Hinokami's Blessing

Chapter 22

12Thirtypain03

WARNING: This story is rated M for mature-rated content. If some acts of violence, blood, or anything easily triggering make you uncomfortable, please leave and do not read. Any change to a character, when introduced, killed, changed into a demon/human, or more will be labeled 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


"Well, hello there, the nice night we are having." The demon chuckled, as he was showing his eyes to the demon slayers, as they all gasped in shock.

"T-This is bad…" Shinobu mumbled as she stared down in shock at what she was seeing.

To Nezuko, she could only imagine. Shinobu had already run into Upper Moon Two, with her elder sister, and was now witnessing this Upper Moon.

Nezuko could see from the eyes of the demon, how strong this one was.

"Upper Moon Three. This is serious, right brother?" Nezuko asked her brother, Tanjirou in her mind, only for her to not get any response.

"Tanjirou?" Nezuko called out again, only for her brother to not respond. This was concerning for her. Where did her brother go?

Quickly looking around, her face of confusion quickly went to shock.

"Is brother still on the train?" Nezuko asked the bunch, only for them to look around.

He was nowhere to be seen.

"Brother… Please me alright… Please help us, an Upper Moon is here, and we may not survive…" Nezuko begged, but it would eventually be futile.

"The name's Akaza and I've been sent here on request of that master." Akaza smiled. "He seems very hellbent on destroying some of you, and specifically you." He pointed to Nezuko, "And your brother… Hm, seems your brother isn't here, but you will do."

At this, Nezuko raised her blade. However, Akaza put his hands up

"I'm sorry, but my battle is not with you," Akaza explained.

"Wait... What?" Nezuko asked, a bit confused.

However, Akaza was no longer looking at Nezuko.

Instead, he focused purely on Rengoku.

"Why is he ignoring me, now?" Nezuko asked herself.

While she was wanting to battle against this Upper Moon, she was beginning to be hit with a wave of fatigue.

Nezuko groaned as she fell forward a bit on her knee.

"You should probably rest, Kamado… I'll take care of this demon, for he seems to be challenging me specifically," Rengoku spoke in a serious tone. For once, he didn't seem to be rather loud or energetic. Plus, the dramatic switch up Rengoku was showing, from seeing Nezuko as a threat, to now a companion. It was very interesting

Right now, he was showing a tone of pure concentration and seriousness, befitting for a person of his stature and occupation.

Rengoku stared Upper Moon Three down, but Nezuko was worried for the demon slayer's wellbeing.

Upper Moon Three looked much stronger compared to Rengoku, Nezuko just knew. Demons always had the advantage over humans, unless human cooperation outsmarted the demon.

It was a class predator vs prey dynamic that always occurred in nature. You'd have to sacrifice one person to let the rest of the pack survive.

Rengoku was the first to make the move. He decided to let the demon know how serious he was now.

Flame Breathing, Second Form – Rising Scorching Sun

Rengoku lashed out with a slash upward to strike Akaza's head, but he merely dodged the strike leaning to the right and twisting his body to strike Rengoku.

Rengoku quickly maneuvered himself away from Akaza's counterstrike, as he let his momentum propel him just enough distance away from Akaza.

"Nice reflexes, and nice blade. You must be a Hashira." Akaza commented. "I may enjoy this fight after all."

At this, Nezuko looked on.

Total Concentration – Flame Breathing, Third Form: Blazing Universe

Rengoku sidestepped a blow from Akaza as he tried to same move again.

"Again? That's somewhat disappointing…" Akaza mumbled as he stomped his foot on the ground before he grabbed Rengoku's sword with perfect precision, and launched Rengoku up.

Total Concentration – Flame Breathing, Second Form:

Rengoku felt his body in the air but quickly spun around with his technique to make sure Akaza wouldn't catch him in the vulnerable position.

Akaza for his part lashed out trying to arc himself to strike Rengoku but was unable to. And so, the two landed on opposite sides of their battle, eyeing each other with their backs faced together.

"I've got to say, you are a capable Hashira. And with your sword prowess, you should become a demon." Akaza chuckled, "You would have unlimited stamina to fight over and over, and not be in a constant progressive state of weakness, with your aging."

