Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

she was a kakushi. born and raised to be one. that’s all Asa thought she was ever going to be and do.

but then Gyomei found her controlling a clean up crew after a particularly nasty fight and somehow recognized her as family. she wasn’t sure how he did it, he was blind after all, but rumors from the kakushi were spread.

“he can see because he's so religious, he's god's favorite”
“he probably prayed so much he was gifted his eyesight back”
“the insect pillar is probably testing a new tonic on him”

of course Asa never quite believed any of them, she too was blind in one eye. and he was a pillar, he must’ve been strong, it was most likely his hearing was much better than any of theirs. that still doesn’t explain how he knew they were related.

“pardon me miss kakushi but would you be so kind as to tend to civilians?” you could hear prayer beads rubbing together before you turned around. “of course Himejima-sama” Asa bowed slightly as she spoke

before she could turn to fulfill his request he perked up, “what’s your name?” she cringed slightly, kakushi were meant to be in the background. they cleaned up demon slayer’s messes as a unit, they weren’t seperate people.

but this was a pillar requesting it. could she really deny someone as high up as him? and such a simple request?

“ah, my apologies, i shouldn’t have asked you miss kakushi”

“Hajime Asa is my name Himejima-sama” she spoke before he could leave. he almost seemed pleased to hear that answer, “although you shouldn’t use it much, i’m not meant to be memorable.”

“on the contrary, i think we are distantly related, our surnames sound similar, do they not?”

“i think that may just be a coincidence Himejima-sama” she said while trying to leave to fulfill his previous request. “i do apologize for sounding so rude but i do not believe in coincidences.” he said once again rubbing the beads together. the sound was grinding on Asa’s ears.

“thank you for apologizing but you really mustn’t. I don’t deserve it.” the two started walking together, him trailing slightly behind.

“you are blind too, are you not?” he questioned, Asa’s hands twitched, “what would ever make you think that Himejima-sama?” “you’ve been stumbling on you right side Hajime-san.” -san?? is he trying to get her jumped by the other kakushi??

sure the others liked her, some even respected her for putting in work and treating them right, (and for giving them her portion of food) but none of them liked her enough to let her talk this long to a pillar.

not answering his question she spoke just wanting to escape the man “i’m afraid it’s my turn to apologize pillar-sama, i need to fulfill your earlier request of tending to the civilians,” but alas the gods the man prayed to were on his side, “then i can wait. if i may be so forward, i can feel that you have incredible potential as a demon slayer Hajime-san.”

that stopped her in her tracks “it’s impossible for me to have any potential,” she snapped “i was born into a family of kakushi and that’s all my family will ever be.” Asa could see his face scrunch up in thought, the prayer beads rubbing faster. gods they were annoying. “i can’t help the way you think, but i cannot leave what i think to be potential, the fight against demons is endless and the fighters of the demon slayer corps needs everyone they can get.”

Asa sighed heavily “find me after i’ve cleaned this mess up Himejima-sama, we can talk more then.” the beads slowed down, “thank you for considering Hajime-san.” Asa shook her head “thank me for cleaning the mess you made, not the conversation we’ll have later.”

———————
“Hajime!! what took you so long to get here??”
“i got blocked by a massive rock”
“?????”
———————

he did find Asa later, she didn’t bother trying to escape, even if she did Himejima would just look for her endlessly. she didn’t want to waste a pillar's time. even if she thought she already was.

it was early morning when the last of the clean up crew had left and so he came “are you hungry?” he asked while they walked “not much” “but you haven’t eaten in a while? i’ll treat you.” there wasn’t much room for argument so she sighed and went along.

the two of them ended up in the town over from the one attacked the previous night, there were many more people than Asa thought there should be. ‘most likely the residents of the town over, the clean up is nearly done now though.’ because it was so crowded there were many more people to stare at himejima than what she assumed was normal.

“here we are” Asa turned to the voice and then to the comically small shop “can you fit in there himejima-sama?” “-san while we’re in public please Asa-san,” ‘oh my gods he really is trying to get me jumped.’- “of course himejima-san.” Asa gritted out. “to answer your question though, i should be able to.” he said his voice sounding hopeful.

———————

If Asa hadn’t guided him down so he didn’t hit his head he would have gotten a concussion by the time they left. ‘like a bull in a china shop’ was all she could think as she directed him to duck down lower to the seat. Asa knew he could take care of himself in battle so why was she being like this? he was a hashira, surely he could guide himself through the small shop.

crack

nevermind. at least the man caught the vase he knocked over before it could break completely. that was all she could think about while she explained to the poor owner how himejima was blind, and how hard it was to navigate in such a small condensed area. “we can leave if need us too, we’ll pay for the damages and extra to compensate” she said bowing slightly.

“no no dear, please sit, that old vase was nothing anyways, just something i bought to clutter this place” Asa bowed again thanking the woman then going to sit. but now the issue at hand was himejima and his plan to make her a demon slayer.

———————
“please stop worrying dear i understand you and your fellow can't help it”
“i still apologize”
“please stop trying to shove money in my hand dear!”
———————

they had small talk before he got straight to what they went for, thank gods, but in the small talk he went back to the fact they may be related. it jumbled Asa’s thoughts too much so when he did get to business there wasn’t much she could do.

even if she did want to argue back, his argument was terribly convincing. Asa really wished she could’ve fought back but his words and conviction alone was so powerful she just couldn’t.

“Asa-san,” he started after they poured some more tea into their cups “I do truly believe you could do exceptionally well as a demon slayer. not to say you don’t already do well as a kakushi, i do thank you for that work, but i think you are limiting yourself in that aspect.”

he finally paused to take a sip of his tea. Asa followed suit. “if i may be so forward, i think it would be beneficial for you to meet Oyakata-sama.” Asa reeled back “Himejima-san with all do respect i don’t feel i should. i’m not in a high enough position for that.” “but i am.” he replied, “if you come to headquarters with me you could meet Oyakata-sama and we could talk about training you. a win-win, no?”

Asa nervously took a sip of her now cold tea. “if that’s what you wish, himejima-san, who am i to deny your wishes?” himejima’s shoulders lowered slightly “you are you Asa-san, just because you see yourself as a unit, that does not mean others share that sentiment.” he said sternly, almost as if talking to a child.

———————

so as it goes here she is now. walking a few steps behind himejima-san about to meet Oyakata-sama. she just had to remember not to slip up and do anything unsavory in front of their beloved master ‘like calling himejima-sama himejima-san’ she thought, shivering.

the fake path leading up to headquarters was beautiful. the only reason Asa knew it was fake was because at some point himejima made a rough left turn to the woods, and not wanting to get left behind Asa followed. the walk was mostly silent except for the few times himejima asked if Asa needed a break. “are you sure you're okay Asa-san?” “yes himejima-sama, i can handle a walk.” it almost looked like he smiled as he turned his head away.

finally they had made it. the demon slayer headquarters. it was even more beautiful than the path up to it, wisteria was everywhere and the architecture was perfect, nothing looked out of place in the garden around the property either. controlled nature she supposed. still walking behind himejima she nodded in greeting to the few kakushi allowed to be on the premises. soon though, to soon, they were at the door of Oyakata-sama’s room. Asa could hear muffled coughs on the other side and lowered her head slightly. “are you ready?” “not particularly himejima-san, but i don’t have much of a say in the matter.” you could hear him sigh “we will work on your confidence when you start training.” he replied before quickly sliding open the door.

Asa bowed her head before entering behind himejima. “good afternoon, Oyakata-sama” he said, sitting down on his knees, Asa repeated the sentiment. “good afternoon, my children. himejima, i'm glad to see you in good health.” Oyakata-sama spoke, Asa felt like she was floating, “the same to you, oyakata-sama, and i pray you stay healthy.” Asa could see a small smile on their leaders face.

“so? let us get to why you’re here. i heard that a dear kakushi would like to become a slayer.” Asa nearly cringed but looking at the kind smile of her leader she simply let out a wobbly smile herself. “that’s correct Oyakata-sama. if at all possible i’d like to train her myself.” himejima spoke. Asa whipped her head up to look at him but he either didn’t notice or ignored her. she assumed it was the latter.

even if it was news to him, oyakata-sama just nodded along. “so you see potential in her?” himejima-san bowed “yes oyakata-sama, i do.” Kagaya nodded and then turned to Asa “i do have to apologize, my sight has deteriorated, and i have only heard you speak a few words, may i ask your name?” “my name is Hajime Asa, Oyakata-sama.” Kagaya made an ‘ah’ sound and then nodded “my father met with your family before he passed. my family thanks you for being part of the demon slayer corps for so long.” Asa almost jumped up “no, no, please don’t thank us, that’s what kakushi do, we are just here to help in whatever way we can.”

“oh? so you will become a demon slayer with my dear hashira?” he smiled wryly. Asa’s face scrunched for a second and then all the tension in her shoulders released when she realized she couldn’t deny him. what would the other kakushi think, her? denying the leader of their beloved demon slayer corps? she wouldn’t be able to go back then. she had to respond soon and so she let her subconscious decide and just opened her mouth. “yes Oyakata-sama, i will do whatever you need me to.”

ah. she was really hoping that her subconscious said no. “ah Hajime-san i’m so glad that's what you decided.” Oyakata-sama said, then addressed himejima. Asa accidentally tuned the two of them out until she heard her name once again.

“-Hajime-san, this must be boring, no? go out and take a walk in the garden my dear.” Asa couldn’t help but agree with her leader, “yes of course,” she turned “i’ll see you outside himejima-san.” ‘shit i messed up. but i can’t correct it, it'll bring more attention to it…’

Asa walked out quickly after that, but not before she heard Oyakata-sama’s soothing voice “himejima-san, huh?” she covered her eyes on the way out to the garden. then she waited patiently for a whole 15 minutes before someone came up to her.

“you there, kakushi, why aren’t you doing anything?” a loud voice said from somewhere on her blind side. “pardon?” Asa turned to the voice and there before her was the sound hashira Uzui Tengen, “oh! i do apologize hashira-sama, i’m waiting on someone.” as she trailed on and became quieter as she went on.

“well they’re probably not as important as tending to Otakata-sama’s garden. hmm?” he questions. Asa doesn’t know how to respond, uzui-sama knows himejima-san, of course, but without the context of her knowing that her answer doesn’t really matter. “of course hashira-sama, i’ll get right on that.” she mumbled, but before she could take a step away himejima finally opened the door

Asa could cry tears of relief, she didn’t want to disobey the sound hashira but she wouldn’t even know where to start to fulfill his request. “Himejima-san! good to see your flamboyant as always!” himejima nodded “it’s good to see you haven’t fallen in battle uzui-san, i pray for your continued… flamboyance.?” himejima responded, trying to match uzui’s energy. (it didn’t work)

himejima turned Asa’s direction “shall we go? Asa-san?” Asa nodded quickly “of course Himejima-sama.” he sighed “we’ll work on that,” he walked past her “see you soon uzui-san!” he called behind to the man while Asa trailed behind him. then he turned his attention to her, “i do apologize for leaving you out there for so long, me and oyakata-sama had some things to discuss.” Asa fiddled with her hands “it’s not a problem himejima-san, i could’ve waited longer if needed.”

he nodded rubbing his prayer beads together, the noise wasn’t as bad as it first was.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho secrets
- the younger kakushi commonly referred to Asa as mthe pretty eye kakushi as her left eye a very uncommon green

- before they left the tea house Asa shoved a lot of money into the old woman's hands and then told himejima to run, he thought she stole something

- uzui momentarily forgot why he was at oyakata-samas estate after hearing himejima refer to a kakushi so friendly like. he almost left on the spot
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

let me know what i can improve but also if you enjoyed please consider leaving a kudo（＾Ｏ＾☆♪

Chapter Text

When they got to the stone estate, himejima allowed her to either rest or explore his massive training area around his home. and although she was tired her curiosity got the better of her, so while he went off to pray and get something ready -he wouldn’t tell- she went and explored his garden.

it was as breathtaking (and scary) as she thought it would be. trees towered over the estate making it hidden but they were still sparse enough to filter sunlight onto the grass and… is that a massive waterfall?? where did himejima even find a place like this? there was even what looked to be some sort of huge fire pit a little ways off. 

before she could look around anymore she heard flapping wings coming from her right and looked up to see himejima’s crow, reaching out her arm, he landed. 

