Fandom Kimetsu no Yaiba - Slayers of the Branch

[Squad141]

As the sun rises on a day that may be perfectly normal, far below, on Fujikasane Mountain, battered and bruised teenagers emerge from the violet and purple wisteria leaves surrounding a small clearing. Two girls, both with distinct eyes and nearly identical appearances (save their hair color), await the survivors of the Seven Nights of Battle, a placid expression sitting on their faces. Behind them, a table covered with a sheet sits idly.

Seventeen people had entered Final Selection, many with their own backgrounds and choices for hoping to slay demons.

Only five participants remained.

As time went on, and no one else descended from the blood-spattered battleground above, the two young girls gave each other a knowing look, before beginning.

"Congratulations. We are pleased to see that the five of you are safe," stated the white-haired girl.

"Indeed. Now, first, we shall issue you all uniforms. We will need to take your measurements after which your rank will be engraved," followed the black-haired girl.

"Today, you will also choose the ore for your swords. But first..."

The white-haired girl clapped her hands twice, and the sound of cawing becomes clear from above. Descending smoothly, four crows land on the participants arms.

"You have now been assigned each a Kasugai Crow, which are primarily used direct communication. You are free to name and decorate them as you please."

"However, before we begin the ore selection, we shall divulge important news upon the four of you. To put it simply, you will not be joining the main Demon Slayer Corp, but the Branch Slayers Corp."

As the black-haired girl said this, it was very clear that one of the participants, a boy with short brown hair and purple outfitting, was becoming very tense. For, if it was not clear, these five survivors would not be going head to head with the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji, one of the central reasons that many joined the Slayers in the first place. They were going to be fighting a very 'different' battle...

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko 'Jay' Suzuki
ジェイコ
​

The Seven Nights of Battle, an exam of proof one can handle themselves against the plague of demons in order to stand within the Demon Slayer organization. It was no trouble for the experienced Jay having endured ruthless training from her sensei, Kiba, two years prior and learning what he could teach without wasting the impatient girl's time. Although she was feisty, Jay could tell he was holding back, unknowing if she was even going to survive the trial. An underestimation on his behalf for he had given her a purpose, a goal to achieve in unlocking secrets. The burning fire in her eyes, though stoic, is evident after so much time spent. Regardless, Kiba kept hush about some secrets to keep things interesting. Through rigorous training, Jay's patience was fleeting growing frustrated, yet learned to harness her impatience and use it productively in battle.

At some point, Jay was told of the Demon Slayer corps and how to enter. Jay first felt skeptical knowing it was a pointless battle and being someone's dog. Not only some mindless solider, but Kiba had baited her into doing it for his own benefit which she has yet to uncover. She was scared to even do so for he was the only person she could reminisce about her older brother and learning more about him and the past drew her closer to who she really is. Having no option, Jay accepted to enter and train for the remainder of the time she had left before taking off. The day before, her sensei had gifted her a sword capable of slaying demons and a bracelet with a bell in recognition of Kiba as well as a send-off. Kiba will never know it, but during her travels, it became a useful charm worth preserving in her heart.

During the exam, Jay grew grateful for her training to be able to simultaneously sleep and teach her body to be on alert while also helping a few from being killed even though it was pointless for it was predictable they wouldn't survive long. Sleep-deprived, the swordswoman became erratic and irked killing any demon close by. Sleep constantly keeping her unbalanced no thanks to her narcolepsy. Thankfully, she's learned to somewhat manage it to some extent. During the trial, she nearly tripped up and kicked the can, had she not been awakened by the bell on her bracelet alerting her when a demon is nearby.

After a week, Jay arrived to the top of the mountain where a path surrounded by Wisteria revealed a platform and a large tree centered in the middle. She approached nonchalantly, relieved to be free of the exam. Her clothes nearly tattered from the rumble. She despised how much her formal clothes dragged her down unable to move swiftly. However did anyone move about is a trooper in her book. As Jay waited for the rest of the participants, she shoved her hands in her kimono and slept standing up. Once the remaining kids showed up, Jay was sad how not so many made the team. The test was ruthless, a performance of survival to the fittest. There were several more conflicts battling within wanting to scold the organization, but it wouldn't help her get to where she needs to when all is said and done. The plum-haired girl listened to the symmetrical, twins explain the next steps after a quaint congratulations. The clap was first thought to be some sort of mockery until a flock of crows descended perching on their shoulder. Jay smiled softly petting the crow. Her attention turns to the twins in utter shock. She strived for so long only to be positioned elsewhere? Jay was unsure if she was demoted or stationed in special ops, either way, she was in the wrong place. Her hands ball into fists outraged having complied thus far. "But why? I didn't sign up to be in any place except the Demon Slayer corps. What gives?" She growled.

 

[Xao]

Natsumi Naguwa
夏美南桑​

Naguwa's shoulders sagged low; streaks of exhaustion bore deep into the lines at his cheeks. In his dominant palm, Naguwa's tattered blade kissed the crest of the floor underneath as it dragged with him. Compared to the trials of the troupe, this examination was severe. Loose leaves from time spent atop of many a leafy canopy clung to his body. The foliage of the forest provided a safe spot to hide in waiting, and his agility made it easy to loose his body towards any enemy. Each demon met his blade promptly before they could respond—his eyes were hyper-adapted to motion. The boy had to stop himself several times before he beheaded a few of his fellows. A spindly hand plucked a irritate leaf that hid behind his ear before pulling it to the ground and stomping it underfoot with a crunch.

His eyes made out a few more blurry shapes in his march: two identical forms with severe contrast, a darker one with loose curves framing their face, a violet one with a strange air about him, and a sleepy plum. The smaller set of twins were quick to take charge. A soft croon ambled from his lips into the open air as he listened—he had no idea of the difference between the Demon Slayer Corp or Branch Slayers Corp. His acceptance into one was gratifying enough—he merely followed his master's orders and had enough faith to believe that this path was the right one. His head tilted to face the plum shape (Jay), while one pinky finger dusted debris from his ear. "I dunno why we'll be slaying branches instead of demons, but I'm sure they have their reasons." Naguwa was content so long as this excursion put him on the path to find the orange figure from that night.

Naguwa flipped the back of his katana to rest on the shoulder opposite the crow. A tired heave pushed through his throat in harmony with the motion. With two fingers, he rubbed a soothing, circular motion into the neck of his new Kasugai Crow. The crow responded in turn with a loud caw that reverberated through the outing. Naguwa was quick in retracting his fingers while his eyebrows scrunched together tightly—did he hurt it? The crow stretched its wings and readjusted its weight closer. It pushed its body snugly against Naguwa's ear. "Huh, we get a pet too? He's pretty cute, I guess . . . at least I think it's a he. I'll call you Crooster since you wanna be noisy." He beamed brightly at the pair of dark eyes that faced his orange orbs. "We get to pick our ore? Ya'know I am pretty good with rocks. I once cracked one open with my forehead, so I'll be sure to get the best one!" He reminisced fondly on his old life with the troupe before a tad of uncertainty crept onto his face from the recollection. Naguwa was quick to shake it off—this would all be worth it in the end.

 

[simj26]

木戸 桂
Kido KatsuraShe straightened her uniform, and drew back her hair, tying it back into a neat ponytail. Whilst she may have left the service of her family's name, she could not shake the habit of upholding her presentation. For her, the seven nights had been but seven nights of wanton slaughter, and not entirely on her end either. Some of the rest who had taken up with her fell, to either cowardice or demons. Perhaps in some misguided attempt to appease the souls of the departed, she took up their swords, alongside her own loaner, and fell upon the demons like a sweeping fire. None of them were quite so worthy to call an adversary. By the end of it all, she wondered if the demons were actually actively avoiding her as she stalked through the forest.

