"Dark Night, Budding Feelings"
"Later, my sister created Flower Breathing and became the Flower Hashira, and I became her assistant. We were very happy," Shinobu Kocho said, her expression suddenly changing, becoming slightly fierce.
"But it didn't last. During a mission, my sister encountered a powerful demon who preyed on young women. My sister, who could have escaped, fought to save the imprisoned girls."
"She held out until dawn, forcing the demon to flee. But she was severely injured. When I found her, she was barely alive. She died."
"It's ironic. My kind sister always wanted peace between humans and demons, yet she died at the hands of a demon. To carry on her legacy, I wear her haori and try to find a way for humans and demons to coexist. But because of her death, my hatred for demons intensified, while I still hope for peace."
"This conflicting desire makes me confused. I don't know what to do. I have to act like my sister—gentle, kind, always smiling. I've been doing this for so long, I'm numb. I don't know if this is the real me."
"Whenever I doubt my ability to fulfill my sister's wish, I come here…"
"To deceive yourself into believing you can persevere?" Aoki interrupted, his tone different, a hint of firmness in his voice.
Shinobu Kocho's face softened, showing understanding. "Yes. I always tell myself I can do it, but when the pressure becomes unbearable, I have no one to confide in. I don't want them to see my weakness."
Shinobu Kocho's vulnerability was fully revealed. The cheerful, seemingly unflappable Shinobu Kocho had this fragile side.
"Well, you don't have to be like this," Aoki said casually, arms behind his head. "I have incredible talent, so my master gave me intense training. Whenever I couldn't handle the pressure, I'd beat up my junior brother, and I'd feel better."
Tanjiro, walking in the city outskirts, sneezed.
"Or you could confide in me. Now that I know, no one's better suited than me."
Shinobu Kocho smiled. "You're right. You are a good listener."
"But just listening isn't enough. You said a demon killed your sister. Considering your sister was a Hashira, it was likely an Upper Moon. I can help you avenge her and achieve peace between humans and demons. I can't guarantee success, but I'll try my best." Aoki said with a reassuring smile.
Shinobu Kocho was speechless, moved by Aoki's offer. She hadn't felt this warmth since her sister's death.
"Really?" she whispered, smiling. "I don't know if it was an Upper Moon, but it was a member of the Twelve Kizuki. Otherwise, they couldn't have killed my sister."
"I don't know what he looked like, only what my sister described—a male demon with blood-like markings on his head, a carefree smile, a calm and gentle voice, and a sharp iron fan with lotus flower carvings."
"Peace between humans and demons… it seems impossible. But I trust you, Aoki-kun."
Shinobu Kocho smiled charmingly, her gaze unnoticed by a momentarily entranced Aoki.
"Aoki-kun?" Shinobu Kocho moved closer, her faint fragrance reaching Aoki.
Aoki snapped out of it, his face flushed. His already handsome features were even more endearing in his shyness.
"Um, Kocho-san, I should go," Aoki said, escaping. At the edge of the forest, he turned, giving Shinobu Kocho a confident smile and a thumbs-up. "Kocho-san, ganbatte (do your best)!"
He vanished into the forest.
Shinobu Kocho remained there for a while, a gentle breeze lifting her hair. A subtle smile touched her lips.
"See, sister? I told you I was doing well."
Aoki returned to his residence, collapsing onto his bed, burying his face in the covers. His face was still flushed.
He'd received a system notification: Shinobu Kocho's favorability towards him had increased by 6 points, reaching 11 points. Even Urokodaki Sakonji and Tanjiro had only 13 and 15 points, respectively.
This meant he had a chance with Shinobu Kocho.
The system then proceeded with a rather blunt approach.
System: "Host, you have romantic feelings for Shinobu Kocho, correct?"
Aoki: "What? Romantic feelings? Like her? No way! Don't be ridiculous."
System: (pause)
System: "Host, how many children do you plan to have with Shinobu Kocho after you marry?"
Aoki: "Not many. A daughter would be nice. I don't want sons. They're spendthrifts."
System: "I understand."
Aoki: (pause)
Aoki: (longer pause)
Aoki: (even longer pause)
Aoki: "What the hell?!"
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