'Azura, don't ever give up protecting the weak, okay?'
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AZURA YAMAZAKI POV
"Has it become a regular occurrence for you to be in the infirmary almost every day?" Kocho-chan murmured, her usual blank expression on her face. Seeing her again brought a smile to my face.
"You know how it is, the Flame Pillar is strict with his training!" I replied, attempting to mimic Kyojuro's mannerisms.
She let out a sigh and reached for a white bandage to wrap around my hands.
"I'm Shinobu Kocho. And you are?"
Finally, she introduced herself by name! Could this be the start of a budding friendship?
"I'm Azura Yamazaki! Just call me Azura," I said, beaming with excitement.
"I recognize you. My sister mentioned wanting you to be her Tsuguko when she becomes a Pillar, but you chose to go with Shinjuro-dono instead."
If only I had met you earlier, things might have been different!
"But you can't become a Tsuguko if you're this weak, Yamazaki-chan," she murmured, pity evident in her voice as she ignored my request to use my given name.
Ah! Is it because I keep seeking medical help? It's embarrassing, and I can't use it as an excuse to visit her. So, I simply hummed and swallowed my humiliation.
She continued wrapping the second hand with white bandages, covering the creases and small scars from the training sessions with Shinjuro and Kyojuro. "You need to minimize your time in the infirmary. You have to be strong for the Final Selection next year."
The Final Selection is an examination for those aspiring to join the Demon Slayer Corps. Participants must survive for seven days on Mt. Fujikasane, where demons captured by the Demon Slayers are imprisoned and waiting to attack.
She's right. I can't just waste my time here.
"Will you be participating in the Final Selection next year too, Shino- Kocho-chan?" I asked.
"Yes," she replied.
"Then how about we train together, Kocho-chan!" I suggested, hoping for a positive response. Her lips curved up slightly.
"Our training methods here, Yamazaki-chan, are different," she said, tempering my enthusiasm.
That's right... I'm such an idiot. Feeling a wave of shame wash over me, I covered my face with a blanket and turned away from Kocho-chan.
"Don't waste your time in here, Yamazaki-chan. I'll be waiting for you at the finish line." Her words carried a mix of encouragement and determination.
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THIRD POV
After seven months of training at Rengoku's household, Azura Yamazaki had honed her skills to the point where she could effortlessly evade Kyojuro Rengoku's punches and sword swings.
"Amazing Azura!" Kyojuro exclaimed, swinging his sword to the right, but Azura swiftly ducked, attempting to counterattack. However, Kyojuro skillfully dodged her strike.
They had been engaged in this intense sparring session for nearly two hours when Shinjuro-dono finally stepped in, wearing a delighted expression as he observed his children, particularly Azura, displaying their newfound strength.
"You've both done exceptionally well," he praised, patting their heads affectionately. "Now, it's time for the real Nichirin blade!" he declared.
Azura felt a sense of hesitation. It seemed too soon to be handling such a powerful weapon. However, Kyojuro seemed eager to wield the other Nichirin sword held in Shinjuro's hands. Azura couldn't help but wonder if Kyojuro had ever used a Nichirin blade of her caliber. She was amazed by his talent and quick learning abilities, as well as his unwavering determination to follow in his father's footsteps and become a Hashira.
Azura didn't care if she was Hashira or not, as long as it meant she could save a lot of people.
"Watch closely, Azura."
A shiver ran down Azura's spine as Shinjuro spoke in his usual stern tone. Despite his kindness towards his family, his demeanor during demon slayer training remained serious. As the Flame Pillar Hashira and the eldest among them, Shinjuro embodied a sense of authority. Azura longed to meet the other Hashiras, but the rigorous training schedule left little room for such interactions.
Shinjuro stood empty-handed, while Kyojuro wielded his Nichirin sword. With a bow, they launched into their attack. Kyojuro made the first move, but Shinjuro-dono effortlessly evaded it, leaving Azura filled with confidence. This time, she could clearly see the flames dancing on Kyojuro's Nichirin sword, captivating her with their brilliance and power.
They continued their intense duel, and Azura found herself fascinated by Shinjuro's ability to deftly evade and defend against Kyojuro's relentless assaults, even without any weapon in his hands. It was a sight that captivated her and inspired her to push herself further in her own training.
'As expected the power from a Flame Hashira!'
They came to a standstill after about thirty minutes, and Kyojuro was sweating and exhausted, although his father looked radiant and sweat-free. He then demonstrates the flame-breathing method to Azura.
Flame Breathing is a Breathing Style that uses the user's movements, skills, and talents to imitate flames. The majority, if not all, known techniques and forms include highly powerful single strikes that 'burn' their opponents, with the majority of attacks being launched from a high stance. When using Flame Breathing techniques, users experience themselves as if they are creating and manipulating fire.
This Breathing Style was created by one of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's students who attempted to learn Sun Breathing but were instead taught an alternate personalized Breathing Style that focused on their strengths and weaknesses, which eventually evolved into Flame Breathing because they were not as innately powerful as Yoriichi.
Shinjuro gave Azura some background information about Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Yoriichi is a legendary Demon Slayer from the Sengoku Era who is also the most powerful Demon Slayer ever. He is also the creator of Sun Breathing, making him the patriarch of Breathing Styles.
Furthermore, Shinjuro revealed that there are approximately nine known techniques within Flame Breathing, some of which even Kyojuro had not yet mastered. The depth and complexity of this Breathing Style served as a constant reminder of the vast skills and knowledge that awaited Azura on her journey of becoming a skilled Demon Slayer.
"Don't worry you two can master all nine techniques since you got me!"
Azura and Kyojuro both looked at each other and grinned excitedly.
This was Azura Yamazaki's envisioned utopian life, where she trained alongside her "family," shared meals and breaks together, and basked in the harmonious atmosphere of the Rengoku Household. The joyful ambiance filled every corner of the house, with the younger members eagerly awaiting Shinjuro's return from his missions, their excitement palpable.
Azura and Senjuro would embrace Kyojuro tightly, bidding him farewell with well-wishes before he embarked on his dangerous missions. Meanwhile, Azura dedicated herself to personal training, assisting Senjuro with household tasks, and ensuring Ruka Rengoku's comfort. Once the responsibilities were fulfilled, Azura would impart her knowledge of swordsmanship to Senjuro, guiding him on his path. It was a portrayal of what she deemed an "ideal family."
Yet, in this world,
Eternal happiness remains elusive.
"Get out."
