QT: Reborn As a Canon Fodder

1.16 - Unease

Komoyo finally broke her silence, "We need to find him before the demons exploit what he knows. Time is not on our side."

Kawaguchi nodded in agreement. "Let's focus on locating Shinsai. Once we find him, we can determine the best course of action."

Ubuyashiki added, "I understand the emotions involved, but we must prioritize the greater threat. Shinsai's connection to the demons could provide us with invaluable information to combat this rising danger."

Tanigawa, though visibly conflicted, conceded, "Fine, let's find Shinsai and assess the situation. But if he's truly lost to the demons, we won't hesitate to eliminate the threat."

The council room, once filled with tension, now echoed with a shared resolve. The Hashira, each carrying the weight of their duty, prepared to embark on a mission that would test their loyalty, strength, and the very essence of their humanity.

Meanwhile, outside the room, Kyoko remained concealed in the shadows, listening to the Hashira's conversation. Her thoughts swirled with a mix of emotions, understanding the complex web of decisions that had led to Shinsai's banishment. 

Do they know Shinsai is probably dead?

[Host?]

Muzan possesses the ability to read the minds of his progeny.

[...Do you want to tell them?]

If I don't tell them, once they know this detail they'll start doubting me. In their minds, I would be the perfect spy for Muzan. And if it's revealed I'm Muzan's daughter....

[Disaster.]

Kyoko silently nodded. Taking down Muzan now is going to be harder than in the original series. The fact he might have consumed a blue spider lily and with how limited the current Hashiras are, it's going to be an impossible fight.

[Is that why you trained Gyutaro till he had the mark?]

As I said before, Kyoko winced, ....my actions of treating him like a tool were necessary for survival. 

[You've been playing a dangerous game.]

It was the only game available. The Demon Slayer Corps is a formidable force, but even they are limited. To confront Muzan directly without proper preparation would be suicidal.

[So, what's your plan now?]

The demons are after the blue spider lily, and Shinsai's knowledge is their key. We need to find him before they do. The Hashira, with their commitment to duty, may be our best chance. But I have to tread carefully. Revealing too much could lead to chaos.

[What about Muzan?]

Kyoko glanced back at the closed door of the council room. Muzan won't be taken down easily. He's cunning, powerful, and now, possibly enhanced by the blue spider lily. I need to gather more information, strengthen our forces, and find a strategic advantage. Our confrontation with Muzan will come, but it has to be on our terms.

[And the Hashira?]

I'll work with them for now. We share a common goal: protecting humanity. Once Shinsai is found, and the demons are dealt with, I'll have to reveal more about Muzan's plans. But until then, I must play the role of an ally, not the daughter of the very demon they've sworn to destroy.

[It won't be easy.]

No, it won't. But for the sake of humanity, we have to try. The demons are getting bolder, and time is running out. We can't afford to lose this battle. With those words, Kyoko slipped away from the Corps and ran.

------------ SYSTEM ERROR REPLAYING DATA----------

Gyutaro wanted to hurl.

"Again!"

Blood splattered across his face.

"Again!"

"Again!"

Kyoko dodged as Gyutaro continued to try and stab her. Sometimes her fingers or limbs were severed but they'll regrow as if nothing had happened in the first place.

He couldn't read her expressions. It felt like attacking a moving stone wall whenever they sparred and the tingling on his cheeks was not helping.

Finally, he collapsed.

.

.

.

When he woke up, he could see his sister sleeping in an armchair beside his bed. She looked at peace, with her silvery hair flowing down her shoulder. 

Gyutaro quietly observed his sister, marveling at the tranquility that enveloped her as she slept. The intensity and relentless training sessions with Kyoko had become a regular part of his routine. While he initially harbored jealousy towards Ume, over time, a strange sense of camaraderie had developed.

The room was dimly lit, and the faint glow from a lantern cast gentle shadows on the walls. Gyutaro gingerly sat up, wincing at the soreness in his muscles. Ume stirred in her sleep but didn't awaken.

As he reflected on the training, Gyutaro couldn't deny the undeniable progress he had made under Kyoko's guidance. Her combat skills were unparalleled, and the mysterious techniques she employed left him both fascinated and perplexed. Gyutaro had learned to adapt, honing his instincts and improving his reflexes.

Ume's eyes fluttered open, and she blinked in the low light. "You're awake."

Gyutaro nodded, still feeling the strain from their intense training. "How long was I out?"

"Several hours. You pushed yourself hard today," Kyoko remarked, her gaze steady as she entered the room. 

Gyutaro's gaze followed Kyoko as she approached, her presence commanding yet comforting. He couldn't help but admire the resilience she exuded, even in the quiet moments like these.

"I've been thinking," Gyutaro began, his voice tentative. "About why you're helping me get stronger."

Kyoko settled into another armchair beside Ume, her expression open to his inquiry. "Go on."

"It's just... I never understood why you would invest so much time and effort into me. Into us," Gyutaro confessed, his words tinged with a mixture of curiosity and uncertainty.

"Gyutaro!" Ume scolded, "we're family! Of course she's helping us!"

"Right, family..." Gyutaro responded.

"Family," Gyutaro repeated, as if testing the word on his tongue. He always knew it was false. He couldn't read Kyoko, but her actions spoke volumes to what she was thinking.

That's why when she came back to ask for help, he refused. After years of pondering over each and every action Kyoko took over his time with her, he could only come to one conclusion.

She never saw them as family. 

They were merely tools in her mind

.

It was then that he finally gained the ability to read Kyoko.

-Author-

Kyoko is not flawless, homies got relationship issues.