A week has passed since everything that happened. A lot of things has occured in just one week, as demons finally gone to extinct (except Tamayo and Yushirou) and human manage to attain peace in the night.
After the day of Muzan's demise and they achieved victory, it also came with a cost that resulted in many lives that were lost during the final battle.
It took the whole day for them to properly clean the stains of blood and bury everyone that didn't survived. Some died in gruesome ways such as missing half or any parts of body. Some weren't even recognisable at all as they found missing limbs scattered around the streets.
After they finish cleaning whatever left from the battle, the next day, a funeral was made for those who has fallen. It was such a sad and gloomy day.
After few days later, they slowly starts to move on and keep going forward in their lives. They can now enjoy living peacefully without fearing demons running around when the sun goes down.
And of course, there also a lot who were injured from the battle. All of them are currently being treated at the Butterfly Estate and it has been busy for few days.
"Aoi, are the foods ready?" Shinobu asked while preparing the plates and bowls. It's currently noon around 12:45 and they are making lunch for the patients at the Butterfly Estate.
"It should be done in few more minutes, the meats are almost fully cooked." Aoi said and Shinobu just nodded. "The rice are already cooked. Should we put it on the plates first or wait for beef soup to be done?" Kanae asked as she also helping around in the kitchen.
"Maybe it's fine if we put the rice first. I think the soup should be done after we put the rice." Shinobu said. "Alright then..." Kanae responded before she begin putting rice on the plates.
After Kanae put the rice on all the plates, Aoi then signals them that the soup is ready to be serve. Aoi give Shinobu one of the ladles and both of them begin filling the bowls with the soup.
Kanae take out four square trays as she begin arranging it. Two trays are for carrying plates of rice while others are for the bowls of soup.
After the three of them are done, Kanae begin calling loudly, "Kanao! Could you please help us a bit?" she called for Kanao.
Few footsteps can be heard before Kanao arrive at the kitchen. "Kanao, could you help us carry one of the trays?" Kanae asked.
"Sure." Kanao responded simply before she begin carrying one of the trays. Kanae, Shinobu and Aoi also carry the rest of the trays. The four of them walk into few patient's rooms as they begin distributing the foods.
Shinobu and Aoi enter one of the rooms as they can see few people inside on their own beds, either chatting with each other or just doing their business.
"Here you go Tanjirou, this is yours." Aoi said as she give Tanjirou a plate of rice while Shinobu give him the soup. "Thank you, I truly appreciate it as always!" Tanjirou said with gratitude.
"This is yours Zenitsu." Aoi said before he also receive his portion. "Thank you for the food! Nezuko-chan~ do you want to share with me?~" Zenitsu said in bright manners.
"E-eh?! No, it's fine! I'm not h-hungry!" Nezuko said, feeling embarrassed since she's still not used to Zenitsu's tendency around her.
"Nezuko, if you want, you can have some in the kitchen. There's still some left." Shinobu told Nezuko. "It's alright, I'm actually not that hungry yet. Thank you for the offer, Shinobu-sama." Nezuko said respectfully.
"Alright then. And this is yours, Inosuke. Please don't steal other's portion like before. I mean it, Inosuke!" Shinobu said sternly and Inosuke just nodded nervously.
"Good. Now then, enjoy your food. Just leave it at the table after you finish. We'll pick it up later." Shinobu told them. Then, She and Aoi continue walk around the room to distribute the foods for others inside the room.
Inside another room, Kanae and Kanao also do the same thing, giving the patients their own portion. "Here you go, I hope you enjoy the food." Kanae said with a friendly smile.
"T-thank y-you..." the injured slayer said in stutter while his face is turning red, looking at Kanae while also glancing at Kanao.
Kanae and Kanao continue to walk towards others and giving them their meals. Both of them walk towards the last person which is none other than a fellow Hashira, Iguro Obanai.
"Oh my, That smells really good! What is that Kanae?" Mitsuri asked while slightly drooling. She is currently sitting on the chair beside Obanai's bed.
"Oh, it's nothing special. Just a beef soup with rice, that's all." Kanae told her. "Here you go, Iguro-san. This might be your last meal since Shinobu said that you're already getting better." Kanae said while feeling glad for the latter before giving him his food.
"She's right, I'm actually feeling great myself. Today might be my last day staying here. Thank you for all the hospitality, Kocho." Obanai said in gratitude while taking the food.
"I guess, that also mean that you would be joining later this evening Hashira's meeting?" Kanae asked him. "I probably would." Obanai answered simply.
"Umm, Kanae, can I ask you something?" Mitsuri asked, feeling curious and Kanae just nods in response. "It's about 'him'. How is he right now?" Mitsuri asked about a certain someone.
Kanae instantly know who she was referring to before a smile appeared on her face. "Oh, (Y/N). He's fine actually..."
"But he still hasn't wake up..." Kanae told her (Y/N)'s condition. "I see... But he's getting better right? I'm sure he'll wake up between any of these days. I'm sure of it!" Mitsuri said confidently.
"Thank you Mitsuri. I'm also hoping for the best." Kanae said sincerely while smiling at her. Mitsuri just smile back at Kanae brightly.
