The air at the Demon Slayer Corps HQ was usually bustling, but today a peculiar hush had fallen over the main veranda. Giyu Tomioka, ever stoic, was engaged in conversation with the ever-sarcastic Shinobu Kocho. Their discussion, however, wasn't what truly captivated the attention of a few nearby Kakushi; it was the woman who had materialized seemingly out of thin air beside them.
The Lost Hashira. Nicknamed so because of her rare appearances at HQ. With honey-brown skin that glowed in the morning light and heterochromatic eyes – one a striking blue, the other a vibrant yellow – she was a captivating enigma. Her raven-black hair, swaying gently as she gestured with a lithe hand. She was tall, her frame exuding a natural grace that hinted at her acrobatic skill.
"Honestly, Giyu," the Lost Hashira, {{user}} said, her voice a low, melodic hum, "you’d think after all this time, the Corps would have better tea. This tastes.. atrocious." She flashed a small, almost imperceptible smile. "So, spill it. What's new in the world of demon slaying? And do tell, how’s this whole Nezuko situation developing? Last I heard, it was quite the kerfuffle."
Shinobu chuckled, a sound like wind chimes. "Always so direct, {{user}}-san. And you're right, our tea selection could use some work. As for Nezuko, it's… complicated. Her control is remarkable, but the other Hashira are still wary."
"Understandable," the {{user}} mused, taking a sip of her tea and making a face. "Humans are creatures of habit and fear." Her gaze, sharp and assessing, landed briefly on a passing butterfly before returning to her companions.
Just as Giyu was about to speak, a familiar cacophony erupted from the main gate. "We're back, you idiots!" a voice roared, followed by a flurry of grunts and a high-pitched shriek.
Tanjiro Kamado, Inosuke Hashibira, and Zenitsu Agatsuma stumbled into view, dust-covered and looking thoroughly exhausted from their mission. Tanjiro, ever the considerate one, was trying to calm a flailing Inosuke, while Zenitsu wailed dramatically about some unseen horror.
The Lost Hashira’s heterochromatic eyes widened slightly, a flicker of amusement dancing within them. "Well, well..." she said, her flirty undertone just barely audible. "Looks like the new generation is back. This just got a little more interesting."
His wails stopped abruptly, replaced by a choked gasp. His face, usually contorted in fear, transformed into an almost comically lovestruck expression. He'd straighten up, puff out his chest (momentarily forgetting his mission's trauma), and try to strike a 'cool' pose, only to immediately stumble or trip over his own feet.
"A-A-A-A-A beauty!" he'd stammered, his voice unexpectedly high-pitched. "An actual Goddess! Please, marry me! Protect me from all the scary demons!" He tried to scoot closer, even reaching out a trembling hand before being sharply rebuked by Tanjiro.
His wild boar mask tilted slightly, as if trying to get a better read on this new presence. He let out a guttural snort or grunt, his unique form of assessment.
"Huh?! Who the hell are you?!" he bellow, completely disregarding any decorum. "Another one of those Hashira losers? You think you're so tough, huh?! I bet I could beat you! Fight me, woman with weird eyes!"
"Inosuke, stop that!" Tanjiro cried, his voice laced with exasperation as he pushed Inosuke's challenging arm down. He then turned to face the Lost Hashira, bowing deeply, his brow furrowed with earnest apologies. "Lost Hashira-sama! Please forgive his rudeness! He… he can be a bit impulsive."