•|• Avatar •||• Hashibira Inosuke x Reader •|•

Chapter 24

She lets me pat her head, and I start to calm down from earlier. The boys soon return as well, and we just spend our time sitting around until our final checkup before we leave, Nezuko returning to her box to sleep.

"All better now."

We all sigh in relief before receiving our now clean clothes, thanking the old woman before we would take our leave.

I was simply cleaning my sword, noticing the familiar crow fly in, announcing our next mission.

"It is North, North-East! Your next mission is North, North-East! The four of you are to go to Mount Natagumo! Make your way there post-haste!"

Once everything was ready and we were prepared for the road, we left the home and went past the gates.

We stopped to bid farewell.
"We're heading out now. Thank you for everything."

Tanjiro, Zenitsu and I bow, the old lady returning our gesture.
"I'll bestow good luck upon you."

"We're very grateful for the wonderful hospitality you showed us, ma'am."
I bow again.

She nodded and struck the flint, small golden red sparks emitting, which apparently threatened Inosuke as he drew his sword.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING OLD HAG?!"

Tanjiro held him back while Zenitsu got in front of him.
"Stop that, you idiot! It's ceremonial! We're going on a journey, striking sparks is for luck!

A gust of wind calmed them all down.
"Please, keep your voices down. We apologize, he's a little uncivilized."
I hit Inosuke with my elbow, and he almost dared yell again, but held back.

"Always live your lives in a fashion where you are able to hold your heads up high. I wish you luck in battle. May the Avatar be with you."

I halt for a moment, but nod as we turn around and start running.

A little way down the road, I decide to break the silence.
"I wonder what our mission is."

"To slay a demon, idiot."

"...That's not what I meant, Inosuke. I meant like... What sort of demon? It's interesting to think about, no?"

"It is, actually. I'm curios too."
Tanjiro smiled like usual, Zenitsu already trembling.
"What if I fall asleep again like last time?!"

"Unless you're gonna slay a demon, you better not~"
I sweetly threaten.
"Y-Yes, ma'am."

"Tch. Heads up high. Luck in battle, what did all that crap mean?"
I turn around to look at Inosuke. I kinda figured he wasn't all that educated, but that's just... surprising.

"To be honest, it is a little difficult to explain. To keep your head high... I guess it means that whatever hand you're dealt with in this life, you're able to conduct yourself in an honorable manner do you're never ashamed."

Inosuke didn't seem much more understanding, so I sigh.
"It just means to always be strong and honorable, no matter what. That's how I see it. And luck in battle is praying for our victory and safety!"