Maiden Of The Moon

Maiden of the Moon

What if Kokushibo had a pupil, whom he taught the original Moon Breathing before he deserted the Demon Slayer Corps?

Mochizuki Yua was born only for these reasons: To become a Hashira and make her family a respected one in the Demon Slayer Corps.

But if you only live for the expectations of others, who are YOU truly?

What will it take to find yourself?

A long, hard journey awaits.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

I want to thank you all that you didn’t give/gave a chance to my little FF!

Now I gave the Spider Family a big sister so Yua had someone to fight. I made her even with a base, so check my Deviantart!

Can some of you guys from whom I got the inspiration for Onee-Sama and the fight they both have?

Enjoy the chapter.

Chapter 7: Onee-Sama

Her lungs felt like collapsing.

The Katana in her hand weighed so much.

She shivered all over her body.

But Yua couldn’t give up.

She swiped with her Aura-Sensing again the clearing she was in.

There!

On her left!

Total Concentration! Moon-Breathing! Second Form: Moongazing Pearl Blossom!

Yua performs three crescent-shaped slashes which deflect the incoming spider thread arrows of her opponent.

“Fu, fu, fu.”, laughed the spider demon, from his hidey-hole. “Little girl, aren’t you tired already? How long can you deflect my attacks?”

The midnight blue-haired beauty gulps but doesn’t back down.

“As long as I can!”, she spats back.

I have to give Tanjiro and Inosuke enough time to reach the demon who controls the other Demon Slayers!

***

A few minutes ago, Yua was racing with Tanjiro and Inosuke through the forest.

Well, she and Tanjiro had to drag Inosuke with them.

After the maks-wearing boy had pinpointed the location of the Spider Demon, who used the other Demon Slayer as puppets, they didn’t know how to reach it.

Thankful Murata and Katsumi had told them to go on and that the two would handle the controlled Demon Slayer. They now knew to cut the threads and be careful of the little spiders.

It happened that Inosuke insulate them telling them that they had pissed their pants before, to which Murata rebuked him was a stupid boar.

Inosuke was ready to kick his ass, thankful she and Tanjiro had gripped him and run forth with him.

Huffing annoyed the boar-headed boy told them: “Dammit! I’m gonna punch that guy if it’s the last thing I do!”

“Stop talking like that!”, told him Tanjiro.

“He called me “a stupid boar”, okay, Monjirou!”

“It’s “Tanjiro”!”

“How can you mess up names so much?!”, adds Yua huffing.

“What’ya mean Yue?”

“THAT right here!? Do I look like I have white hair and blue eyes?”

“Anyway!”, intervented Tanjiro. “We’re heading the right way, right?”

“My senses never lie!”

Like lighting stroke her, Yua Aura-Sensing acted up.

“GET DOWN!”, she screamed and tackled both boys to the ground.

“Yua-Senpai?!”

“What’s your problem, woman!”

However, both boys were speechless when they saw three big white arrows impaled in the ground where they had stood before their Senpai had tackled them.

“W-What?!”, mubled Tanjiro.

He hadn’t even smelled them, so fast were they.

Thankful Yua must have sensed them with her ability.

“Ara, Ara, what do we have here?”, said a feminine voice mockingly. “A handsome boy, a beautiful girl and a ripped half-boar man? You are quite interesting. I wonder if you taste as good as you look.”

The three Demon Slayers stood up and sheathed their Katanas.

“Inosuke is this the Demon?”, wondered Tanjiro aloud.

It was Yua who answered him. “No, this is a different one. The other demon was so far away that my Aura-Sensing didn’t reach it. Also, the arrows have a different Aura hefting on them than the threads that control the Demon Slayers.”

An eerie giggle was heard.

“Fu, fu, fu, beautiful and smart. You will taste good girl. I won’t let you near my mother.”

So the mother of the spider demons controlled the Demon Slayers. At least this was good to know.

Again Yua Aura-Sensing acted up.

“Guys get ready!”, she took a deep breath. “Total Concentration! Moon Breathing! Seventh Form: Mirror of Fortune, Moonshine!”

The barrage of arrows, which was flying towards the three friends, gets stopped by Yua's technique. She performs a frontal crescent-shaped slash that unleashes straight and curved slashes that expand outward, hitting all arrows.

“Tzz!”, grumbles the spider demon.

Tanjiro and Inosuke are in awe.

They never saw Moon-Breathing in action.

It was really as powerful and beautiful as their Senpai told them.

“Kamada, Hashibira!”, turns Yua to them. “You two go along. I will take care of this demon. You need to get to the Spider Mother, it doesn’t make sense if we all stay here.”

“But Yua-Senpai.”, mumbles Tanjiro worried.

Yes, their Senpai and her Breathing Style were on a whole different level than theirs, but could they really leave her behind?

Yua gives them a confident smirk, which makes Tanjiro feel all the flattery in his stomach, even Inosuke feels strangely shyly seeing it.

It was...hot.

“Don’t worry about me, I’m not a Hinoto for nothing. I can take care of myself. Now go!”

Tanjiro thanks her and he and Inosuke start running.

This makes the Spider Child (?) scream in outrage: “You aren’t going to touch my mother!”

She sends arrows after the boys, but Yua is already there.

“Total Concentration! Moon-Breathing! Eighth Form: Moon Dragon’s Tail!” 

Swift Yua performs a massive long-ranged curved slash that leaves dozens of crescent moon blades along its path. The moon blades hit all arrows and Tanjiro and Inosuke are safe to go on.

“You are going on my nerves, girl!”, hisses the Spider Demon.

“And I just got started.”, sasses Yua back.

 ***

This was like a half hour ago and Yua felt how she got weaker with any attack.

It was just her luck that she couldn’t pinpoint where her adversary was hiding because she didn’t give her enough time to do a good sweep of the clearing.

She needed to try while she got attacked to sense the Demon.

This was the only way!

As the spider demon sent new arrows at her Yua performed Moon-Breathing Fifth Form: Ghost of the Moon, Advantageous Swirl! It creates multiple long and curved slashes layered over one another, essentially creating a vortex of crescent moon blades.

Hopefully, this would give her enough time to sense where the demon was hiding.

The midnight blue-haired girl reached with her Aura-Sensing to the borders of her ability and finally, she found the demon.

It was hiding up a tree, not far from her.

Determined Yua ran up to it, deflecting the arrows that were sent towards her, and with a scream she cut the tree down.

This made the Spider Demon jump out of it.

It stood now before her, pissed off.

Like Yua had guessed, it was a young woman, with white skin and red circles markings on her face. Her Kimono was white with some red accents and a green Obi. She wore normal wood sandals and her curly white hair had a green orb-like hair comb to the side.

In her hands, the demon holds a bow and arrows.

“You are a pest!”, hissed the Spider Demon Girl. “I will feast on you!”

“Come at me then, bitch!”, Yua growled back.

With a scream, the Demon ready her bow to shoot her.

Yua quickly dodged the arrow and charged towards the Spider Demon Girl. She swung her sword with precision, but the demon was quick to dodge and counterattack.

The Mochizuki felt herself getting weaker with each hit, yet she refused to give up. She needed to end this quickly before she lost all her strength.

 The two continued to exchange blows, neither one gaining an advantage over the other.

“I have to hit her with my strongest technique or I will be spider lunch!”, thought Yua desperate.

Uncle Noritaka had taught her before he left the family their family ultimate technique. It was of his own creation and had secured him a place at becoming a Hashira, even if in the end he had refused.

However, Yua was scared to use it.

It took an enormous toll on the body.

Muscles and bones could break if you didn’t do it precisely.

She only ever used it on practice wood dolls, never on a Demon.

Could she even do it?

Does she even have a choice?

No.

So she gathered all her strength for one final and hopeful devastating attack.

Yua closed her eyes and focused on the technique. She could feel her body trembling with anticipation and fear.

With a deep breath, she opened her eyes and charged towards the Spider Demon Girl. As she swung her sword, she shouted, "Moon-Breathing, Forbidden Techinic! Executing Moonlight Paradise!"

A loud boom echoed through the clearing as Yua's sword struck the ground in a crescent shape, sending shockwaves through the ground and air.

The Spider Demon Girl was flung screaming to the air, where Yua followed her and started to cut her over and over in crescent forms all over her body. It was so fast that it seemed that the Spider Demon Girl was cute by moonlight, thanks that Yua's sword was white.

She fell to the ground, a mess of ripped-open meat.

You couldn’t even recognize the Spider Demon Girl anymore.

Yua was covered in a white shimmering aura, making her look like moonlight herself.

With a last deep breath, she jumped high up and attacked the neck of the demon.

She cut her head, or what had remained of it, off.

The Spider Demon Girl let out a blood-curdling scream as she disintegrated into ash.

