THE COLOR OF THE WORLD

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Disclaimer: Kimetsu no Yaiba belongs to Koyoharu Gotouge

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Genre(s): Adventure/ Hurt/Comfort

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Warning(s): Typo is my most loyal fan, spelling mistakes because English is not my mother language, Possibly OOC and a lot of Angst. I hope. Not Beta.

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Manga: Chapter 17 & 18

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"AHAHAHAHAHA!" a voice of a childish glee was heard between the crumbling house. Nezuko peeked from under her brother's hug, watching the newcomers with trepidation. Clearly demons, judging from the lowered atmosphere that made the air colder and choking their respiration. A girl, younger than her, sporting a happy smile like she was having so much fun over the fact that people were suffering. Was that on her hand? A kemari ball? Don't tell her that that was the thing they used to attack them? That tiny, weak-looking ball? "just like what Yahaba said! A structure appeared in a place that didn't have anything there before~"

"Seems like they use a blood demon art capable of hiding things," the other, a boy that older than her but younger than Tanjiro, picked a fallen paper that came from the wall out of the house. Her red eyes caught the drawing within it; it was the cloaking device Yushiro made. Of course, with it fell down, the spell won't work and their presence are known. He tore the paper apart, letting the remnant of it getting caught by the passing wind, "there's a demon hunter and another demon along with them. The demon hunter, I understand. But why is she having a pleasant conversation with our kind? One of them even looked like he was trying to save her, to boot."

"Well, anyway. Susamaru," he turned to the kemari ball girl, now possessing a scowl on his ashen complexion, "the way you handled this was immature! Too simplistic! You got my clothes dirty with dust, tch!" he raised the hem of his yukata in annoyance, "and after I took good care of this too."

"Man, you're so annoying," his companion said, pouting, "it was all thanks to my handballs that we were able to find this place so soon, okay? You're such a neurotic guy."

Dammit, they're clearly strong! She grasped the handle of her weapon, the other hand was used to push Tanjiro away to give her a breathing room. She has to finish these demons soon, their killing intent was clear they won't leave anyone alive!

Yet the girl picked up on her intent. And immediately launch a second attack, in which Tanjiro's hug tightened even more as he pushed her down to duck and avoid the ball. It bounced, bounced, bounced. And her red eyes caught something unbelievable. The ball, when it was near Yushiro, suddenly made a sharp turn. And it was not because of the motion from hitting the wall. It literally honed onto the student face like an eagle—

CRUSH

Splattering the head in pieces, making a scene of gore straight out of a horror story.

"No!" Nezuko was petrified, was terrified! No, no, no, no, no, how could this happen? How could their pleasure time turned worse just in a blink of an eye?! She couldn't just stay here and do nothing. She had to save them. She had to save them—"Niichan!" she called the ginger-haired boy, who was letting out a low snarl since the arrival of the enemies, baring his fangs now that he was not wearing the mouthpiece for now after having a light snack, "carry the unconscious wife in there to a safe place, please!"

A blink of hesitation was there when she gave him her order (he didn't want to leave this girl if she could. He doesn't know what will happen to her when he takes his eyes away. Just look at the previous fight). It was so fast Nezuko thought she imagined it. But then Tanjiro nodded in certainty, throwing a chunk of debris to the Kemari demon with a speed that can crush a bone, making the girl step back to avoid the attack. They use that second of time to do their appointed job; Tanjiro taking the human to safety while Nezuko standing protectively in front of the nice demons (take it with a grain of salt in Yushiro case, however. He's not bad, just overly brash)

"Her fog was a lot thicker than the usual demon I faced in the past. Even the green demon doesn't have this kind of color," Zanbatos are out in the open, ready to be used within moment notice, "is it because she's really strong? Is she one of the demon with Kibutsuji's blood flowing inside her?"

