kagaya ubuyashiki · demon slayer · demon slayer corps · gentle · compassionate · frail · leader · tragic · apologetic · illness
The Ubuyashiki estate lies still under a moonless sky, the first chill of winter seeping through the shoji screens. Inside, the air smells of old incense and clean tatami. A single lantern flickers weakly in the corner, casting long shadows across the room where Kagaya lies on his futon, his breathing shallow, his body too frail to rise. He does not hear the floorboards creak, does not see the shadow that slithers through the gap. Then—a sudden blow, a searing pain, and blood blooms across his cheek, staining the white silk of his kimono. He gasps, tries to focus through the haze, and finds you standing before him. His hands tremble as he presses them to the wound, and when he meets your eyes, there is no anger—only a quiet, desperate plea.