Disclaimer: I do not own "Kimetsu no Yaiba" nor any references used in this story. All of them belongs to their respective owners.
CLANG!
CLANG!
SSSH!
CLANK!
Steel bathed in the sun clashing against a blade of its opposite. This was the sound anyone was going to hear in the dead of the night. The cacophony emanated in the vast milieu like fierce thunder strikes. As loud and ear-shattering as the constant roars of a thunderous storm itself.
On an open-wide plain with forest can be seen in a mere distance. Covered by snow, in this winter season which can only be described as a frozen landscape. Snow pouring furiously as if it has a deep grudge on the homeland of the demon wearing a pair of hanafuda-earrings.
This land was called Japan, home of the Demon Slayer Corps whose sole purpose was to hunt down demons that threatened the lives of its inhabitants.
There stood two men, their swords firmly locked in place. Both combatants held their places, never letting each other overpower the other. A medium-sized crater was created beneath their feet and the snow on the ground was flown abruptly due to the sheer strength and force that their blows had contributed. Sparks flew wildly as their weapons ground.
CLANG!
The two combatants faced each other, desperation apparent on the face of the swordsman wielding a burning red blade like the color of the sun. Whilst the other was calmer and emotionless wielding a silver-colored blade that shone a softer gleam like the moon.
And with earth-shattering force, struck each other's sword one last time before jumping away from each other.
"Tch."
Grunted one of the two. The young man in question had a furious scowl, his face showing his expanded Demon Slayer Mark. His cat-like eyes the same color as plum glaring at his opponent across the snowy ground.
He wore the Demon Slayer Corps' uniform, minus the Kanji emblazed at the back. Along with simple black baggy pants. The top part of his outfit was partially hidden under a haori that is partly green and black checkered while the other was completely black as it fluttered violently during the snowstorm.
Both of his hands clutched the sword, the same blade that he had found while he trained for seven days non-stop. Ready to block or parry should his enemy strikes.
This was Kamado Tanjiro. The user of the Breath of the Sun, the strongest breath style, brother of Kamado Nezuko by blood. A veteran in the Demon Slaying Corps and ultimately an important factor in defeating the demon known as Kibutsuji Muzan. Which, consequently, he turned him into a demon by the same person that had done the deed toward his sister five years prior.
"Strike him now, Tanjiro! Go for it while you still have the chance!"
Oh, did he forget to mention that Muzan passed his memories and will before he died, and became his somewhat mental companion after the drug that supposedly turned him back to human failed? Yep, that was it.
"I'm trying! This guy's way too fast. Far too fast even when I'm using both my nose and the See-Through World. This guy is far too strong than what you and I initially thought of him."
The demon-slaying demon muttered to his mental companion in frustration. After mastering his demon body, Tanjiro had been repeatedly creating new Blood Demon Art techniques that will aid him in his travels across the globe in search of demons that were not created by Muzan.
One of the Blood Arts he created was called "Reinforcing Flames of the Sun". As the name implies, he can reinforce any object that his technique projected with far greater durability than it was originally.
If he hadn't done so before this battle, his sword would've been snapped under his opponent's ridiculously strong blows mere moments the battle even began.
"You're right," his demonic companion in his mental subconscious admitted, "But that doesn't change the fact that he's holding back! I mean look at his face, his more stoic than both Kokushibo and Yoriichi combined! And the way he fights, he's a goddamn monster that makes Yoriichi, in comparison, looked like a baby!"
Silently cursing that Muzan is right, they had initially thought that the man they're fighting was at least Muzan's maximum strength before weakened by Tamayo's drugs and possibly at the level of the strongest Demon Slayer in history at most.
The man they're fighting, his level had far surpassed their expectations. His prowess was beyond their imaginations.
What's even worse is, he got a blade that works specifically against a demon who had conquered the sun.
And that demon was naturally Tanjiro himself.
"Hey, Tanjiro." Muzan uttered, "Give me at least a minute while you hold him off. I have a plan."
"What is it?" he asked, cautiously scanning his surroundings with his demon-enhanced nose for any possible attacks the man seemed to have. While the person in question was calmly standing there as if assessing his every move and action.
