for making talks short and sweet. 

Kanao led him to the sparring area, and she gestured for him to take the right side. She walked over to the left side, and pulled out her bokuto. “Shall we begin, ah-” “Agatsuma Zenitsu.” “Agatsuma-san.” 

He drew his bokuto, matching her stance. “Three, two, one - oh, breathing styles are allowed, yes?” Kanao nodded. “My coin said yes, so I do as well.” “Alright! Three, two, one, begin!” 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Hekireki Issen! (Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!)

Hana no Kokyu, Shi no Kata: Beni Hanagoromo! (Flower Breathing, Fourth Form: Crimson Hanagomoro!)

The two moves clashed, a light flowery fragrance mixing with the sparky ozone smell coming from Zenitsu’s katana. Kanao’s blade twisted gracefully, almost wrestling his blade to the ground - but he managed to counter it, resulting in both of them landing on the ground evenly. 

Kaminari no Kokyu, San no Kata: Shubun Seirai! (Thunder Breathing, Third Form: Thunder Swarm!) 

Hana no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Mikage Ume! (Flower Breathing, Second Form: Honorable Shadow Plum!) 

The rotating sword slashes perfectly slashed and guarded against Zenitsu’s multi-slash attack, but he managed to sneak a few in and managed to score some hits against her. It helps to be fast in this kind of situation, for sure! 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Inadama! (Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!) 

Zenitsu rushed forward, sparks of electricity following him as he flicked his bokuto and released five arcs of lightning to the approaching Kanao, and she dodged them all. 

Hana no Kokyu, Roku no Kata: Uzumomo! (Flower Breathing, Sixth Form: Whirling Peach!) 

After evading, Kanao thrusted her body weight into a twirling attack that he managed to block with the flat of his blade. That was a good one - dodging, then evading towards your opponent to then transition into an attack using the weight from the dodge. I’ll have to remember that - maybe for an eighth move, possibly? 

Kanao jumped back, panting lightly from exhaustion. “Can we call an end here, Agatsuma-san? I think we’re both tired, and I’d like to see if Shishou is here.” 

“Yeah, of course,” Zenitsu nodded. “Please, call me Zenitsu - I’d also like to see Kocho-san, if she’s here. Let me know, ‘kay?” 

Kanao nodded back, then scuffled off to the front gate where he could already hear footsteps belonging to a small person walking on the path to the door. I could also incorporate my hearing into a move, like Kanao does with Vermillion Eye, he thought as he made his way to the medical room. I have my Seventh Form, of course, but it doesn’t hurt to have more weapons in your arsenal, does it? 

Sparring with Kanao had given him a decent grasp on his abilities so far, but he had yet to discern his power level compared to the other Hashira. Maybe I can ask Kocho-san if we can spar, to see if I’m on her level. 

Suddenly, a loud thump from above caught his attention, and he nearly had to cover his ears when he heard the familiar “Hashibira Inosuke, comin’ through!” 

Well, glad to see someone’s awake, he thought dryly. Wonder if Tanjirou’s awake yet? Tomioka-san told me they fought the Father Demon, but he helped them defeat it in the end. I;m glad he helped them - I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have been able to defeat it anyways. I’ll be sure to thank him later. 

Zenitsu stopped outside the door leading to the infirmary, mentally preparing himself to see the rambunctious Inosuke. “Hey, are you guys all reco-oof!” 

Inosuke slammed into him, waving two sticks around and screaming, “Monitsu! Fight me!” Zenitsu deadpanned, shoving him back into the bed. “Aren’t you supposed to be resting?” “Inosuke, leave Agatsuma-san alone!”

Tanjirou, my angel! You’re always there at the right time I love youuuu…….

“Where’s Nezuko-chan?” Zenitsu stumbled over to Tanjirou’s bed, Inosuke clutching onto his leg. “I didn’t see her on my way here - Oyakata-sama made sure of her safety, but I’m scared as to what Kocho-san thinks of her…” 

“She’s just regenerating her arm, the one that Shinazugawa-san sliced! She need lots of sleep, so I think they put her in the room furthest away from any windows,” Tanjirou smiled. “Where’ve you been, Agatsuma-san?” 

“Call me Zenitsu, Tanjirou-san - I think we’ve known each other long enough,” Zenitsu replied, still trying to ply Inosuke’s hands off his leg. “Fight me, Mon-” “Shut up.” 

“I was sparring with Ka-I mean, Tsuyuri-san, Kocho-san’s Tsuguko. I learned a lot, fighting with different Breathing Styles is really fun!” Zenitsu finally got Inosuke’s hands of him, and backflipped him onto his bed. 

“What’s a Tsuguko, Zenitsu? You were talking about it with Kocho-san and Tomioka-san on the way here, right?” Tanjirou questioned him. He was paying attention, that’s kinda embarrassing, since we were talking about him. 

“It’s a kind of apprentice, I guess? Basically, when a Hashira retires or dies, their Tsuguko inherits their position. It’s also their responsibility to train them, they usually use the same Breathing Style of their predecessor.” Kaigaku and I were Jii-chan’s Tsugukos, and we both used Thunder Breathing - but Kanao used Flower Breathing, while Kocho used Insect Breathing.

“Ah, so are you a Tsuguko, Zenitsu? You knew a lot about the Hashira, and you even killed that Lower Moon back on the mountain!” 

“No.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later

Inosuke and Tanjirou were all better, and Kocho-san deemed them fit for rehabilitation training. For some reason, she decided Zenitsu didn’t need it, so Zenitsu asked if he could spar with her. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The conversation went as follows: 

“Kocho-san?”

“Hmm?”

“Would you mind sparring with me?”

“Why would you need that, Agatsuma-san?”

“Ah - I’d just like to practice, and I’ve already won against Tsuyuri-san.”

“Ara ara! Really, Agatsuma-san? Then perhaps you do have the power to be a Ha-” 

“I just want to spar, Kocho-san…” 

“Sure, Agatsuma-san, but one one condition, ne?” 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And that’s how I ended up here, in front of the Water Mansion. 

Zenitsu stood in front of the large double doors in front of him, contemplating what decisions he had made such far to end up here. Why am I here, carrying onigiri as an offering of friendship to the most antisocial person in the world? 

“Agatsuma-san, go befriend Tomioka-san, then come back to me, ‘kay?” 

Cruel woman. 

He raised his hand to knock, then rapped sharply five times, each knock punctuated by a persistent “Tomioka-sannn!” That should do the trick, hopefully. He may be an introvert, but he is polite. 

“Yes?” 

Success! 

“Ah, yes! Tomioka-san! I was just here, carrying a basket of onigiri, and I thought you might be hungry! Can I come in, and we can share?.....” 

“Sure.” 

Promising? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Gosh, this is a sad house. 

The interior was a plain, wooden floor. There was a single futon laid out on the floor, and beside it there was a single wood-fueled stove. The walls were bare, and the entire place exuded the aura of introvert. 

“So, how are you?” Tomioka munched on the onigiri he had brought for him. “Why are you here, anyways?” 

This is why you’re not popular…like, at all! Zenitsu deadpanned, staring pointedly at him. Those eyes are so deep and empty, and you’re so blunt! Learn some social skills, man! 

“I’m good, you?” Zenitsu nodded, picking up an onigiri of his own. “I just thought you might be lonely, that’s all!” 

Tomioka considered him for a moment, then reached for another triangle. “Did Kocho-san put you up to this? I wouldn’t hold it against you, considering all things…” 

Plan foiled! Never mind! 

“Ah - no, of course not! It’s just that I wanted to get to know you a little better, since you seemed to be a little out of it…do you want me to leave?” 

“R-Really?” 

Why does he look a little happier? Wait, are the corners of his mouth turning up? Success! 

“Y-Yeah, of course! I’d love to be friends with you!” Zentsu smiled as hard as he could at him, and he could have sworn Tomioka smiled, just for a millisecond. 

 The conversation continued on like this for a good while, until it was sundown and time for Zenitsu to go. 

Meanwhile…

“Ahhh! How do the Hashira do this???!” Tanjirou and Inosuke were trying their hardest to master Total Concentration: Constant, while trying to beat Kanao in tag and the cup game. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Sup, Tanjirou, Ino - WHAt HAPPENED TO YOU GUYS???” 

Zenitsu popped in to check on them, only to find them coughing blood into a wad of bandages. Inosuke was lying down, exhausted, on the bed, and Tanjirou was on his knees in front of the trash bin. “Surely Kocho-san isn’t that harsh, right…?” 

“I-It wasn’t K-K-Kocho-san,” Tanjirou panted out. “Tsu-Tsuyuri-san r-really is strong, and we tried all day to master Total Concentration: Constant. How do you manage it, Agatsuma-san?” Inosuke let out a muffled grunt of agreement from where he was on the bed, clearly too tired to get out. “MMPH!” 

“I guess once you get the hang of it, it just comes naturally to you? Like how you hold your katana, or how you do Breathing Forms,” Zenitsu pondered. “I’ve been doing it for so long and consistently I don’t even notice I’m doing it anymore, to be honest.” 

He looked over at them, only to find to find both of them asleep. He picked Tanjirou up and placed him on the bed, then tucked him in with the blanket. Sleep well, Tanjirou, Inosuke. Another hard day of training awaits you, so rest up! Kocho-san can be quite cruel sometimes…maybe all the time, actually. 

He wandered off, trying to find Kocho-san. I befriended Giyuu-san, so now will she spar with me? I really want to see my power level as of now, and maybe get to inspo from her self-taught Insect Breathing! I also want to spend more time with her…I barely got to know her, but she did so much for me in my past life. I heard her heartbeat go out as Douma absorbed her, but I barely felt anything - I’d like to fix that. 

“Kocho-san? Are you here?” Zenitsu called out, peeking around the corners of doors. “Would you be so kind as to spar with me?” Honestly if she doesn’t want to do it, I’m chill with that. After Mugen Train, I think I can have a good grasp anyway - “WHAT THE F-” 

“Agatsuma-san, one must always be alert, yes?” Kocho-san smiled from her perch on the ceiling beam right above Zenitsu, her katana inches away from his neck - only stopped by his blade. “What’s the big idea, Kocho-san? Do you have any idea what time it is!” Zenitsu all but screamed at her. Crazy woman, crazy Hashira - why did I even want to fight with her???

“You mean, fight right now? Why didn’t you just tell me outright?” 

“Insect Breathing requires the element of surprise to be most effective, A-ga-tsu-ma-san!” 

“Then surprise me outside, where I won’t wake up the others!” 

Zenitsu pushed his katana forward, trying to shake her off her balance, then raced off to the grounds where he had fought Kanao as fast as he could. He couldn’t hear Kocho-san approaching, however, so he quickly relaxed and stood there with his hands on his knees, panting from the quick run. 

Mushi no Kokyu, Goko no Mai: Hyakusoku Jabara! (Insect Breathing, Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-legged Zigzag!) 

The sound of a quick, sharp pitter-patter echoed through the wooden hallways, reaching Zenitsu’s ears as he quickly drew his katana to defend - only to find Kocho in front of his face, blade already swiping too close to his nose for comfort. 

“Ko -” “A spar was promised, and a spar you got, Agatsuma-san! Are you…complaining? You can make it up to me by considering the request Ubuyashiki-sama made of you, after all!” 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Go no Kata: Netsu Kairai! (Thunder Breathing, Fifth Form: Heat Lightning!) 

Zenitsu slashed upwards at the same moment Kocho thrust downwards, successfully parrying the attack and tearing a bit of her haori in the process. The red lightning that followed after the attack, however, was cut to the side by Kocho and dissipated without a target to hit. 

Mushi no Kokyu, Seirei no Mai: Fukugan Rokkaku! (Insect Breathing, Dance of the Dragonfly: Compound Eye Hexagon!) 

Kocho suddenly thrust forward at a blinding speed, needle-thin katana thrusting at his vulnerable parts - neck, chest, torso - and he parried them all, but Kocho twisted her katana mid-thrust and managed to snag his uniform sleeve. 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Roku no Kata: Dengo Raigo! (Thunder Breathing, Sixth Form: Rumble and Flash!) 

Zenitsu swept his katana horizontally from Kocho, and a shot of crescent-shaped electricity shot out from his blade. More soon followed suit, and Kocho was forced on the defensive as she twirled and leapt gracefully - like a butterfly -  and parried them all, giving Zenitsu approximately five seconds to decide his next move. 

From what I heard in her battle against Douma, she mainly used a variety of cutting and thrusting attacks reliant on poison. Think, Zenitsu, think! How can you win against a Hashira who specializes in being sneak-attack and poison reliant? 

