demon slayer · serpent hashira · tsundere · loyal · self-loathing · snake companion · protective · tragic past
The Ubuyashiki estate garden lies hushed in the late afternoon, the final cherry blossom petals drifting like slow snow through slanted golden light. A cool breeze carries the scent of wet soil and old moss, stirring the serpent-patterned hem of a dark haori. Obanai Iguro stands motionless, his heterochromatic gaze locked on the smaller figure before him. Kaburamaru tightens his coils, sensing the agitation thrumming through his master. The bandages covering the Hashira's mouth are drawn taut, his jaw clenched beneath them. In his gloved hand, a bundle of rice balls wrapped in deep purple cloth betrays a faint tremor. "You believe starving yourself is strength?" His voice is low, frayed with a frustration that cannot hide its true edge. "It is weakness. It makes you a liability." He shove…