I was cackling internally at the sheer chaos acting like Gojo Satoru had unleashed. With just a few flirty words I had made my favourite character in Demon Slayer blush, as well as put some cracks on Kyojuro's usually enthusiastic personality.
Mitsuri had been my favourite character in the series. When she died I wanted to throttle the author. I mean what kind of a sick bastard makes such a sweet character only to kill them off.
Sure, in the 'after story' she is reincarnated with everyone else that died but that's not the same as giving her a happy ending that she rightfully deserved.
'Sorry Snake Boy… I'm stealing your girl. Well, she probably doesn't even know you yet so technically you won't have to wear a green hat. But I will take care of her, I swear.'
I sat on a pile of rubble, silently watching the Kakushi work on cleaning up. Kyojuro had left after his crow notified him that Ubuyashiki had summoned him back to HQ.
Mitsuri was helping with the clearing process. Honestly it was pretty funny watching a 5'5" girl with no defined muscles lifting two to three times as much as some of the bigger Kakushi.
I hummed softly to myself, I could help of course, but lately I was feeling a bit more carefree. Maybe it was Gojo Satoru's personality bleeding into mine, but then again, I didn't like doing unnecessary work.
Killing demons, sure. Helping people in need, absolutely. Cleaning up a mess I technically don't make… nah, I'd slack off.
"Ano… Satoru-san?"
I peaked over my shades at Mitsuri who was fidgeting with her fingers, reminiscent of Hinata from Naruto.
"Mitsuri-chan, are you here to accept my violin lessons?"
"N-No!," a light blush formed on her face, "I mean… I- I have been recalled to headquarters. Ubuyashiki-sama asked that I bring you along."
"Okay, when do we leave?"
"A-any time, I was waiting for you…"
"I see, sorry to keep you waiting Mitsuri-chan." I grinned as I got up and dusted my trousers off.
She shook her head, "I- it was no trouble."
'She's so fucking cute… must stop the- HNGHHHH… gahhh I wanna pinch her cheeks.'
A while later we got off the train and followed her Kasugai crow through the trees as we made our way back to the hidden demon slayer base.
The silence was comfortable, Mitsuri kept stealing glances at me when she thought I wasn't looking. Unfortunately for her, the Rikugan (Six Eyes), gave me a near 360 view of my surroundings.
'Am I really going to try and date her? I don't even know her age…'
"Mitsuri-chan, how old are you?" I decided to say fuck it and ask her.
She froze in her steps, "E-eh? I'm 18, why?"
'Oh thank god…' "Just wondering… if I'm going to court you, I'd like to at least know that I'm not going to get locked up."
A nuclear blush appeared on her face, "Satoru-san! Don't say that so suddenly!" She covered her face with her hands.
I chuckled, "What? I'm serious… It was love at first sight."
I could have sworn a puff of steam burst from her head before she quickly dashed away. Still chuckling, I effortlessly followed her the rest of the way.
The familiar wisteria incense laced air of the hidden base hit me as soon as we arrived. I had been here before, when I rescued Kanae and I had a friendly spar with all the Hashira to prove that I wasn't a demon.
Now that I had been called back, I had a sneaking suspicion that the formerly blind leader of the Corps had something dastardly planned for me.
Kyojuro was already there, with the rest of the active Hashira. Kanae and Shinobu were talking to each other. Sanemi was 'inconspicuously' staring at Kanae. Gyomei looked like he was meditating under one of the wisteria trees. Tengen was probably planning on making a 'flashy' appearance so he was currently nowhere to be found.
Only a few of the Hashira I remembered from the show were missing. Giyu, skipped most meetings. Obanai hadn't shown up yet, my guess, he was still a regular Slayer.
Muichiro was probably one of the last to join the Hashira and Mitsuri had yet to be promoted.
Mitsuri stepped away from me to greet Kyojuro but I caught the faint blush on her cheeks as she gave me one last glance. I casually strolled in with my hands in my pockets, a small smirk on my lips.
Moments later everyone took a knee and bowed as Ubuyashiki Kagaya appeared, flanked by his family. He was looking much healthier since I healed him several months ago.