“Agatsuma-san, you really do have the power and skill to become a Hashira, you know!” Kocho-san lightly said, landing on the other side of the peat field. “I’m sure the other Hashira won’t mind once you show your prowess, and you’d get a mansion - you could hang out with Tomioka-san more often, as well!” 

“Thanks, but I’d rather those reasons come from Oyakata-sama’s mouth, not yours, Kocho-san,” Zenitsu rejected politely. I have no qualms about becoming a Hashira, but aren’t there only supposed to be nine? I want everyone to survive this time, so that’s kinda contradictory, isn’t it? “Maybe if someone retires, but I don’t want to become one just for killing a measly Lower Moon 5.” 

“Then, let’s make a wager on this battle,” Kocho said, twirling her katana around her fingers gracefully and sheathed it with a clink, and Zenitsu soon followed suit warily. “If I win, you accept the title of Rumble Hashira, and if you win, I’ll stop nagging about this to you. Sound good?” She spread her arms, a light yet sneaky smile adorning her face. 

“And what happens if I say no?” Knowing her, she’s probably got a backup plan for the backup plan, he groused. Why does she need to be so damn smart? 

“Then, I keep nagging you - and I’ll get Rengoku-san and Tengen-san in on it too!” 

“I accept! I accept..” Those two would be even worse than Kocho-san! Zenitsu shivered at the thought of the two overly enthusiastic men following him around, bugging him to take on a job. “Then, shall we resume the bat-” 

Mushi no Kokyu, Hoga no Mai: Madabiki! (Insect Breathing, Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter!) 

Kaminari no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Hekireki Issen! (Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!) 

The two one-shot thrusting attacks met in midair as the two users struggled for dominance, orange sparks flying as the metal blades clashed. The sparks Zenitsu’s blade generated mixed with the sweet smell emanating from Kocho’s blade, making a loud poof of an explosion. 

“You know, you really like interrupting people’s sentences mid-battle, Kocho-san!” 

“It’s just a part of my strategy, Agatsuma-san!” 

“Shishou?” 

“Kocho-sama?”

“Zenitsu?” 

“Monitsu?” 

The four voices, though they all said a different thing, made them stop their clash and jump back. They both glanced back to see four faces staring at them, all in varying amounts of shock and awe. 

“Zenitsu, that was so cool!” Tanjirou was the first one to speak, gazing at him in awe. 

“Monitsu, fight me!” That answer was predictable… 

“Kocho-sama, should you be fighting a Mizunoto like that?” Aoi waved her hands frantically about, gesturing to him and Kocho. “I mean, he’s a Mizunoto, fresh out of Final Selection, and you - you’re a Hashira!” 

“Shishou, why were you fighting Aga - Zenitsu-san?” Kanao tilted her head to the side cutely. 

“I - I mean!” Both Zenitsu and Kocho stammered out. “It was…just for fun?...” 

A few minutes prior, Tanjirou POV

“Hey, wake up, Kentarou!” 

“Hmm? What is it, Inosuke?” Tanjirou yawned, woken up from a good dream. 

“The insect lady’s fighting Monitsu outside!” 

“Say what?!” 

They rushed outside in their sleep clothes, somehow running into Tsuyuri-san and Aoi-san on the way there. As they burst through the doors to the training ground, the sound of clashing metal and voices suddenly grew much louder and clearer. 

He could see Zenitsu in the middle of the field as his katana flashed out of sight, seemingly hitting an invisible thing - until the flat of his blade blocked the tip of a katana, and Kocho-san seemed to appear out of nowhere. 

To counter, Zenitsu seemed to slash upward, and a sparkling streak of red-and-black lightning arched upwards, tearing Kocho-san’s haori a bit as they both jumped backwards. 

“That Agatsuma-san must be really good, to get a piece of Kocho-sama’s haori without getting damaged himself,” Aoi-san nodded from beside him. Beside Tanjirou, Tsuyuri-san made a small noise of agreement. “Honestly, to even keep up with Shishou - he’s really strong.” 

Tanjirou switched his attention back to the battle just in time to see Kocho-san jump forward, her blade appearing to turn into multiple blades as she aimed to thrust into Zenitsu’s chest, torso and neck - but Zenitsu quickly arced his katana horizontally from her, producing five crescent - shaped bolts of electricity. 

As more arcs were produced from the bigger ones,  Kocho-san leapt and twirled gracefully to dodge them, her haori fluttering delicately around her. Zenitsu seemed to be deep in thought while she dodged them. 

“Agatsuma-san, you really do have the power and skill to become a Hashira, you know!” Kocho-san exclaimed as she landed on the other side of the field with a soft thump. A Hashira? Zenitsu? What’s with the sudden promotion? “I’m sure the other Hashira won’t mind once you show your prowess, and you’d get a mansion - you could hang out with Tomioka-san more often, as well!” Kocho-san continued, a cunning smile appearing on her face for a split second. 

“Agatsuma-san knows the Water Hashira?” Aoi-san questioned him, a look of confusion appearing on her face. “I thought he was just some random Mizunoto - I’ve not seen any other Tsuguko than Kanao!” 

“That’s the strong spiky-hair guy, right, Kentarou?” Inosuke tugged on his clothes. “The one that killed the big father spider person?” 

“Ah - I actually don’t know how Zenitsu knows Tomioka-san!” Tanjirou turned to them with a clueless look on his face. “Maybe he just visited him because he looked lonely?” 

“Thanks, but I’d rather those reasons come from Oyakata-sama’s mouth, not yours, Kocho-san,” Zenitsu replied calmly. How could he refuse though? Isn’t Hashira the most prestigious rank in the Corps? “Maybe if someone retires, but I don’t want to become one just for killing a measly Lower Moon 5.” 

One measly Lower Moon 5?! How common are those demons? I thought there were only twelve, and here are two people trash-talking them like they’re your everyday neighbourhood demons! Tanjirou thought hysterically. I thought they were supposed to be superrrr hard to kill! 

“Then, let’s make a wager on this battle,” Kocho-san smiled, twirling her strange katana around her knuckles gracefully and sheathed it with a clink, and Zenitsu sheathed his as well. “If I win, you accept the title of Rumble Hashira, and if you win, I’ll stop nagging about this to you. Sound good?” She spread her arms, a sneaky smile creeping on her face. 

“And what happens if I say no?” Zenitsu questioned her. Why would you question her, she’s offering the title of Hashira to you on a silver platter! 

“Then, I keep nagging you - and I’ll get Rengoku-san and Uzui-san in on it too!” 

Tanjirou glanced to Aoi-san and Tsuyuri-san for answers as to who those two people were - he vaguely remembered their names from the Hashira meeting, but he had no clue as to which Hashira was which. 

Aoi-san, noticing his confusion explained - “Rengoku-sama is the one with the orange-red bush of hair and a white haori ending in flames, and Uzui-sama is the one with the dual cleavers and the bandages wrapped around his head.” 

“I accept! I accept..” Zenitsu mumbled under his breath, Tanjirou straining to catch what he was saying. 

“Then, shall we resume the bat-” 

No sooner than the words had left Zenitsu’s mouth, Kocho-san shot forward faster than Tanjirou’s eyes could catch, her needle-thin blade rocketing towards Zenitsu’s neck. 

Almost immediately after - how does he react that fast??? - Zenitsu drew his katana from its sheath and shot forward as well, a streak of blue-gold lightning following him as he met Kocho-san’s blade in a fierce clash. 

The two thrusts met in midair, and all four of them held their breath as the two figures’ arms shook as the blades struggled to meet to other person’s chest. 

“You know, you really like interrupting people’s sentences mid-battle, Kocho-san!” 

“It’s just a part of my strategy, Agatsuma-san!” 

It seemed the amount of sheer fun the two were having fighting to the death was too much to bear for Tsuyuri-san, as she crumpled to the ground with a dazed “Shishou?”, and Aoi-san was soon to follow with an unsteady “Kocho-sama?” 

Tanjirou, unable to hold it in anymore, blurted out, “Zenitsu?”, and when the action paused, Inosuke added a quick “Monitsu?” 

The two of them snapped their heads towards the quartet and jumped back, both pairs of eyes flitting between them and the door. 

Present Time, Zenitsu POV

“It was just for fun, Tanjirou, Inosuke!” 

God, even I know what a lame excuse that is. 

“Oh, I see, Zenitsu!” 

“Alright, just make sure to fight me next time, Ganitsu!” 

Wow….Zenitsu sweatdropped, not sure whether to be concerned or relieved about how gullible his friends were. Meanwhile…

He glanced surreptitiously at Kocho, seeing she was handling things smoothly on her end as well. 

“You see, Agatsuma-san was in great health, so I was testing some of my weaker poisons against him!” 

“I see, Kocho-sama. Then all the “Hashira” gibberish was an experiment as well? You’re so smart, Kocho-sama!” 

“Ah, I see, Shishou. Did the experiment go well?” 

How did these people even survive this far???... 

“Kocho-san, do you mind if I tell you about what happened with the “experiments” in private somewhere?” Zenitsu tapped her shoulder, catching her eye and flicking in the direction of the roof. 

“Yes, of course, Agatsuma-san! I’d love to,” Kocho replied, her eye also flicking their and back, giving the slightest nod. “As you can see, Aoi-chan, Kanao-chan, I have to go for a little bit, so just continue the rehabilitation training for Hashibira-san and Kamadou-san as usual!” 

“‘Kay!” 

After they left, Kocho leapt up gracefully onto the roof ledge, and Zenitsu hopped up as well. “So, how do you propose we decide the wager now?” 

Chapter Text

“So, we’re doing it like this?” 

“Agreed, Aga - Zenitsu-san.” 

“Alright, Ko - Shinobu-san.” 

“TO-MI-O-KA-SAN! O-PEN-U-P!!!!”

The door opened to reveal a very grumpy-looking Tomioka, somehow managing to look more antisocial and gloomy than before. “Kocho-san? Zenitsu?” 

“Oho, you’re on a first name basis, are you now? You finally made a friend, Tomioka-san - would you like cookies to celebrate?” 

“It’s five o’clock in the morning, why are you two here?” 

“Can’t we just have breakfast together? I’ll even help you with your social skills, while we’re at it!” 

Meanwhile, Zenitsu slowly faded into the background as the conversation became a more Let’s-bully-Giyuu-san talk rather than a Should-I-become-a-Hashira-please-help-Giyuu-san talk. Why did I bring Shinobu-san along, actually? I knew this was going to happen - it would have already been done and dusted if Shinobu-san wasn’t here, to be honest. And what’s with calling each other by first names, anyways? 

“Giyuu-san, I’m here to discuss something Oyakata-sama told me, I have no idea why Kocho-san came along,” Zenitsu clapped a hand on Giyuu’s shoulder. “Do you mind if I come in and join you for breakfast?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is the most awkward meal I’ve ever had, Zenitsu sat awkwardly between Shinobu and Giyuu as he tried to eat his meal quietly, melting into the wall. 

“Tomioka-san, I didn’t know you made a friend!” Shinobu clapped her hands and smiled at Giyuu. “I take Zenitsu-san is quite a nice person, hmm?” 

“He…is a nice person,” Giyuu munched on his rice quietly. “Better than you, Kocho-san.” 

Giyuu-san, way to go! Fight back against the bullying! 

“Ara? I could say the same for you, Tomioka-san! He’s so friendly and open, unlike a certain Water Hashira I know!” 

“.....Then he’s better than both of us?” 

Why did I get dragged into this??????

“I think you’re both amazing, Shinobu-san, Giyuu-san!” 

Situation defused! Zenitsu sighed a breath of relief when both of them nodded self-satisfactorily and turned back to their meals, chopsticks clicking together as they finished off their simple meal of rice and fish. 

“So, what did you want to talk to me about, Zenitsu?” 

“Ah - So, Giyuu-san, Oyakata-sama asked me to become a Hashira - but aren’t there already nine? Also, am I even strong enough to claim that rank?” 

“I personally think he’s fine, don’t you agree? Tomioka-san?” 

“I mean, I never saw you fight, so….”

“I fought him, and he was faster than Shinazugawa-san, to be honest! He parried all of my attacks, and didn’t you see him kill Lower Moon 5?” 

“I guess so…I mean, if Oyakata-sama says so, it must be true. For the numbers issue, that’s not a problem - if someone dies or retires, you can take over - you can still have the rank as long as you have the skills.” 

Giyuu-san! Refute the idea! I don’t want to have the responsibility of this! You hear me? 

“See, Zenitsu-san! I knew you could do it!” 

Besides, the conversation would be so odd with that gang of people! Kanroji-san’s completely fine, but other than her - they’re all maniacs! 

“So, are you going to report back positively to Oyakata-sama?” 

No! Absolutely not!

“Yeah, I think I will!”