The Demon Slayer stood there for a moment, panting heavily from exhaustion.

She had done it.

She had defeated a demon all on her own using the Moon-Breathing ultimate technique.

As she walked away from the clearing, Yua couldn't help but feel proud of herself for what she had accomplished. She knew that Uncle Noritaka would be proud of her too if he were here to see it.

It was then that all forces left her and she fell face down to the forest ground.

Welcoming darkness embraced her.

***

Yua didn’t know how long she was out, but she awoke abruptly as someone slapped her face.

“Hello dear cousin, long time no see.”, greeted Sayako, her younger cousin, Yua.

She was dressed in her Kakushi uniform.

So that means...

“Huh, we won. Didn’t we?”, she asked Sayako.

Sayako huffed and petted her hair.

“Of course, you care more if the mission was complete than greeting me after so long.”

“Hello Sayako, you are still a pain in my ass.”

“Much better.”, hummed Sayako. Careful she picked Yua up and placed her on her back, giving her a piggyback ride. “Well, you sure made interesting friends, I must say. You and they keep holding off the Demons till the honourable Hashira’s Kocho-Sama and Tomioka-Sama could come.”

“Are the guys okay?”, Yua asked worried.

“Well, as well you can be facing a Lower Moon.”

“A Lower Moon was here?!”

“He made all this Spider Demon. Wanted to make a family if I understood right, but your friends are wounded but okay. You will join them at the Butterfly Mansion for cures.”

A little yawn escaped Yua and she snuggled herself closer to Sayako.

“That sounds good. I used Uncle Noritaka's forbidden technique, I think some of my muscles took damage.”

Impressed Sayako let out a whistel.

“Wow, YuYu, you didn’t break a bone. You are really something!”

“Yeah and now I gonna faint again.”

She only heard Sayako's amused laughter before she fainted again.

Yua was sure she earned herself some rest.

***

Moon-Breathing! Second Form: Moongazing Pearl Blossom! Is Second Form: Pearl Flower Moongazing.

Moon-Breathing Fifth Form: Ghost of the Moon, Advantageous Swirl! Is Fifth Form: Moon Spirit Calamitous Eddy

Moon Breathing! Seventh Form: Mirror of Fortune, Moonshine! Is Seventh Form: Mirror of Misfortune, Moonlit

Moon-Breathing! Eighth Form: Moon Dragon’s Tail! Is Eighth Form: Moon-Dragon Ringtail

Moon-Breathing, Forbidden Techinic! Executing Moonlight Paradise! Is my own invention. ^^

I know it’s a short chapter but I didn’t want to drag it on.

In the next chapter, we will stay at the Butterfly Mansion, and rehabilitation training and bonds will get deeper.

Can’t wait for it.

Until next time!

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Found a Beta Reader!

Beta-Reader Wanted!

Hi, my loves!

You probably read my Self-Doubt entrance.

A nice person comforted me and gave me a tip, which may help to make my writing better.

Since I have no friends and my real-life friends aren't in fandoms, I'm announcing here the search for a Beta-Reader!

If you are interested, send me a message!

If you can't please reblog this entrance till I find one!

Have a nice day/night!

UPDATE!

I want to add that I need a Beta-Reader who is only often so we can talk and it would be great if you have Discord.

That's all my loves!

Maiden of the Moon

What if Kokushibo had a pupil, whom he taught the original Moon Breathing before he deserted the Demon Slayer Corps?

Mochizuki Yua was born only for these reasons: To become a Hashira and make her family a respected one in the Demon Slayer Corps.

But if you only live for the expectations of others, who are YOU truly?

What will it take to find yourself?

A long, hard journey awaits.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

My loves I’m sorry the chapter came out so late. I had written the first version but forgot to save it. *facepalm*

Then it needed to be Beta-Read.

But here you have it now. :D

Check out my DeviantArt or Wattpad to see some AI Pics of Yua ^^

Chapter 15: Lower and Upper Moon

Long the couple can’t try to wake up their friends, since they get attacked!

Thankful both Yua and Tanjiro sensed it by a mile and jumped to safety with Nezuko.

The one who attacked them was a girl in a green kimono with two braids holding an ice pick.

What the...?

“What are you doing?!”, shouts Tanjiro confused.

Why is a human attacking them?

“Get out of our way!”, growls Braids. “Thanks to you guys, we won’t be able to have dreams!”

Soon she is joined by a boy, and two other females, one being blond, the other wearing a bow in her hair.

Are they controlled by the demon...or acting on their own free will?

“What do you think you’re doing? If you’re awake, you’d better help us out!”, yells Braids to a sickly-looking boy. So they do it of their own free will, but why wonders Yua? “You may have tuberculosis or whatever, but if you don’t do your job, I’m going to tell him, and then he won’t show you any dreams, you hear me?!”

Ah, the man is sick and his fellow passage might be too or have another tragedy they want to forget in the beautiful dreams the Demon creates.

Yua and Tanjiro share a glance.

They can understand them, however...

“Sorry. We have to go fight.”, says Tanjiro for them.

Fast as lighting the couple takes out the four hostile passengers with a chop on the neck. Only the sickly boy remains.

The couple looks sad down at the fainted passenger. This was not fun at all.

“You want to stay inside a happy dream, don’t you? I know. I wanted to stay inside my dream, too. If only this was the dream…”, signs Tanjiro.

Fast Nezuko run up to her brother, as Yua takes her boyfriend's hand.

“I understand you Tanjiro, but my mother once told me happiness and tragedy are the same sides of a coin. Without tragedy we wouldn’t know happiness, without happiness, we wouldn’t endure tragedy. The world is cruel and yet so beautiful.”

Her boyfriend gifts her a soft smile, tears sparkling in his eyes.

“Thanks, Yua, I needed to hear that.”

“Anytime.”

Then they turn to the sickly boy asking him if he is alright. He seems okay, even thankful, from what Yua can sense of his Aura. He won’t attack them.

He even wishes them Good Luck.

Whatever he experienced in Tanjiro's dream/soul/subconscious changed him.

The young woman could understand this well, Tanjiro already changed her a lot first with his friendship, now with his love.

With Nezuko they leave the cart in search of the demon.

Out of it, Tanjiro can smell him and Yua feels the demonic Aura formally twisting in the air.

Surprisingly, they didn’t sense that demon before.

“Tanjiro, I bet with you this must be one of the 12 Moons.”, shares Yua her theory. “We have to be careful from here on.”

“Right! Nezuko, don’t come here! Stay away from us and wait! Go wake everyone up!”

As the demon girl does as her brother says, the couple swings themselves onto the roof of the train car.

They run along the roofs, till they find the suit-wearing demon with a bobcut.

He turns to them, in his eyes are the Kanji for Lower Moon 1.

At least not an Upper Moon.

The Demon is surprised to see them and even has the gall to greet them friendly with a Good Morning.

Both Demon Slayers get their Katanas ready.

“Why did you two wake up? Didn’t I show you sweet dreams?”, wonders Lower Moon 1. “I could’ve shown you a dream where your families were being slaughtered. Would you have liked that one better? No, of course not. Too distressing, right? All right, next… why don’t I show you a dream where your father comes back to life? And you girl I show a dream of the sibling you always desired.”

“Don’t you dare intrude on our souls! I won’t let you… get away with this!”, shoots Tanjiro back.

“You disgust me.”, states Yua simply.

That’s when the Lower Moon notes the Hanafuda-Earrings of Tanjiro. He gets all excited since the Demon King told him to kill Hashira and Tanjiro. He talks about how he will get more blood from his master if he brings him their heads so he can challenge an Upper Moon for their position.

“Enough with the monologue!”, decides Yua and starts to run up to the Demon. Her attacks work best close to the enemy.

Tanjiro behind her gets ready to with Water Breathing… Tenth Form… Constant Flux which forms a giant water dragon that follows him.

Lower Moon One counters them with his Blood Demon Art....and Yua is back in the dream Mochizuki Estate.

“Damn it!”, shouts the midnight blue-haired beauty. “How can I wake up again? Before, something triggered my Aura-Sensing, maybe like this...?”

She concretes and tries to feel for Tanjiro's familiar, warm, beloved Aura and the repulsing, narcotic Aura of the Lower Moon.

It takes her a few seconds, but she wakes up.

Yua is sitting on the roof and watches how Tanjiro decapitates the demon.

However, she jumps up and gets herself battle-ready.

He didn’t turn to ash.

This is not a good sign.

“Tanjiro, get ready!”, she alarms her boyfriend. “This is isn’t over yet!”

And she was right as a mass of flesh forms under the Lower Moon Heads.

Cackling the demon tells them how the body they saw, wasn’t his body anymore and he managed to fusion with the train.

Now he makes clear how the passengers in the train aren’t not only his food but his hostages.