The Bearer of the Hanafuda Earrings pursuer sported a deathly-pale complexion alien to anything he had seen while traveling throughout the globe. Calm and delicate features graced his face. With wide, pupil-less dark red eyes below his eyebrows that oddly looked human. Slicked-back black hair which reaches near his shoulders that was covered a mask with strange markings. Black uniformed military-style clothing was his choice of apparel. And finally, he wore a pair of boots that fit his choice of clothing.
How he managed to match his every move while looking a stoic and handsome face enough to make Inosuke's looks pale in comparison as well as without being affected by the cold was beyond him. Tanjiro had to admit, he has to give his enemy credit for that.
"While you distract him, I'll accumulate enough energy inside your body to launch an explosion large enough to engulf the surrounding area." he explained. "if it works, not only that will kill him, it would undoubtedly burn our surroundings for some time, and even alert those Demon Slayers hunting us. The downsides, you and I will probably die in that explosion, as well as possibly burn anything around us, along with him."
"You're being suicidal today... Are there any other options?"
"Do you have a better idea? No, there isn't."
"Fine, let's go on with it." Tanjiro declared softly, before feeling something inside of him.
Hold him off for a minute. Was Tanjiro's single line of thought as he concentrated on the man before him.
If there was anything Tanjiro learned in his journey to cure his sister, it was never to let your guard down. The eldest child of the Kamado family applied that rule in every battle thus far, and it mostly secured him both his life and the win. Foolishly letting your guard down once could very well lead to your demise. Hell, Muzan nearly got himself killed because of Yoriichi, based on said person's memories of course.
I need to be careful.
"Who are you, and what do you want?"
The former Demon Slayer questioned his pursuer. What has he done to have seemingly attracted the enemy in the first place? He and Muzan genuinely did not know. But as far as he's concerned, he was not human. And the last non-human he met not created by Muzan wasn't exactly a good guy.
The black-haired enigma kept his calm and emotionless persona, only eager on continuing the staring contest between the two. As if contemplating whether or not he answers the human-turned-demon's question.
Tanjiro could only wait for him to answer, all the while taking advantage of the momentary pause to enact Muzan's plan as the energy inside him started to build up.
The black-haired pursuer still stared at him, still emotionless as he had been since the start. This somehow made the Sun Breath user uneasy. Not because of the emotionless scent that Tanjiro smelled, which it didn't, but because his demonic instincts are telling him to run. And that was not from Muzan at all.
It also served to warn him that things will not be pleasant for him from here on out.
Then he spoke.
"A dead Demon King should not ask questions."
He started with a surprisingly intimidating voice, it conflicted with his emotionless persona and the blizzard around them.
"But for lasting this long while I held back most of my strength, I commend your tenacity. For that, I'll give you my name."
Tanjiro wasn't too sure that he was arrogant and overconfident, or he was completely sure that something won't go awry. It, nevertheless, irked him.
"My name is Mordred. Remember it, Demon King of the Rising Sun."
Neither Tanjiro nor Muzan can even think of anything, the now named Mordred spoke again.
"As for what I want, your mere presence in this world of humans have shifted the natural order created by the Lords themselves. Naturally, as a proxy of the Lords' will, I am willing enough to kill you despite chosen by destiny itself. In that sense, as one of the highest tier creatures of Darkness, I will use your Essence as fuel for accomplishing my Lords' ambitions."
He finished as he shifted his stance.
"Mordred? That name seemed oddly familiar..."
Tanjiro heard Muzan said in his mind. Maybe he should ask him after if they somehow survive this mess.
The eldest child of the Kamado family had enough sniffing around and activated the See-Through World. His eyes scanned his opponent, seeing through both the thick snowstorm and his body like transparent glass.
What surprised him was not his body could not read, or rather, he had no organs to be considered a living body.
He saw darkness, literal darkness. He could not see nor make it out of him, he has no heart, lungs, intestines, nothing! It was almost as if he was made out of darkness itself.
"In that sense, as one of the highest tier creatures of Darkness, I will use your Essence as fuel for accomplishing my Lords' ambitions."
He remembered him saying that. But, if he is what he thinks he is. Tanjiro had a plan.
"Hey, Muzan. Could you leave me a tiny spare of the energy building up there? I have to try something."
"Read your thoughts. Yes, but only a little. We have thirty seconds. And when it hits, you and I switch. Deal?"
"Sure!" he declared loudly as he stretched his left arm.
With a familiar burning sensation in his hand, he called out his technique.
"Blood Demon Art: Flame Pillar!"
