clemymimi

[clemymimi]

He sensed the woman's uncertainty peeking out from her calm and elegant act that she was mandated to maintain in the way her eyes flitted to glance at his own, the silence feeling sniffling. It was likely that she felt uncomfortable, unfamiliar with dealing with an individual who appeared disinterested in the delicate but well-practicised back and forth that she was used to..

Maroon coloured eyes met purple one's as the silence was interrupted by her polite inquiry. The sheer notion of even considering to engage with such human customs was so irrevocably colliding with the truth of his heart that it could have no hope of being executed in a way that was bending to the typical customs society would have preferred. Then again... even as a human.. he had been unable to comply... leaving his status, family, his wealth behind without a second glance when the opportunity had arisen at age seventeen.. truly... there was simply no way that kokushibo could stomach such a etiquette abiding decision in this context: "It is...unecessary... do not... trouble yourself..."

His eyebrows relaxing from their slight frown only a fraction, eyes so quietly alive meeting hers for a split moment.

Answer provided, kokushibos thoughts once more strayed off to focus on the objective that had brought him here... he hoped daki would soon have finished her task so that he would not be required to remain in this institution for longer than necessary.

Those thoughts were softly interrupted by the woman's voice.. it was a poem.. an ancient one. It was quite uncommon... for people of this age to be familiar with such old pieces - for they had already been considered old during his own childhood.

A poem that spoke of impermanence.. and the fragility of life.. an intriguing piece to share in this very context... after all.. Ono no Komachi had written many verses about romantic entanglements which would have logically been more befitting in this specific context. So to have selected this one in particular spoke much about the woman's ability to read the rooms currents.

"You are well-educated..."

There was not much to remark in this situation. The obvious observations concluded about the woman were attributes to be held in the depths of one's soul.

It was not often that he found himself in situations that filled him with a slight hint of uncertainty. Primarily due to his distinct lack of education and information when it came to handling the intricate nature of oiran culture. The woman that daki had seen fit to send his way without explanation harboured an elegant and soft complexion, her eyes the colour of his kimono - a fascinating attribute to wield- her body language self-assured in her practiced deferrence, lips twisted into an amicable smile.. her every movement dictated by unspoken rules that she knew how to wield well and with grace. It would have been a fascinating aspect to study... if his own... experiences.. did not prevent his comfort around the female population in such a specific setting.

Alas, such sentiments were ill-suited for the taisho era customs. A notion of incredible confusion due to his wearing of the face belonging to an era that had encouraged it.

His body had been positioned in the usual seiza position he tended to adopt, posture straight and quietly magnetising, his eyes quietly taking in the setting and the woman in front of him, subtly expressive in how alive and alert they looked, the only sign of his discomfort a delicate frown of his sharp well defined eyebrows and a soft press of lips, fingers slightly clutching the folds of his traditional black hakama pants where they were lying on his lap.

He had little perspective for how to treat this specific situation and he had always been averse to light chatter for the sake of filling the silence.. no matter how quietly oppressive.

[clemymimi]

'The two companions' by Joseph von Eichendorff, 1818

[clemymimi]

@particlecreator liked for hcs for kokushibos dynamic with Eve, Aizetsu and Hinatsuru

Disclaimer: I tried my best, but for most of these it's simply too early to tell kokushibos dynamic because they've either only just met.. or they've never met in the canon verse

Eve (demon verse)

FIRST - Kokushibo is, inspite of his detached nature, quite responsible. Meaning: he sees demon eve being a mess and ends up reluctantly taking her under his wing. It is not known whether he is informed about her capabilities by muzan. Regardless, he likely senses that there is something off about her and it's enough for him to feel inclined to keep an eye on her (for muzan-samas sake at least)

SECOND - Kokushibo is intrigued by how her demonic appearance is kept remarkably close to human appearances. It only further suggests his hunch that she's more connected to humanity than most demons - whether it's because she's new or internally still attached to it matters little

Eve (nobleman's daughter)

FIRST - kokushibo doesn't know Eve yet. He does however sense her persistence. He has no interest in companionship aside from a few exceptions but he also sees no need to kill the woman unless she prevents him from executing his goals

SECOND - Kokushibo is quite caring if you manage to get through to him (although the process is akin to watching the petals of a flower slowly uncurl itself)

Aizetsu (Canon verse)

FIRST - Kokushibo finds most demons (and upper ranks) too loud for his tastes. He is a highly sensitive person and he finds it emotionally exhausting to be around people who scream their feelings out into the world. Perhaps that is one of the reasons why he tolerates aizetsus company to such a degree. Whereas others shout, aizetsu whispers. That and sadness and melancholy have always been steady companions of kokushibo himself which is why he is able to relate to Aizetsu to some degree.

SECOND - for example: although kokushibo likes akaza, he cannot bring himself to spend much time in his company if akaza is being too hot-tempered again. Akaza is very professional most of the time but he has his moments of temper. Kokushibo can handle himself just fine but it does drain him. It's one of the reasons why Aizetsu is likely the only upper rank that Kokushibo would voluntarily spend time with for an extended period of time.

THIRD - That doesn't mean he necessarily cares.. he does to some degree but he's not invested. The only person that kokushibo is invested in is Muzan-sama. But Kokushibo does pay attention and remembers whatever aizetsu has shared with him and he treats him with more respect than he does any of the other upper ranks (he's rather respectful in general but his treatment is noticeable)

Hinatsuru (Canon verse)

FIRST - Kokushibo finds Hinatsurus calm but intelligent demeanour comforting. He finds himself genuinely enjoying her company as he finds her thoughtfulness both relatable and to be a soothing presence.

SECOND - She is the only adult human Kokushibo can see himself growing attached to in some manner, her emotional intelligence and patience mirroring his own and making him feel seen in a way that he has rarely experienced (only really with muzan-sama) hence why he would genuinely be protective of her in some manner.

THIRD - Kokushibo is aware that Hinatsuru is more than she seems but even the knowledge of her loyalty to to the corps wouldn't faze him. As long as she doesn't pause a genuine threat to the upper ranks and missions, kokushibo would not kill her. Kokushibo has always been an advocate for free and independent thinking and nuance and fairness. He understands that people align themselves with the demon slayer corps for various reasons and because she technically isn't a real demon slayer, he would not feel obliged to kill her unless she steps into his way (or muzan-samas)

[clemymimi]

@divineiichor liked for hcs for kokushibos dynamic with muzan

Lunar eclipse (Canon verse)

FIRST - Kokushibo is prone to apathy and detachment most of the time. The centuries of demonhood have caused him to become estranged from humanity's flow of time in the sense that he does not keep track of their state of government nor civil wars and feuds. As a being that has witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilisations and battles, it is difficult to remain up to date on what he considers to be fluid. That being said, muzan (and children) are the only things that manage to draw Kokushibo into the present moment. Kokushibo is at his most expressive and softest around muzan and it is around the demon king that kokushibo feels comfortable to be every facette of himself.

SECOND - The only significant development of society that truly stuck to kokushibo (and that he actually registered) was the fact that same-sex relationships slowly grew to be frowned upon, which is a stark contrast to the environment michikatsu grew up in, where deep connections between males was highly encouraged and affairs with the same sex were quite common amongst samurai society. Whilst Kokushibo has never felt the need to parade his personal preferences around, they are an intricate part of him and it makes him feel constricted that same sex partnerships are forbidden. Not because Kokushibo is one to enact affection in public but because of the sheer fact that he is forbidden from doing so even if he wanted to. It is one of the reasons why he tends to avoid cities or places with many humans. Whenever he is in a populated location with muzan the weight of humanity's intolerance often leaves a bitter taste in his heart.

THIRD - Whenever Kokushibo is not in muzans presence, he tends to miss him dearly. Not because he needs muzan to function.. but because kokushibo tends to carry those he cares for in his heart at all times. Meaning that he spends quite a bit of time in muzans absence.. just thinking about muzan. Even when interacting with other demons or people his mind unavoidably always circles back to the demon king.

