Your brother Kyojurou was dead.

It hit like a thousand blades in the heart as you heard it. Your loving brother, the well respected Flame Pillar Kyojurou Rengoku was now dead. He was dead, to never wake up again. He lost at the encounter with the Upper Rank 3, Akaza.

Your father had always been cold after your dear mother Ruka's death. To you and Kyojurou, he didn't have the slightest bit of love. That's what he forced himself to think. He became an alcoholic, drinking until he couldn't think straight, hit you and Kyojurou. It was horrible, but Kyojurou would protect you. You really loved him. He was the best big brother.

After Kyojurou left to have his own estate as a Hashira, you took care of the house, the needs of your father, and didn't even have time to complain or grieve for Kyojurou when he died. Shinjuro even forced you to call him 'Master', since you were supposed to respect him, since he wasn't a normal person, instead your father. You never understood. Why did this all have to happen? Why couldn't he be kind for once?

✧

What do you want? Get out of my sight.

He said as you opened the door to tell him, the last words of your brother. Tanjiro Kamado, the Slayer who was with Kyojurou at his deathbed, told you it all. But, Shinjuro didn't want to hear it, thinking Kyojurou just told hateful things about him.

Please take care. That's what Aniki said for you, Master.

You said quietly, then leaving the room. Shinjuro just looked down, his eyes slightly wide at that. That was it? Kyojurou didn't hate him? As you went by, you could hear him tearing up probably for the first time after your mother's death, his son's and hicks after the Sake he drank. As you slowly opened the door to see if he was alright, he just pulled you closer to his chest with that. Normally, he would just hit you. This was.. probably the first time he hugged you. He just pressed your heard further to his chest, sobbing.

I-i..am..I am sorry...I am..so damn sorry..damnit..damnit..