“,, go back to gyomei’s estate,,” he cawed as Asa pet the crow “sure thing, i wonder what he was up to other than praying with i was gone.”

what was that himejima up to, that was the 50 mon question. the answer? cooking. he was so excited to have a guest that wasn’t technically a demon slayer he cooked to show his appreciation after his prayer time. Asa walked in only for himejima’s crow, whose name she found out was zekka, flew off and down a hall. she could only assume he wanted her to follow.

she walked towards the flapping (and the delicious curry smell) to find an open doorway and himejima standing in the middle of an extremely tidy kitchen. she wasn’t sure how one could keep a room this clean but he seemed to manage it. she tapped her foot twice on the ground to let him know she was there, a common practice some  kakushi on her right did for her, “oh, hello Asa-san” he said turning to the doorway, clacking of claws took his attention next, “ and to you too, zekka. i’m making some food for the two of us.” as he spoke he turned back to Asa.

“i do hope curry is okay, i’m running out of ingredients and this is all i have to offer for now.” Asa nodded even if he couldn’t see “that’s more than okay himejima-san, i appreciate any food.” he nodded with a small smile. “ it’ll be done shortly, then after dinner we can talk about your training. does that sound alright?” Asa agreed before going to sit at the counter himejima had in his kitchen.

———————

“is the curry good?”

“best i’ve had in years himejima-san”

“i’m happy to hear that Asa.”

———————

“so Asa, about your training.” ah shucks he got her while she was eating. “i will train you as i would for anyone who would learn breath of stone. however i do understand if you would want to learn a different technique, or even later make a derivative.” himejima said, staring down at her with his unwavering eyes. Asa nodded even if he couldn’t see it. “i understand himejime-san. i promise will do my best.” he smiled fondly at her promise. 

“i believe you, we’ll start tomorrow at sunrise, theres a room down the hall and to the left, i hope it is to your liking.” “i'm sure it will be himejima-san” what she didn’t mention as a kakushi because she was constantly on the move, she mostly slept on the ground or with a thin blanket below her, anything is a step up from that. “also Asa, i’m glad you're not using -sama anymore but how about my first name? apologies but it’s awkward with me calling you by your own first name.” 

Asa cringed but agreed mentally “of course…” wait a moment. she promises she has it, she didn’t forget a pillars name did she? “thank you Asa, i appreciate that, i’ll see you in the morning if thats alright? i need to do my patrol routes.” 

Asa saw him off right before the sunset and then just kept thinking. how could she forget his first name? uzui-sama didn’t call him earlier so she has that excuse but surely she’s a terrible subordinate, -no, student now- for forgetting his first name! she should know for more reasons than just that as well. 

wait.. all the estates have the owners name on a piece of wood outside the gate. surely his is there too, right? she peaked over the gate she was still near and sure enough, there it was the wood. she walked onto the side and squinted trying her best to read it. 

she never learned to read formally.. Asa almost started crying then and there. sure other kakushi read some notes and she figured the words out from there, but it was mostly the crows giving out messages so she never got the chance to properly learn how to read.

it’s okay, right? she just needs to sound it out surely.. the first character's spell…. hm no nevermind she’s hopeless. 

crunch

she jumped at the sudden noise behind her and whipped around. ‘a demon?’ no it doesn’t feel like it. “whats this? a girl out this late in the middle of the woods?” her voice sounded so familiar, and her haori oh shit. the flower hashiras little sister. “oh umh i apologize shinobu-sama, i didn’t mean to be out this late.” shinobu looked Asa up and down. “a kakushi uniform? where’s your mask?” “ah um, i'm not really a kakushi anymore, himejima-san will be training me to be a demon slayer.”

she made an “o” with her mouth, “well then that's even more of a reason to get you inside, come along” Asa picked at a seam of her pant leg “um wait, the reason i was um, out here.” she stuttered out. “will you tell me what this sign says?” she bowed slightly at the request. 

shinobu's eyes widened and then she walked over, ‘she looks like she’s floating’ Asa thought as shinobu looked at the sign. “oh it says himejima-san’s name” shinobu said matter of factly. “um- yes shinobu-sama, but will you read it aloud for me?” shinobu cocked her head then nodded. “if you wanted to know his name you could’ve just asked, his name is himejima gyomei.”

and then it all clicked into place. his name is gyomei, that was so easy, “thank you so much shinobu-sama, your help is appreciated.” shinobu smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “there’s no need to thank me, i just told you his name. lets get you inside alright?” Asa nodded and opened the gate “would you like anything? tea, a snack?” Asa asked before shinobu could run away. “oh no thank you i must get going.” Asa nodded and waved, “i hope to see you again shinobu-sama.” Asa could see the others hand go up in a wave as she ran back into the woods.

now she doesn’t have to feel bad when she talks to gyomei! that problem is solved, even if she still feels bad. now to find the room he talked about. he said it was down the hall from the kitchen and to the right? no left. definitely the left. she cannot forget anything else today that would be terrible.

when she walked in she found what looked to be floor mats and a few different blankets curled onto a side wall with curtains over some storage. the room wasn’t big enough to be overwhelming, but not small enough to make her feel cramped either. 

she decided she should try to get some sleep before himejima, no, gyomei got back from his patrol so she rolled the floor mats out and did just that, or tried her best.

———————

as promised they started her training at dawn, and also as promised it was hard. she was lucky she had good stamina from her years of being a kakushi or else she doesn’t think she would have lasted as long as she did. 

“the first exercise you’ll be doing is just to help me see where you’re already at naturally,” gyomei explained, rubbing his prayer beads together. “do as many laps as you can around the property, come back at… noon.” ‘… noon???’ 

he was definitely trying to kill her. he nodded to himself, “we’ll do other exercises after lunch, alright?” it was definitely not alright. “of course gyomei! whatever the training requires.” Asa replied, her teeth gritting “i’ll be off then,” she bowed before starting her personal hell. “i’ll be waiting for you Asa, be safe!” he called as she went.

———————

Asa couldn’t believe she agreed to him. a slave driver he is. if she was any younger could this be considered child labor? and aren’t other countries getting in trouble for that?? by noon she had done a total of 86 laps around his entire property. she wanted to impress gyomei after all and it's better than 85. as she walked back to the estate she stumbled over herself. but as soon as she saw gyomei waiting for her she did feel better.

“Asa! you’re back,” he said hearing her heavy steps, “how many laps did you get?” he questioned leading her back into the estate “86 laps total gyomei-san” she breathed out walking close beside him. “mm, that's a good start, better than most.” he nodded to no one in particular “well i was a kakushi gyomei-san. i had to have good stamina.” she said toeing her shoes off at the door. he nodded “yes of course, i also have a bit of a surprise.” 

Asa tilted her head in confusion “as in… a training surprise or a different kind?” “a training surprise, we will not be doing the exercises i mentioned earlier.” he said smiling to himself. “i don’t think stone breathing is meant for you.” wow okay. stab to her chest huh? she crossed her arms as they walked into the kitchen “i’m sure i could become strong enough to perform the breathe gyomei-san.” she huffed sitting down in one of the chairs. “i never said you couldn’t Asa, i do apologize if it seemed that way,”

he moved something off the stove as he turned back to her “it just seemed one of my fellow hashira came to train with me and i’d like if you watched.” he turned back to face her, his milky white eyes felt like they were staring into Asa’s soul. “i meant what i said when i told you i thought you had immense potential,” someone walked in to the right of her but she didn’t take her eyes off gyomei until he himself acknowledged the visitor.

“well good afternoon, uzui-san, good to see you again so soon.” gyomei greeted as Asa finally turned to see the tall man in the doorway. “it’s amazing to see you as well himejima-san, i do hope you’ll introduce me to your guest as well.” uzui spoke loudly, almost as if he was on a stage. “forever straight to the point uzui-san. this is hajime Asa, my student” she nodded “it’s a pleasure to properly meet you uzui-sama.”

uzui huffed and crossed his arms “are you sure she’s a student? that’s a kakushi uniform she has on. not very flamboyant.” gyomei made a face only for a second before rubbing his prayer beads together “i do assure you uzui-san she’s a wonderful student, we haven't had the chance to go get her proper training clothes.” he turned to her “we will be doing that soon” she nodded awkwardly “sure himejima-san” she replied, feeling bad after seeing gyomei’s hurt look. 

———————

“i really do promise we’ll get you more clothes”

“please don’t worry so much about that himejima-san”

“i do apologize, is that why you used my last name?”

“please stop crying, you’re about to go spar”

———————

and train they did. as Asa sat down on the engawa the two men walked out to a clearing in the forest and got ready to spar. she knew the two had some of the most unique weapons among the hashira but seeing them up close was mesmerizing.

gyomei -she had to stop calling him himejima- with his axe and flail and uzui with his cleavers. they looked like a normal size being held by the two, but she knew if anyone else was wielding the weapons it would be incredibly uncomfortable.

before she could blink they flew at each other, their weapons clashing as they came face to face. they were both pushing trying to get the other to jump back to defense and for a minute it looked like neither would until uzui’s foot slipped under the pressure and he was forced back.

giving no breathing room gyomei hurled the flail at the other, but Asa wasn’t thinking about the fight anymore. she was thinking about the two mens weapons. Asa knew she wasn’t physically strong enough to wield two swords, maybe if she pushed herself to her absolute limit every fight but logically, that wasn’t possible.

but the chain. if she had a sword with a chain attached to it? then she could do some damage, Asa had never been one to look forward to something but she was glad gyomei let her watch his sparring session. 

“Asa!” she blinked, snapping out of her thoughts. she threw herself to the side as gyomei’s now unchained flail came flying at her. “holy shit!@&:$”” she yelled, clutching her chest after the flail broke the wood where she previously was. “Asa are you alright?” gyomei asked, running over to her.

“peachy gyomei-san, just peachy” she said out of breath “what were you doing? i thought you would move before it got that close!” she looked up at him “sorry- i’m sorry i just got lost in thought.” she explained. he sighed “just don’t do something like that again.” she nodded “alright”

gyomei turned to uzui “let’s cut this short. i need to fix my flail and then go pray for a while” he said picking up said flail like it was nothing. “sure thing, my flamboyant friend.” uzui said, a bit calmer than he was earlier. gyomei left and Asa stood up dusting off some of the dust from her uniform. “listen up girly.” she whipped her head up at uzui, “if you’re reaction time isn’t good enough to dodge something coming at you from a good hundred meters you’re not good enough to be a demon slayer.” he said his arms crossing as if that would be enough to intimidate her.

maybe it would’ve been more intimidating if he was more than fifteen centimeters taller than her. “i already said i was lost in thought uzui-sama.” she said crossing her own arms ‘oh my kami why am i doing this. he’s a hashira i shouldn’t argue’ “i apologize for scaring gyomei-san but you have almost nothing to do with me.” he snarled “i have something to do with you if you die prematurely and then himejima is off his game and dies as well.” 

for a second Asa was almost taken aback. of course she knew being a demon slayer was a dangerous job. she knew people died everyday. hell she’s had to clean up dead bodies from battles. so why did it never occur to her that death was an option? uzui was still staring at her, but how could she possibly reply to that? she could let her subconscious do the talking? but her subconscious is the reason she’s even training to be a demon slayer. time was up, she had to respond.