Were they actually capable of fear? The strategist in her told her that this was perhaps a fairly potent bargaining chip, were this theory true, but her master's teachings told her that they only answered to a commander, whose wishes were absolute. That was to say, diplomacy was lost to them the moment they became demons. The best she could do was to kill them all. She couldn't argue with that. She loathed diplomacy. It was easier to forsake morals entirely and just go all out on her opponents. Perhaps that was what set her apart from her deceased peers, and why their chipped swords were now clutched tightly in her hands. They sought to fight as humans against an inhuman threat. That was their folly.

She shook her head. To spit on the bodies of demons was not wrong. To spit on the memories of the humans, cowards or no, was. She ought to honour them, and thank them for the meals their blades had provided her.

She emerged from the entrance to the forest, and cast her look around, then marched towards the rest of the surviving to-be slayers. She laid the two swords she had brought back with her from her seven nights on the floor, then straightened up, brushing back a lock of hair. She hesitated, then brought out her own loaner, then chucked it unceremoniously with the rest of them. She had no more use for it, and she doubted her master would. Like the other two, its blade had dulled and chipped over the course of her stay, coming close to breaking, worn down from all the activity she had subjected it to. She stood at ease, and waited alongside the rest of the survivors.

Time passed, and no more came. This was all that remained, she supposed. How disappointing. She had expected better of the lot. The strange twins that stood in front of the survivors nodded to each other, and began their announcement. She listened, unspeaking, her expression unmoving. They were offered ore to craft their own blades, new uniform, and a crow. Hers fluttered over, and perched on her shoulder, examining her with a curious beady eye. She glanced at it, and nodded, acknowledging its unspoken pact with her. As for the news that she was to be joining a different sector, however…

She raised her hand, paused, then lowered it. She was no longer amongst academy elites. She needn't conduct herself as such, even if habit dictated she do so. "Will we still be putting demons to the blade?" she asked, simply. To the others, perhaps, their goals were to pursue the commander. To Katsura, her goals lay atop a mountain of dead demons. To prove herself greater than they was her only wish. "I would politely decline this opportunity if it would mean otherwise."

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
As the first rays of the rising sun warmed her back and bathed the clearing in a golden glow, Akane slowly sheathed her sword and drew a long, deep breath, filling her lungs with the scent of wisteria. Ever so slowly, seven days worth of tension began to drain from her muscles. Sun. Wisteria. Safety. Was it finally over? Had she really survived? It took several seconds for that realization to sink in, and once it did, it was all she could do to keep her legs from buckling under her. But it wouldn't do to keel over in front of her fellow survivors the second the test ended. If they could still stand, so could she. I just need to hold out a little longer. Then, hopefully, they'll let us sleep. And eat. And bathe...

Focus. It wouldn't be wise to let her guard down just yet. For all she knew, they were about to be given some a surprise test right at the end of the Seven Nights of Battle, when they were already exhausted. She wouldn't put something like that past whatever sadist came up with Final Selection in the first place. So, to keep her mind alert, she tried to observe her surroundings, her eyes darting around the clearing. About thirty paces in diameter... a covered table... what could that be for? The secret test? ...There are those creepy twin girls from the beginning... What are they planning?

Nothing else seemed worthy of note besides the other Demon Slayer candidates. Two of them she recognized from the first day- there was the short-haired girl with the strangely skimpy outfit under her haori- wait, was she sleeping? Standing up? Whether that was a deliberately honed skill, or she was just that exhausted, Akane didn't blame her. The white-haired girl in the military uniform also strode in with aggravating confidence and poise, throwing down a collection of swords she must have taken from the candidates who didn't make it. How could she still look so fresh after seven nights of slaying demons? And what's with the swords? Who is she trying to impress? There were also two boys she didn't remember, though she was gratified to see that they looked just as grimy and exhausted as she was. A long moment passed in which no one else emerged from the wisteria. It seemed everyone who was still alive had already arrived. Not even that strong guy she'd teamed up with on the third night against that hulking claw-footed thing had made it. Besides herself and the twins, four people stood in the clearing. Only five people had survived.

How many had there been at the start? Twenty? No, seventeen. That means... Her fatigued brain was a long time in coming up with the number. Twelve. Twelve people are dead.

A chill passed over her as she recalled just how close she'd come to death herself. One close call stood out in her memory as particularly embarrassing. On the fourth night, she'd been beset by four thoroughly average demons using strange skirmish-and-run tactics. While individually they couldn't hold a candle to the toughest demons she'd faced, they were stronger than the weaklings she'd been slaughtering by the dozen, and kept running away before she could land a solid blow. Besides that, they were clever. By the time she realized that not only were they working together, but they'd been tailing her all night, letting her exhaust herself on droves of lower level demons while herding her to a location of their choosing, it was already too late. A solid wall of rock was at her back while demons blocked her path on all sides. Wary of her sword, they toyed with her like a cat with a mouse, gradually wearing her down until one of them managed to gouge her left cheek with his claws. Another one tackled him, saying "She's mine", and the temporary alliance devolved into an all-out brawl.

Akane was almost offended. Did they think she had so little fight left in her that she would just stand there? In fact, now would have been a perfect time to make a run for it, but her legs wouldn't move. The the back of her neck burned where one of them had nicked her with a strange, sharp tongue, her body felt like lead, and her vision started to swim. She suspected poison. Was this it, then? Was she going to die of exhaustion in this god-forsaken place so those numbskulls could fight over her corpse like dogs in a back alley?

Demons really were pathetic creatures. They couldn't even see past their greed long enough to kill her properly. And yet, one of those creatures now wore her brother's face. Could these demons have once been ordinary, kind people like him? That was an abomination she would not tolerate. It would be cruel to let them live. And if she died here, she could never ensure that Daichi was put to rest. Though her hands shook and her whole body ached, she gripped her sword firmly, inhaled and assumed the stance for First Form. "I didn't throw up... fourteen times during endurance training... just to lose... to some bottom feeding scum like YOU!" With a scream of feral rage, she charged the nearest demon and caught him off guard, severing his head as her sword burst into flame. Immediately she switched to Fourth Form, decapitating each of the remaining demons in quick succession, then collapsed as dawn broke on the horizon. She'd spent the day shivering in a cold sweat as the poison worked its way out of her system.

But now was no time to dwell on that. The twins were saying something about taking measurements for uniforms and choosing ore for their swords, which explained the table. This worried her a little, since she knew nothing about metalworking, but she had no time to dwell on it before a large crow landed on her shoulder. She stared at it wearily, wondering why there was no canister attached to its leg for carrying messages. The crow cocked it's head at her and cawed, "Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you." Akane blinked, startled. Well. That answered that question. Talking crow. Heh. Go figure.

Then the twins informed them that they would be joining the "Branch Slayers Corps" instead of the main Demon Slayer Corps. Akane frowned, turning this over in her mind. "Expect the unexpected," her master had warned her before she left the manor. Had they all been set apart for this purpose? The more she thought about it, the more certain pieces fell into place. She'd never forget the shrewd look in the old man's squinty eyes when he'd snatched up her money the day she arrived before shutting the gate in her face, telling her he'd let her in when she "showed her resolve". After a day and a night of hanging on the bell and being repeatedly turned away by the servants, she climbed the wall and dashed all over the manor house and grounds looking for the old man, narrowly evading the servants until they tackled her outside his private dojo. She fought like a wildcat, but was no match for their training. Summoned by the noise, the old man had a good laugh and put her to work alongside his other students.