FOURTH - Kokushibo doesn't feel comfortable with sleeping outside of the Infinity fortress. He has always been hyper-vigilant of threats and it is only within muzans territory that he can lower his guard. He still has an easier time with falling asleep when in muzans presence though (preferably with his nose buried in muzans neck, hair, chest or whatever piece of muzan he can reach in that moment as kokushibo associates muzans scent with safety)

FIFTH - Whenever Kokushibo is not all over Japan fulfilling muzans requests or training in nature or simply roaming the lands because he loves moongazing and introspection at night - kokushibo is often found in the infinfity fortress. Whilst kokushibo has his own designated area he more often than not, can be found in muzans private section of rooms. Either because he is in muzans company or because he feels muzans absence keenly and simply finds comfort in being somewhere that has traces of muzans presence all over. It also helps him rest easier.

SIXTH - kokushibo tends to lend himself a book he has seen muzan read from muzans library whenever he misses muzan just a little too much. He tends to read it with care whilst slightly tracing the pages and imagining muzans elegant hands doing the same. The smell of books also helps him feel closer to muzan. (This is mostly because muzan is quite busy with his disguises so the chances of them both being in the Infinity fortress at the same time is just as likely as It is that neither of them are at the castle or only one of them is)

SEVENTH - muzan is the person Kokushibo has smiled for the most. Muzans own good mood tends to influence kokushibos mood positively. In return, whenever muzan is in a bad mood, kokushibo tends to meet it with quiet tenderness and devotion. Whilst kokushibo is not prone to mood swings he does feel sad whenever muzan is in a bad mood. Still, usually a loving hug and quietude (maybe a good book) and a little kiss tend to do the trick. That's kokushibos go-to method for cheering up muzan and he's committed to it.

EIGHTH- Whenever Kokushibo initiates a kiss, it tends to be short and sweet. That doesn't mean that he dislikes other forms of kissing (he very much likes any kiss muzan gives him) it's just a reflection of how he shows affection: meaningful, gentle, reliable and calm. He's not a storm, he is a flood. Intense but unassuming, deeply devotedl but quiet.

NINTH - whilst kokushibo is not blind to muzans flaws or negative characteristics, he is spoiled. Very spoiled. Muzan has never once been angry with him and never once punished him. Which is a good thing because muzans own disappointment (without being directed at anything) is enough to make kokushibo sad. Nobody wants to know what would happen if muzan ever is disappointed in kokushibo in some manner. (Kokushibo would not be able to cope. At all.) For all of his emotional intelligence and perceptiveness, kokushibo struggles to separate disappointment with -> never wanting anything to do with him again. Hmm we all wonder where that stems from.. definitely not the time seven year old michikatsu was cast aside from his role as the heir despite having practiced the sword every day until his hands bled - because yoriichi turned out to be inhumanely talented- as though michikatsu was worth nothing. Yep, that definitely did not stick with kokushibo AT ALL.

TENTH - Kokushibo is very in tune with muzan and muzans emotional state. He is also fiercely loyal towards muzan and loves him deeply. That means he is his most vulnerable around muzan which also means that things that usually wouldn't hurt kokushibo in any other context, would be deeply hurtful if they came from muzan. Especially due to his deep trust in muzan.

ELEVENTH - whenever Kokushibo hugs muzan in some manner, kokushibos hair is so floofy and long and spiky and poofy that muzan pretty much always ends up with at least a few strands of it in his face. (Cuz kokushibo is cat😌)

Modern reincarnation verse

FIRST - Michikatsu has known for a long time.. that he is not interested in women. The military background he grew up in however, has had him keep this fact contained. It is not that he has the need to shout it out to the world.. but it does sadden him that he would be met with scorn if his preferences were recognised. That being said.. he does not pretend to be something he is not and neither does he hide it. It is a part of him after all. Muzan is the first person.. who will know.

SECOND - Michikatsu was heavily influenced by American values due to having been raised in the USA. Especially because Fort Irwin (where he has been living for the first 27 years of his life) is close to Las Vegas and Los Angeles (aka hollywood). It is not surprising that he was around when the Disney channel craze had reached its peak (with Hannah Montana) with him having been 13 when the first episode aired in 2006. There are other Disney shows that he's familiar with of course but this one is the most famous one of that earlier era.

He knows muzan (and most people in japan) wouldn't understand the reference. Whilst he was never a fan of the series, it was unavoidable not to know the show and other shows especially with where he lived and it's a big part of his childhood values.

THIRD - access to anime was not overly large back then and the few shows that did air on TV never caught Michikatsus interest (too heavily focused on fights) when he became older his already pretty sparse watching of any sort of media reclined even further as he focused more on training, university and other obligations and as such when streaming services that offered anime catalogues aired, he did not find the time to watch them. As a consequence whilst he is familiar with the more mainstream animes name wise.. he has not watched a lot of them.. (in case muzan would like to share or give some recommendations ;) /silli)

FOURTH - Michikatsu left the States after his father's death (and his mothers worry about a certain spark missing in michikatsu - his mother talking to michikatsus supervisor who had connections to Kibutsuji-sama who was currently looking for someone to be his son's (muzan) bodyguard. Michikatsus supervisor managed to secure an application spot for michikatsu and his mother encouraged michikatsu to take it as it would grant him the opportunity to move to the land his ancestors had come from and see it with his own eyes for the first time, holding the wish that michikatsu find his spark) michikatsu has always felt... like something is missing. All his life he has done what his father had desired (with the exception of getting to choose the subject he would complete his bachelor for.. although even his bachelor was but a way to secure a spot in the special army forces ) so that when his father passed away.. michikatsus primary drive in life, his father, was gone.. and the absence in michikatsus heart that had always existed left michikatsu aimless. The spark being his sense of purpose, his reason. Why was he born? What is the meaning he searches for in his life? That spark was ignited within michikatsu the first time he set eyes on muzan kibutsuji. Like a forgotten melody of which only half the notes were present. For now, it is nothing but an ember.. small enough that michikatsu does not yet realise its significance.. but it will grow in time..

FIFTH - Michikatsu is enchanted by muzans 'force of nature' presence. Kibutsuji-samas heir is frail in health but the way his mind operates is meticulous and sharp.. just as his temperament and bearing. Michikatsu finds that incredibly appealing. Whatever muzan does, Michikatsu is simply bound to find alluring. (Michikatsu has horrendous taste but it's okay because he's happy)

(I realise that this verse has little kokuzan in it but that's because I've already shared a lot of kokuzan hcs for this au heh :3 and didn't want to repeat myself :3)

Kimetsu gakuen

(Whilst never discussed I wanted to include this one as well for my soul because they're adorable.)

FIRST - Kokushibo would do anything to make muzan happy. Even get himself involved in ridiculous school contests. (This is not a headcanon, this is literally canon guys 😭) he just wants to see muzan smile and not be stressed for once. His heart rests easier whenever muzan is content

SECOND - Kokushibo loves attending to muzans needs and he is quietly protective of him... even amidst muzans employees. You insult muzan in his presence? You disrupt the workspace and you got yourself a piece of eyes staring at you through black sunglasses, daring you to do it again.

THIRD- whilst muzan has gifted kokushibo with his own punishment gadget, kokushibo only ever uses it whenever the employees fuck up so badly that he just had to punish it to ensure that they feel the consequences of their actions (and the time and effort it took to correct them)

FOURTH - Kokushibo is a little older than muzan in this verse (at least I'd like to believe so) albeit not by much. I have registered kokushibo to have been born in 1994 because yes. That means dating the year 2025.. that would make him 31 years old. It also explains his comment about not understanding what tanjiro said and bemusedly considering 'cookushibo' to be a nickname, musing about 'I suppose this is how young people get along...' which hints at him not considering himself young enough to be connected to the youth of today + you need to be 20 to be able to join the US special forces. As a special forces officer it was required to have a bachelor (which takes 4 years in America) given that kokushibo was basically an officer in kimetsu no yaiba when he was still a samurai (as he led subordinates into battle) - although the termology was different - it is safe to assume he has not simply enlisted but that he used to hold an officer position in the special forces. From age 22-24 he worked in the analytical/intelligence department in the regular Army, comissioned as o1 (later promoted to 02 two years later at age 24) with 'top secret' clearance and at age 24 he was able to join the special forces where he remained until the age of 27/28 or 29. It depends on when he decided to retire and when muzan hired him. Kokushibo was promoted to O3 (captain) at age 26/27.