"Oh, hey~" Susamaru blinked, the grin still carved on her pretty face. She bounced the kemari ball on each of her palms as she started a simple conversation, "the demon hunter with ponytail and red eyes. That's you right? My lord reaaallllyyy want to see you, you know. Just your head is enough, though~"

Their target is me?! This is totally Kibutsuji's doing, then! After getting his identity discovered by the novice slayer, he'll try to erase the evidence as fast as he could, definitely not wanting her to spread the rumor or his 'peaceful' life will end in an instant. The suit he wore was extravagant, positively defined that he has a steady job posing as a human. Though the second sibling was pretty sure money was not an issue if he did have to go into hiding. He doesn't need to buy and eat human foods, his energy came from—she gulped, almost growling at the thought of it—the flesh of Nezuko's kind itself. She spread her stance, "Tamayo-san, please get to a place where you are able to hide! As long as their sight is on me, then—"

"Nezuko-san, are you implying to make yourself a bait?" the demon doctor, cradling the headless Yushiro, scowled, "that is basically suicide, you know."

"Wha—no! Of course, I'm not trying to—"

"Then, please don't mind us. We will be fine even without your protection," she gave her a reassuring smile, "because see, we are demons."

I still don't want to see you two hurt, though! But—"Fine. Just...please, take care of yourself."

The demon kemari player decided at that moment that she doesn't like being ignored, especially by her target. So he threw a fast one, making the ball sailed within the horizontal line. Nezuko knew it was useless to evade the weapon, hence she crouched a bit, moving one of her swords to the back and breathe, "Full Focus, Breath of Water" she thrust, making the air swayed and creating a pattern of several water ripples in the air as the blade stabbed the ball right in the middle, "DROP WAVE PATTERN, PIERCING STRIKE CURVE!"

She caught the kemari, stopping its movement abruptly. Hard. This is not a normal ball that she could deflate with one hole. What should she—

The ball that was still stuck in the middle of her weapon abruptly stirred. It was so sudden, the force of the movement managed to smack her forehead, bruising it blue.

Wha—how could this handball still move?

"Tamayo-sama!" her shoulder tensed and her ears turned to the nearest conversation happening behind her. It was Yushiro's voice—did he managed to grow his head back?—a bit hoarse and rough yet still sounded alive. He continued shouting, even when his head was only half-forming, nerves and blood bubbling like a water boiling, growing the new skin in record speed, "I said this before, haven't I? From the very beginning, I told you we shouldn't have any relation with the demon hunters! My 'Hidden' technique is still imperfect! Just hiding the structure, the presences of beings, and the smell won't wipe away the existence of said being themselves! The more people that are hidden, the more chance of Kibutsuji picking up on the trace we leave behind!"

"I hate people coming to interfere with the time you and I spend together!" he roared, "I hate it, I hate it, I hate it! I CAN'T FORGIVE THEM ALL!"

Tamayo bowed her head in shame, Nezuko's stomach twisted with guilt.

So this is their fault. No, this is my fault! If only I'm not hesitating and just killed Kibutsuji right there and then—

If only I was fast enough to stop him from turning the innocent man into a demon—

"Ahahaha, what are you talking about, you silly boy?" Susamaru cackled. She started to undress the top-half of her kimono, now only leaving her with black cloth binding her chest, "you are so fun! So interesting!"

"I will allow you the glorious death of dying by the hands of the twelve demon moons!"

Twelve Demon Moons?

"They're Kibutsuji's personal servant!" Tamayo shouted the explanation, "if you get their blood and give it to me—"

"Then you'll be able to create the medicine!" Nezuko finished. She combined her dual blade into one, slashing them to the air for a good measure, "got it!"

"Ahaha. Ahahah. Now let's play~~" the demon girl laughed in crazed mirth, growing four other arms from her exposed body, now possessing a total of six arms, clutching their own kemari ball—where did she hide her weapon, honestly? Was the ball not a weapon at all and just a part of her body, formed to look like a tool to use? They did sprout blood when she pierced it just now, "Let's play until the night ends and your life ends~"

The next attacks were devastating, now the amount of the ball increased. It'll bounce at sharp angles, making Nezuko eye crossed, trying to follow its movement. She tried slicing the ball in half, spinning the deadly blade to destroy the moving ball. Yet it doesn't do anything. Even if the power of their momentum were reduced, the ball still hit her and she was sure she's going to get a lot of bruises from this. So as long as the ball maintained their form—be it full-circle or half-circle—the movement won't end. She really had to tear it into pieces within one second or else everything will be naught. Easier said than done! Some of them managed to get past her defense, cutting chunks of Tamayo's and Yushiro's flesh.

