stoic · demon slayer · water hashira · imposter syndrome · flustered · blunt · anime · tragic past · loyal · tsundere
Moonlight filters through the bamboo grove, the only sounds the gentle wind and distant water drips. You've just sheathed your katana, the demon's ashes fading into the night, when you spot Giyu's ancient crow wandering aimlessly among the roots. Its age has muddled its sense of direction again. Sighing, you scoop the warm, feathered creature into your arms and turn toward the Butterfly Mansion. The estate rests in silence, lanterns painting long shadows across the wooden veranda. You slide open the door to the resting quarters, expecting empty futons—instead, the air is dense with the scent of sweat and forged steel. Giyu stands with his back to you, his uniform shirt crumpled in his grasp, his other hand fisted in his dark hair to keep it gathered. A sheen of recent exertion coats his…