Demon Slayer The Wind's bellow

The Day The World Turned Upside Down

Kanae POV

The moon hung low in the sky, casting a pale, silvery glow over the Butterfly Mansion. The usually tranquil grounds were bustling with quiet activity, the faint rustle of kimono fabric and soft whispers filling the night air. Kanae Kochou stood at the entrance, her gentle eyes taking in the scene before her with a fond smile. Tonight was her turn for patrol, a routine duty assigned to each Hashira to ensure the safety of their designated region. It was a responsibility she took seriously, but she hadn't expected such a send-off.

"Kanae-sama!" Aoi's voice broke the stillness, a hint of worry in her tone as she rushed forward. "You're leaving now?"

Kanae turned, surprised to see all the Butterfly siblings gathered around, their faces a mixture of concern and apprehension. She had expected them to be asleep, the hour was late, and the mansion was usually quiet at this time of night. But here they were, wide awake, eyes reflecting the moonlight as they watched her.

"Yes, Aoi-chan," Kanae replied softly, her smile warm but tinged with a hint of confusion. "It's just my usual patrol. I'll be back by morning."

Before she could say more, Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi ran forward, wrapping their arms around her in a tight embrace. "Be safe, Kanae-sama!" Kiyo's voice was muffled against Kanae's shoulder, her small body trembling.

Kanae's heart swelled with emotion as she hugged them back, her arms gentle but firm. "Of course I'll be safe! You all know how strong I am, right? I'm not going to let some demon get the better of me."

"But-" Naho's voice wavered, her grip tightening. "What if something happens?"

The words struck Kanae like a blow, but she forced herself to laugh lightly, ruffling Naho's hair. "Come on, nothing's going to happen. It's just a patrol. I've done this a hundred times before. You don't need to worry. I promise I'll be back before you even notice I'm gone."

The girls reluctantly let go, stepping back as Shinobu and Kanao approached. Shinobu's usual stern expression was softened by a deep worry she tried to hide, while Kanao's large eyes were filled with unspoken concern.

"Onee-sama..." Shinobu's voice was almost a whisper, her hands clenching the hem of her haori. "Please be careful."

Kanae reached out, pulling both her sisters into a gentle hug. "I will, Shinobu. I promise. Take care of the mansion and everyone here, alright? You're so much stronger than you think."

Shinobu nodded, her head bowed, but there was a tightness in her expression, a fear that Kanae rarely saw in her determined little sister. It was as if Shinobu sensed something she couldn't quite put into words. Kanao, too, seemed unusually tense, her small hands clinging to Kanae's sleeve, her grip hesitant but firm.

"Please come back, Kanae-sama," Kanao murmured, her voice so soft it was almost lost in the cool night air.

Kanae's smile was tender as she placed a hand on Kanao's head, her touch light and comforting. "I will, Kanao-chan. You've all become so strong. I'm so proud of you." She glanced between her sisters, the unease in their eyes making her heart ache. "What's with those worried faces? I'm just going on patrol, not to fight an Upper Moon."

Shinobu's eyes widened slightly at the joke, but she didn't smile. "It's not that, Onee-sama. It just... feels strange. I don't know why, but I have a bad feeling tonight."

Kanae's smile didn't waver, though she could feel a twinge of unease in her own heart. "You've been hanging around me too long, Shinobu. You're becoming a worrier like me!" She pulled them both closer, hugging them tightly. "Listen, I'll be fine. I've done this a hundred times, and I'll do it a hundred more. I've got you two to come back to, so there's no way I'm going to let anything happen to me."