"I guess I'll see the two of later this evening. Iguro-san, just leave the plate and bowl on the table like usual, alright?" Kanae said to both of them. Obanai just simply nodded while Mitsuri wave her hand.
Kanae just wave back before she and Kanao walk away. They leave the room and walk back to the kitchen. When they enter the kitchen, the can see Shinobu and Aoi, also done with their part.
"I guess we're done for now. Kanae-sama, Kanao, just give me the trays, I'll put it back." Aoi said and Kanae with Kanao just give the tray on their hands before Aoi put it away.
"Since we're done, let's also eat together." Shinobu suggested. The others just agreed before Shinobu look at Kanao. "Kanao, could you get Naho, Kiyo and Sumi?" Shinobu asked her and Kanao nods before she walks away, looking for the trio.
After a moment, Kanao returns with three girls following behind her. "Thanks Kanao. You three, it's time to eat. Those three plates on the table are yours." Shinobu said to them.
"Ah! Thank you Master Shinobu." Sumi said while Naho and Kiyo also followed, saying their gratitude. Then, the other also receive their own portions before they begin eating while enjoying each other company.
After a moment, all of them are feeling satisfied after they finished their lunch. "I think the others are also done with their food. I'll go pick up the plates." Kanae said.
"Kanae Nee-san, I will help you." Kanao said. "We also want to help!" Kiyo said while Sumi and Naho also agreed.
Such a busy day as usual...
~timeskip~
Kanae slightly stretch herself while Shinobu just sigh in relief after a long work. Everything is done for now and they can rest a bit before the Hashira meeting this evening which is in one and half hour before it starts.
"Nee-san, you should rest yourself for now. I think I need to do a final checkup on Iguro-san before I can approve his leave." Shinobu told her sister.
"Alright Shinobu. I'll be in my room if you need me." Kanae told Shinobu and Shinobu nods before she walk away to the other room.
Kanae slowly walk in the hallway and passed few doors until she stop herself in front one of the doors. She stare at the door for a moment before she hold the doorknob.
Kanae slowly open the door as she can hear the sound of creaking. She enter the room as she glance at the single bed in the middle of the room.
She walk towards the edge of the bed as she can see him still remaining unconscious with few bandages around his body.
A smile appeared on her lip while looking at him. He's definitely getting better as she can see his wound healing itself after a week long.
It's all thanks to Shinobu's effort of personally treating him by herself, giving him the proper treatment for his condition as best as she could and constantly checking him everyday.
Suddenly, she can hear someone knocking the door. Kanae look at the door and walk to it before slowly opening the door.
Kanae is surprised when she see that it's none other than Kagaya. "Good afternoon Kanae. I knew someone is inside the room with him when I heard your footsteps." Kagaya said with a friendly smile.
"Ah, good afternoon Oyakata-sama." Kanae greeted back respectfully. Kanae then step aside before inviting Kagaya inside the room.
Kagaya then glance at the person laying on the bed, still unconscious. "It seems like his getting well. Only time could tell when he would wake up from his 'slumber'." Kagaya said while looking at the person's condition.
Kagaya then pull a chair next to the bed before sitting himself. "Soo Kanae, how's your day?" Kagaya asked Kanae.
"I'm fine, thank you. The others are also fairing well even though how busy it gotten for the past few days." Kanae told Kagaya.
"I'm really sorry for troubling you and others with this heavy task. I usually would let the Kakushi aid you and others in taking care of the injured."
"However, the Kakushi are still busy cleaning the collateral damage from the final battle. It was very severe since half of the city received huge damage and it might take few more days for them to finish." Kagaya told her the current situation.
"It's fine, Oyakata-sama. Shinobu and the others also didn't mind about it. In fact, we were glad that we can still help the others after everything they went through." Kanae told him.
Kagaya just smile at her and nods, "I'll make sure that you and the others receive a fair reward for all your hard work." Kagaya said.
"Ah, there's no need for that Oyakata-sama." Kanae said timidly. "Sorry Kanae, but I already made up my mind." Kagaya said with a slight chuckle.
After a moment, Kanae tell Kagaya that she'll be going to her room to take some rest before the Hashira meeting and Kagaya just nodded in response before she leave the room.
Kagaya just sit silently for a moment while continue looking at the figure laying on the bed.
He was very delighted when he heard that (Y/N) survived. Since then, he has been visiting (Y/N) everyday ever since that day when (Y/N) 'returned'.
And whenever he visited him, Kagaya would tell story to (Y/N) even though the latter is unconscious. Usually he would told about what he and his family did during that day.
He doesn't know whether he's listening or not, but Kagaya doesn't mind because he purely enjoy giving (Y/N) some company.
And today, he decide to tell another thing to (Y/N). "(Y/N), it seems today will be the last day for the Demon Slayer Corps after soo long..."
"After hundreds of years, the Demon Slayer Corps no longer serve any purpose after Muzan's demise with the rest of the demons."
"It's all thanks to you and everyone's else hard work and sacrifice." Kagaya said with a sincere smile while looking at (Y/N)'s unconscious figure.
After a moment, Kagaya decide to tell some story. "You know, I actually founded a hidden jewel in town nearby. The place is quite hidden, but still noticeable."