He formally challenges them to protect them all from him.

Tanjiro tries again to decapitate him, but sadly the head and mass just vanish into the train.

“Tanjiro, you go after the Demon, I will take care of the wagons!”, tells Yua her plan.

Her boyfriend looks astonished at her.

“Yua, these are too many wagons for you alone to protect! You can’t keep an eye on the whole train.”

She grits her teeth. He is right of course.

“Yes, but I can protect at least 5 alone, this is better than nothing. Someone of us needs to go and end the Demon or this nightmare never ends.”

Anyone could see on Tanjiro's face how he didn’t like this plan, yet what else could they do?

They were only in two.

However, it seemed the kami wanted to help them.

A train roof breaks open and Inosuke jumps out of it!

“Follow me, damn minions! All right! Explosive awakening!”, hollers the wild boy. “Comin’ through! Lord Inosuke’s comin’ through!”

It’s like a giant weight falls from their heart.

At least they are in three now.

“Inosuke! It’s not safe anywhere on the train anymore! We have to protect the sleeping passengers!”, informs Tanjiro. “This whole train’s turned into a demon! Can you hear me? This whole train is a demon!”

“I knew it! So, I was right on the money! That means I was a total stud as a leader!”

“Yes, yes, now help us to protect the passengers!”, deadpans Yua.

You don’t have to tell this the wild boy twice and he jumps back down the hole he came from. They hear how he slices something fleshy.

Yua lays a hand on Tanjiro and makes me take some steps.

“Inosuke can alone protect the two. You go five wagons up. I will take care of them.”

Her boyfriend nods, squeezes her hand and starts running.

Elegant Yua kicks in a window and gets inside the carriage.

Already it’s consumed in the flesh mass and fleshy-like tentacles reach for the passenger.

Like she is a whirlwind Yua cuts through any tentacles she sees. She runs her five wagons up and down, cutting tentacles on her way, using her Breathing Style in the best and most efficient way.

She feels at one point a thunderclap, this surely means Zenitsu is awake now too.

But she can’t miss a bit or her passenger are meals!

So she continues with her task.

Suddenly an explosion gets off, sending Yua tumbling. She can catch herself in the last moment.

“What the???”, she asked out loud confused.

What was that?

“Young Mochizuki!”, yells surprisingly Rengoku in her ear and okay she jumped a little.

The Flame Hashira stands beside her, grinning.

“I see, you protected five wagons on your own. The yellow guy and the demon girl are taking care of the three. I shall proceed with the remaining five. Young Mochizuki, let me tell you how proud I am of you and I will pledge to our Master to make you a Hashira.”

The young woman doesn’t even get a word out before Rengoku vanishes as fast as he came.

Blinking she looks at the dust cloud and writhing tentacles he left behind.

Slowly she registered what he said to her.

“THANK YOU!”, she shouts back, then gets back to her work.

If she had to tell you, You couldn’t tell you how long and how many times she ran up and down her five wagons sliced up tentacles.

It seemed like an eternity.

Then all hell broke loose!

A giant explosion occurred and the train jumped off the trails.

Gritting her teeth, trying to stay on top, Yua has her hands full with keeping her passenger safe and sound. She uses some of her Breathing Techniques to catch them or to destroy harmful things.

Finally, the train stops!

“Oh thank Tsukuyomi!”, she gasps happily.

She was getting worried she couldn’t keep up anymore.

Careful she checks on her passengers. Slowly she helps them up, gives the wounded First Aid and then helps them get out of the train.

Out of the train, Yua lets out a deep breath, looking up in the sky. The sun will be up soon and it seems the Lower Moon is history.

This long nightmare has found an end.

Now she can try to find her precious people.

The first ones she finds are Nezuko and Zenitsu sleeping side by side near the train. After checking that both of them are alright, she lays her dark blue haori with the big crescent moon on the lower sleeve over them.

She will let Zenitsu sleep, he isn’t touching Nezuko in any way that isn’t okay, so she will let them.

Next, she meets Inosuke and he tells her all about how he and Tanjiro managed to behead the Demon Train.

Then he tells her that her boyfriend is wounded.

And from Yua, you only see a dust cloud.

Inosuke runs after her.

However, the closer she gets where Tanjiro is, the more she feels Rengoku Aura, wild and fiery, against a powerful demonic Aura.

No...it can’t be.

After the Lower Moon an Upper Moon appeared?!

The young woman ran faster!

She needs to check on Tanjiro and help Rengoku!

Together with Inosuke she reaches Tanjiro and sees Rengoku against the Upper Moon fighting.

Yua kneels, helping Tanjiro sit upright.

They look into each other eyes, they don’t need words to tell the other that they are okay or in Tanjiro's case okay-ish.

Then she stands up and wants to unsheathe her Katana like Inosuke, but Rengoku calls out to them: “Stay where you are! If that wound reopens, it’ll be fatal! Stand back!”

“But Rengoku-San!”, protested Yua.

“That’s an order! Mochizuki, you hear me?!”

Gripping her Katana Yua doesn’t know what to do. Can she help Rengoku? He told her he saw a Hashira in her, but now he wants her to stay out of the fight.

What should she do?

Meanwhile, the Upper Moon mocks Rengoku telling him he shouldn’t waste his time with weaklings.

Upper Moon moves to hit Rengoku’s eye, but Rengoku knocks him back. Rengoku slices at the Demon again. The two are locked in battle, and Rengoku sends Upper Moon flying into the forest. He goes after him.

The three younger Demon Slayers call out for Rengoku as he comes flying out of the forest!

“Rengoku!”

“Ol’ Google-eyes!”

“Rengoku-San!”

The Upper Moon tries to sway Rengoku to his side, he should become a Demon, but, Rengoku makes clear that he won’t.

They fight longer and harder.

Yua shakes from nerves.

It was to stay down, but...she had a feeling if she didn’t help Rengoku he would die!

What should she do?

After a long and hard beat down, both opponents jump away from each other.

With the last attack, it seemed Rengoku got the demon.

“Ohh… Did he do it? Did he win?!”. ask Inosuke.

The only girl checks the Aura of Rengoku and gasps.

“Oh no!”

“Oh no? What’s wrong Yuna?!”

She doesn’t need to answer as drops of blood stream down Rengoku and he breathes heavily.

“Okay, enough!”

She ignores Tanjiro and Inosuke shouts to not do it as she runs up to Rengoku and the demon.

Surprised the demon looks at her and...is that hesitation in his eyes?

Whatever, Yua will stop!

“Moon Breathing! Sixth Form: Everlasting Night, Populous Moon, Intermittent!”

She rapidly performs a multitude of curved slashes several meters in front of her that release a wild barrage of crescent moon blades capable of slicing up the surroundings.

The Upper Moon can dodge some of her blades and heal himself, however, he doesn’t attack her.

Why?

“Young lady, my fight is not with you.”, tells her the demon. “Please, leave.”

“You made it my fight when you attacked my Senpai!”, she growls and runs up to him.

She tried to slash him, but he only dodged her, never attacking.

What is going on?

“Why aren’t you fighting back?!”, she shouts. “I’m not worth it, you sexist demon?!”

The Demon grits his teeth.

“I don’t fight nor do I eat woman. This goes against my code!”

“You are a demon, an Upper Moon! And you tell me you have an honor code?!”, she screams, slashing widely, getting a few cuts in. “If you don’t fight back your head will be mine!”

He jumps back from the big slash she wanted to perform on his head, while Yua again uses her Moon Breathing.

“Moon Breathing! Tenth Form: Moon shines on the Bambus Cutter!”

She creates three rotating circular saw-like slashes with crescent moon blades following their path.

They managed to cut the arms off the Upper Moon, so she jumped high in the air, aiming for the head, while he dodged the saw-like slashes.

Her Katana finds his neck!

Yua growls and tries to sink it deeper.

It slices a quarter of the neck.

The Upper Demon, also known as Akaza, knows if he doesn’t do something the young woman will take his head!

But he doesn’t hurt women.

Never will he do this!

And the sun is nearly up! he thinks rapidly. I will be as gentle as possible...

Surprised Yua feels how the Demon grips her under her arms and throws her away. He throws her so away that she lands in a bush, not hurting at all.

“What the hell?!”

“He is running away!”, yells Inosuke.

Yua tries to get out of the bush, however, the branches are twisted in her clothes.

The Upper Moon got away.

Angry Yua lets out a scream.

***

The Kakushi have finally arrived and are giving all the Demon Slayer First Aid before they move them to the Butterfly Mansion.

Rengoku, Yua, Tanjiro and Inosuke lay side by side to get the treatment.

The sun shines warm down on them.

“That was dumb and unnecessarily risky if you, young Mochizuki!”, scolds her Rengoku. “You have gone against my orders.”

