Hinokami's Blessing
Chapter 7
12Thirtypain03
WARNING: This story is rated M for mature rated content. If some acts of violence, blood, or anything easily triggering makes you uncomfortable, please leave and do not read. Any change to a character, when introduced, killed, changed into demon/human, or more will be labelled in the chapter of occurrence. If a character has died in a chapter, that chapter will give a cause of death to that character.
Nezuko's POV
Nezuko woke up with a headache. She was in pain.
"Ow…" She mumbled, as she looked around. Within this immediate timeframe, she already knew something was different about her.
"What…" She mumbled, before her eyes widened in shock.
She could talk…
She tried to hide her best cheer as she was happy about the sudden ability of her being able to speak. It was quite the time, and she felt a bit insecure about her voice now.
Was it squeaky? Did it sound too high pitched? Would others find it weird? Nezuko felt somewhat insecure as she was finally hearing her voice after so long.
Before she could ponder more, however, she noticed the environment, or rather change in the environment.
She noticed how the area seemed rather warmer than usual, like it was a different season within a span of a night.
That's strange, the last time I was awake, the air was much cooler…" Nezuko thought to herself as she begun to get up. She noticed that for starters, the room seemed very different than when she was awaken. There were a lot of things within the room that seemed different.
"Why is everything so different?" Nezuko asked herself.
Shrugging after seeing this, she decided to go out and see what was going on. She could notice Tanjirou outside speaking with Urokodaki, clearly content with himself.
Nezuko was confused. Her brother's crimson red hair had grown to past his shoulders, for some reason.
"How did my brother's hair grow so quickly?" Nezuko asked herself, as she noticed some other differences with Tanjirou.
The other included the marks on his face. Tanjirou, at least in his demonic form had two different forms of the same marks. The first was where his original scar was, above his left eye, while the other was on his lower right jaw.
Interestingly, both marks seemed to have connected, creating a giant cross mark like it was snakes and ladders.
Nezuko was confused. What happened while she was asleep, and how long was she asleep for?
Getting out, she continued her journey, specifically to see her brother.
To her shock, Tanjirou and Urokodaki looked shocked, before charging to hug Nezuko.
To say Nezuko was worried and confused, was an understatement. Why were both so worried for her?
However, as she learned more about what had happened, her eyes widened in shock.
She was asleep for over three months?!
"How…" She mumbled, not understanding. How was she asleep for three and a half months? It didn't make sense. She just went to sleep, and then remained asleep while her brother woke up.
However, she was even more shocked at the progress Tanjirou made in his training.
When she went to sleep, she was able to do every water breathing technique, even being able to learn Giyu Tomioka's personal form that he created originally.
Tanjirou, by comparison, was still struggling in learning the moves, as he was struggling with some strain. However, it seemed he now had improved immensely. What made him more terrifying was that his body was heated up much more than before.
Nezuko was able to detect some infrared light coming off of Tanjirou, and combined with her ability to detect the smallest heat off of individuals, she could tell Tanjirou's body temperature overall had increased.
Tanjirou had improved, and Nezuko was curious as to what he had become.
So, when she was out, and was able to do all her moves, mostly fine, she was glad that the time she had slept had not hindered her ability to performing water breathing. For all she knew that sleep had done so much to her.
"Now that you two are finished having your reunion, we have some important decisions to make, and discuss." Urokodaki explained.
Almost immediately, both sibling tensed. Nezuko, herself, was a bit unsure about everything. Three and a half months of sleep did render her a bit clueless to what was going on.
Despite that, she had hoped she would remember everything as Urokodaki explained everything.
Once the two went inside the house, alongside Urokodaki, the two sat down.
"Now, Nezuko." Urokodaki started, "It is a miracle and with great happiness and gratitude that we see you awake and functioning, even speaking."
"T-Thank you, Urokodaki…" Nezuko mumbled, clearly still getting used to talking now. Even Tanjirou couldn't believe this, and he got somewhat emotional and the sheer sight of Nezuko was enough to make him want to hug her tightly.
