章節 8: Love Hashira
—
In one of the rooms within the Butterfly Mansion, Accelerator was deep in his work, surrounded by an array of biological data on Nezuko and the blood samples of other demons he had collected. His extensive knowledge of physics, biology, and all things related to math and science made him a formidable researcher. His focus was intense, punctuated occasionally by muttered curses and clicks of his tongue as he sifted through complex calculations and observations.
Shinobu, meanwhile, had been searching for him. The Master, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, had requested she ask Accelerator if he needed a sword, having heard about his use of the Breathing Technique. She found him in one of the rooms, completely engrossed in his research. Quietly, she entered the room, intending to make her presence known. However, she couldn't help but glance at the papers scattered around him.
To her surprise, she found herself unable to comprehend most of the information. The data was filled with complex equations, percentages, and intricate details about the human body and demons. It was far beyond her scope, despite her expertise as a doctor.
"Excuse me," Shinobu said, breaking the silence.
Accelerator didn't look up. "What do you want?" he snapped, irritation clear in his voice.
Shinobu ignored his tone and continued, "The Master sent me to ask if you needed a sword. He heard about your use of the Breathing Technique."
Accelerator finally glanced up from his work, his eyes narrowing. "A sword? What makes you think I need one?"
"It's customary for those who use Breathing Techniques," Shinobu replied, maintaining her calm demeanor. "It enhances the effectiveness of your techniques against demons."
Accelerator snorted. "I don't need some piece of metal to deal with demons. My abilities are more than enough."
Shinobu watched him for a moment, her curiosity piqued by the data scattered around him. "What exactly are you working on?" she asked, trying to sound casual.
"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm analyzing demon biology," Accelerator replied tersely. "Trying to find a way to counteract their regeneration and maybe even reverse the transformation."
Shinobu raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "That's quite ambitious. Do you think you can achieve it?"
Accelerator smirked. "I've already made more progress in a few days than your lot has in years. So, yeah, I think I can."
Shinobu felt a mix of irritation and admiration. His arrogance was infuriating, but there was no denying his brilliance. "I see. Well, if you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask. I am a doctor, after all."
Accelerator rolled his eyes. "Sure, I'll keep that in mind," he said dismissively, turning back to his work.
Shinobu lingered for a moment, taking another glance at the papers. "You seem very knowledgeable about biology. How did you come to know so much?"
Accelerator paused, his eyes still on his work. "I had my reasons," he said curtly. "Now, if you don't mind, I'd like to get back to it without further interruptions."
"Of course," Shinobu said, backing away. "Just remember, the offer stands."
As she left the room, she couldn't help but feel a mix of frustration and respect. Accelerator was undoubtedly a genius, but his abrasive personality made him difficult to approach. Still, she couldn't deny that his research could potentially be groundbreaking. For now, she would give him the space he demanded, hoping that his efforts would indeed lead to a breakthrough in their fight against the demons.
Accelerator stretched his limbs as he stepped into the yard, deciding it was time for a break from the relentless grind of his research. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, and the air was filled with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant chatter from the Butterfly Mansion's residents. He found a spot beneath a large tree and sat down, allowing his mind to wander.
Reflecting on his progress, Accelerator marveled at how quickly he had managed to decipher the original Sun Breathing Technique by analyzing and reverse-engineering the derivative techniques used by the others. The connections had formed seamlessly in his mind, each breath pattern and muscle movement piecing together like an elaborate puzzle until he reached the progenitor of all breathing techniques. As his body continued to adapt and improve at an astonishing rate, he knew he was already capable of holding his own against the Hashiras if he chose to engage in physical training. The thought, however, did not particularly excite him.
His thoughts drifted to Shinobu's earlier suggestion about wielding a sword. The notion had seemed superfluous to him at the time, but now, with nothing better to occupy his thoughts, he decided to entertain it. A boken—a wooden training sword—lay discarded nearby. He rose to his feet and walked over to it, picking it up with a sense of mild curiosity.