[clemymimi]

Like if you want me to share hcs that I have regarding my muses (kokushibo) dynamic towards yours! ♡

(Please only like if we've interacted in a rp setting before or if you'd like to interact in a rp setting with my muse! 💕)

[clemymimi]

It was always a joy, the blonde mused to himself, to uncover places old and new. There was always something worth enjoying. The universe was filled with complexities. The joy laid in appreciating the smaller things, the gestures of kindness that some considered as 'not a big deal', the sense of community amidst a group of individuals.. the fresh air filled with life.. or the buzz of a small market place.

For but a second his eyes closed, his lips parting to inhale the exotic fumes of different species' cultures intermingling. His eyes opened a split second later, a small smile gracing his features: "Ah.. the beauty of cultural exchanges." His voice filled with dry yet soft amusement.

It was then that he realised that his standing still had been blocking the traffic.. and he abruptly changed from calm musings into dynamic movement, his coat swirling as he moved, risking a glance at every table albeit stopping to inspect a few specimen that succeeded in fascinating him - his glasses sitting atop the bridge of his nose as he thoughtfully frowned at them.

Safe to say, he ended up spending a few minutes at the market.

Just when he was about to at last exit the place, a loud voice that called for his name led him to halt in his tracks.

His face turned around, patiently searching for the owner of the voice amidst the crowdy place, remaining in place - just as the voice had asked him to.

As the figure seemed to be running towards him, the doctor caught a clearer sight of the strangers features - his eyes instantly catching sight of the cybernetics decorating part of his face.. recognising their origin almost immediately.

His brows furrowed.

Whilst he did not run away, it was enough to have him be on his guard, albeit politely. His hands still at his sides - glasses long since safely stored in the pockets of his coat- whilst maintaining a certain distance between himself and the stranger: "Yes?" Cautious but ultimately open-minded to what this interaction would bring forth.

face to face || @softlyonwards & bastian black

If it hadn't been for the cyber-tech whirring away inside his eye, he would have missed the man completely. Bastian had been standing in the middle of the crowded marketplace, turning over some discarded pieces of alien junk the stall's owner insisted was top of the line (unlikely, on a moon like this) -- when his scanner locked on to something moving at the far end of the market. He still wasn't entirely sure just how all that Mondasian tech worked, but for once, he didn't care because it had spotted just about the only thing he could bring himself to care about lately. A long tan coat, just fluttering out of sight as Bastian's head snapped up to follow the movement.

Already, the monitors inside the cybernetic lens were matching the fabric to images snatched from the Cyberium before his link had been severed.

It was him.

"HEY!"

Bastian dropped what he was holding, and a moment later he was racing after the vanishing figure. He couldn't lose him. Not now. He hadn't followed the stranger halfway across the universe just to lose him in a crowd! Not now... Please...

"HEY! WAIT! DOCTOR!"

[clemymimi]

It was not often that he found himself in situations that filled him with a slight hint of uncertainty. Primarily due to his distinct lack of education and information when it came to handling the intricate nature of oiran culture. The woman that daki had seen fit to send his way without explanation harboured an elegant and soft complexion, her eyes the colour of his kimono - a fascinating attribute to wield- her body language self-assured in her practiced deferrence, lips twisted into an amicable smile.. her every movement dictated by unspoken rules that she knew how to wield well and with grace. It would have been a fascinating aspect to study... if his own... experiences.. did not prevent his comfort around the female population in such a specific setting.

Alas, such sentiments were ill-suited for the taisho era customs. A notion of incredible confusion due to his wearing of the face belonging to an era that had encouraged it.

His body had been positioned in the usual seiza position he tended to adopt, posture straight and quietly magnetising, his eyes quietly taking in the setting and the woman in front of him, subtly expressive in how alive and alert they looked, the only sign of his discomfort a delicate frown of his sharp well defined eyebrows and a soft press of lips, fingers slightly clutching the folds of his traditional black hakama pants where they were lying on his lap.

He had little perspective for how to treat this specific situation and he had always been averse to light chatter for the sake of filling the silence.. no matter how quietly oppressive.

Starter for @demcnsden

It was not often that orders found the first upper rank within the folds of a city.. even less so that he stepped foot into such a horribly loud place on his own volition. The general sour experience that was every single location that housed more of those awfully modern vehicles or noisy crowds was a location best spent avoiding.

Still, muzan-samas requests would never be met with rejection and it was the particular inquiry of checking in on the upper rank, daki, that saw the demon moon traversing the bumbling streets of the red light district, his four additional eyes carefully tucked away, yellow irises changed to their once steady maroon, his sharp yet delicate facial features on full display and his sword safely hidden away and reduced in height to avoid the attention of the easily panicked masses.

Although he had remained quietly resolute on maintaining his usual clothing, his height made it unavoidable to stick out in some manner.

He was not oblivious to the lingering glances some people risked for one reason or another, as long as they remained without alarm or fear - the very last notion he wanted to cause was a mass chaos.

He would have usually preferred the backdoor entrance to the establishment to avoid the hassle of donning a human appearance and raising any sort of public regard.. but he had been mindful of the facility's setting he would enter.. and as such had not desired to cause the women working within it any undue panic.

As he reached the threshold of the entrance, his eyes quietly took in his surroundings. He had never been well acquainted with oiran culture for all of his four centuries of having lived on this earth.. as such the appropriate customs was not a matter he was familiar with.

[clemymimi]

Six yellow irises smoothly glided over to inspect the demon in front of him. It was uncommon.. to meet a fellow Upper rank amidst the lands of Japan.. as most of them preferred their respective areas and places they had carved out for themselves, an attempt of finding a home amidst immortality, a habit to remain sane. It was rather human.. then again... it was not as if kokushibos own habits had not remained largely the same from his past... although it had been more than four hundred years already...

Kokushibo had been aware of the search.. had seen it fit to listen to the surrending villagers gossip and rumours to contextualise the situation. Whilst he had not been explicitly ordered to aid, he had been in the area and his curiosity and... protectiveness of muzan-samas goals... had led to some careful inspection and reconnaissance.

It was not illogical for aizetsu to make an appearance, it was easy to conclude that he had been one of the individuals dispatched to deal with the conflict. Still, it had been quite a while since Kokushibo had last set his sight on the Clone.

Amidst all of the current upper ranks, Aizetsu had always been the least bothersome to his ears. Kokushibo could not pretend to elicit care towards most of them.. with akaza being an exception... but it was Aizetsus company that one could constitute as the most tolerable.. if not perhaps even a little stimulating.

Without a sound, the first upper rank elegantly shifted his body towards the others direction, the most obvious sign of quiet respect... for Kokushibo would not have bothered for anyone else amongst the upper ranks.. the tendency to cause scenes preventing Kokushibo from voluntarily showcasing even a sliver of accommodation.

It was with a quiet inclination of his head that the moon breather met aizetsus words with, a silent acknowledgement of the other's words.

"Likewise, Aizetsu..."

It was not difficult to speculate the reasons for aizetsus decision to greet him... but kokushibo had never once been particularly fond of small talk and as such could not bring himself to engage within it.

Starter for @clemymimi

Aizetsu and Urogi had been sent to some area on the other side of Japan when Upper Moon 4 had been tasked with scouting out some various areas that all came from the same lead. Muzan was desperately scouting any region that might have been rumored to have the blue spider lily. Sometimes traps were made up once a human was clever enough to figure out that someone was spending so much money for any leads or clues. This time, however, the demon king believed some demon slayers were trying to lure him out in the open which was why he wanted the clones of the Upper Moon to spread out and look as if they could handle themselves. Urogi had dropped the blue eyed demon in the forest not caring that he had broken bones from the impact from altitude they had been flying. The avian demon laughed before flying off to search over the mountains to see if he could spot any large number of demon slayers.

