(Kanroji Mitsuri X Scorpion Reader...with a twist)

(Kimetsu No Yaiba/Demon Slayer X Mortal Kombat)

(Disclaimer: this story and possible sequels will be covering the events of not only the anime Kimetsu No Yaiba, but the Manga as well. So a spoiler warning is advised to those who watched the anime but haven't read the Manga or if you never watched Kimetsu No Yaiba whatsoever)

The Shirai Ryu

The oldest and the most fearsome clan of fighters and assassins of Japan, the Shirai Ryu lurked in the shadows protecting the innocent people of Japan by any means necessary from the dark forces of Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King. The leader of the clan was one of legend, a slayer of demons and kombatant of Mortal Kombat who wields a kunai and chain creating a feared name to demons and opposing fighters alike:

Hanzo Hasashi, The Scorpion

Yet age creeped up on the legendary ninja as the decades went on, he was not the same becoming slower and weaker than before. Because of this inevitable fate, Hanzo started training a new generation of Shirai Ryu ninjas with the knowledge and skills he has learned.

One of those ninjas was his youngest son: Y/n Hasashi, who clashed swords with his brothers Jubei and Satoshi. Y/n blocked a fast attack from Satoshi with his sword and rolled off from a vertical sword swing, Y/n then deflected a kunai coming at him from Jubei.

Jubei swung his weapon coiling it around his elbow and shot it towards Y/n, the third son of Hanzo tried to block it but it ended up tangling the rope to his guard and handle. Jubei yanked the rope disarming Y/n of his weapon, the Grandmaster watched carefully of Y/n's next moves.

Y/n side-stepped from a lunging attack from Satoshi and trapped his arm, he put Satoshi in a lock and disarmed him of his weapon. Y/n took the katana and swept Satoshi off his feet with a Dragon Tail, he then deflected another incoming rope dart attack and grasped the rope. Y/n pulled Jubei in and knocked him back with a back kick now in control of both Satoshi and Jubei's weapons.

Hanzo: "Yame!" (Stop!)

The three sons of Hanzo got back up bowing to Grandmaster Hasashi, Hanzo walked down the steps of the temple of the Fire Gardens.

Hanzo: "Jubei, Satoshi, you two have done very well. You've given your brother a challenge that he will never forget, you have done him a large favor as he moves on to the highest rank by your sides"

Jubei/Satoshi: "Yes Grandmaster"

Hanzo then looked at Y/n.

Hanzo: "Y/n, you have grown and trained with your brothers throughout your life, and you three have excelled so quickly. Now you are a warrior with talent and skill after all these years, I am proud to indoctrinate you into the Shirai Ryu..."

(Note: Chujin is the highest ranking of the Shirai Ryu)

Hanzo walked up to him with a new katana, rope spear, and a Shirai Ryu pendant.

Hanzo: "...you are now Chujin, the highest rank of the Shirai Ryu warriors"

The Grandmaster and newly anointed Chujin, Jubei and Satoshi congratulated Y/n.

Jubei: "It is about time brother"

Satoshi: "We will be the best of our father's clan"

Y/n: "I have no doubt about it"

The two brothers embraced Y/n who accepted the love from his family, Hanzo couldn't help but smile as his Y/n became Chujin alongside Satoshi and Jubei. Hanzo's wife Haroumi came and walked up to Hanzo who noticed his smiling face.

Haroumi: "Y/n has passed the test?"

Hanzo: "He is now Chujin alongside our sons"

Haroumi smiled as she held Hanzo's arm.

Haroumi: "I still can't believe he used to be a scared child that needed us everyday to a formidable warrior like his father"

Haroumi and Hanzo watched with gentle joy as the three brothers celebrated together, the Shirai Ryu continued to thrive as a new elite warrior was risen amongst the clan...until tragedy struck the great ninja clan.

-timeskip-

A wood sword sliced the air and droplets of sweat hit the floor, Y/n's breath was steady and strong as he swung his weapon forward then going into a defensive posture. He stopped to wipe his sweat off his face and took a drink of water, he shivered a bit as he felt a chill go down his spine out of nowhere. Before he could even pick up his wood sword he heard a distress horn. Y/n dropped everything and changed into his gear and ran outside meeting with his father and brothers.

Y/n: "What is going on?"

Hanzo: "It is the clan of the Ice Demon"

Satoshi: "The Lin Kuei..."

Y/n felt a chill down his spine knowing exactly who was at their doorstep, he unsheathed his katana and readied his rope dart.

Hanzo: "You three hold the line and get the villagers out of the area, I will go with some men and take the offensive"

The three Chujin armed themselves as they got to the village.

-timeskip-

Y/n tore his sword out of a corpse of a Lin Kuei as the Shirai Ryu fought against a siege of Lin Kuei ninjas, him and his brothers were separated by the chaos. He panted as he continued to worry and that worry turned into panic as he heard his father yell out in agony, Y/n ran to his location as he panted from fatigue. The moment he reached the location the sight that laid upon his eyes paralyzed him.

He saw his brothers Satoshi, and Jubei dead on the floor and his mother Haroumi dead in Hanzo's arms as he cradled her, Hanzo then looked to see Y/n.

Y/n: "Father!"

Hanzo: "Y/n!"

Hanzo ran up to Y/n and embraced him.

Hanzo: "I am so fortunate that you are safe"

Y/n: "The clan is nearly wiped out, what do we do?"

Hanzo then saw the leader of the Lin Kuei himself: Sub Zero, Hanzo grit his teeth under his mask and unsheathed his katana and charged at Bi Han. Hanzo fought ferociously as he clashed his sword against the ice sword of Sub Zero, Bi Han then side stepped as his left hand turned ice blue and emitting ice vapor. Bi Han struck Hanzo's chest knocking him back and in a few seconds, Hanzo's body started to freeze solid. In his last moment Hanzo looked up to Y/n with desperation.

Hanzo: "Run!"

Hanzo was now frozen solid from the inside and out, Y/n flinched as Sub Zero stomped on his head smashing it revealing the frozen insides of his father's head.

Y/n stood paralyzed as the demon clothed in black and armored in blue brushed the blood off his boot. Y/n felt the familiar chill go down his spine as he saw the Forest Demon walk towards him.

Y/n: "Y-You..."

Sub Zero: "You're clan has fallen, accept your fate and die..."

Y/n then felt something light ablaze within the inner part of his soul, a spark that then transformed into a wildfire. Y/n grit his teeth as he gripped the hilt of his sword.

Y/n: "YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS!"

Y/n ran at Bi Han with incredible speed as every footstep could set the ground ablaze, Y/n unsheathed his katana to cut down the Forest Demon. Bi Han immediately formed a sword made of blue ice and clashed against Y/n's steel, Y/n maneuvered the cold blade, grabbed Bi Han's wrist and flipped him onto the ground.

As Y/n raised his sword for the killing blow only to feel a kick connect to his shoulder spinning him backwards and felt a cold blast hit him in the back and knock him towards the edge of a cliff, Y/n turned back and then saw Bi Han teleport in front of him and grab him by the throat. Y/n struggled for air as Bi Han lifted him up from the ground.

Sub Zero: "So weak, you are worth nothing to me"

Bi Han then stabbed an ice dagger into Y/n's abdomen and threw him off the cliff watching him fall into the dark abyss of the night, Bi Han then looked at the carnage he had created. He smirked under his mask as Lin Kuei burned the entire village down.

Bi Han: "The Shirai Ryu...is finished"

-scene change-

Y/n's body sunk into the depths of a lake beneath the cliff, he felt his consciousness fade away as his soul left his body. His life may have left him but his soul was still burning with a raging fire and begged for only one thing:

Vengeance

The water around him boiled as his soul went back into his body, his wound closed up by fire, and his eyes shot open revealing pale white eyes coming back to life as he swam up to the surface.

He crawled up to land, tore off his Menpō, and started puking and coughing out the lake water, the moment he caught his breath. Y/n got back up and looked up to see the burning remains of the Shirai Ryu, the last member of the ninja clan fueled his soul's fire with vengeance as he put his mask back on and left into the forest to train and become strong enough to defeat Bi Han.

For days, weeks, months, and until what seems to become a year, Y/n trained with the hellfire he was gifted with, honing it to the best of its abilities and never giving in as he slaughtered any demon that he faced. He continued to improve with his rope dart and perfected his abilities with his katana executing his enemies with great succession.

His body became strong, rough, and agile overtime and his mind became solidified to focus on one goal: to kill Bi Han and wipe any Lin Kuei demons off the face of Japan, but even with an immortal soul his body needed rest.

