Demon Slayer: The Tenth Hashira with Dōjutsu

"Awakening"

Shinobu Kocho, however, would live for Aoki, and for herself. As a woman, only her man could provide the physical and emotional comfort she craved—a sentiment even her sister, Kanae Kocho, couldn't surpass.

Aoki, her man (though they hadn't officially declared their relationship, a simple declaration would suffice), might not be as strong as her now, but his rapid growth meant surpassing her was only a matter of time.

She could live like an ordinary woman, protected by her beloved. While Shinobu Kocho was fiercely independent, all women possess inherent maternal instincts, a fondness for cute creatures.

Security was another innate female need, and the most direct source of security was a stronger partner who provided protection.

Therefore, living for Aoki was more realistic and desirable than living for revenge or Kanao Tsuyuri.

Seven days had passed since Akaza had left Aoki critically injured and unconscious. During those seven days, Shinobu Kocho, except for bathroom breaks, had stayed by Aoki's side, eating, sleeping, never leaving.

Many from the Demon Slayer Corps visited, most frequently Tanjiro, followed by Zenitsu and Inosuke, then Rengoku Kyōjurō.

Significantly, Giyu Tomioka visited Aoki three times, a rare occurrence. Sakonji Urokodaki also visited once after his initial departure.

Others visited only once, including most of the Hashira and Kagaya Ubuyashiki (excluding Himejima Gyomei and Muichiro Tokito). They left after briefly checking on the still-unconscious Aoki.

On the tenth day of Aoki's coma, he opened his eyes.

His usually steady breathing became ragged. Two coughs alerted Shinobu Kocho to his awakening.

"Aoki-kun…" Seeing his eyes open and consciousness returning, Shinobu Kocho, overcome with joy, couldn't help but cry, covering her mouth with her hands.

"Shinobu…" Aoki's eyes drifted towards Shinobu Kocho, his head slowly turning. Seeing her tears, he guessed what had happened.

He tried to reach out to touch her face, but the pain from his splitting wounds forced him to retract his hand.

Understanding his intention, Shinobu Kocho gently pressed her face against his palm, letting him caress her cheek.

"You're finally awake," Shinobu Kocho whispered, her sobs subsiding.

"How long have I been asleep?" Aoki asked wearily, attempting to move, but finding he could only move his head, face, hands, and feet; the rest of his body was immobile.

"Ten days. You've been asleep for ten days," Shinobu Kocho replied softly, holding his hand tightly, afraid he'd pull away.

Aoki wasn't surprised. He knew the extent of his injuries. "How are Tanjiro and the others? Did my master visit?"

Shinobu Kocho answered, "Yes, Sakonji-sensei visited. Tanjiro and the others… because of your injuries, Rengoku is temporarily leading your team. They've resumed demon-slaying missions."

"And you? Did you stay here like this for ten days?"

"Yes."

"Do you think I'm an idiot?"

"Yes."

"I promised I'd return safely, but ended up like this, worrying you for nothing. Are you furious enough to kill me?"

"Yes, I'm furious. I want to kill you, make you into human meat buns, and eat you with ginger and pickles."

Aoki felt a chill run down his spine at the icy tone of Shinobu Kocho's final words.

Aoki's thoughts: Seriously? If she kills me, she'll be heartbroken.

Aoki's thoughts were interrupted as Shinobu Kocho gracefully rolled onto the bed.

She positioned herself with her hands on either side of his arms, her knees on either side of his legs, her body elevated to avoid contact with his wounds.

Their gazes met.

"Shinobu…" Aoki's cheeks flushed.

Aoki's thoughts: No way… I'm covered in wounds… Is this even possible? I don't know…

Shinobu Kocho's gaze was filled with unprecedented tenderness.

"Don't talk," she whispered softly, her voice sending a shiver down Aoki's spine.

She gently pressed her lips to his forehead, then his nose.

Aoki instinctively clenched his fists, then relaxed them due to the pain from his wounds.

Shinobu Kocho lifted her head.

Seeing his tense, shy expression, she chuckled. "Look at you, all eager. What were you thinking, you little brat?"

Realizing he'd been teased, Aoki's face flushed crimson with embarrassment.

He pouted. "What? You didn't even kiss the most important place."

He deliberately pursed his lips, inviting a kiss.

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