Chapter 61: Chapter 61 - Kanae POV
Kanae POV
It was cold, I could feel my body numbing and my consciousness slowly slipping away. I'm dying am I? I once heard that upon your death you'd be able to see flashes of your life.
I can safely say it was true as I could clearly remember my youth when everything was simple. The time when my parents were helping people was the time me and my sister were truly happy.
We lived a peaceful, privileged life with our wealthy and loving parents, who continuously doted on and cared for us. Growing up wanting for nothing, the two of us were content with our simple life together.
However, this all came crashing down when a demon attacked their home. Our parents tried to protect us but were slaughtered before their daughters' eyes. We were supposed to be next and I tried my best to protect my sister, but fortunately, we were saved by the timely arrival of Gyomei Himejima, who killed the demon immediately before it could kill either of them.
We never expect that life could be taken and trampled upon when given the opportunity. I thought at that moment our life would end but once we were saved I knew that I had to join the group in order to protect my sister who is the only family I have.
Working hard and acquiring the skills to reach into becoming one of the strongest demon slayers in hope that I finish this meaningless fight and save those demons who I know we're in torment.
I've been told that they were once human that went astray in life and I wanted to save them from their suffering. I thought I would be the one to stop the reign of Muzan Kibutsuji but it's too late.
Once I faced the Upper Moon rank two I knew that death was the result if I fought these people. I wasn't afraid of dying but worried about my sister being killed by this monster.
"I heard that the Hashira are strong individual….I wonder what you taste like?"
A young man with rainbow colored eyes that contain the character of Six in both irises. My quiver just stared at him but stood firm, readying myself to fight this monster in order to protect Shinobu-chan.
The Demon only had a playful smile looking at them as nothing more than food which made me livid. How can something exist in this world?
"That expression! I like that face!! From the amount of women I've eaten, you're the only one who looks at me that way!"
It infuriated me how carefree he was. I knew deep inside my heart that fighting him was impossible. I turned my attention to Shinobu-san who was quivering in fear. She looked at me before I gave reassuring smile knowing I would die to save her.
"Shinobu-chan, I'll try to hold him off while you run and save yourself. Don't worry I'll make sure to return to you."
I lied to my sister and saw her expression distort into full dread. I'm afraid that upon my death she would change and try to get vengeance which I don't want.
My sister isn't suited to fighting due to her weak body and afraid she'll die before she kills a weakest demon. I have to survive this and avoid her from taking revenge.
"Oh how touching! Well then I'm sorry to ruin your fun but I was given a task and it would be bad if I don't fulfil it."
"Shinobu go!!"
I screamed as the demon moved in blinding speed that I barely deflected with my sword. I wasted no time and took a deep breath before unleashing several rotating sword slashes deflecting the incoming attack.
[ Second Form - Honorable Shadow Plum (
( Ni no kata: Mikage Ume ). ]
Thus slightly pushing back the demon, then I turn to see Shinobu having a pained expression. I only gave a warm smile while slowly nodding as I could her eyes welled up and ran as far as fast she could.
With her gone then I won't have to hold back fighting. I've pushed my body to the limits that made my perception of time so slow that everything seems to have stopped time.
I could feel the unbearable pain welling up in my eyes but this is the last stand and I won't survive anyway. At least the best I could do is try stopping this monster till the sun rises.
[ Final Form - Equinoctial Vermilion Eye ( Tsui no kata - Higan Shugan ) ]
My speed increased by several folds, getting the demon by surprise and holding my sword tightly. I unleash a flurry of nine consecutive attacks that flow and weave in on themselves.
[ Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility ( Go no kata: Ada no Shakuyaku ) ]
I kept moving, trying my best to land a hit as many times as I could but these demons were able to move and deflect each of my attacks. I could already feel my body aching and my eyes slowly fading.
It's only been a few minutes since our battle started and I already know that I'm reaching my limits. How pitiful I am.
"My my aren't you surprising woman, I should attack on my own."
I witness him use his fan that delivers a forward fan slash that creates razor-sharp ice shards along with several ice lotuses.
[ Blood Demon art - Frozen Lotus ( Hasuhagōri ) ]
I was barely able to deflect each one of them and was hit by several parts of my body. I've reached my limits and sent flying into the building.