"I don't know whether you have gone there or not, but they are selling delicious dumplings. I went there this morning with Amane and the children."
"The dumplings were truly delicious with many kind of fillings. It was truly a delightful experience."
"And of course, they also sell dango and mochi. I know how you like those things."
"In fact, Amane blamed you for influencing the children from eating too much sweets especially Kanata and Nichika. The two of them really like eating Dango and Mochi after you brought them whenever you visited my family in the past."
"She's quite strict with this kind of things for our children you know." Kagaya said with a small laugh as he remembered his wife's worry for their children's diet.
"(Y/N)... I'll be waiting for you. When you wake up, I thought about showing you the place." Kagaya said as he genuinely looking forward to it.
Kagaya then continue to tell (Y/N) more stories as times slowly pass on...
~One Hour Later~
Shinobu come out of her room while feeling refreshed after taking a little rest. she's already done preparing herself and ready to attend the Hashira meeting.
Shinobu thought about her sister and wonder if Kanae is ready before walking to Kanae's room. Shinobu stand in front of her sister's room and lightly knocking the door.
"Nee-san, are you done?" Shinobu asked behind the door. "I'm almost done. You can come in Shinobu." Shinobu heard her sister's muffled voice.
Shinobu open the door and can see Kanae looking at herself through the mirror while putting on her butterfly hairpins.
After she's done, Kanae then put on her haori. "Shinobu, do you know that Oyakata-sama is currently here?" Kanae asked. "He is? I thought he won't visit (Y/N) today since there's the Hashira meeting?" Shinobu said while feeling surprised.
"Why not we check whether if he's still inside (Y/N)'s room." Kanae suggested and Shinobu just agreed. Both of them leave Kanae's room and goes to (Y/N)'s room.
Kanae then knocked the door, "Oyakata-sama?" Kanae called for Kagaya to see whether he's still inside or not. "Yes, I'm still inside." the two sisters can heard a fade voice from the room.
Kanae open the door and Shinobu just follow from behind as both of them enter the room. Kagaya glance at both of them with his usual smile.
"I'm actually about to leave for the meeting. It seems both of you are also ready." Kagaya said as he can see the two of them already looking proper themselves.
"Good afternoon Oyakata-sama." Shinobu greeted Kagaya respectfully and Kagaya just greeted her back. Kagaya then stand up before he push the chair to the side.
"Why not we go together? I would prefer some company instead walking by myself." Kagaya said while slightly chuckle. Kanae and Shinobu just simply agree with Kagaya.
Then, Kagaya walk through the door while Kanae follow from behind, leaving Shinobu the last one in the room.
Shinobu glance at (Y/N) before she smile to herself. "We'll be going (Y/N). I hope you rest well." Shinobu said to him before she walk pass through the door and slowly close the door.
Shinobu then walk to the front door and put on her footwear. She can see both Kanae and Kagaya already waiting for her.
"Sorry for making both of you wait." Shinobu apologised. "It's fine, I don't mind at all." Kagaya said reassuringly while Kanae nods at Shinobu as she also didn't mind about it.
Then the three of them set course towards the Ubuyashiki's manor where the meeting would be hold...
~20 minutes later~
Kagaya, his wife and the rest of the Ubuyashiki's children sit on the ground while in front of them, they can see all the remaining Hashira also sitting on their knees.
"Everyone, thank you for coming. As you know, we are gathering today for the Hashira meeting and it would be the last." Kagaya said as he look at all the Hashira.
"Giyuu."
"Sanemi."
"Mitsuri."
"Obanai."
"Kyojuro."
"Kanae."
"Shinobu."
"All of you are the only surviving Hashira with few other demon slayers. Many people in our ranks died after the final battle..."
"But it was never in vain because all of you have successfully eradicated all the demons."
"Due to this, the demon slayer corps serve no longer any purpose and thus, the demon slayer corps disband today." Kagaya announce as he can see multiple reactions coming from the Hashira. Some are feeling surprised, some couldn't believe that this day would finally come.
Amane decide to continue from her husband, "For many years, fighter such as yourselves risked your lives and fought bravely to save people..."
And then, Amane, her husband and the rest of their children bows on the ground in front of the Hashira in gratitude, "Everyone in the Ubuyashiki Family extends their heartfelt gratitude..." Kagaya said sincerely on behalf of his whole family.
All the Hashira are shocked from this since they don't expect this at all. "Please, you don't need to bow." Giyuu said. "We don't need any thanks at all! What held the Demon Slayers Corps together was the Ubuyashiki family." Sanemi said with the others agreeing with him.
Mitsuri was caught off guard as she didn't expect this at all. 'What do I do?! What do I do?! This doesn't feel right at all!' Mitsuri thought in panic since she never thought she sees the day where the Ubuyashiki family bowing on the ground in front of her and the others.
Mitsuri could only thought one way, she immediately slam her head on the ground and also begin bowing in front of the Ubuyashiki's family.
"Mitsuri, are you alright?!" Shinobu asked in worry since she can hear the sound of her head slamming on the ground which was pretty hard. The other also heard of it.