Slowly the male groaned as he was regenerating his broken bones that were twisting at various angles and snapped in half at some places. It did not take long for him to recover, but he sighed deeply before stretching out. Sometimes the bird clone could be so cruel to them by letting them fall to the ground to see how many broken bones they would get. At least this time he did not use his sonic yell as he fell which meant Urogi was aware how discreet he needed to be in case this was a trap. Collecting his jumonji yari from a nearby tree, he was getting ready to start the search, even though he did not believe any sign of the blue spider lily would be around. Like always this would be a dead end which saddened the demon how unfruitful their labor was going to be tonight, but no matter what the result will be they could not come back empty handed. His blue eyes glanced up looking at the night sky noticing how beautiful the view was without any clouds so the stars were shining clearly.

Humming softly as he paused on looking stuck within his thoughts before his gaze slowly shifted over the distance to see a familiar figure. Blinking a couple more times before rubbing his eyes to make sure he was just not seeing things, the Upper Moon smiled softly before walking over to go greet the fellow Upper Moon. It had been years or possibly even decades since he had last been able to speak to Kokushibo. Plus if he was in the area maybe he would be aware of any rumors that had been spreading recently about the blue spider lily or if this might be a trap being set up to lure out Lord Muzan. Once he was closer and was in range that the other would be able to hear him, he spoke calmly, “Lord Kokushibo, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I hope you have been well.”

[clemymimi]

Books, series' and films that Michikatsu/Kokushibo would have enjoyed

I've been planning to create a post that features kokushibos hobbies! One of these hobbies is reading. As a sengoku era samurai michikatsu was rather well-educated and likely read a lot of literature. I would have included this aspect in my post about his hobbies but I didn't want to go off-tangent too much. Hence why this gets its own post!

Before we get into it: most of these are German. That has two reasons: I am naturally the most familiar with German literature and also.. the two world wars that forever impact my country are a backdrop that michikatsu, as someone from one of Japan's roughest periods, can probably relate to. That being said.. I did try to include other stuff for some diversity:] I hope you enjoy!

Oh and.. spoiler warning for all of those. I'll try to paint the heavy spoilers in red in case you'd like to check out these pieces of media without being spoilered!

Books:

- 1984 by george orwell

Synopsis: a man who lives in a regime that observes and dictates the populations every movement joins its rebellion. He enters a relationship with a fellow rebel.

Why Michikatsu would find it appealing: The torture scene in the 101 room would especially capture his interest as it depicts the nature of brainwashing in its intensity. The ending is chilling as well. The entire dystopian and feeling of inevitability would be highly enjoyable to read. We all know the protagonist will not face a happy ending.. he doesn't stand a chance.. but the hope that perhaps it will all be okay.. is what grips us

- animal farm by george orwell

Synopsis: animals on a farm rebel against their farmer and start a state of their own on the farm. It comes with its challenges...

Why michikatsu would find it appealing: for exposing the inherent flaw of human nature. any sort of attempt at state. although the book was originally intended as a criticism against communism, michikatsu would consider it to be applicable to any state of government and how the human experience can often destroy itself.

- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Synopsis: Frankenstein has been fascinated by lightning since he was a child. He has always wanted to create life. When he succeeds.. he is horrified by his results..

Why michikatsu would find it appealing: the tragic beauty of Frankensteins monster, how his kindness and innocence is twisted by the people's reactions around him. How all it ever wanted is to live.. but that it has to hide in the shadows. He would be quietly resentful of Frankensteins abandonment and lack of accountability.

- Die Schachnovelle by Stefan Zweig

(Translation: the chess novel)

Synposis: on a cruise, our narrator meets a man who tells him his story. A former doctor.. who was locked up by the nazis..not in a concentration camp.. but in a hotel room, isolated and without distraction. He manages to steal a book but to his initial frustration it's a book about famous chess plays. He starts to play chess in his mind against himself to stay sane.... but he soon learns... that the line between salvation and addiction.. are remarkably slim. (Okay I'm sorry. The novel literally is 68 tiny pages long. I can't describe it without spoiling some of it pff)

Why it would appeal to michikatsu: the depiction of mania, of addiction, obsession...of splitting one's own mind to prevail one's sanity, the torture device of isolation.. the rich historical background that the nazi regime covers.. and the rough treatment the nazis put people through.

- das Versprechen by Friedrich dürrematt

Translation: the promise

Synopsis: detective matthai is supposed to soon go into retirement when he encounters a case that starts with a small girl murdered. He makes the mistake of promising the mother that she will find the murderer. He questions the person the police ends up declaring the murderer and decides to continue the investigations privately..

Why michikatsu would find it appealing: Dürrematt loves to use the nature of coincidence, 'die schlimmstmögliche wendung' (the worst possible outcome) in his books that capture his own world view. -> he views the world as an unpredictable and chaotic labyrinth where neither the blame of one individual nor the purpose for the individual can exist. Not one person can change the world. Just like matthai fails to the coincidence. This deeply pessimistic view and narration of losing one's mind by wasting away at a decision made would deeply appeal to michikatsu.

- die Physiker by Friedrich Dürrematt

Translation: the physicists

Synopsis: within a mental institution there reside three patients in the intensive wing: Albert Einstein (or so he says he is), Isaac Newton (or so he proclaims to be) and Johann wilhelm möbius. Just your average elderly crazy people, no? Except the drama tragedy starts with a murder of one of the nurses.

Why it would appeal to michikatsu: Because the drama lures you in by its comedic first act... and completely holds up a mirror in the second act. The police officer knows who killed the nurse (Albert einstein) and yet he can't arrest him. Nor can he arrest newton.. who has also killed a nurse three months ago. Because they are considered as mentally ill. It starts with a murder.. and ends with the potential destruction of the entire world because of a sacrifice in vain, because of 'the worst possible outcome' and all of this.. amidst the 1950s and the height of the cold war...

- die leiden des jungen werther by Johann Wolfgang von goethe

Translation: the suffering of the young Werther (werther is a name)

Synposis: Werther moves to the countryside to settle a conflict between his aunt and his mother. He is bewitched by nature and a certain beautiful lady.. only.. she's taken..

Why it appeals to michikatsu: this piece is 'sturm and drang' at its finest. The dichotomy of rationality whilst also embracing emotions. Precisely who michikatsu is at his core. Werther feels things strongly, sees the beauty in nature.. this is not a normal novel.. it is a novel that is a cautionary tale. Before the book even begins goethe tells us Werther's destiny: Werther killed himself. Here are letters he sent his friend.. let's find out why.

(Basically the structure of 13 reasons why, but goethe was there first)

Series':

- 'yes minister' and 'yes prime minister'

Synopsis: Jim Hacker becomes the new minister of administrative affairs and later on the prime minister of the UK. Sir humphrey Appleby the permanent secretary of the department of administrative affairs and Hacker play a tug of war between civil service and politicians over the course of both shows.

Why it appeals to Michikatsu: this might seem out of touch with michikatsus other tastes but michikatsu had to navigate samurai society from a young age and this sitcom perfectly captures the hypocrisy and truth of any political system. michikatsu would find comfort in the shows truthful depiction of utter nonsense that is politics

- the queen's gambit

Synopsis:the story follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon as she rises through chess competitions and struggles with addiction and alcohol dependency

Why it appeals to Michikatsu: the notion of seeing the world through a different lense, the way beth views chess, her struggles with mania and anti-social behaviour would all be highly intriguing

- the Truman show

Synospsis: Truman Burbank, the main character of the 'Truman show' since birth, a simulation of the world with cameras constantly watching his ever move. The problem? He is completely unaware of this.. and the rose tinted glasses of that illusion are slowly coming off...

Why it appeals to michikatsu: the slow unravelling of a dystopian world, the depiction of captivity and gaslighted, the parasocial relationship the creator of the series has towards Truman.. Truman's courage and desire for freedom despite having been raised by an environment that tried to stifle it? It's pretty obvious why it would appeal :3

- how I met your mother

Synopsis: Ted mosby is searching for his 'one true love'. Over the course of the series he and his friends (lily, Marshall, barney and robin) get up to all sorts of shenanigans

Why it appeals to michikatsu: purely and primarily the red string of narration. The symbolism of Ted's way of weaving story after story, of connecting the puzzle pieces that all eventually end up in Ted meeting his future wife was masterfully created. Every plot point serves its purpose, a lot of characters pop up later on again, everyone serves a purpose. That is, what would primarily draw michikatsu in. Ted's ability to give things meaning.