“maybe you should work on your intimidation tactics uzui-san because i’m not going anywhere and i’m certainly not going to die.”

‘SHIT WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN EVERY TIME. I  NEED TO THINK MORE BEFORE I SPEAK.’

uzui stared her down for a few more seconds before giving her a smirk “alright, but i’ll only believe it when i see it” ‘eh?’ she blinked, he wasn’t mad? she was certainly mad at herself. before it could get anymore awkward he just disappeared. well not disappear, she could hear him land on the roof before running off. but that was enough to make her fall right back down on the engawa.

‘i cannot believe i just talked like that to a hashira.’ she wanted to cry. but was it fear or relief? 

———————

she couldn’t tell so she sat until the sun had started to set and gyomei came back outside.

“zekka said you were still out here” gyomei said quietly. Asa looked up to see much more prominent tear stains than usual, he must’ve just stopped. “i do apologize for staying out late” she replied and started to stand, “i also apologize for the scare earlier, i was too engrossed in my thoughts and it will not happen again.” she bowed even though she knew he wouldn’t see it. 

until she felt a weight on her head. “i’d like to apologize as well, my chain was damaged enough to break and it should’ve never gotten that bad.” his tears started coming again, but he still didn’t move his hand from her head. “it’s- it’s no problem gyomei, i wasn’t hurt.” she stuttered out “but what if you were?” he asked, bringing his hands back to his prayer beads. Asa bit her bottom lip “i won’t get hurt gyomei, i promise.” he shook his head “you can’t promise that,” she knows “but thank you for the sentiment.” 

he looked back inside. “i have to go patrol and i will have a mission in a few days, i will tell you your training regimen before that and i expect you will do your best.” Asa tried looking inside to whatever he was looking at but there was nothing, she instead replied “of course gyomei”

the night after that was relatively calm, she saw him off and then went back to sitting outside, she couldn’t sleep anyways, she wasn’t used to it.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho secrets
- shinobu was originally at gyomei’s estate to do a biannual health check up in her sisters stead, but she got distracted and even forgot to ask if gyomei was home

- zekka wasn’t very fond of Asa when he first saw her but after seeing her he felt as though he had to lead her around due to her particial blindness.

- uzui really does not like Asa. the only redeeming qualities (in his eyes) is her willingness to talk back and whatever kind of relation she has with gyomei.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapter Text

it had been three weeks since what Asa liked to call the flail incident. as promised, gyomei gave her a training regimen and she always did it to the best of her abilities.

on ‘odd’ days she would go to the waterfall and stand under it as long as possible, and when she gave out she would take a small break and then do it twice more, then do basic sword exercises with a wooden bokken.

while on ‘even’ days she would run as many laps as possible around the property as she could before noon, she was up to 97 now, and then try her best to chant mantras in her head as she pushed a boulder up a steep slope.

thank kami he hadn’t taken her to the fire pit yet.

as she soon learned, gyomei wasn’t the best teacher, he was kind and encouraged her in his own way. but he was terrible at explaining how he did things. she had to watch intently every time he showed her a new exercise just to get the basics down.

the practice sword gyomei gave her to practice with was wider at the end then the base, and the handle was longer and more curved than a normal katana, -a dao if she remembered correctly- she was confused at first but she ended up being grateful as it felt natural in her hands.

when gyomei was at his estate and not actively training her, other pillars would come to train and she would sit and watch. except when kanae-san would come.

the first time she sat and watched like she always would but then kanae turned and whispered to gyomei, they both turned to Asa and gyomei waved her over.

“what do you need gyomei-san?” Asa questioned as she got closer. “kanae-san would like a chance to spar with you, if that is alright Asa.”

Asa turned to look at the other girl and they made quick eye contact before kanae smiled kindly. “gyomei-san here likes to focus more on brute strength,” kanae started, “but if you want to make a derivative then you need to expand your data-base.”

database?? “yes kocho-san” she agreed, whatever the pillars said she wouldn’t go against them ‘cannot have another uzui incident’ Asa thought, “ah call me kanae, alright? kocho can be my sister.” she said placing a hand on her cheek, “or shinobu-san, i heard you had a run in with my cute little sister”

Asa blinked, of course shinobu-san would say something about that, “yes, she was very helpful.”

Asa blinked.
kanae smiled knowingly.

“i’d like to warn you kanae-san, i may disappoint you.” Asa warned “nonsense, you haven’t been training very long but i believe in you enough.” Kanae encouraged.

———————

it was a wash, Asa knew there was a massive gap between her and hashira, she was expecting it. but kanae was unbelievably fast, it was terrifying to face head on.

“how long have you been training Asa-san?” kanae asked, couching down to where Asa was on the ground, “officially? four and a half weeks” Asa replied looking up.

resting her head on her hand kanae spoke “for four and some weeks your strength is incredible, i guess gyomei-san picks well.” Asa blushed at the praise “if that’s what you believe kanae-san, i’m still not as good as i should be.”

“you’ll get stronger as you progress,” kanae smiled, taking Asa’s hand to pull her up “but before that why are you still wearing a kakushi uniform to train?” she asked, cocking her head to the side. “has gyomei-san perhaps not taken you to get proper clothes?”

gyomei went rigid off to the side, “don’t worry kanae-san, we just haven’t had the time, gyomei is mostly out on missions and i’ve been training more than anything” Asa explained hurriedly.

kanae hummed “well next time i come to train i’ll bring you some!” she said happily, "or you could come to my estate now, gyomei-san?” she said, turning her attention to the towering man. “ah, um, as long as Asa is okay with it?” he said awkwardly, rubbing his prayer beads together.

Kanae was looking at Asa so hopefully and who was she to deny a pillars wishes? “i will do whatever you’d like kanae-san” kanae made a face at that but quickly smiled again “then come along, i’ll return her later gyomei-san” she called, leading Asa away hand in hand.

“the butterfly estate isn’t that far.” kanae smiled back at her, “are you ok to run?” Asa sighed “our definition of ‘run’ is different, kanae-san, but i’ll do my best.”

“i’ll slow down for you then” kanae said as she took off. Asa sighed once more before chasing after her.

Asa caught up right behind kanae, the other looked back and made a hand signal Asa didn’t understand before she jumped into the air and landed on a tree branch before running off again..

yeah Asa couldn’t do that. she continued to run on the path she knew, taking shortcuts where she knew it would be safe to do so.

———————
“Asa-san! what took you so long?”
“You started running on branches Kanae-san, i don’t think i could’ve caught up if i ran full speed the whole time.”
“i’ll have to teach you then Asa!”
———————

kanae led Asa around her estate by the hand while checking in on patients every couple of rooms.

“shinobu is better at the medical side of things in my opinion,” kanae said after coming out of one of the rooms and taking Asa’s hand again, “but she never believes me when i tell her.”

Asa hummed not knowing how to respond “let me check in on one more person then we’ll get you those clothes alright?” kanae spoke, smiling at the other, “sure kanae-san” kanae smiled wider -if that was even possible??- and opened a door walking in.

Asa was waiting outside said door when a white haired man covered in scars passed a corner and was walking her way. Asa wasn’t phased by this as many people passed kanae and asa, this was a medical facility after all.

until he stopped and looked up at her. “wheres your mask kakushi?” he asked his voice rasping.

she couldn’t respond with the first thing she thought of so next best thing “i’m not a kakushi sir.” “well damn that looks like a fuckin kakushi uniform.” he sneered

she sighed “it is”

“so you just stole it?” he asked, his eye twitching.

she didn’t think he could look more unhinged. she was wrong. a back and forth between the two with the white haired man getting more pissed at the indirect answers and Asa trying not to say something she’ll regret later.

she almost started to cry tears of joy when kanae came out of the room.

“sorry that took a bit longer than expected, Asa- oh! shinazugawa-san! hello, what an unexpected surprise.” kanae said, retracting her hand that was reaching out towards Asas’.

“you know this fake kakushi kanae-san?” shinazugawa-san -what a mouthful- asked, stepping back so there was room between the three. “fake-? oh, no no shinazugawa, this is gyomei-san’s tsuguko!”

“she doesn’t look hurt so what is she doing here?” he asked, crossing his arms. “ahh why so defensive shinazugawa-san~?” he turned a little red “if you must know, i was going to lend her better training clothes!”

as kanae spoke about Asa’s training, Sanemi looked Asa up and down. he wasn’t stupid. she looked strong, sure but was that because of the height difference or was she actually just naturally strong?

she looked as though she was trying her best to avoid eye contact with him. not like he was the one giving bull shit answers.

at some point kanae stopped talking and the three said their goodbyes, as sanemi turned the corner kanae once again took Asa’s hand and led her to what looked like a bedroom.

“i’ll lend you some of my old clothes, or we could go out shopping if that’s what you’d prefer?” kanae asked, walking into the room. “i wouldn’t have any money to spend, i left it all at my old home.” she replied as kanae turned back, a small stack of clothes in her arms.

“i was afraid you’d say something like that, but i’m letting you know now Asa, i would not mind spending some money on you,” Kanae said smiling and handing the clothes to the other, “these should fit, you’re a bit taller than me but then again, these clothes were always a bit big.”

Asa was grateful to say the least “thank you so much kanae-san.” if Asa’s hand was free kanae would’ve taken it again “please don’t worry, and drop the formalities please, it would mean a lot to me.”

to Asa’s surprise her mind wasn’t in shambles when the hashira requested it. “sure Kanae, whatever you’d like.” Asa said, returning the smile, even if less intense than kanaes’ own.

kanae flushed suddenly covering her face “you can’t do something like that to me Asa, it’s too much” kanae said muffled by her hands “?” Asa set the clothes down on the drawer they came from and took kanae’s hands from her face.

“are you alright kanae? did i do something wrong?” Asa said worriedly, she leaned down slightly to see eye to eye with the very flushed kocho sister.

just then someone slammed the door to the room open and there stood kocho shinobu “kanae! i- oh.. uhh” the normally headstrong girl was reduced to almost nothing in an instant when she saw her sister and newest companion in the room. kanae’s room.

———————

the trouble shinobu ran to kanae for was resolved, multiple slayers had run into the estate badly beaten and in need of medical attention shinobu didn’t think she could give by herself. by the time they were done the sun was starting to set and Asa was once again sitting at the edge of an engawa.

to her right she heard light footsteps and as she turned kanae sat down next to her taking up Asa’s hand again.

“are you alright kanae?” Asa asked quietly, still facing the other. the dying light made kanae’s worry lines show but it also made her eyes shine. “i’m alright, it’s always intense when a comrade comes in critically injured.” kanae spoke after a bit of just sitting together.

“i can only ever imagine, i’m sorry it’s you that must deal with it.” Asa said, trying to comfort her. kanae shook her head, “i’m sorry, i phrased it as if it was a bad thing, i wouldn’t trade this job for anything else.”

they sat for a long while holding each others hand and watching the sunset until kanae finally spoke again.