In an instant, a pillar made up of pure burning fire as hot as the sun erupted directly below the pursuer by the name of Mordred.
The man seemingly did not react, but as soon as the flames nearly reached him, he leaped high into the air. Whilst the flame erupted vertically in the air, he uttered softly. Enough for Tanjiro to hear him with his demon-enhanced hearing.
"Sharp Gust."
He swung his sword at the erupting flames below him. A highly pressurized gust of wind came out of the force he exerted on his sword as it pushed the flames from whence it came. Canceling the burning heat with winds far stronger than any storms or blizzard could ever hope to produce.
Tanjiro, seeing that he was up in the air, used this opportunity to follow up another attack.
"Waltz Flash!"
With the combination of Zenitsu's Breath of Thunder: Clap of Thunder he copied and his Breath of the Sun: Waltz. The sound of thunder boomed below his feet as he leaped towards Mordred with his blade enhanced by the Breath of the Sun's burning sensation that worked well against demons in the past. With the full intent to cut him with a single concentrated slash.
Given that he was far stronger than he was back he human, and the fact he is a demon. A powerful slash produced by two breathing styles and demon-enhanced strength would make his previous opponents overwhelmed by the power of the blow he poured into with seemingly all of his might.
However, Mordred, seeing Tanjiro coming at him with a unique technique, calmly responded with the simple swing of a blade.
The strength that Mordred put on his blade far surpassed that of Tanjiro's. As a result, Tanjiro was sent flying back where he came from and a gust of snow was made as his body made contact with the snowy ground.
After the snow-filled dissipated, Mordred saw the so-called Demon King of Rising Sun's left arm removed along a quarter of his head including where his right eye was located at.
As gravity's pull began making its way for Mordred to return to the ground. He saw that Tanjiro was regenerating his limbs and lost body parts at an alarming rate. But not alarming for him as he felt his feet reached the ground, his face unblemished despite the raging heat of the Demon King's flames before the temperature returned to the grace of the cold snowstorm.
Tanjiro stood, reeling a bit from the wounds he received from Mordred. But wasn't too much of a problem as most of his wounds were healed via regeneration.
"Blood Demon Art: Flames of Recreation."
Mordred saw flames temporarily covered the Demon King where his newly-regenerated left arm was at. He thought something
As the flames receded, Mordred saw the sleeve of the Demon King's haori restored as if it had never been torn off, to begin with.
"Interesting ability." Mordred remarked, "I thought you focused on something offensive or defensive. Not something as miscellaneous such as this."
Tanjiro replied, "Well... Let's say I made this technique when I had a problem of fixing my torn clothes." he answered truthfully.
"...It would seem that you are incapable of making lies, Demon King. Fascinating, I suppose."
Tanjiro gave him a small chuckle. He knew he wasn't capable of making lies since he was a kid, even after transforming into did not change much. After all, he let the lying to Muzan of course.
"Ten seconds, Tanjiro."
"It would seem playtime is over, Demon King. It would seem that you are planning something and you're merely holding me off to accomplish such a plan. No matter, I'll simply release a minor of my restraints."
"What?"
Before Tanjiro knew what happened, he can feel an overwhelming killing intent coming from Mordred. It was like a tumultuous storm concentrated in one single form. Like he was the epicenter of all things that will lead to his death.
The killing intent washed over Tanjiro like a tsunami. But he held his ground, put his guard up, and shifted his stance.
This was not going well for Tanjiro at the moment. The proclaimed creature of Darkness, who inferior in overall physical stats before his "minor" release of his restraints, was already keeping him occupied. The addition of his "release" had further raised the difficulty level of the former Demon Slayer's task:
Release whatever Muzan is making and to escape this situation at a cost of a limb or two.
Tanjiro's battle-trained mind already whirled on how to make this dire situation to his advantage, no matter how impossible it is. Searching every possible outcome in every possible scenario.
And with Mordred's speed, 9 seconds is too large of a timeframe.
The human-turned-demon stared uncharacteristically dispassionate look at his opponent, taking note on Mordred taking a sword-drawing stance. He watched him for a few short seconds at the black-haired man. Then became wary, as he saw Mordred, through the See-Through World, put his hand on his sword's handle.
"Five seconds."
Mordred flickered in a form of a blur, disappearing from his previous position and appearing directly above the Breath user. Drawing his blade from his sheath in an attempt to cut Tanjiro's head off.
