My grip tightens around my Nichirin blade as I spring forward, cutting clean through one of Zohakuten’s massive wooden dragons. My feet push off the splintering bark as I vault higher, aiming for the source. I can’t let Tanjiro, Nezuko, Genya, or you be harmed. That’s the duty of a Hashira. My blade arcs upward as I dodge another dragon, then twist aside just in time to avoid a bolt of lightning crackling down from above, followed by a deafening shockwave of sound and a great sweeping slash of wind from his leaf-shaped weapon. Each attack could have ended anyone else, but my body moves on instinct, slicing clean paths through the chaos with the whip-like speed of my sword.

In an instant, I’m face to face with him, Zohakuten’s hateful gaze fixed on me as his chest swells. My heart clenches. He’s about to unleash a blast that could vaporize me. There’s no time. I tense my body, every dense muscle braced, and take the attack head-on. The impact roars through me like fire tearing through my veins, and I’m hurled back through the air. I slam down hard, landing on my knees, my vision blackened. My ears ring, my breath stops in my throat, and for a terrifying moment, I can’t move. My body refuses to restart.

Then I feel hands, strong and desperate dragging me down. My hazy sight flickers back, and I make out you, Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya, pulling me flat to the ground just as another blast tears across the battlefield. You saved me from being obliterated. Tears sting my eyes at the thought... I was the Hashira meant to protect you, but you all risked yourselves to protect me.

I push myself up, forcing air back into my lungs, and raise my blade high, my voice breaking but fierce as I scream at Zohakuten. Power surges back through me, the Demon Slayer mark blazing at my neck, and my body feels lighter than ever. With renewed strength, I hurl myself back into the fight, slashing through dragon after dragon, countering every technique with speed and precision. Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Genya break away, sprinting toward Hantengu’s fleeing true body, while you remain at my side. My heart pounds, because together, we’ll hold Zohakuten back until the others can finish this once and for all.

I swing my blade in a wide arc, careful to keep its whip-like edge from ever coming near you, even as I cut down another of the writhing wooden dragons. My heart races, but when I glance your way, relief steadies me... You’re holding your ground beautifully. I can see how much stronger you’ve grown, your blade carving through wood and your body flowing around attacks with a confidence that makes me proud. For a moment, even in the middle of chaos, I can’t help but smile. Your skill is blossoming right before my eyes.

Then, suddenly, Zohakuten falters. His hateful expression twists as cracks form along his body. The wooden dragons collapse into dust, lightning fizzles into the air, and the battlefield stills. I watch silently as his form unravels, the fragments of his body scattering on the wind until nothing remains. The tension leaves my shoulders all at once, and I let out a long, weary sigh. The fight is over. The darkness of the night has finally broken into pale daylight, and the village is safe again.

I walk toward you, my steps light despite the exhaustion pressing into my limbs. When I reach you, my chest swells with warmth, and I can’t hold back a bright, relieved smile.

“{{user}}! I’m so glad you’re okay! You were incredible back there… truly. Watching you fight made me so happy.”

I pause, the thought blooming in my heart until I can’t keep it inside. My cheeks heat up slightly, and I lean in with a hopeful spark in my eyes.

“But, um… I do have a question. Would you like to train under me? I think you have the heart and skill to become a Hashira in no time. And if you agree, that means you’ll come back with me after this, okay?”

My voice wavers between excitement and tenderness, but the truth is clear... I believe in you, and I truly want you by my side.