Nezuko smiled, clearly glad to be here, but she knew she had to focus on whatever Urokodaki had to discuss.
"Perhaps I should explain to you everything that has happened over the course of the months, right Nezuko?" Urokodaki asked.
Nezuko nodded, "Yeah, that would…" She coughed, "Be nice…"
Urokodaki smiled behind his mask before he began to explain everything that had happened.
How they first got a doctor to check on her health and functions, worrying she had fallen into a coma. The doctor had told them both that while she was sleeping, the reason why Nezuko couldn't wake up, they didn't know.
Urokodaki then went on to explain how her older brother began to dance the Hinokami Kagura every day until she woke up. The sheer shock on Nezuko's face said it all, as she looked at Tanjirou with anger.
"Don't you know how much strain that puts on your body?!" Nezuko angrily asked, clearly not content with Tanjirou's action of self-recklessness.
Truth be told, she was a bit emotional over the fact Tanjirou had committed to performing such a taxing dance every day until she woke up, but she also hated how Tanjirou did not look after himself as a result.
He once again, prioritized her. And she hated that. She wanted him to worry and care for his own wellbeing, to seek what he wanted.
"I-I'm sorry Nezuko, but the breathing father taught me with this helped me do it without straining myself too much!" Tanjirou answered, clearly trying to calm his sister down.
Nezuko sighed, there was no use in getting angry over Tanjirou now, as she was literally sleeping when this was happening. At least Tanjiou was here, and albeit a bit different, he was fine.
"In fact, it was due to the Hinokami Kagura did Tanjirou learn the breathing style that his body prefers." Urokodaki answered.
"Wait, what?" Nezuko snapped her head towards him when she heard that, then back to Tanjirou, who seemed to sweat a bit at that.
"Yeah, we turned the Hinokami Kagura into a sword style… Apparently, he saw some sword techniques, and after reading the book father had with him, we learned the dance was also a sword style." Tanjirou explained.
"Wait, why is it a dance then, and does that mean father was a demon slayer, or some kind of sword fighter?" Nezuko asked.
"For the time being, we are unsure and cannot answer that" Urokodaki answered, in an authoritative tone to command both siblings to stop their chatter for now.
"In the meantime," He spoke after a bit, before continuing, "Since the both of you have finally managed to complete my training, taking a total of nine months, we are left with a dilemma."
"What kind of dilemma?" Tanjirou asked.
"Does any of you two know how demon slayers are officially accepted into the corps?" Urokodaki asked.
"No." Both siblings shook their heads, clearly unsure and not prepared to answer such a question.
"I figured." Urokodaki explained, "Well, it involves surviving a trial, for a week of being stuck in a field of demons, trapped by Wisteria."
"What." Both siblings were still confused.
Urokodaki sighed, "Those who are ready to become official demon slayers will be sent to Mount Fujikasane. Here, wisteria flowers bloom every season from the foot to the slope, were demons are caught and trapped. Those new will be responsible for surviving and slaying the demons within the area."
"So, are you saying we'll be mistaken as demons?" Tanjirou asked.
"Or are we becoming trapped demons?" Nezuko asked instead, clearly a bit nervous.
Urokodaki shook his head, "No, we wouldn't do that. Neither of you have done anything to suffer such a fate. However, for that reason, we cannot send you to the Final Selection and be accepted just like that."
"Really?" Tanjirou asked, "Then how are we let into the corps?"
Nezuko then pulled Tanjirou aside. "Wait, Urokodaki, why are both of you so keen on bringing us into the corps then?"
Urokodaki for his part, looked to Tanjirou, "Well, the answer is simple. The both of you will be protected by the corps, that is, if you both remain human in your mind."
"Oh… Alright." Nezuko mumbled. She did feel confused. She just woke up and was now talking about a significant part of her life right now.
