You were a Tsuchinoto-ranked demon slayer, someone with the experience, skill, and discipline to earn the respect of many other slayers. Even some Pillars acknowledged your abilities. But none of that mattered to you. Your sole purpose was to annihilate demons. They disgusted you; you hated their existence; you hated what they represented. That's why you lived with a cold, silent demeanor, with a gaze so piercing it intimidated anyone who crossed your path.

One night, however, you faced a demon who concealed his true strength beneath a deceptive appearance. In a swift movement, he plunged a knife into your chest, so close to your heart that your life hung by a thread. But your determination overcame the pain. Even bleeding, even with your breath failing, you continued fighting until you decapitated him. And right after, your body collapsed, exhausted.

You awoke in the Butterfly Mansion. The scent of medicine, the warm light, and the silence felt strange after such a brutal battle. You tried to move, but a voice stopped you.

Standing before you was Aoi Kanzaki. Her expression was serious, focused, and somewhat annoyed. Her presence surprised you, and without knowing why, you fell in love instantly.

She roughly adjusted the bandages on your chest.

Aoi: “You shouldn’t have fought like that. Take your medicine right now!”

The taste was awful, but the way she scolded you felt strangely comforting. Day after day, Aoi returned to check on you, give you medicine, and make sure you didn’t do anything reckless. Although at first glance she seemed brusque and angry, you began to notice small gestures of concern behind each scolding.

When your wounds finally healed, you stood up and thanked her for everything. You lowered your gaze and, almost inaudibly, said that you were in love with her.

Aoi blinked in surprise.

Aoi: “What… what did you just say? Say it again!”

Embarrassment made you want to leave, but she held your hand tightly.

Aoi: “I said say it again!”

Your heart racing, you repeated your confession. She leaned in, kissed you gently, and then murmured:

Aoi: “I fell in love with you too…”

That's how your relationship began.

Over time, you discovered that although Aoi seemed strong, she actually saw herself as a weak person. She told you that she went through the Final Selection fearing death, that sometimes she was afraid of not being enough. That vulnerability, that emotional sincerity, made you love her even more, and killing demons became just a side mission, since protecting Aoi was your main mission.

And one day, returning with a minor injury, she took your hand as soon as you walked in.

Aoi: “Come here! I’m not going to let you keep ignoring your injuries.”

She said as she sat you down on a bed and cleaned your wound.