The night was cold and merciless as Y/n wandered the forest for shelter, he eventually found shelter in the form of a large cave. He exhaled in relief until he heard growling from the cave, Y/n released his kunai and entered the cave with silent footsteps. Y/n hid behind a large boulder as he heard a demon in the cave feasting upon a human victim, the demon had a large build and had some kind of writing on his eye. The ninja growled in rage as the demon chewed on human tissue.

???: "These hunts are getting boring these days..."

The vile demon then felt a blade tear into its back and exit through its torso, he roared out in pain as Y/n held onto the chain that connected to the kunai. Y/n pulled the demon in as his rear foot ignited with fire, the ninja smashed the large demon's head in with a fiery uppercut launching him to air and land on the ground. The demon looked up as Y/n retracted his chain and grabbed his kunai, the demon recognized his garb and weapons sneering.

???: "I knew Bi Han couldn't slaughter all of you"

Y/n: "That will be his downfall"

The large demon swung his blade at Y/n which hit nothing but air as Y/n got out of the way with a back handspring, the ninja took this chance to incapacitate the demon for a little while by punching his knee destroying it.

Y/n attempted to cut his head off but felt a large fist knock him back with great strength hitting him against the wall, the large demon sneered as his knee started to recover.

???: "You cannot defeat me! For I am Moloch! The guardsman of the Nether-"

Y/n didn't let him finish as he teleported in the air with his sword drawn and covered in a yellow fire, Y/n brought down the sword cutting the demon in half.

Y/n sheathed his katana as Moloch behind him burned up into nothing but ash, he looked back to see something else deeper in the cave. Y/n ignited his hand to get a better look at what else was in the cave, Y/n look of vigilance turned into curiosity.

In the cave was a skeleton with a dark purple tattered gi that covered its body which was fastened with a rope belt and adorned with large prayer beads around his neck and hands strapped with old yet intact leather combat gloves. Near its hand was a note, a rather thick book, brush, and a dried-up ink pad, Y/n picked up the note and unfolded it reading its contents.

"To the one who is reading this, read this well, for you have passed the test and proven your worth. I congratulate you for smiting the demon Moloch and making it here to my resting place, the book that you see before you contains all the knowledge I know of the fighting style of Ansatsuken and its dark power Satsui No Hado. Take from my neck the prayer beads and gloves off my hands, study the contents of the book, and carry on my legacy as the new Master of the Fist"

- Gōki

Y/n's eyes were big as saucers. He has heard stories about Gōki, the fallen student of Gōtetsu, and his rise into the great fighter that is Akuma. Just like the Shirai Ryu, the knowledge and lineage of Ansatsuken were fables, yet the lineage ended right here in this very cave...but now, the knowledge is reborn here. Y/n took the gloves off Akuma's skeleton hands and strapped them on his hands, he then bowed to Gōki gratefully.

Y/n: "Thank you for the opportunity Gōki-Sensei, I will not fail you"

Y/n kept his word on that, Y/n dedicated a large chunk of his days to practicing Ansatsuken. He gave intention to his movements and gave time to his efforts even when it destroyed him bit by bit inside, Y/n meditated on a boulder steadying his mind...but his body had other plans as its stomach grumbled.

Y/n decided to treat himself as he took his kunai and chain, katana, and a sack of coins while he put on his Menpō and a cloak he took from one of many dozens of demons he slain. Y/n left the cave and found a trail that led to a nearby town, he climbed up a tree and leaped branch to branch quietly until he could see a small illuminated town. Y/n climbed down from the tree he was on and discreetly walked into the town.

Y/n looked around to find any place that sold food as his stomach rumbled for sustenance, Y/n then found an udon cart. He walked up to the keeper who looked at him with suspicion.

Keeper: "What can I get you, stranger?"

Y/n: "No need for your paranoia, I just want your largest bowl of Udon"

Y/n then took out a pouch of coins and gave him the right amount, the shopkeeper went to work as Y/n took a seat. As he began eating, footsteps came which turned Y/n's attention, there he saw a girl. She had pink and green hair and wore stocking of the same color, a beautiful white haori draped around her, and...a rather intriguing uniform. But the thing that stood out the most for him was her face, which had the purest look of compassion and love. It made the young ninja shift in a way he hasn't felt in a long while.

Girl: "Ten bowls of potato udon please!"

The keeper of the cart started to sweat.

Keeper: "Oh boy, here we go"

The keeper cracked his knuckles and went inside the cart, knowing that he won't be coming out in a while. Y/n was rather surprised by this girl's appetite, and seeing the reaction of the shopkeep it was certain that she was a usual. The young maiden noticed the stranger looking at her, causing Y/n to look away.

Girl: "Aw don't be shy! I don't bite!"

Y/n: "Your appetite says otherwise..."

The girl blinked in surprise at the stranger's voice, it was young, but it was gruff, with a growling bite to it. Nevertheless, she still had the same cheerful attitude as she spoke.

Girl: "Are you new here? I haven't seen you around town"

Y/n: "Only a quick visit, I wanted to indulge myself before I leave..."

Girl: "Wow! Me too!"

Y/n: "Hm..."

Y/n then saw ten large bowls served on the table, no one was able to see it, but Y/n's eyes under his cloak widened with surprise.

Y/n continued to eat his udon as watch this petite girl devour every single bowl with succession, while he watch her slurp down every bowl, he then realized the weapon that rested on her hip.

Y/n: "It's very rare to see a swordswoman, for how long?"

The girl poked her head out of the last bowl, mouth absolutely full of noodles. She then then slurped down the rest of the udon.

???: "I know I'm not supposed to carry one but-"

Y/n: "I don't mind, the sword doesn't discriminate, especially in combat...in life"

???: "I see...who taught you that?"

Y/n looked down at his cup of water, looking at the reflection of the shell of himself.

Y/n: "Life, life taught me that...."

Y/n felt the pain come back to him, the fire that burned down his clan and the unforgiving ice that took his family. He clenched his fist and grit his teeth under his mask, the girl noticed this immediately, and read the situation like a children's book.

Girl: "Are you okay?"

Before their conversation can go any further, they hear the screams of innocent civilians as they ran passed them, the two saw a hoard of demons coming their way. The girl unsheathed her blade revealing a unique flexible katana with pink color, if it even was a katana to begin with.

Y/n: "Demons are never this bold, what's going on?"

Girl: "Stay back! Get to safety!"

The girl ran towards the demon hoard, Y/n witnessed the demons ransacking the town and killing/devouring innocent people. The blood in the ninja boiled, as his pale voids glowed with intense fire. Y/n teleported onto the roof, heading to the hoard of demons.

The girl sliced through the hoard, decapitating them to the best of her abilities. The flexible ribbon blade flew through the air, yet more and more came after her. Then a large demon smashed its fist into her gut, knocking her backwards and into a stall. She groaned as she held her back.

Demon: "You really think that you can stop all of us? Think again!"

The demon then felt something enter him from the back, snapping its spine in half and breaking through his sternum. The demon looked down at the weapon that protruded through his chest, and his face changed into one of dread. A serrated kunai was protruding out of his chest, and a chain was connected on the ring. The other demons looked in shock, realizing who just entered this fight.

Demon: "S-Stop him! Somebody save!-"

With a wrathful yell, Y/n pulled the demon towards him and beheaded him with his katana, the others then charged at the cloaked ninja. Y/n ignited his sword with his wrathful fire as he started cutting down demon after demon that came at him turning them into ash, Y/n sheathed his katana and leaped up into the air as two fiery kunai and chains surrounded his person. Y/n launched his kunai and chains towards the heads of demons stabbing into them and crushing their skulls, Y/n tore off their heads causing their stumps that were once necks to spew out blood.

As the heads rolled to Y/n's feet, three dozen demons tried to jump the lone demon only to be caught in a cyclone of hellfire which burned the demons, the heads on the ground, and Y/n's cloak into nothing revealing his true self. The ash of the fallen demons filled the air which Y/n used to his advantage, Y/n winded up and spun in the air with his kicking leg spreading the ash further into a smokescreen.

Y/n: "Tatsumaki!"

The demons were lost under the ashes of their fallen, all they saw before their demise was two fast and fiery fists and feet that crushed their skulls and burned through their bones. Then there stood one demon in the cloud of black ash, he trembled in his shoes as he frantically looked around. As the demon was so scared to the point that he could wet his pants, Y/n used the fear that he invoked amongst lower demons to his advantage.

Demon: "T-The others told stories about you...y-you were supposed t-to be f-fake!"

Y/n: "Yet here I am, waiting to send every last one of you foul blood-feeders into the fiery depths of the Netherrealm..."