“we should get you back to gyomei-san, huh?” she asked looking at Asa, “most likely, i’m sure he’s fine though, he knows i’m in good hands.” Asa responded, squeezing kanae’s hand as she spoke.

even with deciding they should go they still sat for a few more minutes enjoying each other’s presence before Asa stood up offering her hand to the other once she was fully up. Kanae smiled and took it picking herself up easily off the engawa.

“shall we?”

———————

once they got back to the gate the two women said their goodbyes at the gate Asa watched the other as she disappeared back into the forest.

She turned towards the vate and walked inside “gyomei! i’m back!” she shouted in case he was still there. alas there was no response so Asa went to the room she was given and tried her best to sleep, smiling to herself while thinking of the day she just had.

she was so thankful.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho era secrets!--

-Asa has 4 younger siblings, who she regularly writes to, they're the only reason her parents knew about her becoming a demon slayer

-Kanae found out about Asa from shinobu when she came back to the estate with out filled papers from gyomeis biannual check up

-Kanae's spare clothes were a gift someone else had gotten her, though they were to baggy so she couldn't wear them

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapter Text

the clothes fit wonderfully, even if they didn’t she would still wear them.

as training went on she progressed in her new breathing style, she saw a recovering slayer at the butterfly estate practicing mist breathing and she was entranced.

the flipping and twisting made her want to mix it with stone breathings’ powerful attacks. she had her mind made up after kanae got her to ask said slayer to show her the movements and breathing patterns.

it wasn’t long after she made her mind up and started training for her derivative that a new slayer joined her in training.

he was much younger than her but that didn’t matter too much, she was used to her little siblings so one angry kid couldn’t be too bad! his name was genya shinazugawa…

okay so not the best first impression, she stayed civil and he was a brat. but she would be a brat too if her hair looked like that.

they were both trained differently so they mostly stayed away from each other, and Asa had been progressing so much gyomei finally made her do the fire pit.

“gyomei are you sure about this?” she asked hesitantly. “you’ve been progressing so much Asa, you’re ready, just watch how i do it.” he spoke before loading massive logs on his back and walking across.

small plumes of fire lapped at his feet from the coals as he walked and chanted mantras. genya was there to watch as well. “he never explains anything. how the hell does he expect you to do that.” he said to her right.

Asa turned her head to the child but kept her eyes on gyomei. “you’re right, he’s not a very good teacher,” Asa replied “but he’s incredibly strong and if you watch what he’s doing when he shows it, you’ll understand eventually.” she said as gyomei finished.

“how does watching tell you what you need to know?” he said, crossing his arms. “he was walking a certain way to minimize the movement of the coals.” she replied quickly defending gyomei. she turned her head to the boy “you need to be willing to watch. you’re lucky you have both your eyes to do that with.”

he stiffened. yeah it was a bit underhanded using her disability, but it was a good lesson for him. and a little funny.

“he shouldn’t be a teacher if he can’t explain.” he muttered. “maybe you should go train with the other shinazugawa then.” she said getting a bit annoyed at the child trying to act grown. he snarled “you don’t know what you’re talking about hag.” she glared back,

“damn right i don’t and i don’t particularly care, two out of two shinazugawa’s i have met are short with shit attitudes, so pardon me if i don't care to know.”

as she walked to the edge of the fire pit his slitted eyes trailed her. she didn’t know what she was talking about. and who was she to talk about his big brother and his “shit attitudes.” he probably hates her anyways.

genya didn’t interact with Asa much. they lived in the same home sure but she was either training on the other side of the property -sometimes that butterfly lady was here to train- or tavel back to her estate.

he didn’t understand why she would even want to be a demon slayer. there were no motivating factors except not wanting to deny highups. “just a follower..” he mumbled to himself as he watched her pick up a log, stacking it on her back.

she let out a puff of air as she took her first step onto the pit.

it was hot as hell.

but she kept going. that's what she had been training for, to be able to do this. she stepped like gyomei did, found a place that looked sturdy enough then placed her entire foot on it at once, that stopped them from moving too much, and as long as she stayed on top of them the fire wouldn’t get to the top of her foot.

her eyes were watering by the time she got to the end and the bottoms of her feet were definitely scorched but at least she didn’t trip! “gyomei i did it!!” she said dropping on the ground with the log, “wonderful job Asa, you’ve progressed so much.” she picked herself up off the ground and grabbed one of his hands

“next time you’re home and have time in between patroling or missions i need to show you a technique i’ve been working on, okay?” she asked hopefully “oh? a breathing style perhaps?” he asked back “perhaps gyomei” he smiled, just happy Asa was comfortable at their home.

“then i will.” he replied “now i need to focus on genya’s training for a bit, you can take a break if you’d like.” Asa sighed knowing she wouldn’t be taking a break.

and that she didn't, as much as her feet now hurt and the thoughts of having to walk along the pit again later, that didn't stop her from walking to the waterfall and standing under it for as long as she could.

today was hell, but it was fulfilling.

and she would happily continue living that hell for as long as she could.

———————
“more people would like you if you weren't short AND an asshole.”
“more people would like you if you weren't always fawning over that butterfly lady.”
“you foul child”
———————

showing gyomei her technique wasn't as scary as she thought it would be.

they stood up some logs then found a place gyomei could sit and feel the vibrations of the wood being cut without being in the crossfire.

(although asa didn't know if it would hurt him if he was.)

he was thoughtful as he suggested ways to improve. she knew it wasn't perfect, but she was happy with what she was able to achieve in the months she was training with gyomei.

Asa huffed as she prepared to show him her last form.

she threw her wooden dao into the air and lowered herself to the ground pushing closer to the target, she yanked hard on the chain attached to the end of her handle pulling her dao downwards, splintering said target into little pieces.

she had to dodge a few stray splinters but as soon as she picked her dao back up, gyomei spoke.

“that was your last one?”
“yes gyomei.”

he had a thoughtful look on his face before smiling slightly “you have wonderful control over your dao, i’m also glad you asked for the chain. it suits your fighting style.” he stood himself up and walked closer.

“you have progressed wonderfully in these past few months, i cannot be prouder.” he rubbed his prayer beads together then ruffled her hair.

“as soon as you can push your boulder around the estate perimeter i will allow you to participate in final selection.”
oh Buddha… wait when did she become religious??

“keep practicing your technique as well, i’m excited to know how it progresses.” asa smiled up at him and pat his hand.

“i will do my best gyomei, just keep training genya, that child worries me to no end.” asa said. although she’d never tell the rapscallion himself, she was worried for the boy's well-being.

and him not getting socked in the face by someone.

is that the same thing?

either way, she would keep training, she could already push the boulder a fair way, about 2 / 5 of the way around the estate? she just needed to keep training and chant her way through the obstacle.

gyomei just made it look easy. too easy, maybe she will become religious… just to justify gyomei’s strength.

———————
“good job, keep going Asa!”
“give me a moment gyomei, i need to feel the warmth of the rock a bit longer”
———————

in the spring of Asa’s fifth month training she pushed the boulder around the perimeter of the estate. she knew it was strange how fast she progressed, but she just put it up to her time as a kakushi.

as soon as she got the damn thing to her starting point she slumped to the ground and rested her head back on the rock that gave her hell.

geyna, who surprised her (though she’d never admit it), sat next to her. “so you're done?” he asked

she smiled “yes, gyomei said after i pushed the boulder i could go to the next final selection.” she closed her eyes.

“good. i won't have to see your ugly face anymore.”

Asa snorted, then covered her face quickly. “so snappy for a child, be more grateful genya.” she said tiredly looking over to him.

he sat on her left, she smiled.

“you should go tell himejima that you can leave.” he said looking away

she hummed “i suppose i should, don't be sad though, you’ll still see my ugly face plenty.”

genya didn't respond and Asa took that as her queue to get up. “don't be late coming back inside, gyomei might cook tonight.” she said, patting her skirt off.

genya only nodded but that was enough for asa to start the walk back to gyomei's estate, this time of day was his prayer time so she'd have to wait a bit but that didn't bother her too much.

———————
“Asa! you startled me”
“sorry gyomei just didn't want to disturb you.”
“sitting outside my room door doesn't seem disturbing??”
———————

two weeks later Asa went to visit kanae before final selection.

“you want to spend the night and then set off tomorrow?” kanae repeated Asa’s question.

“if you're okay with that kanae,” Asa let her legs swing off the engawa, “i’d like to spend more time with you before i left.”

“i’d love nothing more Asa!” she smiled and patting Asa's hand under her own.

“but follow me first okay?” kanae aksed, getting up and holding her hand out “i have a surprise for you”

“a bit cryptic kanae- let's go then.” asa replied smiling and grabbing kanae’s hand.

Asa followed kanae to what looked like a storage room and opened the door. it was much more than storage.

that was what most of it was but there was a small section that looked like a shrine, most likely to the sisters late parents, kanae didn't acknowledge it others than a small bow at the door and a sad smile.

she quickly walked past it and to a small box that she opened, before turning around she spoke “close your eyes Asa! oh and hold out your hands!!”

Asa laughed “sure kanae” Asa did as she was told and felt something soft be laid into her hands. “okay Asa you can look!” kanae sounded giddy.

Asa, doing as she was told, look down to see a green haori with white on the tops of the shoulders.

“oh kanae-” “shhh don't ask about the price, you know hashira get paid whatever we want. and even when we splurge we all keep it under a certain amount.” she scolded hearing Asa’s worry in advance.

Asa looked back at the haori, it was beautiful

“thank you kanae” asa nearly whispered

“i told you, i don't mind spending money on you Asa, it wasn't too expensive anyways!” Kanae smiled.

“now… let's go setup a guest room for you and then have a good dinner!”

“sure kanae”

———————

Asa helped a few young girls prepare dinner as Kanae and Shinobu went out to do some evening training. As a kakushi Asa was introduced to a few of the butterfly girls, but it felt like each time she came they became younger and younger.

there was Aoi, she was stirring some kind of soup, Asa was next to her handing whatever vegetables she cut up.

then there was a girl a bit older than Aoi, Kanao, though you couldn't tell by looking at her. she was skinny, Asa’s heart clenched she couldn't imagine her siblings looking that small.

Kanao was doing her best to prepare fish but she had to get help from Asa at some points, she never asked, just stared at Asa until the older girl noticed.

by the time they had finished cooking and setting the table up kanae and shinobu were done with training and had cleaned themselves up a bit, they walked into Asa fretting and taking the large pot of soup from Kanao who had tried carrying the comically large (and very hot) pot all by herself.

Asa set it on the table and was telling kanao how dangerous it was to try and carry it by herself before turning around back to kanae and shinobu.

“you know when i told you to come relax, i didn't mean to help with dinner,” kanae said as she entered.

Asa almost looked offended “When i’m a guest i have to help, it feels wrong not to Kanae.” She said

kanae only hummed and ushered shinobu to sit and eat.
“thank you for the meal.” kanae said walking up to Asa. the girl's cheeks flushed “it wasn't only me kanae…”

the dinner was wonderful, although Asa thought she still saw a fish bone in the soup.

she was happier than she had been in a long time, eating at a table with some of her favorite girls, with a meal she helped prepare.

next to Kanae who she had grown to love.

as a friend of course.

a friend.

she was happy

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho era secrets!-

-Asa is starting to think she doesn't know what having friends is like

- as much as she wants to see genya as a little brother, he's to much of an asshole to do it

- Asa's breathing style has a total of 5 forms right now! you'll be seeing all of them next chapter if things go how the author wants them to go

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapter Text

Asa left the day before final selection with the promise of one of kanae’s surprises when she got back.