They really should just hide somewhere, dangit! Even if they're demons, they still can feel the pain, brain still working to remind them of the damage they get from the outer force. Still looks human. Still having their own emotion and self and Nezuko doesn't want to see other people die again—

"Dammit, stupid demon hunter! Just see the arrow patterns already! As long as you see it, you can evade it easily!" Yushiro, now with half of his right head gone after that attack, growled. Nezuko blinked at that confusing sentences, he tsked, "of course you can't see it. Stupid human," the student covered his remaining eye for a second. It flashes bright lime before it dimmed, "Here, I lend you my Sight!" and then threw something at her. The second oldest yelped a bit when that something embedded right in the middle of her forehead—wait, was this a needle? Did he really just threw a needle at me? Right at my head? Did he hate other people that much he wanted to kill them even when his life is in danger?!—a rustle of paper resounded—the cloaking spell that was on the front porch was the first thing that came to her mind. Was that it? Did Yushiro put that strange symbol on her?—and instantly, her eyes cleared.

I see it, I see it! Nezuko let out a gasp, time felt like it was slowing down as her burgundy eyes traced the red arrow zig-zagging across the field, while the kemari balls followed that exact pattern to a T. So this is how the ball make a turn even without touching anything. This ball is not using the power of momentum to move, it's using these arrows like it was sliding down a steep cliff!

"Niichan!" she exclaimed, separating the weapon and took a stance. The time returned back to normal, the balls closing in on her, "On the tree! The other demon is on the tree near the wall!"

WHOOOSHH

The air whistled—

"Breath of Water. Third Style—"

WHAM

Yahaba managed to swerve fast enough to intercepted Tanjiro's kick with his hand—

SWOOSH SWOOOSH

Nezuko moved like she was dancing, following the current water only she could see. Twisting and swirling around the kemari balls, slicing them at the same time while leaving trails of water along the wake—

CRAS

And chopped all of Susamaru's hand—

"DANCE OF THE FAST MOVING CURRENT!"

Water is able to transform into all sort of shapes. Drawing it into a box will make it square. Drawing it into a bottle will make it cylindrical. It's able to smash rocks and overflow everywhere.

Water is a devastating attack. But water will also protect you all the same. Always remember this, Nezuko.

"Don't kick up so much dust, barbaric boy!" Yahaba snarled. "it's so dirty!

The eye on his right palm closed with a snap, Tanjiro's body tensed without his will.

And then his whole figure moved back, like an invisible string from an invisible puppeteer pulling him away from the neurotic demon. He crashed towards the gaping-jaw Nezuko—who was staring in disbelief at how fast the demon girl's recovery speed was, growing the chopped arms within a mere blink—falling right into her embrace as it was her turned to save him from the devastating throw of the kemari balls. Tanjiro's ginger orbs landed onto the nice demons they were having a nice conversation before. He thought he heard the hunter girl told him to be careful. And the grouchy student telling Nezuko to take care of the arrow-wielding beast while the brother handles the kemari player, they'll help him along the way. But the demon brother didn't care about any of that. Didn't care that his body was tingling from the previous attack of the eye-palm demon. No. He was staring right at his forgotten memories as he watched the doctor and the student stepped out of the house, weary and bloodied—

His gaze rested on a small body with flesh tore like a wrecked autumn leaf. Bloody and broken. Shigeru was just a child. Just a child how could he, how could he—

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He puffed, nose twitching and hearts hammering—

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"Tanjiro..." his mother weakly called—was that his name? But he thought his name is Niichan?. Throat crushed under the grip of this creature, body hanging limp as a clear sign of her bones breaking inside.

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He felt like he was hyperventilating

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"Please, forget about me.."

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No. No, no, no, no, he couldn't! I couldn't! I don't want to forget you! I don't want to leave you—

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"Save yourself..."

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No...

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"Save yourself..."

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No—

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"SAVE YOURSELF AND RUN!"

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NO!

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"GRAAAHHHH!"

Tanjiro moved, nails sharpened and killing intent flared, slashing the kemari player with utmost force while his sister lept towards the other demon. Sasamaru ducked, throwing the ball at the same time. Her laughter echoed through the night as the ginger-haired boy evade the first attack and intended to kick the second—

"YOU MUSTN'T KICK IT!"

