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the-wisteria-house · 1 year

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The Arrangement (Rengoku x reader) - Chapter 4

Your and Shinjuro's argument has been interrupted by Senjuro, who has been listening in for an unknown amount of time. How will you and the Rengoku Patriarch react to the boy's interface, and more importantly how will you act around each other going on from here?

"Father... (Y/N), Please stop fighting..." A small voice whispered quietly; one could almost miss it with the wind. Shinjurou's enraged features morphed into a look of suprise, as his attention turned from you to his youngest son. Shame began to weigh heavy on your shoulders, what are you doing? Why were you arguing with your future father-in-law and in front of Senjuro no less? You looked at the boy whose blond head was peeking at you from behind the shoji door meekly. The boy shouldn't have had to hear this...

"Senjuro... I'm sorry. How much did you hear?" You ask gently anger having dissipated at the sight of the boy. Senjuro couldn't help but flinch at the guilt the swam in your eyes. It wasn't his intention to upset you further, he just didn't want you to face his father's unadulterated rage.

"Not much." the boy hesitated clearly lying but no one chose to voice this, opting instead to change the subject.

"Why don't we all head inside?" You only received a grunt of agreement from Shinjurou, who roughly pushed past you into the house. You found yourself having to fight off throwing a violent glare his way, keeping his youngest son's presence in mind.

"(Y/N)-San, are you alright?" You looked at the boy with mild surprise apone realizing he'd stayed with you on the porch instead of following his father inside.

"Yes, yes, I'm alright. I'm sorry you shouldn't have had to hear me and your father fight." You put your hands on his shoulder with a light squeeze, hoping to convey the sincerity behind your words.

You felt that heavy feeling of guilt weight lift off your shoulders when the young boy gave you a small understanding smile, "It's alright (y/n)-San, I forgive you. I understand that Father can be hard to deal with at times. He wasn't always like this.... or at least that's what Aniue says." The boy looked almost unsure of himself as he added that last bit. You were so astounded by the boy's kindness towards you - a stranger, that it took you a moment to gather your thoughts and find your voice.

"Your compassion... I- don't ever lose that, okay? It'll take you far in life." You couldn't help but let out a light-hearted chuckle as the boy blushed and looked away shyly, before quickly nodding, "Let's head inside. We can look through those books for a recipe to make. How does that sound?" You walk towards the door before looking back at Senjuro, who was smiling from ear to ear, "That sounds fantastic!"

"Hmmmm, found anything yet, Senjuro?" You glanced at the flaming locked boy curiously. You'd gotten out your recipe book and allowed the boy to flip through it to see if anything caught his eye, but he seemed to be having a hard time choosing as he flipped back and forth throughout the pages with a concentrated look.

"They're so many great options! I'm having a hard time choosing only one." The boy let out a sigh of disappointment as his golden orbs continued to scan the text, and his young mind weighed the pros and cons of each recipe.

"Well, we can always make more later. Why don't we start with something simple?"

"Why don't we make mochi?" Senjuro quickly stood with a smile as he pointed to what you assumed was one of the mochi recipes.

"I like how you think, kid, any particular flavor in mind?" You listen closely and nodded as the boy eagerly explained all the different ideas he had in mind, as you looked through the cabinets.

"Okay, so we'll need to go into town to get the ingredients for that, then?" You ask as you look through the sparse cabinets that seem only to hold rice, flour, and a few condiments. You dead panned how had you not realized how sparse the cabinets were this morning?

"Yes, I haven't had the chance to stop at the market, so we're out of a few things." The boy nodded simply in conformation.

"No worries, let me just go grab my change purse, and we can go." You go to stand before being interrupted by Senjuro who stood Infront of.

"Wait (y/n)! I can wake Father and ask for money, so you don't have to use your money - it'll only take a moment. " The boy waved his hands in front of him quickly.

You couldn't help but be slightly humored by the boys' reaction, "There's no need to wake your father. It was my idea for us to bake something anyway."

Your calm voice helped soothe the young blonds pounding heart before he found himself asking, "Are you sure?"

"Positive, now go get ready!" You shooed the hesitant tween down the hall before heading to clean up the cookbooks that were messily scattered around the sitting area.

You were honestly grateful for the young boys' company. You were unsure of what you would have done if he wasn't here. (Most likely lock yourself away in your room and avoid the Rengoku Patriarch like the plague.)

"(Y/n), I'm ready." The young boys' sudden presences made you flinch. Where you really so wrapped up in your thoughts that you hadn't heard his entrance into the room?

"Oh, I didn't see you there, Senjuro. I'll go get the money then we'll be ready to go."

You went to grab the money needed along with a cloth bag to carry the items you were planning to purchase, "I think that's everything I need." you said to no one in particular as you got yourself situated.

You made your way into the dimly lit corridor before turning around to shut the door behind you, but you pause as the sound of objects falling followed by a string of curses sounded as if it was coming from the room at the end of the hall... Shinjuro's room.

You stood there for a moment, contemplating between going to see if something was wrong, or just leaving and acting as if you heard nothing... You had just gotten into an argument in the man, and he sounded rather angry at the moment. Would he really want you bothering him, but then again, what if he needed help or even someone to talk to? You took a step forward, but a smaller hand grasping your arm stopped you, "Big brother told you not to bother father, right?"

You nodded slowly, not looking in Senjuros' direction and only straight ahead to the man in questions door. The boy then let out a sigh before letting go of your arm, "I know you're just concerned, but Father can have a temper...it's better to leave him be during moments like this..."

Your finally turned and took in the boy's sad smile, "I think I can understand that..."

As senjuro looked into your eyes, he could see the honestly behind your words, the pain that marked your being. He couldn't help but wonder why such a kind person like you held pain? He couldn't find an answer, as much as he wished he could.

It may not have shown in how you carried yourself, but it pained you not to reach out and help the man, just like how you could never help her... 'No, no- God (y/n)! This isn't the time to do this. Why are you thinking about her now?' You shook your head trying to rid your mind of the wretched woman before speaking.' "Let's head out, Senjuro. I have everything we need." You began walking towards the entrance of the flame estate, hoping that by putting distance between you and the Rengoku Patriarch, it'd be easier to get your mind on more pleasant topics.

"I'll need you to lead the way to the market, I'm not familiar with the area yet." You looked to your young companion who agreed.

"Sure, I don't mind at all!" The young boy began to lead the two of you down the large street as you made pleasant conversation.

"The market isn't usually busy at this time, so we should be able to find everything we need without too much of a hassle." You hummed and nodded your head in response as the marketplace came into view.

It was surprisingly large, far larger than the one that belonged to the little town you grew up in. It also appeared to have a large array of products that ranged from food to accessories like jewelry.

"The stand that sells flour is this way." The youngest Rengoku chirped as you both navigated your way through the streets of the square before he suddenly froze in his tracks almost making you bump into him, "Wait, I want to stop here really quick!" Senjuro grabbed your hand and pulled you towards a colorful stand that seemed to sell art supplies.

As you approached the stand with your young companion, you noticed how the older woman who was in charge of the stands face lit up as you neared, "Ah, Rengoku-Kun, is that you!? It's been too long dearly! I've missed my favorite customer! We're about to get that shipment of origami paper in, I know you've been looking forward to it!"

"Ah, Toshi-San, that's good to hear! I'm sorry I haven't been by recently. I've been rather busy lately; I would have come by to see you sooner if I was given the chance!" Said Senjuro, with a very flustered appearance as he shyly rubbed the back of his neck, "This is my friend (L/N)- San, I'm showing her around town. " He cleverly changed the conversation when he noticed the older womans dark orbs appraising you.

