sticksandbones IC Inbox

[bluebasketballed]

powers nerfed & gained
❆ - superhuman strength: nerfed to the point he couldn't destroy, like, a building in one hit, but even hakuji as a human could punch people's bones apart so good luck!
❆ - self healing: nerfed from instant to delayed 5-10 minutes.
❆ + conditional sunlight immunity: an enchanted anklet that nullifies the harmful effects of sunlight and sun-based magic so long as he is wearing it.

deaths & resurrection prices
none..... YET

other permanent changes
❆ scarring - november 2025: a solid scar the width of his fist at the crux of his ribcage and at the same height on his back, implying impalement. any sensation to this scar, including pain, is shared with kyojuro.


weasel's note: akaza's handwriting is the very sad and choppy scrawl of a man who barely knows how to write. the netbook is just polite enough to make it legible. i just type it in all lowercase bc i'm too lazy to pick out the spelling/handwriting mistakes. thank u for your understanding. i'm having fun now thx

he lives at the inn, the room next to kyojuro's. his window is boarded up from the inside. it is very dark in there. mentitycave

he lives at the soryu dojo south of the river, in koyuki's old room. he offers unarmed self-defense training at the dojo.


plotting contact: PM // discord @ fuckweasel

Comments

[tempurahair]

[As Kyojuro approaches the bed, he finds himself expecting an entirely different conversation to play out. Given how they had tread upon topics clearly close to those tender secrets Akaza held, the demon slayer cannot help but wonder, in the back of his mind, if this will be his own story.

He waits expectantly, ready to try and understand the demon that has plagued him for so long —

Only to find himself winded by those words.

The Master's death is not entirely surprising, not on its own. He made no attempts to obscure how ill he was, and that had only grown worse over the years. Every Hashira knew that each second with him was precious, and clung to his words. It was no secret that the man had deeply influenced each of them. Kyojuro, for example, would not have become a Hashira if not for the opportunity that had been given to him. Naturally, he cannot help but mourn, laying his hand over his chest and bowing his head as the news washes over him.

It's only after a few seconds of silence that Kyojuro lifts his head. There is a faint sheen in his eyes, but it does not diminish the determination there.]

Tell me what happened.

[For Akaza to know of the master's death meant that the demons had to be involved somehow. It is a dangerous, perhaps terrifying, thought to have. If nothing else, he owed it to the master to honor the man's death, just as he was certain that the master had honored his own.]

[bluebasketballed]

[it's plain to see just how influential ubuyashiki was, how much he meant to the slayers, based on kyojuro's reaction alone. the grief is enough to silence kyojuro for a time. akaza can't help but recall the times he received such devastating news.]

I wasn't there, and only saw bits and pieces. That man found him -- or rather, he allowed that man to find him. There was an explosion, and some sort of drug meant to erase his power. It was after that that the rest of your corps was spirited into his stronghold.

That man is somewhat weak right now because of it. If they ever had a chance to defeat him, it would be tonight, because of your master.

[hopefully that news alone will be some consolation to kyojuro. at least his beloved master had a say in his own passing; at least he did not die for nothing.]

[tempurahair]

[Kyojuro does not make an attempt to hide the emotion that wells up. A few stray tears manage to streak down his cheeks. Kagaya had been a father to so many. That influence had not been lost on Kyojuro either — that kind and gentle voice a balm when his father's own words felt like glass. Yet even still, he finds it within himself to smile. He can all but see the master's plan scrawled upon the page. He understands, more or less, what happened that night.]

I am told he often lamented his physical weakness, for it meant he was sending we corps members to our deaths without ever daring to do the same. It is why he memorized our names, every name of every slayer who lost their lives for the sake of this cause.

[His hand lifts, brushing away a single tear as it settles against his jaw.]

We will win against Muzan Kibutsuji. I know this, now more than ever.

[bluebasketballed]

[as much as things change, they remain the same. though he maintained eye contact to pass on such news, akaza glances away as soon as tears begin to fall on kyojuro's face. he understands -- gods, does he understand -- but he still has no idea how to react.

hell... how many of those names had been committed to both akaza's memory and ubuyashiki's? at least one that he's certain of.]