Apparently, that entailed training strength, endurance, agility and swordsmanship outside in all weather while the old man lounged on the porch and barked orders like a military instructor, or whacked them with a stick every time they slouched or talked back or did anything stupid. For some reason he was especially hard on her, and at first she assumed it was because she was new, then because she was less talented than the others, but eventually she started to wonder if he was daring her to quit. Whatever the case, every reprimand and every setback only made her more determined to prove herself. One by one the others quit altogether, left to find another master, or went off to Final Selection, until at the end of her second year she was training alongside entirely new faces. Still, he insisted on keeping her for one more year, driving her harder than ever, nitpicking every detail of her swordsmanship and putting her through lengthy sessions of breathing exercises.

Then, when at last he let her go, he'd given her that cryptic warning and grasped her shoulder firmly, saying, "I can say with confidence that you're one of the finest students I've ever trained. Don't die and prove me wrong." His eyebrows raised, he looked at her the same old way, as though he'd thrown down the gauntlet and was waiting for her to accept it.

Was he in on this? Is that why he'd singled her out from the beginning?

"Please explain," she said, stepping forward. "What is the purpose of this 'Branch Slayers Corps', and why have we been chosen?"

 

[Squad141]

The two children gave each other that same knowing look, before turning their eyes back to the questioning survivors.

"You will not be cutting down trees for sport, that is certain."

"And we can assure you that the Branch Slayer Corp. is the Demon Slayer Corp, but simply in another form."

After a beat of silence, they continued.

"Think of it like this. The current state of affairs is sparse. Recently, a Hashira was killed by a very active member of the Twelve Kizuki, a true tragedy that shocked even the Ubayashiki family. And after the massacre on Natagumo Mountain of middle-ranked Slayers, we have chosen to separate our forces for a better purpose."

"This is not for naught, however. The Branch Slayer Corp is as, if not more important than the Demon Slayer Corp, and this is simply because of their main mission. While the central organization of the Demon Slayer Corp deals with the most formidable foe in the Taisho era, Muzan Kibutstuji, the Branch deals with all up-and-coming organizations like him."

"It is not uncommon for other demons to have abilities similar to Kibutstuji, and start groups of their own. Thus, after these issues became a nuisance, a handful of promising Final Selection Slayers were chosen to populate the Branch, and allow the central group to focus on their battle."

"For those worrying over their chances to match injuries with demons, do not be swayed. You will face powerful foes in this line of work, possibly even more powerful than the Twelve Kizuki."

"And the reason you have been chosen..."

Another silent moment. The twin children eyed each member with their large irises, almost as if viewing the contents of each of their souls.

"It has always been five."

"..."

"There is a rare occurrence with Final Selection where only five pass the exam. Just months ago, this same occurrence was viewed, with each participant going on matching wits with powerful demons with creative techniques."

"And as you know, each Slayer is observed by the Ubayashiki during Final Selection. Several survive on a whim, and join the Slayers, but you five, like those five from before, appear determined enough in battle in the eyes of the Mistress."

"However, it is your choice. You may feel free to retire whenever you would like, including right this moment. But allow us one more interjection."

With this line, the two children spoke as one.

"Every member of the Branch Slayers has become a surviving Hashira."

The boy with the starry haori looked down, though what his face portrayed was hidden by the shadow of the nearby Wisteria trees. He seemed to be the only one aware of the Branch Slayer Corp, yet seemed saddened, possibly even guilty, by the prospect.

"For your next task, you will not be returning to your homes. Your Kasugai crows have just returned from delivering the message of your survival, and any and all equipment you may need will arrive at your next destination: Wisteria Estate, hidden in the wisteria tunnels of Kitakyushu, which will act as your base of operations for the time being. There, you will be able to rest and recover your strength after the Seven Nights of Battle, before beginning your missions to stop any growing threats beside those of the Twelve Kizuki."

"Kitakyushu is only a days walk from here. If you must, consider it a final test for your ambitions of Slayer-ship."

With that, the children backed up, and took the sheet off of the table behind them, revealing dark clumps of metal and stone.

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko 'Jay' Suzuki
​

The amount of people questioning the twins was reassuring forJay to know she wasn't alone in the situation. Answers are needed if any further steps are to be taken in accepting the role as a Slayer. The exchange of glances between the twins gave a suspenseful effect, a favorite used more times in the few seconds they've entered the scene. The girls gave a proper response for each question, relinquishing Jay's doubts. The lack of sleep helped dismiss anything else but made it absolutely difficult to comprehend the amount of information being dropped like a bombshell.

"So the Branch Slayer Corp. is just the same as Demon Slayer Corp. just with different priorities? Sounds like a special Ops to me." Jay's first thought is being relieved to still be somewhat in the organization, but also felt as though their position might be troublesome in the future, or maybe even seen differently to the others. The twins proceeded to explain how dire the issue is becoming. Enough so a seperate section is to be created. Whatever the case, Jay had already agreed after a response and there was no turning back either. She crosses her arms over her chests, closing her eyes for a quick rest while she listens diligently. Something about a higher power watching them, and headquarters being somewhere in the tunnels days away?

'I hope there is a train station nearby instead of walking. It will be easy to take a nap on the way.'

She yawns thinking about how close she is to resting before her ears perk at the sound of Hashiras and the death of a poor fellow. A name well known to her, a name belonging to those with experience and awesome skills. Power. What's more shocking is the fact that the survivors standing before the girls are Hashiras without trying. Jay clutches her worn katana tightly until the whites of her knuckles are visible yet her expression remains stoic.

Once the sheet unveils the ores, it is a sign that the worst part of the exam is over and the time to pick out the fate of one's sword begins. Without wasting another second, Jay approaches the table scanning every rock wondering which one calls her the most. She wasn't sure if it mattered, but her sensei did say the sword itself mirrors the user's soul. As she thought back on the importance of a single ore, her eye was caught on the large, nearly, oval-shaped one on the far right. "This one." She pointed out without thinking about it, it just felt right. Jay steps away from the platform no longer needing to linger and allow the others to choose. As soon as she was a good distance away from everyone, she turned to her crow with a query. "Tenshi," She calmly called out, offending the crow. "That's not my name!"

"It is now." The crow hangs its head in defeat. "Aside from receiving assignments, can you send messages to someone?" Tenshi perks up. "Of course you may. Do you have one you wish for me to deliver?" Jay nods, "send a message to Kiba Akumi, tell him I have a bone to pick with him and why he baited me into becoming a Hashira as well as my status. I don't want to make the old man worry." Jay admires the bird as it takes flight. She shoves her hands inside her sleeves and takes her leave towards her next destination. She didn't wish to bother anyone. Besides, she enjoys the silence anyway. She just wondered what to expect from what seems to be a team.

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
Akane listened intently as the twins explained the situation. After the deaths of a Hashira and many middle-ranked slayers, the Corps was spread dangerously thin. And apparently the Hashira's death had caught the leader of the organization off guard. That did not bode well. She gripped her forearms tightly, fighting off a wave of dread.

Now, their job was to handle organized groups of demons that did not work under Kibutsuji. That others besides him could draw followers came as a surprise. Until now, she had assumed the Demon Lord himself was responsible for her brother's fate, but if other demons had his abilities, that wasn't necessarily true. In either case, since she didn't know whether he served Muzan or one of these other demons, her chances of finding Daichi as part of the Branch were at least equal to what they would be if she'd joined the Corps. That was what mattered most.