Gripping the boken, Accelerator took a stance he had seen Tanjiro use. It felt foreign but oddly natural at the same time. He had always been adept at mimicking and perfecting techniques through sheer observation, and this was no different. He focused, taking a deep breath, feeling the air fill his lungs and energize his muscles.
With a swift motion, Accelerator slashed the boken through the air. A powerful gust of wind erupted from the movement, rustling the leaves around him and sending a wave of force outward. He smirked, both at the effectiveness of the technique and at how easily he had managed to replicate it.
However, the satisfaction was fleeting. Accelerator quickly grew bored with the exercise. "Keh... hahahaha!" he laughed, his usual manic grin spreading across his face. He tossed the boken aside, watching it clatter to the ground. "This is pointless," he muttered to himself. "I don't need some stick to fight demons."
Despite his dismissal of the exercise, a small part of him acknowledged the potential benefits of mastering swordsmanship. If nothing else, it could provide him with an additional edge in combat. But for now, his mind was set on his primary objective: eradicating the demons and finding a way to reverse their transformation.
As he stood there, lost in thought, the three young apprentices of Shinobu—Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho—approached him cautiously. They had been watching him from a distance, their curiosity piqued by his unusual training.
"Um, Accelerator-san?" Sumi ventured, her voice tentative.
"What do you want?" Accelerator replied, not bothering to hide his irritation.
"We saw you practicing," Kiyo said, her tone more confident. "You're really strong!"
"Yeah, yeah," Accelerator waved them off, uninterested in their praise.
"Do you want to join us for some tea?" Naho asked, her eyes wide and hopeful.
Accelerator blinked, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected invitation. The three apprentices looked at him with a mixture of awe and genuine warmth, their innocent faces contrasting sharply with the coldness he was used to.
For a brief moment, Accelerator felt a small, uncharacteristic smile tug at the corners of his mouth. "Sure, why not," he said, surprising himself with his own response.
The three girls beamed with joy and led him back toward the mansion, their chatter filling the air with a lightheartedness that felt almost foreign to Accelerator. Despite his usual disposition, he found himself relaxing in their presence, if only slightly. For now, the weight of his past and the burdens of his mission seemed just a bit lighter.
Walking alongside the three young apprentices, Accelerator found himself navigating the Butterfly Mansion's lively and bustling environment. Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho chatted enthusiastically, their innocent excitement providing a stark contrast to Accelerator's usual cold demeanor. Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel a tiny bit lighter in their presence.
As they turned a corner, they came upon Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. Mitsuri was known for her awkward but kind-hearted nature, always eager to make friends and see the best in people. She noticed the group approaching and, recognizing Accelerator, decided to introduce herself.
"Hello there!" Mitsuri called out, her voice warm and welcoming. "You must be Accelerator, right? I've heard a lot about you."
Accelerator's gaze snapped to her, his eyes narrowing with irritation. He didn't have time for more introductions or idle chit-chat. The intensity of his stare made Mitsuri hesitate, her initial cheerfulness faltering under the weight of his cold scrutiny.
Undeterred, but with a hint of nervousness, Mitsuri pressed on. "I'm Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira. It's a pleasure to meet you!"
Accelerator crossed his arms, his expression unchanging. "Yeah, sure," he muttered dismissively, clearly uninterested in the conversation.
The trio of apprentices looked up at him with concern, their earlier excitement dimming. They were accustomed to his gruffness, but seeing him interact with Mitsuri, someone they admired, made them uneasy.
Mitsuri, however, was determined. She wasn't one to give up easily, especially when it came to understanding others. "I've heard you're incredibly strong," she said, trying to find common ground. "Your abilities are quite remarkable."
Accelerator's irritation deepened. He didn't need or want praise. "What do you want?" he snapped, his tone sharp enough to make Sumi flinch.