"Well, any friend of Rengoku-Kuns is a friend of mine! So, you're new in town, Aye?" A friendly smile spread across her aged face giving her a youthful glow.

"I am. I got here last night." You replied with little expression in your voice, though woman hardly seemed to mind this, if anything it amplified her curiosity.

"Oh, I see! What brings you to our town? Just passing through or settling down to stay?" While you knew the question itself should have been a simple one to answer, the honest answer could have been anything but simple.

"I'm getting married." You tried to keep your responses short, wanting to change the subject as quickly as possible, without seeming rude... you didn't want to think about how you didn't have a choice but to be here, right when you were just starting to feel comfortable.

The woman gasped before clapping her hands together in a silent cheer, "That's wonderful news! You must be so excited! Who's the lucky man, I may know him?"

In that moment, you wanted to take one of the paint knives on her table and ram it into your skull repeatedly at the irony, but refrained from doing so, as you didn't want to traumatize sweet Senjuro who was standing next to you still grasping your callused hand.

It wasn't that you didn't like Rengoku-San. He'd been nothing but kind to you since you'd met, you had no reason to hate him, but you really didn't know what to make of the situation. Only 48 hours ago did you learn you were going to marry him, you had to leave your old life behind, and now you're living with him? It was a lot to take in.

You take a deep breath and kept your expression schooled, knowing the woman in front of you had no way of knowing the complex situation you found yourself in.

"I'm engaged to Senjuro's older brother Kyojuro. He's currently away on important business, which is why Senjuro is showing me around in his stead." You found yourself saying a moment later, your calm and almost detached demeanor greatly contrasting the elder womans kind and open personality.

The woman seemed rather surprised at hearing of your engagement as she let out a small gasp and her eyes widened, "You're marrying Rengoku Kyojuro? I'd never thought I'd see the day where he'd settle down! The ladies will be upset when word gets out that he's no longer available." She off handedly added with a humored chuckle.

'Ladies?' Your mind could help but question before it hit you - of course, he had others interested in courting him, it wasn't as if he were an unattractive by any means, and then you pair that with his polite nature, how hadn't you thought of any of this before now?! Hell, you wouldn't have been surprised if he had someone he was interested in as well. Guilt began to fill you, 'Here I am wrecking everything... He could have been with whoever he wished if it wasn't for you (Y/n).'

"(Y/n), are you alright?" Senjuro's voice thankfully drew you from your unpleasant thoughts.

"Yes, I'm quite all right." You reassured quickly before the art supplies before you caught your attention once more. Toshi-San seemed to have a wide variety of supplies to choose from. Though the pencil set is what caught your attention. The labeling on it seemed to be in an unfamiliar dialect. The green colored tin reminded you of another pencil set you had owned as a girl. It had the same forest green tone and muddy brown labeling.

Your father had ended up saving an artist on one of his missions, and the artist had gifted him a pencil set to show her gratitude. He later gave to you said set because he noticed your interest in the arts, "It's a nice set, from France, I think? It'd be a shame to let it go to waste. I know you'll use it more than me." You remembered him saying when you asked if he was sure he wanted to give it to you, even at a young age you could tell the set wasn't for an amateur.

You were later heartbroken when your mother had taken it away from you after your father vanished, but now, before you, was a near identical set. It felt almost as if the fates had decided to show you some kindness after all.

You found yourself reaching out and flipping the price tag over only to pause once you saw the price. Your father hadn't been joking when he said they were expensive...

"Ah, those are imported from Europe." The lady chirped once she saw you looking at the price.

"Yes, they're from France, right? I think I've seen a similar set before." You let go of the tag as the lady smiled and nodded.

"I believe you're correct. If you want it, it's yours. Consider it a welcoming gift." Your head quickly shot up to look at the woman in disbelief.

"Thank you for the kind offer, but I have to refuse! I'm sure this set cost you a pretty penny. There's no way I could accept such an expensive gift." You wave your hands in front of you in refusal.

"Are you sure dear? It's really not that big of a deal it's used set anyway." You reassured and thanked the older woman for her generosity and ended up buying a medium-sized sketch book.

"Well, it was nice meeting you (L/n)-San. Don't be a stranger now." Toshi-San gave you a kind smile as she handed you your change.

"Same to you. Have a great rest of your day. " You waved before walking off with Senjuro to continue the rest of your shopping.

It didn't take you long to gather everything you needed with Senjuros' help.

"Can you think of anything else we need?" You watch as the young boy looks up in thought.

"No, I think we got everything (y/n)!" You hum in reply before spotting a Kakigori stand. Senjuro seemed to follow your line of sight, "Oh, shaved ice! That's one of my favorite treats!" He cheered with enthusiasm practically radiating off of him.

You soon found yourself walking towards the stand, leaving the blond confused.

"Come on, Senny-boy, we're getting shaved ice." You turn around just in time to see the boy's face light up, and while you didn't show it (or so you thought-) you felt yourself starting to grow a soft spot for this young boy. Maybe it was because he was so friendly, or maybe because you saw a small part of yourself in him? You weren't for sure, but you supposed it didn't really matter.

As you ate your shaved ice, your mind drifted to the events that occurred earlier that day. You knew you couldn't avoid the Rengoku Patriarch forever, so the only other option was to apologize to the man, and while the idea of doing such a thing wounded your pride slightly you knew it had to be done.

"How do you like your shaved ice, Sen?" You look at the boys shaved ice, which seemed to already be nearly gone.

"It's really good! You made the right call having us stop here." You couldn't help the small smile that graced your lips, "Well if you'd like another, just let me know."

"Thank you, but I think one will be enough for me. I don't want to spoil my lunch." The boy said politely, as you nodded in agreement and continued to eat your sweet treat in a comfortable silence.

"Hey, (Y/n) can I ask you a question?" Senjuro asks after a few moments of silence.

"Yea, what's up, kid?" You glance at the boy who seems a little unsure of if he should proceed. Thought it seems after a few moments he'd decided to just ask.

"Not to be disrespectful, but why did you buy a sketch book if you don't have anything to draw with?"

You blunck and gave the boy an unreadable deadpan before you looked up in thought, "You know, Senjuro, that's a good question.... I don't know why I bought the book."

Silence hung between the two of you for a few moments before the youngest Rengoku gave you an odd look, "(Y/n) you confuse me..." you continued to stare at eachother for a few moments.

"I confuse me too." Senjuro snorted upon hearing this, and you smiled before playfully ruffling the boy's flame like hair.

"(Y/N), stop! You'll mess up my hair!" The boy wined while trying to swat your hand away. You eventually relented with a small laugh that Senjuro shared, showing you he didn't really mind. As you both took the final few bites of your icy treats, you noticed how more people began to fill the market and agreed to start heading back to the estate before more people filled the square.

The walk back was filled with light-hearted chatter as you discussed your ideas for dinner that night, what Senjuro wanted to do before dinner, and as you neared the house, the conversation topic switched to his elder brother, "Your brother loves sweet potatoes, right? Why don't we make some for him when he gets back?" Senjuro nodded at this before looking up in thought, "He does indeed... You know, before becoming a slayer, Aniue used to make baked sweet potatoes for dinner every night. I don't know how he can love them as much as he does after eating them so often?" You felt your chest tighten at the implications behind that statement that Senjuro himself didn't seem to realize.

'His innocence...'

