Demon Slayer: The Tenth Hashira with Dōjutsu

"Butterfly Sorrow"

During the ongoing discussion, a commotion erupted outside Aoki's hospital room. The door was suddenly thrown open.

A figure entered, wearing a blue, wave-patterned haori and a red tengu mask. His ramrod-straight posture and white hair spoke of his age.

It was Sakonji Urokodaki, the former Water Hashira and master of Aoki, Tanjiro, and Giyu Tomioka.

"Greetings, Master Ubuyashiki," Sakonji Urokodaki bowed deeply to Kagaya Ubuyashiki before approaching Aoki's bedside. Tengen Uzui and Giyu Tomioka even made space for him.

Two Hidden Division members followed, looking bewildered at the scene unfolding before them.

"You may leave," Sakonji Urokodaki dismissed them with a wave of his hand. They wisely retreated, closing the door behind them.

"Master Sakonji," Giyu Tomioka bowed respectfully.

Ignoring Giyu Tomioka, Sakonji Urokodaki's gaze fell upon Aoki. Seeing his beloved student in such a state, he couldn't hold back his tears, which streamed down his face despite his tengu mask.

In his memory, Aoki was a rebellious, free-spirited young man who defied authority, except for Kagaya Ubuyashiki. But Aoki's current state was unlike anything anyone had ever seen.

As Aoki's elder and one of the few close to him, Sakonji Urokodaki understood him well.

Like himself, Aoki was outwardly cold but inwardly warm, appearing arrogant but possessing a kind heart.

"My poor child…" Sakonji Urokodaki's hand hovered near Aoki, hesitant to touch him for fear of causing pain.

A heavy silence filled the room. Many present had lost family to demons, and Sakonji Urokodaki's grief evoked their own painful memories of watching loved ones perish.

"Will he recover?" After a long moment, Sakonji Urokodaki asked the crucial question.

"Yes," Shinobu Kocho whispered, nodding slightly. "He's out of immediate danger. He'll be unconscious for a while, but waking up shouldn't be a problem, barring any unforeseen complications."

Sakonji Urokodaki visibly relaxed, a weight lifting from his shoulders. He had witnessed many disciples perish, understanding the profound pain of losing a beloved student.

Perhaps to avoid witnessing Aoki's suffering any longer, he quickly left the headquarters and returned to his secluded mountain home.

Silence returned to the room.

"Everyone, please leave," Shinobu Kocho's voice broke the silence.

"He needs a quiet environment to recover. Your presence is disruptive. I will care for him around the clock and will not accept any demon-slaying missions. Please forgive my selfishness, Master Ubuyashiki."

"Because he's incredibly important to me. I can't lose him, absolutely not."

The eight Hashira and Kagaya Ubuyashiki left, leaving only Shinobu Kocho and the unconscious Aoki.

The room was empty, utterly silent.

Shinobu Kocho gently reached out, carefully cupping Aoki's hand, then pressed her face against it, feeling his warmth.

"You'll wake up, won't you?" she whispered, closing her eyes. "You said you'd return safely. You lied, but if you wake up, I'll forgive you."

A frustrated expression flickered across her face.

"Hurry up. My patience is limited. If you don't wake up soon, I'll never speak to you again. I mean it."

Tears welled in her eyes, her emotions finally overwhelming her.

"Please, please, wake up. I can't… I can't… I truly can't lose you again."

"Only you… only when I'm with you… can I forget the past. Since the day I fell for you, I've dreamt… dreamt of our future."

"Spending happy times together… then, with a priest's blessing, becoming husband and wife, forever together."

"A family… happiness… I imagined… when we have children, taking them to see goldfish… our family of three sharing ghost stories."

"But… why? Why are you like this?! Do you intend to leave me like my sister?! Leaving without a word, making me bear this alone?!"

"I've already endured the pain of losing loved ones twice—my parents, then my sister. Why must I go through this a third time?! Does my suffering amuse you, you bastard?!"

Her voice softened to a whisper, laced with sobs and pleas.

"Can't I just experience a normal woman's life? I've placed all my hope in you. Please, wake up…"

Overwhelmed by her emotions, Shinobu Kocho didn't notice someone standing outside the room.

It was her stepdaughter, Kanao Tsuyuri.

"Master…" Kanao Tsuyuri stood with her hand clasped to her chest, her face etched with worry and sadness.

Since the Natagumo Mountain incident, she'd gradually become aware of Shinobu Kocho and Aoki's relationship.

She hadn't expected Shinobu Kocho to cherish Aoki so deeply, surpassing even her love for her deceased sister, Kanae Kocho.

Shinobu Kocho's emotional outburst revealed that Aoki had become her sole reason for living.

Without Aoki, Shinobu Kocho would still live for revenge and Kanao Tsuyuri, but the nature of her existence would be vastly different.

Revenge would drive her to relentlessly pursue strength, seeking the power to avenge her sister, possibly even an Upper Moon.

Living solely for Kanao Tsuyuri would be a meaningless existence, a puppet-like life devoid of purpose.

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