(That was the voice of the nice doctor—)

The oldest Kamado jumped instead, it sailed and managed to nick the pretty lady's shoulder, damaging that part of the kimono. He growled, orbs widening yet pupil shrinking (this demon. This demon this demon THIS DEMON! Is destroying the happy family of the innocent civilian just like what that man did to his family—)

(I won't let it. I won't let it I won't let it I WON'T LET HER DO IT—)

At the other side of the battleground, other combatants were engaged with their own fight as well, "Don't come near me, you dirty little tramp. You're going to make me puke with that disgusting odor of yours," Yahaba said, moving his hand in tandem and catching Nezuko's entire body in his attacks. The ponytail hunter clutched her swords in a death grip, trying to minimize the force of the invisible string—no, she already surmised that this arrows acted like a fast current of water they couldn't escape. Could only flail uselessly because the moment you were caught in it, you were doomed to the momentum—by giving the opposite reaction of the arrow that was pointing her to the destination the demon-boy wanted too. The first few times, she was too late, crashing her back to the tree, her shoulder to the wall, her arm to the ground, she really was like a puppet being controlled by the evil puppeteer. The ponytail girl managed to soften her landing when the boy brought her to the sky, only to drop her back from the highest vantage. By using the Eight Style of the Breath of Water, Waterfall Basin; creating several gushes of water that slowed down her fall. Yahaba huffed.

"Good grieve, you're like a cockroach. Hey, Susamaru!" he called, the girl sent the third wave of merry-making balls towards the demon brother, "isn't that lady the escapee Tamayo? I'll take this girl head while you take care of that one."

"Really? How nice of you~" she swooned, two of her hands clasped her cheek while the other kept throwing the weapon of destruction to the retreating form of Tanjiro, "what should I do with the other though?"

"Just killed them. It's not like we need anyone other than The Target anywa—" he suddenly stopped however, the eye on his palms caught something he thought impossible. Yahaba didn't think much when he saw the appearance of the weird demon amongst the bunch, thinking it was only one of the doctor follower now that he identified her. But then he saw it. When the moonlight came from behind the clouds, brightening the field they were having the intense battle on, he saw it. He saw the earrings on the ginger demon's ears.

The rectangular earring of the sun symbol lightening the tall hill.

And something in his mind snapped.

Wha—what is this? His body trembled without his consent. Fear coursed through his veins and dread chilled his bone. Nezuko chose that moment to propped herself up and struck. Yet, even when his emotion was in discontent, he managed to diss out a couple of arrows to busy herself to. What is this? Why is my body trembling like this? He stared at the shivering form of his being, the real orbs behind his eyelids swerving right and left like it was trying to find the hidden meaning behind the fright. This is...this is—

—Is this Muzan-sama's feeling?

The green yukata wearer sent another arrow wave to the girl using one hand and, with gritted teeth, another to the unsuspecting back of the ginger beast. He didn't have the Sight the girl now possessed after Yushiro loan her one. Although maybe it was the survival instinct of a demon or the fear radiated from the arrow beast's aura, Tanjiro turned at the last second and dodged, ducking under the ball that whizzed past his head also. Susamaru pouted at the interception.

"What the hell, Yahaba? You said I can play with him. Why are you—"

"CAPTURE HIM!" he cut her whine with a sharp tone, making her blinked in confusion. Sweat rolled down his forehead and eyebrows furrowed in distress, "capture him and bring him to our Lord! I don't care if we have to rough him a little bit, capture him!"

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This girl is a threat. That boy is a threat. These burgundy-eyes kids are a THREAT. Something within him whispered. Muzan-sama's cell whispered.

She'll kill me. He'll kill me. They'll kill me like what he almost did decades ago—

But the boy is one of us. It realized. Speechless. Thoughtful. Gleeful. Almost purred. He's one of us now and if we can bind him. If we can put a leash on him, he'll be our strongest. He'll be the fiercest.

HE'LL BE NOTHING BUT A DOLL I CAN CONTROL AND NOBODY CAN STOP ME ANYMORE!

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Susamaru shrugged and just threw her kemari balls to the oldest sibling while Yahaba was ready to back her up, arms stretched, "Your fight is with me, demon!" but then Nezuko roared, snapping his attention to the forgotten demon slayer who already poised and in the middle of unleashing her skill. He jumped to the side and side-stepped the water coursing through the air, tsked. Yahaba then changed the direction of his palm. The eye opened before closing with a click.