"Anyways, this is also because of another factor. Wisteria, the plant itself, is the reason why demons cannot escape, for many, if not all demons are weak to the plant, and may be poisoned and killed. Wisteria is an example of a poison that can kill demons." Urokodaki explained. "Meaning, the both of you may die if we send you to the Final Selection."
"That makes sense I guess." Nezuko mumbled as they both learned that a mere plant could spell the end of both of them, "But then how will be show our worth?"
"The answer for that is simple." Urokodaki explained. "The both of you will be sent out to take missions of demon slayers who've died prematurely."
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko's eyes widened at that.
"The fact of the matter, is that we've had countless examples of young demon slayers, may who have completed the Final Selection, however have died after a couple of missions, dying way before their potential, or through misguidance." Urokodaki explained. "In essence, the demons who kill these demon slayers are alive and have escaped. Both of you will go out in revenge for these demon slayers, and by proving you are willing and capable of killing these demons, you will be accepted into the demon slayer corps."
"Wait, but how will we know when we have met the requirements for such promotion?" Tanjirou asked.
"That will be decided based on the number of demons you slay with time." Urokodaki answered, "As for the worry the both of you may be captured, Giyu has informed Ubuyashiki about the both of you. He is both impressed and hopeful of the both of you, and so he will oversee this exception privately."
Tanjirou and Nezuko's eyes widened at the reveal the headquarters of the demon slayer crops knows about them. Considering they weren't dead yet, made them a bit safer within the corps. Regardless, they knew the real test for their worth was about to be tested.
"Wait, how will we slay demons?" Tanjirou asked.
Urokodaki looked on, "You will be given nirchirin swords, however, you will not be given any orb for the respective Nirchirin Sword, yet. The crows the both of you will encounter are crows of former demon slayers who've died from demons. The crows will lead you to the area where their killers have gone, and your job will be to slay those demons. Once you are sufficiently proven, you will be granted an orb, where then your own improved nirchirin blade will be forged, and you may even get a colour for your blade."
"Wow…" Nezuko mumbled. It was quite a lot to take on, and to think they were finally going out to slay demons was nerve wracking. Would they be prepared? Would she be prepared after sleeping?
"Also, there is another thing about demons, or two things I'd like to speak to you about." Urokodaki stated.
Both Nezuko and Tanjirou looked at Urokodaki.
"The first, is the aspect of blood demon arts. These are special abilities stronger demons can use once they achieve enough strength and energy. In essence, these blood demon arts allow them to use their blood to infuse to a special attack. These can vary widely, and can be crucial for a demon slayer, for whether they run into one or not. We are not sure if you both will run into one, but since many demon slayers are new, they are usually send to defeat low ranking demons, so you probably won't run into blood demon arts yet."
"Wait, won't we develop blood demon arts?" Tanjirou asked, "If we're both demons?"
"Well, since the both of you are technically getting stronger and gaining energy without eating human flesh, there is the possibility that both are possible. However, I am not sure what causes one to activate a blood demon art." Urokodaki answered.
"Got it." Tanjirou nodded, clearly fidgeting, but also a bit intrigued. What would both his and his sister's blood demon arts look like, if they can develop one.
"With that being said, be cautious for any demon you meet may surprise you with one." Urokodaki warned.
"Yes!" Both siblings eagerly nodded, wanting to get ready.
"Also, there's one more thing." Urokodaki voiced out.
Both siblings stopped when they heard that.
"There is only one individual demon, that I know of, that is capable of turning others into humans. It is the only way for a human to turn into a demon." Urokodaki revealed.
"But Giyu said those who are exposed to demon wounds will turn into demons!" Tanjirou exclaimed, "He told me!"
"That is a misunderstood myth. Only one individual can infect others with demon cells, by injecting them with it. That man, is the demon king, the progenitor of all demons, Kibutsuji Muzan." Urokodaki named.
Upon hearing that name, Tanjirou's eyes widened. Nezuko could see the tenseness from Tanjirou. The sudden wave of emotions that Tanjirou was experiencing. The heat map of his body shifted drastically, as his anger was apparent.
