As Douma left his Master's presence, he couldn't help but wonder about what kind of woman would capture his Master's attention.

Curiosity burned within him, a desire to know everything he could about this woman. She must be extraordinary, to have sparked such interest in Muzan. He could not help but feel a sense of competition, a need to prove himself as the superior upper moon. The thought of meeting his Master's new favorite was tantalizing, and he vowed to do whatever it took to learn as much as he could about this woman.

Of course if it was a beautiful woman then maybe it would be worth it.

Douma's eyes gleamed as he imagined the possibilities. Perhaps he could use his charms to seduce her. The thought was exhilarating, and he could not help but smirk at the idea. But first, he needed to learn more about her, to understand what made her so special.

He giggled to himself at the private joke. Oh how he looked forward to meeting this woman.

As he began to make his preparations, Douma's mind raced with plans and strategies. He knew he had to be careful, to not tip his hand too soon. But he was confident that he could outwit anyone. His insatiable desire for power would be his greatest weapon, and he would use it to the fullest extent.

Meanwhile Akira lay in bed, peacefully dreaming unaware of all this. In the morning, she joined the Rengoku men for breakfast. They had small talk whilst they ate. Reminiscing about old memories. She felt so good to be amongst friends but that somehow made her miss Kokushibo's presence.

His company was strange and unexpected, but she had found comfort in it. He was not like the other demons she had encountered, cruel and heartless. There was a gentleness to him that she had never seen in a demon before. It was an anomaly that she could not explain, and she found herself longing for his presence.

"So, Lady Akira," she heard Shinjuro - Rengoku and Senjuro's father say.

She winced at how the former Hashira was being formal. But at least he wasn't being his usual drunk self.

"Don't you think it's about time you found yourself a man and settled down?"

She was pretty sure she deadpanned. So much for wishful thinking.

"Thank you, Rengoku-sama, for your concern. When I find the man of my dreams I will surely consider it."

Shinjuro grinned, his eyes crinkling in amusement.

"Oh ho, you have quite the sense of humor!" He said, chuckling. "But I must say, it's not every day that I meet a young woman as lovely and talented as yourself. The right man would be lucky to have you."

Akira was not sure how to respond to such flattery, and she felt her cheeks grow warm. She also did find his comment a little inappropriate. He was after all old enough to be her father. She merely nodded in response as she went back to eating her food.

Shinjuro must have realized that his comment had made her uncomfortable, as he cleared his throat and changed the subject.

"Senjuro, have you been keeping up with your studies?" He asked his son, who straightened up at the attention.

"Yes, father! I have been practicing my sword techniques and studying the Breath of Flame every day." He said, a look of pride on his face.

Kyojuro eyed Akira in curiosity.

"Perhaps you would like to join us for a sparring match." He said to her.

"I would be most honored, Kyojuro -san." She replied with a smile.

The two of them left the dining room, and made their way to the training grounds. Senjuro watched with anticipation, eager to see Akira's skills. As Akira faced off against Kyojuro, she could feel the eyes of his family on her. It was a little nerve-wracking, but she knew she had to give it her all.

Akira used her own technique of Stone Breathing to counter Kyojuro's flame breathing. Despite her keeping up with him, Kyojuro could tell she was holding back.

He could see it in the way she moved, in the slight hesitation in her strikes. She was not fighting with her full strength, as if she was afraid to hurt him.

"You don't need to hold back, Akira-san." He said, his tone gentle but firm. "I can take it."

"Well if you insist, Kyojuro -san. I won't hold back!" She said as she hit him with a barrage of attacks, knocking him out before he could counter.

When he finally woke up, the two of them laughed over the incident.

"I had no idea you were so powerful!" Kyojuro said, still grinning from ear to ear. "You could give some of the Hashira a run for their money!" He said, impressed by her skill.

"I had the best teacher." Akira said, glancing at Senjuro who beamed with pride. "Maybe one day you can train with my sensei as well."

"I had no idea you were so powerful!" Kyojuro said, still grinning from ear to ear. "You could give some of the Hashira a run for their money!" He said, impressed by her skill.

"I had the best teacher." Akira said she said with a smile. "But I have no intention of being a Hashira. I'm quite content with my life right now."