Although she was proud to play her part by relieving the burden on the main Slayer Corps, the possibility of encountering such powerful enemies was disconcerting, to say the least. More training lay ahead of her, that was certain. A lot more training. But that was a problem for another day.

As the twins paused to look at each survivor in turn, Akane met the penetrating gaze head on, as uncomfortable as it was. I won't back down, was the message she tried to send. You can count on me. At this point they were free to retire if they chose, but Akane was appalled by the suggestion. After everything we've sacrificed? After all the blood, sweat and tears we've shed just for the honor of standing here? Who would dare!

"Every member of the Branch Slayers has become a surviving Hashira," the twins said in unison. Several seconds later, the statement actually registered. A thrill of excitement racing up her spine collided with the feeling of being punched in the gut. Me? A Hashira? I don't deserve this... do I? This is just a special case, right? It has to be. If anything, it was clear now just how crucial the battles ahead were going to be. Most likely, they'd been granted this level of authority in order to handle unpredictable situations on the fly by bypassing the chain of command. A sobering weight settled on her shoulders. While she still couldn't believe she was actually a Hashira, she would do her best to prove herself worthy of the role. What else was there to do except keep moving forward?

Besides, it would at least be fun to rub her title in the old man's face the next time she saw him.

"For your next task..." Ha. I knew those weasels would sneak in another test right at the end. Truthfully, the thought of walking for an entire day made her want to burst into tears, but she rallied quickly. At least she could walk indefinitely no matter how exhausted she was, so long as she didn't allow herself to rest on the way, and luckily it didn't require brain power. Choosing her ore was a different matter. She counted at least as many lumps of rock as there were candidates who entered the Selection, so it stood to reason that each would make a fully functional sword. That didn't tell her how to pick the best one, though. She considered waiting to see what the others would do, but if they knew what they were doing, they would claim all the good ore first.

While she deliberated, the short-haired girl stepped up to the table, confidently pointed out one of the nondescript grey lumps, and and walked away. Akane sighed and approached the table herself, picking up a few rocks and putting them down again, then finally weighed one in each hand. When in doubt, she'd learned, it was best to trust her intuition. The one in her left hand was slightly bigger and heavier than the one in her right, and had a more solid feel to it. "This one," she said to the twins, holding it up, then set both ores back on the table and retreated to watch the others make their choice.

Nothing was stopping her from heading to Wisteria Estate on her own, but she planned to acquaint herself with the others on the way, since they'd be working together. Plus, talking would help her stay awake. While she waited, she reviewed what she already knew about each of them. Plum-hair was quick-tempered, decisive, and could sleep anywhere. Orange-eyes seemed like a complete airhead- "slaying branches", really? -but appearances could be deceiving. He'd survived, after all. The girl in the uniform probably came from an aristocratic background, and thought carefully before she spoke. Best to keep an eye on her. Purple Haori had been very quiet and seemed pensive, if not concerned, and hadn't looked surprised by the twins' announcement- so clearly he knew more than they did. She'd have to pick his brain later.

Meanwhile, her crow was amusing itself by nibbling on her hair ribbon. She'd have to give it a name eventually, but for now... well, the old man knew she was alive, but after three years together it didn't seem right to just leave things at that. But what would she say? Next time I see you, I'll break that stupid stick of yours over my knee? I'd like to pop you one for not telling me anything? I might owe you, but you're still a nasty curmudgeon? She sighed. It wasn't as though she'd grown to like the old coot, but she did owe a good portion of her success to him, and he had acknowledged her in the end. Eventually, she said to the bird, "Please deliver a message to Master Komatsu of Komatsu Manor. Tell him I made it, and I'm going to do my best from now on. And tell him thank you. For... for everything."

The crow cocked it's head. "Is that all?"

She nodded a bit sheepishly, and the crow launched itself into the sky. As she watched the shimmering black shape soar away on the breeze, she took her by now very wrinkled cap out from under her obi, settled it firmly on her head, and turned her footsteps toward Kitakyushu.

 

[simj26]

木戸 桂
Kido Katsura'Determined enough in battle', they said. Katsura's chest swelled slightly with pride. Well, Ubayashiki wasn't wrong. Battle was the one thing that she wanted to excel in. As to the answer to her question, she bowed towards the twins. "To be able to bring myself to bear against demons is my only wish. Thank you. I will not disappoint." She could care less about becoming Hashira, and she had little interest in the news of the death of one of them. It was not as if it wasn't distressing news- it was worrying that one of their betters had been felled, but for every one of the Slayers that fell, she would offer the damned souls of the demons back to them, tenfold. A cruel smile dawned on her expression, before it faded back into the twilight. If the news of her survival had already reached the ears of her master, then it would be wasted effort to send her Kasugai crow back. Her master knew that she lived, and that was enough for both of them. Her master would know her own student's path from here onwards. Branch Slayer, Demon Slayer, it didn't matter to Katsura Kido. All that did, was the deaths of the creatures that plagued Japan's lands, and both knew that she would not stay her blade until all of them are rent from limb to limb.

Katsura sent her crow aside, and approached the ores after two of her peers did so. She stood over the rocks, studying them for a moment, before she reached over towards them, running a finger over them. None of them seemed to call to her. The instrument to her concert of devastation would be made with one of these, and it would not do to simply choose one of ill make. If she could, she would take all of them, and make as many blades as possible, so she could mark each of them with a notch for each head she took. It would be most entertaining to do just that. Unfortunately, given the cold gazes from the twins when she attempted to snatch up more than one, she would presume that she was to only choose but one. One for one blade. As she ran her finger back, she came to a stop over one of them. It seemed to shine with an ethereal purple shimmer. Mayhaps it was just the trick of the light, but that strange glimmer seemed to cast an image in her mind, an image of the fires in the deepest parts of Izanami-no-mikoto's cursed domain, and of demons writhing in agony.

This was the one. This was her blade. She picked the ore up gently, a strange smile coming upon her face. "Yes," she whispered quietly, then offered the ore towards the twins. "This one will become my closest companion, the one to usher the demons to their ends." With those words, she gently set the ore back down, with some amount of reverence. With that she gave a simple wave, recalling her crow to her side. She turned, and departed from the table.

She waited, impatiently, gazing away from the rest of the procession, deep in the depths of her thoughts of her family, of her master, and of the battles to come. It was not until that the rest of them had made their choices that she stirred, and followed them on the path towards their next destination.

"What of my name? Would you not call me by a name? I would like a name. It would be proper for me to possess a name." Her crow suddenly cawed in her ear. She blinked, but did not look towards her crow.

"Hagane," she said simply. 'Steel'. Short and sweet, and a reminder of her duties.

"That is a name. I thank you for the name. Thank you for giving me a name."

Katsura exhaled sharply. Quite the mouthy bird. It would certainly beat silence.

Speaking of silence, however, her peers did not seem to be quite interested in conversation. She turned towards the rest of them. "You lot are rather reserved ones, aren't you? The passage from here to Kitakyushu would be a long one if silence is the only thing we have between us from here to there." Katsura reached up and patted her crow's head absent-mindedly. With no sword at her side, she couldn't feel its scabbard to calm herself. Every passing moment would be torturous if she could not find a way to distract herself, and swiftly. Talking, naturally, was the best way to keep her mind off her desires. "Allow me to break the ice, then. I am Katsura Kido, ex-heiress to the Kido name. Now, I am merely a blade for the Slayers, and little else, so do not place me on any sort of pedestal. My only place now, is amongst you, and in battle." She paused to think. "Hopefully, both, at the same time. I would very much like to see how each and every one of you slaughter the demon threats ahead of us in the near future. It would prove quite enlightening to me." 'Enlightening' wasn't the word she would choose to use in any other situation, but 'thrilling' and 'exciting' would probably set her off on the wrong foot with her peers. "So speak freely. I would die of boredom ere long if we are to engage in silence, and I am rather inclined towards entertainment rather than boredom, despite my appearances." She directed her attention to the boy with the starry haori. "You, the one whose head hangs low. Your spirits seem to be buried in the ground. Let us unearth it with conversation. What ails you? Does the prospect of killing these monsters trouble you that much?"