"You can never eat too many sweet potatoes." You found yourself saying with a small laugh as you opened the shoji door, 'Must be preserved.'

You stepped through the doorway face absent of a smile as you made eye contact with the Rengoku Patriarch who was eyeing your bags.

"You went to the market?" His gruff voice broke through the silence.

"Yes, we left an hour or so ago." You move to the kitchen to put away the groceries you'd purchased without giving the man a second glance.

"Did you get any sake?" Shinjuro asked as he followed behind you into the kitchen.

"No, I didn't realize you wanted me to get any. Say, would you mind helping me put this all away?" The man seemed caught off guard by your request but wordlessly complied none the less.

"What would you like me to do (Y/N)?" The soft voice of the youngest Rengoku had your previously expressionless face shift into one with a soft smile.

"Hmmmmm, why don't you figure out what you want for lunch? You then can tell me, and we'll make it." The boy seemed confused at you not giving him an actual task, but excited as he ran off to look through the cookbooks.

"He behaved well for you?" Shinjuro suddenly asked as you both finished putting away the last of the groceries.

"Yes, he was wonderful, he showed me around town. He's a sweet boy. You should be proud; he'll be a fine man one day." You said with sincerity, as you shut the cabinet.

The man only grunted in response before shutting the doors of the cabinet after placing the last of his items on the top shelf. He went to walk away before something made him pause. You were confused when you saw his eyes narrow on the leather-bound book you'd purchased.

"You draw?" The man said as his unreadable gaze shifted towards you.

You were confused about why he cared, but responded none the less, "Yes, I haven't in a while, but I'm thinking about picking it back up now."

The man only nodded before making his way out of the kitchen, but before he exited, he paused again, and without looking back, he asked, "How about calligraphy?"

"I wanted to, but the amount of ink needed to learn and do it was too expensive for my family to afford." You replied softy, trying to understand the enigma before you. You didn't understand why the man was taking a sudden interest in your hobbies when he'd seemed ready to take your head off earlier, 'Maybe he's trying to be polite after earlier?' If this was the case, you didn't see the harm in humoring his curiosity.

The man stepped into the hallway, but not before letting out a grunt and a short, "I see."

As he walked away, you only had one thought, 'He's truly a confusing person to understand.'

You weren't left alone for long when Senjuro soon stepped into the room with a recipe card in hand, "(Y/n), we should make Nikujaga! What do you think?" (Meat and potato soup) The boy handed you the recipe and awaited your response as you looked over the card carefully.

"Well, we have everything we need, and there's a slight chill in the air, so I don't see why not."

You couldn't help the defeated sigh that escaped you as you looked out upon the shadowy terrain of the Rengoku estate. You'd long since finished cooking lunch, and most recently, dinner.

The Patriarch of the Rengoku family hadn't joined you and Senjuro for either meal. You didn't know whether to feel saddened that he wouldn't join his youngest son, or relieved that you didn't have to worry about irritating the short-tempered man further than you already had that day.

You needed time to think things over, which is what led you here, sitting on the Engawa staring into the koi pond with only the sound of crickets and your thoughts keeping you company. 'I still don't understand why I'm here. I know it's to marry Rengoku-San, but why me? There are surly more eligible women that Rengoku-Sama could have chosen for his son.' You didn't understand why Shinjuro wanted you specifically. You had nothing to offer, and he'd never seen you before. He may have been a drunk, but he wasn't stupid; He must have known that any high-class courtesan with training in the arts would have happily married his son, and have had far more to offer, but he chose you- a poor tea house worker with hardly a yen to your name, and no other redeemable qualities? You weren't stupid either. There was something you didn't know, so what was that man hiding, and how were you going to figure it out?

Kyojuro didn't know why he was here and not back in his room at the inn he had bought for the night sleeping soundly. He had finished this mission rather quickly and was given orders to leave for another mission at first light, but the thought of you, his father, demon slaying, and his future weighed heavy on his shoulders, so he found himself here instead.

Kyojuro's attention was drawn from his thoughts, and the stary reflections that painted the river to the flamboyant sound of laughter coming from his left. Was that who he thought it was?

"Rengoku! How flashy seeing you here, by friend! I'm guessing you had a mission in the area?" The man said with his usual dramatic flair.

Rengoku didn't need to look at the figure to know who that voice belonged to, "Hello Uzui, I wasn't expecting to see you here. Not that I'm complaining, it's always good to be in company of a friend." Rengoku turned to look at said man with his signature smile, which was returned before Tengen invited himself to sit with Rengoku at the river's edge. Rengoku glanced at Tengen noticing the absence of his uniform along with the absence of his wives, "The girls are not with you?"

The question, that was more of a statement was returned with a nod, "They aren't, the last mission was quite taxing, so I asked them to stay home and take it easy while I went to take care of misalliance things." Tengen paused before slapping the flame-haired man on the back, "So are you gonna tell me why there's an unflashy aura surrounding you, or you going to keep asking me about my beautiful wives? I mean, you won't hear me complain if the latter is the route you choose." The taller piller laughed at his own joke, which had Rengoku chuckling, "There we go- so what's up? I don't think I've ever seen you so troubled, it doesn't suit you."

The flame-haired looked ahead for a few moments, trying to formulate his thoughts. "Your marriage to your wives' were arranged, right? How did you feel when you were told to marry them?"

Tengen was a little surprised at the seemingly out of nowhere question, but wanted to see where the Flame Hashira was going with this, "Yes they were, well with Hinatsuru and Makio. Suma approached me first. I was originally meant to marry her sister. I had known Makio and Hinatsuru prior, so I was delighted to be marrying such capable women, and Suma had a unique charm, so I had no complaints there." The man explained before turning slightly, "Why do you ask?"

"I'm getting married. My father arranged it without my knowledge." Kyojuro said flatly, and Tengen hummed in understandment.

"Ah, okay, it makes sense why you're upset. Do you know why he arranged the marriage? It's weird that he would spring it on you just like that."

The Hashira only shook his head, "No, he said to continue the family legacy, but I don't think that's the truth, or at least not the full truth. He's said himself that demon slaying is useless and that there's no point. Why would he out of the blue want me to continue the legacy? Why would he care? None of it adds up Tengen."

The two men then made eye contact and it seemed they came to the same conclusion.

"Your father is definitely hiding something. How are you going to figure out what?"

"Indeed. I can't ask him out right. I think I could try and talk to (Y/N), though I think we're in pretty much the same boat in the knowledge department." The flame haired man looked down at the flowing water of the river below with a shake of his head.

Despite how unsure he felt in that moment, Kyojuro knew talking to you first was the start of solving what was being hidden from him.

Alright, were almost done with the 'Set Up Arc' of the story. Then we'll be getting into the juicy stuff! Just one or two more chapters. Fun fact: Toshi-San was originally going to be a middle-aged, unnamed man with a bar styled mustache who sold potatoes, but I just couldn't get the feel for his character. So, i changed it to an elderly woman who sold art supplies, as it fit better with a small plot point, I have planned in the future. edited: 8/4/23

Tashio Era Secret

Senjuro: Uhhhh, what am I meant to do?

Author-Chan(me): Idk-Just tell the reader a rumor or fun fact, I need to make up for not posting in forever!

Senjuro: Oh- uh, okay. Ummmm, I heard that Toshi-San had been a match maker in Tokyo before she became a vendor here in town.

Author-Chan(me): Wait seriously?!

Senjuro: Yea! She came here to live with her son during her retirement and decided to open up a stand. She's ran it since before Kyojuro was my age.