What are you saying? My mouth is betraying me! Oh - well, I guess it would help me if I said “I’m a Hashira, let me battle Upper Moon Six on my own,” compared to “I can fight! Believe it me!” Also, Tengen-san will retire soon, right? Maybe I could fill his slot?

He could have sworn Giyuu-san smiled for a fraction of a second, but his face soon went back to that normal indifference. A bomb could explode in front of him, and he wouldn’t even twitch… Shinobu-san’s the exact opposite! She smiles all the time, but they’re never genuine…talk about an opposite couple..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, Oyakata-sama, I would like to accept the title of “Rumble Hashira” officially, and I pledge my loyalty to you and the Demon Slayer Corps in defeating Kibutsuji Muzan. However, I would like to be known as a different title than my master, so would ‘Storm Hashira’ be acceptable?” 

In front of him, Ubuyashiki-sama smiled gently, a withered purple hand coming forward to pat his shoulder. “Congratulations on your promotion, Zenitsu-kun - and welcome to the ranks of Hashira.” 

“Of course, Oyakata-sama.” I swear I’ll do my best for you, and for the Corps - I’ll make sure no one dies this time! 

“Then, can you accompany Kyojurou-kun to the Mugen Train? I’d also like to send Inosuke-kun and Tanjirou-kun as well, so it’d be a huge help if you went with.” 

“Yes, Oyakata-sama.” 

So, we’re already going into Mugen Train? That’s awfully soon, but I can train up with Giyuu-san and Shinobu-san beforehand - and those two can train with Kanao, right? 

Zenitsu walked out of the wisteria-flanked gates in deep thought, feet instinctively landing on the road to the Butterfly Mansion. Now, what to do…even with my help, can Rengoku-san survive Akaza, Upper Moor Three? I don’t even know how I compare, to be honest, so it’s unlikely I can defend myself as well. 

Lower Moon One - that was Enmu, right? His power’s troublesome, but it can be avoided easily if I advise everyone not to get the tickets stamped, Zenitsu pondered. He had that final form, but all I need to do is protect the train long enough for Rengoku-san to kill him. 

“Welcome back, Agatsuma-sama!” 

The trio of high-pitched voices greeted him as he approached the double doors, and he looked up to see Kiyo, Sumi and Naho waiting there with a plate of onigiri. “We thought you might be hungry after meeting with Ubuyashiki-sama, so we prepared some lunch for you!” 

“Much appreciated,” Zenitsu took the plate from their hands and took a bite. “Could you ask Aoi-san if she could prepare a basket, as well? I’d like to eat with Giyuu-san.” “Of course!” 

Zenitsu strode towards the Water Mansion, basket of onigiri in hand as he approached the two doors in front of Giyuu’s house. “Giyuu-san! I came with lunch, so open up!” The door squeaked open as Giyuu peeked out, and relaxed when he saw it was just him. “Oh, come in, Zenitsu. Kocho’s not with you, yes?” 

As they ate their lunch, Zenitsu swallowed and asked, “Giyuu-san, would you be able to help me train?” Giyuu looked up at him, brow creasing ever so slightly. “You mean, like, sparring? Or do you want me to show you some of the Water Breathing forms?” 

Water Breathing? I guess that’d come in handy, I could even make a combo breathing technique, like Kocho-san did! That’d sound cool too, lemme think…Water and Thunder, Oceans and Lightning…maybe Arashi no Kokyu? (Storm Breathing?) It’d go well with my title, as well!

“Yes, please show me the forms for Water Breathing! I have a week to get a good grasp on them, so do your best!” Zenitsu nodded eagerly, his mind already forming ideas of how he could utilize this. 

I could also use Shinobu-san’s techniques, since Insect Breathing stemmed from Water Breathing! I want to use Thunder Breathing, but my grasp on the forms are really weak….and I don’t want to be known as the person who shares a breathing style with a demon. 

I’m not betraying Jii-chan, right? I’m just making my own Thunder Breathing! Alright, let’s go! 

Oh - but since I’m friends with Kocho-san - I mean, Shinobu-san, can I ask her for some poison tips and Insect Breathing movements? After all, poison is one of the only ways to kill a demon, and they never expect it…if the attack doesn’t go to their necks, they generally think they’re safe. 

Zenitsu hastily said goodbye to Giyuu and ran back to the mansion, avoiding everyone in his search for Shinobu, eager to ask her before his idea flew away. He found her in her laboratory, humming as she mixed some vials - her usual smile gone from her face. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Raiha Tsuki! (Storm Breathing, First Form: Thunderwave Thrust! 

Zenitsu inhaled deeply through his nose, filling his mouth slowly with air. With one explosive exhalation through the mouth, he managed to move faster and more fluid. Alright, now that the foundation’s laid - 

He thrust forward, the same stance as Hekireki Issen (Thunderclap and Flash) - but this time, he pushed his katana outwards, mimicking Shinobu-san’s stabs. A light crackle of electricity followed his blade, and it released a ripple-like shockwave upon impact with the dummy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Shion Renzan! (Storm Breathing, Second Form: Tidesong Slash!) 

Zenitsu lightly balanced on his toes, knees bending outward and torso relaxed. His arms hovered near his katana as he kept his eye on the dummy’s neck. He calmed his breathing so each breath was controlled and rhythmic, hand loose and ready to aim.

Zenitsu stabbed his katana quickly and efficiently, each strike following a rhythm only he could hear - each stab fluid and controlled, as the dummy fell apart under his katana’s blade. The path the katana followed was reminiscent of ocean waves, clean and organized - yet dangerous. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, San no Kata: Inabikari no Uzu! (Storm Breathing, Third Form: Lightning Maelstrom!) 

Zenitsu took two quick inhales of air, then a long one - he pivoted on his right foot, then began to twist on the spot. 

He spun gracefully, sweeping his katana broadly to cover a large area. The air stirred up by this began to crackle and pop with electricity, and the training dummy was soon sliced by dozens of invisible arcs. A light watery mist also crept up, helping the electricity along the blade and making the cyclone even more deadly. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Shi no Kata: Raishizuku Otoshi! (Storm Breathing, Fourth Form: Falling Thunder Drop!) 

Zenitsu leapt into the air, haori fluttering about him as he aimed his katana downwards and stabbed the ground fiercely - like a glowing insect jumping in a raindrop. At the area of impact, a ring of electricity spread out, dissipating the already mangled training dummy. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Go no Kata: Futo Senbu! (Storm Breathing, Fifth Form: Tempest Spiral Dance!

Zenitsu parried Giyuu-san’s katana for this practice; he spun gracefully on the spot while blocking all of his advances - then at the right moment, he angled his katana just so and released a sudden surge of electricity at him as a counter. 

He took gentle, rhythmic breaths like exhaling breeze, and made sure to keep light on his toes and spun on his heel. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Roku no Kata: Raicho Shosen! (Storm Breathing, Sixth Form: Soaring Thunder Butterfly!) 

Zenitsu flicked his wrist, and a small vial of liquid came out of his haori sleeve. He smashed the fragile glass against his katana, and the purple, slightly smoking liquid dripped down his katana and coated it with the sweet-smelling poison. 

He darted in and out unpredictably, making sure to leave small cuts on the dummy as he did so. He also went fast enough to create an afterimage illusory effect, and tried his best to strike at the vital areas without a needle-sword. 

He took short, steady breaths - each one fueling one movement as he free-handed the pressure points based on what Shinobu-san had taught him. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Shichi no Kata: Raito Sosen! (Storm Breathing, Seventh Form: Twin Flashes of the Stormy Sea!) 

Zenitsu slashed in two directions as fast as he could - one imbued with water, and the other with lightning. He went so fast the two slashes seemed simultaneous, and they created a small sonic boom in midair. 

Sparks crackled around the water droplets he left in the air, and they set fire to the poor dummy as it lay smoking and decapitated on the ground. 

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Hachi no Kata: Rancho Shoryu! (Storm Breathing, Eighth Form: Rising Storm Dragon!) 

Zenitsu quickly spiralled upward, spinning his katana as he did so. Water droplets condensed around him, sparking with golden sparks as he thrusted forward - a golden dragon following his movements.

He took a long inhale as he spiralled, releasing the air into his arms in an upward exhale. 

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Kyu no Kata: Hato Gosen! (Storm Breathing, Ninth Form: Roaring Wave Flash!) 

Zenitsu swung his katana broadly horizontally, a wide arc of waves following the blade. At the crest, three consecutive strikes of lightning followed, scorching the ground at its impact point. 

His torso was coiled, his footing wide  - he made sure to keep a good balance, or else he would have fallen over from the sheer might of the move. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Ju no Kata: Tenran Issen! (Storm Breathing, Tenth Form: Heavenly Tempest Flash!) 

Zenitsu breathed in and out calmly, envisioning himself in the middle of a serene lake. He drew his katana and disappeared, striking the dummy in the neck and sliced elegantly. The head of the dummy fell to the ground, the cut barely noticeable. 

He half-closed his eyes as he did so, just focusing on the neck and straightened his spine to have equal balance with sword and arm. 

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Arashi no Kokyu, Ju-ichi no Kata- Ougi: Raicho Shuran! (Storm Breathing, Eleventh Form - Ultimate Technique: Thunder Butterfly Cataclysm!) 

Zenitsu took nine rapid inhales and exhales, then took a final one - and the world exploded. 

He raised his katana skyward, then brought it down in a sweeping motion - waves crashed down with him, and lightning-streaked mists followed his golden blade in one final attack. The ground was scorched for miles as he performed this move, but he collapsed immediately after from exhaustion and overexertion. 

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“So, I take it was a success, Zenitsu?” 

Giyuu swept his eyes over Zenitsu’s battered and exhausted form with varying amounts of amusement and concern, noting the black circles under his eyes and frayed haori edges. 

“Ah-ah? Yes, Giyuu-san, it was quite a suc - agh!” 

Zenitsu doubled over, coughing as he crumpled face-first in front of a worried Giyuu. 

“Ano…Giyyu-san?”

“Yes, Zenitsu?” 

“I can’t get up.” 

“I’ll get Kocho-san.” 

“Yes, please.” 

A few minutes later…

“Zenitsu-san?! Are you quite alright!?” 

Ah, here we go again, Zenitsu sighed internally as Shinobu fussed about him as Giyuu hung round him awkwardly. Another scolding by Shinobu-san, and Aoi-san staring at me disapprovingly. 

The Kakushi hastily carried him to the Butterfly Mansion, and he saw Tanjirou training in the courtyard with Kanao and Inosuke. Before he could call out to him though, the Kakushi rushed him to a bed and scurried off, bowing as they did so. 

“Ne, Zenitsu-san - care to tell me what you’ve been doing this past week to get into this shape?” Shinobu-san smiled terrifyingly at him. “I recall you asking me about the specific movements and pressure points of Insect Breathing, but surely you didn’t train that hard?” 

“I…might have created a new breathing style?” 

“Really?” 

“....” 

Shinobu’s more than slightly displeased face was the last thing he saw before she drew her katana and lightly smacked his head with the hilt, knocking him out and making his eyesight fade to blackness. 

Ahh….I shouldn’t have told Shinobu-san that…How long will I be asleep for? 

These last thoughts accompanied him as he drifted off in silence, the sweet arms of sleep welcoming him after a long week of sleepless training nights. 

Tanjirou POV

How does Zenitsu even do this?! Aren’t we relatively the same age?! 

Tanjirou puffed into the gourd, trying his hardest to burst it - and failing spectacularly. Beside him, Inosuke was huffing and puffing as hard as he could - even Kanao was trying hard with her massive gourd. 

“Tanjirou-san, you can do it!” Kiyo, Sumi and Naho cheered from the sidelines. “Go, Kanao-san, Inosuke-san!” 

“I, I, I’m trying my best, but I can’t do it!” Tanjirou panted. 

A flash of yellow caught his eye from the gates, and he turned his head to it to see a familiar triangle-patterned haori fluttering across the butterfly garden. Kocho-san followed, and it looked like Zenitsu was being carried by the people who brought him and Nezuko here? 

“Hey, Inosuke! Zenitsu’s back!” 

Inosuke puffed a snort of air out of the pig nostrils covering his face, tossing his gourd to the side as he jumped up. “Monitsu’s back? Where?! I, Hashibira Inosuke, King of the Mountains, has to challenge him once more!” 

“Zenitsu-san’s back from Tomioka-san’s estate?” Kanao’s soft voice tinkled beside him. “If you’re going to see him, might I accompany you?” 

“Kanao-san, I didn’t know you knew Zenitsu!” Tanjirou smiled at her, pleased she was making her own decisions without her coin. “Of course you can come, let’s go!” 

The trio thumped through the hallways to the medical ward, where Tanjirou heard the wisps of a conversation - 

“Ze…what’ve you been….asking…Insect Breathing?” 