"Beat it, woman! I don't have time with you anymore," in their sight, a couple of red arrows rushed like a bullet. The pink haori wearer danced through them with a move that made her twirled, spinning and rolling, able to evade every single one of them but cannot cut them because the arrow itself is not something tangible. She knew the moment it touched her or her weapon, the arrow will just sweep her away without mercy. Yet she advanced forward, more determined than before, he realized. Yahaba's eye opened again and an arrow that coiled around her right socket appeared, "I will just pop your arm off so you'll stay down for good!"

It blinked in a second—

Then the girl twisted her whole body according to the direction of the arrow, the force of that arrow moved to her haori and tore the cloth away from her figure, completely negating the damage.

"Why won't you just stay down already!" he shouted, sending another arrow.

Something clearly rattled him, even Nezuko could see it under the distress of this battle. It made his attack really straight forwards and a bit sloppy. A thing she could clearly take advantage of as a plan formed inside her head, she slashed at the incoming arrows. It started to pull her back. Heavy, it's so heavy, the girl felt like her sword turned ten times bigger and heavier and she was not in tip-top shape to even wield it correctly. But she pressed on. She spun on her heels, the arrows were caught by the current liquid of her Water ability, making it formed into a big spiral of a cyclone. The moment that eye snapped shut, Nezuko jumped.

"Of course I'm not going to stop!" she answered the loaded question, red eyes blazing, "it's my niichan you're talking about! The moment you decided to take him away from me..."

Second Style Modified—

The blue fluid curved and created a thick, devastating horizontal line, catching the demon boy and chop his head cleanly in one, strong swing.

"THE MOMENT YOU'LL FACE THE LITTLE SISTER'S WRATH!"

HORIZONTAL WATER WHEEL!

The head rolled to the far side of the battlefield as Nezuko stumbled to the earth now that the improvised skill was over. She was still not experienced enough to create her own style, so the foreign move she created just now really took a toll on her body. Not counting how heavy her Zabantos were when she combined hers and the demon's attack into one, so glad that her training was not for naught. As she was sure her old self will literally lose her whole arm for trying to unleash that attack.

The demon-boy itself was screaming his mouth off, frustration rolling out of his bloodied mouth, "dammit, dammit, dammit! And we are so close too! We finally found him after all this time—" him? Who is he talking about? Niichan? Because he was talking about capturing her only family just now. Ordering the other to do the same even if they have to maim him a little bit. Nezuko shoulders tensed when she remembered. Right. Her older brother was in danger! Not only he is on a threat of getting killed, it seems like these demons wanted to snatch him for some reason. But as she stood up, using her weapon as the prop, Yahaba continued, growling and roaring like a deranged demon he was, "this is all your fault, you brute of a woman! Your fault! If I cannot catch that demon or bring your head myself—"

The air chilled—

And Nezuko gasped in horror when multiple arrows sprouted from her body, looking like it pierced every single skin of her figure in different sizes and different direction.

...no. He didn't just—

"THEN I WILL MAKE YOU PERISH ALONG WITH ME!"

WHOOOSHHH

CRAAAPPPP! Nezuko gritted her teeth when her entire body sailed through the air. The wall was steadily approaching and she needs to do something before all the impact crushed her body like a butter—she took a stance in mid-air—

Fourth Style, STRIKING TIDE!

It was not over. The next arrow worked its magic, bringing her up to the sky, into the branch of the nearest tree. No, no, no, no! The pressure of the sudden turn was really bad, she almost could not swing her sword. But she had to do it, the grip on the handle changes. Protect yourself, protect yourself! At each of every turn, before she smacks into the hard surface and breaks every bone inside, she had to minimize the damage or else—water rippled through her swords and she swung—

RAIN WAVE PATTERN PIERCE!

WHAM

WATER WHEEL!

CRASH

STRIKING TIDE!

BOUM

WATER SURFACE SLICE!

KRAK

WATERFALL BASIN!

BAM

It hurt, it hurt, it hurt! Her breathe kept changing, making her sounded like she was having a panic unleashing every Water Skills she learned to soften her landing, a low grunt surfaced from her throat. I've never attempted to use my sword technique consecutively like this before! (RAIN WAVE PATTERN PIERCE!) How many more time? (WATERFALL BASIN!) how many more arrows left?! (STRIKING STRIDE!). Do not get distracted, do no get distracted! (WATER WHEEL!) Another technique, another technique to unleash. Her upper and lower body twisted—come on, Nezuko, YOU CAN DO IT—

TWISTING WHIRPOOL!