 

[Squad141]

Ichiren Niban
一段 二番
​

Walking alongside the other participants, the boy spoke up, raising his head and looking forward.

"My name is Niban, if you truly want it so bad. Ichiren Niban. And I'm not troubled by killing demons. They've killed countless people in their paths, and history has shown that they can never be good people. I guess... I'm troubled with the news of where we've been assigned. It's not so much the name, but... I have a history with the Branch Slayer Corp, or at least my family does. I knew that I was going to become a Demon Slayer since I was seven. It's been a tradition in my family that only recently became popular again, and I was part of that first wave after an incident with my mother."

Niban turned to look at Katsura. A well-kempt girl of modest posture and age, yet he could feel something uncertain beneath. Was it her earnest smile, or eyes that were too sociable?

"You are a Kido, you said? I think I've heard of them. Or at least, my mother taught me a few of their names when discussing history lessons. From what I remember, they were very tactical in nature, surpassing, and brutal in commandeering. That would at least explain the odd attire you're wearing to Final Selection, though wouldn't a Haori be more freeing? You can at least move a lot more in them."

Niban turned his view to the others around him, many which had rarely spoken a word as he had.

"One thing I know for sure," he uttered, "is that wording counts for everything. I'm sure all of you think we're automatically Hashira because of the Ubayashiki children's speech. You're wrong. They meant that everyone who has join has eventually grown enough to become a Hashira, and still their expectations are flawed. There were only four members that survived the first few missions in the Branch Slayer Corp out of the five, and it was pure luck that those remaining grew incredibly experienced."

"We'll have to prove ourselves like anyone else would."

simj26 Monday Pumpkid Xao ​

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
After a minute or two had passed, Akane opened her mouth to introduce herself to the others, but the white haired girl beat her to it. Though a little relieved that she wouldn't have to carry the conversation alone, she bristled at the assumption that she was reserved. Haven't you ever been tired before, Miss Fresh-Face? She introduced herself as Kido Katsura, a former heiress. I wonder if there's a story there. With an ironically formal and pretentious manner of speech which only made her seem more condescending, she conveyed her desire to be treated as an equal despite her status. Very presumptuous of you to assume we'd "put you on a pedestal" just for that. Everyone knows your courage and skill with a blade are all that matter in the Corps. Although Akane had to admit she was no slouch in those departments, either. She expressed a desire to become acquainted with their fighting styles- natural enough; Akane was eager for that too- but her choice of words was... interesting. Akane hadn't missed all the times she'd made known her wish to "put demons to the blade" (...or "slaughter" them, or "usher them to their ends"...), and while that was, after all, the entire purpose of the Corps, the light in her eyes and the eagerness in her tone made Akane uneasy. Not that she pegged Kido as impulsive, per se; but she was getting the sense that if there was a wildcard in the group, it had to be her. What kind of person would be that happy about risking her life against nigh-invulnerable, flesh-eating monsters?

Akane's eyelid gave an involuntary twitch at her imperious request that they "speak freely" in order to keep her entertained, but she quickly clamped down on her irritation. Easy, Akane. She probably didn't mean it that way. There was a possibility, however slight, that she was letting her jealousy concerning Kido's superior stamina get the better of her, although she hated to think she could be that petty. In any case, there was no point in getting off on the wrong foot with her teammate, no matter how annoying she seemed upon first impressions. Just give her the benefit of the doubt and observe for now.

When Kido directly asked Purple Haori what was bothering him, that resolution threatened to fly out the window. Akane had been planning to approach him first and soften him up with small talk before asking any direct questions, but here she was crashing in and-! But then the boy turned out to be far less reclusive than she assumed, introducing himself, albeit grudgingly, and actually told her what was on his mind. Akane gradually relaxed as he talked, though she couldn't help but wince at his assertion that demons "can never be good people". Some of them were, once. Apparently his family had a history with the Corps, which explained how he knew so much, and he recognized Kido's family as important military figures, which shed some light on Katsura's demeanor and skill. I guess it's no surprise they both survived, she thought, disgruntled but pleased with herself for prevailing without those advantages.

Then he explained that to be a surviving Hashira meant not that they could claim the title now, but that they were on the path to becoming Hashira if they survived the trails ahead. "We'll have to prove ourselves like anyone else would." At those words, Akane slowly released a breath she hadn't known she was holding. "Now that would make a lot more sense," she muttered aloud. That was something she could accept. Rather than an undeserved honor and impossible expectation foist upon her, this was an opportunity to aspire to a lofty goal. A weight seemed to have fallen from her shoulders. Proving herself was a natural state of affairs for her, after all. Such slim chances of survival were not an uplifting prospect, it was true, and the desperation shown by the Corps' higher-ups was very concerning, but she'd reconciled with the possibility of her own death and the deaths of her comrades the minute she'd decided to become a Demon Slayer. Unlike slaving away for her parents' empty ambitions, slaying demons with her own blade and putting their tortured souls to rest so that others could live in peace was truly significant- a cause worthy of even her life, if it came to that. The moment she'd made up her mind, everything became so much clearer. Her primary concern from then on had been that she'd die before finding Daichi.

That wasn't to say she didn't feel fear, however. She was human, after all.

"Thank you for the explanation," she said to Ichiren. "I'm glad at least one of us knows what's going on. I, for one, am not going to give up, no matter what lies ahead. I've come too far to turn back now. If I die, at least I die for a noble cause; but if I live to become a Hashira, I hope to see you standing alongside me." If only she felt as brave as she sounded. Then, remembering her manners, she bowed politely. "I'm Morishita Akane." Both of them had spoken of their backgrounds, but she wasn't sure how much of hers she wanted to reveal just yet. They might think having a brother who was a demon would weaken her resolve, and revealing that she came from a rich family might seem like posturing. "My family is from Tokyo, and I lived there until I left home to become a Demon Slayer. I look forward to fighting alongside you, Kido-san, Ichiren-san."

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko 'Jay' Suzuki
ジェイコ​

The walk has been fairly easy giving Jay enough time to think for herself. Whatever she spout back there made her cringe. She wasn't the type to be reckless, of course she could care less what people think of her so long as they don't bring it up. Unfortunately, it might not be something to avoid when it's clear she won't be alone at headquarters. A heavy sigh escapes her lips wishing she could have all the answers without hassle. Jay soon found herself joined by the rest of the chosen. Thankfully, her mindset reverted to normal, her tired expression visible, and the aura around her is as calm as a lake; yet none seem to start a conversation, not that she is complaining. One thought could be due to exhaustion.