Author-Chan(me): Wow that is awesome!

Senjuro:Mhmm! Are we going to do this after every chapter now?

Author-Chan(me): Yep, you and other characters will! I might pop in from time to time!

Senjuro: I can't wait!

Author-Chan(me): I'm glad you're excited! And that was our Taisho-era secret. I wonder if Y/n and Kyojuro will be able to work together to find what Shinjuro is hiding? We'll just have to wait till next chapter to find out.

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@tengensimppp @peony-darling @lauraagrace

(Let me know if you want to be added or if I forgot your name!)

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mangalover4321 · 7 months

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The Rengoku Family Tree from The Pendulum Keeps Swinging!

Rengoku Shinjurou - born 1873, married in 1891; current head of household; former Flame Hashira

Rengoku Ruka ( nee Kūran) - born 1873, married in 1891, died 1904; wife of Shinjurou and mother of 2 children

Rengoku Kyoujurou - born 1895; first son; current Flame Hashira

Rengoku Senjurou - born 1899; second son

Rengoku Tokujurou - born 1843, died 1891; former head of household; alcoholic; former Flame Hashira; second son of Kinjurou (see below)

Rengoku Yua - born 1845, died 1889; miko prior to marriage; wife of Tokujurou and mother of 3 children

Rengoku Tsuyojurou - born 1861, died 1899; first son of Tokujurou; former Flame Hashira; married to Kamai Akane (1859-1881) who passed away from maternal death along with their child

Rengoku Ryoujurou - born 1863, died 1889; second son of Tokujurou

Rengoku Kinjurou - born 1822, died 1860; former head of household; former Flame Hashira; second son of Yūjijurou (see below)

Rengoku Sayuri - born 1823, died 1855; was killed in the Edo earthquake of 1855; wife of Kinjurou and mother of 5 children

Rengoku Takujurou - born 1842, died 1854; presummed dead by 23 December 1854 Tōkai Tsunami; first son of Kinjurou

Rengoku Haurjurou - born 1845, died 1859; third son of Kinjurou

Rengoku Yorijurou - born 1846, died 1855; was killed in the Edo earthquake of 1855 with his mother; fourth son of Kinjurou

Rengoku Shunjurou - born 1847, died 1855; was plagued with illness and died due to it; fifth son of Kinjurou

Rengoku Yūjijurou - born 1799, died 1826; former head of household; former Hashira; former head of household; deaf in left ear and blind in right eye; third son of Tōrujurou (see below)

Rengoku Tsubame - born 1798, died 1845; wife of Yūjijurou and mother of 2 children; raised her children by herself after husband died from a Lower Moon Demon

Rengoku Rinjurou - born 1821, died 1837; was killed by the Tenpō famine; first son of Yūjijurou;

Rengoku Tōrujurou - born 1774, died 1817; former head of household; former Hashira; was gallantly killed in battle via a Demon who could change senses;

Rengoku Chie - born 1779, died 1824; wife of Tōrujurou and mother of 4 children

Rengoku Norijurou - born 1796, died 1819; married but no children; twin of Nobujurou; could never fully grasp all the forms of Flame Breathing, altering forms with twin

Rengoku Nobujurou - born 1796, died 1819; married but no children; twin of Norijurou; could never fully grasp all the forms of Flame Breathing, altering forms with twin

Rengoku Toyojurou - born 1798, died 1813; was killed in Final Selection

Direct Ancestor: Rengoku Hirojurou - the Demon Slayer who had helped out Yoriichi after his wife and unborn child died; would eventually become the first Flame Hashira

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kny-choco · 2 months

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Rengoku Family GIFs.

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iron-embers · 8 months

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MORE WIPS, this time of the Rengokus! First my fav man Kyojuro looking tasty and oblivious with his signature smile! Then a fantasy au Shinjuro as a Japanese noodle dragon! Can’t wait to finish these soon, so stay tuned!

Art and AU

Rengokus belong to Demon slayer franchise

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sunandflame · 3 months

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It feels so sureal somehow

The hottest family that ever existed, they are literally fire.

Two hot daddies (that I would like to fuck) and one hot mama (who can gladly fuck me) and a precious bean I would love to adopt 🥹

#sunny answers ☀︎#rengoku family #kyojuro rengoku #ruka rengoku #shinjuro rengoku #senjuro rengoku

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taniavttv · 2 years

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I really love this wallpaper I found

The Rengoku Family

They look so adorable 🥰 ❤️‍🔥☺️

Update: this is a fanart but I still love it 😊

#demon slayer #anime and manga #kyojuro rengoku #rengoku senjuro #rengoku shinjuro #ruka rengoku #family #rengoku family #wallpaper #beautiful #kny rengoku #kimetsu no yaiba #fanart

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demonslayerdoodles · 29 days

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I love my little bro so much…~

AWWWWWWW SENJURO FALLING ASLEEP IN KAORI’S ARMSSSSSSSSS I LOVE THIS LITTLE GUY SO MUUUUUUUUCH 😭😭😭

#demon slayer #kimetsu no yaiba #kny #demon slayer art #demon slayer fanart #demon slayer oc #kny fanart #kny oc #kaori the flower hashira #kaori nakamura #demon slayer doodle art #demon slayer senjuro #kny senjuro #rengoku senjuro #senjuro #rengoku family #Rengoku sister and brother in laws 🥺

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scribble0rat · 2 months

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If Ruka was still alive. I feel like she would be a good mother figure to Obanai

#demon slayer #obanai iguro #ruka rengoku #rengoku family #kimetsu no yaiba #au #mother figure

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qtarosimp · 1 year

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Happier days.... 🥺 (click for full images)

#kny #rengoku family #rengoku kyojuro #rengoku senjuro #rengoku shinjuro #rengoku ruka #my writing #headcanons

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minteayoongimakesmewoozi · 9 months

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i'm still (yes, still!) thinking about the fits hashira au remix where ayame is the sabito to tanjirou's giyuu, and...

the rengoku family.

ayame's story has always been intertwined with the rengokus, and this au is no different. we still have shinjurou, kyoujurou and senjurou, but maybe ayame's shishou is shinjurou this time.

shinjurou finds ayame not long after her entirely family is slaughtered. he isn't quite as cynical as we see him in canon, so he offers to train her. he makes her his apprentice, and she trains alongside kyoujurou in those early years.

ayame is a year older than kyoujurou, but she teasingly calls him senpai. he's been training with shishou longer than she has, after all! between her training sessions with kyoujurou under shinjurou's steadily clearing eyes and helping them look after senjurou, she finds her smile after a couple years.

sometimes she leaves to train with tanjirou - with shinjurou's and urokodaki-san's blessing, of course. kyoujurou is hard-working, but shinjurou knows the importance of constantly sparring with a peer. he still thinks his apprentice and son have no talent for swordsmanship, that they would be better off doing something else, but it eases something within him to know that kyoujurou will have ayame to look out for him.

shinjurou never imagines ayame wouldn't come back from final selection.

senjurou is the one who greets tanjirou at the entrance. it's been a week after final selection and shinjurou already has a sake bottle in hand when he stumbles out to the genkan with kyoujurou.

instead of his apprentice, it is urokodaki-san's boy standing before him. he holds out ayame's seigaiha kimono with shaking hands, tears streaming down his cheeks.

ah, shinjurou thinks. so she died after all. just as he suspected, breath of flame simply isn't powerful enough.