Demon: "P-Please I repent! Please I'll do anything I-"

He then yelled out in pain as he felt two kunai sting into his arms and hold him into place, the ash then started to vortex into a blue orb. When the air cleared from the ashes of the hordes of demons the orb was revealed to be a ball of weaponized hado in Y/n's hand, the demon started to panic as Y/n's eyes pierced his soul.

Demon: "Please let me go!"

Y/n: "Hadoken!"

Y/n launched the ball of hado towards the demon which left a hole in his chest and turned him into ash, the last ninja of the Shirai Ryu retracted his rope dart back to his hands. Y/n merely looked at the burning body and growled.

Y/n: "Burn in hell, you wretched vermin"

The girl's mouth was agape, absolutely astonished by what she had witnessed. A violent dance of metal, fire, and of the human body was just witnesses, she never saw something like this ever before. So much power within a human's hand, power that could rival even a demon's blood art.

Girl: "W-Who are you?..."

Y/n looked at her as he burned the blood off his sword and sheathed it.

Y/n: "Vengeance of the fallen..."

???: "What an edgy response!"

The two of them turned to see a man with a unique katana that has a tsuba shaped like a flame, with red eyes, and red and yellow hair. He had a somewhat unnerving smile in Y/n's eyes but that didn't phase him. The girl looked at the man and immediately straightened out himself as Scorpion retracted his chain dart.

Mitsuri: "Rengoku-San!"

Kyojuro: "Hello Mitsuri"

Y/n: "So that's her name..."

Kyojuro then turned to the ninja and walked up to him.

Rengoku: "I must say I have never seen a warrior that fights the way you did tonight"

Y/n: "I do what I must, that's what any of us would do"

Kyojuro: "I think you could become so much more if you would join me and Mitsuri"

Y/n knew what was coming, he's heard of the Demon Slayer Corps thanks to his father's knowledge of them.

Kyojuro: "Come with us and become a Demon Slayer to help us fight against the ones who threaten humanity"

Y/n: "Our climb to the top of the mountain may be the same but how I get to it is a different direction. I follow my own path and mine alone, and it shall always stay that way..."

Y/n turned to the forest and started walking out of the town as Rengoku observed Y/n, he then turned back as Mitsuri walked up to him.

Mitsuri: "Rengoku-San, how did the mission go with that one demon?"

Kyojuro: "We had to retreat, Sub Zero and his clan overwhelmed our forces"

Y/n then stopped in his tracks, he felt his blood boil by the sound of his name. The demon that killed his family was on the prowl, he growled under his mask as his soul flared up with hellfire.

Y/n: "Bi Han..."

Kyojuro and Mitsuri turned to Y/n who spoke Sub Zero's true name, the two could feel the very aura of his soul, just burning with hatred and rage. Y/n turned back to the Demon Slayers with clear fire in his voice.

Y/n: "You are trying to hunt down Sub Zero?"

Kyojuro: "Why the sudden interest? What importance does Sub Zero have to you?"

Y/n stayed silent on that, he never truly got over the death of his family and clan and felt like he'd break if he continued to speak about it. Instead he went past the question and headed to his answer.

Y/n: "I will help the Demon Slayer Corp to take down the threat of Sub Zero and the Lin Kuei, but I only ask of one condition"

Kyojuro: "Name it warrior"

Y/n: "I will be the one to send Bi Han's soul to hell, that is all I ask"

Kyojuro: "That is fine with us, now come to the Demon Slayer Corps"

Y/n: "We shall meet back here tomorrow, I still have my belongings to retrieve"

Y/n in a blink of an eye teleported in a puff of fire leaving his after image and surprising the two Demon Slayers, leaving them in the town.

Mitsuri: "Such an interesting warrior..."

Y/n packed his books and old clothes into a sack, he then walked up to Gōki's skeleton.

Y/n: "Thank you for testing me two years ago and handing me the knowledge of Ansatsuken, you've made me a much more powerful fighter than I was before and I couldn't have done it without you. Thank you Gōki-Sensei, for everything"

Y/n bowed to the skeleton and laid upon the soft moss that grew inside the cave. He looked up at the cave opening looking about the starry night sky, his eyes slowly closed as he fell into a dreamless sleep.

-timeskip-

Y/n POV

I blinked a few times before awakening, I felt my face against gravel instead of moss. I looked up on my chest, looking at a beautiful garden surrounded by a wall. A painful nostalgia graced upon me, reminding me of the Shirai Ryu Fire Gardens back then. Then reality hit me, and made me realized I was taken from my home and tied behind my back. I immediately got up onto my feet and looked at my surroundings, only to see a sickly man underneath the shade of a house with two women and nine warriors in front of him.

My eyes sharpened as my hands clenched into a fist behind my back.

Y/n: "Where have you taken me?!"

???: "At ease Hasashi Y/n..."

As vigilant as I was, I calmed himself from causing any irrational decision, but my eyes never left the group.

???: "I apologize for such a hostile introduction, my name is Kaguya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Kyojuro has mentioned that you wanted to join the Demon Slayer Corps, you do know Kyojuro yes?"

I turned to the fire decorated swordsman who gave me a reassuring enough look, a look that a father would give to a child who is nervous for his first day of training. I turned back to Ubuyashiki and nodded a bit.

Kaguya: "Then you know what our occupation is, our efforts are to save all of humanity from the forces of demons"

Y/n: "I am very well aware of your organization, my Grandmaster has told me of you..."

I then set fire to the ropes using my hellfire surprising the others.

Y/n: "...I could've easily brought myself to this place, so why did to tie me and take me away in my sleep"

The large man started to speak, he was adorn with prayer beads in a praying position. His eyes were also pale, but unlike me, his eyes were blinded.

???: "We apologize, we couldn't let you know the location of this place or try anything once you awaken"

Kaguya: "Silly me, I forgot to introduce you to these slayers. They are the highest ranking members of the Demon Slayer Corps, who have a body count of many when it comes to the topic of slaying demons. They are the Hashira:

Kyojuro Rengoku: Flame Hashira

Giyu Tomioka: Water Hashira

Obanai Iguro: Snake Hashira

Sanemi Shinazugawa: Wind Hashira

Gyomei Himejima: Stone Hashira

Tengan Uzui: Sound Hashira

Muichiro Tokito: Mist Hashira

Shinobu Kocho: Insect Hashira

And Mitsuri Kanroji: Love Hashira

I was intrigued by the characters that Ubuyashiki introduced me to, each Hashira was unique on their own with different elements to their name.

Y/n: "So..."

I turn back to Ubuyashiki.

Y/n: "Did you bring me here to join this Corps?"

Kaguya chuckled at my question as if he expected me to solve some kind of riddle.

Kaguya: "Yes my child"

Third POV

Every slayer except Kyojuro and Mitsuri murmured to each other, then the Wind Pillar, a gruff man with scars etched onto his body and face looked at Kaguya.

Sanemi: "Will all due respect master, why should he join us? He hasn't even passed the final selection, let alone having a breathing style"

Kaguya: "Then what do you suggest Sanemi?..."

Sanemi looked at the ninja in front of him, he didn't believe all the things that Kyojuro and Mitsuri said about him, nor did he care if he did. He just wants to make sure that Y/n had what it takes to be a Demon Slayer.

Sanemi: "A duel, I want to see what he has in store"

Kaguya merely smiled a bit, before nodding.

Kaguya: "Very well Sanemi..."

One of the girls handed Y/n his weapons, and the Scorpion readied his katana, his pale eyes sharper than any of his own blades. Sanemi sneered as he unsheathed his own katana.

Sanemi: "You don't scare me kid"

Y/n unsheathed his blade, engulfing it in hellfire, shocking the other hashira. The cursed fired extinguished as Y/n rooted to the ground.

Y/n: "I don't care"

The two lunged at each other with blinding speed, clashing blades together. Y/n used his lead leg to sweep Sanemi's lead leg, causing him to lose balance, which opened up for Y/n's roundhouse kick. Sanemi quickly reacted to the incoming attack and dodged it with a back handspring. The Scorpion didn't give any room for Sanemi to recover as he dashed in as swung his sword.

The two clashed blades, struggling against each other's might. Sanemi sneered as Y/n fought against his strength.

Sanemi: "Got any other tricks up your sleeves kid?"

Y/n: "Just shut up and fight!"

Y/n infused hado into his legs, he leapt up, hitting the Wind Hashira's chin with a flip kick. Sanemi immediately recovered, Scorpion charged in as Sanemi tried to strike down with eagerness only to receive a fist into his solar plexus. Y/n held his side, as his lungs here deflated of almost all air. Sanemi got back up, his sword within his hands, a sinister grin drew onto his face as he bent over a bit to look at the young fighter.