Surprisingly, the one that started to speak was the girl with white hair. Her sense of pride is evident in the way that she speaks, given no rats ass as to who is on top, or so how Jay interpreted. Kido is her name, something about being part of an "important" family expecting to be treated as an equal. 'Might be complicated.' Is what Jay thought. How could anyone carry endless amount of energy after seven days and feel completely fine? Now Jay is again a patient type and has heard every personality within her old streets, but something about Kido and actually having to hear her all the time will prove challenging. Jay lets out a groan thinking about it and keeps quiet allowing others a chance to share first even though the girl practically insulted everyone somehow. Of course, perhaps Jay was beeing too unkind and letting sleep break her down

Curiously, Kido did something right in putting the spotlight on Starboy who also piqued Jay's interest. Everyone at the exam was shocked except for him. Ichiren introduced himself, not shying away from filling the trio in of his personal affairs with Branch Corp shocking even Jay. A tradition within his family helping the Demons at bay. Furthermore, the topic of being a Hashira was interpreted wrong which now makes better sense had the twins simplified, Jay wouldn't have been freaking out in the first place. "That's a relief." She mumbled. Even so, she felt bad for Ichiren possibly dealing with his mother, possibly her death. It made hee all the more sad knowing well how it felt and for the two girls in the midst as well.

The final person in the group gave her name as Morishita, a quiet one who gave off a gentle vibe. Judging by her last name, Kido and Akane were not twins although they would pass as one given their styled hair, hair color and aura just like opposites. In the span of a few minutes, the trio began to be buddies, a nice scene compared to home.

On that note, Jay starts getting lost in thought, breaking down each person. Her hands shoved inside her sleeves showing how lax she is. Each one has a goal while Jay doesn't exactly have one involving demons. However, there is the exception of her parents and how they came to be a demon. Think long and hard about it, in the long run, Jay would have to be reserved and avoid getting hurt. Their thoughts on demons are terrible showing no remorse making her feel like an outcast already. She tensed up at the bad thoughts wondering what she's gotten into. If should could work alone, she would. No one could know her true thoughts about demons and the sadness the carry within created by the world's experiences after every parting. 'Can they understand someone's pain?'

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
Now that she'd been introduced to two of her new comrades, Akane thought it would be appropriate to draw the short haired girl into the conversation, since she was walking just ahead of them and had most likely been listening. "Excuse me," she said, jogging to catch up with her. "We don't know your name yet. Since we're comrades now, we should get to know each other. Where are you from? If you don't mind my asking, that is."

While she waited for her response, Akane tried to observe her closely without being too obvious about it. So far, the other girl seemed to radiate a quiet confidence and an independent attitude. At Komatsu Manor, she and the other students had often trained maneuvers as a squad or been forced to work through various challenges and obstacles together, and since meeting the others she'd been unconsciously trying to predict their performance in a team fight. Based purely on the minimal information she'd gathered, she guessed that the short haired girl was the calm, unflappable type, but might prefer her own way of doing things to following orders or the consensus of the rest of the team.

What am I doing? I haven't seen any of them in action yet. There'll be time enough for that later. Right now, it was better to focus on building a rapport with her teammates. "You seem to know where you're going. Have you been to Kitakyushu before?"

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko Suzuki
ジェイコ
​

Jay's thought bubble was soon popped after a few hollers and inevitably met with Akane. She blinks at the girl as she comes back to reality. Jay wasn't sure why the team needed to be so close, but didn't object to answer. "Hmm? Oh right...my name is Jeiko Suzuki as for my residence, I don't have one." Her residence may be partially a lie although she had been sheltered in a small village then moved to Kyoto where her training commenced, so technically being an orphan meant being a nomad. Ultimately, she didn't know where her true home lies even though folks say it's wherever the heart is. For the time being, Kitakyushu will be her home.

The follow up question finally makes her halt in her track realizing the truth. Again she blinks at the girl then scratches her cheek sheepishly. "Nope, but this is the only trail for miles it seems." She shifts her attention to the Ichiren. "I'm guessing Starboy does though since he has a past with the branch." If what Ichiren said was true, then there was a chance he knows the way, if not then the group would be in trouble and the twins had sent their final exam to be the most difficult. Everyone but Kido seemed exhausted and there is no telling if anyone was capable of proceeding without rest.

Squad141 Monday

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
"Jeiko Suzuki," Akane repeated, committing the name to memory. "Nice to meet you." Claiming not to have a place of residence was a bit odd, but since Jeiko didn't care to elaborate, Akane decided not to press her, instead taking the opportunity to talk about herself in the hopes that it would put her at ease. "No home, huh? I guess I'm kind of in the same situation. Let's just say my parents did not approve of my career choice. It's no skin off my back, though. I'm better off without them. Heh, and now maybe my little brother will have to take some responsibility for once in his pampered life. That'll be hilarious." Reflexively, she almost asked "Do you have siblings?", but stopped herself just in time. No home probably meant no family, so that might be a sensitive topic... especially where demons were likely to be involved.

Jeiko stopped short when Akane asked if she knew where they were going, with a confused blink that was kind of endearing. This was the only path in sight, but she wouldn't put it past those twins to add some hidden difficulty in their final challenge. Simply assuming the others knew the way because they were walking so confidently might have been to their detriment. Oh, well. There was nothing stopping them from putting their heads together now and correcting their mistake if necessary. Akane giggled at Jeiko's reference to Ichiren as "Starboy." "Hey, Starboy," she called playfully over her shoulder. "Do you know if we're going the right way?"

Squad141 Pumpkid

 

[simj26]

"I don't care about becoming Hashira." Katsura spoke flippantly. She wrung her hands impatiently, glancing at the side of the trail every so often. It was so dull. So boring. The seven nights had given her a rush of adrenaline unlike anything that came before it, and now that she was out of it, she was crashing, bad, like an opium addict. The irritation and the soreness of her muscles were beginning to settle in, and the idea that one of her companions would mistake her for being a simple Slayer interested in climbing the ranks offended her ever so slightly. "It doesn't matter whether I am a Hashira, or a Slayer, or part of the Branch. My worth will be proven in battle, and little else, not with a title, not with my name." She didn't want to be lauded upon with praise and respect. She had enough of that. Inwardly, she was rather glad that the majority of their little party didn't see her as anything other than Katsura Kido. The boy with the starry haori was the only one who recognised her name, but seemingly acquiesced to her request to be treated as an equal, which was good enough for her.

She stayed silent a while longer, letting the two of her companions chat, attempting to deal with her lowering heart rate. Had she her sword at her side, she could at least depend on the weight and its presence to draw upon some memories or thoughts to occupy herself. Now that they were here, a day's trip was beginning to feel a lot longer than it had been advertised without it. While she listened in to the two chatter away, she dared not cut in. She cared little for who they were, and where they came from, as they should her. As long as they were capable of taking care of themselves, she should have no problem with them. Only the strong and the skilled survived the seven nights, and they would face greater challenges yet, so they must grow ever more stronger, and ever more skilled.

"Kami protect," she finally sighed aloud, unable to take it any more. "I do hope there's at least a bath where ever we are headed. Goodness gracious, seven whole nights without a nice warm bath, AND a hand-me-down sword that looked like it was about to snap in half every time I swung it? And NOW, I am told to walk for a day? Rest, I can live without, but couldn't they have afforded a nice change of clothes? These grimy, filthy, blood-caked fatigues will be the death of me! Maybe you have the right of it, Ichiren, maybe I should have gotten a lousy, moth-eaten haori instead of this." She furiously unbuttoned her jacket, revealing the not-so-white undershirt underneath it. Some of the blood that had found its way into her had seeped into the white- the dirty, red blotches apparent on the canvas of white. "I blame my pride," she huffed irritably. It would be the death of her. She meant every word she said, too. She should probably pick out something more civilian than this uniform, though she, honestly, found their designs quite tacky. She wasn't much for fashion, herself, and was rather more comfortable with drab, unfascinating colours.

