Demon Slayer : LEveLing uP

In that moment, Ishida felt something so deep inside him that words just couldn't capture it. Tears started to flow down his cheeks as he gazed at his family. There was Yuzu, his brother Ichiro, and his mom, Yorichi.

"Hey, dummy, why are you putting on that sad face now? Aren't you supposed to be happy seeing us after all this time, you big loser?" Yuzu said in a playful, annoyed voice.

Ishida sniffled, trying to get a grip on himself as he turned to Yuzu.

"Oh, sorry for being all emotional, Miss Perfect," Ishida replied, rolling his eyes but unable to hide a smile through his tears. "I just never thought I'd get to see your annoying face again."

Yuzu grinned, crossing her arms and tilting her head. "You totally missed me, Ishida. Just admit it. Who else is going to keep you on your toes?"

"Yeah, right. I just loved having someone around to point out all my mistakes," Ishida replied, trying to keep it light as he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.

Yuzu's expression softened as she stared off into the distance. "You know, even with all your screw-ups, you've managed to do pretty well for yourself. So, I guess you're not a complete loser anymore. Just a bit of one."

Ishida pretended to be hurt, placing a hand over his heart in mock drama. "Just a bit of a loser? Coming from you, that's almost like a compliment."

His mom, Yorichi, stepped forward, her eyes full of a gentle understanding that only a mother can have. "Ishida, my dear boy," she said, her voice warm and soothing. "You've been carrying so much weight on your shoulders, haven't you?"

Ishida's voice trembled as he tried to speak, the words getting stuck in his throat. "Mom, I... I failed. I let everyone down. I'm just a loser. I'm sorry."

Yorichi gently cupped his face in her hands, her touch warm and comforting. "Oh, Ishida, you're not a loser. You've always given it your all, and that's all anyone could ever ask of you. None of us blame you for anything."

Ichiro stepped beside his mother, his presence offering a steadying force. "Ishida, you faced challenges that most people can't even imagine. You gave it everything you had. That's not failure; that's bravery."

"But I let everyone down," Ishida insisted, his voice cracking as he spoke.

Yorichi wrapped Ishida in a gentle hug, her words filled with warmth and love. "Ishida, you have no idea how proud we are of you. You've faced things no one should have to deal with, and you've done it with so much love and determination."

Ichiro nodded, placing a reassuring hand on Ishida's shoulder. "Akira knew you did your best. He never lost faith in you. If I know him, I bet he's proud of you right now."

Ishida's tears flowed freely, his heart heavy with both sorrow and gratitude. "I just wanted to make you all proud and keep everyone safe."

"You big dummy," Yuzu chimed in, her voice softening. "We've always been proud of you. Even when you were acting like a dork."

Just then, a familiar voice cut through the emotional moment. "Well, what do we have here? A family reunion without me? I must be slipping."

Ishida turned to see his father, Isshin, approaching with a grin that was both comforting and infectious. "Dad..." Ishida began, but Isshin interrupted with a wave of his hand. (P.S: It's tough finding new names, so don't mind me.)

"Ah, don't get all emotional on me now, son!" Isshin said with a laugh.

Ishida managed a small smile, his father's words striking a chord deep within him.

Isshin's expression turned more serious, yet remained warm and reassuring. "Listen, Ishida. Life's not about never making mistakes. It's about learning from them, growing stronger through them. You've got a warrior's spirit, and that's what counts."

Yorichi gave a warm nod, gently placing her hand on Ishida's cheek. "We believe in you, Ishida. We always have, and we always will."

Ichiro chimed in, "And we're right here with you, cheering you on every step of the way."

Yuzu leaned closer, her voice playful but caring. "So stop being so gloomy! You've got a bunch of us counting on you, including us. Go out there and show them what you can do."

Ishida sighed, his words barely audible. "I just... I don't know how I can ever make things right," he admitted. "I couldn't save all of you, Akira, or that family. I feel like I've done nothing but let everyone down."

With boundless patience and love, Yorichi gently took Ishida's hands in hers. "Ishida, sweetheart, it's not about how many times you fall; it's about how you get back up each time. You've shown strength and bravery, and that's what really counts."

Ichiro nodded, giving a comforting smile. "You've faced things that most people can't even dream of, and you did it with a heart full of determination. You haven't let us down, Ishida. You've inspired us."

Yuzu added, her playful tone brightening the moment. "And besides, if you're such a loser, then what does that make me? I mean, I didn't even get tangled in the garden hose half as much as you did."

Ishida chuckled, shaking his head. "I guess you're right. I've always had a talent for getting caught up in things."

"But what if I keep making mistakes?" Ishida asked, his voice carrying a hint of uncertainty. "What if I can't keep anyone safe?"

Isshin rested his hand on Ishida's shoulder, looking at him with a steady and kind expression. "The only real mistake is giving up. Every challenge teaches us something, even if we don't come out on top. And remember, we're all here for you."

With their encouraging words resonating in his heart, Ishida felt a wave of determination rising within him. The doubts that had once overwhelmed him began to fade, replaced by a newfound strength.

"Always remember, failing isn't the end of everything. It's the start of a new lesson, a chance to become stronger and wiser. Every setback is just a stepping stone to your next victory, Ishida."

"Are you still going to keep that same sulky face?" Yuzu teased.

Before Yuzu could continue, Ishida looked up, but this time with a small smile instead of sadness. "I get it now... I understand, Dad, Mom, Brother Ichiro. Thank you, thank you for your words. I really needed to hear this."

"Hey, are you ignoring me on purpose now?" Yuzu said, sounding a bit annoyed.

"...Yuzu, I just needed a moment to appreciate how much you've missed me, with all that talking," Ishida replied with a playful grin. "It's almost like you actually enjoy having me around!"

"Of course not... Who would want a loser like you hanging around!?"

"...But now I know, you're always with me, all of you—Mom, Dad, Ichiro, and you, Yuzu. You're always in my heart, and from now on, I won't fight alone. I'll have all of you guiding me along the right path."

Yuzu's eyes softened, letting go of her playful attitude for a moment of genuine sincerity. "And don't you dare forget it, you big dummy. We're here, cheering you on, even if you can't see us. So go out there and do what you need to do."

"I promise," Ishida replied, his voice now filled with strength, "I won't give up. I'll keep fighting for all of you and for myself. I'll make you proud."

Yorichi smiled warmly, pulling him into a heartfelt hug. "We already are, my son. We already are."

Ichiro and Yuzu joined in, surrounding him with their comforting presence—a reminder of the unwavering love and support that had always been there for him.