"Gaaah!"
I vomited blood from my wounds and my vision blurry looking at the demon who slowly moved his way towards me. My legs gave out and I fell into the ground.
How frustrating, I know that Shinobu-chan would be sound upon my death but at least she's safe and gone far enough by now.
"I must say you've proven quite the capable woman but unfortunately I must save you. By eating your flesh do I save you."
Save? His mind is twisted to think of saving anyone. My eyes slowly faded and when I regained a semblance of consciousness I felt someone screaming my name.
I open my eyes to Shinobu embracing me and wonder how I'm still alive to see my sister. Perhaps Kami (god) felt pity and gave me a chance to say goodbye?
"Onee-san!! Wake up!! The others are here!! Please don't die!!"
It was blurry but I could make out her words and I could barely see her face. I move my hands to feel caress her cheek to at least visualize My sister for one last time.
"I-I don't want to lose you too!"
"I-I'm sorry...Shinobu-chan."
I really wanted to live and survive to see the end where I could finally rest and perhaps get married with a man that I love. Maybe share my man with my sister? Fufufu that would have been great.
But alas, I am dying and could barely speak anymore. I have so many things I wanted to say before I die but couldn't. If there's another life then I hope I could be her sister again and live more freely.
"Onee-san! Onee-san!!!"
That was the last thing I've heard before my life finally slipped away fading into nothingness. I have many regrets but it's fine as long as I've done something in life worth fighting for.
I waited to see king Yama to be judged but nothing came. The moment I arrived in complete darkness a bright light shone upon me that was so warm that I felt safe.
When the light died down and slowly opened my eyes turned to see a handsome young man that I've never seen before.
My heart skipped a bit staring at him and saw turn around confusing me. Then I noticed that I was naked and smiled at his consideration. Any man normally wouldn't waste an opportunity to see a woman's naked body.
'Ara~ are you the man of my life?'
I turned my attention in front of me and was dumbstruck staring at someone important to me. She had grown compared to the last time I saw her.
"Shinobu-chan?"
"Onee-san!!"
She ran up to me and cling tightly while tears fell from her eyes as I smiled tenderly and caressed her hair. I don't know how I am alive or if this was heaven but I was certain everything was real.
"Here use this since you're currently naked. I'll let you two alone and oh yeah, Shinobu uses this to change her appearance since it would be troublesome if someone saw her alive."
I heard the young man who took off his yukata and played it into my body before he handed something to my sister and left us alone. He seemed rather kind and didn't want to ruin our reunion.
"Who was that handsome young man, Shinobu? Is he your lover?"
"A matter of fact, Yes he is, Onee-san."
I was trying to tease her and was surprised by the answer before thinking that god had heard her dream.
"Tell me, Shinobu. How did I come back ro life and what happened after I died?"
"Before that let's change your looks and give you some clothes."
I nodded before she took me to my old room and saw that my clothes remain untouched. I pondered how long I've been dead and decided to ask her. She told me everything and was surprised at everything she said.
"He has a lot of mysterious abilities and I'm still shocked to see you alive, Onee-san."
"That young boy brought me back to life? Is he Kami?"
"No, I don't think so."
"Well whatever he is. I can see that he is a kind man and alluring as well. You should be prepared when other women are courting your man."
I tried teasing her since after relearning it's been 2 years after my death, I knew that Shinobu had already changed and wanted to make her smile back like the old her. Though, what I really wanted is if it's possible to share with him. I don't know much about him but he already saw me naked might as well take responsibility right?
"I already know that and Mitsuri seems to be starting to fall for him."
"Ara~ then you don't mind sharing your mind?"
"I do but it's clear that wouldn't be possible since I'm only second."
"Second? Who is the first?"
"His childhood friend but I can't do anything about it besides being by his side."
"Fufufu then you don't mind me joining you?"
Straightforwardly asked curious how she would react and surprisingly her answer caught me off guard.
"If he accepts you then I don't mind. Anyway, you must be hungry?"
At that moment forward, I understood how to love a man and show my love. I never knew that I would be given another life but I didn't want to waste it from hesitation and acted bold when it came to approaching him. In the end, he accepted me and I couldn't be more happy. Even after what I have learned I will not regret it since I vow to do what I want and live as I want with my family.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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