"I'm not very familiar with the environs, myself. I hail from Kyoto, and I've not heard of this Slayer business until recently." She waved her hand dismissively to indicate she, too, had no idea where they were heading. "I really do hope you'll answer in the positive, lest we begin to actually start slaying branches for subsistence."

 

[Squad141]

Ichiren Niban
一段 二番​

Ignoring the backhanded comment from Katsura, Niban sighed as the group continued to walk down a long path, the afternoon son blazing down upon them. Had it really come to this, he wondered? After all the time he had hoped to become something different, go somewhere where they weren't? He supposed it was too much to ask of any god. Family sticks together, he supposed, even through divine chance.

"If you're referring to me," Niban replied, "then yes, sadly. I have an uncle who works there as a bank teller, but I don't think we'll be entering the city. The children's mentioned a tunnel, right? There's this wonderous landmark on the Kitakyushu known as the Wisteria Tunnels. It is a set of three of four long forest-like tunnels covered with Wisteria Flowers like arches. I've heard of Demon Slayers camping there before, but I never knew that's where the Branch Slayers headquarters were."

Starboy... it was an intriguing nickname. At least, until Niban realized what he was wearing. He cursed himself for trying to look nice for Final Selection, even back on the first night. No one would see him. He wouldn't even know if he would make it out alive, and he had chosen bright colors and white stars as his outfit of choice?

"If we're going over our origins, I suppose I should pitch in. My family used to live in Nikko, a smaller town in the mountains. We even ran a small inn and resort there for travelers who were taking long hikes. The business, from what my mother told me, was down several generations. But currently, we live in Kamakura, quite a bit away from our ancestral home."

simj26 Monday Xao Pumpkid ​

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
To her relief, Ichiren did, indeed, know where they were going, though his beleaguered attitude didn't escape Akane's notice. 'Sadly'? Does he really dislike his uncle, or is it something else? There was no cause for concern in his description that she could discern. In fact, the more he described the place, the more eager she was for their arrival. The Wisteria Tunnels promised to be beautiful, and, more importantly, safe- an excellent place for a headquarters. He hadn't really reacted to his nickname, though. Pity. He could stand to loosen up.

When he mentioned Kamakura, she nodded. "I've been there. Lovely place." She studied him curiously for a few moments. Though he'd been willing to engage with them so far, he did so as though he were fulfilling an obligation, all with a pensive, long-suffering demeanor. If this was his habitual state it might grow a little tiresome. Yet he also seemed cooperative and conscientious, so her concern was minimal. Perhaps he was simply not very social, and clearly he also had a lot on his mind. He may have hinted at family issues, which certainly garnered her sympathy. It might be worthwhile to try to draw him out of his shell, for his sake as well as for the rest of the group. He was an enigma, to be sure. At the moment, however, another puzzle occupied the greater share of her attention.

Namely: Kido. As grating as her barrage of complaints had been, it revealed a snarky, impatient side of her that seemed much more genuine than her initial pomposity, and at least marginally more tolerable. Hopefully they'd be seeing more of the former than the latter. She had to wonder, though, how she'd become accustomed to intense hardships while remaining intolerant of small inconveniences. Was it a remnant of her upbringing that her training hadn't fully cured? Heaven knew that if Akane had ever felt entitled to comfort or convenience, the old man had beaten it out of her right quick, slimy cheapskate that he was. She'd been wearing the same kimono and trousers since she'd left home three years ago, and it showed.

More importantly, while her desire to be treated as an equal seemed genuine, that sentiment came intimately bound up in the real cause for concern. Until now Akane had suspected a thirst for revenge as the cause of Katsura's battle lust, but as she put her observations together with Kido's most recent statements, a new pattern began to emerge, one that was far more absurd. Was her indifference to becoming a Hashira supposed to sound noble? It wasn't for lack of ambition, that was certain. She frowned, staring intently at the dirt trail passing beneath her feet. The more she mulled it over, the more irritated she became. Was this some kind of a joke to her? Did she really see the legions of immortal, bloodthirsty creatures prowling the night and murdering innocent people as no more than an opportunity to prove her own strength? Who did she think she was?! Careful, Akane. You're exhausted and probably emotional; this isn't the best time to start something... But if not now, when? This would need to be addressed eventually, so it was better to get it over with now, in a relatively low-risk situation, than to let it simmer and potentially erupt at a less opportune time.

Before her better judgement could catch up with her, she made up her mind and fell in beside Katsura. "Kido Katsura. Answer me honestly," she challenged, looking the other girl squarely in the eye. "Why did you become a Demon Slayer? I do hope you're not going to say 'to prove my worth in battle'. I hope you understand that, no matter how new you are to this 'Slayer business', you've inherited a legacy- a sacred duty to protect the innocent- that's been passed down for hundreds of years. And I hope you have more regard for your own life than to throw it away over something so... so simple minded and arrogant as a mere test of skill. So please, tell me. I would find it most enlightening."

That last part was a bit immature, she had to admit. But there was no taking it back now.

simj26

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko Suzuki
ジェイコ
​

Ichiren admitted to knowing the road and the location inside a tunnel, the twins mentioned. Jay had forgotten what she was looking for but had no idea of such an important detail of Wisteria flowers covering the entrance. It would make sense if it meant warding off Demons. What was more curious is the fact that someone that was has known the branch has no knowledge of the headquarters? How would one know the road then? Regardless of the question, there is only one thing at to do and that is to put Starboy ahead of the pack. "Sounds fancy." She murmured. "Guess that means you should be ahead, leading us." She cared little about one's business for it would be insignificant during a war where many fall. She wondered when her time will come, she hoped until after decoding her family's secrets. Jay's eyes

After sharing each other's background, the high and mighty girl whines letting out her thoughts, although it was quite relieving that she felt the weight of the trial. Jay's eyes caught sight of the smudges of blood coming off the girl as if to boast a little more about her abilities. It seems someone caught notice of her personality and began to speak out. Akane also surprised Jay for being the one to question Kido when the entire time she appeared to be the gentle type with no spine. Perhaps she had to revaluate and observe the trio some more. Regardless, it looked as though it was about to be petty argument to which she didn't want to be part of. She lets out a heavy sigh.

 

[simj26]

For all her efforts, what Morishita said struck a discordant chord within her. How dare she? Legacies? Sacred duty? Passed down a hundred of years? Who cares? She couldn't possibly be this naive, could she? She had been in the exam itself, this much was clear. What was the point of all of this unwarranted worship of the history to what amounted to killing monsters? They were not heroes, they were not legends. The only legends were the ones that had survived, and to survive, one must forge ever onwards, unimpeded by things like tradition. This was the core of military tactics. By staying true to the traditions that you hold dear, the enemy will exploit your naivete. It infuriated Katsura internally that someone so young would still be so obsessed with the old values. She took in a deep breath, and calmed herself. There was no point losing her temper now.

"I've lived my life bound to tradition and…legacies. Even now, I cannot shake the vestiges of my family name from my shoulders. Titles, names, they're all the same." She gritted her teeth, pausing for a second. "But no longer. I will no longer live under their shadow, and I will not live under your vaunted shades either." She took another deep breath. She had much to say. If Morishita wished for an answer, then it was only right that she gave it, even if she wouldn't like it.