“With all due respect Senpai, but you weren’t anymore cable of fighting and I will be damned if one of my brother or sister-in-arms dies when I can prevent it.”, rebuts Yua.

She feels how Tanjiro grips her hand to calm her down.

“Young Mochizuki I respect your passion and blazing heart for your comrades, but you have gone against my order!”

“You would have done the same for us!”, she shouts back, which makes Rengoku stop. “It said that People who don’t follow the rules are trash, but I think the one who doesn’t help his friends is worse than trash!”

It’s still for a few minutes, only the Kakushi talking, before Rengoku lets out a quiet laugh. “I suppose you are right, young Mochizuki. My worries for you young ones have made me forget how we all would lay down our lives for our friends. You will make a formidable Hashira.”

A little blush forms on her cheeks and she thanks him.

“I’m happy that we all are fine!”, cries Zenitsu who sits beside them with Nezuko's box. “After a Lower Moon and an Upper Moon, this was too much.”

“At least we all are alive and none of the passengers die.”, adds Tanjiro, also crying.

Loving Yua strokes the back of the hand with her thumb.

“Still, I wonder why the ball head didn’t want to fight Yuka.”

“Maybe we will never find out this, young Boar Boy, but we all did our best. I don’t think I can be Hashira for some time with only one eye left, I have to adapt to that, so I think young Mochizuki here will be an amazing addition to us.”

“You honour me with your words, Senpai. If Oyakata-Sama makes me a Hashira I will thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“Yeah, yeah, that’s all nice and stuff.”, interrupts Sayako in her Kakushi uniform. “But you guys are ready for the Butterfly Mansion, you can be sappy there.”

“It’s always a joy with you, Yako.”

“Just telling how it is YuYu. Just telling how it is.”

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Rengoku is alive, Rengoku is alive!

He will be out for a while as Demon Slayer but I think when we get to Infinity Castle he will be back :D

This is the first big canon divergent of the story, let’s see what else will change.

Until next time my loves!

Here are the Pics!

Maiden of the Moon

What if Kokushibo had a pupil, whom he taught the original Moon Breathing before he deserted the Demon Slayer Corps?

Mochizuki Yua was born only for these reasons: To become a Hashira and make her family a respected one in the Demon Slayer Corps.

But if you only live for the expectations of others, who are YOU truly?

What will it take to find yourself?

A long, hard journey awaits.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

I made two drawings with bases for this chapter so check out my DeviantArt.

Chapter 9: Rehabilitation

“I swerve Nezuko, if it wasn’t for you brother, I would have suffocate Agatsuma in his sleep.”, complained Yua to the demon girl.

They were in Nezuko's dark room in the Butterfly Mansion, sitting on the bed and like any day, since the Wisteria Mansion, the older girl combed the younger ones' hair.

Normally Yua would sing and Nezuko humm along, but today the Mochizuki needed to complain.

They were now a week in the Mansion, getting cures and rest from their fights at Mt. Natagumo.

Only Yua was ready to commit murder.

Zenitsu hated to take his medicine and any day (Any Day!) he whined about it like a little pussy.

That’s why Yua had decided when it was time for their medication to take refuge in Nezuko's room.

One of the little girls would come to pick her up when it was her turn for the medication, so she enjoyed the tranquillity of Nezuko's room.

Nezuko cooed and patted her head.

Yua sighed heavily and leaned her head back against the wall.

"I just can't take it anymore," she muttered. "Zenitsu's constant whining is driving me insane."

The Demon Girl continued her head pats, offering silent support.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself down Yua continued: "I know he's scared and in pain, but so are we all. He needs to woman-up and deal with it like the rest of us!"

Nezuko nodded in agreement, understanding the frustration that Yua was feeling.

They both knew that they had to stay strong for each other, yet it was becoming increasingly difficult with Zenitsu's constant complaints.

Yua closed her eyes and took another deep breath, trying to calm herself down.

She knew that she couldn't let her anger get the best of her, especially if she wanted one day to be a respected Hashira.

Hashira stayed calm in all situations.

Sadly Yua had anger issues and she knows this.

Just...she was constantly pissed at anything!

It didn’t help having a whiny crybaby around you when you were like this.

Yua knew she needed to work on her patience and anger management, however it was difficult when Zenitsu was constantly pushing her buttons.

She couldn't wait until they were all healed and back to their Demon Slayer duties, away from the confines of the Butterfly Mansion.

But for now, she would continue to seek solace in Nezuko's room and try her best to keep her frustrations in check.

Nezuko continued to pat Yua's head, offering comfort without words.

Together, they would get through this trying time and come out stronger on the other side.

Hopefully.

Or Yua would suffocate Zenitsu really and Tanjiro wouldn’t stop her!

One way to end her Demon Slayer career and mayor disappointing her grandfather.

This would top Uncle Noritaka’s vanishment from one day to another surely!

At least she would never have to see grandfather’s face again. She would only miss her father and the rest of her family.

And Nezuko.

And, alright, Tanjiro.

Even Inosuke.

Oh well.

There was a knock on the door, so Yua called the person in.

It was a little girl, wearing a white dress, with a orange sash, black eyes and black hair in a ponytail with an orange butterfly clip.

This was little Tanaka Ema, one of the four little girls who lived in the Butterfly Mansion and worked as assistants.

“Hello Ema-Chan, time for my medicine?”, greeted her Yua, while Nezuko waved at the girl.

Ema had a glass in one hand and with the other waved back at Nezuko.

“You got it Yua-Nee.”, she handed it over and Yua took her medication without hesitation. “Yua-Nee, Shinobu-Sama is in your room with the boys. She wants to talk to you and them.”

“Alright, thanks for telling me, Ema-Chan.”

With a sign, Yua stood up from the bed and gave Nezuko as goodbye a forehead kiss. This made the demon girl purr happily.

Taking Ema's little hand, they walked together to the patient room.

As the little girl had said, there was the Insect Hashira in the room.

Did Yua want to know why Zenitsu hid behind Tanjiro?

No probably not.

“Kocho-Sama.”, Yua called out and made a bow. “Ema-Chan said you wanted to talk to us.”

Shinobu turned with a smile to her. “Ah good, Yua-Chan. I already asked Tanjiro-Kun and Inosuke-Kun. Do you think you are ready for rehabilitation training?”

Fucking finally!

Yua bowed again.

“Of course, Kocho-Sama. I can’t wait for it.”

***

Two weeks later!

“Yua-Senpai, Tanjiro and Inosuke were taken away by the Hashira, Lady Kochou, and started something called “Rehabilitation Training”., thought Zenitsu aloud with Chuntaro, his sparrow, sitting on his head in the patient room, waiting for his friends came back from it. “Lady Shinobu’s voice is totally unique. I don’t think I’ve ever heard anything like it. It lacks regularity, and it scares me a little. But when she was treating the people who got turned into spiders, she sure seemed like a goddess. No wonder everyone ran to Lady Shinobu in tears. Not only that, but she’s unbelievably cute! I bet she could make a living on her looks alone. So, this cute lady has taken Yua-Senpai Tanjiro and Inosuke to Rehabilitation Training to rebuild their stamina. And any minute now…”

The door of the patient's room opens.

First steps in Yua who has her hair in two buns and looks really tired, but in contrast to the half-death Tanjiro and Inosuke, you could call her energetic and lively.

“...they’ll be back in this kind of state.”

“Welcome back, Yua-Senpai, Tanjiro, Inosuke!”, greets them Zenitsu.

The only girl gives him a thumbs up before she falls on her bed and falls asleep the second her head hits the pillow.

Her loud unladylike snores accompanied the hobbling to their beds Tanjiro and Inosuke.

“How did it go today?”, asked Zenitsu as the two other boys climbed into their beds. “What happened? What’s the matter? Hey…”

“Sorry.”, crooked Tanjiro out.

“Don’t mind us.”, groans Inosuke.

“You gotta tell me about it! I’ll be joining you a little late starting tomorrow!”, screamed Zenitsu nearly pissing his bed.

As an answer, Yua just snored louder.

The next day, after a good night's sleep, Yua was ready to tackle rehabilitation training.

Again.

She was the only one in their group who acted normal.

Tanjiro and Inosuke resembled the walking death, while Zenitsu held tight to Tanjiro's shirt and mumbled how scared he was.

She would be lying if she didn’t hope that rehabilitation training would reduce Zenitsu to a pathetic heap of humans.

He deserved it for being such a constant headache in her life.

If she couldn’t kill him, at least give her the satisfaction to see this.

They reached the room that was designated for the rehabilitation training.

Aoi was already waiting for them, as were the four little girls beside four futons and Kanao sitting on a little table.

Our four Demon Slayers sat down before Aoi in seiza, awaiting instructions.