“when you're done with final selection i will be waiting for you at gyomei-san’s estate, so don't keep me waiting too long okay?”

“why would you be waiting for me there?”

“let's just say… i have a surprise for you.” kanae smiled and took Asa’s hand

“you've already given me so much! i couldn't have anything else from you!”

“you’ve already got it, i just have to ask you to accept it.”

———————

Asa left in kanae's clothes, gift, and promise, she couldn't help but smile the entire walk.

even if it was excruciatingly long.

As the girl walked closer to the site the amount of wisteria was as beautiful as always.

As a beginning kakushi one of her duties was to be bait in case one of the demons somehow escaped and went after one of Oyakata-sama’s children.

it never happened -thank buddha- while she was there but she knew it happened once when there wasn't bait.

once is all it takes to put them in place.

that aside she walked the rest of the way. and… oh. all of them were children. she knew they were going to kids but all of them? none of them looked over the age of 15.

she sighed and walked to the edge of the clearing until dusk when the oyakata children came out from where they were hidden and started their talk of events.

even if Asa had heard the instructions 100 times she still listened intently.

6 days. 7 nights. survive at all costs.

see gyomei and kanae.

maybe not the last part, but that was what motivated her to even step in the horrible demon filled forest.

she heard the children clap in unison and she instinctively shot in. she hated her subconscious.

she was the second one in, right behind a purple haired boy -what is with demon slayers and having weird hair colors??- who went to the left as she went right.

Asa encountered a total of zero demons in the early hours of the night, but it seemed as soon as the moon was at its highest point they really started hunting.

with her dao sitting comfortably in her hand the hours and days seemed to blend together. every cut, bruise, or bite she got seemed to seep into each other and just cause her body to ache.

she could already imagine the kakushi clean up crews that would have to come in here. if the demons didn't eat all the bodies first.

she realized far too late that a fight caused her haori to get ripped and she knew some of the younger boys passing by her heard crying as they went past a tall tree.

the marks she made on her arms counted to 7 for seven nights and that morning she started the trek back to the entrance.

she thought she could hear grumbles and mad whispers of “rotten luck,” and “less food this year.” so she had hope that she wasn't the only one left.

she stumbled on a loose wisteria branch as she walked into the clearing, but there were only two children?

the purple haired boy and a girl with a yellow hair tie.

what about the “rotten luck” the demons had? all but three is rotten? maybe the others just hadn't come out yet.

but Asa’s fears were confirmed when Oyakata-sama's children walked onto the platform and started talking, and for once, Asa put her hands together in prayer, she prayed for the lost children, that they could be happier in death than in life and that somehow they could find peace with their life cut far to short.

she knew it must look strange, but that's all she could do before walking to pick her ore and get the engraving in her hand.

and with that the first challenge of her demon slayer “career” was complete.” she walked with the children, helping the girl as much as she could.

the girls leg had a long cut from her knee to ankle, an unkind injury that Asa tried her best to help with.

but at some point they had to seperate. Asa -tried to- walk as well as she could back to gyomei’s. it was a long walk but she had to see him and kanae, they were waiting for her.

———————

Asa walked through the front gate “gyomei!” kanae! she called “i’m back from final selection!”

no response.

not even a groan from genya.

she could hear quiet sobs from outside so she wiped some of the grime off her hands and walked outside to see… shinobu?

and gyomei sitting in the sun off the engawa.

“shinobu-san?” Asa called, shinobu whipped her head up, tear stains apparent on her face, she stumbled up and all but rammed into Asa almost knocking the both of them over with the hug.

Asa looked to gyomei while hugging her back just as tight. gyomei only gazed away from their direction. looking back to shinobu Asa whispered “what happened?” she didn't mean to but shinobu started crying harder again.

“oh shinobu.. what's wrong?” the girl separated slightly, still gripping onto Asa.

“kanae's gone.”

oh. that's not right.

kanae had a surprise for her. she wouldn't just leave with telling her.

“she- an upper moon appeared and she had to fight it.” shinobu went back to hugging Asa as tightly as she could.

an upper moon? how could it just have appeared?

shinobu finally pushed all her weight into Asa and the two girls fell into the grass.

Asa held onto shinobu as tight as she could.

what would happen to the butterfly estate? surely it would be affected, even if only a little. maybe she should help out? what would kanae want? what would gyomei want? what would her family want?

what should she do now.

she needed to calm down. help shinobu first then herself.

Asa mustered up enough strength to stand with shinobu still clinging to her body. Asa couldn't blame her. Asa looked to gyomei who was standing near by. he was giving them space, she was grateful he wasn't crying to hard.

Asa reached out for his arm and she could feel shinobu and herself getting picked up before she could do anything else.

Gyomei walked back inside his estate and set them on a mat near the door. Asa whispered a grateful thank you as he walked away.

they were undisturbed for so long that shinobu eventually tired herself out and fell asleep, she settled for wrapping herself around Asa’s arm.

it was as genya finally walked by to check on them that she started crying. he looked awkward enough that she let out a tired laugh.

“you're still injured.” he said, he didn't know how else to help.

“glad you used your eye's for something.” she said leaning on the wall behind her. he looked uncomfortable as he walked closer showing he had medical supplies.

“it's not a lot.” he whispered as he sat down next to asa, “gyomei-san taught me the basics.”

she was quiet as he poorly cleaned and wrapped her injuries. but he was trying at least. angrily trying.

“i’ll have to teach you more.” she sighed as she blinked the last of her tears away. “thank you genya.” she spoke as he grunted and sat on the wall a bit farther from her.

she turned to him fully. she knew she looked rough but she patted the spot beside her so he could come closer.

he didn't.

she shook her head, and at last she closed her eyes and let sleep take her away.

she wished it to be forever.

———————

shinobu had a small funeral for kanae. Asa went but she stood far away from the grave. she couldn't be near it knowing there was no body to grieve for.

she cried that night when they went back to the estate.

———————

the next day she received her dao, the day after came with her uniform and her first mission. she could only stare at the uniform in question for a few minutes before putting it on so she could set off.

gyomei tried giving her things for the trip but she shook her head numbly and pat his hands before her crow whisked her away.

she killed the demon quickly and just as quickly went off to another mission. only staying to report to the kakushi.

another mission, another swift death.

a harder mission. death came as quick as she could make it.

day after day, week after week, she couldn't stop for a second. she didn't want to stop.

she went through this routine. if she had a routine she didn't have time to think. if she didn't have time to think she couldn't spiral. if she didn't spiral she- oh.

she stared at another demon slayer. she looked like she had just got out of final selection, the girl was shaking with effort to even walk.

Asa got a bit closer but the girl’s eyes widened in fear? it's not like Asa was a demon she just wanted to help. the girl waved off her help and hobbled away.

the girl who obviously needed help didn't take it when offered. Asa couldn't help but be annoyed. she just wanted to be useful.

she supposed the best she could do was kill more demons. her next mission was in a village anyways. she needed to start walking.

another demon dead. another mission given.

she stopped in her tracks. for the first time in.. how long? didn't matter. her crow brought her back to gyomei’s estate. she knew she looked rough but as she turned to leave she heard her name being called.

Asa turned to see a slightly taller genya. oh, how long had it been since she came back? she wasn't counting.

the boy ran up to Asa but stopped before he got too close, “you look like shit.” he said, a raspy, surprised laugh came as a reply. how long had it been since she drank water?

is that why the kakushi stopped getting too close to her?

she reached out a hand to the boy and he ran up to take it, “i’ll patch you up Asa, Aoi-san showed me how.”

she hummed as he led her into the home she was trying to avoid for however long. he led her up the stairs, or tried, she was wobbly. he sat her down on a stool in the wash room and ordered her to stay.

she did as she was told.

genya came back with a cup of water for her, bandages, and other things she didn't look at.

she felt stinging and then cool bandages over and over again. she didn't think she was that beat up.

“i had your crow call for shinobu-san.” Asa stiffened. “why?” she said, gripping the cup. “you need more medical attention than i can give you.” he said it like he was talking to a child. “it's not that bad.” Asa tried arguing but he gave her a glare that shut her up.

“hey” he snapped his fingers at her when she closed her eyes for too long,”how many demons have you killed?” genya asked, when Asa shrugged she flexed her hand to show him her rank. he took it as a good enough answer.

“your technically a Tsuchinoe.” he said after cleaned up his mess. she thanked him before looking over her bandaged body.

she was admittedly more injured than she thought.

“how long have i been gone?” Asa asked before genya walked out “.... 4 ½ months. you ranked up quickly.”

Asa could only nod and breathe out a thanks before she began drifting off. geyna left and she could only wish he would come back before she woke up.

———————

when she did wake back up she was off the stool but now sat up against the bath, more bandages covered her, they looked cleaner and better placed.

Asa looked up but she knew who she was going to see.

“shinou-san.” she called tiredly. shinobu looked up from the stool Asa was previously in and practically leapt to Asa grabbing her shoulders angrily before wrapping her arms around the older girl.

Asa hesitantly held her back.

just as quickly as she leapt on, shinobu got off Asa and glared. hard. “if you ever leave for that long again and come back that injured, i will personally make sure you get hospitalized for much longer than you already will be.”

Asa just stared and then laughed a bit before tears started rolling, “sorry shinobu-san.” Asa said quietly.

the other girl looked too tired to correct her honorific.

“come on, get up.” shinobu said, doing it herself and looking at Asa expectantly. Asa did as she was told.

Asa was led to her room she hadn't used in a long time, it still looked as clean as she had left it. she was sat down on her bedding and ordered to rest up.

it had been so long since she laid in soft bedding she couldn't even fight, though she wouldn't have anyways.

———————

gyomei was the last person she wanted to see but when he came into her view she became a blubbering crying mess, all she could do was apologize over and over again.

two weeks of house arrest and healing had soon made Asa restless. she cleaned the entire estate twice over, cooked every meal, and even cleaned up the garden.

she trained genya when gyomei couldn't. she was praised for how strong she got in such a short amount of time but she didn't believe it was strength.

Asa knew she was sad and couldn't stop the spiral she had gone through, to her that was not strength, that was complacency.

…

when she was finally allowed back to missions they were much more spaced out, at gyomei's request. she visited the butterfly estate often to check up on the girls and watch kanao’s training.

she was slowly getting better.

the missions she went on were now typically with a group, no more solo missions for a bit, Asa knew it was for the best but she typically ended up killing the demon in the end anyways.

she kept getting praised. her rank kept going up.

she didn't feel like she deserved it.

was she getting better?

she laughed at genya as he struggled walking across the fiery stones for the first time.

“Use those eyes and watch genya!” she called and all she was met with was screeching and curses as he fell at the end.

she jogged over, helping him up and ordered him to watch her again.

watch her movements but don't look too closely at her work habits. she doesn't want genya to follow those.

she put the log on the back of genya’s back and practically pushed him onto the fire pit. he made it through for the first time.

she made him a special dinner he grumbled about.

———————

another hashira was added to the ranks, the new flame hashira was loud and… excitable?

he would come to train with gyomei when he was free and sometimes Asa when the former wasn't available.