I wish I could have aided them. [it feels bizarre to say out loud, despite his wanting to kill douma and kokushibo for so long.] But if I hadn't let go, he would have erased me, anyway. [or worse, forced his hand.]

[tempurahair]

[It's such an outlandish thought that Kyojuro can't help but laugh. it's far from a cruel sound, more amused than anything. He tries to envision it, Akaza striking out against Muzan Kibutsuji. Barring how impossible it was given the curse laid within the demon's own blood, he admits it makes for a good mental image.]

It would have been a much different fight, I think! [But his voice softens just as quick as the enthusiasm came on.] It seems, though, you were able to claim the end you wanted. There is little more that can be asked for.

[Once more, he feels the itch to ask about what happened, what changed. Perhaps Akaza will even notice the way his lips part around the question, but push close once once more.]

Fear not, though! You will have a chance to fight alongside a demon slayer before long! [He thumps his chest with his palm.]

[bluebasketballed]

[the end he wanted... or so he thought. akaza knew full well he was hellbound, but this place is a torture he could never have dreamed up. right now, he thinks he could actually talk about it... but it feels disrespectful to take the conversation away from mourning those who deserve it.]

I will. Not exactly how I pictured growing stronger together, but I think I prefer this.

[tempurahair]

[His brows lift in gentle amusement, smile warm despite the nature of their conversation. It would take a hell of a lot more to extinguish that flame, as Akaza had no doubt learned.]

I'm sure you know how I feel on the matter. Regardless, I am happy we have wound up here. [And while he'd clamped down much of his curiosity, something manages to make its way through. A share for a share, in a way, just as Kyojuro had reasoned previously.] I suppose we both can thank young Kamado, for the changes he managed to awaken us. I would not be nearly so amenable to the possibility, if not for him.

[Kyojuro holds his hand out for Akaza to take.]

Together.

[bluebasketballed]

[it's difficult to imagine a less than perfect kyojuro -- how he could be improved upon. not so long ago, akaza would have easily found flaws, but through the eyes of a demon. as far as humans go, he's very near the ideal.

even so, he agrees, enough to gratefully clasp that calloused but pliant human hand in his.]

He's a remarkable person. [since kyojuro nudged him in the right direction, it feels alright to say. and akaza, incredibly, speaks with open admiration.] When he struck me down, in flawless form the likes of which I've never seen, he did so with no hatred. I wouldn't have thought it possible.

[tempurahair]

[The grip that takes hold of Akaza's hand is firm, a reminder of Kyojuro's own strength. It is not a threat, however, but a promise. He will get stronger, though not to defeat Akaza. He will get stronger because he wants to — to stand by his side and protect those within this village together.

Determination makes his heart beat all the stronger. Or at least that's what he thinks it is.]

I knew from the moment I met him, he would be incredible. His sword may not have changed color, but he possessed a strength of will that was unlike any other. [When he laughs, it's almost wry sounding.] To think I thought I would have anything to teach him. No, Kamado was more than capable of finding his strength on his own.

[And without any hatred... Kyojuro can only shake his head in sheer amazement.]

It must have been a sight to behold.

[bluebasketballed]

[even in his current state, far from his best, kyojuro's power, physical and mental, shines through. he doesn't shy away from touching akaza, and doesn't think to hold back when he does. no, this isn't what the demon pictured all that time ago. it's far better.]

Don't doubt yourself. It was clear to me that he held you in the highest regard.

[akaza closes his eyes and winces as if in pain. then his face eases, and for a moment, he appears almost peaceful.]

You protected the younger generation so that they could surpass the previous, and in turn, protect the rest of humanity.

[his hand squeezes kyojuro's firmly before he releases it and looks up at him again.]

He was magnificent.

[tempurahair]

[It is all he could ever want. Despite his weakness, his doubt — despite the words of his own father — Kyojuro had left his mark. Even if he was not there in those final moments, he could still feel a sense of pride. His words had, apparently, struck true. Tanjiro had set his heart ablaze, and the world would be changed as a result.]

Thank you. For telling me that.

[The absence of Akaza's hand feels... almost like a loss. He glances down at where their fingers had only just been connected, briefly curious about the thought, before tucking it away like everything else. He settles back down once more, arms carefully wrapped about his chest.]