"No," Rengoku said, at last, while all Nezuko could do, in all her tired form, she couldn't do anything. The fact that she and Tanjirou were demons was unfortunately a testament to the unfortunate trauma they've gone through.

They were demons, and yet they were able to stay on the side they believed was right. They weren't consumed by their desire for eating humans. They weren't selfish.

Even when she tried to breathe properly, she couldn't, for she must have overdone herself while fighting everything else.

She had managed to defeat and kill both lower moon One and Three, so she felt accomplished/

Truth be told, she knew that an Upper Moon was too much for her.

"And why would you want to remain in a body that'll eventually fail you with time?" Akaza asked.

"Growing old and dying gives us the beauty of a fleeting human life. It's what allows us to value our life. You may think strength is a gifted ideal, but for us, it's how we train ourselves, blood, sweat, and tears, throughout our flesh." Rengoku explained, "Everyone here has strength, and they will gladly take you on."

It was here did Rengoku stared Akaza down, "For you seemed very hesitant to fight this young girl here. Why?" Rengoku asked, which got Akaza quiet.

It seemed that Akaza was no longer going to talk to Rengoku.

And so, Akaza got into a position, ready to strike.

Blood Demon Art – Destructive Death: Compass Needle

With an almost compass propelling itself on the ground, Akaza got into a crouching position, before it ticked towards Rengoku.

The next thing Nezuko saw, was that a blast of shockwave made its way towards Rengoku.

Nezuko gasped as she saw the shockwave quickly strike Rengoku in the torso. Thankfully, he managed to land a bit away.

However, Akaza continued to onslaught Rengoku, as he was clearly on the defensive.

Despite this, Rengoku was faring well on his own.

"If you won't become a demon, then I'll just kill you!" Akaza yelled as another shockwave from the ground spewed out to strike Rengoku.

Total Concentration – Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire

Rengoku used his technique to jump over the shockwave, with the intent of closing the distance with Akaza. If he wanted a close-ranged battle with Akaza, then Rengoku would give him one.

But even still, Nezuko had to help. She had to do something.

She knew Rengoku could only hang on for so long.

While Shinobu, Kanao, and Inosuke were trying to help the rest of the others get off the train, Nezuko was standing down, too tired.

Zenitsu was sleeping, as she was unsure if it was because he was tired, or injured throughout the whole ordeal.

"We couldn't find your brother for some reason… I don't know where he went." Shinobu explained, as she was still gripping her injured shoulder, which was patched up with basic covering, to temporarily make it hurt less.

"Please… Find him… I'll… I must…" Nezuko was interrupted.

"You and Tanjirou have already done enough, rest for now…" Shinobu explained.

But Nezuko knew she wasn't. She wasn't done. She had promised to be a demon slayer. Right here was amongst the strongest of all demons, and she wasn't doing her job.

She was a demon slayer, and she was going to do it, damnit!

Blood Demon Art: Karmic Blaze (Blood Trail)

Launching her blood out of her hand, she created a line of blood in front of her where Akaza and Rengoku were.

Amid all their fighting, Nezuko had thrown some of her blood onto the field. She was hoping Akaza would be affected by her flames, and that Rengoku wouldn't.

So, when she activated the pink-red flames between Akaza and Rengoku, both were surprised.

However, Rengoku knew he could move through the flames, without any consequences, so he took complete advantage.

Total Concentration – Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Rengoku

To the surprise, of Nezuko, Rengoku assumed and prepped himself in a stance, before striking Akaza point-blank rage. The sheer impact of his move was enough to cause the ground to shake and move, as Akaza focused on getting out of Rengoku's range.

Rengoku had managed to get a good hit on Akaza, with the help of Nezuko. It was somewhat conflicting that it took now to get this, however, considering the circumstances, it was something.

Still, he didn't necessarily seem to struggle. Akaza did suffer some injuries and slashes from Rengoku's blade, but it wasn't anything noteworthy for him. It was mostly the burning from Nezuko's blood demon art, and even then, he seemed to not be getting hurt as much as she anticipated.

To him, Rengoku was just weak for not being a demon willingly, and for protecting the weak.