“Rengoku-sama.” Asa spoke up in between one of their sparring sets, “would it be okay if i got genya over here to watch?”

his loud voice nearly echoed “i don't see why not! this is more your estate than mine!” he looked happy to have another person watching.

maybe he just wanted another person to watch her get the crap beat out of her.

when Asa came back with an angry, fighting genya she sat him down a ways away to not hit him in the crossfire and the hashira and tsuguko went back to sparring.

her hope was for him to get some semblance of technique through his thick skull. he had a long way to go before he would be properly ready for final selection.

his “technique” of smacking the shit out of things wasn't really gonna do it against demons.

they traded blows and Asa was currently 3 to 19 against rengoku. it was better than she thought she was going to do. out of nowhere rengoku spoke again when their swords clashed

“let's go on a mission together!” he yelled, she fumbled.

3 to 20

“whatever you need rengoku-sama.” she huffed out, then turned her head “you're good genya! go push your boulder!” she called to the boy who looked like he would rather watch the two spare more.

“so you will accompany me on a mission!?” he asked loudly again. Asa stood up and dusted off her uniform. she looked down at the man

“of course, i will do whatever a hashira needs me to do.” she said again, a bit confused on why she needed to repeat it. rengoku’s smile fell for a split second before becoming just as wide as it was.

“wonderful!” he laughed, “i will have my crow come get you when i find a suitable mission!”

she hummed in response, “would you like tea before you leave?” she picked her dao up and put it in her sheath. he easily agreed.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho era secrets!-

- Asa stopped wearing Kanae's hoari the girl gifted her, she didn't want to rip it again

- Genya, although not shown to well, had to learn to treat wounds from Aoi because Asa couldn't keep her promise

- when the author said they wanted to put Asa's breathing forms in this chapter they completely forgot and went to make this as angsty as possible. whoops!

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapter Text

her missions were mostly uneventful until her crow came to her and cawed something no one ever wanted to hear.

“your next mission: with shinazugawa-sama!”

Asa would rather go lay down on gyomei’s fire pit.

she slowly started to walk to her destination anyway. she had only been on one other mission with the man and it ended with the demon being killed, as well as sanami being physically restrained by kakushi so he couldn't attack her.

so yeah. shinazugawa and Asa weren't big fans of each other. it wasn't even her fault! When she happened to mention the genya, shinazugawa exploded at her. but geyna never talks about his brother! how was she meant to know they were on bad terms?

by the time she had made it to the destination it was dark. she sighed and tugged on her uniform a bit before looking for the white haired man.

she had regretted not wearing her haori anymore when she spotted the short man at the entrance to an inn yelling at someone.

Sighing at the sight, asa jogged the rest of the way to him. the yelling still wasn't done when she got to him.

“i’m so sorry!” she nearly had to yell herself to get the two men's attention, “it seems my colleague is bothering you, i apologize..” shinazugawa squawked “i don't need you to apologize for m-”

the man scoffed at her “i don’ need a woman apologizing for him disturbing the peace.”

“you don't?” she asked out of pure surprise, it seemed the man did not pick that part up, as he tried to flirt with her a bit, shinazugawa looked ready to erupt again so Asa stepped back and tried finding a different inn to stay at.

the melody of screaming behind her as she did so.

when shinazugawa had stopped screaming and wandered back to her again she had found an inn run by people who hated the other inn owner as well. kindred spirits they were.

“this is ours shinazugawa-sama” asa said opening a door. the room was split by a divider. the two slayers didn't talk unless necessary, that's how they kept fights from happening.

they left the next morning in silence, and walked the rest of the way to the actual demon infested home.

apparently oyakata-sama wanted to laugh at them later as the pair saw younger slayers looking at the house apprehensively. “you deal with them.” shinazugawa grumbled before getting too close to them, asa regretfully complied.

“hello!” she called to the three younger slayers that were waiting outside. their heads whipped towards her call and all three seemed to relax a bit.

when they were close enough to stop Asa spoke again, “I am Hajime Asa, this is shinazugawa-sama you will be accompanying us on this mission i take it?” she smiled a bit.

she only got a nod from the one to the right when the one in the middle spoke, “nice to meet you! I'm Fuku! this” he turned to his left ”is Eiko, and this” he turned to his right ”is hijiri!” the boy was literally shaking in anticipation. it was kind of scary.

she hummed in acknowledgement,”well the sun is setting, we should probably start checking this out.” she turned to shinazugawa and as he rolled his eyes they both took to the house.

they went at different paces of course, asa didn't want to separate too far from the kids. no one needed to die tonight. she and shinazugawa would make sure they were safe. even if she had to force the man to protect them.

…could she force the rabid man to do anything?

whatever. she could try.

“so what rank are you?” fuku asked, it seemed he had a lot of questions brewing in his head.

“shinazugawa-sama is the hashira, if that's what you're asking. I’m just a Hinoe.” she responded but before anyone could say anything Asa heard a creak behind them.

she turned quickly, pushing the kids down and pulling her sword out, she breathed “haze breathing: first form, distant clouds” one practiced and powerful strike to the neck with her dao, the demon was killed cleanly.

flicking her sword she put it back into her sheath. “that wasn't the demon of the house. we need to find shinazugawa.” she said looking at the kids.

“all three of you walk in front of me, i’ll tell you where to go.” she ordered, they agreed with no complaints.

———————

when they did find shinazugawa he was fighting what Asa assumed to be the main demon, it didn't look strong but there were lots of other demons surrounding him.

he didn't have enough space to do anything.

Asa’s fourth form could blow them away but shinazugawa would be hit too, but she couldn't not do anything.

“shinazugawa! i have an idea, you okay with getting hit a little?” she called over the noise, an undignified yell was her answer and she took it as a yes.

taking a wide stance she took quick steps to gain momentum and then quietly spoke “haze breathing: fourth form, scattered stones.”

she let out powerful strikes until most of the demons were blown off of the man or beheaded, and as she stopped she realized she may have hit shinazugawa more than expected.

nevertheless he was still standing and immediately went after the now disoriented house demon. Asa looked back to the kids, confident the hashira would take care of the demon.

before she could reach the kids, she felt claws going down her back, she twisted away as fast as she could and held her dao out to stop the demon from trying to get her again.

she could feel the sluggish bleeding coming from the scrapes and as she got into her stance to attack she heard a quiet voice from behind her.

hijiri shot forward, a lightning breather, Asa realized and beheaded the demon.

“good job! now come on!” Asa reached out for the girl and hijiri grabbed back.

Asa was not going to let any of these kids die. she turned as she heard shinazugawa cackle while the demon laid at his feet disintegrating.

the remaining weaker demons look to each other wondering what they should do but before they could decide shinazugawa was already tearing off to behead them as well.

Asa knew he would be okay, there were only three demons left and shinazugawa had just behead two of them. so she took it upon herself to guide the kids out of the house.

when they were outside she gave them directions to a nearby wisteria house they could rest in and get patched up. they were pretty banged up but not dead.

she waved goodbye to them as shinazugawa came outside of the house and stood next to her. he was more cut up than she was. although it was partially Asa’s fault.

they stood in silence before the girl spoke up, “we have to go see shinobu-sama. don't we?”

“shit. yeah probably.” shinazugawa responded.

they started walking

———————

shinobu stood over the two adults

“so? you wanted to show off to the younger slayers?”

shinazugawa was wrapped in bandages from chest down, and Asa’s back was wrapped almost to tightly to breathe.

“no-” shinobu raised her eyebrow as shinazugawa tried speaking. “no? why else would you let yourself get cut up so badly? you wanted to make the demons go after you so you could show off.” the girl said plainly.

“and you.” she turned on Asa “you need to worry more about yourself ‘i didn't want the kids hurt, i didn't want them dead’ obviously they weren't going to die. they passed final selection, worry more about yourself before you go wanting to worry about other people.”

wow, she said that all in one breath.

“sorry shinobu-sama” Asa responded like a scolded child.

shinobu let out a sigh, “both of you go rest. i’ll discharge you both tonight as long as you don't fight.”

the two of them were stuck in the butterfly mansion for three days.

———————

when they were eventually released Asa headed straight for the stone mansion, she wanted to train with genya, or even by herself! she’d be okay with that!

when she did make it geyna was out under the waterfall and gyomei was on a mission, she had free time. she's not good with free time.

so as she went up to her room all she could do was think. her feet seemed to carry her straight to her closet. she hesitated to open it but when she did the gifted haori seemed to stare right at her.

she felt horrible as she looked at the rips in it, the flowing material just didn't work with her breathing style. she stared at the fabric many times wondering what to do with it. but for the first time, she acted on her ideas.

she took the fabric and got to work, she tentatively cut the sleeves off and grabbed her old sewing kit she had as a kakushi. she put the sleeve on and sewed them to fit her arms.

and when she was done she put the now ruined haori back into her closet, but at least now she could carry kanae around without worrying about her getting ripped or stained.

she ran her fingers across the new fabric on her arms as she left her room to see if geyna needed anything. she heard noises from the kitchen, she redirected her course and when she walked in she saw a half drenched geyna trying to make rice balls.

“you can't cook.. what are you doing?” she asked out of pure shock. the boy looked like a wet rat caught red handed. “um.. i just got hungry.” he said awkwardly.

Asa sighed “move, go sit on the engawa you're drenched. i’ll make you something actually edible.” he nodded and did as he was told.

she methodically handled the rice and made them into little triangles with small bits of salmon in the middle. when she finished them off with seaweed she brought them out to the engawa.

genya devoured two of them and ate the third more slowly.

“how long are you staying?” the boy asked in between bites. Asa hummed “at least until my next mission call.” she said, “why? you miss me or something?” she joked.

“as if.” genya scoffed weakly. “you're just good for the food.” “oh noo, as soon as you learn to make your own food you’ll drop me forever?” Asa said sarcasticly.

“mhm, that's right. count your days of usefulness to me.” he responded and then stuffed the rest of the rice ball in his mouth.

they sat in silence until genya had nearly finished off the rice ball. “wanna spare?” Asa asked, the boy agreed easily.

———————

Asa had her hands on genya’s shoulders, gyomei stood behind her, “don’t be a brat, be nice to people who are nice to you, please please please don't start any fights.” she set out the rules she had already told him twenty times at that point.

he kicked dirt up with his feet as he mumbled in agreement, she gripped his shoulders a little harder. “be safe please, come back as soon as you're done.”

he looked up to meet her eye, he nodded silently, Asa stepped back to let gyomei wish him goodbye. he was finally going to final selection and Asa was nervous enough for the three of them.

she gave him a haircut the night before and… kinda messed it up. it’s alright though! maybe people won't try to mess with him. he looked a bit ridiculous though, she's blaming that on her limited vision, it's his fault he let a blind person cut his hair.

he started walking away and she called one final goodbye as he vanished from her sight. “gyomei. i need to hit something.” she said anxiously. “i’ll grab the logs.” he replied easily rubbing his prayer beads together.

after three straight hours of hitting logs, she only stopped because all of them were wood chips, she was finally tired out enough to not think about genya's final selection.

she started walking back into the mansion to eat and then hopefully sleep all seven days.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho era secrets!-

- Asa and Sanemi have one thing in common, being scared of shinibu when they're injured (it was previously two but that doesn't exsist anymore<3)

- when a told she had a previous mission with sanemi, Asa did actually go lay in gyomei's fire pit. it was as pleasant as you'd expect.

- now that she has kanae's gifted haori on, Asa rubs her arms when she gets nervous, funny what liking a girl does to your mental state.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Chapter Text

Asa’s outlet for her nervous energy during geyna’s final selection was cooking. any kind of cooking. sweets, savory foods, breakfasts, mitsuri came over a lot that week with the excuse of training with gyomei.