“Might…. Breathing Style?” 

Then they heard a katana being unsheathed, then a light thunk noise, and their conversation went quiet - then they panicked. 

Tanjirou, Inosuke and Kanao burst down the door in a panic as they rushed to see if anyone was hurt, just to see a ticked-off Kocho-san and a peacefully sleeping Zenitsu. “Kocho-san, is everything alright? We saw Zenitsu back, but then there was a katana, and someone hitting some-” 

“Oh, that was just me giving the proper treatment to this poor lad! He’s been training rigorously for the past week without sleep, so I thought I needed to force him to sleep!” Kocho-san said with a twitching smile on her face. Note to self - never make Kocho-san angry. 

“Do you know when he’ll be up, Kocho-san?” 

“Yeah, I need to fight Monitsu! He’s strong, so I’ll beat him!” 

Wrong reason to be worrying about him, Inosuke! I’m scared as to what Kocho-san has in store for him, brave soldier….

“Shishou, is Zenitsu-san safe? I heard something about him being summoned to Oyakata-sama’s mansion, so I got a bit worried for him and Tanjirou-san’s sister…” 

“Ara, that reminds me!” Kocho-san clapped her hands cheerfully, and gestured to the sleeping Zenitsu. “Say hello to the newest member of the elite swordsmen in the Demon Slayer Corps, Storm Hashira Agatsuma Zenitsu-san!” 

Excuse me?!

“What?!” 

“Zenitsu-san?” 

“Forgive me, Kocho-san - but isn’t Hashira the highest rank in the corps? And don’t you have to kill one of the Twelve Kizuki, or kill fifty demons to attain the rank?” Tanjirou gestured wildly, still dumbstruck by the implications. 

Zenitsu’s really amazing, huh…to reach the level of Hashira in what, two weeks after Final Selection? And Storm Hashira? I thought he used Thunder Breathing? 

A mumble from the bed broke their staring-shocked face combo, and they all turned to look at the bed. 

“Shinobu-san…stop…bullying...me…” Zenitsu mumbled from the bed, his sleeping mouth unconsciously forming the words and piercing Kocho right in the heart as yet another tick mark appeared on her gentle face. 

“Alright, alright - out! Stop disturbing the patient!” Kocho-san herded them out, pushing them out the door and waving to them. “Considering his unhealthy and frankly unnatural regeneration rate, Zenitsu-san should be fine in a day or two - I’ll send Sumi to tell you when that happens!”

After they left, Shinobu stared at Zenitsu, and the fake smile she always wore on her face dropped and was replaced by a small frown of genuine sadness, her purple eyes dulling as she looked at her friend's sleeping face. 

A feminine face, long black hair and two butterfly clips invaded her mind - but she shook the thoughts out of her head, determined to keep up her facade and make sure she didn't lose anyone else who even made the effort to get close to her. 

"Please, get better, Zenitsu-san.." She whispered in his ear before getting up and moving away. 

Two days later

Zenitsu rubbed his eyes and yawned, stretching his arms as he took in his surroundings. He was in a very familiar hospital bed, and sunlight was starting to peek out of the window. 

Let’s see…I perfected Storm Breathing, then I passed out at Giyuu-san’s place - then Shinobu-san took me to her mansion, right? So I must be at the Butterfly Mansion right now!

“Ano…Anyone here?” Zenitsu called out tentatively, stepping out of his bed. Huh, I feel much better than before - I could take on anyone, actually! 

“Are? Zenitsu-san?” Shinobu’s head poked around the doorway, indifferent face morphing into one of relief when she saw him up and about. “I was worried, you know! Training so hard isn’t so good for you, but I’m glad you’re up so soon!” 

Zenitsu nodded, and opened his mouth to ask her about what had happened during his absence - only to be interrupted by the sound of pattering feet on the hallways outside. The door burst open, and Tanjirou, Kanao and Inosuke tumbled on top of Shinobu. 

“Zenitsu! I’m so glad you’re awake!” Tanjirou beamed, the smile on his face better than any medicine. 

“Tonitsu, fight me!” Inosuke practically screamed in his face, brandishing his nicked katanas about. 

Kanao had a look of relief on her face, her voice carrying the slightest bit of worry as she addressed Zenitsu. “I’m happy you’re all better, Zenitsu-san…” 

“Ara, that reminds me!” Shinobu clapped his shoulder, tilting her head at him and smiling. “Oyakata-sama wanted you to go with Kamado-san and Hashibira-san to the Mugen Train, along with Rengoku-san!” 

“Rengoku-san?! You mean the Flame Hashira?” Zenitsu questioned, nervously taking a step back as Tanjirou and Inosuke’s faces morphed from confusion to apprehension. “Why are we being sent there together? Shouldn’t Rengoku-san be able to take on a Lower Moon all by himself?” 

“One can never be too cautious! Besides, I thought you’d be glad to be going with Hashibira-san and Kamado-san!” Shinobu smiled. “Also, Rengoku-san should be meeting you here in a short while, and you’ll be going to the station together!” 

So, it’s starting already - can I stand up to Akaza, Upper Moon Three? Giyuu-san and Tanjirou barely managed to defeat him in my previous life, and from what I heard - he ended himself out of remorse. 

“Where’re we going, Zenitsu?” Tanjirou’s curious tone shook him from his thoughts. 

“Yeah, is this Rengoku guy strong?” Oh, so you get his name right, hmm? 

“It’s just a mission to a train, and Rengoku-san’s really strong! There’s a high chance it’ll be a Lower Moon though, so we’ll have to be careful,” Zenitsu told them. 

The sound of the entrance doors slamming open startled them, and stomping footsteps reached their way to their room. The door opened, and a familiar red-orange haired face greeted them with a bright “Greetings, Kocho-san, Agatsuma-san! I am here for the mission Oyakata-sama asked of us!” 

“Rengoku-san?!”

Zenitsu couldn’t help but stare at the face, his thoughts spiralling into images on Rengoku with a fist through his stomach you should be dead why are you here oh gods why did I think I could save you from fucking UPPER MOON THREE please don’t go I don’t know if I can bear to see you die agai-

“-itsu? Zenitsu?” 

Tanjirou and Shinobu’s concerned voices broke his anxiety reverie, bringing him back to the present where he saw five very confused and worried faces as they watched him have a mental breakdown just from seeing a colleague’s face. 

“Are you feeling alright? Perhaps I should ask Oyakata-sama if someone else can go…” Shinobu anxiously moved over to his bedside, face wrinkled with genuine concern. 

Zenitsu hastily waved his hands about, jumping up and gesturing to Rengoku enthusiastically. “No need, as you can see I’m perfectly fine and ready to go! Do we leave now? Hahahaa….” 

“I love your eagerness, Agatsuma-san!” Rengoku’s booming voice cut out, and he clapped a hand on Zenitsu’s shoulder. “We leave in five minutes!” 

Oh shit, five minutes?! I need to get my katana and haori, and come to think of it - do I even have a game plan to defeat Enmu and Akaza? Gods….we might be dead before the mission even starts…

“Tanjirou, Inosuke - lemme grab my haori and katana, then we’ll get going with Rengoku-san, does that sound fine?” 

“Sure! We’ll wait outside!” 

“Make sure to be on time, Monitsu!” 

“Five minutes sharp, Agatsuma-san! Let us go, Kamado-shonen, Hashibira-shonen!” 

“Thanks so much for taking care of me, Shinobu-san, Aoi-san. Were you worried about me, Kanao-san? I’m truly grateful to all you’ve done for me!” Zenitsu thanked the trio as he slipped on his haori and slid his katana into his belt. 

“Just make sure to stay alive, ne? I think Tomioka-san would combust if his only friend died,” Shinobu snickered softly. “Best of luck!” 

Aoi and Kanao both nodded as well, and Sumi, Naho and Kiyo brought him a basket of food for the trip to the station. They all waved him off as he headed to the front gate, meeting up with the the three people already waiting for him there. 

“Thanks for all you’ve done!” Tanjirou, Inosuke and Zenitsu chorused as they walked along the dirt path leading to their destination. Rengoku saluted them, then merrily walked about five paces ahead of them. 

Zenitsu strode to catch up with him, attempting to make small talk with his fellow Hashira - God, it felt so weird to say that - and failing miserably. 

“Rengoku-san, you use Flame Breathing, correct?” 

“Indeed I do! Would you like to see a demonstration?” 

“Perhaps it would be better to do that at the mission…” 

“Alright! I will show you my breathing style, and you will do the same!” 

“Alright…” What did I even agree to? That’s so vague! This is harder than Giyuu-san! At least I could get close with Giyuu-san, on the other hand, Rengoku-san is like a brick wall compared to him. 

Fast-forward to the station arrival…

“Whoah! IS THAT THE KING OF THE EARTH, KENTAROU?! IT’S SO BIG! FIGHT ME! FIGHT ME!” Inosuke practically screamed as he danced around the steam engine, waving his blades and attempting to poke and scratch it. Around him, passer-bys were looking at him with raised eyebrows, some of them hesitantly reaching for a police whistle. 

“Inosuke, calm down! It looks cool and all,and I have no idea what it is, but we should be mindful of the people around us!” Tanjirou tried his best to calm the over-enthusiastic slayer down. 

“Guys, it’s a train,” Zenitsu deadpanned. Clueless mountain-people… “It transports people from one place to another, and it’s a machine. Not a monster.” At least, not yet…. 

“Shall we board now?” Rengoku’s voice cut out their conversation. 

“Yes, let’s go!” 

The four of them hopped aboard the train, drinking in the sights as they walked to their seats and prepared for the ride. 

Rengoku opened one of about fifty bento boxes he had purchased from a random girl on the station - took a bite, and promptly let out three consecutive “Umai!”s. 

Inosuke gazed out the window, enraptured at the lights he couldn’t normally see. 

Tanjirou opened Nezuko’s box, letting her out and they gazed around the semi-luxurious compartment with awe. 

And Zenitsu sat, thinking about how to defeat Upper Moon Three and prevent the tragic death that had happened in his previous life. 

Watch out, Akaza. I know your tricks, and we won’t fall to the demons any more! 

Chapter Text

Zenitsu gazed out the window, absent-mindedly munching on the onigiri Kiyo, Sumi and Naho had given him for the trip. 

I wonder what Shinobu-san and Giyuu-san are getting up to right now? 

Beside him, Rengoku was eating through the bento boxes he had purchased at a champion speed, each bite eliciting an “Umai!” from the Hashira. 

At the seats across from them, Inosuke was mesmerised by the outside lights zooming by, snout pressed to the window. Beside him, Tanjirou was playing with Nezuko - some sort of clapping game. 

“Please hold out your tickets for the ticket-puncher to stamp!” 

The echoing voice caught their attention - but most of all Zenitsu’s. So, it’s already that time. How do I prevent us going to sleep? 

“Sorry, but could I have your tickets to punch?” 

The voice startled him, and his golden-brown eyes met the puncher’s - wide and empty, like something had sucked the warmth and hope out of them. 

“Here!” The chorus of voices sounded as Tanjirou, Inosuke and Rengoku all held out their tickets. After a moment of deliberation, Zenitsu hesitantly held his out too - he felt no different than before, but he still felt nervous at the thought of falling asleep while Enmu took over the train. 

Ah - Why do I - feel - so - sleepy….

The sudden wave of sleepiness hit him like a tsunami, making him drowsy and forcing his head to droop. Inosuke and Tanjirou were already snoring across from him, and he could make out the outline of Rengoku struggling as well before succumbing to the desire. 

“Nezuko-chan…wake me up…please…” 

He managed to get his final words out before utterly collapsing on the chair, leaning forward as he barely registered a small Nezuko running hastily to him and shaking his body. Sorry…I couldn’t stop the sleep…Nezuko-chan….

“Oi, Zenitsu! Wake up!” 

The voice sounded in his head, and he slowly rubbed his eyes as he sat up. 

“Oh, you’re awake, Agatsuma-kun! I was worried about you!” Kanroji-san squealed worriedly. 

“Were you dreaming well, Agatsuma-san?” Shinobu-san checked in on him. 

“Zenitsu! What an unflashy way to go out!” Tengen slapped his shoulder. 

“Zenitsu! I was worried about you, you know!” Tanjirou rushed to his side, anxiously shaking his shoulder. 

“Monitsu! You still haven’t fought me, you know!” Inosuke waved his katanas about, trying to conceal the worry in his eyes. 

“Zenitsu? You’re awake!” The tinkling sound of Nezuko’s voice carried over to him, soft and delicate as wind chimes. 

Hmm? What’s going on? Where am I? 