"I'm sorry! I just don't know what to do!" Mitsuri said while still bowing on the ground and feeling embarrassed. Kagaya and his family also noticed about this as they raise their head and look at her in wonder.
"Mitsuri, please raise your head. You don't need to do that." Amane said to her. Mitsuri heard Amane and she raise her head and look at the Ubuyashiki's family.
"I'm sorry! I don't know how to react..." Mitsuri admitted while her face is bright red due to her still feeling embarrassed.
"Thank goodness you didn't hurt yourself. You slammed your head pretty hard." Shinobu said in relief after she didn't find any bruise at all on her head.
"Hahahahaha! There's no need to feel embarrassed Mitsuri. I admit that I almost about to do the same with you!" Kyojuro said brightly while laughing by himself.
"Kiriya, you were brilliant at your job during the final battle. Your father must be very proud." Giyuu praised Kiriya. Kiriya is shocked by this as he didn't expect to receive a praise.
Kiriya then can feel a hand on his head. "Giyuu is right Kiriya. You did a wonderful job, even better than me. Be proud." Kagaya said with a proud smile.
Kiriya is touched as he couldn't hold back his tears anymore. "Thank you... Very much!" he said in gratitude while wiping his tears away.
The youngest of the Ubuyashiki's children, Kanata also crying as she hide face with her hands. The second youngest, Kuina try to hold back, but couldn't as she can feel her eyes wet.
Amane pull both of them to her as she embraced her daughters, comforting them. "The two of you also did a great job assisting your brother and the others. Be proud." Amane said soothingly as she can feel the two of them holding her while nodding in response.
The Hashira watch the heartfelt moment as they just let them be. After a moment, Kagaya decide to tell another thing to all them.
"Now that the Demon Slayer Corps has been disbanded, I'm no longer your leader. However, there's still something I want to tell you. This is regarding (Y/N) Uchiha." Kagaya said.
This caught all of their attention as they have their own reactions after hearing Kagaya mentioning about (Y/N).
Sanemi and Giyuu remain silent as they still feel responsible for what they have done. The others seems to be interested on hearing about him.
Kanae and Shinobu look at each other as they didn't expect Oyakata-sama bringing up about (Y/N). They don't know what it is, and they thought that they would listen about it first.
"Do you still remember when I told all of you there was someone helping the corps in the shadow?" Kagaya asked. Just a single question from Kagaya, They immediately connect the dots together.
"It was him all along, right Oyakata-sama?" Kyojuro said while looking at Kagaya. Kagaya just nodded and all of them are surprised to learn about this, but at the same time, does not.
With how (Y/N) helped the corps and everything else during the whole night of the final battle, protecting the Ubuyashiki's family when they are trapped inside the Infinity Castle and fighting Muzan, it all makes sense that it was him all this time.
"I think this may be the reason why we tend to cross path with him whenever we did mission, Shinobu." Kanae mumbled to her sister.
"Now I thought about it, It doesn't sound far fetched at all. I think you're right." Shinobu agreed with Kanae. Soo far, whenever they met (Y/N) in the past, all of them was when they were doing their tasks as a demon slayers.
"But that's not the main reason I brought about him. Instead, there's one thing I would really appreciate from all of you for him..."
"I'm not asking all of you as a leader, but as a fellow friend. I would like if all of you could look after him." Kagaya said while looking at all of them.
He didn't receive answer from any of them as he can see all of them remain silent. He didn't mind about Kanae and Shinobu since he already knew that the two of them cared about him. But he doesn't how the others would thought about this.
"I understand that some of you may still doubt of him after all the things 'that happened' regarding about him. But I can assure, that he's truly kind and a very gentle person." Kagaya told what he thought about (Y/N).
"However, I won't force any of you if you don't want anything to do with him and I also wouldn't harbor any feeling about this matter if you choose to do so." Kagaya said to them.
"But I just want to clear his name after all these years. The things he had done in the past especially related to Kanae and Shinobu as you all know, it's all true."
"But, he didn't do it just for no reason. Instead, it was justified for what he actually did." Kagaya told them. This caused all the Hashira feeling shocked after hearing about this except Kanae and Shinobu.
Kanae and Shinobu just look at their fellow subordinates' reaction and they can see how surprised they are. Kanae and Shinobu glance at each other before they nod and decided to tell them.
"What Oyakata-sama just said is true, what he had done to our parents. The thing he had to do was because of a certain thing that happened during 'that night'..." Kanae said to them.
They are also surprised when they heard Kanae telling them about this since they never know that the Kocho sisters also knew about this.
Kanae glance at Shinobu and gesture her sister to continue. Shinobu just respond by nodding before looking at all of them.
"The reason why he killed our parents... Our mother and father were actually turned into demons by Muzan himself." Shinobu revealed.
The others are shocked to the core after they learnt about the truth of that night. "Kocho, you knew about this all this time?" Sanemi asked the two of them while still in shock.
"No, we also didn't knew about this for a long time before Oyakata-sama told us himself." Shinobu replied truthfully while Kanae nods and agreeing with her sister.
"We only knew after he was presumed 'dead' when Sanemi, Kyojuro and Gyomei-san saved us and found him 'dead' at the same time."
