#deamon slayer

Chapter 1

“Again!”

Rengoku’s booming voice filled the air as Y/N’s blade sliced forward, flames swirling only to be cut by a sudden burst of wind that nearly threw her off balance.

She stumbled, teeth clenched, then steadied herself with a sharp inhale. Her breathing came ragged, but she lifted her blade again.

“You lean too far into the wind!” Rengoku barked, golden eyes blazing with focus. “Your stance must anchor the fire! Do not let the wind scatter your flame—make it dance with you!”

Y/N exhaled, body trembling, before stepping in once more. This time the arc of her blade sang with flame and wind, a spiraling motion that set the dirt ground ablaze with sparks.

The clang of wood clapping followed—Shinobu, seated with her parasol open against the afternoon sun, smiled slyly.

“Not bad,” she hummed. “But her lungs are too strained. You’re pushing her, Rengoku-san.”

“That is the point!” Rengoku roared with laughter. “Pressure builds diamonds!”

From the side, Sanemi snorted, arms crossed. “Or cracks stone. You’re too loud for your own good.” His eyes shifted to Y/N, sharp as blades. “Don’t expect the demons to go easy because you’re juggling two elements. You keep fumbling like that, and you’ll die before you even rank up.”

“Sanemi,” Gyomei’s deep voice rumbled, calm but firm. “Her will burns steady. She will find balance.”

Muichiro, absentmindedly plucking grass nearby, spoke in his soft tone: “She’s like a sister. She’ll be fine.”

Y/N blinked, caught off guard. “Muichiro…”

The boy’s expression softened for a rare moment. “You’re kind. It’s… warm.”

Laughter rang from Mitsuri, bouncing with excitement. “Yes! Y/N-chan is amazing! She’s strong and gentle, and she always brings everyone together! It’s no wonder Senjuro adores her!”

“Ahhh, speaking of Senjuro!” Uzui’s voice suddenly boomed as he made a flamboyant entrance, tossing a flower petal in her direction. “Did you know, Flame-boy, that your younger brother brags about Y/N like she’s his elder sister? What a dazzling bond! Truly flamboyant!”

Rengoku only smiled, proud and unshaken. “It is splendid that my brother treasures her so! Y/N has proven her heart is noble!”

But Y/N flushed under the gazes, shaking her head. “Don’t exaggerate—”

Shinobu’s voice cut in smoothly, lips curved in a playful smile. “Oh, no exaggeration at all. Even Oyakata-sama smiles differently when Y/N enters the room.”

That made Y/N freeze. The Hashira chuckled, some nodding knowingly, but Rengoku… Rengoku tilted his head, curious yet untroubled.

“Is that so?” he asked cheerfully, utterly oblivious.

“Dense,” Sanemi muttered.

The group’s laughter rose again, leaving Y/N flustered.