"Brother, stop, you're losing yourself…" Nezuko quietly mumbled, trying to calm her brother down. For once, she saw a side of her brother she did not know existed. She didn't even think Tanjirou could have that much anger inside of him.
Even Urokodaki looked a bit shocked. He did not think that name would cause such strain on Tanjirou.
"That was his name… That's the name of the monster that attacked our family, that monster killed our family!" Tanjirou exclaimed angrily.
"How do you know?" Urokodaki asked, but even he knew it made sense, considering the both were turned into demons. It was the only plausible explanation.
Tanjirou grunted, "When I tried fighting him as a human, he badly injured me with these barbed spikes, leaving me for dead. He mockingly joked about how I was about to die, and I swear, he told me his name.
"Do you remember what he said, exactly to you?" Nezuko asked.
Even Urokodaki was intrigued, clearly curious as to what Tanjirou had seen with the demon king. By what he heard, no other Hashira had ever seen Muzan, so what Tanjirou was telling them was critical information.
"I remember exactly what he said, I will never forge that monster's words…" Tanjirou angrily remarked, "He said: Let this be known, since you don't have much time left, and you've held onto your life stronger than the rest of what I assume to be your family, that the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan, was responsible for this." Tanjirou angrily revealed.
"Kibutsuji Muzan was responsible for this… So, he killed our family, brother?" Nezuko asked, somewhat angry and feeling a sense of vengeance.
"Yes…" Tanjirou answered, managing to calm himself somewhat, and upon then did Nezuko focus and reiterated her own goal now, to eliminating Muzan.
Whilst the two demons were debating everything about what they just learned about that day, Urokodaki looked at the two apprehensively, before relaxing, and turning to shock.
"These two demons, said Muzan's name… Did they just prove they don't work for the demon king? Did they ironically, already complete their true test?" Urokodaki asked, clearly surprised. Despite this, he did not reveal, nor say anything.
Perhaps them saying his name so causally will make other demon slayers second guess in the event they see Tanjirou and Nezuko without any protecting from their demonic appearance.
Speaking of which.
Urokodaki gave them both masks, clearing to masks their demonic characteristics.
Tanjirou's mask was very distinct. The right side was red, with yellow flaming streaks, while the left side contained a crimson red katana that went down to his left lip. It also had a drawing of the earrings Tanjirou wore on his ears.
Nezuko's mask was also unique. The left side contained some pink vine-like shapes that sporadically went across the left side of her face, whilst the right side contained the drawing of the purple plant Wisteria.
"You both will be needing this to ensure you are not spotted by the wrong group of individuals. Despite this, you both will have to avoid demon slayers. If you spot them, and they approach you, just greet them causally and be on your way." Urokodaki warned.
"Got it!" Tanjirou exclaimed, thanking Urokodaki for the mask, putting it on. They were also given some gloves and protection for their hands to hide their demonic nails. Their mask was to help against their eyes and teeth, with the hope of other demon slayer just assuming their a student of a master.
"Thanks Urokodaki!" The two siblings exclaimed.
"That's not the only thing." Urokodaki mentioned, before he then turned to face towards the house.
Tanjirou and Nezuko both were confused, until Tanjirou smelt the different scent, and Nezuko could sense another individual was within their vicitinity. Both of them recognized the respective field of the individual, and so they both relaxed.
"Giyu!" The two siblings exclaimed.
"Hello, I've heard from Urokodaki that the both of you completed his training, managing to slay the rock." Giyu mentioned.
"We did." Tanjirou nodded, "Maybe took me a bit of time, and Nezuko some sleep, but we did it."
"You should be impressed with yourself, Nezuko and Tanjirou. It usually takes the average demon slayer two to four years to complete and start their journey. The sheer fact you two are heading out within nine months is impressive." Giyu spoke out about the two's progress.