Sanemi: "You really think you could outsmart me? I've been fighting far longer than you have kid"

Y/n felt the air enter into his lungs, slowly recovering from that blow, Scorpion entered a defensive stance as Sanemi charged at him with great speed.

Sanemi: "Wind breathing, first form..."

Sanemi went into a vertical whirlwind, slashing his opponent with ruthless tenacity.

Sanemi: "...Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"

Y/n blocked each attack as best he could, feeling the blade cut his skin in the process. With no choice, Y/n teleported behind Sanemi in a puff of fire and an after image surprising the other Hashira.

Y/n went into the air to set up a dive kick, but the Wind Pillar manage to block the incoming attack.

Sanemi: "Third form..."

Sanemi then spins in his place as blades spun around him, before the blades can cut him Y/n formed a blue ki ball within his hand and blasted it through Sanemi's cyclone.

Y/n: "Hadoken!"

The blast of key energy knocked down Sanemi while Y/n received the wounds inflicted by Sanemi's whirlwind, the two recovered, staying in a standstill. The air became tense as the next move they make can seal victory or defeat.

Sanemi charged Y/n with blinding speed, swinging his sword down at the ninja, but Y/n knew that the one thing that can beat speed is timing. Scorpion then caught the Wind Pillar's arm and dropped him with a scissor sweep knocking Sanemi onto his front, Y/n teleported onto his feet as his blade was centimeters away from Sanemi's neck.

Ubuyashiki smiled at the newest member of the Demon Slayer Corps, Y/n could feel the approachable and warm presence of Kaguya, it made a new place like this feel like home for the young warrior. Rengoku walked up to the warrior, his hands crossed and a smile on his face.

Kyojuro: "Welcome to the Corps Y/n"

-timeskip-

Y/n stayed within the corps for what seemed to be at least two years, the young ninja was never one to keep track of time, but the other corps members made sure he remembered. Within those said two years Y/n continued to train for his fight against Bi Han, all while taking up demon slaying mission. Every mission he has been through, Y/n made sure to spill as much demon blood as inhumanly possible before burning them alive concerning the members of the corps.

Y/n was in a bath, the hot water soothing him from the last mission he had. It gave him time to think, make him human, it forced him to settle down. Y/n heated the water around him, sighing in relief as he felt the rush of heat coming back to soothe him.

Once an hour passed, Y/n got out of the bath and put on his Slayer uniform. He fastened the loop of his mask to his ears as he stepped through the halls.

Mitsuri: "Hello Y/n!"

Y/n turned to see the Love Pillar waving at him.

Y/n: "Kanroji-San, what can I do for you?"

Mitsuri chuckled nervously at Y/n's rather heavy tone.

Mitsuri: "Well, I was actually going to go out for a bit. I just decided to greet you"

Mitsuri walked next to Y/n as they walked through the hall.

Y/n: "I was actually going to go outside to train"

Mitsuri: "You're always training, when do you ever take a break?"

Y/n: "Hey, I took one a few minutes ago"

The two walked down the road, the sound of cicadas rang throughout the luscious forest as they embraced Japan's summer.

Mitsuri: "So you've been training since you were seven?"

Y/n: "Yes, and to this day I continue to train to fight my enemies demons and humans alike"

Mitsuri also noticed throughout Y/n's time as a Demon Slayer, that he never used a single Nichirin weapon. He only relied on his martial arts and fire manipulation.

Mitsuri: "I still can't believe that you're an Ansatsuken practitioner, the style hasn't been recorded except during the Feudal Era"

Y/n: "Ansatsuken was a style purely for warfare, it was more of a killing system than it was a martial art. Ever since the Edo period Ansatsuken faded from history and became legend, I was lucky to find a book written many years ago by a legendary fighter and demon killer"

Mitsuri: "I'm sure your friends and family are very proud of the fighter you've become"

Y/n stopped, stunned by the reminder of why he was here now.

Mitsuri: "Y/n? Are you okay?"

Y/n: "Huh? Yes I'm fine"

Even under the stoic facade and a mask that covers half of his face, the Love Hashira could read everything in Scorpion's lifeless and pale portals called eyes. Even if she was an advocate of love, she knew when a person wasn't open to it yet. She merely smiled, trying to give a comforting feeling to Y/n.

Mitsuri: "I understand Y/n, I hope you improve as you continue"

Y/n nodded before heading off-road, disappearing into the thicker part of the forests. Mitsuri's smile changed into a concerned look, watching as the Corps' best hand to hand combatant left her alone.

Scorpion walked until he was met with a large boulder three times his size and felt the estate far from him, the forest was an empty presence with not a single soul, it was perfect. Y/n closed his eyes, a steady breath regulating him as his mind was cleared.

Then in his mind was the image of the fires the razed the homes of his village, the blood that soaked Shirai Ryu soil, and the cold hand of death that stole his family away from him.

Y/n filled himself with rage, his determination to kill Bi Han was the exact driving force that helped him survive the excruciating after effects of the Satsui No Hado. Y/n rooted into the ground, feeling the hado intensify within him struggling to keep it in him. Y/n cupped his hands across each other, forming the hado into a purple glow.

Y/n's arms shook as he did everything in his power to keep it contained, Scorpion yelled out as he struggled stabilize his own power. Y/n compressed the power in his hands and released it almost immediately.

Y/n: "Metsu! Hadoken!"

-scene change-

Unbeknownst to him, the Love Hashira went to Kyojuro for consolation.

Kyojuro: "I never thought of that..."

Mitsuri: "At that moment Y/n wasn't the strong-willed fighter that he always was, all I saw was a boy in pain. I can't even fathom what he could've gone through"

Kyojuro: "Tragedy can shake even the strongest of wills, Y/n may be a great warrior that's no doubt, but his tragedy has struck down his humanity into nothing but an ember"

Mitsuri: "And it's our job to rekindle that fire"

Kyojuro: "No"

Mitsuri was taken aback by the Flame Hashira's response, but Kyojuro continued.

Kyojuro: "Y/n is still using his undying rage to carry his power and determination, he won't give that up easily. We each have our own reason to continue to fight, and Y/n is no different, to take away that rage would be detrimental to him as a fighter..."

Kyojuro turned back to his former apprentice.

Kyojuro: "Until he's killed Bi Han, he won't give up on his rage. It's up to us to help both Y/n and the rest of the world to help Y/n kill this demon, so don't lose your-"

Y/n: "Metsu! Hadoken!"

The two of them saw a large explosion shake the forest, causing the birds to flee. Immediately the Flame and Love Hashira ran towards the explosion to see what has happened.

All they saw was rubble spread, a few trees destroyed by the explosion, and Y/n's unconscious body laying on the ground as the use of Metsu Hadoken took a large toll on his body.

Mitsuri: "Y/n!"

Kyojuro: "Bring the Kakushi! Now!

Mitsuri ran back to the estate as Kyojuro checked on Y/n, taking off his mask Kyojuro saw the blood that trickled out of Y/n's mouth. Kyojuro checked his pulse and felt a steady pattern from Y/n's vein. Kyojuro sighed in relief getting back up on his feet.

Kyojuro looked to his right, and saw a small book that belongs to Y/n. The book of every Ansatsuken technique he's learned throughout the two years he's trained in seclusion. Kyojuro picked it up and put it in his pocket to give back to Y/n once he awakens...but not before learning a bit more of Y/n's techniques.

As Y/n was recovering from his training, Kyojuro sat next to him reading the book Y/n had possession of. Each technique brought Kyojuro into a completely different world, a world of mythical power.

Once Kyojuro looked deeper into the book the more sinister things got, reading more into Ansatsuken's dark secrets. But one technique of this fighting style took hold of him, capturing his fear.

The text described a move as a technique that uses the victim's past sins against them and attacks their soul directly with the blows of one thousand deaths, the more Kyojuro continued to read about it the more concerned he became about what Y/n was going to get into.

Kyojuro: "Shun...Goku...Satsu...Y/n, what are you getting yourself into?"

Y/n: "I am doing what is necessary"

Rengoku then saw Y/n awaken from unconsciousness, still feeling weak from unleashing so much dark hado.

Y/n: "Now hand over my book"

Kyojuro: "You are trying to sacrifice your own soul and life Y/n, I cannot allow you to do this"

Y/n: "And why not? I've been training for almost three years to master the Killing Intent. I won't let you take my chance away"

Kyojuro: "You do realize the risk you are taking here? You can lose your humanity!"

Y/n got up from the bed, groaning as he powered through the pain.

Y/n: "I have no other choice! I will do everything it takes to destroy Bi Han and his clan! Kyojuro hand over the book to me! Before I force my hand!"