"That was when Oyakata-sama finally told us the truth about him and what happened to our parents." Kanae told them the truth from her and Shinobu's part of the story.
"That means, the only one who know about this from the start was Oyakata-sama?" Sanemi said and the others also thought about this in realisation.
"That's right, I'm the only one who knew since the beginning..." Kagaya admitted as all of them didn't expect about this.
"But why Oyakata-sama? Why did you keep this a secret?" Giyuu asked while others also wait for his answer except Kanae and Shinobu who already know the reason.
"Because... He himself wanted this matter to be keep untold due to his own reasons. He also didn't want to tell the truth to Kanae and Shinobu in the first place."
"It truly was his wish for the truth to be keep hidden even though I tried to persuade him to reveal it, especially to Kanae and Shinobu since they deserve to know about it the most."
"But one of the reasons I could tell from him was to protect others by making people staying away from him."
"As you all know, he is the last standing of his people, the Uchiha after they were massacred 10 years ago. (Y/N) realise that Muzan would came after him due to him being an 'Uchiha' himself."
"He used the Kocho's parents death as a way to convict himself so people would keep their distance away from him."
"However, due to certain things that happened between him and myself, In the end, I decided to told the truth to the two of them." Kagaya revealed while gesturing his hand towards Kanae and Shinobu, pointing at them.
After Kagaya told the Hashira about (Y/N), he manage to shed light to all of them regarding (Y/N). Now, all of them have different impressions and thoughts about him than before.
None of them are thinking about him negatively, but instead, they sympathise and genuinely feeling sorry for the latter.
Even Sanemi himself instantly understands how (Y/N) felt when he killed the Kocho's parents due to them being turned into a demon. And then, the Kocho sisters starting to bore hatred and accusing him for killing their parents for no reason.
He definitely can feel related to what (Y/N) has went through. He even experienced the same thing just like the Uchiha but in a different circumstances.
Sanemi can remember how he failed to stop his mother who has been turned into a demon, killing his younger siblings. Due to self defence that he killed his own mother in the end.
The only siblings he had left was Genya. However, he can still remember how Genya during that time, not knowing that their mother was actually the one who killed their other siblings and instead, blamed his own older brother.
In the end, they all have a new perspective and mutual understanding towards (Y/N) in a positive ways.
"I... Regret everything I have done to him." Giyuu genuinely admitted. Sanemi heard him and didn't say anything, but he silently agree with Giyuu as he also feel the same.
Kagaya can see Giyuu's guilt and also Sanemi's even though he's trying to hide it. "There's no need for you worry about (Y/N) bearing any sorts of sentiments towards any of you. I assure you that he's not that kind of person at all." Kagaya said reassuringly.
"But I hope I made it clear everything regarding about him and that he has always remain pure hearted since the beginning." Kagaya told them.
Kanae and Shinobu look at the others' reaction and they can see all of them starting to accept (Y/N). They couldn't contain their smiles as they feel genuinely happy and grateful for this.
Suddenly, Mitsuri raise her hand high, trying to gain everyone's attention. "Wait! I actually want to tell everyone something!" Mitsuri said with a hint of excitement in her voice.
"I actually thought about celebrating after everything we all went through together. I thought about having a feast at my home with all of you invited on this Friday night" Mitsuri announced.
"That's sounds great, Mitsuri! You can already consider that I'll be there." Kyojuro said brightly with clear excitement. "But can I also invite other? I thought about bringing my brother and also my father if he wants to follow." Kyojuro asked.
"Of course you can! It's going to be more fun! I already invited Tanjirou when I visited Iguro-san earlier this afternoon and told him that his friends are also welcome to join. I really hope everyone would be there." Mitsuri said with a smile on her face, looking forward to it.
"It's really kind of you, Mitsuri. My family and I will also come." Kagaya said while Amane agrees and the Ubuyashiki's children nodded.
"I'm sorry kanroji-san, but I can't promise if I would come or not. I don't know if I have anything to do or not on that day." Giyuu told her truthfully.
Mitsuri just stared at Giyuu with a plain expression after he said that before saying, "I'm also preparing salmon daikon..."
"I'll be there." Giyuu said firmly.
.
.
.
"Well, that was easy." Shinobu said while snickering, feeling entertained while Kanae slightly laughed from her sister's remark. A lot of them knew about Giyuu's soft spot for his favourite dish.
Sanemi and Obanai said that they would also be there. Kanae and Shinobu tell Mitsuri that they wouldn't miss it.
"This is truly great! I'll make sure to prepare variety of foods and make it one of the best nights in our lives." Mitsuri said in enthusiasm.
A thought then crossed into Mitsuri's mind before she look at the Kocho sisters. "Kanae, Shinobu. I want to tell you another thing..."
Kanae and Shinobu look at Mitsuri before they nod, signalling her to go on, "when the time comes if he actually wake up before the day arrives, tell him that I also invite him to come." Mitsuri said sincerely with a small smile.
Shinobu just respond with a smile and nod her head while Kanae just tell her, "We'll tell him if that day actually come, Mitsuri..." Kanae said with good grace.
Mitsuri just smile contentedly before she continue to tell more about her plan with some of them giving their own suggestions. All of them enjoy chattering with each other that evening.
