Month: March
Year: Meiji Era
Age: Akira & Mitsuri – 13 years old
Location: Kanroji estate, Azabu orphanage, village streets
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Mitsuri
Spring made the Kanroji house louder.
Doors stayed open longer. Voices carried easily. Even chores felt lighter, as if winter had taken its heaviness with it. Mitsuri noticed how naturally Akira moved through all of it—helping without being asked, listening more than speaking, never once acting like he didn't belong.
Which somehow made it feel worse.
He still lived at the orphanage.
That truth followed her around all day.
---
She found her mother in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, dough resting beneath practiced hands.
"Mama," Mitsuri said, trying to sound casual, "Akira's thirteen now."
Her mother nodded. "I know."
"They start preparing the older kids to leave the orphanage soon."
Her mother's hands slowed—not stopped.
"Yes," she said softly. "They do."
Mitsuri clenched her fingers in her sleeves. "He's not helpless. He's saved money. He works harder than most adults."
Her mother smiled gently. "I know that too."
Mitsuri looked up, surprised.
"And yet," her mother continued, eyes warm, "having money isn't the same as having a place."
Mitsuri's chest tightened.
---
That evening, Akira stayed for dinner again.
Mrs. Kanroji placed an extra bowl in front of him without comment. He thanked her, as always. Mitsuri watched the way he ate—steady, unhurried, not like someone afraid of running out.
Her father talked about village repairs. Her siblings asked Akira questions nonstop. Everything felt normal.
Too normal.
After the meal, her mother spoke.
"Akira," she said lightly, "would you walk with me for a bit?"
Mitsuri's breath caught.
---
Akira
He had expected this conversation eventually.
Not today, perhaps—but soon.
Mrs. Kanroji walked beside him along the garden path, lantern light warm against the early evening chill.
"You're aware," she began, "that the orphanage won't keep you much longer."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And you've prepared." It wasn't a question.
Akira nodded. "I've saved enough. Working at the clinic. Selling food. I won't struggle."
She smiled approvingly. "I thought as much."
They stopped near the fence.
"Akira," she said, turning to him fully, "this isn't about money."
He already knew.
---
"You are capable," she continued. "Independent. Careful. But no child should have to decide everything alone at thirteen."
He remained still, breathing steady.
"I don't intend to burden anyone," he said calmly.
She chuckled softly. "You wouldn't."
Then, quieter—certain:
"You already care for this house as if it's yours. You look after Mitsuri without being asked. You carry yourself with responsibility."
Her eyes softened. "I would like you to live here."
The words didn't strike like a blow.
They settled.
---
"I'll be clear," she added. "This is not charity. You will keep your savings. Your independence. Your choices."
She smiled—almost amused.
"I'm simply inviting my future son-in-law to stop pretending he isn't already family."
Akira's breath held for exactly one beat.
Then continued.
"…Thank you," he said carefully. "If it's truly alright."
"It is," she replied without hesitation. "Completely."
---
Mitsuri
When they returned, Mitsuri stood up so fast her chair scraped.
Her mother spoke gently. "Akira will be staying with us, if he wishes."
Mitsuri didn't wait.
She hugged him—tight, relieved, warm.
"You don't have to leave," she said softly.
Akira hesitated—then hugged her back.
"Looks like we're full," her father said with a grin. "Again."
Her siblings cheered.
Mitsuri felt like her chest might burst.
---
That night, Akira packed at the orphanage.
Not in desperation.
Not in escape.
He sorted his savings carefully. Folded his clothes neatly. Left behind what could be shared.
He bowed to the caretaker.
"I'll still visit," he said.
The older man smiled. "I know you will."
---
As Akira walked toward the Kanroji estate, spring air light around him, Great Sage remained silent.
This was not a decision to analyze.
But somewhere deep inside him—untouched, unspoken—lay a path only he could see.
Sixteen.
Demon Slayer Corps.
A future he would not share yet.
For now, this was enough.
A place chosen.
A family accepted.
---