"Why do you protect the weak? Even if she is a demon, why must you protect her, especially when the master wants me to eliminate her alongside her brother?" Akaza asked.

Nezuko took this chance now. Throwing her blood at Akaza, she quickly lit them on fire.

However, to her surprise, Akaza wasn't affected by the flames.

This surprised Nezuko, whose widened, shocked eyes reflected this.

"What?! How?!" Nezuko exclaimed, "How can he not be affected by my flames…"

Nezuko was trying to think of everything in the book. "Was he adapting to the fire?"

But there was only one thing she could think of, "My will is too weak…" Nezuko thought, concluding that was the reason. Despite this, she knew she had to continue. Rengoku's life was at stake, but the problem was that this demon was just avoiding her. Akaza wasn't attacking her whatsoever.

"But no matter! I will strengthen it, to eventually hurt him." Nezuko continued in her thought as she tried her best to concentrate her mind and breathing.

She had been doing her best to concentrate on her breathing, and so she had to make sure she was in a state of total euphoria. A state of tranquility.

She went back to her father.

How he was always calm, with a smile. She knew that must have been how he was capable of performing feats, even when he was sick.

It was what Tanjirou had told her. She just had to focus on what her brother was telling her.

"Brother, I hope you are alright, and you come out to save Rengoku…" Nezuko prayed as she tried to focus.

Even then, it was conflicting. Specifically, how her father, was always so calm until it came time for them to get abused by him. Nezuko growled at the thought of her father.

"Damnit... Even after all the suffering you made my brother and I go through, you still find a way to haunt our brains... Damn you, Father..." Nezuko mumbled in her head, as she focused purely on her flames, as she was trying to burn Akaza, who was managing to once again bombard Renogku with his moves.

Blood Demon Art: Air Type

Akaza began to launch several shockwaves towards Rengoku, who despite trying to block them with his sword, was ultimately still impacted by the move. Rengoku curled over, almost falling to his knees, as he coughed out blood.

Akaza was slowly approaching the fallen Hashira, which Nezuko saw.

"Damni! Come on, Nezuko! Burn him!" Nezuko yelled to herself as she was trying to make her flames stronger. "is it because I'm still tired? That doesn't matter! Use all of my demonic energy now! I can sleep after!"

Eventually, she heard the slightly uncomfortable groan of Akaza, who stopped his advance toward Rengoku and was forced to remain still. She hoped this was giving enough time for Rengoku to stand up, or to heal. She wasn't sure.

"It's working..." Nezuko thought as she tried her hardest. She tried to burn Akaza more, but alas, it wasn't perfect.

Despite this, it seemed that, compared to a normal demon or others, Akaza wasn't as affected by the flames as she thought.

She was so confused.

But this also worried her.

How would Rengoku survive this?

Would be able to survive this

She then looked to the others.

It then hit her.

The only individuals who were here, most of them were girls. The only boys were Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Rengoku.

But Zenitsu was sleeping, and Inosuke was too injured, only being able to help move others away.

And yet, Akaza was only targeting Rengoku. Most of the girls were still able to move and fend off. But Akaza didn't pay any attention to any of them. Only Rengoku...

"But why is he only targeting other boys?" Nezuko asked.

As she got up slowly, she stared at Akaza.

Total Concentration – Flower Breathing, First Form: Flower Cutter

With as much as she was capable of, she made her stride towards Akaza, trying to slash at his legs.

It made sense. Since he seemed to be skilled in martial arts, it would be in his best interest to remove what makes him so mobile.

Akaza seemed to know what was going on, and he somersaulted away, not wanting to be anywhere near Nezuko.

"Hey little demon, I said I wasn't going to fight you, so let me focus on this donut, here." Akaza tried to warn Nezuko. "I don't hit people like you."

Nezuko merely didn't care, "That's not going to stop me from decapitating you." Was all Nezuko said as she tried to slash toward Akaza?

Instead, Akaza blocked the sword expertly, as Nezuko could feel some vibrations through the sword.

"Damnit, is he using his shockwaves inside of his body, to make it impact me when I make contact with him?" Nezuko asked herself, as she felt her own body vibrating as a result of Akaza's blood demon art.