~Timeskip~
In the middle of the night with the crescent moon high on the sky, there was nothing but the sounds of nature itself like crickets chirping around the Butterfly Estate. Most people already fall asleep and trapped in their own dreams.
However, in one of the rooms, instead of sleeping, his eyes slowly opened as he finally regain his consciousness. However, he could only see darkness surrounding him with a bit of dim light coming from the window beside his bed.
He slowly pull himself up from the bed and he could feel few aches around his body. But he wasn't bothered by that, instead, he begin to hit with a sudden headache.
'Perhaps I've been unconscious for quite long?' he thought about his headache. It's not unbearable, but it's certainly leave him uncomfortable. 'I need air...' he thought as he slowly stand up from his bed.
He can feel his legs wobbling, but he remain calm and stand for a moment. He just let the blood rush through the veins inside his legs. He can also feel a bit pain on his left thigh with bandage around it.
Few seconds later, his legs stop shaking and he take a few steps. His legs didn't wobble anymore and he can finally walk as usual. He can still feel the pain on his left thigh, but it didn't bother him much.
He walk towards the window as he slide open the curtain and the window has already been half opened. He push the window more wider and he can feel the cold wind of the night on his skin.
He inhale the cold air few times and it actually feel quite refreshing. 'I guess it won't hurt to go outside for a moment?' he thought to himself.
He slowly climb himself over the window and close it back without making much noise. As he look outside, he can see the area around him being dark.
'Perhaps it's currently late and the others are probably sleeping right now...' he thought as he can see few other windows, but there aren't any lights behind it.
He begin to control his breathing before he jump high and land on the roof gently, trying to not make as much noise as possible. He slowly walk to the higher part of the roof before sitting on top of it.
The cold air continue hitting his entire body, but it wasn't too cold. Instead, the coldness was rather pleasant to him. He look at the sky as it was rather alluring and peaceful.
A crescent moon with stars around it, filling the whole sky and lighting the darkness surrounding the night. He can feel serene within himself as he comfortably sit by himself while looking at the beautiful night with a small smile on his lips.
It's been soo long since he felt this peaceful sensation and tranquility. He admit that it is actually quite pleasant...
~Meanwhile~
Shinobu slowly walk to her room with a tired look. She just came out from the bathroom after a long day and she can't wait to dive into her bed. She and Kanae are probably the last who are currently awake.
They actually came back to the Butterfly Estate quite late due to them 'accidentally' strayed into the town from the path to their home.
Her sister is currently in bathroom doing her own business and Shinobu just let her be. She reach in front of her room and open the door. She walk in and close it back as there is nothing but darkness except the light that came from the moon through her window.
She can hear the bed calling for her alluringly as she fall into temptation and jump into her bed. The darkness surrounding her become more darker as she slowly close her eyes.
She instantly fall asleep and succumb into her dream...
~With Kanae~
Kanae step outside from her room and walk to the kitchen. She already cleaned herself while wearing fresh new cloth and decide to take some drink.
Kanae enter the kitchen and take a piece of glass and a jug of water before pouring warm water into the glass. She slowly drink the water and enjoy it herself.
After a moment, she finish her water and wash the glass before putting it away and close the light in the kitchen. She thought that Shinobu might already fall asleep and she also need to rest herself.
She walk across the hallway, going back into her room. However, before she reach her room, she stopped in front of a certain door.
She thought about checking on (Y/N) before going to sleep. She slowly open the door as she could only see the light coming from the window.
However, when she set her eyes towards the bed, there is no one at all. Her eyes goes wide as she walk closer to bed and a certain someone is indeed missing.
Kanae couldn't believe that he's currently missing right now as she immediately open the light inside the room. "(Y/N)?" She call for his name while looking around the room. But she couldn't find him.
She suddenly lose the feeling of tiredness as it was replaced with worry right now. 'He may have already been awake right now. But where? Where are you (Y/N)?' Kanae thought as she begin walking around the Butterfly Estate, looking for him while trying to suppress the noise from her footsteps.
~Shinobu's dream~
Shinobu found herself standing in some sort of area. She couldn't tell where she is since her surroundings are blurry. The only thing she could see is the clouds covering the sky as the weather is grey.
Slowly, her vision become more clearer and she can finally see what's happening around her. She is utterly surprised when she finally realised that she is at the cemetery...
She is currently attending a funeral?
She look around and saw a lot of others attending the funeral respectfully with lots of other graves. She glance at her side and see her sister, Kanae beside her.
However, Kanae seems to be in deep sorrow while her eyes seems to look at a certain grave in front of her. Shinobu follow her sister's eyes and she look at gravestone in front of her.
When she look at the name, she is very shocked to see a certain name engraved on the stone...
(Y/N) Uchiha...
'What's the meaning of this?' Shinobu thought in shock and disbelief. Suddenly, Shinobu can feel herself about to say something.
"Nee-san... You should have never stopped me... I could have saved him..." Shinobu said to her sister. "What?..." Kanae was shocked from Shinobu's words.