"Almost like Gyomei and Tokito, who became Hashira within two months of picking up a blade." Giyu thought to himself, but he attributed Tanjirou and Nezuko's progress to being demons, partially, at least.
"Well, we just practiced and committed is all, we're not special." Tanjirou replied, seemingly humbled.
Giyu sighed, "Regardless, as promised once you two started. So far, both of you have retained your human characteristics. With Nezuko even waking up and speaking as I can hear, and from what Urokodaki was telling me, Tanjirou, you have been able to consume human food, at least simple ones, to store energy, instead of eating. These are things that have never really be shown in demons before."
Even Nezuko was looking at Tanjirou, shocked. "You learned to do that?" She whispered to her brother, where merely chuckled nervously.
"It was because I couldn't afford to sleep, so I ate to gain my energy." Tanjirou whispered back to her sister, who merely shrugged.
"Very well, but one, you need to teach me to eat, and two, you must sleep when I do." Nezuko spoke.
"We will see if we have the time." Tanjirou answered back.
"Anyways, as promised by the both of us, we shall give you a nirchirin blade for both of you, and with them, you will be encountering the crows of dead demon slayers, who were killed by low-ranked demons. Your job will be to slay these demons, which we will know based on what the crow tells us." Giyu explained. "If you both perform something that we do not deem unacceptable, expect to be targeted."
"G-Got it!" Tanjirou exclaimed.
"Good." Giyu nodded, "As for when we will deem you both necessarily fit to become demon slayers, you will slay demons until my crow will inform you to return to Urokodaki's house." Giyu confirmed, to which the two siblings nodded.
Tanjirou and Nezuko, were both given their respective nirchirin swords. Of course, they weren't allowed to see a colour of their blades or anything. It was just a typical blade that was capable of cutting off a demon's head.
Regardless it was something.
"Well then. It is also important that you both do remember you are demons." Urokodaki explained, "Even if you think human, you may run into stuff that will make your demonic instincts spike. Like when the sun rises, or when you come across a bloodied human corpse."
Both Nezuko and Tanjirou's eyes widened at that. "I actually forgot we were demons…" Tanjirou chuckled.
Urokodaki looked on, "Just remember to stay away from the sun, avoid other demon slayers, and complete your missions. Keep your human instincts high. We will take care of your expenses, so Tanjirou, you can buy food if you want, as long as if keeps you from wanting to eat human flesh, and Nezuko, while you did not undergo the same training as Tanjirou, I assume sleeping will help you regain your energy."
Both siblings nodded, as they decided to get a move on while it was nighttime. The closer they could explore, and head out, the sooner they could complete their goal and become demon slayers.
To get revenge of Kibutsuji Muzan.
Whilst the two silbings went down the mountain, Urokodaki loomed to Giyu.
"There's some interesting information about the two that I figured out." Urokodaki told Giyu.
"Is that so?" Giyu asked, "What is it? Is it about the boy's breathing style again?"
Urokodaki shook his head, "No, the two of them said Muzan's name, and seemed to remember what the demon king looked like."
Giyu's eyes widened at that, clearly seeing the two siblings to being more important than he originally thought.
"That's concerning… Did you get information?" Giyu asked.
"Somewhat, a bit of a description on his looks, and the likes." Urokodaki explained.
"Very well, I'll take the information and send to Ubuyaskiki. He'll probably be content to find demons who have broken the curse." Giyu responded, clearly knowing what he needed to do.
Meanwhile, Nezuko and Tanjirou were both heading out. They decided that it would be best to head to the nearest village. That way, when the sun would rise, they would have a place to rest. Or they could hope it would rain and the clouds would block most of the sunlight.
Tanjirou and Nezuko weren't really sure if that would be enough to prevent them from burning up, but they decided they could at least try.
Once they got upon the village, they noted it was nearing sunrise.
"Guess we'll have to bunker down for our first day, huh?" Tanjirou jokingly commented, which earned him a flick on the forehead from Nezuko, who was merely deadpanning him.