"I didn't want to hurt you, but if you will try to gamble with my life, I will have no choice but to knock you out," Akaza warned Nezuko.

Nezuko eventually backed away, standing in front of Rengoku. "Try me."

For some reason, he seemed very hesitant to attack Nezuko.

All his attacks would specifically strike Rengoku, who was sent flying eventually by one of Akaza's well-placed attacks.

Nezuko was confused. How did he strike Rengoku when she was protectively standing in front of him?

All Akaza did, was dodge all the moves she would swipe at him.

Even with her breathing constant, she was unsure what was going on, but she could only assume that if she wasn't able to perform such a technique, then she wouldn't even be able to strike him.

Perhaps he was too focused on not wanting to be struck by Nezuko.

It was as if he refused to attack Nezuko.

"But… Why?" Nezuko asked herself.

But then, when she went back to thinking about how Akaza decided to attack Rengoku out of all people, it began to make sense to Nezuko.

"Does he not attack, women?" Nezuko thought to herself. "he said he doesn't fight people like me... It has to be that."

As Nezuko tried to attack Akaza repeatedly, it only became clearer.

"I-Is this why my flames won't burn him? Because he's not all that bad?" Nezuko asked herself, as she was now put in a confused manner. "Because I find his morals to be more pure than many other demons out there?"

However, she began to sense something. Something that was making her entire body vibrate in fear...

Her infrared vision was causing her to freak out, specifically her body. Almost as if a natural disaster was coming.

It was something, or someone scarier.

Her whole body began to shake. Once she turned around, she freaked out at what she saw.

"Akaza." The voice of a strong male echoed throughout the battlefield, to the point of stopping the whole battle.

Out came a tall demon with six eyes, with it stating a kanji that made everyone nervous.

The individual, in his eyes, said Upper Moon One. This individual was, by a milestone, much more powerful than even the demon moon she was facing right now, Akaza.

"Sorry Kokushibo, I was about to kill this Hashira, only for this pesky demon girl to interfere in my endeavors." Akaza apologized to his higher-up.

"You dimwit, we're supposed to kill the demon boy, and capture the girl, not a Hashira." Was all the Upper Moon said, clearly the more formal and mature one of the duo?

Meanwhile, everyone else was shitting bricks now.

The second most powerful demon, in all of history, was in their sights.

This…

This was a bad time to be alive, for everyone.

And throughout all of this, Nezuko was unsure where her brother was. She hoped and prayed to the Hinokami, that he was still alive.

"Upper Moon One…" Rengoku mumbled as he was somewhat strained from his fight with Upper Moon Three, Akaza. He finally managed to heal himself to fight again. He was still injured and sore, but considering the new circumstances, he knew it would be a fortune if he came out alive in any way, shape, or form.

"The names, Kokushibo." The Upper Moon One revealed his name to Nezuko, "And I am the second in command for the progenitor. You should feel honored to be seeing me." Kokushibo revealed.

"That man is very dead set on having both you and your brother's heads off your body. He entrusted the both of us to slice you two down." Kokushibo revealed, giving his full attention to Nezuko. "Well, perhaps if you peacefully decided to come back to the master."

Pulling out his sword, he pointed it to Nezuko. "You will be fighting me unless you openly give your life to our lord."

Nezuko, meanwhile, could only think of one thing, as her entire body was shaking at the sheer strength this man radiated.

"How are we going to survive this…"

But even through that, her answer was clear. Taking gripping her blade, she pointed it to Kokushibo.

"This is my answer." Was all Nezuko responded with, clearly glaring at Kokushibo? "I would rather die here on the spot than give Muzan the chance to use me for his benefit."

Kokushibo seemed to have remained silent before he made his voice heard.

"Well then, today will be your last day on this planet. Be glad." That was all Kokushibo responded with before he got himself into a battle position.


Tanjirou's POV


Tanjirou hates himself… There are so many things he regrets.

Perhaps it was something he always suffered from, for he was only a human.

But seeing the brutal killing of his family had never really hit him.

Sure, it did, but considering the circumstances, he had put himself through vigorous training, remembering to dance the Hinokami Kagura whenever something bad happened.