Zenitsu sat up and looked around, only to be greeted by all nine Hashira - alive! - and the Ubuyashiki family, along with Jii-chan, Tanjirou, Kanao, Genya, Inosuke and - is that Nezuko-chan?! 

They were all smiling as they stared at him, some of them holding some bowls of food as if in a picnic. They were in a grassy meadow, flowers blooming everywhere - and nobody had their katana!

Katana? Wait, why would they need one? 

Zenitsu shook his head, confused but happy. “I’m alright, everyone! Were you having a picnic or something?” 

As if the world was responding to him, a checkered blanket appeared below them and they all slightly blurred out of focus and in again. When he refocused, their expressions changed - they looked more relaxed, and they were all in kimonos and yukatas. 

Why wouldn’t they be in casual wear? What else would they wear? 

“Yeah, want to join, Zenitsu?” Tanjirou held out a box of unagi with a welcoming smile. “Let’s eat together!” 

Eat? With the Hashira? But what about the demons? 

“What about the demons, though? Aren’t we on a mission?” 

They all looked at him with confusion. “What mission? We’re just eating together!” 

Eating together? But how? Aren’t we on a tr-

Oh. 

I see. 

My greatest desire - the one dream I wish I could live - 

Everyone surviving, and us living a normal life. 

Zenitsu began to laugh, hands covering his mouth as tears streamed down his cheeks. He began to shake, and the laughter quickly began to turn into hysterical sobs as he looked up at the happy scene laid out in front of him. 

“This - This isn’t real.” 

Zenitsu faced the hard truth - his desires had manifested into a picturesque scene of all his loved ones alive, have fun - living the normal life they would have had if only demons hadn’t existed in this world. 

“Tanjirou, Inosuke, Jii-chan - Nezuko-chan…THIS ISN’T REAL, IS IT? ANSWER ME, ENMU! KIBUTSUJI MUZAN! WHY DO I HAVE TO SUFFER, HUH? ISN’T MY ADVENTURE OVER? WHY DO I NEED TO SEE THEM, ALL ALIVE - HOW WE COULD HAVE BEEN IF ONLY YOUR ACCURSED KIND HADN’T EXISTED!” 

Zenitsu took a deep breath after his rant, and picked up his katana that had somehow manifested there after his hatred broke through the happy dream. He was racked with silent sobs as the people around him stared with concern - but it was all fake, wasn’t it - 

“WHY  - WHY CAN’T YOU ALL JUST DIE?! HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST DIE FOR YOUR SELFISH DESIRES? KIBUTSUJI! ENMU! HOW MUCH DESPAIR MUST YOUR KIND CAUSE TO PEOPLE BEFORE - BEFORE YOU JUST DIE!” 

Zenitsu stabbed himself through the heart, gasping at the sudden pain - but awoke to a small demon trying her best to wake him up - also, was his haori on fire?

“Nezuko-chan….thanks for your help…” 

Zenitsu patted her gently on the shoulder, her fierce and worried expression melting to one of relief as she tugged on his uniform and pointed to her brother, still sound asleep. “Yeah, I know Nezuko-chan - we gotta wake up the others.” 

“Nii-chan!” 

Tanjirou was playing with his siblings, swept into the happiness that had left him when - wait, what had happened? 

“Nii-chan! C’mon, play with us!” 

Tanjirou shook his head, confused by the overlapping memories shooting through his head. 

A yellow-orange haori with white triangles flit into his mind, but was quickly washed away as he turned back to his siblings with a smile on his face. 

A boar-head, a pretty girl-like face crashed roughly - he shoved it away, sure he was dreaming. 

He looked at his sister, remembering a time when she had fangs and bright, veiny pink eyes. 

Pink eyes? Why would his sister have pink eyes and fangs? 

“Tanjirou!” 

Not now, I’m busy! 

“MMMPH!” 

Hmmm? Who’s that? 

Don’t interrupt my dream….please, just leave me alone! 

“TANJIROU!” 

That dream was so vivid - perhaps my feelings to the others have changed since last time, Zenitsu sadly thought as he sliced through the rope connecting the host and Tanjirou. I didn’t fantasize about my future with Nezuko-chan, I thought about everyone important to me. 

“Takeo! Roku-” 

Tanjirou sat up, face pale white as he gasped for air - trying to process what had just happened in his dream-world. 

Ah, so he was dreaming about his lost family. I’m really sorry for you, Tanjirou - but fight for the family who’s still alive, and the new family you’ve created around you - don’t make the same mistake I did, and keep on living! 

“Awake now, Tanjirou? I’m sorry to have awoken you from your dream, but Lower Moon One is causing this - we’ve gotta wake up the others and defeat it!” 

“Inosuke-sama, King of the Mountains, we need your help!” 

“Oh? What is it, my loyal minions?” 

Inosuke turned to the little mice behind him, one wearing a teal-checkered haori and the other wearing a yellow haori with white triangles scattered about it. 

“There’s an enemy too strong for us to defeat!” They squeaked, dropping to their knees before him. “Please, help us!”

Inosuke grinned, caught up in his delightful reverie. A sudden memory of wheat-like hair and a big, smoky monster cut in, but he brushed it off and turned to follow his minions. 

“The train’s attacking us, we need your help, O glorious king of the mountains Inosuke-sama.” 

The light, almost teasing voice danced into the cave, and Inosuke jolted at the familiar sound. 

Monitsu?! Don’t worry - I’ll save you! 

Before a startled Tanjirou could respond, Zenitsu rushed to Inosuke and slapped his face. When that didn’t work, he whispered in his ear, “The train’s attacking us, we need your help, O glorious king of the mountains Inosuke-sama.” 

Immediately Inosuke jumped awake. “Where’s the fight, minions?! You did well to wake me up!” 

Easy to wake up - but I’m worried about the kids attached to us to maintain our dream-state. I can hear their heartbeats getting fainter…

“Nezuko-chan, can you try to heal them? Inosuke, Tanjirou, can you look to the front of the train for the demon? I’ll wake up Rengoku-san, and we’ll join you in a minute!” 

“Got it!”

“Race you there, Gonpachirou!” 

“Mmm-mm!” 

Now that they’re gone….

“OI! RENGOKU-SANNN!!!! WAKE UP! MUZAN’S HERE OYAKATA-SAMA’S HERE! A GIANT FRICKING BENTO BOX IS HERE! WAKE UP WAKE UP WAKE UP!” 

Kyojuro slowly walked the familiar halls, hand brushing the wooden doors as he reached the room where one of the most important people in his life resided. 

“Oh? What is it, Kyojuro?” 

His mother sat gracefully on the futon, braided black hair gently brushing over her shoulder as she smiled at the sight of her son in the tell-tale Hashira uniform. 

“I’m so proud of you, Kyojuro.” She smiled, taking his hand as he knelt down beside her, brushing her fingers over the shiny golden buttons. “We all are.” 

The door opened behind him, and he heard the heavy footsteps of his father stomp in. Inwardly, he prepared for the scolding he was about to get - only to stare in surprise as his normally drunk and angry father patted him on the head, muttering a “Well done.” 

“Nii-san, you became a Hashira?” Senjuro’s excited voice echoed as the little boy slid through the hall, landing in Kyojuro’s lap. “Congrats, Congrats!” 

Kyojuro smiled, leaning into his family’s embrace. 

If this is a dream, I never want it to end. 

This one thought echoed about his head as he breathed in contentedly, forgetting all of his worries. 

“-Goku-san!....Ren…san!” 

The loud voice cut in, and he mumbled something along the lines of “Go away..” as he tried to fall asleep once more. 

“RENGOKU-SAN! MUZAN’S HERE OYAKATA-SAMA’S HERE WAKE UP!” 

Hmmm? Who’s that? 

Wait, Muzan?! Oyakata-sama?! 

Each word was punctuated by Zenitsu roughly shaking his shoulder, until Rengoku’s eyes snapped open with a muttered, “Wh-Mu-Sa-Huh?” 

“Lower Moon One’s spell is already here, Rengoku-san! We’ve gotta protect the passengers and help Tanjirou and Inosuke kill it!” Zenitsu shook his shoulder some more until his eyes lit up with recognition and determination. 

“I will protect the train, you go and help those two Kanoe with Lower Moon One!” Rengoku sprang up, drawing his red-bladed katana. 

Zenitsu nodded and ran off, running towards the front of the train with Hekireki Issen. Tanjirou, Inosuke - please be safe! 

He jumped up, landing lightly on the top of the train - and froze. In front of him was a pale white demon in a black suit, blue and pink-tipped hair blowing in the wind. In its turquoise eyes, the kanji for Kagen One was etched, and it had a grinning hand outstretched. 

Zenitsu saw Inosuke and Tanjirou rushing towards it, slashing with Beast and Water to little effect. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Shi no Kata: Raishizuku Otoshi! (Storm Breathing, Fourth Form: Falling Thunder Drop!) 

Zenitsu leapt up, soaring above the first compartment - then brought his katana down, a blur of golden light falling onto the Lower Moon. A ring of electricity and sonic boom followed, and destroyed the purple vines creeping about the demon as a light mist appeared. 

“You’re here, Zenitsu!” Tanjirou’s relieved voice echoed from a little back, the wind preventing him from hearing to well. 

“Let’s fight, Monitsu!” Inosuke waved his swords about, coming in for a slashing attack. 

“Araa….Are you a Hashira? Come to kill little old me?” 

The sweet, sappy voice dragged across Zenitsu as he turned to look at the scorching mess of a demon. That should have killed him - why isn’t he dead? Could he have already merged with the train? 

“Well, little Hashira…why don’t you settle down for a good, long SLEEP!” 

The hand with a mouth and eyeball sent a sort of shockwave towards him, and he crumpled to his knees. He could vaguely hear Tanjirou screaming, “ZENITSU!” as his eyes closed shut against his will and went to sleep. 

Hmm? Why am I here again? 

The grassy field stretched before him once more, the smiling faces of his loved ones appearing as well. 

“Zeni-” 

Shing. 

Dream-Tanjirou was interrupted by the sound of Zenitsu drawing his katana and stabbing himself in the heart, blood spraying over Dream-Tanjirou’s confused face. 

Zenitsu opened his eyes to find Tanjirou and Inosuke clashing with the Lower Moon, purple vines and shockwaves trying to hit them as they dodged and sliced. 

So, to get out of the attacks - I need to kill myself, eh? Quite the formidable Blood Demon Art - I should be careful to get hit - or to at least kill myself quickly. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Shion Renzan! (Storm Breathing, Second Form: Tidesong Slash!) 

Zenitsu jumped into the fight, starting to hear a rhythm underneath the chaos as he started to pierce through the vines and into the demon. 

“Ara? It seems one of you is skilled enough to hit me, Enmu - I’m sure My Lord will be pleased if I bring him back the head of a Hashira!” 

The demon - no, Enmu - stretched his arms out, and several consecutive shockwaves parried Zenitsu’s strikes. 

Blood Demon Art: Hypnotic Dream Manipulation! 

The eyes bulged open, sending a harsh-sounding shockwave towards Zenitsu and forced his eyes closed. 

Enmu POV
That Hashira’s stronger than the other pests…but no one can resist my sweet lullaby. 

Blood Demon Art: Hypnotic Dream Manipulation! 

Enmu sent his power to his hand, and sent a strong wave of his Art to the yellow-haori Hashira. 

The Hashira’s eyes drooped, and Enmu relaxed - only for the slayer to snap his eyes open, swinging his katana in a wide yellow-blue arc aimed for his neck. 

Impossible! Is this guy that suicidal?! 

“How are you breaking free?! My Art makes your deepest dream come true!” 

“My dream’s already over, demon.” 

The Hashira jumped up, vanishing from sight - then Enmu felt a surge of electricity through his neck. His head rolled on the floor, as his soul went into the train - the backup measure he had prepared already coming into play. 

Ahhh…My Lord, I’ll bring this Hashira’s head back for you if it’s the last thing I do….

Enmu melted into the train compartment, killing the driver silently and imbuing his soul into the machine. 

A crude measure, but necessary to defeat this slayer…. 

Purple vines shot up, melting and bubbling as eyes appeared, surrounding the trio with his power. 

Look, look! This power that My Lord had given me! 

“Monitsu, Gonpachirou, what is this?! Is it cuttable?!” The stupid boar-head questioned. His dream hadn’t been that deep, just him being the leader and strongest of the group rather than the Hashira. 

“Zenitsu, what do you think we should do?” The water-breathing brat asked anxiously. His dream had just been his family alive - the normal sappy stuff. 

“Just stay calm - we’ll pinpoint the real body soon enough, though I suspect he’s merged with the train,” The Hashira noted. 

Now his dream - his dream was fascinating. A picnic, with dead friends? But some of them were still alive, and a lot of them were Hashira before he ascended… there was also the new one, the slayer Kokushibo-sama had his eye on…

“Bingo!” 