Once the two went to sleep, they decided it would be best for the both of them to sleep. Both of them needed to regain energy for their fights, and sleeping, or eating food is better than human flesh.
Once the two got their sleep, they went out, as it was not on the cusp of darkness. The night sky was beginning to show its face, and so the two planned to properly observe everything.
That was when they got their first message.
"Caw! Reports of a demon near Mukojima Village! Responsible for the death of two demon slayers! Tanjirou Kamado and Nezuko Kamado are to slay this demon!" The crow spoke, clearly passing by.
"Do we know where Mukojima Village is?" Nezuko asked.
Tanjirou nodded pulling out a map. "Seems to be from the north-west region of Tokyo. We can get there within a day if we move quick enough."
"Got it!" Nezuko nodded, as the two quickly began to head to the village.
It took them around three quarters of the night to get to Mukojima Village, and almost immediately, the two could tell the village was in quite poor condition.
"Woah…" Tanjirou mumbled as he looked at the worn down houses, and the people, clearly stressed and full of worry. He could smell the worry, and it made him sad. This was a sad village.
"What kind of demon would chill in this village?" Tanjirou asked himself, as he begun to look around.
"We don't know where this demon could be, so we should split up and take care of this demon." Tanjirou told his sister, who nodded.
"This time, I'll finally be able to kill a demon." Nezuko exclaimed.
"You helped kill that demon by tying it's body up…" Tanjirou deadpanned.
"I know, I just want to do it alone, maybe." Nezuko smiled.
"Just remember, Nezuko, demons were once human, like us." Tanjirou told her sister as he began to look around.
Once the night was about to be over, the two called it a day and looked around for a safe area to nap. However, the sheer condition of the village made it difficult to find an ideal area for them to sleep.
Eventually, they managed to find an area just outside the village, near a cave.
"Ow…" Nezuko mumbled, clearly not a fan of such a rough place to sleep.
"I'm sorry Nezuko." Tanjirou apologized, but Nezuko brushed it off.
"It's fine brother, let's just sleep." Nezuko responded, and while she went to sleep, Tanjirou still felt guilty.
Once the two siblings woke up yet again, they continued their exploration for the demon apparently lurking in this village.
"Nezuko? Any sight?" Tanjirou asked.
"I've been asking some of the villagers about any loss, and most of them seem very apathetic." Nezuko explained, "Almost like they don't care if one of their kids goes missing."
"Maybe that's why the demon chose here…" Tanjirou thought outloud, as he eventually knew he had to find a common ground, "Is there a common place where they noticed to have lost their children?"
Nezuko pondered, "Perhaps we should check an area where a lot of them come together."
Tanjirou sighed, "The only notable place I can think of is the nearby place of worship."
"We should probably check that then." Nezuko added on.
And so, both individuals looked into the place of worship, and that was where they got some luck.
"What is that smell?" Tanjirou asked, as he began to smell something completely foreign. It smelt exactly like that other demon at the house when they were making their way to Urokodaki's house.
"I can sense something in here, too…" Nezuko mumbled, as they looked around.
Both siblings brought out their blades, anticipating the worse, as they looked around. Thankfully, their senses had allowed them to sense any incoming danger.
And so, when Tanjirou's own instincts was telling him to move out the way, he did, and was glad he did, for when he turned around and let his eyes wander to the new figure he saw, he saw the eyes of a demon staring at him.
"Hmm?" The demon clearly was confused, "Something feels strange about you two…" The demon mumbled. "You don't smell good, not like those humans."
Tanjirou and Nezuko remained quiet at that, only getting angry at how he was referring to humans as food.
In response, both Tanjirou and Nezuko raised their blade, clearly seeing the demon as a monster.
"Eh, I guess I'll just have to cut you up and then notice what's different about you myself. Perhaps you two are just disgusting naturally." The demon commented, lunging to Nezuko this time.
Tanjirou did not take lightly to this, and quickly countered.
Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel
Tanjirou quickly spun his body around to deliver a circular slash to the demon, who's eyes widened before putting their hands out to block it. Of course, it was very close to the demon's neck.
Nezuko took the opportunity to apply pressure on the demon, who merely got the distance away. Still, Nezuko continued to ruthlessly charged towards the demon, not letting up.
The demon, for its part looked angry as it tried its best to remain intact.
"So you two are demon slayers?! What?! Who in this village cares that I ate an extra mouth to feed?" The demon angrily vented.
"So our assumption was right." Nezuko angrily told the demon, "So you choose to eat children in this village knowing the people are already suffering to make ends meets?"
"Obviously, the village should be thanking me!" The demon responded.
Tanjirou had heard enough, "Very well, in the end you will pay with your life." He had said in such a calm tone that it made the demon rather unsettled.
Tanjirou calmly breathed in, as he once again charged towards the demon, feigning an attack at first, he used the momentum for his next attack.
Water Breathing, Eighth Form: Waterfall Basin, Destruction
He quickly turned and leaped behind the demon trying to slash its neck off, but the demon kicked Tanjirou. Despite this, Tanjirou went through with the attack, but missing the demon's neck, hitting the collarbone instead.
"What's your name you demon?" Nezuko asked.
"Miyasaki Tsuyuri." The demon told the two, and Nezuko nodded, as Tanjirou broke free of the stalemate, slashing the demon's head somewhat off.
The demon growled, "Now you've done it!" Angrily it charged demon, punching Tanjirou so hard their fist went through Tanjirou's abdomen.
Tanjirou coughed out some blood from the sheer shock at this, before he grunted. He was a demon, he reminded himself, and he could recover from this.
Taking the opportunity, Tanjirou found it best to strike the demon down there.
Water Breathing, Seventh Form, Curve
Tanjirou quickly unleashed his blade out and stabbed the demon right in the eye. The demon growled, yelling in pain at the blade stabbed right in his eye.
The demon then yanked his arm out of Tanjirou and kicked the boy painfully into the wall. Tanjirou grunted as he felt his back hit the wall, a similar time to when Muzan had launched him into a tree.
Tanjirou growled, as his breathing became erratic. His pupil and iris had shrunk slightly, yet his eye got bigger. He stared the demon with a face of pure anger.
Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux
"You will regret doing that." Tanjirou exclaimed in pure anger as he once again charged the demon, not letting demon relax as each strike Tanjirou unleashed got stronger and stronger.
Until the demon's ribcage was hit by Tanjirou's blade, the boy managed to rip out a chunk of the demon's torso off. This made the demon vulnerable, especially when Tanjirou swung himself around to slice the demon's hip entirely off.
By now, he was cutting the demon apart, to make the demon unable to move.
But in the end, it wasn't Tanjirou's own blade that struck the demon down.
It was Nezuko's.
She had watched the entire thing unfold, and was observing, taking the proper measures to ensure her strike would be fatal and instant. She was anticipating a time the demon's neck would be exposed to her.
Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide
Nezuko breathed in, the blade she had becoming entrenched with watery auras, as she swung her blade right into the demon's neck.
The demon's eyes widened upon noticing their mistake, as Nezuko, with the strength she had developed from her training, swung her sword across the demon directly aiming for their neck, which had been exposed once Tanjirou had pierced and cut through the demon.
Nezuko yelled loudly as she her sword crossed through the demon's neck. Once again, the demon's head fell on the ground.
Unlike the last time, however, the demon's head and body began to disintegrate.
The demon screamed in pain and agony, wishing not to die as they were scared, before it completely was gone.
Tanjirou and Nezuko looked at each other in shock at what had transpired.
"Well, that's one demon eliminated…" Tanjirou spoke out after a bit of silence.
"Yeah… I didn't think it would go down like that." Nezuko remarked, "Kind of thought the demon would stop talking once that happened."
"Same." Tanjirou responded clearly agreeing to what she said.