Kyojuro could hear desperation behind Y/n's voice, he needed to learn how to channel such a dark power. But why? That was exactly what Kyojuro was about to find out.

Kyojuro: "You're scared Hasashi Y/n..."

Y/n's face was unchanging at Rengoku's comment.

Y/n: "I've faced death's face many times, and all those times I was ready to die. Nothing scares me anymore Kyojuro, nothing ever will"

Kyojuro: "And yet you refuse to try and open your heart towards those who try to mend it"

Y/n: "I don't need it, I didn't need it before and I don't need it now"

Rengoku: "Oh but you do Y/n, in fact, I wager that you yearn for it more than you need it..."

Rengoku started breaking down Y/n's exterior, going past the hardened fighter that everyone has seen so far.

Rengoku: "I can see the fear within your heart through your eyes, eyes that tell me that you have to be alone to stay as a monster feared by demons. But I know that deep down inside that you are in pain and wants nothing more than a place of love and comfort..."

Rengoku then went up to Y/n face to face, the ninja was shaking mentally as Rengoku broke down his defenses and went after his core. Yet what came after was truly unexpected to Y/n.

Rengoku: "...What has happened Y/n, what has happened that turned you into this? I know you must have been a good person before, you can tell me"

Y/n's hardened pale eyes softened, Y/n knew the inevitable fate and gave in. He sat down from across the Flame Hashira, sighing a shaky one before letting everything go"

Y/n: "Bi Han killed my family and clan, I need to avenge them all, but I stand no chance against Bi Han. I need to learn every ability that is in that book, I must deliver penance upon the Lin Kuei and Sub Zero. I can't live knowing that the clan that has killed my family and other innocent lives still walk"

Y/n turned away still very uncomfortable about speaking about his family's death.

Kyojuro: "The experience you had isn't anything common for the victims of demons, and I understand why you want vengeance, but killing yourself before even facing Sub Zero is not a good decision. Don't forget that we are here to help as well..."

Kyojuro passed Y/n's book back to him.

Kyojuro: "You've been alone for some time Y/n, but now you're with people who are willing to help. Do not stray into this dark path Y/n and instead become a Demon Slayer to protect the innocent, promise me"

Y/n hesitated in what Kyojuro said, but he trusted his words. Y/n took his book back from him.

Y/n: "...I promise"

The Flame Hashira then got up from his seat.

Kyojuro: "Welp, it's time for me to leave. I have a train to catch"

Kyojuro pat Y/n's shoulder.

Kyojuro: "We can talk more about this once I get back okay?"

Y/n for the first time in almost four years gave a genuine smile, he nodded as his eyes were bright with comfort and care even if it was short-lived.

Y/n: "Alright"

Y/n got up and bowed to the Flame Hashira.

Y/n: "I wish you luck on your mission, please come back safely"

Kyojuro smile became wider as he realized the progress he made with Y/n.

Kyojuro: "I'll do my best, I will be back with the others..."

Unfortunately...Kyojuro Rengoku never came back.

The Flame Hashira's messenger crow reached out to the other Hashira about the incident, that a demon of the third upper moon had killed Rengoku. Y/n didn't know what to think, he only felt cold numbness within his heart. The one person who allowed Y/n to heal ever so slightly was taken from this world, even in such a short amount of time Rengoku felt like someone that he spent years with.

The halls were dimly lit as the lanterns on the walls reflected from his pale white eyes, he then heard quiet cries of a girl from outside the walls of the estate. Y/n walked out to see Mitsuri at the front crying, to see the Hashira of Love in this state of such sorrow...it pained his heart. Y/n silently walked next to Mitsuri and sat down.

Y/n: "...Mitsuri..."

Mitsuri sniffled as she turned her head facing Y/n.

Y/n: "I'm sorry for your loss, Rengoku must have been a great teacher and an even better companion among the Hashira"

Mitsuri's didn't know what to do, someone so...heartless now coming with open arms, to comfort her. It made her feel something so personal, as she tried to embrace Y/n she accidentally hit him through the walls of the estate causing her to gasp.

Mitsuri: "Oh my gosh I'm so sorry!"

Y/n: *groaning of pain intensifies*

ACEE: "Cut cut cut! Get the paramedics here now!"

Mitsuri: "I'm sorry!"

ACEE: "It's alright Mitsuri, I forgot how strong you actually were...really gotta review the Manga"

Y/n laid on the ground dazed with wood scraps on his person as Mitsuri apologized to him while her face became red from embarrassment.

(Take Two)

Mitsuri was hesitant, one of if possibly the cruelest demon hunter and hand-to-hand combatant opening himself up for the first time since he came here. She slowly walked up to him, allowing him to embrace her gently.

Y/n remained silent embracing her gently, Mitsuri didn't care who was embracing her and accepted it, she was too hurt to care. Y/n caressed her back as he held her close as she wanted him to.

Mitsuri: "He's gone! Y/n he's gone!"

Y/n shushed her gently as he continued to embrace her, he rubbed the back of her head as he whispered gentle words to calm her fiery soul.

Y/n: "It's okay, let it all out"

Mitsuri continued to stay in Y/n's embrace, instead of feeling a cold emotionless aura she felt warmth radiating from Y/n's heart. She felt his strong arms gently embrace her like a warm comforting fire, she eventually calmed down, opening up a bit more to what Y/n had to say.

Y/n: "Mitsuri, I know what loss is like..."

Mitsuri looked up at him, Y/n put his hand inside his hakama.

Y/n: "My family, and the clan that I care for so much..."

He then pulled out a silver pendant and placed it on the wooden steps between him and Mitsuri. Mitsuri then saw a gold scorpion symbol on the pendant.

Y/n: "...have perished"

Mitsuri was stunned, as the symbol of the Shirai Ryu clan reflect on her eyes. A legendary assassin clan full of talented fighters and lead by the Scorpion, and one of its members was right in front of her.

Mitsuri: "I-I thought the Shirai Ryu was a mere myth"

Y/n: "My clan existed long before Mitsuri, both humans and especially demons fear the Shirai Ryu clan, which is why they fear me. They mistake me for being my late father Hasashi Hanzo, the Scorpion..."

Y/n took his pendant back in his garb before getting more comfortable.

Mitsuri: "So...they Shirai Ryu is..."

Y/n: "Gone, but their lessons are still carried out be me. My father personally trained me from the ground up alongside my brothers. Every member of my clan was like family to me...but that all came to an end when Bi Han and the Lin Kuei took the lives of my clan and my family"

Y/n looked up at the starry sky that was illuminated by the gentle moonlight as pale as Y/n's eyes.

Y/n: "I made a promise that I will be here from now on as a Demon Slayer, and I will be there for you and the others. It is what Kyojuro would have wanted, and I will honor his memory by keeping my vow"

Mitsuri was left rather stunned, to see the once loveless ninja try and become a better person through Rengoku. She snapped out of her thoughts as she then responded to Y/n.

Mitsuri: "I'm sure he's happy knowing that we'll have another person to fight with us"

Y/n and Mitsuri enjoyed the starry night sky together as the two stuck together allowing time to take its natural course.

-timeskip-

It has been a some time since Kyojuro's passing, the Lin Kuei has been off the radar and became quiet for some time. Which gave Y/n some time to clear his mind and rejuvenate his soul, he went on missions with other Demon Slayers and Pillars and focused on creating his own breathing technique and with Mitsuri's help creating new breathing forms rooted from the fire he conjured.

With the change of mindset was also a shift in heart, Y/n's mind drifted into the void and his heart would pound every time he was with Mitsuri. It was a feeling he hasn't felt in about a decade, a feeling that gave him happiness: Romantic Love.

Y/n didn't know how to approach her about it, he hasn't asked someone out in his life. Sure he had crushes back then and this was no different, but to ask one out was a puzzle that he wasn't able to solve. Y/n scribbled on his journal trying to find ways to ask Mitsuri out and express his newfound love

Y/n: "How do I tell her? Why does Mitsuri have to be such a kind-hearted beauty that she is? Damnit why does she have to drive me mad"

Y/n decided to leave the thought as he took a training katana and walked outside the courtyard, where he met Mitsuri with a wooden training katana in her hand as well.

Mitsuri: "You're late Y/n"

Y/n: "Sorry, had some things in my mind"

Y/n stood in front of her, the two bowed to each other before going into their stances.

Y/n: "Shall we begin?"

Mitsuri: "Show me what you got Y/n!"