"i'm sorry," whispers tanjirou.

shinjurou lifts his sake jug to his lips and takes a long drag. the bitterness in his throat, he tells himself, is merely the alcohol.

kyoujurou unfreezes himself. he pulls a crying senjurou into his arms, mouth opening and closing soundlessly.

"how?" he asks, even if the answer is plain to see.

"there... there was an oni. i was - i was injured, and she - she protected me. she took my mask and my - and she... she protected me. she protected everyone."

"ridiculous," shinjurou growls. "utterly useless."

at her strength, she should have known better. he thought he taught her better than that, but he was wrong. he should have known better; he wasn't a teacher. the only things he could teach fell apart when it mattered most.

what good is a flame hashira when they can't even protect what matters most?

he always knew she would never become a hashira. he just never thought she would fail to become a demon slayer.

"it's my fault," tanjirou sobs.

"no." shinjurou takes another swig of bitter, bitter sake. "it was her own fault. she was weak, and now she's dead."

"chichi-ue," kyoujurou gasps, pressing senjurou's face into his shoulder to muffle his brother's sobs. "don't say that about ayame-neesan!"

"don't be absurd! she was never going to amount to anything!" of course she wasn't. she was his apprentice. "of course she died. she was merely average. stop your pathetic crying."

perhaps this will serve as a lesson to kyoujurou. he should throw away his ambition of becoming a demon slayer. just like ayame, he wouldn't even survive final selection.

shinjurou spirals.

he drinks enough to blackout when kyoujurou leaves for final selection anyway. he doesn't try to dissuade him. let him learn that lesson the hard way.

kyoujurou makes it back - alive - but shinjurou knows it must be luck. sheer, foolhardy luck. none of his students will amount to anything.

he drinks to forget, but he always remembers.

until one day he can't even fulfil his duties. kyoujurou steps up, fiercely and without hesitation. a fool.

an idiot.

(he is as much shinjurou's apprentice as ayame was.)

"how do you know that name?" kyoujurou asks.

it's another bout of luck that he survived a battle with upper three. he will never be able to use breath of flame again, but he is alive.

sake is still bitter on shinjurou's tongue.

"huh?" the peach-haired boy who headbutted him utters.

"ayame-neesan," senjurou whispers, loud enough to be heard through the paper-thin walls. "no one... we don't talk about her."

"... she was rengoku-san's apprentice, wasn't she?"

"yes, but..." kyoujurou clears his throat uncomfortably. "she died long ago. years ago. before i joined the kisatsutai."

"did... d-did kamado-san tell you?" asks senjurou.

"ha! that depressed loner? i don't think he speaks to anyone, really."

"th-then how...?"

"eto... it's difficult to explain. do you - do you believe in ghosts, rengoku-san, senjurou-san?"

ghosts. of course they exist. shinjurou is haunted every single day.

he tunes out the foolhardy boy - the one who is a descendant of breath of sun users. someone who wields such power would never understand the loss that shinjurou knows intimately.

"she told me she had a message," sabito says. "she wasn't sure if that guy ever had a chance to give it."

"kamado-san doesn't speak to us," kyoujurou says, surprisingly frustrated. "if he relayed it to chichi-ue, we were unaware."

"oh." a pause. "well, ayame told me - that is, ayame-san said she wanted her shishou to know that she was grateful for everything. she wouldn't have gotten so far if it hadn't been for everything he had taught her."

"oh." then again, in a softer voice, "oh."

"ano..." sabito is speaking again. "that guy... his haori. it's... unique."

"seigaiha. because he's the water hashira." kyoujurou makes an uncertain sound. "senjurou and i gave it to him. it was ayame-neesan's."

"ah. i see."

"he blames himself," kyoujurou continues. "no matter how much i try to talk to him, he always avoids me. i guess it'll be easier now. for him."

"ah..."

"if you have something to say to - to kamado-san, you should say it, sabito-san. if it's really true... if you can talk to ayame-neesan even now..."

"somehow," a shaky laugh, "i feel like i shouldn't tell him."

"you should try anyway," kyoujurou says bluntly. "you're his tsuguko. he'll listen to you."

"... mn."

"don't pressure him, aniue."

"but - "

"thank you for your time," sabito interjects. "i learned a lot."

senjurou gives sabito a flame-shaped tsuba.

"it isn't mine," rengoku-san assures him. "it was actually meant to be ayame-neesan's. you should use it."

sabito jolts. "me?"

"yes. i think she wants to protect you. that was the kind of person she always was."

in some ways, sabito is glad that ayame only appears intermittently. she would be embarrassed otherwise.

he thinks about their last conversation - how she said something bound her to this plane of existence. for a really long time, he thought it was guilt over how she had left things with kamado-san.

maybe that wasn't all.

senjurou fidgets with the hem of his sleeves. "she would have preferred it if you had used it, aniue..."

rengoku-san laughs. it's wheezier than his booming laughter from before, but just as boisterous. "then i would have still passed it on to sabito shounen!"

"aniue..."

rengoku-san's expression turns solemn. "the one thing ayame-neesan always hated was feeling helpless. this way, at least a part of her can still offer protection - for your hands and katana, if nothing else. take care of it, sabito shounen."

the tsuba is brand new. there isn't a single scratch on it. it hasn't seen a day of battle. only where it was kept in rengoku-san's pocket all these years.

sabito wonders what ayame might have been like, if they had a chance to meet in this living world. he can see traces of her in senjurou's kindness, in rengoku-san's beautiful arcing movements. even if death, there is still something that remains.

ayame would be embarrassed to know that.

he should tell her the next time they see each other, he thinks.

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yomoya-girl · 2 years

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Kyojuro Rengoku birthday illustration by Ufotable.

Also, a video from their Twitter:

Happy birthday Kyojuro!!!❤️🎉🎂❤️‍🔥 We love you!!!!

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the-wisteria-house · 5 months

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The arrangement (Rengoku x reader) - Chapter 8

You finally have an opportunity to enter Shinjuro's study and are able to report the little findings you make to Kyojuro. Though a request from him leaves you frazzled and desperately scrambling to find a way to cover the truth, and your shame. When delivered with your finding's Kyojuro is offer his insights on what it could possibly mean, as he's on his way to the next mission. Though he doesn't have much time to rest after as he's unexpectedly led to a ghost from the previous generation's past, what he has to say Kyojuro can't begin to wonder.

warnings: Mentions of alcoholism, general neglect, mentions of blood, and canon typical violence.

It seemed most days recently your relaxed form could be found on front engawa leaning against one of its many pillars as your eyes scanned through the latest novel suggested by Senjuro, and approximately at the same time every few days the sound of booming footsteps would approach from the inside of the manor, and each time they sounded off you knew they meant the same thing.

'This is it.' you thought as the shoji door quickly slid open with excessive force that somehow wasn't enough to rip it off its flimsy tracks.

"I'm going into town; I need more sake!" The familiar irate voice of the oldest Rengoku had your eyes lifting from your novel.

"Oh dear, is your headache still present, Lord Rengoku?" Your brows creased with what was truly concern, but unobvious disingenuous suprise. Your ever soft voice was completely absent of any traces of anything that could hint at your ulterior motive. This after all had been what you were hoping for.

The man only mumbled something unintelligible as he made his way to the gates of the estates, the slight shake in his hands didn't go unnoticed as you watched him struggle to pull back the lock that secured the gate. You knew better then to approach the man though, after how he responded to your last attempt three days ago.

You sat silently for a few moments after he left after he finally managed to unlock the gate to. You couldn't risk premature movement to be what foiled your plan.