- doctor who

Synopsis: a time travelling alien flees from his home planet because they're a bunch of stuck ups. He lands on earth and gains travel companions. As his adventures continue so does the habit of picking up companions.

Why it appeals to michikatsu: the moral ambiguity of the doctor,the complex stories, the character development, the bonds, how the show showcases the quality of human nature, how it depicts loss, grief and love outside of the norm.. michikatsu would prefer classic who over new who due to its slower pace and focus on political intrigue and plots.

- squid game

Synopsis: 456 people who are in debt one way or another, one giant pile of cash... on an isolated island locked into deadly children's games..

Why it appeals to michikatsu: stripped off of any distractions or external influences, of the safety of life.. this is how humans behave..this is who they are. Greedy, selfish, aggressive.. but also kind, selfless and caring. Squid game shows that whilst there is much despair to be found within the human experience.. (through brutal but necessary happenings) there is also much hope to be found. A fact that the main character, gi-hun, himself is confronted with and chooses to actively embody time and time again.

- the act

Synopsis: based on a true story.. gypsy rose and her mother have had a rough life with gypsy's many illnesses. Luckily they have ample support to finance their new home after a hurricane destroyed their old one and they move into a new neighbourhood. Except.. gypsy is slowly becoming a teenager.. and her new friends lead her to question a few things.. for example... why is it that she needs a wheelchair.. when she can walk perfectly fine?

Why it appeals to michikatsu: gypsy slowly finding out that her mother has lied and gaslit everyone around her, gypsy trying to regain her autonomy without her mother knowing... and what gypsy and nick end up doing.. would fascinate michikatsu

Movies:

- Im westen nichts neues/ English title: all quiet on the western front (also exists in book form)

Synopsis: a class of boys decide to enlist in the first World War after their teachers speech had kindled their eagerness to serve the Vaterland (fatherland). But war is not just some glorified metaphor.. it's very real.. as they all are soon to realise..

Why it appeals to michikatsu: as a sengoku era samurai michikatsu is well accustomed to war and its bleak truth. This movie/book depicts the cruelty of war, that it is not a conflict between soldiers but a conflict between rulers. He would find it relatable.

- dead poets society (both the movie and the book)

Synopsis: Welton academy's stiffness is interrupted when the new professor John keating, an alumni of Welton academy, sets to teach literature. He ignited the boys love for poetry..and encourages them to 'seize the day'.

Why it appeals to michikatsu: Because keatings lessons are an attempt to teach free thinking amidst a system that is harsh and actively discourages it. The boys are filled with life thanks to keating.. but it is weighed down by family expectations and the coldness of Welton academy...

- 'Elser - Er hätte die Welt verändert'

Translation: elser, he could have changed the world

Synopsis: the most famous attempt on the Führers life is the Stauffenberg Attentat that took place on the 20th July of 1944.. and yet.. Stauffenberg was no one but a former nazi who was looking forward to building his own empire in Hitlers ruins.. and it takes many decades for georg elsers name to even fall in Germany in the first place.. on the 8th of November 1939.. a bomb goes off in a beer cellar in Munich meaning to take out Adolf Hitler and many others of the highest ranking nazi party members. The only reason why the attempt on Hitlers life fails? Hitler finished his speech earlier than planned and left beforehand.

Why it would appeal to michikatsu: whilst not particularly enamoured with the sensual aspects in this movie, the core message would be deeply appealing to michikatsu. The fact that elser did not act out of politicial beliefs - that he wasn't even part of any political party - but still sought to stop Hitler because he believed Hitler went against everything that makes one human... is a powerful message.

only further proven when various NS officials can't appear to grasp that elser did all of this not as a political plot.. but because he believed it to be the right thing to do.

Kudos to everyone who read the whole thing. I hope you had fun/could at least learn something new for yourself! ♡♡

[clemymimi]

Starter for @demcnsden

It was not often that orders found the first upper rank within the folds of a city.. even less so that he stepped foot into such a horribly loud place on his own volition. The general sour experience that was every single location that housed more of those awfully modern vehicles or noisy crowds was a location best spent avoiding.

Still, muzan-samas requests would never be met with rejection and it was the particular inquiry of checking in on the upper rank, daki, that saw the demon moon traversing the bumbling streets of the red light district, his four additional eyes carefully tucked away, yellow irises changed to their once steady maroon, his sharp yet delicate facial features on full display and his sword safely hidden away and reduced in height to avoid the attention of the easily panicked masses.

Although he had remained quietly resolute on maintaining his usual clothing, his height made it unavoidable to stick out in some manner.

He was not oblivious to the lingering glances some people risked for one reason or another, as long as they remained without alarm or fear - the very last notion he wanted to cause was a mass chaos.

He would have usually preferred the backdoor entrance to the establishment to avoid the hassle of donning a human appearance and raising any sort of public regard.. but he had been mindful of the facility's setting he would enter.. and as such had not desired to cause the women working within it any undue panic.

As he reached the threshold of the entrance, his eyes quietly took in his surroundings. He had never been well acquainted with oiran culture for all of his four centuries of having lived on this earth.. as such the appropriate customs was not a matter he was familiar with.

[clemymimi]

The eyes that lingered upon his gaze, told the tale of understanding. An uncommonly mutual notion that michikatsu had scarcely encountered during his life. It was... comfortable.. refreshing... a feeling that only further warmed his heart at the nod that followed .. a direct confirmation that the doctor had understood.

It was strange... michikatsu was not prone to trusting those unknown to him.. was not even prone to trusting those working for him in close quarters.. not due to a failure on their part.. but due to his highly self-reliant nature making it difficult to delegate responsibilities upon others.. as such.. this slow softening sensation he was able to feel in the doctors company... who was essentially, nothing more than a stranger.. it was... odd.

Yet michikatsu simultaneously could not bring himself to regret it, electing to trust his instincts that caused this strange feeling of safety around the doctor.

He might not have known the doctor for a long amount of time.. and yet the other had offered up more of his heart than anyone Michikatsu had ever encountered. It was only logical... that michikatsu found himself disarmed by the other's charm.

The softer tone was quietly registered by Michikatsu, the way it contributed to the shift in the atmosphere was noted... and the further contents of the words only served to strengthen that impression.

The doctor appeared the type of person to process abstract topics whilst conversing.. for most of the information that left his mouth, michikatsu had already known himself. It was not a negative lense from which to view it from, it was merely an observation..

Perhaps the doctor found it easier to process matters of the heart by walking through them step by step.. or perhaps he was used to spelling out his thoughts, sharing them with another.. to ensure they would be able to keep up.

It was a rather collaborative way of communicating.. and although it was unecessary.. it was commendable nonetheless.

Still, it felt unecessary to contribute a verbal answer to the question.. for it felt more akin to a statement.. and all the necessary information had already been said out loud.. as such michikatsu was content to await whether any further verbal remarks would leave the doctors mouth.

And it was a good thing that he had elected to wait as well, for the travelers words revealed a humble vulnerability.. that gave off the impression of being alike to a whisper in the forest... shared only underneath the quiet of the night where the secrets loomed.

The doctors words spoke of loneliness. Perhaps in this rushed lifestyle of his.. it was not easy to find others willing or fitted for the way his heart seemed to be wired. The hint at being aware of others future actions.. it was a telling sign of the other omniscience.. one combined with the fact that the doctor had been conscious of michikatsus name without the moon breather having ever gone out of his way to state so.. and the doctors previous assumptions regarding his person... it did carry heavy implications.

Implications... that would be best left untouched. It did not matter whether his own future was one of darkness, michikatsu held no interest in having his potential future set in stone by the doctor elaborating on it... whether for not time operated in such a manner was irrelevant, he held no interest in even being aware of any potential outcomes. It would only erase the illusion of free will..

And furthermore.. this was not about any bleak futures of his.. this was about the doctor.

The gratitude in the others eyes was unfounded.. michikatsu had done nothing but offer a space of quiet introspection... but... he would not reject it either.

"It is easy... to lose sight of complexity... and nuance.. in this world. Do not blame yourself ... whenever you fail... it is but ... a natural condition."

Nobody was capable of practicing nuance every second of the day, everyone was bound to mistakes.. the difference lay in whether one was willing to admit to it... which the doctor more than evidently seemed to be.