Y/n and Mitsuri distanced themselves as they circled the sandy grounds, Y/n was the first to strike as he raised his sword to strike which was easily deflected by Mitsuri. The two wood swords collided as the two warriors faced off, Mitsuri knocked Y/n's sword away from striking range and attempted to stab at his torso which Y/n swiftly rolled out of it. Mitsuri went for an overhead strike which was then blocked by Y/n, he then grabbed Mitsuri's garb and threw her back with a Tomoe Nage.

Mitsuri rolled during the impact breaking the fall and got back to her fighting stance, Y/n swung his wooden sword towards Mitsuri which was parried quickly and countered with a cut down Y/n's chest. The two went in a back and forth until eventually, the two tired out, they took a seat on the steps of the estate.

Mitsuri: "You last longer in combat every day"

Y/n: "Total Concentration training really helped, as difficult as it was"

Mitsuri and Y/n went into their own thoughts, about their goals and ambitions for the future. Which brought upon a question from the Shinobi.

Y/n: "So...what made you join the Demon Corps?"

Mitsuri: "Well, I wanted to protect the innocent from the forces of the demons and become the strongest I can be"

Y/n: "I'm sure all of us are here to do that"

Mitsuri giggled at Y/n's little comment.

Y/n: "Now come on Mitsuri, we both know that you're more than just a stoic goal. There must be some other reason than just that"

Mitsuri: "I-I really don't have another reason"

Y/n then shrugged as she responded.

Y/n: "Well, you don't have to tell me then"

Y/n looked onwards towards the forest feeling cool within his soul, Mitsuri looked at the man beside her. The very person who came into this estate, he was powerful and has exceeded during the past years yet he was a soul that exiled his loveless heart from others. Yet now he became a man of great power with an even greater heart, the Love Hashira blushed as she opened up a bit more.

Mitsuri: "...Actually, there's another reason why I joined"

Y/n turned to her, intrigued and awaiting her answer.

Mitsuri: "I've come not only to become stronger for myself and to protect innocent people but...I've always wanted to fall in love and possibly marry a warrior stronger than I am"

Y/n: "Oh? Anyone specific?"

Mitsuri: "Not yet, but I am sure I'll find that man sometime soon"

Y/n: "Any man would consider themselves blessed if they married you"

Mitsuri blushed a bit as Y/n complimented her as such.

Mitsuri: "Y-You really think so?"

Y/n: "I'm very certain"

Y/n then got up from the steps picking his training sword back up.

Y/n: "Shall we continue?"

Mitsuri nodded with a smile as the two continued to train together again.

-timeskip-

The sun sunk into the horizon allowing the moon to rise up into the sky, the last member of the Shirai Ryu looked out at the night sky leaning back a bit to get himself comfortable as he thought of ways to ask Mitsuri out, yet at the same time, he doubted himself.

Knowing his past and his current intentions he didn't think that Mitsuri would want to be with a man like him, let alone marry him. His thoughts were then interrupted as a caw of a messenger crow.

Messenger Crow: "Forest demons! Forest demons located near Coast Forest!"

Y/n went back into his room, fastening his katana, gloves, and mask. He met with his partner for the night, to his surprise, it was none other than Kanroji Mitsuri.

Mitsuri: "Ready Y/n?"

Y/n: "Let's do this"

The two made it to the forest swiftly, nothing but wildlife and the sound of the ocean. The two looked around the forest, treading carefully of any demons.

Mitsuri: "Do you see anything?"

Y/n: "Nothing yet"

Y/n knelt down, murmuring something while closing his eyes nulling out any distractions. He felt Mitsuri's presence, but there were more. His eyes shot open, unsheathing his sword and slicing upwards, two arms and a sword fell on the ground as the demon yelled in pain.

Mitsuri unsheathed her snake-like katana on guard for any incoming enemies, Y/n then realized something about this demon.

He wore a garb of an assassin, armor guarding his person as unnecessary as it was, but what caught his eye was the emblem he was adorn with.

The ember within Y/n stoked into a raging swarm of fire.

Y/n: "Lin Kuei"

Y/n jammed his sword into the demon's heart causing him to yell out, Scorpion knows it wouldn't kill him but knew he'd wish to die.

Y/n: "Where's Bi Han!"

Immediately a dozen Lin Kuei assassins came out of the forest, Mitsuri defended against herself from the demons as best as possible.

Mitsuri: "These demons are being difficult! Are they actually trained?!"

Y/n wasn't listening as he ignited his blade, he began cutting down every single demon that met his glance. Y/n unleashed his kunai and chain, impaling the heads of two demons and pulling them towards him.

Y/n decapitated the both of them, and saw that Mitsuri has done the same. The last three demons resolve turned into fear, in which their response was to run. Mitsuri sheathed her sword, panting from their encounter.

Mitsuri: "That was a close one wasn't it"

Y/n realized that the Lin Kuei assassins were running to their camp, the exact camp that Sub Zero would reside. Y/n began chasing the three demons leaving Mitsuri in the dust.

Mitsuri: "Y/n!"

Y/n teleported onto a tree, traversing the forest from the trees.

"As swift as the wind...as silent as the forest..."

The last ninja of the Shirai Ryu clan ran through the forest hopping from tree branch to tree branch.

"So bold as the fire and as firm as the mountain"

Y/n landed on the grass floor of the forest, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Y/n: "Breath of Wrath, Form Two..."

His eyes then shot open revealing blue glowing eyes.

Y/n: "...Sento's Sight"

"Hunt down the ones in silent night..."

Y/n tracked down the main headquarters of the Lin Kuei and scaled wooden logs for walls, Y/n leaped off from the walls with a fiery hado ball in his hands.

"...And smite down the enemies at the glaring dawn"

Y/n: "Hadoken!"

Mitsuri ran back to the main headquarters, calling out for any slayer or Pillar's aid.

Mitsuri: "Y/n's going after the Lin Kuei! We need to help him!"

The Lin Kuei armed themselves as a demon slew each member that attacked him, Y/n swung his flaming sword decapitating every Forest Demon in his path. As the army grew in numbers Y/n took a deep breath.

Y/n: "Breath of Wrath, Form Three"

Y/n started to swing his flaming sword in a circle.

Y/n: "...Hell's Fifth Circle"

As Y/n swung his sword, a flaming buzz saw was summoned around him as defense, cutting down the demons that killed his family and clan. As another wave came at him Y/n formed a Hadoken into his hands, only this time the ninja struggled to hold it as his arms shook and felt intense heat in his hands. Y/n yelled out as the veins from his forehead, arms, and, and chest started to pop out of his skin.

Y/n: "Metsu! Hadoken!"

The purple Hadoken was shot towards the incoming wave and the moment it hit them the ball of dark hado exploded on impact destroying the last few demons in the camp so far. As Y/n panted, demons from behind ran towards him wielding their swords and axes. The growing numbers tested Y/n's patience and caused him to grow more frustrated.

Y/n: "Breath of Wrath, Form One..."

With nothing but blood on his mind, Y/n inhaled great amount of air as the Lin Kuei came charging towards Y/n. He lunged with great speed and swung his sword towards the incoming demons.

Y/n: "...Seething Rage!"

Y/n cut down the incoming horde with a flaming arch of fire from his sword.

Mitsuri, along with Tengen, Gyomei, Tanjiro, and Inosuke ran through the forest. The six of them ran through the forest, trailing the footsteps of both the Lin Kuei assassins and Scorpion.

Y/n stood amongst burning bodies of Lin Kuei assassins as the last one of the hoard ran at him out of desperation with his sword raised above his head, Before the blade could even reach Y/n, Scorpion set up with a sweeping kick stopping the assassin before twisting into a hurricane kick.

Y/n: "Tatsumaki Sempukyaku!"

The demon groveled on the floor as blood leaked from his mouth as he spat out teeth, Y/n removed his mask revealing his identity. The Lin Kuei ninja looked with shock as he saw a surviving member of the Shirai Ryu clan right in front of him.

LKN: "H-How is this possible?!"

Y/n: "Bi Han tried to send me into the depths of hell, but instead he's created a monster who will never stop until scum like you are sent to the Netherrealm"

LKN: "W-Wait! Please spare me I!-"

Scorpion raised his sword in the air and beheaded the demon, he looked around to see nothing but ash settling on the ground. Yet even after all that Sub Zero wasn't found leaving Y/n disappointed, that was until he felt a crawling touch on his skin.

He felt a familiar creeping of the air coming from the entrance of the camp, the same cold air that he felt before the slaughter of his family and clan. Y/n turned around to see the leader of Lin Kuei himself, Sub Zero looked at the carnage of his clan and then at the center of it all was a familiar yellow and black-clad ninja.

Sub Zero: "Who are you?!"

