Chapter 1: The Pillar of Ash
Tanjiro Kamado was walking back from the town after selling coal. He was feeling pretty good about it, now that people will be warm in night and he made money out of it.
In his way to his home, he saw red in the snow. It was just a spot, that trailed towards the forest. Thinking it might be someone in trouble, he decided to follow the trail. "Hello?" He called out after getting into the forest. He turned to see a man, with long black hair tied into a ponytail, with his tips white, wearing a black kimono jacket with grey swirls, black pants, black shirt covered in blood. And noticing on his head, covering his right eye, there was a bandage, covering that eye.
The man turned to him and smiled weakly at him "Hey kid. Sorry if I scared ya. I'm only resting a bit."
Tanjiro noticed him holding the side of his stomach tightly as he rested on the tree "Y-You're hurt! Quick! I can heal you in my home!"
The stranger chuckled and looked at his sides, like checking if someone is coming. "Sure... how much would it be?"
Tanjiro shook his head and placed his arm over his shoulder "Never mind the money. I just want to help you."
The man laughed as Tanjiro helped him walk towards his home "You know, the world is dangerous. Letting a stranger into your home, isn't a very good idea."
Tanjiro nodded "I know. But you don't seem the type of man to be... evil I guess is the word?" Tanjiro laughed and the man couldn't help to chuckle "What is your name, mister?"
"Sasaki Ubuyashiki. Nice to meet you..."
"Tanjiro Kamado. Nice meeting you too, Ubuyashiki-san."
Sasaki rolled his eye "Just call me Sasaki. I don't like to be called by my last name."
"Okay Sasaki."
*At the Kamado House*
"And that would keep the wound from infecting." Kie Kamado said as she finished putting bandages over the stomach of Sasaki. "It was pretty deep. What happened to you?"
"Mom! He is a Samurai! So, he probably fought a super dangerous guy! Right Sasaki!?" Rokuta asked excited making Sasaki chuckle.
"You could say that kid. And be careful with the sword, it is pretty sharp." Sasaki said with a smile as he watched Shigeru try to lift his katana.
"Shigeru!" Kie screamed worried "Be careful with that!"
"It is really pretty; what metal is it to be black?" Nezuko asked and Sasaki shrugged.
"My father gifted it to me when I first went out. Since then, it had been my most trustful companion." Sasaki said with a smile.
"Can you tell us a story about one of your adventures?" Hanako asked and Sasaki shrugged.
"I don't see why not. I have to pay somehow, when you refuse to take money." He joked and Tanjiro smiled at him.
"You don't have to repay us in anyway, Sasaki. You needed help, and we gave it to you. Nothing more, nothing less." Tanjiro expressed and Sasaki smiled kindly at him.
"I hope you never change then. Well, what story should I tell..."
*Next Morning*
"You aren't healed just yet. Why don't you stay with us a couple more days?" Tanjiro asked Sasaki as they walked towards the town.
"I would hate to abuse more of your generosity, Tanjiro. Besides, I still have a job to do." Sasaki explained and looked to the side. "I think we will depart our ways here. Hope to see you again, Tanjiro."
And the day went as normal from there. Tanjiro sold all the coal and was even invited to pass the night in the house of an old man.
When he arrived the next morning, his whole family was dead. All but Nezuko.
Then why... is she trying to eat him!?
"Nezuko! What's wrong!?" He asked and from the corner of his eye, he saw something. Or someone.
Sasaki was in the air, sword ready to cut his sister head.
Tanjiro reacted quickly and moved Nezuko from harm's way. Tanjiro looked at Sasaki with panic "S-Sasaki! What are you doing!"
Sasaki stared with sadness at the boy "I'm sorry I didn't arrive earlier. But Nezuko... she is gone now."
"But-" Tanjiro started before, in a blink, Sasaki caught Nezuku and pressed his blade to her neck.
"I'm sorry Tanjiro..." Sasaki said again and was about to cut her head when Tanjiro threw a rock at him. Sasaki moved his head and avoided the rock easily. Tanjiro grabbed more rocks and Sasaki raised his visible brow "Kid, what you think you're doing?"
"I-I won't let you kill Nezuko! She is the only thing I have left!"
"So, will you fight me? To save a demon?" Sasaki asked and Tanjiro gulped.
"S-She can be helped right!? And..." Tanjiro looked down "I can't fight you. I couldn't beat you right now. J-Just give me some time and I'll fight you to save her!"
Sasaki eye widen and he remembered a young boy saying the same words to an older swordsman. He shook his head "Kid, it isn't a matter if you can beat me or not. This thing isn't your sister anymore, it is-" He moved his head to the side as Tanjiro threw more rocks at him, before trying to swing the axe at him.
Sasaki moved and hit Tanjiro with the bottom of his katana knocking him out. In that moment, Nezuko broke free and jumped to Tanjiro.
"Dammit!" Sasaki cursed and was surprised to see Nezuko get in front of him, in protective way towards Tanjiro. Sasaki blinked a bit "Okay... that's new."
Nezuko jumped at him and he sheathed his sword before knocking her out to a chop to the neck. Sasaki took out a bamboo gag and placed it on her mouth just as Tanjiro started to wake up. "Nezuko..."
"I'm sorry kid... I knew the demon was still around the area, but I never thought it would target your family. If I was sooner, nothing of this would have happened. But maybe... we can save your sister." Sasaki said with a smile as he helped Tanjiro stand up. "But first; there is a lot of you to learn."
Next Chapter: The Water Pillar and his Tsugukus