It was a night like any other. The enigmatic moon graced the lands with its gentle silvery glow, offering protection towards those souls who had succumbed to the bestiality the Corps worked so hard to rid themselves of.

It was quite the ironic fate... to dedicate one's life towards the harming of those who used to adorn the title of human just as much as their destroyers - whilst titling such a process as morally superior.

It was not Michikatsu's place to wreak judgment upon those matters of morality... for this world was far too nuanced to confidently claim differences such as right or wrong, and as such the Moon Hashira held little common ground with his fellow colleagues, his reasons for remaining exceeding any idealistic desires.

Regardless of his motifs, Michikatsu took his occupation seriously... which was why he dutifully trudged through the woods, his advanced senses attentively registering his surroundings to properly scout out the area he had been tasked to patrol.

Maroon-colored eyes attentively studied the lush of the trees, permitting the slight breeze to echo in his heart, letting the scent of the forest night permeate his senses and settle in the depths of his soul, allowing himself a flicker of tranquility even amidst the potential of danger that occupied the moonlit hours.

It was amidst a period of soundless walking at a slower pace that Michikatsu noticed something amiss. The hair at the back of his neck stood ajar as a strange tickling sensation coursed through his physical form.

And yet, Michikatsu knew... felt it deep within his bones... this was not the presence of a demon that had caused such a friction within his heart... but that of something far greater. The way time seemed to press upon him... caused his eyes to widen in silent confusion... and intrigue... for something within that presence... drew him closer... perhaps it was unwise... and yet Michikatsu could not help himself.

The Doctor stepped lightly from the shadows, his coat catching moonlight like it was woven from starlight itself. "Now, that’s interesting. Time’s all knotted around you, like it’s holding its breath. You feel it too, don’t you? That hum in your bones, like the universe is watching. Or waiting."

He tilted his head, eyes scanning Michikatsu with sharp curiosity, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Not a demon, no. Much older than that. Stranger. I’m the Doctor -- and you’ve just walked into a very peculiar wrinkle in time. Fancy helping me sort it out?”

He then paused, with a sparkle in his eye as he continued to say, “Or would you rather just stand there and brood under the moonlight?”

[clemymimi]

His mind was entirely flooded with the heavy tension, the prickling anticipation that had already existed earlier on.. but had steadfastly been growing over the course of their conversation. His previous blush had been one of surrender, surrender to the currents of the atmosphere, to letting those emotional undercurrents flow through him.. to muzan-sama.

It was not often that Kokushibo permitted himself such action, that he even felt in the right headspace to be confronted with such instincts in the first place.. the notion only having ever occurred around the demon king. As it was... there was no reason to reject this part of himself, it was but a natural consequence... a natural effect of the safety that the demon king brought forth. The moon breather knew, could feel it keenly within his body.. that allowing for this temporary lapse in the external, a state of outward inaction.. would always be steadfastly caught and guided by the other.

Fortunate, for Kokushibo found it specifically difficult to remain of a clear mind. He noticed the minute curve upon the other's lips, an elegant display that only served to deepen the internal influx of the tension that had sought home within his heart.

It was even much more difficult to remain focused on the words regarded his way, the subject of kaigaku.. appearing akin to a distant star in the sky, a direct consequence of his current state of mind.

It was not of particular necessity to reply at that moment, kokushibo could feel the soft yet firm ripples in the atmosphere that offered a glimpse in a potential future development.. and that replying verbally to such an observation would have destroyed the gentle but tensed quietude of the moment...one that Kokushibo was not eager to interrupt.

It was not as though the demon king's statement was met with disagreement. For that had been exactly what had ruminated within kokushibos mind. Albeit the first upper rank had not offered kaigaku demonhood with the purpose of recruiting a new replacement for the upper ranks. It truly had been nothing bit an opinion formed across weeks of observing the thunder breather's progress and attitude.. a carefully crafted assessment that had not been rushed and yet had still reached the conclusion that kaigakus prowess would fit into the demon moons quite nicely.

Although kokushibo had remained updated of the newest developments at all time, the particular of muzan-samas plan remained uncovered as of yet.. but kokushibo trusted them to be as meticulous and efficient as always and as such factual knowledge remained unecessary. He would always trust the demon king to know how to operate his puzzle pieces to their optimal abilities.. muzan-sama had handpicked most upper moons and turned them into demons for this exact purpose after all. His intimate knowledge of each of their weaknesses and strengths.

Still whatever had been orchestrated by muzan-sama... it would not require a lot of time... until it was executed, kokushibo could feel it within his bones.

Kokushibos musings were interrupted by the sliver of amusement he could feel stemming from the other's heart, the sensation succeeding in drawing him back to the present, yellow irises once more attentively meeting those pools of red that one could spend lifetimes gazing upon.

The soft lull of surrender once more tugging at kokushibos mind at the pull that persisted between them.. that could be found within those red eyes.

Something appeared to be unfolding within those almond eyes.. something that seemed to unravel as muzan-samas hand on his chest began to traverse upwards, a possessive and intense caress that brought forth an onslaught of heavy impressions upon kokushibos senses, his lips further parting as his senses were left buzzing from the restless energy the tantalising touch had caused. The tension reaching its peak as kokushibos statue remained stock still, eyes glazing over and unable to maintain direct eye contact in the face of such tender possession. The touch quietly grounding him within muzan-samas presence whilst also simultaneously leading him into the abyss of darkness, his perception of time and his environment stunted to such a degree that he could not account the moment those elegant hands found his jaw, sharp nails carefully mapping out his jaw line, a gesture that caused the moon breather's eyes to flutter shut, to trustingly bask in the controlling touch that those sharp talons of darkness promised, the urge to surrender only solidifying.

It was a touch that had ceased far too quickly, that did not linger on his skin.. albeit still traceable within his heart.

Still, the first upper rank was not given too much time to dwell on the fleeting sensation.. for those same sharp nails found the back of his neck, sinking into his black spiky locks with the comforting familiarity of someone who had partook in the very same touch many many times before.

Kokushibos mind was already positively overstimulated with sensations before that hand guided him downwards.. as such it was a silent command barely registered, the answering reaction akin to floating water bending to the currents of the ocean. And then... when the moon at last reunited with its night sky, the only thing that remained of any matter within kokushibos senses was the steady press of lips against his own.

The sensation a grounding one that managed to allow a surge of calm to course through kokushibo once more. Whereas he had been plagued by restless energy moments before.. the anticipation of the tension dissolving piece by piece... the currents were now a calm pond of comfort.

It felt only natural, to reciprocate. Lips gently moving against steady one's, a slow patient motion intent on recapturing the unique taste of the other, recatalouging within the mind, tongue peeking out every so often in an innocent attempt of allowing his every sense to register these lips to the fullest capacity, calloused palm locating the elegant curve of the demon king's chin to follow up on the internal urge to reach out, to soothe, to hold.

Nose still ever so slightly nuzzling in those black wavy locks, heavily taking in the sharp yet sweet aroma that was distinctively belonging to the demon king, kokushibo allowed his mind to drift... ever so slightly.

It was difficult to remain focused on formal related matters when one could feel the thrum of tension... the pull of temptation to breach even closer, it burned within his heart, his body aflame by the intensity and heaviness of the atmosphere.

It was not often that he registered emotions on the level of a visceral physical reaction but in this case... the soft feeling swirling around in his stomach as an internal reaction to the thickness of the air was not unfamiliar.. it was merely... not particularly common.

Their time spent apart.. had truly been underestimated.

Although kokushibo did not possess the opportunity to gaze into muzan-samas eyes - as averted as they were - it did not escape his senses nor six yellow irises when the demon king's hand shifted to place themselves upon the desk. Reading the body language of another had always been a matter the moon breather had excelled at.. as it was.. it was safe to identify that the demon king was just as affected by their separation as he was.

It was not a new notion.. to have the demon king caught in a deep emotional sensation.. yet it did not occur much.. even over the course of nearly five hundred years. Kokushibo was not oblivious to the way his own sentiments carried over into intense physical feelings... and as such he was much more familiar with such intense bouts compared to muzan-sama. It meant he could perfectly understand the parameters of the other's feelings...