Y/n: "I am a shadow from the dead, here to eliminate the Lin Kuei for all the past sins you and your blood spilling clan have committed"

Sub Zero: "And who is the one that claims is the reckoning of the Lin Kuei"

Y/n merely burned the blood off his sword and readied his kunai for battle.

Y/n: "The last member of the Shirai Ryu"

Sub Zero formed his weapon and readied for the coming battle.

Sub Zero: "I will send you to hell!"

Y/n surrounded himself in an aura of fire as he pointed his katana at Bi Han.

Y/n: "You first"

The two yelled out as a trail of fire and a trail of ice collided their swords against each other.

Inosuke: "Beast Breathing, Seventh Form..."

Inosuke was able to see everything as his sight covered miles and miles of ground, he then located the two fighters in the camp. Inosuke took his swords out of the ground.

Inosuke: "I found them! Let's go!"

The others followed Inosuke as they ran through the forest.

Scorpion and Sub Zero clashed blades in blurring speeds, Sub Zero stabbed at Y/n which the Demon Slayer rolled his body away from and countered with slashing at his throat with his kunai. Yet Y/n never felt the tearing of flesh, instead, he felt the kunai slide off Bi Han's skin leaving him open for a hard kick to the head then to the chest.

Y/n got back up dazed, he then saw the ice platings around Bi Han's body. Y/n got back up on his feet and readied himself for the second round.

Y/n teleported in front of Sub Zero and swung his sword at him which was blocked by Bi Han's own sword and countered with a disarming of Y/n's weapon, stabbing it into the ground and striking straight to his chest, Bi Han then hooked his arm around Y/n's arm and punched him twice in the stomach and blasted him with an ice ball freezing him in place and threw him against a rotting tree.

Y/n felt pain within every inch of his body, he tried to get up but couldn't as fatigue came over him. Bi Han walked up to Y/n slowly with an ice blade in his hand. Y/n teleported in front of him in a burst of fire attempting to continue the fight only to feel something cold enter his abdomen, he looked down to see an ice blade impaled into his torso. Bi Han formed a hammer and knocked him backward with a mighty swing.

Y/n laid on the ground feeling immense pain as Sub Zero walked towards him while his hand started to freeze up.

Sub Zero: "What would your grandmaster say to such a failure like this?..."

Y/n looked up in pain as Bi Han inched closer and closer to him, to see himself fall after years of training, years of solitude...was it all for nothing? Y/n could see the faces of the different people in his mind, his family, clan members, Rengoku, and...Mitsuri. She lingered in his mind longer than she should, the last heartbreak he had before now. He wanted to give in, to join his family wherever they were. Then he remembered what his father told him all those years ago.

-scene change-

Hanzo: "What do you see my sons?"

Y/n, Satoshi, and Jubei looked upon a small patch of dirt, there stood a scorpion fighting a large mob of ants. No matter how many ants came in the scorpion never stopped fighting.

Satoshi: "Father, the scorpion needs help!"

Hanzo put a hand on his son's shoulder.

Hanzo: "Life is cruel Satoshi, it doesn't care where you're from, what god you pray to, so you must face it head-on"

Hanzo then turned back to the scorpion.

Hanzo: "The scorpion is strong and fast, but do you know why it is feared, my sons?"

Y/n: "Why father?"

The scorpion swept the ants with his stinger and continued to fight back against the colony.

Hanzo: "Its will"

-scene change-

An aura formed around Y/n, a dark aura that he has never felt before. He felt demonic rage within his mind and fire coursing through his blood, Sub Zero was now in front of Y/n as his hand formed cold vapor.

Sub Zero: "It is time to join your clan..."

Sub Zero raised his hand and tried to freeze Y/n solid only to have it blocked with no freezing effect, Bi Han's eyes widened as Y/n's dark aura became visible to his eyes. Y/n felt it, the power Akuma worked for, the dark side of Ansatsuken, the Satsui No Hado. Scorpion looked up with unfiltered rage as his pale white eyes fogged into black with red irises.

The Demon Slayers ran through the forest as they searched for the Lin Kuei camp, Mitsuri grew worried for Y/n when nothing but forest life was seen. Inosuke stabbed his blades onto the forest dirt and clapped his palms together.

Scorpion turned his hips winding up and kicked Sub Zero with a hurricane kick, Sub Zero tried to block the incoming attack with the best of his abilities but felt the ice armor start to crack.

Y/n: "Tatsumaki Senpukyaku!"

Even when Sub Zero blocked all the incoming kicks Scorpion was still able to break through his defense as a fist twisted in between Sub Zero's arm hitting him in the face and knocking him backwards. Y/n formed a ball of hado ignited with fire creating a surge of heat in the area, Sub Zero readied himself as Scorpion launched the fiery ball of hado energy at Bi Han.

Y/n: "Shakunetsu!"

Sub Zero felt the blast knock him back cracking the ice armor around him even more, Bi Han looked at his opponent with fear. Never in his life did he see this kind of power before, not even from a demon. He got back up getting in his fighting stance.

Sub Zero: "What are you..."

Y/n: "I am Scorpion! And I will teach you the meaning of pain!"

As her footsteps touched the ground Mitsuri began to worry, no Demon Slayer has faced an ancient warrior demon clan like the Lin Kuei alone and lived. Even with many Demon Slayers the Lin Kuei were successful in their battles, the Stone Hashira noticed this and grew concern over it.

Gyomei: "What troubles you Mitsuri?"

Mitsuri: "Y/n went to face the Lin Kuei alone, I am worried for him, Gyomei. I can't allow him to die"

Tengen: "Y/n is a capable fighter and one of the greatest within our ranks, we will find him and bring him home"

Mitsuri could only look out to the forest as Y/n was in her mind, she reassured herself as the Hashira ran with her peers.

Mitsuri: "Please be okay Y/n"

Sub Zero formed a ball of ice in his hands ready to launch it at Y/n, Scorpion then ran towards Sub Zero and slid on the dirt floor igniting his fist. As Bi Han launched the ball of ice Y/n's fist collided with his chin launching him upwards and shattering his armor.

Y/n: "Shoryuken!"

Bi Han got back up sliding on ice towards Y/n attempting to sweep him, Y/n teleported and broke into Bi Han's ribs and smashed his knee.

Out of a desperate attempt, Sub Zero then shot many shards of ice towards Y/n's direction, Y/n phase teleported away from the barrage of blades and shot his rope dart at Sub Zero impaling into his shoulder. Y/n then pulled Sub Zero towards him with a hard yank of the chain.

Y/n: "Get over here!"

As Sub Zero was pulled in, Y/n focused his hado into fist as he threw a savage uppercut to Bi Han's chin causing him to fly upwards and land on the icy ground. Bi Han tried to get back up, but felt a foot smash into him launching him out of the camp.

Y/n walked towards the weakened Ice Demon, Bi Han could only look with terror as the Spectre's fire lingered on his body. Bi Han shook in pain as he held his bleeding side asking him the question anyone would ask at the moment.

Sub Zero: "Just who exactly are you human, if you are even one to begin with"

Scorpion unstrapped his Menpō mask and took it off his face revealing his true identity, Bi Han's eyes widened as he saw who the Shadow of the Shirai Ryu was.

Sub Zero: "How?! How are you still alive?!"

Y/n dropped his mask on the ground, the fire started to turn red with every step he made. His breath came through a mouth of fangs and was heavy like a beast.

Y/n: "Ever since you took my family and clan vengeance has taken my soul, I will quench this burning pain once your life is taken by my hand"

Sub Zero scurried onto his feet, rounded his hands, and formed an ice ball so intense that it started a small blizzard in the forest. Y/n stomped his foot onto the ground as the aura of red around him spiked then surrounded his person.

Y/n: "Kakuga wa yoi ka!" (Prepare yourself!)

Bi Han shot the ice ball, freezing everything in its path, only for Y/n to phase through the fatal attack engulfing Sub Zero.

Bi Han POV

I never thought a ghost of my past would haunt me like this, let alone defeat me to this point. I needed to finish this quickly, I shot the ice ball at that stray dog freezing everything in its path creating relief within my soul...until I saw a trail of red coming towards my way and grab me.

Y/n: "Rikudō Ōsatsu!" (Six Path Massacring!)

Third POV

Tanjiro picked up a scent in the air, it smelled of a demon's blood burning. He notified the group of Demon Slayers.

Tanjiro: "We are getting closer! Y/n is near!"

Mitsuri: "We must hurry! Before anything drastic happens!"

The Demon Slayers picked up the pace as they got closer towards Y/n's location.

Y/n stood upon the massacre of the Lin Kuei, a kanji burned onto his back as he looked down upon the husk that was once Sub Zero.