Her body crashed with a loud thud and her heart immediately jumped. Puffed of breath erratically came out from her pale lips, it felt so hard to breathe and her heart literally sounded like a studded drum, so loud she almost couldn't hear her own pants. It's so hurt, it's so hurt! Even after all those techniques she unleashed, she could feel her ribs and legs are broken. However, the demon that was responsible for this was finally gone, vanishing his full-of-contempt voice to the wind. That was the only thing that gave her a reprieve, though it wasn't long-lasting. Because Tamayo-san, Yushiro-san, niichan are still in danger. The voice of battle is still around. She had to go back there and help them before it was too late—

Nezuko was so, so tired, however. She couldn't even grasp her Zanbatos, her fingers were practically numb, trembling like there was no tomorrow.

"GRAAAHHHHHH!"

And then she heard his voice. Her brother voice, screaming on top of his lung. She saw from the multiple holes from the house the form of ginger-haired boy darting around the field—oh, wait. She could see the nice demons and her oldest sibling from over here, where she had her fight just a moment ago. That means her brother could also see her then. Hope he didn't let his emotion took over him when he saw the demon threw her body around like a rag doll, with how over-protective he was. She doesn't want his demon side to awaken once more. And...did Tanjiro just spin around in place? Nevertheless, Nezuko didn't know if it was the sound of anger or desperation but it sent chills all over her back. She needs to go over there, Nezuko collected her dual swords into one and chomped on the handles like a savage beast. She also maybe swallowed some grass with it yet she didn't really care. If she had to crawl, in which she certainly did right now, and had to use the dual Zanbatos with only her mouth, so be it. Because the other demon is still alive. The demon that wants to kidnap her brother. The demon that threatened the happy life of those two nice demons.

Please, please everyone. Please be safe!

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The kemari ball sailed through the air with top speed, intended to immobilize the demon for a while by crushing his skull like what she did to the student before. It failed, however. Because instead of evading it and she could trap him by the sharp turn the ball will make, Tanjiro spun, palm catching the ball. Then he let the propulsion guided him, his whole body twirled. When he faced her again, he let go of the ball. Making her weapon sailed back towards her, she caught it with a grunt.

Did...did this demon just use my attack against me?

"Tamayo-sama," Yushiro whispered, eyes locked onto the battle, "did he—"

"Yes," she answered immediately, knowing what he wanted to say even without him finishing the sentences. Susamaru kicked the ball, Tanjiro maneuvered it back. They kept doing the same thing, trying to overpower one another by sheer power alone, "that was the same move Nezuko-san used to beheaded the other demon as well. Preserving the momentum by moving along the current and adding his own power to strengthen the attack itself."

"Look like when she said he is like a toddler is true," he scoffed, tensed shoulders relaxed, "he really did mimic other people action. And with such a foolish pure of an innocent heart that girl has, no wonder he retained his humanity after all this time."

"Indeed," she hummed, watching Tanjiro caught the ball by the crook of his leg this time, "GRAAAHHHHHH!" and with a loud roar, he sent the ball careening through the open field. Nicking Susamaru's temple, crushing her right skull and made her stumble, embedding the weapon itself to the far wall. The girl was indignant at that, was actually ready to throw another flurry attacks as her head healed itself in an instant—intact be damn. As long as there's a piece of him, he'll still alive and she could bring him to her lord—and Tamayo decided this is her time to shine.

"Twelve Demon Moon-san," her soothing voice echoed, stopping the demon-girl from her next motion, "are you aware of Kibutsuji's true identity?"

Susamaru jolted, face went pale and eyes widening, "what are you talking about?!" she exclaimed, "you're just an escapee!"

"That man is a coward, always afraid," the doctor continued, ignoring the curse storming out of her maw, "he only gathered the demon together to prevent himself from being attacked," her hand moved discreetly, only Yushiro could see it. She already clawed her exposed skin, letting the blood inside drip and making a lot amount of otherworldly purple fog wafted slowly. Ah, Tamayo-sama is using her 'ability', "you know deep down inside your heart, you're only being manipulated. A pawn like you is nothing to him, nothing to his greater good."