"If you really wish to know, I have chosen this path to become better, and stronger. Do you not feel it? Your training has made you better than you ever will be, stuck in the normal life you led before. I do not know what your stories are, but imagine if peace reigned for the rest of your life, and you never walked this path. You will die weak, at peace, and having done nothing-- having PROVED nothing." Katsura gazed down at her clenched fist, her eyes ablaze, unbeknownst to her, with unnatural fire. The flames flickered, then faded away as she unclenched her hands, and looked back up calmly at Morishita. "I fight and kill Demons because it IS my duty, and I have been tasked to do it. I also fight and kill Demons to prove that I am better than they who have become more monster than man. Yes, it is indeed to 'prove my worth in battle', as you put it. Do the souls of the fallen care, though? So long as I kill these monsters in their name, and in the name of humanity, it matters not why I serve your legacies." She huffed, and folded her arms across her chest. It was hard to explain exactly why she became a Slayer. No one could understand the growing hunger, to get stronger, to get better, to become the greatest swordsman to ever live.

Before she had more time to her thoughts, Morishita's final words sank in, and she finally let a smile form. "No soldier marches to war knowing if they will die or live, and I think it is the same for me. Our-- well, my life was forfeit the moment I picked up my master's sword. One day, I will die, whether it be by the blade, at the end of some filthy demon's claws, or in bed. However, I do think it is quite nice of you to hold my life in such high esteem. I've not seen you brandish your sword, but I think I might be glad to have someone like you watching my back. I hope my small speech enlightens you, for what it is worth." Before Morishita or anyone else had a chance to answer or cut in, she clapped her hands together, and glanced at each of her fellows. "And what of the rest of you? Surely, if one bares her heart for all to see, the rest must follow suit, do they not? Or am I to be the lone courtesan?"

 

[Pumpkid]

Jeiko Suzuki
ジェイコ
​

As expected, a tense argument broke out with Kido speaking some logic more than absurdities. The painful truth about demons, yet Jay disagreed about being valiant. She supposed it's Kido's way of searching for validation and a goal, nonetheless. Jay closes her eyes shoving her hands in her sleeves and nonchalantly standing on the sidelines. She spoke some truth and Jay's concerns about demons being hated upon was proven. She will not be someone she could confide and most likely bump heads.

Kido's personal interest to be a demon slayer was her own, yet Jay couldn't help but feel it was a pointless goal like who is she trying to prove? Searching for power will only lead to her fall. To be a mindless oaf that tears apart anything in sight is a brutish way to live. After Kido's explanation, she asked the group to put their heart on the table and reveal their truth. Jay refuses. "No." She started. "No one needs to provide an explanation for why they chose to be a slayer. That's a personal matter kept to themselves. To question someone is to question their identity. What good will it do to bicker against each other among allies? We would only be feeding the flames of a war we are up against. A human and demon one. Now, staying here to quarrel is asking death to come at our door when time is running out. The sun is almost setting, so if you want to die a pointless death over something petty, be my guest, but I'm pressing on and I advise you to put this on pause or squash any bad blood until we reach our destination." With that, she proceeds down the road regardless if she knew not where the tunnels lie. "We're all just tired and need some rest."

Squad141 simj26 Monday

 

[Monday]

Morishita Akane
森下 朱峰
So, she'd struck a nerve. Deep down, Akane had been hoping for that, but now it seemed she was getting more than she'd bargained for. Kido evidently had some deep-seated issues with tradition rooted in her family history. Though this was familiar to her own experience, Akane had made her peace with tradition by refusing to value it for its own sake. What worked, worked- sometimes the old ways were better, and sometimes they weren't. For her, the example set by the Slayers of the past represented a standard of performance and a set of values to uphold, which she had willingly adopted for herself.

Then Kido explained that her aim was to become stronger and better, asserting that Akane's training had made her better than she would ever have been had she lived a normal life. Better? She was certainly stronger more disciplined, but her greatest gains had been in mental fortitude. Was that due to her training, or to her decision to live with purpose? Kido asked Akane to imagine what she might have been if she had never walked this path. "You will die weak, at peace, and having done nothing, having PROVED nothing." At these words, Kido glared downward, but Akane looked at her fiercely, her own eyes ablaze. It was her turn to feel stung. What would she have been if not for that one moment on a dark path outside Tokyo? It was the same question that returned to haunt her no matter how firmly she put it aside. Suddenly, she was back in her room at her parent's house, staring up at the ceiling as the summer humidity pressed close about her, the late afternoon sun slanting through the half open window as the fifth day of her confinement drew to a close. In that moment, she had realized two things. First, that Mother and Father didn't care about her or Daichi as parents should, and never had. Therefore, she owed them nothing. Second, that in leaning on each other she and her brother had allowed themselves to become complacent, submitting unquestioningly to a path that lead nowhere.

If not for what had happened to Daichi, both of them would likely have continued down those paths- his of aimless dissipation and hers of blind obedience- never to accomplish anything of worth. Yet again, the same nagging worry crept in, as persistent as it was irrational. Is this what I deserve?

So, Kido also fought out of a sense of duty, and did not see a problem with her motives coexisting side by side. There was a certain logic in that way of thinking, but Akane took issue with the implication that fighting prowess was the only form of strength that mattered. She didn't know whether the spirits of the fallen cared about the attitude of those who avenged them, but that was somewhat beside the point. Protecting and fighting for others ought to be more than a duty.

Apparently Kido had also made her peace with the prospect of death, and seemed to find it gratifying, if odd, that Akane valued her life so highly. The compliment seemed at once genuine and condescending and a little bemused, so she wasn't sure what to make of it. Then she ruined it by childishly throwing Akane's words back at her, just as she herself had done a moment before. As if that weren't enough, she had the audacity to cut off any retort or argument she might make by trying to draw the others into the conversation.

"Now, wait just a minute!" Akane sputtered, feeling vaguely embarrassed and more irritated than ever. She balled her fists, feeling the heat rise to her face and ears. That's not- You can't just-" She exhaled sharply and closed her eyes for a moment as her thoughts arranged themselves. "You misunderstand me. I don't mean you should blindly follow tradition for it's own sake. It's up to you to decide for yourself what kind of life you want to live. Traditions are created to uphold certain values. Over time they may lose their original purpose, and that's when they should be discarded. But the values themselves are timeless. If we don't remember the past, we may lose sight of the real reason we're fighting." Honestly, she had no idea where that came from. She must've reached the stage of exhaustion where her brain became frenetically active. In that case, there was no reason to stop if she was already on a roll. Kido wanted her to "bare her heart", so that's exactly what she would do.

"Skill in battle is not the only kind of strength there is. Those who live ordinary lives are no less necessary, and their strengths are no less valuable than ours. That's why we have a duty to protect them. If strength is not used in service of others, it serves nothing more than your own pride! Where is the value in that? Protecting others ought to be more than a duty. It should be an honor and a privilege!" At this point, she took a deep breath to compose herself before continuing.

"You're right about me, though. Had I not chosen to become a Demon Slayer, I would have stayed weak. I would have continued to live a life without purpose, wasting my potential and turning a blind eye to what really matters. And I am deeply ashamed of what it took- of what I had to lose- before I finally opened my eyes and chose to do better. Maybe it was my punishment for being so complacent. I don't know. But whatever the reason, I was given the chance to become strong, so I'm going to make the most of that chance by killing as many demons and saving as many people as I can." Now she was getting carried away, her voice shaking from emotion. She hadn't meant to share so much about her past- it just slipped out. She paused another moment, letting her anger drain away with a sigh.

"You've never lost anyone to the demons, have you, Kido?" she asked, glancing aside at the other girl. "If you had, we might understand each other better. Even so, though our values don't align, we share the same goal. As long as we keep our mission in mind, I see no reason for conflict. You seem tough and you don't lack for guts. I wouldn't mind having you watch my back, either."

simj26 Squad141 Pumpkid