Mitsuri took a deep breath, her resolve strengthening. "I just wanted to welcome you," she said softly. "And to say that if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask."
For a moment, there was silence. Accelerator's eyes bore into hers, searching for any sign of deceit or ulterior motive. But all he saw was genuine kindness, an openness that he rarely encountered.
He clicked his tongue, looking away. "Whatever," he said, his voice less harsh. "Just don't bother me"
Mitsuri smiled, sensing a small victory. "Of course. And if you ever want to spar or need someone to talk to, I'm here!"
The trio of apprentices brightened again, relieved that the interaction hadn't ended in hostility. Mitsuri's warm demeanor seemed to have a calming effect on Accelerator, even if he wouldn't admit it.
As they continued walking, Mitsuri fell into step beside them. She chatted with the apprentices, her laughter ringing out and creating a sense of camaraderie. Despite his initial irritation, Accelerator found himself grudgingly accepting her presence.
Mitsuri glanced at him from time to time, observing his interactions with the apprentices. She realized that, beneath his cold exterior, there was a complexity to him that intrigued her. He wasn't just a mindless brute; there was depth, a story that she wanted to understand.
By the time they reached their destination, Mitsuri's initial apprehension had transformed into a cautious optimism. She had seen a different side of Accelerator, one that suggested he wasn't as bad as he appeared. With the trio by his side, he seemed almost...harmless.
"Well, here we are," Mitsuri said, her smile genuine. "Thank you for walking with us, Accelerator."
He grunted in response, but there was no real animosity in his tone. The apprentices waved goodbye to Mitsuri, their spirits high as they led Accelerator inside.
As they disappeared into the Butterfly Mansion, Mitsuri watched them go, a thoughtful expression on her face. She knew that beneath Accelerator's rough exterior lay a person worth knowing, and she was determined to see that potential realized.
From that day forward, Mitsuri made it a point to visit Accelerator daily. She'd show up with a bright smile, often bringing along snacks or meals to share, and they would talk—well, she would talk, mostly about food. Accelerator would listen with a mix of irritation and begrudging amusement, occasionally tossing in a snarky comment or two.
"Have you ever tried sakura mochi?" Mitsuri asked one afternoon, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "It's sweet and chewy, and the sakura leaves give it such a unique flavor!"
Accelerator glanced at her, his expression indifferent. "Nope. Not interested."
Mitsuri giggled. "You say that, but I think you'd like it. I'll bring some tomorrow!"
Despite his gruff demeanor, Accelerator found himself getting used to her presence. Her constant chatter was oddly comforting, a steady background noise that he began to associate with normalcy in this strange new world. He still maintained his snarky attitude, but Mitsuri's warmth and persistence wore down some of his sharper edges.
One day, after weeks of their unusual friendship, Mitsuri approached him with a serious expression. "Accelerator, I've been given a mission to hunt a rampant demon. I thought...maybe you'd like to come with me?"
Accelerator raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself. "A rampant, huh? Might be interesting."
Mitsuri beamed at his reluctant acceptance. "Great! We'll leave tomorrow at dawn."
As they planned their mission, they were unaware of the figure watching them from the shadows. Shinobu stood with a tight expression, her eyes narrowing as she observed their interaction. It irked her to no end that Accelerator, the man she found so difficult to connect with, had seemingly become friends with Mitsuri. The fact that he would accept Mitsuri's invitation without hesitation spoke volumes.
The next morning, as the sun barely peeked over the horizon, Accelerator and Mitsuri set out on their mission. Mitsuri led the way with her usual enthusiasm, chatting about the demon they were hunting and the strategies they might employ. Accelerator listened, his sharp mind already calculating their approach.
"You know," Mitsuri said, glancing at him, "I'm really glad you decided to come with me. I think we make a great team!"
Accelerator smirked. "Don't get too ahead of yourself. I'm just here for the fight."