Enmu projected his voice from the vines, grinning slightly when it came out like crooning. 

Now, what will you do, Golden Hashira? 

Zenitsu POV

Zenitsu watched the purple vines tower over them, heart quickening slightly but trying his best to seem calm and apathetic. 

Honestly, how does Giyuu-san do this? It’s so hard, being so unemotional when being killed by a demon!

“Bingo!” A crooning voice came from the vines, Zenitsu trying his best to hear where it was coming from. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Kyu no Kata: Hato Gosen! (Storm Breathing, Ninth Form: Roaring Wave Flash!) 

Zenitsu swept his katana in a wide arc, lightning and water waves following his golden blade. He sliced through the vines, the weird plants crumbling to ash as his sword sliced across it. 

“Watch out for the eyes, they make you hallucinate!” He tossed over his shoulder to Inosuke and Tanjirou. 

“My mask blocks it, so no need to worry, Monitsu!” He could vaguely hear Inosuke shout. 

“I know how to counter it, Zenitsu!” Tanjirou screamed as well. 

Alright, they’re all fine. Then, I’ll go on the offensive! 

Arashi no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Raiha Tsuki! (Storm Breathing, First Form: Thunderwave Thrust!) 

Zenitsu rushed forward, his katana spearheading his thrust as a golden bolt of lightning headed straight for the heart of the train. 

He pierced straight through the purple membrane-like barrier separating the train and the demon, feeling his katana pierce through something like a spine. Suddenly, he heard a soft voice whispering in his head. 

“Blood Demon Art: Eyes of Forced Unconscious Sleep.” 

He felt his eyes dropping rapidly, he blinked to keep them open but it was futile. 

He found himself in the dream again - before anyone could distract him, he slashed himself in the throat and found himself back in front of Enmu. 

Arashi no Kokyu, San no Kata: Inabikari no Uzu! (Storm Breathing, Third Form: Maelstrom of Lightning!) 

Zenitsu spun about, cutting and slicing wildly. Each small, invisible cut was followed by a soft scrrt of electricity and paralytic toxin, courtesy of Shinobu-san herself!, which instantly got rid of the annoying eyes that attacked him as he sliced at the spinal cord. 

“INOSUKE! TANJIROU! ATTACK THIS WHITE BONE!” Zenitsu screamed at the top, two faces poking out at him. 

Mizu no Kokyu, San no Kata: Ryuryu Mai! (Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance!) 

Kedamono no Kokyu, Ni no Kiba: Kirisaki! (Beast Breathing, Third Form: Slice!) 

Both of them jumped down, unleashing their slicing attacks on the spine. The spine started to crack under their combined pressure, finally breaking apart as Zenitsu joined. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Shichi no Kata: Raito Sosen! (Storm Breathing, Seventh Form: Twin Flashes of the Stormy Sea!) 

Water, lightning and beast swirled together as the white-blue-gold cyclone of attacks broke the white bone in the center of the train. 

“No-NO! DON’T CUT THAT, DON’T KILL ME - I HAVE THIS ENTIRE TRAIN UNDER HOSTAGE!” Enmu’s desperate voice reached them. 

The neck-bone shook and groaned under their combined attacks, but managed to stay still - until all of them brought their full force down onto the bone. 

The neck bone shattered to pieces, and Zenitsu couldn’t hear Enmu’s heartbeat anymore. 

The passengers?! Rengoku-san’s got that all under control, I’d expect. 

Sure enough, a bright fire-like light erupted from the cars as the purple vines disintegrated from the train. Leaning over the side, Zenitsu yelled, “RENGOKU-SAN! LOWER MOON ONE’S BEEN KILLED! MISSION IS COMPLETE!” 

“Ano…Zenitsu?” 

Zenitsu turned to Tanjirou, brow creasing. “What is it, Tanjirou?” 

“The train’s not stopping?” 

“Sorry, what?!’

He barely got the words out of his mouth before a hideous screeching sound came from the train. The train began to stop, causing the three to lurch forward and nearly trip 

Enmu’s influence - it was controlling the train? But what about the driver? 

“TANJIROU, INOSUKE! GO HELP STOP THE TRAIN!” Zenitsu yelled at them, then they all ran off to the front of the train. Please, be safe! 

I’ll go check on Rengoku and Nezuko - I can help with the passengers as well. Zenitsu rushed to the cars, looking for the telltale red-orange bush of hair. 

“Oh! Agatsuma-san, you’ve arrived!” 

Rengoku swung his katana one last time, flames following his movements and burning through the vine barrier. 

“Yes, the train’s not stopping! Please help us save the passengers!” Zenitsu skidded to a stop next to Nezuko and Rengoku. 

The pink and red flames stopped licking across the already scorched vines. The pair turned to him, just realizing the gravity of the situation. 

“Wha-” 

Rengoku was cut off by the train jolting forward, throwing them and the sleeping passengers forward. 

Tanjirou! Inosuke! Please, save the passengers…

Zenitsi worriedly turned to Nezuko, only to find her already in her box - smart girl - and Rengoku bracing himself for impact by sticking his katana into the floor. The passengers were tumbling about, still asleep - though some were stirring from the train. 

Zenitsu followed Rengoku’s lead, stabbing the wooden floor with his katana and bracing for impact. 

SCREECHHHH

The train slid roughly to a complete stop, throwing Nezuko’s box forward along with all the passengers. Zenitsu and Rengoku held on, the train flipping upside down and making boxes and chairs come dangerously close to their heads. 

Enmu POV

I couldn't even eat one of the 200 passengers on this train…curse you, Storm Hashira! And you, Flame Hashira! And you, female demon! Why are you on their side? Shouldn’t you be more supportive of me, your senior? 

That checkered-haori and the boar-head one as well! Why does this happen? Why do the weaker demons always get killed off first?! 

A robed demon samurai, a djinn-like demon in a pot, a tall demon waving a fan, a horned demon with a bump on its head, a beautiful demon with ribbon-like hair and a demon with striped tattoos came into his mind as he lamented his loss. 

The Upper Ranks have stayed the same for hundreds of years - even Hashira with extremely high kill counts have fallen by their hands! Enmu lamented. Do they have otherworldly powers?! Even after Master has granted me so much of his blood, I still couldn’t compete with the Upper Ranks - Curse my defeat! Please, let me undo this nightmare of a death!

Tanjirou POV

“Rengoku-san? Zenitsu? Nezuko? Inosuke?” 

Tanjirou wandered the ruined train, small remnants of Enmu’s flesh littering the dirt. 

“HASHIBIRA INOSUKE, COMIN’ THROUGH!” 

A familiar shout came from one of the clumps of flesh, and a boar-shaped mask poked through the purple body. 

“Inosuke! I’m so glad you’re alive!” Tanjirou scrambled over to the slayer, slashing at the purple material. It caved easily under his blade, and Inosuke quickly jumped out. 

“Where’s Monitsu, Owl-eyes and your sister, Kentarou?” 

“I’m trying to look for the - oh, there they are!” Tanjirou caught a yellow, triangle-patterned haori in the distance, along with a white flame-edged haori as well. 

“Tanjirouuuuu! Inosukeeeeee!” 

Zenitsu saw them waving, and waved back. He picked up Nezuko’s box, and made his way over to them. Thank goodness Nezuko was with him and Rengoku-san - I’m so glad she’s safe! 

“Yo, Kamado-shonen, Hashibira-shonen!” The cheerful greeting came from the Flame Hashira, clapping a strong hand on their shoulders. “Good work defeating that demon, and congrats on mastering Total Concentration, Constant!” 

“Oh, you mastered it, Tanjirou? That’s the first step to becoming a Hashira, good job!” Zenitsu smiled gently, slowly pushing Nezuko’s box out from behind him.

“AHahaha! It was no problem for the King of the Mountains, Hashibira Inosuke!” Inosuke boasted, preening under the praise. As they were laughing, Zenitsu quietly slipped beside him and handed him Nezuko’s box. 

“She’s all fine, Tanjirou.” Zenitsu gently opened the door, and a miniature Nezuko crawled out. “She was really helpful in protecting the passengers - thanks for trusting her to us, Tanjirou.” 

“It was no problem, Zenitsu! I trust you completely with her, I knew you’d protect her!” Tanjirou nodded happily, picking up Nezuko and checking her over for injuries. 

“Are you and Inosuke alright, Tanjirou?” 

“Yep!” 

Tanjirou nodded to Zenitsu, tilting his head. “Our mission’s over, right? Can we head back now?” 

Zenitsu nodded. “The mission’s over, so we should be fine to head bac-” 

FOOSH. 

Tanjirou looked to the sudden blast a few meters away, hand automatically going to his katana - only to stop short. 

In front of him, there was a human-like demon standing in front of him. It had pale white skin, dark blue tattoos and a pink haori of sorts. It had a confident and strong aura emanating from it, but that wasn’t the scariest part. 

Slowly, Tanjirou raised his head to gaze into the demon’s eyes.

Jougen Three. (Upper Moon Three). 

The characters seemed to bore into his very soul, as he stood there shaking, unable to move. 

Upper Moon Three?! What’s it doing here? 

Quick, move! 

Why can’t I move? 

Tanjirou could only watch in a daze as the demon shook its hand, loosening it - and disappeared from his sight, reappearing in front of him, and pushing his hand straight at Tanjirou’s stomach. 

I’m sorry, Nezuko. 

Chapter Text

Tanjirou stood there in a stupor, shaking and too scared to even consider moving, let alone blocking the blow. 

I’m sorry, Nezuko. 

He stood there, waiting for the pain to spread through his body - but the pain never came. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Go no Kata: Futo Senbu! (Storm Breathing, Fifth Form: Tempest Spiral Dance!) 

Hono no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Nobori En Ten! (Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!) 

Tanjirou opened his eyes to find two katanas crossed in front of him, blocking the demon’s fist from pushing through his abdomen. One sparked with electricity, and the other burned with flame as Rengoku and Zenitsu pushed outwards, severing the demon’s arm from its body. 

“Aree? Looks like there’s some strong people here! Tell me your name, Hashira-tachi!” 

The demon suddenly smiled, spreading its arms out. “Ah - it would be rude of me to demand a name from you first, wouldn’t it? My name is Akaza, and I’m,” The demon, no - Akaza - menacingly slit his eyes. “Upper Moon Three. Nice to meet you.” 

Zenitsu POV

Zenitsu swung his katana upwards in sync with Rengoku, slicing off Akaza’s arm. 

“Nice to meet you, Akaza,” Zenitsu nodded at him. “But why would I give my name to scum like you?” 

“Well said, Agatsuma-san!” Rengoku flicked the blood off his blade, then pointed it to Akaza. “Why would you go after the injured first?” 

“I was just worried he’d get in the way of our chat, y’know!” The demon said. “I despise the weak!” 

“Well, I despise you, despite having just met you, Akaza!” Rengoku retaliated. “Your opponent is me, Flame Hashira Rengoku Kyoujuro! Maybe Agatsuma! Not the injured!” 

“Rengoku-san…you gave him my name…honestly, I’ll just introduce myself,” Agatsuma deadpanned. “Storm Hashira, Agatsuma Zenitsu - at your service, Akaza.” 

“Hey, why don’t you become a demon, Zenitsu, Kyojuro? You’d be great, maybe even becoming Upper Moons!” Akaza spread his arms invitingly. 

“As if I’d ever join you, Akaza!” Rengoku and Zenitsu shouted at the same time, launching forward with attacks. 

Hono no Kokyu, Go no Kata: Enko! (Flame Breathing, Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!) 

Arashi no Kokyu, Roku no Kata: Raicho Shosen! (Storm Breathing, Sixth Form: Soaring Thunder Butterfly!) 

Zenitsu darted in and out, stabbing his katana into the demon’s weak spots - neck, heart, chest and joints. Beside him, Rengoku attacked alongside a blazing tiger, striking hard and fast against the Upper Moon. 

Akaza laughed as he deflected each attack. “You’re strong, you two! If you accept my offer, you could train for eternity - grow even stronger, under our master!” 

“No, thank you!’ Zenitsu and Rengoku refused, bringing their attacks down with renewed vigour. Akaza’s limbs slid off his body, his smug face morphing into one of shock as he stared at his limbless body uncomprehendingly. 

“Good job, Agatsuma-san!” 

“This fight’s not over yet, Rengoku-san!” 

Akaza regenerated his arms instantly, his fighting stance getting a little more serious as he stared the two Hashira down. 

“Blood Demon Art, Technique Development - Destructive Death: Compass Needle.” 

A light blue, glowing snowflake drew itself below the grinning demon. His stance grew a little more focused, his pupils narrowing as he locked onto the two opponents in front of him. 