And yet, even now the demon king's actions reflected his restraint, his control. It was an admirable quality, one that had brought the first upper rank comfort more times than he could count. Prone to intensity, muzan-samas centered self often had acted as a quiet anchor. Even now... with the other's restraint occurring under immense effort - for it permeated the air, weighed on kokushibos heart as though it were his own - muzan-sama remained steadfast.

It caused Kokushibo to melt further, his insides warming at the sense of safety that he tended to associate with the demon king. A silent exhale leaving the moon breather's lips, the soft breath gently tousling those wavy locks.

It was not often that Kokushibo permitted himself such a loss of decorum.. such a lapse in professionalism... and yet... he was conscious of the fact that there was no need to hold back, to contain himself amidst the comforting thrum of the darkness because it would always steadfastly hold every fiber of his being, always anchor the depth of his heart.

The act of surrender.. had never once felt forced within its presence, more akin to a natural and organic progression as though it had always been meant to be.

As though there did not exist a twist of fate in which the enthralling darkness did not willingly.. and eternally claim him.

With his mind adrift to such an extreme extent - his thoughts mostly focused on the demon king's intoxicating presence, letting it flow through his body, heart and soul with quiet contentment.. it was a miracle that the others words could reach his mind...and yet.. the former samurai could not imagine ever not being brought back to the external whenever that deep voice called.

The first remark was met with nothing but a quiet hum of acknowledgement, even In this particular state it was painstakingly easy to feel the truth of the demon king's words in his heart.. and registering it as nothing but a quiet acknowledgement.. acceptance.. of the way sentiment and logic continued to perpetually co-exist within Kokushibo...even centuries later.

There was nothing necessary to add, for muzan-sama had long since been heavily familiar with his every detail.

"To witness survival... drown pride.. it is not a feat... many would be capable of."

Perhaps it was not necessary to elaborate, for muzan-sama had long since accepted his choice.. but there was no reason to disguise his own thought process either. Especially because kokushibo was quite conscious of the fact that these small details were not often notions that muzan-sama prioritised in his own recruitment.

"If carefully honed further.. such characteristics.. possess the potential.. to rise above most.."

Eerily similar to upper moon three, akaza. A fiery spirit that reluctantly deferred to others.. it would not be the same of course, for no two individuals were of the identical emotional make-up.. but it was an apt comparison regarding kaigakus potential.

It only required.. careful implementation. It had always been easy.. to know just where to twist and turn.. to gain the desired results.. the desired refinement desired in another, not to own.. but to permit them to grow into the best version of themselves. Not by force.. but through patience.. through autonomy... through guidance.. not to mention that a stubborn soul such as kaigaku.. dealt best with being unaware... of the changes and refinement he would be undergoing.

It was muzan-samas gaze that brought him back from his musings, six eyes settling on the demon king, attentively observing as the distance between them was at last broken by the others hand placed on his chest, accompanied by a quiet hum. The lingering touch, accompanied by those graceful sharp talons was indeed easily registered by kokushibo. The touch grounding, only making it more difficult to remain in place.. and yet.. kokushibo was unwilling to interrupt the demon king's further words.

They were as insightful as always, leading kokushibo to quietly incline his head ever so slightly - conscious of how close he was to muzan-samas soft locks and not wishing to jostle them.

The remark that followed was by no means unexpected either. Many individuals had desired to claim the feat of defeating the first upper rank. Most of them...had not lived to tell the tale.

"He.. is encouraged.. to try...of course.."

It was a benefit to harbour a feasible goal, no matter how unattainable. Not due to any arrogance on his part.. but because it was simply useless to deny the truth of the matter.

with the compulsion of having properly engaged with the demon king's words to the best of his abilities, kokushibo once more allowed his senses to focus on the feather light touch on his chest. A touch that was intimately familiar, by a hand that had been intertwined with his own more times than he could count, his senses overwhelmed by the quiet desire to breach the distance even further, the urge so strong it manifested in the softest of rosy blushes on his sharp yet elegant facial features, lips ever so slightly parted silently, willfully drowning in the intensity of the others eyes gazing deeply into his own and mere centimetres apart.

[clemymimi]

As his movements continued within their deliberate leisurely pace, the person trailing him did not appear fond of ceasing her efforts any time soon.

It was most curious. Who in their right mind would willingly set forth to pursue him? Demons sought to avoid his intense presence whilst demon slayers would have sought to attack in some manner or form - spurned on by the foolish hope of eliminating him or die trying. The fanaticism of youth truly knew no bounds.. then again.. centuries ago during kokushibos own tenure as moon pillar, such moral preaching had already persisted amongst the ranks. It was to be expected.. for maintaining a movement amidst mortals was best guaranteed by carrying forth a story. Souls eternally succumbing to the fate of death.. yet the ideology persisting within their hearts.

It would have been admirable if it were not so utterly rigid.

As kokushibo continued to quietly wander he permitted his mind to focus a sliver of his attention on the being behind him.. to ensure he did not miss the others potential choices.

The person's reasoning for following him remained unclear.. perhaps it was best not to dwell on it too heavily. Especially as the calming atmosphere of the woods made way for open fields.. fields that were tainted by the steady sinking of the moon.

Of course kokushibo had not forgotten the day once more creeping up upon him. It was unfortunate.. yet kokushibo had not spent the past four hundred years clumsily stumbling through the complications that came with demonhood. It was little trouble to locate the nearest cave - having spent the majority of his existence within nature he knew precisely which signs to look for - and the first upper rank quietly disappeared with the gusts of the wind, movement quicker than previously.. it was of vital importance after all..

To be found safely tucked away in the cave nearby. The only thing, kokushibo quietly mused to himself, one could miss about his past human body.. was the ability to walk without fear of the sun burning one to ashes.. albeit he had always been far more fond of the night it was still best not to be restricted at all.

Regardless, it had been a price worth paying for his human body would not have been able to last long enough to partake in such long walks in the first place.

A multitude of decades had passed ever since his own acclaimed demonhood, most of it spent honing his skills or fulfilling the demon king's tasks. As it was, the human condition continued entrenched within the unavoidable cycle of life. Time had continued spinning around him, six eyes now much more capable of glimpsing upon its concept as not only one of its children... but as an observer.

Whilst time did not escape his senses - more tied to his spirit more than ever - it ran at a different amount of time unlike the humans around them.

The first upper rank had seen empires and civilisations fall, had born witness to countless individuals losing the fight against time, money, power, ideologies...

It mattered little which of said reasonings slumbered within these human hearts, kokushibo had never invested much time in intersubjective beliefs - had not even done so during his own days as a human.

And because of this... it mattered little what goal had been contained behind the actions of the humans that had ambushed another group of humans underneath the soft tingle of the moonlight. Usually the upper rank had the tendency to avoid human scuffles.. and yet..it had stretched out right under his nose... and the screams had been terribly disrupting the peace of the gentle cool of the night...

To attack another.. another wholefully unprepared or expecting of a battle.. was deeply shameful.

Suffice to say, the cowardly humans had easily been dealt with, their ear-straining voices, which earned them a slight scrunch of the moon Breather's sharp yet delicate nose, clearly cut through by a few well-timed strikes of his katana.

It took no longer than ten seconds.. the resulting aftermath awfully bloody. The humans of this era - whatever its current name - were awfully tasteless. Reminiscent of the bloodiest battles during the sengoku era.

Kokushibos eyes averted themselves from the unappealing and corpse lidden scenery, his silent steps continuing down the road, black hakama pants and purple and black checkered kimono ever so slightly fluttering in the wind.

He was not foolish, his advanced senses easily registering the presence that tentavely appeared to be following him... it was not a cause for concern. Their destiny would depend entirely on their own actions.... and as such Kokushibo felt no need to interrupt their trekking.

[clemymimi]

The others softening of stance succeeded in receding Michikatsus own skepticism- if ever so slightly. His heart softening in a miniscule way as he bore witness to the quiet elaboration from rigidity.

Michikatsu had long since grown used to the moral superiority of those around him.. how utterly convinced of the black and white lense they viewed the world out of they all were.. instead of heeding the nuance and the murky spaces between. It was his unconscuous presumption that the doctor would adhere to similar parameters that had fueled michikatsus skepticism. An unfounded procedure that Michikatsu held no shame in admitting. Even he was not exempt from conclusions.