Tanjiro already anticipated this though and proceeded to block the powerful blow.
CLANG!
Tanjiro grunted silently as the entire force of the blow fell on his sword, towards his hands and unto his body like a strong shock of electricity. Feeling his breath and demon-enhanced bones creak under the pressure. A crater started forming underneath the demon's feet.
Tanjiro quickly dislodged his feet and flickered away using Breath of Thunder: Thunder Clap from the ridiculously strong being named Mordred. Narrowly avoiding the second swipe.
"Four seconds."
You're not helping, Muzan!
Tanjiro were still human, he didn't have enough time to rest even for a moment as Mordred appeared behind him. Preparing to thrust his sword in the demon's nape, intending to impale him from behind and followed by a swift decapitation.
Fortunately, he was a demon, and he was able to twist his body, parrying the creature of Darkness' attack.
"Guha!"
Unfortunately, however, he wasn't expecting a swift roundhouse kick that hit him at the left arm. The demon was sent flying away, briefly losing his left arm for the umpteenth time before focusing on it and restoring it like he never lost it in the first place. Ignoring the brief pain as he landed and immediately shifted into a stance.
"Three seconds."
Does this guy seriously love to remove my left arm!?
Tanjiro grimaced slightly as he panted lightly, although not tired but as a psychological reaction back when he was human, raising his sword in a defensive stance. By now, he was doing his best just keeping his head from off his shoulders. His Blood Demon Art that Muzan spared him should be nearly at its last drop.
The Demon King's right arm aimed at his opponent. Using the last of the spared accumulated blood energy inside him.
"Blood Demon Art: Grand Fireball!"
He shouted as he shot out from his hand a giant fireball thereafter.
It moved at great speeds that his normal variant of this Blood Art performed by him seems to move too slow in comparison, it's also large that it easily engulfed the area.
"Two seconds."
Tanjiro didn't particularly use this certain Blood Art to this extent. He only used it when he needed a large Area-of-Effect when he had to battle a large group of people. No, he doubted that Mordred would be defeated by a giant flaming ball. He used it in hopes that it could distract his pursuer long enough for Muzan to finish accumulating enough energy for his plan.
The raging inferno spanned far and wide as it could, melting the piles of ice and snow. Like his "Flame Pillar," it quickly changed the atmosphere from cold to blistering heat. Incinerating everything in its path with heat strong enough to melt steel and iron. The ground below the snow-covered plains melted under the power worthy of the title Demon King of the Rising Sun.
As he had expected, Mordred merely raised his sword toward the heavens and proceeded to cut the gigantic ball of fire in half by using a mere downward slash. Instantly dispersing the flames made by Tanjiro.
"He's powerful." the Demon King said with certainty, observing the other sword wielder stood at the center of where his "Grand Fireball" was.
"One second! When I say, switch. Switch! Got that, Tanjiro!?"
Tanjiro nodded as he shifted his stance once more.
Mordred looked at him, still emotionless as he had been. "It would seem that you've prepared what you seem were planning a minute before."
He raised his sword upward, preparing to bisect Tanjiro vertically.
"So long, Demon King."
As he was about to swing his sword with both of his hands in a charging downward arc. Tanjiro braced himself for the upcoming blow that will undoubtedly come at him.
And yet, it never came.
To his utter shock and surprise, Tanjiro saw Mordred stopping his swing midway. He also sported a confused look on his supposedly emotionless features.
He never knew why though. But Muzan inside him decided to use this momentary pause to their very advantage.
"Tanjiro! Switch!"
Tanjiro complied immediately. Having felt the accumulated power inside him overwhelming, as he switched control over the body from towards Muzan.
Tanjiro's head hung limply for a moment. Before showing a malicious look that signified that Muzan took over his body.
Using every last ounce of the accumulated power inside Tanjiro's body. Muzan boldly declared and shouted its technique.
"Burn in hell you bastard! Blood Demon Art: Exploding Sun!"
He shouted as he spat out a condensed ball of fire, looking exactly that of a sun.
In comparison to the earlier "Grand Fireball", the "Exploding Sun" Blood Art was shot at unbelievable speeds, far faster than lightning as it flew towards the technique.
The size thereof was small but deadly enough to be considered a last-ditch effort by the Demon King of the Rising Sun. A powerful, last-ditch effort indeed.
