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

Chapter 22 | Potential

"Tell me how you proceeded with the demon", Akaza orders as the two of you walk back through the forest. Slowly life returns to it. But only in the distance because there's still a demon in this wood. Akaza.

The scraps that once were a human body lay scattered on the forest floor, torn beyond recognition. Flesh and bone mingled with the dirt, the remains so sparse and mangled that burying them seemed pointless. Even the clothing was shredded, barely discernible as once having been worn by a person.

You decided to leave the remains to the forest, allowing nature to reclaim what was left. It felt like the only respectful option in a situation where dignity had been so brutally stripped away. The forest, in its quiet, indifferent way, would take care of the rest.

Akaza hadn't commented on it. He didn't even glance at the corpse, as if it were beneath his notice.

Maybe you had expected him to finish the job. But now, you're glad he didn't. The thought of witnessing him deal with the remains churned your insides. You don't know how you would have reacted, seeing that final act of disregard for the human life that had been.

As you turned away from the scene, you tried to push the image from your mind, but it lingers like a dark cloud, casting a shadow over your thoughts. The reality of the world you are navigating, the brutal and unforgiving nature of the demons, became all too clear in that moment.

"I used meditation to track him down and then I somehow made use of the things I trained. The firm foothold, the regained strength and precision. I didn't know I could do all that", you explain proudly.

Akaza's yellow eyes scan you for a second before he admits:
"I also didn't think you'd be so good at it after just a few weeks. I didn't think your mind was ready."
He pauses and looks at the moon, shining through the thick leaves.
"I begin to understand why you were a Tsugoku. Though you really weren't good under the Hashira's guidance."

For a brief moment you'd thought that Akaza would be nice to you.
How calming to know he hasn't changed a bit.

"Well, maybe your expectations are too low," you reply, trying to keep your voice steady. "Or maybe I'm just more capable than you thought."

Akaza raises an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps. But don't let it get to your head. One victory doesn't mean you're invincible."

You nod, accepting his words. "I know. But it does mean I'm improving. And that's something."

He glances at you, his expression unreadable.
"Why do you think I let you kill my kind?"

The question catches you off guard. You hesitate, unsure how to answer. "I don't know," you admit. "I guess I never really thought about it."

Akaza's smile fades, replaced by a look of mild interest. "I let you kill them because they are weak. They don't deserve to live if they can't defend themselves."

The way he emphasizes the term weak gives you mixed feelings.

"But they're still your kind," you say, trying to understand his perspective. "Doesn't it bother you?"

"Not at all," he replies without hesitation. "Weaklings have no place in this world. Strength is the only thing that matters. If they can't survive, then they don't deserve to."

You consider his words, a mix of disbelief and curiosity swirling within you. "So, you don't care about them at all?"

Akaza shakes his head. "No. They're insignificant. My only interest is in those who can challenge me, who can push me to be stronger. The weak are just obstacles in the way."