“All right, since you’ll be joining us from today, Zenitsu, I’ll explain the process again now.”, began Aoi. “You’ll start over there.”

She pointed at the little girls beside the futons, explaining after having been bedridden for so long those girls would make their bodies limber again.

They demonstrated it on Inosuke, pulling his legs and arms, till he cried and landed in a heap on the floor.

Next up was reflex training with Kanao. Tanjiro was the victim. Practically before them on the table were cups containing medicated water. The objective was to throw that medicated water onto each other, but if your opponent blocks your cup before you can pick it up, you can’t move that cup.

Needless to say, Tanjiro had no chance against Kanao and was wet from head to toe after this demonstration.

“Last up, full-body training.”, said Aoi with Kanao on her side now. “In simpler terms, you’ll be playing tag. You’ll be up against myself, Aoi, and Kanao over there.”

“Excuse me. May I ask you something?”. asked Zenitsu in an eerie voice.

Yua raised an eyebrow at him. What was up now?

“Hm? Is there something that’s not clear to you?”, asked Aoi back.

Zenitsu gets up and walks toward the door.

Okay...?

“No, it’s just… Come on,Tanjiro and Inosuke.”

While Yua frowns at this, wondering what is going on in Zenitsu's head, both other males don’t move which angers the blond-haired one.

All girls, even Yua, wince at Zenitsu's screams and how he drags his two friends outside under shouts.

The girls can hear loud and clear what Zenitsu's problem is.

He is angry at Tanjiro and Inosuke for making him believe rehabilitation training was hell, when, in his eyes, it’s paradise, being around girls and touching and getting touched by them.

Aoi left eye twitched, the little girls all frowned, Kanao is blank-faced and Yua just crosses her arms and tells them: “I should have cut off his dick when I had the chance!”

Soon the boys returned.

Zenitsu, like the horny idiot he is, giggles and lets himself be stretched by the four little girls like it’s nothing.

He seems in heaven!

Yua makes a face, even though she who is naturally more flexible than her male friends, has to stop herself from crying out in pain when she does it.

“That guy has what it takes.”, grumbles Inosuke angry. “ I’m always fighting back tears from the pain, but he’s laughing.”

“That’s what happens when you are a horny horndog, I bet he is a closet masochist.”, tells Yua her own theory, of why Zenitsu can handle the stretching.

Tanjiro makes just a confused loud.

Next up is reflex training with Aoi for Zenitsu.

The pig-tailed girl reaches for a cup, but Zenitsu covers her hand and prepares to throw a cup of water on her. He doesn’t throw it and squeezes her hand.

“I would never splash tea on a girl.”, he has the gall to say and are these sparkles around him?

Not only does Aoi make a disgusted face, but Yua isn’t far behind.

“Horny bastard!”, the midnight blue-haired girl mumbles.

After that, it’s time for full body training aka. playing Tag.

Again it’s Aoi against Zenitsu and he flashes fast around the room before he leaps at her and grabs around her chest.

“I win!”

For that, he gets smacked around by Aoi. Yua can’t help but cackle, serves him right!

“I won the battle but lost the war!”, proclaims Zenitsu with bruises and wounds all over his face.

Again Yua makes a face. He is probably really a masochist if even Aoi hits don’t humble him!

Next up is Inosuke against Aoi. Since he doesn’t want to "lose" against Zenitsu he managed to beat Aoi anytime in anything.

“Boarhead, can you not be more gentle!”, scolds Yua.

They have two extremes here. Zenitsu, who thinks of himself as kamis gift to women, and Inosuke, who doesn’t even care for gender.

Normally Yua prefers not caring for the gender, however, she likes the girls in the Butterfly Mansion and doesn’t like seeing them be treated this way.

Anyway, now it’s her turn.

She endures the stretching, can splash Aoi without problems and catches her fast.

“Good Yua-San, you are healing nicely.”, praises Aoi.

In turn, Yua just bows and thanks them for their help.

Then it’s Tanjiro's turn. Against Aoi, he doesn’t have a problem too, but then it’s time.

It’s time they face all off against Kanao.

The boys are absolute disasters and can’t beat her at anything.

It’s only Yua who seems to be getting closer to beating Kanao.

When they have the reflex training Yua nearly throws the medication in her face, but Kanao is still faster. Then when they play catch, Yua streaks her white cloak.

The seventeen-year-old girl chases Kanao all over the room, always barely touching the Tsuguko of the Insect Hashira.

Our male Demon Slayer watches her in awe.

“Yua-Senpai is something else.”, gushes Zenitsu with heart eyes. “She is so fast and elegant in her movements!”

“She still can’t beat coat girl.”, points Inosuke out, even if he has to admit that she does way better than any of them.

“She is a Kinoto and for four years a Demon Slayer. It would have surprised me if she wasn’t better than us at this.”, reminds Tanjiro, transfixed looking at how Yua gets closer and closer to catching Kanao.

He knows that Moonlight Beauty was a nickname made to mock her, however, the older girl really is as beautiful as the moon. If he could, Tanjiro would look into her otherworldly grey eyes for hours and stroke this pretty midnight blue hair to his heart contentment.

Hearing his own thoughts makes him blush and try to push them away.

He knows he has a little crush on her.

How could he not, when he could smell how kind and good she was? Only hiding behind this mask of roughness and toughness, to not show how desperate and lost she truly was.

She sang with an angelic voice, cared for Nezuko like she was her own sister and was gentle to the younger ones.

Even to him and the boys, she was caring in her own way. Okay, she really had it out for Zenitsu, but he could understand her point.

Zenitsu was a shameless skirt chaser, even if he was a good soul.

However, he knew that he couldn’t let his crush grow. He had smelled on Yua how she had freaked out as he had admitted the last time they talked alone that if it was her it wasn’t for him hard work to help her to find herself.

It would only break his heart.

So he would be happy with her friendship.

***

“Bunch of little pussies!”, cursed Yua, with crossed arms as she made her way back to their room with Tanjiro after another day of hard rehabilitation training.

“Yua-Senpai, I know you are angry at Inosuke and Zenitsu, I don’t like it either that they don’t come anymore to the rehabilitation training.”, agreed Tanjiro with her at that point. “But cursing them out like that, it’s not very nice.”

Yua snorted and fixed one of her buns.

“Look at all the fucks I give, Kamado. Look at them! There are none! You know what pissed me off? Not that they don’t come, that they are demotivated that they can’t beat a girl! This is sexism plain in simple. If Kanao-San would be a man, I bet with you they still would turn up.”

“You really think so?”

“Their Aura’s tell me this!”, she told him and turned to the younger male with a raised eyebrow. “You don’t smell it on them?”

“I don’t think I would know what sexism is supposed to smell like.”, he answered sheepishly.

Yua shook her head in disbelief.

"It's not about the smell, Tanjiro. It's about their attitudes towards women. They think they're better than us just because they're men." She let out a frustrated sigh. "But you know what? I don't care anymore. Let them be weak and pathetic. I'll continue to work hard and become stronger than any of them."

Tanjiro nodded in agreement, understanding Yua's determination and drive to succeed. He admired her strength and resilience, even when faced with adversity.

“Master Tanjiro, Lady Yua?”, called suddenly Sumi for them.

The two Demon Slayers found the four little Butterfly Mansion girls behind.

“What’s up, sweetie? Is something wrong?”, asked Yua for them.

The quartet played shyly with their hands, till Sumi and Ema held a towel each.

“Here’s a towel for you.”, the two chorused together.

Yua and Tanjiro thanked them, which made all four girls happy smile, and wiped the seat of the day away from their faces.

“Um, Master Tanjiro, do you maintain the Total Concentration Breathing state around the clock?”, was little Kiyo curious.

Confused Tanjiro looked at her, while Yua put a pointer finger on her lips.

“Huh, I never asked him that, good point.”

“No, I don’t. I’ve never done that.”, he answered Kiyo and turned then to Yua.

“Is that even possible?”

The Kinoto nodded.

“I’m using it currently, all day, all night, all around the clock.”, she told him with a little smile.

That shocked Tanjiro.

“WHAT?! Even just using that technique for a short time really takes its toll on me?! And now you tell me you use it all the time Yua-Senpai?!”

Then something which had him wondering made sense to him.

“Is that why you could bet Kanao-San today after only five days of rehabilitation training it?!”

“Uhm, yeah.”

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner this?!”

“It never came up.”, shrugged Yua nonchalantly, as Tanjiro's soul left his body.

He was in utter disbelief.

“All of the Hashiras, Miss Kanao and old Demon Slayer families like the Mochizuki can do it!”, pipped Sumi up.

“Please work hard at it!”, pleaded the four little girls together.

“I think we broke him girls.”, guessed Yua and fawned at Tanjiro with her towel. “That was too much for him.”