He's a fool that he thinks that he can survive that!
Mordred soon came back in reality as he saw a condensed ball of fire was coming at him at greater speeds.
He sported a small sigh, emotionless expression once again plastered on his face as he swung his sword. Planning to split the attack in half.
As he did so, it did split in half.
As soon as he swung his sword was when he saw a victorious smirk plastered on the Demon King's face as if to say "All according to plan".
That was when Mordred knew, he screwed up big time.
An explosion, on the highest possible threshold that wipes out a town and has a range of nearly 9 kilometers in radius, had detonated at both sides of Mordred.
The resulting blast was so powerful, both Tanjiro and Muzan was sure that Mordred wouldn't be able to survive that. Let alone stand from.
It was called an "Exploding Sun" for a reason after all.
Consequently, however, they were affected by the attack as Muzan switched control back to Tanjiro, as they were blown away by the blast.
Tanjiro lost consciousness, even as a demon, after that.
Three Days Ago.
Kumotori Mountain.
Located in Okutama county, Tokyo Prefecture. Kamado Tanjiro stood in front of five graves, each engraved with names that the Demon King of the Rising Sun vividly remembered.
It was located in front of his and the rest of the family's home for generations.
Tanjiro Kamado had returned home.
"Okaa-san, Hanako, Takeo, Shigeru, Rokuta. It's me, Tanjiro. I'm back."
He spoke in front of the graves. Though he knew they wouldn't respond, that doesn't mean that he stopped paying his respects to them.
"It's been a long time since I last been here, everyone. According to Saburo-san, it's been five years. Five years since I've last come home. It's been so long, I thought it was much longer than that."
"Five years is indeed a long time for a human, Tanjiro." Muzan's voice can be heard inside his mind, "Although for a demon's lifespan, which is indefinite, five years is considered a short time."
"Would you be quiet, Muzan. I know you killed them, but would you stay silent for a bit while I pay my respects for my family here?"
"Hmm, very well. After you've finished, I would like to formally apologize to them. As a sign of my respect for you."
"Funny. The demon that killed my family and turned Nezuko into a demon is also a part of me and my sole mental companion who is inside of me."
"Hoh? Is it me, or have you learned sarcasm already, Tanjiro?"
"It's your fault for influencing me in these past three years, Muzan. Three years since we've traveled around the globe."
"Heh, ah yes. In search of other demons, correct?"
"Now be quiet," Tanjiro said to his demon subconscious, his cat-like plum eyes looked at their graves once more.
"Sorry about that. To make a long story short, I've accomplished turning Nezuko back into a human while I, in turn, been made into a demon. Funny, isn't it? Me, been doing all I kind do to turn to return her human had been turned to a demon. What a twisted turn of fate, huh?"
Tanjiro inhaled, then exhaled. His emotions bottled up inside him started to burst.
"I did what I had to do. I was supposed to be back human when Kanao, one my dear comrades, had sacrificed her remaining eyesight in an attempt to turn me back human."
As for how he knew, his demon-enhanced smelled that she lost her sight. And it was his fault that it turned out to be this.
"I wanted to rest... I was tired of all the fighting... I wanted to end all of the conflicts... I wanted to be human until I die..."
Tears started to pour from his eyes, confessing his emotions to the people he wanted to tell with.
"Muzan poured his memories to me... His will and dreams... I fought back, fighting for my own identity and will... I never wanted to be the strongest Demon King. I want to end my days in peace..."
Tanjiro paused momentarily, before continuing.
"That is until I saw a certain part of Muzan's memories. The doctor that made him into a demon... He was a demon himself!"
Seething in silent anger, Tanjiro continued.
"That was when I realized, there was someone who been turned into a demon, for instance, like Muzan. Far from Japan. The world isn't at peace when there are still demons lurking out there that can't be found here. So, I had to leave this place, my homeland, the place of my birth. So, I've decided by own free will to stay as a demon and hunt down the other demons not just in Japan, but the world as a whole."
Calming himself, he spoke softly.
"As a result, I had to experience new things. I have explored unknown places, I've met many people. Learned many languages. Everything that I could not hope to experience... In the end, I wanted to live my life in peace. Even if I had to stay as a demon forever in order to ensure the world would never again experience this pain and suffering I had to endure. Not just me, the others wanted to be at peace as well."