"I COULD HAVE SAVE HIM! I COULD HAVE BRING HIM BACK TO LIVE! I COULD HAVE MAKE HIM... C-come back t-to u-us..." Shinobu begin to stutter as she couldn't stops herself from sobbing.
'What is going on?! I didn't even mean to said anything, but it suddenly came out as if my mouth just speak by itself?' Shinobu thought, completely surprised of herself getting mad at Kanae. She currently feel like she couldn't control herself from her own action and she could only watch.
However, she could still feel her own body. Right now, she can feel something falling from her eyes on her face. 'Am I crying right now?'
Then she can see her sister pulling her into a hug. She can feel herself leaning in her sister's arms as she bury her head on Kanae's shoulder.
Shinobu didn't do any of this at all. She just follow the flow as her body continue to move by it's own. However, her mind begin to pickup the situation she's currently in right now.
The image of the gravestone with (Y/N)'s name on it stuck inside her mind and it begin to cause her to feel paranoid. She doesn't remember any of this at all.
She does remember that she attended the funeral last week with Kanae and the rest of the demon slayers after the final battle with Muzan. The casualties were too many with lots of people lost their lives in the fierce battle against Muzan.
However, she doesn't remember about standing in front of (Y/N)'s grave. She remember that (Y/N) came back. There's no way that what she just witnessed was actually is real right?
Even as she try to convince herself that none of this is real, the feeling of anxious and worry didn't leave her at all. She could feel her chest throbbing from all this thought that continue to linger in her mind...
~Reality~
Shinobu open her eyes wide as she could only see glimpse of light coming from the window. She take a few deep breath to calm herself. She can still feel her chest pounding just like in her dream.
Shinobu pull herself up and sit on her bed. "It's just a dream..." she mumbled to herself. Shinobu decide to calm herself down by taking a drink of water.
She stand up from her bed and walk to the door. She walk outside of her room and close the door before walking to the kitchen.
As she walk in the hallway, she see someone walking in the dark area of the hallway in quick pace. Shinobu can see the dark figure is coming in her way and to her surprise, it's her sister.
"S-Shinobu?" Kanae call her while slightly gasping for her breath. Shinobu can see worry in her sister's eyes. "Nee-san, is there something wrong? Have you been awake until this late?" Shinobu asked while genuinely concern for her sister.
"Shinobu, (Y/N) is missing! I can't find him!" Kanae muttered in dismay. Shinobu is stunned after Kanae told her this. "W-what? He's gone?" Shinobu asked, completely stunned.
Shinobu can feel her heart beating fast again as she begin to feel anxious. She just had that dream and now this?
Without any further words, Shinobu walk straight into (Y/N)'s room. "Shinobu, wait!" Kanae called while still suppressing her voice since she doesn't want to bother other people in the estate.
Shinobu can see light coming from (Y/N)'s room and she enter inside. Then, she glance at the bed and indeed, he was not there.
Kanae catch up from behind as she stand near the door. "Nee-san, when he was gone, did you found any hint of his whereabouts?" Shinobu asked.
"I didn't, when I checked on him earlier, he's already gone. The light was turned on by me and the room remain the same just like how you are seeing right now." Kanae told Shinobu.
"I already went to check in every room and there was no sign of him at all." Kanae added as she is really worry more than ever.
Shinobu didn't response, but she heard her sister. Shinobu scan the room, looking for any sign of him. When Shinobu's eyes landed at the curtains, she can see that it remains wide open.
"I don't remember leaving the curtains like that." Shinobu mumbled to herself. "What?" Kanae said in confused, not hearing what her sister just muttered.
Shinobu look at Kanae, "Nee-san, have you open the curtains?" Shinobu asked. Kanae shook her head in denial. But when Shinobu asked her that question, she begin to see what Shinobu is thinking.
"Nee-san, we need to check outside. You only went to find him inside the mansion only, right?" Shinobu asked. "That's right, I have not yet check the outside." Kanae said.
Without any further words, the two of them immediately leave the room and walk straight to the front door. They put on their footwears and walk outside.
"Shinobu, we don't want to bother others sleeping in the mansion. Let's not make much noises." Kanae advised and Shinobu just agree with her sister and nod her head.
"Nee-san, I'll start looking from the roof so I can see more further while you search at the ground. I'll tell you if I see any sign of him." Shinobu suggested.
Kanae agree with Shinobu's idea and they split up. Kanae begin looking around the estate on the ground while Shinobu jump high and land on the roof.
Shinobu slowly begin walking on top of the roof, trying her best to suppress her footsteps. She begin scanning the area around her attentively.
It's rather difficult to see since the outside is far more darker than inside the mansion. She can see Kanae looking around for (Y/N) from her view.
'(Y/N), you still tend to make people concern for no reason at all...' Shinobu thought in sigh. Kanae is probaby in the same boat as her with both of them feeling troubled and worry for him.
As she continue to look for him, her eyes land at the one spot on the roof. She can see a certain someone laying on the roof by himself. The feeling of worry and anxious she'd felt earlier start to dissipate.
Now she knew where he is right now, Shinobu decide to go and tell Kanae...
~With (Y/N)~
(Y/N) close his eyes as he silently enjoying himself. He use his right hand to support his head from the hard concrete while laying down.
