𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 // Akaza x reader (+18)

Chapter 10 | Break

With the party continuing and the seats switching you somehow end up next to Tengen Uzui. He's the only other Hashira apart from Mitsuri of course who you would consider a friend. Rengoku often spoke highly of him and the two of you visited the Sound Hashira now and then. Therefore it's not strange to be so close with such a honorable person.

"So Y/N, how have you been faring?", he asks and holds onto his beer.

It takes all your self control not to stare on his missing hand. Although you know that Tengen most likely is proud to have proof of his actions it hurts you to see him like this.
He'll never be able to use his Nichirin blades again.

"Good, and you? Are you already used to living with missing body parts?", you want to know sarcastically.

Tengen laughs loudly. His eye squints with the movement. "Yeah don't worry. My flashiness isn't affected by it. So long as my beautiful face isn't completely ruined I can live with it."

Of course he had to answer like that. He introduced himself to you with the words 'Meet the flashiest Hashira to ever exist; the god of festivals!'
What first looked like a joke soon turned out to be the truth. If this man wants to party he makes sure to leave no crumbs behind.

"And don't forget!", Tengen adds with a smirk, "I've got my wives. They assist me."

Yeah sure. You forgot about that. Not only did he defeat an Upper Moon and survive. No, he also has the privilege of not one but three women who love him unconditionally. This man really had all the luck in the world. Still has it.

"So they survived, too?", you repeat more to yourself than to him.

Tengen almost looks outraged.
"Sure. They are as skilled as me."

You raise your hands as if to say 'sorry it wasn't meant like that' and drink something of your own beer. For the sake of Oyakata-sama you'll try not to make a face when tasting this awful liquid.

"Sorry if it sounds bad but why are you not the new Flame Hashira?", Tengen asks suddenly.

You recoil under his stare. It's not judgy at all, rather concerned but you still can't stand it. Because it's him.
You don't want Tengen to know why you're unworthy.
That you're unworthy.

"I uhm ... didn't kill enough demons to serve as it. It would be an insult to give me the title Rengoku earned with his life", you answer sheepishly.

Tengen thinks for a while. His eyes stay glued to your face and your cheeks burn under his gaze. You don't need another one telling you that Oyakata-sama made the right decision.

"If you hadn't had skills Rengoku would not have made you his Tsuguko. But I understand Oyakata-sama's judgment. You were in the middle of your schooling. He can't raise a demon slayer to a higher rank if there are not enough reasons", Tengen clarifies in a way which soothes your soul.
"Which doesn't mean that there will be someday", he adds with a wink.

You nod and stare at the table.
"Yeah I know. I'm not angry at Oyakata-sama", you reply earnestly.

"So what will you do now? Ask another Hashira to become their Tsuguko?", Tengen asks with honest interest.

You'd love to be his Tsuguko. He's funny, strong and obviously good with women. Most importantly he's been Rengoku's best friend. He'd be a perfect fit for you.
As for the others ...

"What about the Love Hashira? You seem to be close", Tengen suggests when he notices you hesitating.
His gaze darts to something behind you then back at your eyes.

"About that ...", you begin and fiddle with your fingers nervously, "Mitsuri can't help me. Her Breathing Style is too abstract and would only confuse me even though we learned from the same Hashira. Plus she wouldn't want to be a teacher. Her goals lie somewhere else."