“it's just- so good Asa-san!” mitsuri said, taking another bite of the weird American dish Asa had found in a book. she could only assume it was some sort of dessert since there was so much sugar in the recipe.

“i’m glad you think so mitsuri-sama.” Asa replied, she was stirring so hard the handle on the whisk was splintering. mitsuri frowned “noooooo- you should call me mitsuri-san at least! or just no honorific at alll.” the hashira whined.

Asa released some pressure off the whisk, “i’m sorry mitsuri-sama but i’d prefer to keep the honorific, i use it as a sign of respect, and i respect you a lot.” she apologized, smiling a little.

“eep! so cute and kind about shutting me down!” mitsuri thought blushing a bit. “mmmm- i respect you too Asa-san! but i’m not calling you -sama!! that's too formal for me, okay?” the girl kicked her legs around a bit as she talked.

asa laughed a bit, her stirring much calmer than before, “alright mitsuri-sama.”

———————
“Asa-sama! the haze hashira!”
“-!! please don't say things like that, that sounds like too much pressure mitsuri-sama.”
“whaaaat, you don't wanna be hashira together???”
———————

Asa sat outside the estates gate waiting anxiously to see any sign of geyna. gyomei was inside the estate waiting a bit calmer, mostly just praying for the boys safety.

when she saw the shadow of the boy walking over the horizon she perked up, she waited as patiently as she could but stood as he got closer.

he sighed at the sight, “i’m home,” he called, still walking

“welcome home!” she called back, happy to see the boy in the best health he could be in.

“you got food?” he said once he made it to the gate. he did look thin.

“we have so much food.” she responded happily.

———————

three weeks after geyna’s final selection Asa was back at the butterfly estate with a summoning from shinobu herself.

“you need extra help?”

“mm, now that kanao has her own missions to attend too we have a few things that aren't being done, of course this won't be permanent.” shinobu wrapped another slayers arm as she spoke, “it would just be when you had free time.”

Asa didn't really have to think, a hashira asked her to do something and she cared a lot about shinobu, “sure shinobu-sama, whatever you need i can do.” she replied happy to have work.

———————

the work kept up, on Asa’s down time she would go to the butterfly mansion and do whatever shinobu needed. whether that be sweeping, organizing, or patching up the injured.

every so often another hashira would be there either paying shinobu a visit or getting scolded by the girl for getting too banged up.

some days though mitsuri would come to gossip while they worked.

today was one of those days.

she would talk about whatever she heard from the lower ranks, other hashira (mostly from uzui), or even from the crows.

“i heard there was a young slayer carrying a demon with him!” she said while folding clothes,”carrying a demon? why on earth would he be doing that?”

the girl just shrugged ”don't know, but he sounds interesting right? maybe it's a family member?” Asa only hummed in response while folding bed sheets.

“i also heard about a whole demon mountain! sounds scary right? i bet you would protect me though Asa!” mitsuri fakely shuddered in fear.

“i’d do whatever you require mitsuri-sama, although it may end up being the other way around.” Asa laughed a bit at the thought of mitsuri cowering behind her.

“mmm, well anyways there was this other thing!-”

the girl droned on with her gossip as they folded clothes, but the talk kept going even to their other chores.

Asa was having fun though, she appreciated mitsuri and her seemingly endless amounts of topics to talk about.

but… a demon slayer carrying around a demon? even when mitsuri said it with such an excited tone, Asa couldn't help from being scared for the people around them.

———————

Asa was soon told to head to the mountain mitsuri had talked about only a few days before. Asa, shinobu, kanao were called to the mountain and they went without complaint.

it was mostly quiet on their journey there, running and jumping on trees had the three occupied. though Asa still didn't know how anyone could run on a tree.

when they arrived kanao ran off to defeat as many demons as possible, and Asa decided to stick close incase Shinobu needed anything. there were many slayers who had gotten poisoned, the two had to treat them as fast as possible.

one boy with yellow hair was one of the only sensible ones and controlled the poison with total concentration. though she couldn't help but be weirded out while he whispered to himself.

they ran farther ahead after he was treated, the strangest part was there weren't demons. just infected slayers.

the two treated as many as possible and left them for the kakushi.

———————

they broke into a clearing and giyuu was there?? shinobu went to behead the demon the man was standing over and he… blocked it.

“oh? why are you getting in the way tomioka?” the girl flipped out of the way and landed gracefully, Asa kept running and slid to a stop next to her. “hmm- i remember you saying we can't get along with demons, but what's this all about?”

the man didn't respond so shinobu pressed on, “if you do this, everyone will hate you.”

…
…
…

“i- am not hated.” he spoke softly.

“oh. i apologize, i thought you had realized you were. pardon me for saying to much.” shinobu.. apologized?

“um shinobu- i don't think, uhh,” Asa couldn't seem to form a sentence, “giyuu-sama i appreciate your company enough.” She settled on trying to make the man feel better.

shinobu looked at Asa like the woman had just stabbed her. “of course! i- i appreciate your company more shinobu-sama!” Asa said hurriedly.

while Asa was apologizing giyuu had the boy start running, though he wasn't very fast. “Asa i will get onto you more later, go after the boy.”

“yes!”

———————

as Asa reached out to grab the boy kanao jumped down onto his back, Asa could barely stop still slightly knocking into kanao.

The boy told the demon to start running and the two tsugukos started to chase

but..

why was this little demon so fast?? Asa and kanao ran side by side trying to just do some damage but soon the girl was too far ahead to reach. “kanao! i have an idea, you willing to try something out?”

the girl whipped out the coin she always carried and impressively flipped it while running. it landed on tails which seemed to be the right answer.

“what's the idea, Asa-san?” the girl asked neutrally.

“i’m going to give you a little boost, when i say go push off my hands okay?” Asa tried her best to explain but Kanao seemed to understand well enough.

Asa sheathed her sword and then counted to three “go!” she shouted, kanao pushed off her hands and was boosted nearly all the way to the demon girl but before she could behead her, “CAW! MESSAGE MESSAGE! RESTRAIN THOSE KNOWN AS TANJIRO AND NEZUKO, BRING THEM TO HEADQUARTERS! CAW!”

kanao landed right on her face behind the demon girl.”shit! kanao!! are you okay? i’m so sorry!” Asa ran up to the girl and started apologizing profusely before kanao got up and showed a single thumbs up as a response.

the demon girl had stopped running as well. Asa uncomfortably stared at her “nezuko?” she asked. the demon girl seemed to look into Asa’s soul and then nodded happily.

“um… i’m picking you up now.” Asa stated, though it sounded more like a question. The woman walked up to nezuko and picked her up by the back of her collar like a cat.

what the hell was happening with these kids??

———————

“That boy was very eccentric!” rengoku laughed while drinking the tea Asa gave him. “He headbutted shinazugawa-san into submission and even made sure him and his demon sister weren't sentenced to death!”

…headbutted into submission?? is that all Asa had to do to get the man to listen to her? “I can see you're thinking hard Asa! shinazugawa-san was very mad and almost killed the boy so i wouldn't recommend headbutting him!” he seemed to speak from experience.

Asa still wasn't the biggest fan of tanjiro and his demon, but anyone who headbutts a shinazugawa can't be horrible.

“OH! Asa-san! I will be going on a mission very soon and may not be seeing you for some time. I wanted to visit before I had to leave!” Rengoku said, voice booming louder than usual.

Asa looked to him “oh.. would you like to spar then?” she asked, she was disappointed she would be seeing her friend for some time.

before she could get too sad he smiled widely “You know me so well Asa-san!” he laughed happily.

13-20

——————— tanjiro POV:o? ———————

miss shinobu was finally releasing them! she had to check his jaw for the last time, it was mostly healed but it was still sore.

he took the time of my check up to ask about the dance of the fire god, she knew nothing! but apparently the flame hashira may be able to help!

at last though! time to depart!

oh? someone is coming?

someone turned the corner and bumped right into tanjiro’s shoulder before continuing without saying a word, he even dodged him on purpose! before the boy could talk someone else whipped around the corner and took him by surprise.

“Genya!” the woman called “it is not nice to bump into people, you need to not start fights on purpose!” she was even taller than the boy she was talking to (woah!)

and as she caught up to him she turned back and clasped her hands together “sorry tanjiro-san he’s not the best at being… nice” she apologized then turned back hurriedly to catch up once again with the boy. “genya!”

he could hear the boy screaming about how she didn't need to apologize to me.. ouch

wait… just now that was the guy from final selection! and the lady from the spider forest!

he grew so much in such a short amount of time… and wasn't she friends with pillars? that must be how she knew his name!!

wait tanjiro didn't get to wish them well! ahh that was so rude of him. :(

tanjiro had a feeling he would've been ignored by genya anyway.

———————

Asa could not believe how bratty genya was! maybe she need to pay that tanjiro kid to headbutt him. “genya!” she yelled rounding the corner after apologizing to the boy, “i cannot believe how rude you were! just because you got a growth spurt does not mean you get to be an asshole!!”

“YOU DON'T NEED TO APOLOGIZE TO HIM! HE ALMOST BROKE MY ARM SO HE CAN ROT!”

wow okay.

“you were probably being a little piece of shit!” she hissed back. he made a face like he lost.

he did lose.

“go get your check up you brat.” she sighed, annoyed with the boy.

he grumbled but (thankfully) did as she said.

Asa quickly walked past his little room he waited in to get shinobu. but she could not for the life of her find the girl. at some point she wanted to give up until she saw the her walk out of the storage space.

the same storage space she received her haori. she could see something in the girls hand but she called for the girl as to not startle her.

“shinobu-sama!”

it still startled her

“oh! Asa,” she hid whatever she had behind her back, “did you manage to get genya here?” she asked composing herself quickly.

“yes! he's in his room ready for you to check up on him.” she responded, stepping to walk beside her. “tanjiro-san and his friends are leaving today, right?” Asa asked.

“hmm, those boys are out on a mission with rengoku-san.” shinobu responded softly,

Asa hummed, she didn't say anything but she would have loved to go on rengoku’s mission as well. missions with him were always fun.

they got to the room genya was in and shinobu hesitated, Asa knew she hid whatever she had in her sleeve so when the girl went to reach for it Asa was a bit scared of what she had.

but it was just cloth holding something. Shinobu hesitated again, “um- kanae wanted to give you something after your final selection.”

shinobu’s eyes gave nothing away but her voice cracked a bit, “obviously she couldn't but- i wanted you to have it anyway. i apologize it took me this long to get it to you, i had been looking for it for ages.”

she unfolded the cloth carefully to reveal a hairpin, it looked to be untouched nichirin. it was a simple sharp ‘v’ shape but it was beautifully crafted.

Asa covered her mouth, silent as she looked at the hairpin.

“she wanted you to have options, so in the case of your dao breaking or being lost, you could use this.” she handed the cloth to Asa.

The woman took it and held it like glass, slowly she touched it and it turned the gray-green color her sword was. she almost cried over it but she held it in best she could.

“thank you” She spoke, voice cracking just as bad as shinobu’s.

shinobu only nodded, she regained her composure and went in to check on genya.

Asa looked back at the hairpin and smiled, she started walking to one of the outside areas of the estate to watch the sun set and wait on genya.

———————
“is Asa-san okay?”
“i don't know how would i know?”
“she looks like she could eat some food!”
———————

the door behind her slid open, she turned her head expecting genya but kiyo, sumi, and naho stood there instead.

they held a platter full of rice balls, “oh, hi girls! what are those for?” Asa said, still holding the hair pin. “to make you feel better silly!” “mhmmhm!” “you looked like you needed some food to cheer you up!”