He continue to enjoy the cold refreshing air of the night without any sort of disturbance...
.
.
.
"Ara~ enjoying the weather (Y/N)?" (Y/N) heard someone said in a carefree voice. "Kanae? You're still awake?" he asked before he open his eyes. He can also see Shinobu beside Kanae.
"You too... Shinobu?" (Y/N) can see both of them looking at him while smiling. However, behind those smile, he suddenly begin to feel dread when looking at them.
He sense as if their smile are only to conceal the looming danger behind it. "It can't be helped nee-san the weather is definitely quite nice~" Shinobu said as her smile didn't leave her lip at all.
"I guess you're right ufufu~" Kanae agree while chuckling. However, (Y/N) is feeling uneasy and nervous right now. He can already tell that both of them are rather mad right now.
From what he could guess, they were probably not pleased to found out that he was missing from his room and they've been searching for him since that. He needs to play this right if he wants to survive from their wrath.
"Umm, I'm sorry? But when I woke up, I actually had a headache and I thought about taking some fresh air?" (Y/N) told them truthfully.
"Ara~ how unfortunate of you. Shinobu, why not you check on him to see if he is alright?" Kanae suggested. "No, you don't have to. I'm fine..." (Y/N) rejected the idea while laughing nervously.
"Oh, no can do! what if it was a severe headache? I don't want you to feel the same headache just like we did." Shinobu said, figuratively emphasizing the last part.
"That's right Shinobu. Don't worry (Y/N), everything would be just fine." Kanae reassured him. They are messing with him right now and (Y/N) realise that he's definitely in trouble.
Then, Shinobu start jabbing at (Y/N)'s body with her fingers. "Ow!" (Y/N) flinched in pain. Shinobu didn't jabbed him very hard, but she definitely know where to poke him.
She's poking the spot where he hasn't fully recover yet like bruises around his body accurately.
"Ow! Please sto-- ow! What if my injuries become worst?" but his plead fall into deaf ears as Shinobu continue jabbing on (Y/N). "That's fine ufufu~... I'm the one who fixed you up. I can pretty much fix you again, don't you think?" Shinobu said while relentlessly serving her finger stabbing technique.
After a moment being jabbed by Shinobu's fingers, (Y/N) start apologising, "I'm sorry, ouch!". "What? I can't hear you~" Shinobu said.
"I'm sorry for--- ow! For making both of you worry." he apologised to them. After he said that, he didn't feel any more incoming poking from Shinobu.
But now, he can feel someone pinching his left cheek on his face. "You just like to make us worry for no reason, don't you (Y/N)?" Kanae said with a sigh.
"That also hurt, Kanae..." (Y/N) said to her. Kanae knew that it did because she purposely pinching his cheek a bit hard. Few seconds later, she release him as she thought that he already learned his lesson.
"I'm really sorry for worrying the two of you. I really am. I thought that all of you were already asleep, that's why I silently walk outside after I regain my consciousness. I just need some fresh air, that's all." (Y/N) admitted.
Kanae and Shinobu gaze at each other after (Y/N) said that. After a moment, A small smile appears on their faces before the two of them sit down beside him.
"(Y/N), we're actually very glad that you finally awake after a whole week..." Kanae said. (Y/N) is surprised to learn this, "I was unconscious for that long?"
"Well, you did sustain quite heavy amount of injuries after you pass out. I actually thought it would take few more days for you to awake."
"However, It seems that few of your injuries were already healed by itself after a week. That's good." Shinobu said in glad.
"However, you really did scared us when you were missing from your room recently." Kanae remarked. "Sorry about that..." (Y/N) apologised again. Kanae and Shinobu just shrugged it off in response since they didn't mind about it anymore.
Then, the three of them silently enjoy each others' company. They gaze at the moon in the sky being surrounded by stars that illuminates the darkness of the night.
"(Y/N), I never get to tell you this, but thank you..." Kanae suddenly said to (Y/N). (Y/N) just glance at Kanae in wonder. "Thank you for what? Did I do something?" he asked.
(Y/N) then see Kanae looking at him with a genuine smile, "thank you... For coming back." Kanae said sincerely. (Y/N) finally understand Kanae's words and a small smile appear on his lip.
"Kanae, there's no need to." (Y/N) told her reassuringly. Kanae didn't say anything else after that, but she really is grateful that he actually came back to them. She truly does.
Shinobu then gaze at him tenderly, "(Y/N), the moon is beautiful, isn't it?" Shinobu said to him softly. (Y/N) look at Shinobu and nods with a warmth smile. "It really does..." (Y/N) said before gazing back into the sky.
Shinobu is right, the moon is really beautiful. However, (Y/N) didn't get the meaning behind Shinobu's words. She was actually referring her words in a poetic way.
'I guess he doesn't get it...' Shinobu thought to herself. But she doesn't mind about it for now as her smile didn't fade at all. She's just happy and content that he's still here with them.
The dream she just had recently, it was like a bad dream for her when she was experiencing it. The picture of the gravestone with (Y/N)'s name on it remain stuck inside her mind. She's truly grateful that it was just a dream and it didn't go that way.
After everything they went through together, the three of them become inseparable more than ever...