“Your refusal will only lead to your death, Kyojuro, Zenitsu!” Akaza told them before disappearing from Zenitsu’s sight. 

Where did he go? Zenitsu looked around frantically, readying his katana to block any attacks. 

What does his Blood Demon Art even do? Is it a technique upgrade, or does he become just stronger overall? It better not be some complicated shit, I can’t think so fast right now! 

“Become a demon, Zenitsu!” Akaza appeared in front of him, glowing fist aimed straight for his abdomen. 

Zeniitsu blocked the fist with his sword, eyes darting about for the next attack. Beside him, Rengoku readied his katana for the next attack, sword blade already glowing red with flames. 

Arashi no Kokyu, San no Kata: Inabikari no Uzu! (Storm Breathing, Third Form: Maelstrom of Lightning!) 

Zenitsu spun his katana, producing a tornado of sharp water blades and lightning that surrounded him. Cuts appeared on Akaza’s pale skin, and he aimed straight for the neck for his next attack. 

Arashi no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Raiha Tsuki! (Storm Breathing, First Form: Thunderwave Thrust!)

His blade sang through the air, headed straight for Akaza’s neck. A bolt of lightning followed it, but Akaza easily dodged it and a fist headed for Zenitsu’s head. 

Hono no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Shiranui! (Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!) 

Rengoku’s blade sliced through Akaza’s shoulder blade, causing the demon to drop his arm - and his hand fell to the ground before it could hit Zenitsu. 

“Thanks, Rengoku-san!” 

“Keep your attention on the fight, Agatsuma-san!” 

Zenitsu turned his attention back to the demon, who quickly regenerated his limbs instantly and raised his fists for another attack. 

“Hey, I’ve fought many Hashira over the centuries, but never a Storm or Flame Hashira!” Akaza laughed, fist heading to Rengoku as he parried all of them, Zenitsu ready to strike from behind. “But everyone I’ve killed refused my offer - I wonder why?” 

Zenitsu raised his katana and sliced both of Akaza’s arms in two fluid cuts, making the Upper Moon retreat from Regnoku’s fiery blows as the two stared each other down. 

“This fight is futile, you know!” Akaza continued, a smile still on his face. “I’m much, much more powerful than you two, all thanks to my Master!” 

“I told you,” Zenitsu began, ticked off at the persistence of the demon, “I’m not becoming a demon!” 

Akaza’s smile wavered as he looked at Zenitsu’s face, and he raised his hands for one final attack. “Then, let me persuade you with the strength only a demon can achieve!” 

“Rengoku-san!” 

“Yep!” 

Arashi no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Raiha Tsuki! (Storm Breathing, First Form: Thunderwave Thrust!) 

Hono no Kokyu, Ichi no Kata: Shiranui! (Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!) 

Flame and lightning glided alongside each other as the pair moved to attack Akaza in sync, blades aimed for the neck as the demon began to raise his fists. 

Zenitsu glanced over to Rengoku, and when he got a nod from the Flame Hashira, the two flicked their blades in unison to Akaza’s arms and sliced down - and the recently regenerated arms fell to the ground with a thump. 

Good job, Rengoku-san! 

“That won’t stop me, Zenitsu, Kyojuro!” 

Akaza regenerated his lost limbs instantly and locked onto the pair with glowing yellow eyes. He caught the exhausted pair off-guard, and a fist hit into Zenitsu’s side as he coughed up blood, falling back into Rengoku’s arms. 

“Agatsuma? Agatsuma, get up!” 

Rengoku shook him, and Zenitsu slowly staggered up, trying to ignore the burning pain in his side as he raised his katana. His breathing was ragged as he tried to get it back under control. 

“I-I’m all good, Rengoku-san.” He managed to gasp out, readying his katana for the next move as Akaza grinned in retaliation. “Th-There’s no time for hesitation in battle, Flame Hashira!” 

“Blood Demon Art, Destructive Death: Disorder.” 

Akaza took a fighting stance, and blue flames erupted around him as he launched himself at Rengoku, almost too fast for Zenitsu to see. 

Hono no Kokyu, Ni no Kata: Nobori En Ten! (Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!) 

Rengoku’s sword met Akaza’s neck, and Zenitsu widened his eyes in disbelief that Upper Moon Three let his neck be hit by a Nichirin Sword - but his short-lived state of relief and disbelief ended when the katana shook against the neck rather than sliding through it like butter. 

What?! Why isn’t Rengoku-san’s sword going through? It’s a Nichirin Sword, and wielded by a Hashira at that - why isn’t it working? 

Zenitsu stared at Rengoku’s shaking arm - too stunned to react, and he coughed up blood when a foot made contact with his stomach. 

“Don’t lose focus, Zenitsu!” Akaza grinned at him, his enhanced kick taking its toll on the distracted Zenitsu. “After all, I am Upper Moon Three! One mere sword cannot hope to defeat me!” 

Damn it! Zenitsu swore, trying to get hit bearings as his vision swam, and a ringing sound vibrated in his skull. Why must demons be like this? Rengoku-san, just hang on a little longer - I’ll help you!

“RENGOKU-SAN! ZENITSU! HANG IN THEREEEEEEE!” 

Tanjirou?!

“OWL-EYES! MONITSU! YOU GOTTA STAY ALIVE, OR WHO’S GONNA FIGHT ME?!” 

Inosuke! 

“MMMMPHH! MMPH MMPH!” 

Nezuko-chan! 

Zenitsu steeled himself, standing up with renewed vigor, wincing at the sharp pain in his ribs but doing his best to mask the pain in front of his enemy. That’s right, I need to defeat Akaza and return to my friends - to my family. 

“ARASHI NO KOKYU - JU-ICHI NO KATA  - OUGI - RAICHO SHURAN!” (STORM BREATHING - ELEVENTH FORM - ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE - THUNDER BUTTERFLY CATACLYSM!) 

“DIE, AKAZA!” 

Tanjirou POV

Zenitsu! Please, survive - please, come back to us! 

Tanjirou watched the battle with a mixture of awe and worry as the Upper Moon’s fists hit and clashed with the golden and red blades, sparks flying at every collision. 

So, this is what it means to reach the level of Hashira! It almost looks impossible when I look at it - they’re so fast, and every move has a meaning to it! No breath is wasted, and I can barely blink….how am I supposed to reach that level?! 

Tanjirou watched as Akaza’s arms dropped to the ground, stunned at the speed and efficiency the two sliced at. Beside him, Inosuke was watching silently - a surefire way to know the brash slayer’s attention was fully focused. 

“They’re really strong, heh….Nezuko, you think I can reach that level?” Tanjirou muttered almost depressingly to his sister. 

“Mmmmph…” His sister mumbled back, eyes locked onto the battle, almost like watching a fireworks show. 

Tanjirou glanced back - and flinched. 

Because a white fist had just made contact with Zenitsu, and blood sprayed out from his mouth and side as the yellow haori got stained with red. 

Zenitsu? No, Zenitsu - you’re alright, right? 

He watched in disbelief as his friend fell back into Rengoku-san’s arms, blood-stained haori flying behind him and sword clattering to the ground - but his fingers still held it loosely, refusing to let go of his precious tool. 

“Agatsuma? Agatsuma, get up!” 

Tanjirou held his breath as the Flame Hashira shook his friend, then let out a big sigh of relief when Zenitsu slowly stumbled back to his feet, and blood stopped coming out from the wound. 

“I-I’m fine, Rengoku-san.” 

Oh, thank goodness! He could smell the relief emanating off Inosuke as Zenitsu and Rengoku raised their swords in sync, though he definitely saw some wavering in their arms as they did so. 

The Upper Moon raised his fists, then slammed them down in unison with his legs in a fierce fighting stance as a bright blue flame-like aura erupted around the figure. 

Tanjirou blinked, and then the demon was slamming his fists down on Rengoku’s blade and kicking Zenitsu with his feet. 

No! Zenitsu, hang in there! 

Rengoku-san’s blade whipped through the air too fast for Tanjirou to see as the blade met with Akaza’s neck - but stopped short, and Tanjirou’s eyes widened as the Nichirin blade shook against the demon’s neck instead of slicing through it like butter. 

But how? Aren’t Nichirin Swords supposed to be able to cut through demon necks with ease? What happened? 

Tanjirou’s attention was split between Rengoku-san’s sword and the impending foot coming for his friend’s torso - he winced when the foot made contact with Zenitsu’s ribs, sending a crack sound and the smell of blood. 

“RENGOKU-SAN! ZENITSU! HANG IN THERE!!!” 

Tanjirou screamed, hoping his words could somehow reach his friend and the brother-like Hashira. 

Inosuke and Nezuko added their words of encouragement, and he could have sworn he saw something like a flash of determination in Zenitsu’s eyes as he raised his yellow katana to Upper Moon Three’s neck. 

Then, Zenitsu raised his bloody head - his golden-brown eyes full of tears and determination as he slashed his katana and brought it down furiously on Akaza’s head. 

A bright yellow storm followed his slash, small sparking rainclouds taking the shape of butterflies as the world seemed to become quiet for the few seconds it took for the absolute cataclysm of an attack that was being brought down to make contact with the demon. 

“ARASHI NO KOKYU - JU-ICHI NO KATA  - OUGI - RAICHO SHURAN!” (STORM BREATHING - ELEVENTH FORM - ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE - THUNDER BUTTERFLY CATACLYSM!) 

“DIE, AKAZA!” 

As soon as those words left Zenitsu’s mouth, Upper Moon Three’s neck was hit by Zenitsu’s katana with more force than anything Tanjirou had ever seen. The battlefield was lit up as bright as daytime, as the hatred emanating from Zenitsu’s blade sliced through the neck like butter. 

“HONO NO KOKYU, GO NO KATA: RENGOKU!” (“FLAME BREATHING, NINTH FORM: RENGOKU!”)

A flaming dragon suddenly rose up from the storm, joining the storm and attacking the head relentlessly as the two Hashira attacked the Upper Moon furiously. 

The trio watched with bated breath as the tattooed head fell to the ground with a heavy thud, and the two dropped to the ground in exhaustion, blood dripping off both of them. 

“D-Did they do it?” 

The question was posed by Tanjirou, outlining what they all had been thinking. 

On the field, the first body to twitch was - 

No. 

It can’t be. 

“RENGOKU-SAN, ZENITSU, GET OUT OF THERE! PLEASE!” 

Tanjirou could only scream helplessly as his body locked up and refused to move, his eyes not daring to believe the sight before him. 

The decapitated demon, the one who withstood the brunt of two Hashira’s combined strength stood up and raised its leg right above the two. 

“So, now do you realize the true power only a demon can have, Zenitsu, Kyojuro?” 

Akaza grinned, slowly enhancing his move as he slowly brought his attack on the two. His head regenerated, and he looked down on them. He stopped just short of their bodies, however, and just left his legs hovering above them. 

Rengoku-san! Zenitsu! Please, please be alive - please just get out of there! 

The triangle-patterned haori shook slightly, and Tanjirou let out a sigh of relief as his friend struggled to his feet - but stopped short, crumpling to his knees in front of the demon. 

“N-Not in a million years….bastard.” Zenitsu’s voice hitched as he reached for his katana, stabbing it into the ground for support as he slowly raised his face to meet Akaza’s. “I’d rather die before I joined your kind….demon!” 

“Oh, is that so?” 

No! Zenitsu! Please - you promised! 

“ZENITSU! DIDN’T YOU PROMISE? DIDN’T YOU TELL ME? WE’RE GONNA HELP NEZUKO TOGETHER, RIGHT? SO DON’T GIVE UP NOW! ZENITSUUU!” 

Gosh, I really am tired. 

Zenitsu slowly raised his eyes to meet the crinkled ones of Upper Moon Three, reaching for his katana and shoving it roughly into the ground for support as he glared at Akaza. 

Rengoku-san, are you alright? Please, be alright! He prayed, not daring to look away from his opponent for even a second. I can’t face a fully regenerated Upper Moon all by myself - I can hear your heartbeat, but can you fight? 

“N-Not….in….a…..million…years…bastard.” 

Zenitsu managed to gasp out a single sentence, his throat feeling like it was blocked by thorns. 

Shinobu-san really was right, Zenitsu remembered the conversation he had with her. Using that final technique takes too much out of me. I don’t even have the strength needed to use Thunder Breathing, to be honest. 

Would it be so bad? To give up now? He pondered, body automatically relaxing against his will when no attack seemed to be coming. Rengoku-san is alive, Tanjirou and Inosuke and Nezuko are alive, the sun’s gonna come out soon - why don’t I just sleep now, actually? 

