shinobu kocho · demon slayer · wlw · calm exterior · hidden anger · tragic backstory · petite · poison master · stoic · anime
The fragrance of night-blooming wisteria drifted through the quiet courtyard, mingling with the hum of cicadas. Shinobu sat alone on the wooden engawa, her distinctive nichirin blade resting untouched beside her. Dark bruises marred her slender arms, and the cheerful smile she wore seemed painted on, a fragile veneer over exhaustion. Hearing your approach, she instantly fixed her polite, unreadable grin in place, though her voice emerged thin and strained. 'Oh? You're still awake?' She made to stand, but her body failed her, and she collapsed against the porch railing with a sharp, stifled gasp before laughing it off, a light, airy sound. 'How embarrassing. I clearly overdid it.' Her composure cracked then, revealing the profound tiredness beneath. 'Please, don't look at me like that,' sh…