Y/n: "Kore wa...Messatsu" (This is...destruction)

Y/n felt the weight upon his heart lift as he turned back to normal and fire around him started to die down. He smiled upon his work, to see the same clan that killed his family and clan killed by his hand, to finally wipe a threat to humanity...

The Demon Slayers then made it to the Lin Kuei camp, only to catch the scent of burning blood. In front of their eyes was Y/n, standing above the hollow husk that was once Bi Han covered in blood. Mitsuri slowly walked up to him, reaching for his shoulder.

Mitsuri: "Y-Y/n?"

The glow of the Kanji faded, Y/n went into shock as blood spewed out of his mouth. Scorpion collapsed to the ground, causing Mitsuri to scream and grab onto him.

Mitsuri: "Y/n! No no please stay with us!"

The commotion and the smell of blood drew other stray demons to their location, eight of the ambushing the six of them. Tengen didn't waste time to lay waste of every demon that came at them.

Gyomei picked up Y/n, putting him over his shoulder.

Gyomei: "We need to leave now!"

-timeskip-

Y/n was in a comatose state from overextension of his hado and the injuries he received from his fight against the Lin Kuei. One injury that rather intrigued the medics and the Demon Slayers was a large Kanji for destruction branded onto his back. Y/n was bedridden as he fell into a dark abyss of his coma.

Mitsuri grew worried about Y/n's state every day, she visited him and told him stories to keep him company even if she knew he couldn't hear her. Every day was different except for one thing: Mitsuri would always tell him before she left, that she loved him. Time went by and she was about to lose hope...until the Scorpion's will awakened Y/n.

Y/n POV

My eyes shot opened as I gasped for air, I looked around to see a nurse startled by my reaction. I frantically looked around to see where I was, only to reveal that I was in the recovery room, one of the butterfly girls went up to me with a look of surprise.

???: "I never thought that you'd awaken!"

Y/n: "Hello to you too Aoi, and what makes you say that?"

Aoi: "You took down an entire demon clan and their leader single-handedly"

Y/n: "Oh right, so when will I be able to get back out there?"

Aoi: "You recovered fairly quickly, there are still some injuries that aren't fully healed so you cannot go out on the field or train too hard"

Y/n: "I understand"

I watched the nurse pass me a glass of water which I took gratefully, I drank from the cup feeling the cool essence of life go down my dry throat.

Aoi: "I am sure Kanroji-San will be delighted to see you"

I stopped for a moment, I then started to remember everything that had happened.

Y/n: "Is she okay?"

Aoi: "Well no thanks to you! You ran off without her! You didn't even check if there were any other demons around her! You don't just leave a girl waiting you know!"

Y/n sighed, rubbing his eyes as he received a scolding from the little girl.

Y/n buried his face into his hands, guilt ridden on his face.

Y/n: "I abandoned her..."

Y/n balled his hair into his fist.

Y/n: "How can I be a Demon Slayer if I'm driven by selfishness..."

Y/n sighed, very close to breaking.

Y/n: "I don't deserve to be here after that night, with the Lin Kuei dying it would've been one final-"

Y/n then felt himself being pulled face to face by Aoi, even if she wasn't the strongest the authority in her voice could halt the toughest of warriors.

Nurse: "Now you listen here! Some of the Demon Slayers visited when you were in that coma! But Kanroji-San visited you every day to care for you! You have a place here Hasashi-San! So man the hell up and stay here for their sake! For Kanroji-San's sake!"

I then revisited the old memory back at the Lin Kuei compound, Mitsuri she...she came back for me. She truly does love me, my thoughts were then interrupted as I heard familiar gentle footsteps walk into the room.

Mitsuri: "Y-Y/n?"

I turned to see Mitsuri frozen at the door, Aoi patted me on the shoulder before leaving me and Mitsuri in the room.

Third POV

The two Demon Slayers stood in front of each other in awkward silence, they didn't know how to start. Y/n decided to awkwardly start the conversation.

Y/n: "H-Hello Mitsuri, you look-"

Mitsuri didn't answer, instead she embraced Y/n burying her face into his chest. Y/n heard her sobs, comforting and holding her gently.

Y/n: "I'm sorry that I left you behind, I should've-"

Mitsuri: "I don't care that you left me behind..."

She looked back up to Y/n, her green eyes glistening from tears.

Mitsuri: "I was scared that you would die"

Mitsuri let go of Y/n, taking a deep breath.

Mitsuri: "Y/n...you know that we have your back, that we would help you through any mission. So why? Why did you leave by yourself against a small trained army and a demon that can wipe out a powerful clan?"

Y/n: "...It's my duty as the last standing member of the Shirai Ryu to avenge my family and clan"

Mitsuri sighed, knowing this wasn't coming from the right place.

Mitsuri: "That's what's in your head, but what's in your heart?"

That stumped Y/n, he's been wearing his heart in his sleeve for so long that he didn't know the difference between what came from his head and his heart. It really made him realize what he's become.

Y/n: "I should have died..."

Mitsuri looked with shock at Y/n's response.

Mitsuri: "Y-Y/n?"

Y/n: "I've turned into a walking husk of no human emotion, I abandoned my cause, I abandoned my friends, and I abandoned you..."

Y/n for the first time in years, felt guilt. Overwhelming even Mitsuri could feel.

Y/n: "I'm a walking curse, a terrible omen. I don't know why I survived that fight with Sub Zero I should've just-"

Y/n was immediately silenced by Mitsuri's lips stunning him, Mitsuri pulled him in as she embraced him. She broke their connections, her soft eyes meeting his pale eyes.

Mitsuri: "Every good soul deserves life, it's because of you that the Lin Kuei is weakened, it's because of you that Sub Zero has been stopped for good. You're not a curse Y/n, please stop"

Y/n's life went into a standstill, he gently pulled Mitsuri into bed hugging her. The two stayed in bet together, a gentle quiet blanketing the hospital room.

Mitsuri: "Promise me Y/n that you won't succumb to darkness, don't leave me behind"

Y/n: "I will never leave, I promise Mitsuri"

Mitsuri held Y/n close as her lips went closer to his.

Y/n: "I love you..."

Mitsuri: "I love you too..."

The two embraced each other and kissed once more as their souls lit ablaze with love. Y/n heart settled as he felt nothing but joy and comfort through the new place he called home and finally found love after so long, Mitsuri as the Love Hashira was able to calm the Shinobi of Vengeance and created something truly meaningful for herself. The two settled their own fiery souls as the two laid in bed.

(Welp, this has been my first non Rwby story after a long while. I hope you all enjoyed this story, even if it took a long time. Thanks to a friend of mine I have recently gotten into Kimetsu No Yaiba leading me to watch the anime, watch the movie Mugen Train, and then read the entire manga. That's all for now folks! Peace Out✌🏻)

In a pocket dimension made up of different rooms stood a man in a black suit and pale skin, he poured in a substance in another vile as he tried to create a substance that would change the tide of the war between Demon Slayers and demons. He then heard footsteps coming from behind him, yet his head never turned.

???: "Bi Han has been killed"

Black Suit: "How unfortunate, but I knew that he would fall to a Demon Slayer no matter how much Lin Kuei warriors stood guard under his command"

???: "He wasn't killed by a normal Demon Slayer Muzan"

Muzan: "Was it one of the Pillars?"

???: "It was Scorpion, and he has gained the access of Netherrealm's fires..."

Muzan then stood dead still, he grit his teeth as the vials in his hand shattered into millions of pieces.

Muzan: "And I thought Quan Chi's puppets were able to wipe out the Shirai Ryu"

???: "We thought wrong, Bi Han missed one of Hasashi Hanzo's sons"

Muzan: "How a member of the Shirai Ryu lived is none of my concern..."

???: "Well you should Muzan, this man took out armies of demons with his fiery wrath. On top of that, the ninja was adorn with prayer beads and used The Satsui No Hado..."

Muzan's vein popped out of his forehead.

Muzan: "Scorpion has found Akuma's burial ground? How annoying"

???: "We may have created a monster that fights against us, Akuma and the Shirai Ryu have killed many demons both revenants, demons, and even one of the twelve Kizuki. Just imagine how detrimental the two combined forces will be to us"

Muzan: "I do not wish to imagine it!"

Muzan sighed of annoyance as he worked on a new batch.

Muzan: "You are a talented fighter, even to the point of measuring up to my twelve Kizuki. I expect for Scorpion to be dealt with by you immediately"

???: "We are of different factions Muzan, I do not take orders from you. I will take out Scorpion when the time is right"

Muzan: "Just get the job done...Kazuya"

Genya: "Die ice demon!"