Asa look back at the rice balls, she didn't want to eat but she couldn't turn them away, “ahh alright,” she sighed “only if the three of you share with me.”

It couldn't help to have the girls there while waiting on genya. and it really didn't because when he roughly opened the door outside the girls scolded him for being so rough with it, they then had him sit and eat with them.

———————
“genya get up, we have to get back to the estate.”
“I can't…”
“what?”
“my legs.. are asleep.”
———————

Asa received the news while she was finishing a mission. she was still mostly in the loop of kakushi drama, but it was only rumored that rengoku was injured during his latest mission.

but her crow soon dropped to her shoulder after a mission that bled into the morning and cried out “caw!! the flame hashira rengoku-sama has perished in battle! caw!”

what?

he couldn't have died, he's a hashira, but also he’s him?

she couldn't imagine a world where rengoku died but suddenly that far off world seemed to crash into her. rengoku wouldn't come back for tea or a spar. she wouldn't hear his booming laughter. and she would never be comforted by his strong presence on the battlefield again.

“i need to go back to the stone estate.” was all she could mumble before dismissing her crow and racing off to get back to her home.

she broke into the estate right past midday “gyomei!” she called out, Asa heard her response and ran to the kitchen. gyomei and uzui were there standing on either side of the main table they had.

“i see you’ve received the news Asa.” gyomei rubbed his prayer beads like his life depended on it. “rengoku will be missed, i will make sure to make his funeral goes out with a bang.” uzui said, completely genuinely.

Asa sighed at the difference in emotional range in one room “yes gyomei, i heard the news, i’m devastated, i wish i was there myself to aid.” the woman wasn't lying she was horrified she wouldn't see her friend again.

uzui made a face like she was the stupidest girl in the world. “you would've surely died as well Asa.” he turned back to gyomei, “it was for the best you not be there to get in the way.”

Asa could not stand that man for much longer. uzui turned back to the now annoyed Asa, “i need you for a future mission by the way, it will not be for sometime but I'm letting you know earlier on.”

“uzui-sama why on earth would i do that when we can do nothing except argue about anything we talk about?” Asa spoke and uzui looked offended.

to much emotional range for a man who just found out he lost a friend.

“i need you to speak about this to me later, i just found out rengoku-sama died a couple hours ago and i need time without talking about demon slaying to adjust.”

uzui scoffed “not talk about our job? what else do we talk about?”

Asa didn't respond and started walking to her room. she could hear uzui’s offended squawks along the way.

she ended up sleeping for two days straight.

———————

when she did wake up she made the trek to the rengoku house. her next mission was two weeks away and then after that uzui wanted to drag her to who knows where.

when she knocked on the door, rengoku's little brother opened it, he looked scared to see her but they had only met a few times before when mitsuri was still in training.

“senjuro-kun,” Asa bowed “i came to offer my condolences and see if you or your father needed help with anything.” she offered quietly.

senjuro bowed back, “Asa-san, it's nice to see you again, and thank you very much.” he opened the door wider as an invitation inside. “honestly, without kyojuro there's not much to do.” he hesitated “though if you could help clean some higher places i would be grateful.”

she smiled, “i would be happy to, senjuro-kun.”

———————

kyojuro didn't have a big funeral.

Oyakata-sama (and his family), the hashira, senjuro, and the two tsuguko came to bid him farewell and good luck in the afterlife.

Asa didn't think he needed luck. he never did, typically things just seemed to go in his favor.

she was sure the same would happen now.

———————

with the two weeks up, she was going on a mission with the youngest hashira to date.

muichiro tokito was a strange boy, his resting state seemed to be an aloof forgetfulness he couldn't get rid of, but sometimes Asa would say something and it's like a switch would flip and he would look at her like she was the sun.

so, he was a strange boy, but strong and she respected him a lot. she couldn't help it when her breathing style was half of his.

so when they met up at the butterfly estate to travel to a mission she couldn't help but be a bit excited. they never really talked unless necessary, but the two of them got work done efficiently without words.

from what Asa heard this mission would be in the trees.

almighty Buddha why'd it have to be trees?

Asa and muichiro stopped to eat dinner at a village near the forest and Asa had to convince the people they bought food from the two were…. performers.. for a traveling entertainment group…

it loosely worked

tokito, the poor boy, looked like he believed Asa for about two seconds until he most likely forgot again.

or remembered they were demon slayers.

going into the forest that night wasn't as bad as Asa thought it would be. she still hated fighting in trees but she could at least tolerate it for the mission.

as they walked further the two realized too late they were slowly getting lost and the fog was getting thicker, Asa could only assume it was from a demon.

muichiro drew his sword and Asa followed his lead. her dao felt comforting in her hands as she looked around the foggy forest.

she looked deeper into the forest, eyes stared back.

the two demon slayers moved fast, both breathing and calling out their techniques as they cut down a few small harpy-like demons.

the fog did not disburse, it almost seemed to get thicker.

muichiro flicked his sword, “those weren't the main demons then.” Asa hummed “it can never be simple, can it?” she added on the question, mostly to herself, but the boy nodded in agreement.

muichiro looked up at her, “are you okay to go farther in?” he asked, “yes of course tokito-sama, why wouldn't i be?”

“you don't like fighting in trees.” he responded simply, looking back into the forest, he started walking in like he never even asked.

the strangest part was she can't remember when she might have told the boy she didn't like fighting in trees. she shook off the thought and followed the boy closely.

they had to behead many more small demons before they found a thick layer of fog, they had been walking for a while so Asa could only assume they were near the middle of the forest.

though that didn't matter because the two slayers knew the demon was most likely in there. they poked around the shell like fog. before Asa spoke up with a plan.

“let's attack on both sides, i bet the fog will be weaker if it's attacked in multiple ways..” muichiro slowly nodded, “sure Asa-san.” the boy stalked to the other side and Asa in took a breath preparing to attack.

“haze breathing first form:”

“mist breathing second form:”

“distant justice.”

“eight-layered mist.”

the two attack simultaneously, Asa performing a powerful stab on her side, and muichiro cutting into the mist. they heard a sickly cry come from the mist as it shot out and disbursed.

muichiro immediately ran to behead the demon as Asa regained her balance from the shock wave and went to aid him as much as possible.

anytime muichiro would be pushed back by the misty shockwaves Asa would shoot in and do as much damage as she could. “the demon is getting weaker!” Asa called out.

muichiro knew that, he could feel the shock waves pushing him back less.

as Asa went to try and attack again the demon changed it's strategy by swinging it's gnarled hand out, trying to hit anything it could. Asa jumped too far back to dodge and slammed into a tree.

oh yeah. that's why she hated fighting in forests.

as it stalked towards her Asa tightened the grip of her sword and whipped her chain blindly while trying to even out her breaths.

the demon towered over her,

“mist breathing”

she held her chain tightly ready to protect herself.

“fourth form: shifting flow slash.”

dust rained down on the girl and muichiro now replaced the demon, he held his hand out “come on Asa-san, there's no need to be on the ground.”

she huffed out a now even breath and took his hand hauling herself up. “are you hurt anywhere, tokito-sama?” he shook his head “i should be asking you that, um…”

oh. he forgot the question.

“my back will bruise but I'm not especially injured tokito-sama.” she responded anyway. “i’ll talk to the kakushi when the get here. we don't know how many bodies could be in this forest.”

he nodded then called his crow over to report the mission success.

———————

as night crept into morning the kakushi arrived slowly, she would report to any that came up to her, though none seemed to want to get close to muichiro.

poor kid.

“tokito-sama!” Asa called over to the boy, he stared at her for a few seconds before deciding to actually walk in her direction. “let's get breakfast together before heading our separate ways, does that sound okay?” she asked.

his crow, the little bastard, nipped at Asa’s hair and called her ugly before muichiro could respond, but he gave his crow a look then turned to Asa “sure.”

sometimes simple is best. they made sure the kakushi were alright before leaving and they went to a nearby village, thankfully a different one than before.

muichiro nearly tried paying but Asa put a stop to that.

finally they parted ways, muichiro nearly looked sad when they departed. Asa could only assume he forgot his sadness soon after.

———————

uzui ambushed her at the butterfly estate and quite literally wrestled Asa all the way to the sound estate. so similar to every other interaction she had with the man it was unpleasant.

she was forced to listen to his “brilliant” idea of how to kill this demon in the red light district for his mission. send in his wives and Asa to infiltrate three houses he narrowed down.

“why do i have to go if it's three houses?” asa spoke up after he was done elaborately explaining his, frankly horrific, plan.

he smiled, “because….”

he didn't have a reason

“my intuition said so! and i’m a hashira, i’m sure my flaboyant mind would not steer me wrong!” he laughed loudly, more proud of his quick thinking than his terrible plan.

Asa sighed, she cannot decline the man, no matter how badly she wanted to. “i’ll come uzui-sama, do whatever you need to have this demon dead.” she said like she had a choice in the matter.

“wonderful! now Asa, why don't you stay for dinner!” he said loudly.

what

———————
“Asa, your hair is beautiful!”
“You should come to dinner more often!”
“You sure you don't want to be Tengen-sama’s fourth?”
———————

they set off for the mission a few days after Asa regretfully ate dinner with the hashira and his wives.

now, the women were very nice but they were.. a bit to loud for Asa’s taste. and they would not let her help with anything in the kitchen! she just had to sit at the table and listen to uzui talk.

it’s okay now, the mission now took priority in her mind. the other thing taking priority? trying to avoid uzui putting horrific makeup on her.

she didn't see what he did Suma-san but she actually started crying it off. so yeah Asa was avoiding him like the plague and opted to do her own makeup before he could touch her.

but the issue was, she had never done her own makeup, the only thing close to her doing her own was when she was seven and put red lipstick on her mother.

so instead she sheepishly went to hinatsuru.

“um, pardon me hinatsuru-san,” she knocked on the wall where the wives were sitting, doing their makeup without uzui. “could one of you.. please um.” she pressed her lips in a thin line.

Asa was embarrassed to ask for help, but makio saw how nervous the woman was and spoke up, “c’mere Asa-san i’ll do your makeup for you.” she patted a spot on the floor next to her.

Asa blushed, mostly from embarrassment, and went to sit in front of makio. “you're pretty tan Asa so there's not a lot i can do to cover blemishes but i can make you look good enough in the dark.”

Makio smirked.

Asa smiled nervously.

———————

As they walked through the district asa stuck close to makio, she might have been the loudest but Asa was okay with that. less creepy men came up to her that way.

that's how they were “sold” as well. makio and asa in the ogimoto house, suma in the tokito house, and hinatsuru kyougoku house.

every other night the four women would meet and write down everything into letters for uzui. well, hinatsuru or makio would have to write Asa’s. even with the elder women in the house trying to educate her, Asa couldn't pick up how to actually write. she gave up pretty quickly after learning how to read basic words.

she was going about her normal day, talking to the younger girls, checking the darker areas of the house, going to makio’s room..

and oh there were ribbons shooting out at her. she didn't have her sword. she was going to-

the ribbon wrapped around her and the last thing she heard was makio’s muffled call out for her.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
taisho era secrets!-

- Asa now goes to the rengoku household to help clean when she can, her schedule is getting pretty busy!

- The lie Asa told about her and muichiro being traveling performers still fades in and out of the boy's mind, sometimes he's convinced he lost her on the way to a venueᓫ(°⌑°)ǃ

- makio wasn't kidding when she said Asa was tan, the wife wasn't sure how someone could spend so much time outside.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★