Mitsuri laughed, her spirits undampened. "That's okay. I'm sure you'll find it worth your while."
As they continued on their journey, the sense of camaraderie between them grew. Mitsuri's unwavering positivity and Accelerator's reluctant acceptance of her company created an unlikely but effective partnership. And though Accelerator would never admit it, he found himself looking forward to their shared battles and the inevitable conversations about food that would follow.
Meanwhile, back at the Butterfly Mansion, Shinobu watched them leave with a mixture of annoyance and curiosity. She couldn't shake the feeling of being left out, of being unable to break through Accelerator's tough exterior in the way Mitsuri had. But as much as it irritated her, she also found herself wondering if there was more to Accelerator than she had initially thought. Perhaps, in time, she too would find a way to connect with the enigmatic esper.
–
In the headquarters, Obanai Iguro, the Snake Hashira, sat in his private quarters, a report clutched tightly in his hand. His heterochromatic eyes scanned the contents repeatedly, each read-through only intensifying his anger. The report detailed Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, accompanying the white-haired stranger, Accelerator—the very man he and a few others had confronted a few days prior.
Obanai's brow furrowed deeply, his mind racing. He couldn't fathom how Mitsuri, with her pure heart and gentle nature, could befriend such a rude and dangerous individual. The mere thought of Accelerator's abrasive attitude around her made his blood boil.
"Damn it," Obanai muttered under his breath, crumpling the report in his fist. He knew Mitsuri's lovable and forgiving attitude often led her to see the best in people, but this was too much. How could she overlook Accelerator's blatant disrespect and violence? The image of her smiling and chatting with that man was enough to drive him to the brink.
He needed to release his frustration. Rising abruptly, Obanai grabbed his sword and stormed out of his quarters, his serpent, Kaburamaru, slithering around his neck in agitation. He headed straight for the training area, his footsteps echoing ominously in the corridor.
As he entered the training ground, a few slayers practicing their forms quickly made way for the enraged Hashira. Obanai paid them no mind, his focus solely on the training dummies lined up before him. Drawing his sword with a swift, fluid motion, he began to practice his forms with deadly precision. Each slash and thrust was imbued with his pent-up anger and frustration.
"How can she be so naïve?" he grumbled between strikes, his breath coming in sharp, controlled exhales. "Doesn't she see what kind of person he is? The cruelty he's capable of?"
With every movement, Obanai's mind replayed the encounter with Accelerator. The man's mocking words, his complete disregard for their combined attacks, and the way he had left them all bloodied and humiliated. How could Mitsuri, of all people, associate with someone like that?
He shifted into a more aggressive form, his strikes becoming faster and more forceful. The training dummy in front of him began to splinter and break under the relentless assault. Kaburamaru hissed, sharing in his master's agitation.
"I have to protect her," Obanai muttered fiercely. "She needs to know the truth about him. If she continues to associate with that bastard, who knows what could happen?"
He continued his training, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could approach Mitsuri. He knew her well enough to understand that simply telling her to stay away from Accelerator wouldn't work. Mitsuri's kindness and stubbornness were formidable, and she would need concrete reasons to sever ties with anyone, no matter how much Obanai wished otherwise.
Sweat dripped down his face, his breathing ragged as he finally slowed his pace. The training dummy before him was now a shattered mess, barely recognizable. Obanai sheathed his sword, his mind still churning with plans.
He swore to himself that he would find a way to show Mitsuri the cruelty of Accelerator. He would gather evidence, witness his behavior firsthand if needed, and present it to her. She had to understand the danger she was in.
Obanai's eyes narrowed in determination. "I'll protect you, Mitsuri. Even if it means standing against that monster myself."
With that resolve, he turned and left the training area, his steps lighter but his heart still heavy with worry. Kaburamaru tightened its grip around his neck, sensing its master's turbulent emotions. Obanai would not rest until he ensured Mitsuri's safety, even if it meant confronting Accelerator again.
—
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票