This made the four little girls giggle cutely. The sound of it made Tanjiro come back to himself.

“Alright. Thanks! I’ll give it a try!”

The next day, Zenitsu and Inosuke refused rehabilitation training again, in turn, Yua called them sexist pigs as she walked out the door with Tanjiro to go there.

After they finished, they both walked out to the courtyard of the Butterfly Mansion

Yua stood before Tanjiro with her hands on her hips as he looked at her determined.

“Alright, since you have asked nicely, I will teach you how to use the perpetuate Total Concretion Breathing.”

The red-haired boy bowed before his Senpai.

“I’m really thankful Yua-Senpai!”

“Don’t mention it. Also, first, show me how long you can do Total Concretion. I need to see what I’m working with.”

Tanjiro nodded and did as told.

While he did it, Yua counted the seconds. He was going good for five minutes, then it started to go all downhill from here.

The boy had the feeling his lungs would explode and collapse. Thankful Yua caught him before he could kiss dirt.

“Okay, I will be honest, that was really weak. Even my little cousin Hikari can do it for 10 minutes without problems and she is four!”

From Tanjiro came only a pathetic sound as he lay there in her embrace, his head cushioned by her soft breasts.

If he could, he would blush, but he was too out of it.

The midnight blue-haired girl shook her head and patted his head awkwardly.

“There, there. I will get you there.”

Unknown to them the four little girls, Kiyo, Naho, Sumi and Ema, were watching them.

“It’s so cute that Master Tanjiro is shorter than Lady Yua.”, whispers Sumi.

“He looks like a baby, adorable!”, agreed Naho.

“They two look good together.”, told them Kiyo.

“They look like two pieces of a puzzle!”, gushed Ema. “Like Yin and Yang in person.”

“We need to get them together!”, all four of them agreed.

The little matchmakers decide to bring their new favourite couple-to-be some food and snacks since they worked so hard any day.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Nothing is True

… Everything is permitted.

What is real?

What is not?

Is she just turning crazy or are other powers at work?

One thing is clear Kohana will get to the bottom of this and maybe change the whole Ninja-World at the same time.

S.I. Third Shinobi World War 

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

The song we “hear” in this chapter is from Alt J called Something Good from the masterpiece of a game Life is Strange!

I recommend listening to it while reading the chapter.

Happy reading!

Chapter 9: Everything changes 

It was early morning.

A fresh breeze was entering Kohana's room from her half-open window.

The nine-year-old girl lies half awake-half asleep on the cover of her bed.

She heard from somewhere in the house a radio playing.

Probably Kizashi who listens to his music.

The song was good she had to admit.

Its melody was catchy.

Kohana hummed along to the tune, feeling a sense of comfort in the music.

“Something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good tonight

Will make me forget about you for now”

She slowly sat up and stretched her arms, feeling the warmth of the sun on her face.

As she looked out the window, she noticed a group of birds flying in formation. Mesmerized by their synchronized movements, Kohana wondered if they were communicating with each other.

The birds continued to fly in formation, their wings flapping in unison. The girl watched them until they disappeared from her sight.

“Get high

Hit the floor before you go

Matador

Estocada, you're my blood sport”

Deciding it was time to get out of bed she walked over to her window. Her simple pink nightgown swayed in the light breeze.

“But something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good tonight

Will make me forget about you for now”

She leaned out the window and took a deep breath of the fresh morning air.

“48 thousand seats

Bleats and roars for my memories of you

Now that I'm fully clean

The matador is no more and is dragged from view”

The sun was now fully risen, casting a warm glow over everything it touched.

Kohana felt grateful for this moment of peace and tranquillity before the hustle and bustle of the day began.

She closed her eyes and listened to the sounds around her: the lyrics of the song, the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, and in the distant talking of people.

“Get high

Hit the floor before you go

Matador

Estocada, you're my blood sport”

The moment felt like it could last forever, but Kohana knew that it wouldn't. She reluctantly let go of the window sill and turned to face her room.

“48 thousand seats

Bleats and roars for my memories of you

Now that I am clean

The matador is no more and is dragged from view”

The song ended as she looked at the mess of her room.

“But something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good

Oh, something good tonight

Will make me forget about you for now”

Her new room.

It was still hard to grape that the Harunos had been moved to this little clan compound.

And that all because Kohana had awoken a Kekkai Genkai.

A few weeks ago as Minato-Sensei and the rest of her team had discovered her Eagle Vision, Kohana didn’t know what do to. Every ninja knows that if you awoke a new Kekkai Genkai you had to tell the Hokage.

Something she had missed on purpose. She didn’t want the world to know that Eagle-Vision had returned. The first and last one in her family who had this gift was her ancestor Haruno Sakuya.

A mysterious Miko, who was actually an assassin named Carina Auditore from a different world.

She still grappled long with all this and yes, she wanted to keep it as long as a secret as she could, till she could make more sense of it.

In the end, after she had been caught in the act of using it, she admitted to Minato-Sensei that she had awakened the Kekkai Genkai of her family.

Minato-Sensei had been understanding, but he had insisted that they inform the Hokage. Kohana had been nervous about it, but when she met with the Hokage, she found that he was also understanding.

Actually, he was more prepared than her.

Hokage-Sama had known Sakuya since she had been a close friend of his senseis the first and the second Hokage.

He had seen Eagle Vision in action when he was a young boy.

Also, Sakuya had prepared something for her family if one of them would someday wake Eagle Vision.

The diary and Hidden Blade that Kohana had already found were only a part. Sakuya had arranged that her family would be given clan status and a clan compound when a descendant would awake her Kekkai Genkai.

That her parents and her brother had been shocked was the understatement of the century.

From a normal ninja family to being raised to a clan was...mindblowing. Even Kohana herself was still reeling.

She had thought that it would cause problems if someone found out she had Eagle-Vision and in the end her ancestor had them all set already.

So they had lived at the Haruno Clan Compound for a few weeks now.

It was probably the smallest one in all of Konohagakure. It had one main house, where Kohana, her parents and brother lived, and two other houses. The rest was still forest, but when the clan would get bigger one day, they would be cut and new houses be built.

Their symbol was the Assassin Brotherhood one in the middle a little cherry blossom.

Kohana would lie if she said it was not weird to wear a clan symbol on all her clothes.

The white circle her family had used before was a family crest, nothing special, however, a clan symbol was something else.

The thought of her family now being a clan still felt surreal to Kohana. She couldn't help but wonder what the future held for them.

Would they become a large and powerful clan, or would they remain small and unknown? Either way, she was grateful for the new opportunities that had been presented to them.

But at the same time, she knew that with this newfound status came great responsibility. They would have to work hard to maintain their reputation as a strong and honourable clan. Kohana vowed to do her part in upholding their legacy and making her ancestors proud.

As she made her way out of her room and towards the kitchen, Kohana couldn't help but hum along to the tune of the song that had been playing earlier.

It was a reminder that even in times of uncertainty and change, there was always something good to hold onto.

***

“Chuunin-Exams?!”, shouted Obito surprised.

Team 7 was done with their mission for the day, guarding the borders of Konohagakure, and had gone to their training field to enjoy lunch together.

Even Kushina was with them.

Since the first time she trained with them, the Uzumaki had started to join them more often for training.

Especially with Kohana. She had actually a mentor-ship with Kushina.

The Eagle Vision made her understand Fuin Jutsu in an outstanding way that Kushina and Minato-Sensei had started teaching her in it.

The green-haired girl felt honoured that Kushina shared her Uzumaki Clan Fuin Jutstu with her. It was the highest honour one could give another, sharing with them their clan jutsus.

Also, she really likes Kushina.

She was like a fun older sister.

When they were alone Kohana called her Kushina-Nee.

“Chuunin-Exams.”, repeated Minato-Sensei with a smile at his flabbergasted Genin, well all beside Kakashi. The Hatake seemed calm. “In the last months, all four of you have made incredible progress. In my eyes, you are more than ready to take on the next Chuunin Exams in Konoha.”

“You are gonna wipe the floor with the others, Dattebane!”, encouraged Kushina with a fist bump.

Rin made a little bow.

“Thank you for having such fate in us, Minato-Sensei.”

“Yeah, thanks!”, chorused Obito and Kohana, bowing too.

“So I can assume you all want to join up.”

Of course, the four Genin wanted to.

Kohana felt excitement bubble up in her. If she managed to pass the Chuunin Exam the first time she would be the first in her family to, do it on the first try and second, being so young.

That would make a great start for the legacy of the Haruno Clan.

The team was thrilled at the prospect of participating in the Chuunin Exams. They knew that it would be a tough challenge, but they were ready for it. Kohana felt a sense of determination wash over her as she thought about what lay ahead. She knew that she had to work hard and stay focused if she wanted to succeed.