"SHUT UP!" the six-hands demon wailed, sweat drenching her complexion. The nerves under her skin kept throbbing, bunching up in irritation, "shut up, shut up, shut up, SHUT UP! The Great One is not some minor villain like that! The Great One's power is incomparable to anything else! He's the strongest! Stronger than anyone!"

Yushiro gulped. Here it comes.

"KIBUTSUJI-SAMA IS—"

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Five seconds tense of silent passed and Susamaru covered her mouth in dread.

Tamayo's expression was full of pity as she moved to wipe the blood from her arm now that it has done its job.

"MYSTICAL FRAGRANCE OF THE WHITE DAY, "Yushiro thought, staring at the distress kemari player with a grimace, "this ability acted like a Serum Truth. It causes brain function to decrease and will make the recipient confess their lies while not allowing them to keep any secret. She said his name. The curse will be activated..."

"This demon is doomed"

"AAAHHHH!" Susamaru flailed, arms raised to the air blindly. Nezuko rounded the corner and appeared from behind the back room of the house, taking a shortcut from the many holes on the house, shortening her path so she could get to her companions faster. Now she was right beside Yushiro, watching the demon-girl begged to the sky, "Please, please forgive me! Please, give me a chance! I swear, I'm not going to say anything anymo—URRGHH!"

She fell, choking and gagging. Her skin flickering, to her own pale skin then sickeningly purple. Both of the sclerae turned grossly yellow. Before in front of Nezuko very own eyes, something horrible happened.

Three, humongous hands sprouted from inside the beast body; two from her stomach and one from her mouth. Muscles bulged, nails sharpened. The one from her mouth grabbed her face and—

CRUUSSHHHH

—crumpling her head in pieces like a mere piece of paper.

(A/N): The reason why Muzan didn't see Tanjiro's earring the first time he raided their house because Tanjiro was wearing the scarf like he did when he was in Asakusa Town. He said in the first chapter, the weather is changing. And it's winter so it became a lot colder than before. That's why he's wearing the scarf like that, as it also prevented snows from sneaking in to his collar. At least that's how I'm going to explain it in this fanfiction lol :'D

Btw, because Tanjiro is now ginger and not burgundy, Muzan didn't know that Tanjiro and Nezuko are siblings. That's also the reason why he wants them to kill Nezuko but bring Tanjiro to him.

So, here's the thing. In the manga, we can't really see what happen to Tanjiro when Yahaba unleashed his final attack. I thought he made Tanjiro crashed into every surface available so he could kill him from the devastating impact of getting thrown around like a sack; it's clear in the manga btw, I'm not assuming anything. You can see his trajectory as he crashed into the tree, to a wall, to the ground. That's why Tanjiro used every technique he knew to soften the landing. But in the anime, Yahaba's final attack made him spun around in the sky and the only impact he suffered was when the attack stopped midway and he fell from the highest point. As I watched that, I thought, 'huh? But if u do that, there's no reason for Tanjiro to use a lot of his techniques then. He just has to wait for vertigo to disappear. Then use one skill only to soften his descend. No need to tire himself at all..."

Then another thought came by 'hmm...or maybe, the reason why Tanjiro used skills after skills was to stop himself BEFORE he hit any surfaces. When he performed one technique, the direction of his body changed. And, even when the arrow still pointed to the same direction, because his body moved from the original position, it sent him to a different direction as well. That's why in the anime, Yahaba's final attack sent him into the sky instead of crashing into surfaces'

I was ready to edit the story a lil bit after that conclusion. But then I stopped myself and said 'though if I make Nezuko crash into surfaces instead of flying to the sky, the injuries will be a lot more excessive and the reason why her ribs and legs are broken will be a lot clearer. I mean...I understand if you break your leg after falling from that height, but canon!Tanjiro was clearly fell on his back and not on his chest. How in the heck did he break his ribs? Because, from his wording, it was clear that he got that injury from Yahaba's final attack and not the previous one. And no. The first arrow of Yahaba's Final attack indeed sent him to a wall. But he immediately negated the impact with his technique before his body could crash into it.'

So yeah. I keep the manga version in this chapter instead of following the anime (me, choosing to most painful option for Nezuko to endure hahahaha #meIsEvil) `3`