Kagaya sat where he always did, serene as ever. He smiled softly at everyone.
"Welcome back," he said warmly, "Rengoku, Kanroji… and Satoru-san."
"Yo," I lifted a hand lazily, flashing a grin. "How're your eyes boss man?"
Several of the Hashira twitched at my blatant informality towards the Big Boss of the Demon Slayers. I saw Mitsuri blush faintly when I gave her a wink over my sunglasses.
"Want a pair of bitchin shades like mine?" I offered him a pair I pulled out of my pocket.
"Show some respect to the Master you bastard!" Sanemi scowled.
"Relax Temu Wolverine," I shot back. "You'll wrinkle that pretty forehead if you keep glaring at me like that."
A vein popped on his temple, his bloodshot eyes glinted as he gripped his nichirin blade. Tengen chuckled, no one noticed his flashy entrance. Mitsuri squeaked quietly. Kyojuro muttered something that sounded like 'why…'
Kagaya don't miss a beat, he didn't even acknowledge the back and forth, "You all came back unharmed."
"Well yeah, I'm she strongest remember? Though…" I tilted my head to Kyojuro, "Flame Boy got a few ouchies from the fight, definitely deserves a promotion if you ask me."
Kyojuro blinked, then let up with a booming laugh. "HAH! If Ubuyashiki-sama deems it so, I will burn ever brighter in service to the Corps."
'I'll make sure you don't get turned into Toji 2.0 buddy.'
Kagaya smiled, "Indeed. Rengoku Kyojuro for the defeat of a Lower Moon, from this day forward, you shall bear the title of Flame Hashira."
Kyojuro bowed his head, "It will be my honour!"
The other Hashira nodded in approval. Even Sanemi gave a grin towards the newly promoted Kyojuro.
I clapped slowly. "Nice, Flame Boy's moving up in the world. Guess dinner is on him tonight."
Kyojuro coughed but didn't disagree, my grin widened. But then Kagaya spoke again, drawing every eye back to him.
"As for you Satoru-san…" he smiled. "I am appointing you as a Hashira as well."
"Hah? Choto-fucking-mate… I already said I'm not-"
"Your strength is unquestionable," He cut me off, your contributions thus far, undeniable. It's only right you stand with us formally."
"Woah woah woah, time out," I waved my hand. "Me? A Hashira? Nah, I don't do uniforms, meetings, or-"
Kagaya cut in smoothly again, "You may do as you wish. So long as you continue to slay demons. You will have all the privileges and pay of a Hashira without the formal responsibilities."
I squinted at him behind my sunglasses. He knew my one weakness… I was broke as shit. I lived off of ramen and animals I caught in the woods.
Finally I smirked. "… you tricky bastard."
Mitsuri gasped, "Satoru-san! You can't call Ubuyashiki-sama—"
But Kagaya only chuckled, "If calling me names is what it takes for you to be a Hashira then I gladly accept each one."
The courtyard went quiet. I tilted my shades lower, meeting Kagaya's once blind eyes with my glowing Six Eyes. "… you're good. You're real good. Fine. You win. But don't expect me to sit through boring ceremonies."
"Of course not." Kagaya replied, the serene smile never leaving his face.
Somehow I felt like I had just been scammed big time. Kyojuro leaned towards me and whispered with his booming voice. "IT SEEMS WERE OFFICIALLY COMRADES FRIEND!"
"Thanks, Captain Obvious." I muttered.
The meeting went on for another half hour, each Hashira giving briefings on what they had done so far and sharing intelligence they'd gathered.
Kagaya finally stood up, "Let us conclude this meeting here. Satoru-san, I shall have a swordsmith forge a blade for you soon."
"Hai hai." I waved lazily. "Thanks bossman."
"And one more thing," he paused, "I believe Kanroji-san will benefit from your guidance. Please accompany her on her next mission."
'Kagaya… you are the best boss I've ever had.'
I grinned, tilting my head towards Mitsuri who was already blushing. "Oh? A date already? Kagaya-Sama, you really do take care of your subordinates."
Mitsuri nearly passed out on the spot.