Tanjirou, please, help Nezuko-chan. Defeat Kibutsuji Muzan - I’ve done my part, right? I can go to sleep now, right? Can I? Can I see everyone again? 

“ZENITSU! DIDN’T YOU PROMISE? DIDN’T YOU TELL ME? WE’RE GONNA HELP NEZUKO TOGETHER, RIGHT?” 

Hmm? Who’s that? I….made a promise? With who? Help…Nezuko? 

Oh, it’s Tanjirou. 

Can you be a little quieter, Tanjirou? I’m trying to sleep. 

Just…let me sleep, Tanjirou. Let me rest, Tanjirou. 

Let me…give up. 

“SO DON’T GIVE UP NOW! ZENITSUUU!” 

Don’t give up? But how? I’m so tired…you can help Nezuko, right? 

I’m not needed…right? 

“Who would need you, useless?” 

“B-But Jii-chan-!” 

Kaigaku snarled, throwing rotten peaches at his head. They burst open, and the rotten flesh exploded all over his hair. 

“The mere thought of having to share a Hashira Title with you ticks me off already! Why don;t you just die, bottom-feeder!” 

Zenitsu fidgeted with his yukata, eyes already tearing up. “B-But Jii-chan didn’t rescue me for nothing, right? Aniki?” 

“STOP CALLING MASTER JII-CHAN!” Kaigaku exploded, marching over to the trembling Zenitsu and punching him square in the face. “He’s been so kind as to take an absolute loser like you as his student, so shape up and call him Master!” 

Zenitsu nodded, fat tears spilling down his face as he shook his head up and down frantically. This seemed to somewhat please his senior, as he went back to the orchards and swung his bokuto some more. 

“Seriously, who would want someone like you? Just die already.” 

Kaigaku thought no one heard it, but the nasty comment reached Zenitsu’s ears - and hit home. 

“It’s been a while, Zenitsu.” 

The nasty voice cut into his ears as he stared down his aniki’s cerulean eyes, hand reaching for his katana with no hesitation. 

“KAMINARI NO KOKYU - SHICHI NO KATA - HONOIKAZUCHI NO KAMI!” (“THUNDER BREATHING - SEVENTH FORM - FLAMING THUNDER GOD!”) 

Zenitsu felt his blade cut through his senior’s neck smoothly, his head rolling down the shaft but never hitting the bottom of the Infinity Castle. 

He had felt terrible, of course - but a small wave of satisfaction rolled over him as he realized he had beaten the person who had always called him weak, and avenged the first person who was kind to him. 

“Oh! Zenitsu, you’re alright! I’m so relieved!” 

Zenitsu looked into Tanjirou’s warm brown eyes, feeling content and relaxed already. He clung to his friend’s haori, a mess of tears and wails. 

“Wahhhhhhh! I’m amazed we even made it out alive! Thanks so much, Tanjirou, Inosuke for saving me!” He blubbered, rubbing his face into his best friend’s uniform. 

Inosuke paused swinging his swords, mask turning to Zenitsu. “What do you mean, Monitsu? You killed the demon, remember? Of course, I am proud of my loyal minion!” 

“It’s okay, you don’t have to lie to make me feel better, Inosuke!” Zenitsu nodded - there was no way a weakling like him could have killed anything, right? 

“No, he’s not lying, Zenitsu.” Tanjirou told him, the sound of confusion coming from him. “You used that thrusting attack of yours, and the demon was killed in a flash! That’s Thunder Breathing for you, huh?” 

Zenitsu raised an eyebrow at both of them, about to launch into another episode of waterworks when Nezuko crawled out of her box, and his attention completely deviated from the topic. “Nezuko-chan! You look so cute!” 

I guess it’s always been the same people, huh? 

They always believed in me, even when I didn’t. 

And for that, I’d go against the world for them. 

Ah - but I need to go against Upper Moon Three, right? 

I’m so tired though….I can’t get up. 

But I need to! 

But I can’t! 

“Ara ara - is Zenitsu-san having a bit of trouble, dare I say?” 

The familiar voice stopped his internal monologuing as he stared up into a very familiar face, the owner currently holding him and jumping away lightly from the confused demon. 

“Kocho-san, would you mind not jumpscaring Zenitsu? Also, why did I get the heavier one?” 

The monotone voice carried over to the pair, and a mismatched haori jumped back near Tanjirou as well. 

“Giyuu-san? Sh-Shinobu-san?” 

“Oh? What’s this, Zenitsu, Kyojuro? Asking your Hashira buddies for help?” 

“Blood Demon Art - Technique Development - Compass!” 

Akaza bent down and launched himself towards Giyuu, his foot stopped by the Water Hashira’s blue blade and fluid movements. 

“Zenitsu-san, you didn’t tell me you were fighting Upper Moon Three!” Shinobu’s voice sounded above him as she rudely dropped his paralyzed body on the ground, drawing her needle-like katana. “We’ll have to have a….talk when we get back, alright?” 

I don’t know what I prefer - a “talk” with Shinobu-san, or a fight with Upper Moon Three! 

Suddenly, Zenitsu squinted as a bright light made itself known in his vision - the sun started to rise slowly from the mountain range, and he felt much warmer. 

“A-AHHH!” 

Akaza screamed in pain as the sun’s ray hit him, his fist disintegrating before it could make contact with Giyuu’s blade. He hastily ran into the dark forest, not looking back once. 

“Y-YOU COWARD! COME BACK! WHY IS IT THAT YOU DEMONS HAVE THE ADVANTAGE IN THE NIGHT, BUT YOU RUN WHEN MORNING COME? COWARD!” 

Tanjirou’s desperate screams sounded behind him, making him wince as the loud sound reached his sensitive ears. 

A whiz of movement made him blink - a teal-checkered haori suddenly launched past him, and a black Nichirin sword embedded itself into the demon’s shoulder, pinning him to a tree. 

“Tanjirou, stop.” 

His own voice sounded foreign to his own ears, the gravelly and tired tone not matching the normally happy and young boy’s voice at all. 

“We can’t do anything,” Zenitsu continued, face still flat on the ground. “That might slow him down, but there’s no way we can chase after him. So calm down - no one’s dead, and that’s cause for celebration enough.” 

“Well said, Zenitsu-san!” Shinobu sheathed her katana, Giyuu following suit. “But then again, you and Rengoku-san are awfully worn out from using those final moves of yours to defeat that Upper Moon!” 

“It was ne-ce-ssa-ry, Shinobu-san!” Zenitsu retorted. “How would you have done it?” 

“Touché, Zenitsu-san. However, you still need to get some rest at my mansion!” 

Honestly, which one do I prefer? Bleeding out by Akaza’s hand, or tortured by these two antisocial Hashira? 

He heard the sound of running feet a little ways off, and a boar-head appeared in his face. 

“Monitsu, you alright?” 

The uncharacteristic kindness in Inosuke’s voice caught him a bit off guard, and Zenitsu glanced up and nodded. 

“Good! Now, fight m -ahh!” 

Inosuke was cut off by Giyuu’s katana sheath, bonking him harshly on the head and making him keel down in exhaustion. 

“Thank you, Giyuu-san.” Zenitsu nodded to his companion gratefully, a sharp ringing sound still in his head from when Akaza had kicked him. 

He suddenly coughed up some blood and saliva onto the ground, and heads whipped around in alarm as Shinobu knelt down immediately to check him. 

“Zenitsu, are you alright?” Tanjirou rushed over, worry lines etched into his face as he ran over and checked up on him. 

“Shinobu-san….Am I alright?” 

“Do you think you are?” Shinobu deadpanned, experienced eyes sweeping over his injured body. “Rengoku-san’s injured enough, you might need at least two weeks in the hospital - maybe more! Didn’t I tell you not to use that move seriously?” 

Zenitsu sweated under Shinobu’s fierce gaze, trying to roll away as best he could. “W-Well, I was fighting Upper Moon Three! What do you want me to do, stand there and let him kill me?” 

“I mean, you could have run away with Rengoku-san..” 

Giyuu-san! No! Support me! 

“I-I mean, Hashira shouldn’t run from a demon, right?” 

The last thing Zenitsu saw before blackness was an exasperated-looking Shinobu, and a dead-faced Giyuu with the slightest look of worry on his face before a familiar katana hilt came down on his head. 

Zenitsu groaned as he stretched his arms, wincing as his muscles seemed especially sore. 

Where am I? 

He looked around, light streaming in as he took in his surroundings. He instinctively reached for his katana, panicking internally when it wasn’t there. 

He heard light footsteps coming down the hallway, and the door squeaked open as three small girls poked their heads in. 

“Oh! Zenitsu-san, you’re awake!” The high trio of voices chorused, rushing over to his bedside and setting down a plate of rice and tea. 

“Kiyo? Sumi? Naho? So, I’m in the Butterfly Mansion, I guess?” Zenitsu voiced, bowing slightly and taking in the scent of the food. 

“Oh, I should tell Kocho-sama you’re here!” The one with the red butterfly clips squeaked, scampering off to who knows where. 

I should probably brace myself for Shinobu-san’s scolding…I’m not looking forward to it, that’s for sure! Zenitsu wailed internally, all semblances of calm vanishing at the thought. 

“Ara? Zenitsu-san, you’re awake!” 

The petit head poked in, and Shinobu smiled eerily as she made her way to Zenitsu’s bed - he tried to shuffle away, but let out a small squeak when she slapped a hand down on the bed, cutting off any escape routes. 

“So, let’s go have a talk, shall we?”

Zenitsu nodded hastily, mop of yellow hair flopping about as he stared at the smiling face. 

He scurried after her down the hallway, flopping into the room comically as she shut the door and sat down in an elegant seiza position. 

“S-So, Shinobu-san, what did you want to talk about?” Zenitsu managed to stammer out, looking about nervously. 

Shinobu pushed a steaming cup of tea towards him, hiding her face with the steam. “Please, by all means - relax, Zenitsu-san.” 

He warily picked up the teacup, and took a sip. 

“So, Zenitsu-san, why did you use the move I specifically told you not to use until you gained better mastery over the techniques needed?” 

I knew this was coming! Zenitsu sputtered as he spat out his tea at the sneak attack, coughing and staring at Shinobu with a look of utter betrayal. 

“I-I mean, it was a life-or-death situ-” 

“And that makes it fine to put your life on the line?” 

Zenitsu didn’t know what to say as he looked into Shinobu-san’s deep purple eyes, a look of genuine concern and anger on her face - a sharp contrast to her normally well-placed mask of happiness. 

“We are friends, aren’t we?” 

The unexpected question caught Zenitsu off guard. He looked at his colleague, her position resembling that of a wilted flower as her voice drooped to a dejected tone. 

Shinobu-san….

“Of course we are! Why would you think otherwise?” Zenitsu hastily told her, anxiously waving his hands about. “We’re friends, Shinobu-san - so you don’t need to worry, I’ll always come back!” 

Shinobu raised her head, nodding. Her face slowly returned to her regular face - but the smile seemed a little more genuine as she took a sip from her cup. 

“Hmm! I don’t even know why I asked - but make sure you’ll always come back, alright? I don’t know what Tomioka-san would do without his only friend, after all!” 

They sat in silence for a bit after that, both drinking their tea and sipping empty air awkwardly after they were finished - both didn’t know how to initiate a conversation. 

What should I do? Zenitsu stared at Shinobu, not sure how to start talking after that emotion-laden moment. At this point, I’m worse than Giyuu-san! Actually, we both are! At this point, the only thing that would save us now would be another person…. 

The wooden door hit the border with a light thunk, and both of their heads whipped to the entrance, hoping, craving someone to help their situation out - 

“Hello, Kocho-san, Zenitsu. Kanzaki-san told me you two were here, so I thought I’d check on you, Zenitsu. Oh, hello to you too, Kocho-san.” 

The completely emotion-devoid voice hit them harder than any attack as they stared at quite possibly the worst person to help them with their dilemma. 

Giyuu-san! 

Tomioka-san…

Why are you hereeee? Their minds wailed simultaneously, both determined not to let it show up on their face, however. 

Now, it’s even worse…

After the few pleasantries were exchanged and new cups of tea were served, the three Hashira sat around the table in complete and utter silence. 

“Sooo..”

“Kocho-san…” 

“Tomioka-san…” 

The three attempted to start a conversation at the same time, but quickly shut their mouth as soon as another person opened theirs, resulting in all of them just sitting there with their mouths firmly shut, looking at one another for help. 

Suddenly, the door burst open, and three pairs of footsteps made their way inside. 

“AHAHAHA! IT’S TIME TO GET REAL FLASHY, MY COLLEAGUES!" 

“Oho! Agatsuma-san, Kocho-san, Tomioka-san - you got started on the food without me?” 

“Agatsuma-san! Oh, are you alright?”