Chapter 83: DSWS: Chapter 83
"My People"
Two months later, Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
Two months had passed since Aoki and his companions defeated Upper Moon Six.
Many things had happened within the Demon Slayer Corps during that time. The most significant was the retirement of the Sound Hashira, Tengen Uzui.
While nine Hashira remained—a substantial number—demon activity was increasing, making even one more Hashira a valuable asset.
Beyond that was the matter of Aoki, the Devouring Hashira.
In Yoshiwara, while the defeat of Upper Moon Six appeared a team effort, it was largely attributed to Aoki.
In the two months since, Aoki's reputation and the discussions surrounding him had grown significantly, even surpassing all other Hashira.
This wasn't surprising. Veteran Demon Slayers knew the Upper Moons hadn't changed ranks in over a century, and during that time, many Hashira had fallen to them.
The Mugen Train incident further cemented the fearsome reputation of the Upper Moons.
Aoki's defeat of Upper Moon Six shattered this century-old stalemate and greatly boosted the morale of other Demon Slayers.
The fact that even the powerful Upper Moons were not invincible, and that the Hashira outnumbered them, led many to believe the extermination of the demons was within reach.
Most Demon Slayers had joined the Corps seeking revenge for family members killed by demons, making this outcome their greatest hope.
However, Aoki remained unconcerned by the internal debates. The Yoshiwara battle, while a victory, resulted in injuries:
Tengen Uzui suffered severe injuries but recovered completely within half a month due to his exceptional physique.
Shinobu Kocho was poisoned but recovered the next day after returning to headquarters thanks to Nezuko's Blood Demon Art.
Aoki, exhausted and with minor injuries, awoke after seven days of unconsciousness and quickly healed.
Tanjiro suffered the most. His physique was unremarkable, and his injuries were severe, requiring two months to recover and undergo extensive rehabilitation.
Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters, Aoki's Residence.
Aoki, as a Hashira, enjoyed superior accommodations—a private mansion.
One morning, the rising sun cast a ray of light into Aoki's room, causing his closed eyes to open slightly.
This was uncomfortable. He'd developed a habit of waking early due to frequent emergency calls from crows, but he disliked it. He hadn't slept eight hours, yet couldn't fall back asleep.
He reluctantly got up, stretching and yawning before feeling more alert.
After dressing and washing, Aoki went out.
Having no immediate missions, he'd given himself a break. He left his mansion and headed to his second home within the Demon Slayer Corps—the Butterfly Mansion.
The courtyard was quiet; most Demon Slayers were likely still asleep.
Walking through the Butterfly Mansion courtyard, Aoki was captivated by a figure.
It was Shinobu Kocho, watering flowers, seemingly just awake, wearing a sleeping garment beneath her haori.
The Demon Slayer uniform had a standardized fit for both men and women.
Shinobu Kocho, in her sleeping garment, even partially concealed by her haori, showcased her near-perfect figure. In the morning light, she possessed a radiant beauty that would captivate any man.
Hidden in the shadows, Aoki even activated his three-tomoe Sharingan, missing no detail, his eyes wide.
Perhaps sensing his gaze, or perhaps because Aoki hadn't concealed his presence, Shinobu Kocho turned, a hint of suspicion in her eyes after about half a minute.
"Who's there?"
Aoki reacted instantly, preventing Shinobu Kocho from identifying him, though she knew someone was watching.
Hidden behind a wall, feeling Shinobu Kocho approaching, Aoki felt a surge of uncertainty.
Then, he questioned his apprehension.
"What am I afraid of? She's mine. What's wrong with looking at her? At this rate, I might even be able to take things further."
Aoki emerged from behind the wall, feeling a pang of embarrassment at being discovered, despite his thoughts.
"Aoki-kun?" Seeing Aoki, Shinobu Kocho was momentarily stunned. "Why are you here? Were you watching me?"
"Why can't it be me?" Aoki said, a little annoyed. "Although I admit I was… watching you, I don't see anything wrong with that. After all… after all…"
"After all, you're mine."
A blush crept onto both their faces. They both looked away.
"Shinobu," Aoki said after a long pause, breaking the silence. "You said something before."
"Huh?" Shinobu was unsure what he meant.
"When I woke up from my injuries, you said there was something you wanted to do once I recovered. I've been recovered for a while now. So…"
Shinobu suddenly remembered the scene in the hospital room when Aoki awoke, and she blushed, covering her face.
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