"Even I'll have to sacrifice my peace to protect others peace as well." was Tanjiro's declaration before turning to his demonic subconscious.
"Hey, Muzan. It's your turn."
After he said those words, Tanjiro's hung limply before the voice and tone changed to anyone who recognizes from the voice alone.
"Well said, Tanjiro," Muzan said to the human subconscious before turned to the graves in front of him.
"So we meet again, huh? It's strange, in all my years as a demon, I never had done this sort before. I've never mourned for anyone, I have no one's grave to visit. That is until now."
"In my personal opinion, paying respects like this is pointless. The dead never talk and people assume they can hear you speak beyond the grave. It's so ridiculous it leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth."
"However, as I heard Tanjiro speaking to all five of you. I've come to an understanding that perhaps the dead would not stay dead so long as someone remembers them. That is probably the reason why the Demon Slaying Corps kept on getting stronger as they inherited the will that was passed on from their deceased comrades. Ubayashiki, it would seem that you were correct. I was deeply moved by it, and hence the reason why I had given Tanjiro my memories, wills, and dreams."
"The flesh may rot and decay, but the memories and dreams will still leave on so long as they passed it on to others. And a final note, I deeply apologize. For murdering you people and leaving two survivors pain and suffering throughout these past five years."
"Tanjiro, I know you're listening, I've come to respect you. Not as an inheritor of Yoriichi's will, but as a human who would go extreme length for your family. I've never told you this because it seems unlikely coming from me of all people."
Muzan chuckled in bemusement before addressing to the human subconscious.
"It's up to you, Tanjiro."
In the same manner, as before, Tanjiro regained control of his body.
Tanjiro smiled, things had gone quite okay after he had been paying respects of his deceased family.
He turned to his house with a frown on his face.
He had to leave his once more to search for more demons out there.
After all, he did promise to rid the world from demons.
As soon as he started walking away, a voice stopped him
"So you're going to leave now, Tanjiro"
The Demon King paused in his tracks and turned his head to look at the source of the voice, which was old man Saburo.
"Here, catch."
Saburo threw the object. Tanjiro, with demon-enhanced sense, saw in slow motion that the object in question was a bamboo flask.
Tanjiro caught it and held it in his hands. Staring it in confusion for a moment, before asking.
"Why?"
"Don't ask why, kid. Open it up, it may surprise you."
Again, he looked at it in confusion before opening it.
He immediately recognized what was inside of the flask.
"Blood... Why, Saburo-san?"
"I heard demons like blood. Human blood." the old man admitted, "So, I convinced myself to stockpile some blood in case some random demon came to my home and tries to eat me. Then, I bribe it away with a collection of blood donated from a nearby hospital."
"But, this blood, it's marechi. It's high-quality blood! Demons would kill each other for such blood like this!"
"So that means I hit the jackpot, then." he said as he gave himself a good laugh, "In conclusion, I would use that blood as an offering to any demon wanting this thing. But since you're a demon, and blood like this can give them an increase in their overall power."
Then, he became solemn as he confessed.
"To be fair, after you told me you became a demon, I was scared for a moment. But then again, seeing you once more, you are still that good-hearted kid that sells charcoal for a living. So take that blood, you might need it in case you needed the edge to fight something ridiculously powerful than the big bad demon boss that this country has to offer. I wanted you to have that advantage, Tanjiro. Please, for me and everyone else."
Tanjiro was deeply moved. He knew Saburo had his family been killed by a demon, and he would harbor such a huge grudge towards.
But to think he this much compassion had further strengthened his resolve.
"Thank you, Saburo-san. I'll be using it for good use."
As soon as he said those words, Tanjiro called out his technique.
"Blood Demon Art: Flames of Preservation."
Soft flames covered the flask, it's brilliance shone briefly.
"Blood Demon Art: Reinforcing Flames of the Sun."
Burning flames covered the flask, it's warm light briefly shone then turned dim.
Saburo whistled, "Nice trick you've got there, Tanjiro." the old man remarked.
"Thanks, I've made it myself. Though, with some help."
"Heh. Then good luck Tanjiro. I'll tell some of my trusted pals and have their descendants to take care of your house for ya. If you aren't going to be back by at least a hundred years, my lingering spirit will seriously be going to haunt you throughout your demon life. You hear me, Tanjiro!"