The truth was you had been patiently waiting for this moment ever since that night you had that conversation with Kyojuro.

"(Y/n) I don't want you to feel pressured into doing something you're uncomfortable with, but my father will let his guard down the next time I'm absent for a mission, and as it stands, he is unaware that you are equally opposed to a forced union as I am."

You looked at the male with skepticism but also a sense of understanding. You understood quickly what he was trying to get at as it had been a thought of your own, " I'm assuming you want me to somehow get into his study and find his correspondences with my mother, or anything else that could fill in the blanks?"

He nodded in conformation as his autumn like orbs bore into your own with the upmost seriousness, "Yes but only if you're comfortable and sure it's safe to do so. If no opportunity arises or you've discovered you've changed your mind, I assure you I will find another way to unearth the truth, so please do not hesitate to reject my idea." He added firmly while lightly squeezing your hand that somehow found its way into his own at some point during your late-night walk. Kyojuro wanted to make it clear to you that you had complete autonomy in this situation and would be the one to make the final verdict whatever that may be. The last thing he wanted was for you to feel forced to do anything you weren't comfortable doing; he was more than ready to take the difficult rout if it meant putting your mind to ease.

You found yourself looking down to where your hands were joined then up to his eyes that were watching you with an emotion you couldn't name, and in that moment as the cool breeze drifted by you both, you knew you what you had to do, "I appreciate your care Kyojuro, but I should do it. As it stands, I'm here more, and I will be given far more opportunities to compile information. It's the most logical course of action." You said, resolve firm.

So here you were, about to enter the Rengoku Patriarchs office after having watched his movements closely for a good two weeks; more than ready to get to the bottom of things not only for your sake but for Kyojuro's as well.

As you slid open the shoji door the first thing that caught your eye was a western style mahogany desk that sat in the center of the room. The desk was messily covered in paper's and a thin layer of dust. You chose to start your search there, only to quickly realize that all thw papers were unfinished mission reports from a few years back. 'Was that when he decided to retire, was that when he completely lost his will to fight?' You wondered solemnly when you found nothing more recent.

Realizing at that point the desktop was filled with nothing of any use you turned your sights to its many drawers. Each drawer looked much the same: stuffed to the brim with even more unfinished reports that spanned even farther back, 'How had this man been able to stay a Hashira so long when he never turned in his reports? Was he that strong, or was it because his family served the corps so long?' You couldn't begin to wonder as you glanced at the clock that hung proudly above the room's doorway. 'Good,' you thought cooly, 'I still have time to get through one or two of the filing cabinets.'

Theere where four cabinets that lined the back of the room, theses where far easier to search as they actually seemed to have some form of organization. Your callused fingers quickly, albeit efficiently skimmed through the folders, revealing each end tab for a fraction of a second before moving along to the next. You only halted after the sight of a familiar name caught your eye and had you back tracking a file or two.

The ink was smudged a considerable amount, but you managed to make out that the file tab seemed to read 'S-04 (H.P.M) PTR: S.(L/N)' You hastily open the file but are only met with an old, small, and completely unsalvageable water damaged photo. The photo appeared to have once been a proud black and white image, but now the white was replaced with a dull yellow color that you realized was the same stain that marked the rest of the file and was the cause of the smudged ink.

"Damn it Shinjuro, you had to go and spill your damn sake on this folder out of the hundreds here?" You bitterly asked as if the man were there to answer, before picking the photo up for closer examination and placing it gently back in the file. There was no way you'd be able to tell what the image once was. Why had he even bothered to keep it at that point?

You went on to look through the other files, hoping that they might reveal what was missing from the one with your surname.

One file you came across was titled 'S-04 (L.R.M) PTR: H.Yoshida', entailed an overall successful mission where Shinjuro and a lower ranked slayer dispatched a hoard of female demons that had been capturing young men. The file after that was titled differently though, 'A-04 (H.R.M) PTR: J.Kuwajima' The reports in that file entailed gruesome descriptions of how a lower moon had taken over an entire village and enslaved its inhabitant. The mission took the lives of well over thirty slayers and more than a hundred civilians, before two Hashira- one of which was Shinjuro, were called to action and dispatched the demon.

You reached for the next file which when the sound of Senjuro politely greeting his father was heard, stopping in your tracks. You paused to listen for a moment to listen to realize that they were both outside the house before quickly putting the report back where it belonged and shutting the filing cabinet.

You made your way towards the exit and just as you were about to pull open the shoji door a large, framed photo caught your attention, it looked to be a photo of Senjuro and Kyojuro along with a similar looking male in his mid-twenties. This caught you off guard, the boys didn't have an older cousin, they hadn't even know that they had an uncle until recently, and there was no way that that could have been Shinjuro, the male was too young. Even then something didn't look quite right about the boys, but before you could pinpoint what the sound of the outside gate shutting had you briskly exiting the study. You'd decided your curiosity wasn't worth getting caught.

You made your way down the long corridor before you rounded the corner leading into the main area. You found yourself face to face with the Rengoku patriarch and in his battle worn hands was the typical sake jug. He was looked particularly vexed. Though you knew not to take it to heart as it was to be expected with the withdrawal he was surely facing after you cut of his sake supply, "Welcome home Rengoku-sama." you bowed just as respectfully as you had each time her returned before, "How did your trip to the Market go?"

If it were possible his mood seemed to sour even more at that question, "That damn old woman wouldn't stop harassing me each time I go it to town. I don't see why you or the boy couldn't go get the sake, you could have saved me the hassle of dealing with her and her dimwited questions!"

You only shook your head and gave the older man a firm glare, "Senjuro is far too young to be handling sake even if vendor holds no issue selling to him. I also refuse to allow him or I to contribute to your bad habits. As it stands, I take care of the boy and while I do, he will not be purchasing any sake until he is old enough to understand the consequences misusing it may have."

You didn't know if it was the fact that he was sober, or that he was exhausted, but the man didn't even attempt to refute your statement. He only glared at you as something akin to shame filled his eyes, before he roughly brushed past you mumbling something incoherent under his breath.

As you watched the older man angrily walk down the hall and into his room you couldn't help but breathe quite a sigh of relief, before grabbing some bread out of the kitchen and making your way to your own room.

As expected Kyojuro's crow was sat patiently waiting for you on the desk in the corner of the room when you entered.

"Hello Kaname, how are you? Did you enjoy the bird seed I left out for you? I see that it's all gone." You gestured to the small shallow dish that laid on the seal of the window which the bird had entered through. You wondered if he even gotten through the window before indulging in the seed. Much like his owner the crow seemed to have quite the appetite.

"Yes, it was TASTY, as my master would say! Speaking of him, he sent me here to let you know he should start his journey back within the next few days if all goes well, as well as to inquire about you know what." The bird trailed off lowly before pointing a sharp talion towards the stack of unused writing paper Kyojuro had left for you before his departure, "While I do fairly well at keeping track of information. I don't want to miss anything when reporting your findings to my master, so It'd probably be best for you to write him a letter so nothing of importance is overlooked."

You immediately felt your throat tighten, and a sudden relentless heat spread across your body, "I understand your thought process, but I believe it's best not the leave any evidence, there wasn't a lot of information anyway. I found a file with my surname empty of all but a water damaged photo. The title on the file was: 'Sp-04 (H.P.M) PTR: S.(L/N)'. I believe (H.P.M) means something about the risk factor, but oddly enough I couldn't find another file with that same code."