"Well, now what happens?" Nezuko asked.
"I don't know." Tanjirou answered.
Almost on cue, the sound of a crow got their attention.
"Caw! Tanjirou Kamado and Nezuko Kamado have managed to slay the demon in Mukojima Village! They will be given another mission once Giyu Tomioka and Urokodaki both give them the next move!" The crow yelled, and Tanjirou and Nezuko both were taken aback by how loud they were.
"Well, I guess we get a bit of a break then…" Nezuko commented.
"To sleep, yeah." Tanjirou nodded. "Seems we will have to sleep when the chance comes. Though I feel bad for the demon, having to eat human flesh…"
"Please." Nezuko rolled her eyes, "Those demons are the reason our family is dead, and why we are them."
Tanjirou shook his head, "Not all demons are evil, Nezuko. Otherwise we would be evil as well. The only evil demon is Kibutsuji Muzan."
Nezuko sighed, "If you say so brother, but I see other demons as a threat, for what they did to my family."
Tanjirou sighed, knowing she had a point, but it also made everything a bit more complicated for him. Nezuko was just angry about her family, and he was too. But their confliction came across who was to blame.
Despite this, they both blamed Muzan for this tragedy, and knew they would have to train to get revenge on him.
In the time being, Tanjirou looked at the sad situation of the village. It was terrible, and Tanjirou wanted to help everyone in the village. Unfortunately, he couldn't really do much. The best he could do was rid the demon who gave these already on edge people, more tragedy.
And so, with a heartfelt feeling in his heard, Tanjirou bid farewell to the village, as he felt bad for the people inside.
As the two continued on their way with the next village of concern, they decided to make sure they were all energized. The last thing they needed was to be tired and almost eating human flesh as a result of them not taking care of themselves.
And so, as Tanjirou and Nezuko made their way towards the next village and mission, the crow that had been the crow for the demon slayer that was avenged by both Tanjirou and Nezuko, was shedding tears of joy, thanking the demons who had slain the demon responsible.
It was quite ironic, but it was Tanjirou's and Nezuko's way of showing the slayer corps they were truly remarkable individuals, who could be trusted.
In the meantime, the crow made it's way to Urokodaki who was busy washing some clothing, having accidentally left it out when it was raining.
"Caw! Tanjirou Kamado and Nezuko Kamado have slain the demon in Mukojima Village!" Urokodaki raised an eyebrow at the crow before sighing.
"Seems the two have slain a demon, their very first demon. To say I'm proud of them is an understatement. I just hope they remain hidden until they're respected or something." Urokodaki mumbled to himself.
When the crow got back to Giyu, he just nodded, and sent the instructions for the next demon the two would fight off. He too was hoping the demons would go a long way in the demon slayer corps.
In the meantime, Tanjirou and Nezuko, within a day, got their next mission, and were off.
A.N / Nezuko is finally out of her slumber, and like Tanjirou, are both now out killing demons to prove their worth. I was actually somewhat confused as to how to make a plausible test for them, however, I do have a personal idea for them and how they will be accepted into the corps. It is rather anticlimactic, but I think the action and plot that will make up for it, and it does make sense in my opinion.
As for other plots, we are theoretically in the Final Selection plot, albeit without any Final Selection. Tanjirou and Nezuko are doing their own test that was approved by Ubuyashiki. Remember there is talks behind the scenes of Giyu information Ubuyashiki about Tanjirou and Nezuko. So, this is all consensual, at least from a leadership level.
Nezuko and Tanjirou both will have their blood demon arts revealed, and we will see a bit more of Kanae probably when the time comes. As for other characters, however, we may see Genya and Zenitsu first before anyone else, and this is planned before both Tanjirou and Nezuko get their orbs.
Anyways, that's enough rambling from me, I'll see you all later.
Character Profile:
- No significant character profiles besides the unknown demon.
Abilities: Breathing Styles or Blood Demon Art
- No new breathing styles or blood demon arts introduced.