His eyes remained attentive of the other's words. Yes, in such dangerous line of work the creating of assumptions was sadly not a matter one could circumvent. It was admirable.. but most neglected to see beyond their imagined vision.. although it was clear now.. that such an observation could not be applied to the doctor.

Michikatsu would have elected to apologise except.. that in his heart it did not feel like the appropriate reaction to extend in this very moment.. the atmosphere far too soft, far too understanding.. that a verbal apology would threaten to unroot it..

The half-smile and comment about the doctors own identity as a work in progress was met with a further subtle softening of michikatsus sharp yet delicate facial features, maroon coloured eyes not filled with warmth...but quiet understanding.

Watching such honesty and emotional vulnerability unfold in front of him, awakened a very specific part within Michikatsu, a part that usually required much more time to rise from its slumber. It was alarming... how quickly the urge to soothe had been unlocked in the strangers company.

And yet.. the way the stranger wore his heart on his sleeve... made it difficult to curb such instincts.

The lightness of the other's tone, his fleeting smile.. an attempt at calming... at cheering up the air around them.. it was unecessary, the other had already long succeeded in said endeavour.

"Assumptions... are unavoidable... it is not... a matter of concern... as long as one ... is open to... new developments."

It was a night like any other. The enigmatic moon graced the lands with its gentle silvery glow, offering protection towards those souls who had succumbed to the bestiality the Corps worked so hard to rid themselves of.

It was quite the ironic fate... to dedicate one's life towards the harming of those who used to adorn the title of human just as much as their destroyers - whilst titling such a process as morally superior.

It was not Michikatsu's place to wreak judgment upon those matters of morality... for this world was far too nuanced to confidently claim differences such as right or wrong, and as such the Moon Hashira held little common ground with his fellow colleagues, his reasons for remaining exceeding any idealistic desires.

Regardless of his motifs, Michikatsu took his occupation seriously... which was why he dutifully trudged through the woods, his advanced senses attentively registering his surroundings to properly scout out the area he had been tasked to patrol.

Maroon-colored eyes attentively studied the lush of the trees, permitting the slight breeze to echo in his heart, letting the scent of the forest night permeate his senses and settle in the depths of his soul, allowing himself a flicker of tranquility even amidst the potential of danger that occupied the moonlit hours.

It was amidst a period of soundless walking at a slower pace that Michikatsu noticed something amiss. The hair at the back of his neck stood ajar as a strange tickling sensation coursed through his physical form.

And yet, Michikatsu knew... felt it deep within his bones... this was not the presence of a demon that had caused such a friction within his heart... but that of something far greater. The way time seemed to press upon him... caused his eyes to widen in silent confusion... and intrigue... for something within that presence... drew him closer... perhaps it was unwise... and yet Michikatsu could not help himself.

The Doctor stepped lightly from the shadows, his coat catching moonlight like it was woven from starlight itself. "Now, that’s interesting. Time’s all knotted around you, like it’s holding its breath. You feel it too, don’t you? That hum in your bones, like the universe is watching. Or waiting."

He tilted his head, eyes scanning Michikatsu with sharp curiosity, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips. “Not a demon, no. Much older than that. Stranger. I’m the Doctor -- and you’ve just walked into a very peculiar wrinkle in time. Fancy helping me sort it out?”

He then paused, with a sparkle in his eye as he continued to say, “Or would you rather just stand there and brood under the moonlight?”

[clemymimi]

armour that was supposed to bear a semblance of significance was entirely lost on Kokushibo, his age by far preceeding the habit of keeping up with civilisations that had been born and died, her armoury as a result.. being nothing more than armoury to him. The atmosphere was only distantly registered by his person, six eyes tempted to study the enigmatic essence of the moon and yet he refrained from averting his eyes due to how tremendously impolite it would have been. It was barely of any importance to even note her having rested her hand on her sword - albeit his eyes did catch said action inspite of the sheer level of impassivity of his gaze.

It would simply be disrespectful to outright ignore what was undoubtedly a.. warrior.. of some sorts. Whether she carried the depths of honour or not remained to be seen.

Her words reflected a great importance. It was not difficult to discern.. that this one believed herself to be righteous, her spirit dripping with a moral compass.. a certain entitlement..

Youth these days... so full of ideological passion. It was... endearing.. and not his problem whatsoever no matter how insistent she appeared to prove the opposite.

"I see..."

It was doubtful how one was supposed to reply to such a tirade of fanaticism.

She held her ground before this demon, her bright eyes unflinching. Her crimson hair fluttered slightly in the breeze that swept through the battlefield, each strand seemingly painted with the fiery passion of a thousand sunsets. The armor that adorned her body, a testament to the nobility of the Astrea family, gleamed in the moonlight, reflecting the stark reality of the impending battle. Despite the palpable tension that hung in the air, she remained poised, her stance unwavering. The Sword Saint's hand rested gently on the hilt of her weapon, the Holy Sword of the sword saint, the emblem of her divine duty.

The demon before her, was Kokushibo, and he towered like a colossus of shadow and malice. 

His six eyes, gleaming like polished onyx, bore into her soul, searching for a crack in her resolve. Yet, she was not one to be intimidated easily. She had faced the foulest of creatures in her quest to protect the innocent, and this encounter was no different. Her heartbeat remained steady, her breathing measured. She was the embodiment of chivalry and valor, the epitome of what it meant to be a knight.

She stared at him and she nodded firmly, her blue eyes never leaving the demon's. "I have never seen such power in a human form before, nor in any creature of this world. It's quite fascinating." Her voice remained calm and composed, even as she spoke of something she had never witnessed. Her curiosity was piqued, and she wanted to understand the very essence of what made Kokushibo so powerful.

"You are quite the anomaly. Demons are meant to have faded from these lands four hundred years ago.”

As she held her ground, her expression remained unchanged, a testament to her unyielding spirit. "I sense, great darkness within you." She said, her voice steady and clear. "Your power is immense, I fear that, I can see that you have harmed the innocence of these lands …"

[clemymimi]

Hello, so I was wondering what do you think Kokushibo’s opinion on the lower moons is? And what do you think his opinion would be on Muzan killing them?

Hello! Very sorry for just HOW late I am replying to this, I promise I have not forgotten!

It's a very intriguing question so thank you so much for asking it!

The answer is: he doesn't care. Like.. at all.

He doesn't have any opinions about the lower moons because they get switched out all the time and he's been around for over four centuries. He doesn't keep track on them, doesn't know who is a current lower moon, and also doesn't care to know because he expects them to perish at one point anyway.

He remembers the upper ranks because they don't get swapped out that much but if you've lived for over four hundred years... some things just grow irrelevant you know? It's difficult to keep track of which shogun is running the country, the political standpoint of Japan in general, the laws, the people... he's seen civilisations rise and fall in the blink of an eye. That changes your perspective.. and because the lower moons tend to die pretty quickly (from his point of view) there's no need to even remember their names.

If he does come across a lower moon and has to interact with them he is respectful but detached (and unintentionally intimidating because that's just who he is pff)

He had no reaction to muzan killing the lower moons, it made no difference to him whatsoever. He's not really connected to any of the demons and doesn't regularly interact with anyone aside from muzan and occasionally the upper moons whenever a meeting is scheduled or they want to fight a blood battle against him.

I hope this was helpful! And sorry for the late reply once again! ♡♡

[clemymimi]

"You are very strong." Adelheid

The odd comment was received with quietude. Words meant little without any true meaning attached to them. Perhaps it was impolite to respond to such praise with a certain hint of apathy.. and yet Kokushibo did not know the individual whom had spoken them out loud well enough to dissect a possible meaning or intent behind them. So for now... they remained a confusing addition to the collection of words that had been uttered by mankind ever since the dawn of time.

Still.. it would not do to forgoe a reply in the face of what was likely... not a negative comment.

Kokushibos six eyes silently regarded the individual in front of him: "Is that so?" His naturally commanding deep baritone entirely unrevealing of any sort of emotion. Usually Kokushibo would have been entirely content to hold back on answering for he could not muster a natural response in this scenario... but he would simply have to force himself in this case.... "I see..."