You held your breath as the crow stared at you blankly with a tilted his head before nodding in agreement, "Alright (Y/N) I will report your findings to my master." The bird then took off without another word and you felt yourself relax a fraction.

You had been able to push off needing to write during your time here at the Rengoku estate, and thankfully since you could read quite well no one expected a thing, but that moment had been a harsh wake up call. You realized that some point you'd be forced to come clean about how far your lack of a quality education truly went.

It's not as if you couldn't write at all, you could write well enough to take someone's order at work, or a simple shopping list for when you went to the market, but beyond that you were lost. So, you could forget about ever possibly writing a letter.

That was one of the largest and only grudges you held against your mother, but then again, some days you supposed the little money your father had left her was probably better spent on her cigars. She would have been a worse monster to deal with otherwise. At the end of the day you also supposed you should be grateful she allowed you to stay in school until you were eight, at least by then you were old enough to use what you had learned to teach yourself further. In turn you were able to work in jobs were reading and quick math skills were needed.

You grimaced at what could have been your fate if you hadn't been able to make enough to support yourself and your mother. More than likely she would have married you off sooner, and probably to a much older man who was like-minded to herself, or even worse she could have sent you to work in the brothel in your hometown. Now that truly would have been a crueler fate.

The brothel's owner's cruelty made your mother appear almost saint like. She made her yūjo sign long contracts that would span at a minimum five years. Though as you though back on it only a few girls ever made it to the end of their contracts. One could only fulfil her contract by marrying a customer who paid off their debts and housing fees or completing the five-years originally agreed upon. The third and unorthodox way to escape the binding contract, was to commit ashinuke with a customer, and not pay off their debts in the hopes of escaping their miserable lives in the brothel. Many of the younger girls went this route and were never seen again, but for the more senior workers who could no longer collect a livable wage the most common way out of a contract was simply suicide.

You remembered when you were desperate for work as a preteen the owner of the brothel hired you to clean up the aftermath of such an incident after the body was removed, and buried who knows where. It was a truly gruesome scene, you learned just how much blood a human could produce that day. The girl's dried blood puddled on the floor and large splatters lined the walls, to be frank the room looked more like a murder scene then that of a woman who'd taken her life after being drowned in years of agony.

It took you hours upon hours of work to clean, but those hours steeled your resolve to be of use to your mother, you couldn't end up like that poor woman had, you wouldn't allow it. How lonely she must have felt in those final moments...you never wanted to know that agony.

You cleaned two more scenes like that after that before thankfully finding a stable job elsewhere, much to the brothel owners begrudgement.

So, while there was clearly a web of things being hidden from you and Kyojuro, which didn't make this situation ideal, you were far happier now with the Rengoku's then you were in your hometown, with that future as an ever-looming possibility for you. Here you had Senjuro who you could care for and was great company, and you also had Kyojuro's kind smile and vibrant personality. You couldn't stand the idea of losing that if Shinjuro learned the truth, along with the sad and pitiful gaze Kyojuro would surely give you when he learned you couldn't do something as simple as write. Though you know you couldn't blame them if they chose to cast you aside, how could an uneducated woman be the wife of the Flame Hashira? You would ultimately be a blemish on their family and taint the proud line of Hashira that came from the Rengoku family...

With these anxieties eating away at you, you tossed the piece of bread on your desk and searched for your coin purse. Once you found the beaten down pouch you hastily readied yourself for a trip to town.

Once you exited the house you announced to Senjuro who was sweeping that you were going to the market. Though uncharacteristically you made no attempt to invite the boy who only nodded in confusion as he watched your Kimono drift lightly in the autumn winds, as you left the estate.

"Ah, welcome back my feather friend!" Kyojuro felt his smile slip a fraction when he saw no parchment strung to the crow as it landed on his sleeved forearm, "Ah, I'm assuming (Y/n) wasn't able to enter my father's study?"

"Actually, she was, but she saw it unwise to send you a written summary of her findings, so I'll tell you what she said instead!" The crow said before nudged his beak into the breast pocket of the Hashira's uniform in search of food, which Kyojuro wordlessly offered.

After the crow finished his well-deserved snack Kyojuro listened carefully as he reported your findings, and only once Kaname had finished the man chose to speak, "I am unsure of what the code (H.P.M) stands for, but this is what I believe the rest meant: S:04 means summer of 1904, after that is usually the risk factor, then the name of the partner on the mission. Though, if (Y/n) found a picture in the file that means It could be a misplaced personal file of my father's, which would explain why I don't know the code (H.P.M) and in that case PTR could be someone who's not a co-worker, but of relevance to whatever the file entails instead, though I'm not saying this is the case. To be frank my father wasn't well organized in the years after my mother's death which unfortunately was shortly after that file was dated, so I'm sorry to say I'm unsure what it could truly be." The man looked up in thought then continued, "After you've rested tell (Y/n) what I've told you along with she may proceed in her search if she sees fit, or she may wait for my return. The choice is completely hers." Kyojuro's gaze was filled with unwavering conviction as he staired into his crows dark beady eyes which bore right back into his own golden ones.

"Understood Lord Rengoku!" The crow swiftly made his way up the Hashira's sleeve before coming to rest on his master's broad shoulder, this in itself wasn't unusual, the crow would often rest on Kyojuro after long flights, but the calculative gaze in the birds eyes was, "Lord Rengoku, I have a question?"

"What is it Kaname?" Most would have been put off on the bird's close proximity and unwavering gaze, but Kyojuro only rubbed a finger under the crow's chin gently as he briskly made his way down the dirt path.

"What do you think of (Y/n)-San?" Kyojuro's halted in all movement's before turning his gaze to give the nosey bird an incredulous look.

"Why do you ask Kaname?" The young man quickly schooled his expression and continued down the path when the bird's dark eyes met his own. To be frank that was about the last thing, Kyojuro had expected the feathered creature to ask. He'd heard from his fellow slayers about their Kasugi crows being quite the gossips, but it had seemed Kaname chose not to subscribe to such actions, well that is until now.

"You've been acting different since she started living with your family."

A hearty laugh bellowed from deep within Kyojuro's sturdy chest, "Is that so?" His laughter faded when he realized the crow was still staring at him, and that he was completely serious.

"Yes." The crow answered plainly, clearly not sharing his master's humor. It was then he realized he wouldn't be escaping until he gave the bird a satisfactory answer.

So Kyojuro sighed and answered honestly, "I'm astonished at how caring and compassionate she is, especially with Senjuro. She's truly the best of women. That is what I think of (Y/N) (L/N)."

The crow only nodded in understanding at his master's words, seemingly content with that reply as he went back to munching away on his bird seed.

"What do you think of (Y/N), Kaname?" Kyojuro asked after the bird had completely run out of snacks and turned to look at him in silent ask for more.

"I really like her! She gives me bird seeds and salmon; she would make a great mate!" The bird's feathers puffed up in excitement at the idea of having bird seed and fish along with the general spoiling you've provided over the past 2 weeks.

"I'm sorry-what?" The color drained from Kyojuro's face as he helplessly stammered, completely and utterly horrified at what he believed the crow was implying, "Kaname- I- she's a human, you- well you're a bird!"

The crow whipped his feathered head up to look at the hashira and his little beak fell open, "No a mate for you! CAW! CAW! Not me! CAW!!CAW!!" Kaname seemed even more horrified at the implication than Kyojuro who'd had at this point broken out in a flustered blush.

"Oh... Well, In that case I'll see what I can do my feathered friend." The young rubbed the back of his neck as his cheeks cooled. He decided it wouldn't hurt to humor his faithful companion.