Tanjiro let out a genuine laugh as he waved Saburo goodbye. Once more, leaving the village.
Tanjiro recalled every event that had occurred to him throughout his experience as a Demon Slayer. Every word, every sight, and every experience resounded in his mind as he once more embarked on his journey as he walked farther away from the village.
Unknown Location
"Tanjiro, my unconscious human subconscious companion, you're finally awake."
The former Demon Slayer groggily opened his eyes as he woke up from his slumber, still slightly dazed and drained from his previous battle.
"How long have I been out? As I recall, demons don't get themselves knocked out."
He asked to his demon subconscious as there was no one other than him to answer his question.
"You've been out for some time. I'll admit, I'm just as clueless as you are."
Feeling the warm rays of the sun and the cool breeze on his face, he had noticed that he was lying on a grassy field.
Wait, grassy field?
Tanjiro immediately sat up, and in consequence of his sudden actions, quickly clutched his head in pain, feeling a brain-splitting headache.
"Don't push yourself too far, Tanjiro. Even as a demon, you somehow retain the human body's primary form of retaliation for overusing too much power. Calm yourself down, and relax. I've made sure that you will recover in just a few seconds."
Tanjiro nodded, complying with the demon he was hellbent on hunting years prior.
Finally feeling the accursed headache receding and the dizziness falters after a few short seconds of excruciating pain. He slowly stood up in defiance to gravity's omnipresent might. He still feels tired though, but he felt his body regaining its energy.
"Where am I, Muzan? What is this place?"
"That, I do not know, Tanjiro. One thing for sure, we blew that guy to pieces. There was no way he would survive that."
After hearing Muzan's confident claim, Tanjiro looked around after flicking away the pieces of grass stuck to his torn clothes and stood at full height, fully observing his surroundings.
His visible cat-like plum orbs assessed the terrain and saw that he was indeed in the middle of a grassy field surrounded by large trees. He was clearly in the middle of the forest.
"Hey, Muzan. Wasn't it supposed to be winter?"
"...It was. I couldn't see anything because your body had to shut its eyes off. So I had to improvise and prioritize making your body active again."
"I'm sorry, Muzan." apologized Tanjiro, "But look on the bright side, we're still alive. But we have to find someone with reliable information on where we are, though."
"Hmm, good point. You will find someone who looks to have good information, while I focus on restoring your strength. Until then, talk to me if you're out of ideas."
Tanjiro nodded. As he looked around.
Why this is so familiar, he wondered.
Hello everyone, gabrielchiong11 here, and I'm here with my story.
This is my first Kimetsu no Yaiba fanfic in this community. So, please, bear with me.
This started with a relatively good plot. But I'm not too sure if this fic goes as far as I intended it too.
If you guys are will to offer suggestions, ideas, and criticisms, I'll be sure to take them. Except for flames, I don't like them.
This fic is inspired by Demon King Tanjiro vs Demon Slayer Nezuko. Although, with notable differences.
If you enjoy this, I hope you leave a review. And be sure to press the fav and follow button if you like this story.
Now then, Glossary of Techniques:
Blood Demon Art: Reinforcing Flames of the Sun - it's a Blood Art designed by Tanjiro to reinforce any object, thus increasing its durability. Examples included that make wood as hard as a rock.
Blood Demon Art: Flame Pillar - Blood Art technique that produces an erupting pillar of fire as hot as the sun. Its range is only five meters wide and fifty meters tall.
Sharp Gust - With a swing of his blade, Mordred can produce pressurized winds strong to dispel flames produced by Tanjiro.
Flash Waltz - a combination of Thunder Clap and Waltz. It allows Tanjiro to move so fast he can produce the sound of thunder while performing a concentrated slash on any part of his opponent's body. Mainly the neck.
Blood Demon Art: Grand Fireball - produces a gigantic ball of blistering fire hurling towards his opponent. Mainly used on large groups and stronger than its normal variant "Fireball".
Blood Demon Art: Exploding Sun - basically a Supernova condensed in a small ball of fire. Comparable to a 1 kiloton nuke at Tanjiro's current strength.
Blood Demon Art: Flames of Preservation - Can preserve anything without spoiling any of the contents. Useful for preserving a corpse for a crime scene.
I thank the author of "The Colors of the World" for letting me use his story.
That's all, gabrielchiong11, out!