As they finished their lunch and headed back to the village, Minato-Sensei reminded them of the importance of teamwork and trust in each other. He stressed that they needed to rely on one another in order to make it through the exams.

The Chuunin Exams would be a test not only of their skills as a ninja but also of their character and resolve. Kohana was determined to prove herself worthy of being a Haruno Clan member and make her ancestors proud.

***

Her Eagle Vision burned in her eyes, her Hidden Blade was sharp and ready, her sense awake and alert.

Whatever her brother Kizashi would throw at her, she would overcome it.

Kizashi grinned at Kohana.

“Are you sure you want to fight me, Imoto-Chan? I’m 19, you are 9 years old. There is a gap between us.”

“And I will surpass it!”

With that, both siblings run up to each other trading punches.

Kohana dodged Kizashi's first punch and countered with a swift kick to his side. Kizashi stumbled back, but quickly regained his footing and lunged forward with a series of jabs.

She blocked each one with ease, her training in the assassination technique of Sakuya had made her faster and more flexible. As Kizashi went in for another attack, Kohana saw an opening and used her Hidden Blade to disarm him.

Her brother looked surprised but impressed as he retrieved his weapon from the ground and resumed their sparring match.

The two siblings continued to trade blows, each pushing themselves to their limits in order to become stronger and better ninjas.

Kohana felt grateful for this opportunity to train with her brother, knowing that it would only make her more prepared for the upcoming Chuunin Exams.

As their training session came to an end, both siblings were exhausted but satisfied with their progress. Kohana knew that she still had a long way to go before she could truly surpass her brother, however, she was determined to keep working hard until she did so.

***

“I’m so happy we found time for a sleepover.”, signed Rin happy, while Kohana was sitting behind her, combing her brown hair.

Both girls were on Kohana’s bed, in their sleepwear, enjoying time only real best friends could do during a sleepover.

“Me too Rin-Chan.”, agreed Kohana. “It seems like we are only, training, training and training these past weeks for the Chuunin Exams. It’s like we forgot being just girls too and not only ninjas.”

Rin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's nice to just relax and have fun sometimes. We should do this more often."

Kohana smiled and continued to comb Rin's hair. She enjoyed these quiet moments with her friends, where they could just be themselves without any pressure or expectations.

As they chatted about their favourite things and shared stories from their childhood, Kohana felt a sense of warmth and contentment wash over her. She knew that no matter what happened in the future, she would always have Rin by her side.

“Sooo, how it’s going with Obito?”, asked Rin a while later as they ate ice cream.

Rin had strawberry and Kohana chocolate, both with a massive amount of cream and sprinkles on it.

As an answer, Kohana just took a massive spoonful in her mouth.

The brunette winced.

“That bad, mmh?”

“Rin, he is obsessed with you!”, shouted Kohana, raising her arms up. “Like I try to flirt or do something sweet for him and his mind goes to you and how he should do it to YOU! I think he thinks I’m trying to help him to get you, aargh!”

Rin laughed, "Oh, Kohana. You know Obito is just clueless when it comes to these things. He probably doesn't even realize that you're interested in him."

Kohana rolled her eyes, "I know, but it's frustrating. I don't want to come off as desperate or anything."

"Don't worry about it too much.” " the Nohara patted her friend's hand reassuringly. “Just be yourself and if he's meant to notice you, he will."

Kohana smiled at Rin's words of wisdom.

She knew that her friend was right and that she shouldn't stress out too much about Obito. She decided to just enjoy their sleepover and not think about ninja stuff for a while.

After all, they were still just girls who wanted to have fun.

So in that case.

“You and Kakashi seem to get a bit more chummy, or did I hear wrong how you both talked about a book you both read.”, wiggled Kohana her eyebrows and her blushing friend.

“I think it’s too far to say that Kakashi-Kun likes me this way.”, mubles Rin. “But I have a feeling we are forming a good friendship with each other and this makes me really happy.”

Kohana smiled at Rin's response. She was happy for her friend and glad that she was forming a good friendship with Kakashi.

The two of them seemed to have a lot in common, especially when it came to their love of reading.

"I'm glad you have someone else besides me to talk about books with."

Rin nodded, "Yeah, it's nice to have someone who shares my interests."

The two girls continued their conversation, talking about everything and anything that came to mind.

They laughed and joked around, enjoying each other's company.

As the night wore on, they eventually drifted off to sleep with smiles on their faces.

The green-haired girl felt grateful for this moment of peace and happiness, knowing that she would need these memories to hold onto during the tough times ahead.

But for now, she was content just being a girl having fun with her best friend.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

This a short chapter, but we will dive into the Chuunin Exams in the next ones, I can’t wait to write for them :D

Also, not Naruto-related, but have you played Life is Strange?

If so, did you sacrifice Chloe or sacrificed Arcadia Bay?

I’m course if you have done the same as me and why you choose this. ^^

Until next time! 

Maiden of the Moon

What if Kokushibo had a pupil, whom he taught the original Moon Breathing before he deserted the Demon Slayer Corps?

Mochizuki Yua was born only for these reasons: To become a Hashira and make her family a respected one in the Demon Slayer Corps.

But if you only live for the expectations of others, who are YOU truly?

What will it take to find yourself?

A long, hard journey awaits.

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

I’m in search for a Beta-Reader!

Any volunteers?

Message me!

Chapter 10: Total Concentration Training

With gusto Yua bit into the Onigiri Ema and her little friends had brought her and Tanjiro.

They all sat on the veranda of the Butterfly Mansion, taking a break from the Total Concentration Breathing training for Tanjiro.

Yua was listing how Kiyo was explaining the gourds training Shinobu had Kanao go through to strengthen her lungs.

You could see in Tanjiro's face that he was disbelieving that someone petite like Kanao could make them explode and he nearly fell from the veranda seeing which big gourd Kanao could now make explode.

The midnight blue-haired beauty gulped down her last bit of Onigiri with the Green Tea the girls had made for them.

“You want to have a demonstration?”, asked Yua. “My family uses the same method I can make it explode too.”

“Really Yua-Senpai?!”

“You don’t have to shout in disbelief Kamado.”, deadpanned Yua.

What? Was he more shocked or didn’t he think she could do it?

But what she knew of Tanjiro he was probably only in shock.

“Girls, is it okay, if I take on the big gourd?”, she asked for permission.

All four cute girls nodded with a smile.

So Yua stood up, holding the big gourd and blowing into it.

After a few seconds, it explodes!

Everybody was in awe and Tanjiro, this time, tumbled from the veranda.

“Lady Yua is amazing!”, shouted the girls.

The older girl winked at them, which made them giggle.

Tanjiro sat back at the veranda.

“That was amazing, Yua-Senpai!”, he yelled “I’ll give it my all!”

“You do that, so back to training!”

“Yes, Yua-Senpai!”

“You can do it Master Tanjiro!”, cheered the four little girls him on.

The two Demon Slayers made their way back into the courtyard, while the four girls cleaned up.

“Alright Kamado, we already established that you can’t do Total Concentration for long.”, began Yua.

He nodded disappointed at himself.

“So I will show you some breathing exercises and a little trick to expand the volume of your lungs.”

“Yes, Yua-Senpai!”, he raised his arm into the air like he was in school. “Can I ask what this trick is?”

Now Yua smiled cheekily.

She was curious how he would take it.

“Do you ever wonder why I sing so much?”

“Because you like it and are amazing at it!”

“Charmer, but...singing expands your lunge volume.”

The red-haired boy blinked at her with his pretty (no, not pretty they are normal red eyes!) red eyes, till he made a shocked face.

“WHAT?! REALLY?!”

“Indeed.”, she walked over to him and threw a playful arm around his shoulders. Tanjiro blushed being so close to his crush, not that Yua took note. “Now my little songbird let me hear your voice!”

***

For 15 days not only participated Tanjiro and Yua in the rehabilitation training, but they also trained together to expand Tanjiro's lunge volume and keep his Total Concentration Breathing going.

At first, Tanjiro was a bit shy learning to sing from Yua, but his Senpai made clear that shyness would only obstacle him in becoming better.

So he woman up, like Yua-Senpai liked to say, and sang with her together.

She taught him songs he never heard of, however, she didn’t tell him who taught her them. The smell of hurt and longing always came from her when he asked.

So he stopped.

He never wanted to make her feel bad.

After singing, they parkour all around the Mansion and garden, playing catch with each other.

Yua-Senpai was as fast as Kanao, he could barely catch her.

And she got only faster with each passing day they trained.

The training not only helped him to get stronger but her also.

“Bust your borders and go beyond them!”, told him Yua-Senpai any day.

It was the motto of her family.