Whatever happened in those final moments, I am glad his kindness was able to reach you. Even if I am having to eat my words, in the end. [Kyojuro Rengoku doesn't smirk by nature, but gods does he come close in that moment.] I think I quite like you, you see.

[bluebasketballed]

[oh, that look on his face is priceless. akaza laughs, and the sound of it is distinctly human.

it may be a bit forward of him to take his own seat on the bed, but akaza has never been one to understand personal space. to be fair, he isn't right next to kyojuro, but around the corner of the bed. in arm's reach, but not overly friendly.]

I won't claim to understand why [dude he literally just explained to you why like 20 minutes ago] but even so, I'm glad to make the cut.

You were right, you know, beside the train. Strength is not only physical. I didn't understand it then, but I've come to quite appreciate that strength of character that you and Tanjiro both share. Maybe as you nurse and then retrain your body, I can do the same for my spirit.

[tempurahair]

[Akaza moves, and Kyojuro's posture adjusts accordingly. It's a gesture without a thought behind it, no different than a planet orbiting a sun. The rigidity of a Hashira swiftly melts away, becoming all loose limbs and casual posture. Never mind the loose, if slightly amused, grin that he offers Akaza.]

Would you like for me to repeat my speech earlier? I admit, I spoke from the heart, so I may not remember all of the words.

[Amusement bleeds into something more thoughtful. A hum escapes Kyojuro. The mere concept warms him in a way he doesn't dare to consider, much less name.]

Seems we have much to teach one another then. Though I admit, your task is a much more difficult one! Finding something to fight for to the last breath is a difficult task. [He lifts a brow.] Shall we make it a challenge, then? The first to reach their destination is the winner!

[bluebasketballed]

That won't be necessary.

[the way it made his eyes sting isn't something akaza wants to repeat, even if the words themselves were kind. he isn't ready for that kind of vulnerability.]

That doesn't seem very fair to you. You have a strict timeline that will last a while, and I could make up a reason on the spot just to win immediately!

[tempurahair]

You wouldn't do that! You have become an honorable man, haven't you? And even if not, I do know you love your challenges. You will face me head on!

[Punctuated, of course, by that ever boisterous laugh.]

We are meant to challenge each other to greater heights, no? So why not a wager?

[bluebasketballed]

[that ridiculous laugh only makes the smirk on akaza's face widen. admittedly, it helps that it isn't aimed directly into his face or ears.]

You're right about the latter, at least. I don't even need a wager, but I'll hear you out.

[tempurahair]

[He blinks once.

Then twice.

And promptly bursts into ever louder laughter.]

To be honest, I didn't think this far ahead!

[bluebasketballed]

[ugh. only akaza's battle-crazed laugh could rival that, but this comes close.

so long as they're joking around...]

Winner gets to take a bite out of the loser?

[tempurahair]

[Buffering.

Buffering.

Buffer-]

BWAHAHAHA, it's a deal! I quite look forward to seeing how you taste, Akaza!

gag

[bluebasketballed]

🏳️‍🌈?

[bluebasketballed]

You believe in me so little? How hurtful, Kyojuro, truly!

[tempurahair]

Oh, fear not! I do believe in you and your abilities! I just believe in myself that much more! Until you learn to set your heart ablaze, you will not be able to compete on my level!

[bluebasketballed]

[and he's laughing again. this one does have that special little manic touch.]

What does that even mean?

[tempurahair]

[Once the laughter subsides, Kyojuro actually sobers in the slightest. If he's serious about guiding Akaza on this little journey, then dispensing actual advice might not be a terrible idea. Or at least, as "actual" as any advice Kyojuro can give.]

It means telling your heart to carry on, even when your mind insists you are not enough. Time waits not for a troubled mind. You must move forward, always. [And knowing that Akaza might surely argue back, or tease in that little way of his, he adds:] I said much the same to Kamado before I passed on. And I suspect those words are what carried him onward to face you.

[bluebasketballed]

[on the contrary, because kyojuro responds earnestly, so too does akaza listen. he can't even argue, because... it's true. the world, the passage of time... the little concerns of humans, or even demons, mean absolutely nothing to these forces.]

I guess I'll just have to learn, then. [his smile fades, regardless of whether kyojuro can see it in their positions.] I wasn't very good at that, before -- even if I had a good teacher, then, too. Hopefully, I can do better this time around.