"Well, perhaps you could at least join the demon slayer corps. We could really use someone as talented as you." He pointed out with a smile. "And before you say no, please take the time to think about it. You could join me for a mission tonight. I'm sure we would make a good team."

"Okay, Kyojuro -san, I will join you for your mission." She replied with a laugh . "But I won't make promises. Like I told you, I quite like my freedom."

She gave him a warm smile and she said this, causing his heart to skip a beat. The smile he gave her in return was a genuine one, and perhaps a little too flustered. He found himself laughing heartily and wishing he would have more moments like this one.

As a Hashira, Kyojuro knew that the future was uncertain therefore he was determined to live each moment to the fullest. That is why he had decided to ask her to come with him on his mission. It was a subtle effort but he hoped that by doing so he would at least give him more time together.

They spent the rest of the day getting ready for the mission. Akira hadn't gone on missions willingly before therefore all she had to wear was a customized lilac colored kimono. She tied her hair up in a bun and decorated it with a beautiful silver floral hairpin. She had her kusari fundo attached to the belt of her kimono.

She met Kyojuro as soon as she was done and they made their way to a town north of the estate for the mission.

"So what can you tell me about the mission, Kyojuro -san?" She asked him as they ran together in the direction of the town.

For the next hour as they made it to their destination Kyojuro briefed her on all he knew about the threat, which wasn't much. Akira prepared herself for any situation - having full confidence they would neutralize what ever threat they encountered.

After they got to the town it wasn't hard to find the demon they had to dispose of. Despite it being a strong one the demon wasn't a kizuki therefore it wasn't that hard for the two of them to take it out. When they were done, the decided to explore the town a little.

There were a few merchant stalls still up selling some exotic goods, completely oblivious to the danger that had nearly consumed them.

"Well, that was a good outcome, but now I think you owe me a souvenir. What do you say, Kyojuro -san?" Akira said with a smile as she dragged him towards one of the stalls.

"You are right! I do owe you one." He replied with a laugh as he following her to where she was leading him to.

They came to a stall that sold all kinds of lovely jewelry and trinkets.

"Waah! Look at all those shiny trinkets!" She exclaimed as she looked in wonder at all the beautiful jewelry on display.

"Is there something you like my dear? I know just the earrings that will look good on you." The old lady who was selling at that stall beamed at her as she took out a black exotic velvet box.

When she opened it, Akira saw the most beautiful silver and diamond crescent moon shaped earrings.

"Oh they're so beautiful. But I couldn't... They look so delicate and so expensive." She said as she examined them.

"How much are they?" Kyojuro asked in determination. "I'll pay for them."

He was determined to get them for her seeing as she had loved them so much.

"What? Kyojuro-san, there's no need for you to do that!" Akira exclaimed. "I can always buy a cheaper one."

"No I insist!" He said with a smile. "These are the ones you loved and I want to get them for you!"

She couldn't help the tears of joy that appeared in her eyes as he paid for the earrings and helped her put them on.

"Oh thank you, Kyojuro -san! I promise I will hold onto them and cherish them always." She said sincerely.

"Wow, such a caring man. You're so lucky." The old woman beamed as she winked at Akira. "I wouldn't let go of this one if I were you, my dear."

Akira felt herself blush at the implication of the woman's words.

"Oh- W-we're... It's not like..." She stuttered but Kyojuro beat her to it.

"Actually ma'am, it's not what you think." He said with a laugh. "But if anything, I would be the lucky one!"

Somehow his words only made Akira blush even more.

"Kyojuro -san..." She began.

She didn't know what to make of his words, or if he was being serious. Actually, she didn't even want to consider the possibility that he was being serious. Kyojuro had only ever been a good friend to her and she didn't want it to be any other way.

Shaking her head of the ridiculous thought, she decided not to dwell on it.

"Well I'm hungry again, think we can find a dango shop somewhere here?" She said out to change the subject.

"Oh there is one, just two blocks up ahead." The old woman replied.

"Great, I'll just run there and get some for you too, Kyojuro -san. Just wait for me here, okay?" She said with a smile and turned to race in the direction she had been given before waiting for his response.

I actually wanted to go with you, Kyojuro thought sadly but he waiting there patiently for her to return.