The moon and her proud pale beams bore gently upon Kyojuro's content features as he swiftly made his way through another desolate village towards its outskirts.

His mission a few towns over had been a successful one, and thankfully had a happier ending than most. Kyojuro had saved a charming family of five shortly after entering the village, and they'd all managed to escape relatively unscathed. A warmth filled the Hashira's chest as he thought back to the loving mother and father along with their three soft spoken boys.

Seeing the mother's relieved cries as she tightly embraced her sons and the grateful smile the father flashed Kyojuro as he stroked one of the boy's locs, undeniably struck a chord with the slayer. It was happy moments such as that which made his job worth wild.

In that moment the Hashira believed nothing could sour his joyous mood, not the light tension in his shoulders, or the tired stinging that clung to his eyes, not even the dry painful cracks the cold Autumn air seemed to bring his battle worn hands each year dampened the males spirt. There was only a few more missions Kyojuro knew he'd have to complete before he'd be home with his own family once again, and he found that though quite exhilarating. He'd be able to hear your and Senjuro's quite chatter in the morning, he'd see one of your rare soft smiles as his younger brother excitedly told you about the latest recipe he'd found, and Kyojuro would be able to watch his father's gazes become clearer and hold less anger as the hours he went without sake went on. That was a sight he wasn't sure he could handle fading away; it was truly all Kyojuro wanted for his father.

This sprung a new line of thoughts in Kyojuro; What did family now meant to him? Kyojuro found himself taken aback when he came to the realization that his image of family had changed quite drastically when you entered his life, more so small parts of him had changed as well, but what did that mean? Did that mean that you were now a part of that picture?

Kyojuro's mind felt as if it were moving a mile a minute, as he searched though his memories of you for a particular instance of where things had shifted, but before he could come to a conclusion a soft harmonious pinging silenced the stresses that plagued his mind and caught his attention instead. He realized quickly that he would have surely missed the sound if there had been people bustling about. His hearing sadly hadn't gotten much better in the years after his first mission, despite the doctor claiming it would. A busted ear drum was something the man said wouldn't need medical intervention, but as Kyojuro listened to the almost inaudible pinging, he couldn't help but laugh light heartedly at his poor luck. Kyojuro was able to continue to listen to that inchingly familiar sound, thankful he'd came to this town well after midnight where there was not another sole to be found, and he stood there silently until he realized just why it had caught his attention, 'That sounds just like the wind chime Mother kept on the engawa.'

Kyojuro's eyes drifted shut as he listened to the familiar harmony and an old memory, one he'd long forgotten slowly drifted back to him. He once asked his mother why Senjuro always fell asleep when the wind chime would sound.

"The sound of the wind Chime's means prosperity is among us Kyojuro, because of that your brother knows we're safe and he can rest peacefully without worry." His mother said as she rocked the small bundle that was a newborn Senjuro back and forth as a soft pinging travled in the spring breeze.

At the time Kyojuro couldn't understand how a baby could know all that, but didn't question his mother, she was an adult after all, maybe she knew something he didn't? It was only years later after he packed the wind chime away that he understood the comfort it had brought both him and Senjuro, but he'd rather have had to deal with Senjuro's cries instead of his father making good on the threat of breaking the glass fixture. To be frank he had not a clue where he could have possibly put the once beloved wind chime, but he took comfort in knowing it was safely packed away from his father's rage. He hoped one day to be able to hang the chime once again the help his own children rest peacefully, but he knew as things were that was a pipedream more than anything else.

The blond-haired man opened his eyes and slowly found himself following the steady melody. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt the need to follow the soft harmony, but had a feeling if he didn't he'd regret it.

After weaving through countless streets and alleyways Kyojuro found himself before a small shop that had an array of different types of glass wear hanging from the rafters of its porch, but as his gaze moved along the establishment, he saw that no wind chime seemed to be present.

"You better not be planning on robbing me boy." The gruff and sudden voice had Kyojuro turning his attention to where he saw an elderly man standing defensively. Kyojuro quickly realized he must have come from the back and around to the front.

"Hello Sir! I can assure you I am not planning to steal anything from you. I just though I heard the sound of a wind chime coming from your establishment! It reminded me of one my mother owned when I was a child." The Hashira said with honest and friendly smile that had the tension slipping out of elderly man's shoulders. The man then turned and walked towards the back of the shop wordlessly, leaving Kyojuro confused as he watched.

"Are you coming young man? The chill is getting to my old bones, since I now know you're not here to rob me you can join me for tea." the man paused and looked over his shoulder with a raised thin grey brow, despite the man clearly being on in years his eyes were crystal clear as he gazed into Kyojuro's with a familiarity that confused the Hashira. They'd never met right?

"Yes sir!" the blond replied enthusiastically as he followed the older man inside. Curious to see what the man had to say.

The inside was filled with even more glassware. Though these items ranged from colorful blown glass to expensive China.

"Been a long time since I've seen a Demon Slayer in this village. Even longer since I've seen someone who's looked like you." The man stated before looking at Kyojuro grimly, "So what brings you here young man? Who's died now?"

"No one you should know. It was a few villages over; I'm just passing through here to get to my next mission." Kyojuro's polite tone seemed to comfort the older man who released a heavy sigh.

"Good, the last time there was an attack in this village it was a horrid massacre. I'm one of the few still here who remember still that day." the man sat which allowed Kyojuro to get a better look at the man. He realized instantly the man wasn't as old as he originally thought, now that the man seemed to be at ease he looked only to be in his early to mid-fifties.

"Your earlier comment has me curious. If you don't mind me asking, you mentioned people who look like me, what did you mean?" Kyojuro's owlish stair seemed to go right through the older male, who only staired back blankly.

"You're going to want to make yourself comfortable young man, this will be a long story. I'm Seiko Kaneshon by the way." Kyojuro flashed the older male a smile which was returned in kind.

"It's nice to meet you Kaneshon-San, I'm Kyojuro Rengoku! I have till morning light before I have to be on my way, so please take your time."

"It's nice to meet you as well Rengoku-san. The story start's almost thirty years ago. Two slayers came to this town to investigate a string of disappearances you see."

Kyojuro nodded along, his undivided attention on the man before him, why did he have a bad feeling about this?

I hope you all enjoyed! You're going to want to buckle up for this next chapter, because it's not going to be a happy one. If you have any thoughts, or predictions as to what future chapters might entail, please do share it's always fun and helpful to see what other's think! Translations Seiko: Holy and Truth (according to a baby naming website lol) Kaneshon: Carnation

Tashio era secret

Author: Hello (Y/n)! This is your first time here, right? Y/N: Hello, and yes, it is. Um, what is this exactly? Author: Well, here we talk about anything we aren't really going to cover in the story! Y/N: Story, what do you mean? Author: (Sweat drops in breaking the second wall) Uhhhh nothing you need to worry about! Y/N: Alright... Author: So, we know what your least favorite job you've had is, but was your favorite job? Y/N: Definitely working under the doctor. I learned so much, it was quite disheartening when she had to leave. Author: So how long did you work for her? Y/N: A year, I was fifteen when I first started and was turning sixteen when they left. Author:I see, I hope you're able to see her again, I can tell how much you care for her. Y/N: As do I, but I fear that isn't likely. I wasn't able to stay in touch. Author: *Nodds in understanding* Well that was today's Tashio era secret. Thank you for tuning in and thank you (Y/N) for sharing your story. See you all next time! last chapter Next Chapter:Coming soon

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