A Mochizuki had to be the best of the best to not raise any suspicions in the hearts of their Demon Slayer comrades.

She told him this ten days after they had started to train together.

They were sitting on the veranda, again eating and drinking Onigiri and Green Tea, the little girls had prepared for them and had talked about nothing and all.

As he had told her how amazing he thought she was, because she only seemed to get stronger with each day, that he barely could catch up, this sentence had fallen.

It had been still for a few seconds between them.

Tanjiro smelled how Yua-Senpai felt unsure, battling with herself before she said quietly: “Even after 500 years of loyalty to the corps...anybody expects us to change sides and become swordsmen under the Demon King. And all this is why we still practice Moon-Breathing learned from the traitor Tsugikuni Michikatsu. It’s a pain.”

Tired she bit into her Onigiri.

Now Tanjiro was battling with himself. He wanted to ask her this the whole time, however, he was scared it was not his place to ask.

Yua-Senpai decided for him.

“I can see how chaotic and worried your Aura is, just spit it out, Kamado.”

“Why does your family still practice this breathing style if it only brings you pain?”

Thoughtful Yua-Senpai looked at the setting sun, making her look breathtaking. She was so beautiful. Tanjiro's heart could nearly not take it.

“The founder of our family, Mochizuki Meiyo was a prideful man they said. After his master deserted the corps he wanted to show that he could still be trusted...But I think my ancestor didn’t want to give up the power Moon-Breathing gives you. It IS the most powerful one in the whole corps. My family has the highest kill count of Lower Moons and we even killed three Upper Moons, the last 113 years ago.”

“And yet there had been no Moon Hashira, right?”, he whispered.

“Not after Tsugikuni Michikatsu.”, signed Yua-Senpai, crossing her arms. “My father told me the day I started to learn Moon-Breathing, that we are practically the attack dogs of the Corps. We are good enough to kill the demons, but we can’t be trusted with a position of power. No one cares how many of my family have fallen in battle against the Demon Lords 12 Moons or how they got so wounded they could never take a sword into their hands again. Being a Mochizuki is a hard destiny....”

In silence, they watched how the moon was rising in the sky.

“I care.”, said Tanjiro quietly to his Senpai.

She turned with a raised eyebrow to him.

Before he could chicken out he took one of her hands in his and squeezed it.

“Your family has been wronged for a long time, but Yua-Senpai, people who know you and your family truly know that you are all great people. I know you will become a Hashira and show anyone that the Mochizuki are an honourable and loyal family!”

Yua-Senpai hand in his felt clammy and he smelled how she was going through a lot of different emotions in seconds.

It was hard to keep track, however, he smelled thankfulness and bashfulness.

More softly than he had thought Yua-Senpai took her hand back and stood up.

“Enough with the mushy stuff, Kama...Tanjiro-San. We still can train more before dinner.”

Did...did he hear right?!

Did Yua-Senpai call him by his first name?!

Tanjiro felt how hot his cheeks got and that his heart nearly leapt out of his chest.

His crush didn’t seem to take note and if she did, she didn’t show it.

“Come on, catch me!”

With that, she ran away.

He ran after her a second later.

If...if it had to be like this...If he had to chase her forever, he would do it.

Now he was the moon chasing constantly after his sun...Yua.

Only the moon saw the sweet little smile on Yua's lips as she let Tanjiro chase after her.

After this heart-to-heart, they both opened up a bit more to each other.

When they were all alone Yua started to call him Tanjiro and he also dropped then the Senpai.

It was nice.

More than nice.

An amazing friendship was forming between them.

And maybe....someday more?

***

More days passed.

Yua and Tanjiro got stronger, the boy could now nearly catch Kanao and Yua.

He managed to destroy the first gourd level without problems, making the little four girls cheer and Yua give him a thumbs up.

Unknown to them Zenitsu and Inosuke had all seen this and it seemed like they understood that they were in the wrong with their slacking off.

In disbelief, Yua looked at how the two talked with Shinobu about what she and Tanjiro were doing.

The Insect Hashira explains to them the Total Concentration Perpetum and then the two try it out, failing miserably.

The Kinoto felt a bit sorry for Inosuke, but seeing Zenitsu on the ground brought her glee. Finally, some payback for all the whining she had to endure!

After they were okay again, they sat down with her and Tanjiro and asked them for help.

"I still can’t sustain Total Concentration Breathing all day unless I throw myself into it, but I bet you two can do it!", encouraged Tanjiro. He made some funny movements with his arms, which earned him a raised eyebrow from Yua. "You just go like this to make your lungs expand! When that rattles your blood, your bones and muscles will go “Boom, boom”, and you gotta stop it!"

Inosuke and Zenitsu looked at him depressed.

"All that’s left to do is train like crazy!"

More depression and vigorous headshakes.

Yua deadpanned at them.

"If you act like this I won't tell you my family exercises for the lungs and our secret trick to extend the lunge volume."

They had the gall to groan at her.

An angry mark formed on the midnight blue-haired girl head and she was ready to hit them both when she felt Tanjior taking one of her hands and Shinobu laying one of her hands on her shoulder and Tanjiro's.

Blushing she looked up at the Insect Hashira. She saw from the side that Tanjiro was blushing also.

In Yua's case, she was blushing because a handsome boy (okay, she admitted it finally) and a beautiful woman were touching her.

She never preferred one sex over another, so she felt all warm and tingly.

"Now, now.", tutted Shinobu. " We’re talking about a basic skill, or should I say a beginner skill, so why wouldn’t you be able to do it? But it’s also true that one must put great effort into mastering it, right?"

Shinobu then let go of Yua and Tanjiro to sit before Inosuke petting his shoulder.

"Well, why wouldn’t you be able to do it, though? I was sure it would be child’s play for you, Inosuke. Are you sure you can’t do it? Even though there’s no reason you can’t do it? It can’t be helped, then, if you can’t do it. Can’t be helped, can’t be helped."

That pissed Inosuke so off that he treated to rip off her breasts!

Yua made a face and thought to herself: not such an awesome pair! What a waste, that would be.

The Hashira then walked to Zenisto taking his hand. Already the blond started to turn an alarming shade of red and rattling like a teakettle.

"Please give it your all, Zenitsu! I’m your biggest cheerleader!"

He was now full teakettle mode and shouted a yes ma'am, while Yua deadpanned at him and Tanjiro was in disbelief.

Well, at least they joined the training.

As Yua did with Tanjiro she showed them her family breathing exercises and then it was time to sing.

Inosuke was hollering more than singing, but Zenitsu...Zenistsu!

For a second as Yua heard how lovely Zenitsu could sing, hitting all the notes right, after one-time listing, she could image some girl falling in love with him, if he sang to her.

Then she realized what she had thought and wanted to take a bath.

The rest of the day following the four Demon Slayers trained together, they all got stronger and better.

One day came to the two swordsmiths who had forged for Tanjiro and Inosuke Katanas and at dinner, Zenitsu and Yua listened to how they were nearly killed by the smiths because Tanjiro dared to destroy his blade and Inosuke changed his with a stone.

Finally, the day arrived when Tanjiro beat Kanao at training.

He celebrates his win with the four little girls, Yua claps for him, while Inosuke and Zenitsu decide to train even more.

Yua, herself noted, how strong she had become. For her, it was no problem anymore to beat Kanao.

The others couldn't catch her even if they tried.

She felt it in her gut.

She was at Hashira-Level.

It was... alright.

Strange...now that her goal of becoming a Hashira was closer than ever, Yua didn't feel as excited as she imagined when she started to train to become a Demon Slayer.

Maybe she was bitter from all the years she had to endure her grandfather's disappointment and the lack of recognition from the Corps.

Would they even let her rise to Hashira?

Uncle Noritaka had nearly become one, but it didn't mean it they would let her.

Somehow she had a feeling that her Uncle with his refusal to take the position destroyed any chance for his other family members to become one.

Or she was paranoid.

It was then that Kaguya flowed into the Butterfly Mansion with a letter from home for her.

Oh, that was fast and good.

After Tanjiro had talked with Shinobu and didn't get any new information on the Hinokami Kagura Dance, she wrote home to ask if someone could look it up in their archives.

Kaguya nuzzled her, while she read the letter.

Her father had answered her.

When she  finished it, she signed.

She should have imagined it!

So she made her way out to the courtyard where the boys were still training.

"Hey guys!", she called and they turned to her. "Tanjiro remember how we talked about if there is something about the Hinokami Kagura Dance in my family archives? My father found something, but my grandfather didn't allow him to let the information out. So....wanna join me to go to my home?"

!!!!PLEASE READ AND REVIEW!!!

Next chapter we will get an original “Arc” so to say, we will get to know Yua family more and maybe some old fart will get a headbutt from our favourite red-haired Demon Slayer. :D

Until next time!