"Big Brother, what does the Demon Slayer Corps do?" Even though it was her first time meeting this stranger, little Shinobu didn't feel any fear; a consciousness told her.
This person would absolutely not harm her.
Little Shinobu sat beside Yoizumi, curiously examining the nichirin blade with its platinum-colored sheath. Her purple eyes sparkled, and her tender voice was clear and lively, slightly lowered because she was worried about disturbing her sister's sleep.
"Just call me Yoizumi." Hearing Shinobu call him 'Big Brother,' Yoizumi just couldn't get used to it. He placed his hand on the one Shinobu had bandaged into a 'zongzi,' lowering his gaze with a faint smile.
"The Demon Slayer Corps... exists to eradicate the demons that try to destroy others' happiness."
Meeting the young Shinobu's innocent, ignorant eyes, Yoizumi spoke slowly.
The unique crescent moon in her eyes lit up with a hint of longing. Shinobu propped herself up with both hands on the ground and leaned closer to Yoizumi.
"So amazing!"
"I want to become someone like that too!"
Hearing this, Yoizumi fell silent, staring at Shinobu's innocent and adorable face. His sapphire eyes dimmed slightly, making his expression unreadable. After a while, Yoizumi's voice finally broke the quiet night.
"That's very tough..."
"You'll get hurt... you'll suffer..."
"You'll encounter many bad things..."
Yoizumi's voice was very soft, tinged with reluctance. He remembered the many hardships Shinobu had endured, and he didn't want Shinobu to face them again.
"That's why... it's amazing!" Shinobu said again, clenching her small fists, her little face serious.
"I want to become someone like that."
Even so... Shinobu still wants to do this?
"..."
Yoizumi sighed softly, gently stroking her soft hair. A gentle smile appeared on his face, and his sapphire eyes were full of warmth.
"How remarkable."
It was a sigh lighter than the night breeze.
Shinobu tilted her little head up, looking at this gentle 'Big Brother' who was smiling at her. His handsome eyes seemed clearer than the most beautiful blue sky she had ever seen, yet they held emotions little Shinobu couldn't understand.
Tilting her head, a hint of confusion flashed in her purple eyes.
"Big Brother, have we met before?"
Withdrawing his hand, Yoizumi looked up at the moon. Moonlight equally showered every inch of the land, and his dazzling golden hair, even under the moonlight, swayed with the night breeze, casting a shadow before Yoizumi's eyes.
Yoizumi slowly shook his head, still looking up, and spoke softly.
"Yoizumi."
"This is our first meeting."
More precisely, it was his first meeting with this version of Shinobu.
Hmm... he wasn't lying.
Little Kochou nodded in confusion, sitting obediently beside Yoizumi, her little feet swinging back and forth.
"Big... Yoizumi?"
She called out tentatively, and Yoizumi nodded slightly in response.
"Yoizumi, are there many demons in this world?"
"Yes, many..."
"More than the ants in the yard?"
"Yes."
"Why can they only come out at night?"
"Because they don't have the sun's approval."
"Do they all look very scary?"
"..."
"Most of them..."
...For every question Shinobu asked, Yoizumi would earnestly answer her.
Finally, Shinobu placed her small hand on the somewhat cold hilt of the sword. She couldn't even grasp it, so she used both hands to try and lift Yoizumi's nichirin blade.
Always watching Shinobu, Yoizumi saw her little face puff up as she strained. She only managed to drag the nichirin blade a bit before falling backward, and Yoizumi reached out to steady her.
Little Kochou made a bitter face, frowning, and said unhappily.
"It's so heavy."
"Shinobu is still small," Yoizumi comforted.
Clenching her fists, little Shinobu looked at Yoizumi expectantly, her eyes bright and clear.
"Then when I grow up, I'll be able to pick it up, right!"
"...Hmm... you will."
"Shinobu needs to eat well."
"Grow up well."
"Then you'll be able to pick it up later."
Nodding vigorously, little Kochou made up her mind that from now on, she would ask Mother Kie to give her... an extra spoonful of rice.
She was still a child after all, and soon grew sleepy, rubbing her eyes and nodding off.
He chuckled softly, watching Shinobu yawn, and Yoizumi said quietly.
"Sleep, Shinobu."
Leaning against Yoizumi's arm with her eyes closed, her voice was muffled, but Yoizumi still heard what Shinobu said.
"Want... to go to town with Big Sister..."
"Yes, you will..." After a long silence, Yoizumi hummed again, but this time it was the little tune Mother Kie used to hum.
After Shinobu was completely asleep, Yoizumi stopped.
He gently picked her up, carried her into the room, placed her beside her sister, and tucked them both in. Seeing their tightly clasped hands, Yoizumi heard Shinobu's sleepy murmur.
"Big Sister..."
Shinobu, you must hold your sister's hand tightly... stay right by her side.
Don't let go... don't separate... stay together always.
After a final glance at the little Kochou, Yoizumi left the room.
The moment the room door closed, everything went dark. Yoizumi subconsciously closed his eyes, and when he opened them again, he saw a hand gently touching his nose.
His gaze focused on the owner of the hand, and Yoizumi unconsciously curved his lips, softly calling her name.
"Shinobu."
"You're finally awake," Shinobu said, seemingly displeased, as she lay beside Yoizumi, propping her head with one hand, her eyes curved in a smile as she looked at him.
"Sorry... I had a very long and real dream."
Yoizumi raised his hand, took Shinobu's hand, and placed it over his heart.
"A dream? Did you dream of me?" Shinobu asked playfully, but unexpectedly received Yoizumi's affirmative reply.
"Yes."
"I dreamed of Shinobu."
Smiling, she leaned closer to Yoizumi, her tone carrying a hint of inquiry.
"Really? What was the Shinobu in Yoizumi's dream like?"
Reaching out to embrace Shinobu, Yoizumi rested his chin on the crown of her head, closed his eyes, and with the image of the young little Kochou in his mind, Yoizumi said earnestly.
"Cute."
... (If Yoizumi Returned to Shinobu's Past)
(End)
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