He would always pray, always dance, and always hope that everything would turn out well.

And for a time, he thought he found some semblance of a life back.

That was until Lower Moon One struck.

Somehow managing to infuse his demon art with the lower moon Tanjirou himself was fighting, he had fallen asleep, seeing his family, and his biggest regret.

As he was in the dream, a dark feeling went over Tanjrou.

"This would be my life if Muzan didn't kill them all…" Tanjirou looked on, in horror. "This would be my life if our parents didn't traumatize us... If we weren't subject to abuse... If they didn't take sword swinging so seriously..." That was all Tanjirou thought. It was almost incredulous at how different it was.

Here, his family, and parents were all warm, caring, showing love, and even teaching them stuff they never knew.

A stark contrast to the depressing and fear-ridden tone that always radiated from their house. The abuse Tanjirou and his siblings suffered, was non-existent in this dream.

What was he supposed to do? He wanted to spend another day with them like this, in a beautiful euphoria. Who wouldn't?

The sad reality was that he ultimately had to go out.

But it seemed that Enmu had other plans for Tanjirou.

"Why did you kill us?!" The young voice of Shigeru cried as Tanjirou could only look on in shock.

"I told you to be back earlier, but you failed to even follow that! Now we died because of you!" Tanjirou's mother, Kie was scolding Tanjirou, as she slapped him right on the cheek.

Tanjirou could only look on in shock, grabbing the area of his face where it was hurting.

"Why… I tried to fight him!" Tanjirou yelled back, "I tried so hard! I'm sorry! I'm sorry I survived and you all died!"

Tanjirou cried in front of his mother, who merely looked down at her eldest son.

"You promised to protect us! You promised to take care of us as the eldest boy!" Kie exclaimed as Tanjirou could only kneel.

Tanjirou cried, "I-I'm sorry!"

"I don't forgive you." Tanjirou's eyes widened, and his heart stopped, as he felt the kick of Takeo on the back of his head.

"You shamed us! You killed us! How could you do this to us!" Takeo's face exclaimed.

Tanjirou only laid down on the ground, as he could only remain on the ground. He didn't know what to do.

All he knew, was that his whole family was blaming him.

And how could he deny it, when he blamed himself for the same thing?

"I hate you, brother." Tanjirou's eyes widened yet again, as he didn't want to believe who was saying that.

"No… Please don't say that… Not you, too…" Tanjirou begged.

"You killed us, I wished I died with my family, rather than staying with you." Nezuko angrily told Tanjirou, as she kicked an already fallen Tanjirou remained on the ground, unable to defend himself.

He couldn't even defend himself, physically or mentally.

All he could do was take and endure the shots he was taken alone.

"STOP!" Tanjirou begged, as he quickly got up, and ran off.

Almost immediately, however, he was grabbed by a taller male who was looking at Tanjirou with sheer hatred and betrayal.

Tanjirou's eyes widened when he realized who it was.

It was his father, Tanjurou. The worst part? It was the same look that always preceded a lot of pain, burning, malnourishment, and neglectfulness. Tanjirou quickly closed his eyes, as even that facial expression triggered his memories.

He had to escape. He ignored the punch he received from his father.

However, he couldn't escape his father. He was damn near powerful even with his worsening illness.

He ignored the rest of his family's voices clouding his mind. He didn't want to believe it, but he knew this was a dream.

This all culminated, when Tanjirou realized, his father was dangling him over a ravine.

"P-Please... No..." Tanjirou mumbled as he felt his body falling. He screamed in pain, and agony and the pain and suffering he received.

No, this wasn't a dream, this was a nightmare…

Enmu had put Tanjirou in a nightmare, the worst one Tanjirou ever had.

It was his biggest regret.

He knew he should have gotten back to his home quicker, but he couldn't. The result was that his entire family was corrupted. What of it was not dead, were now demons, meant to serve under Muzan.

Tanjirou cried as he cried in the middle of the woods. He was bloodied, and down on the ground at the bottom of a ravine, just looking at the sky with a dead expression. He stopped trying to cry, or even show any form of expression, as he worried it would hurt him more, just by moving strained muscles.

It was only here did he realize the sheer warmth he was getting from the sun.

He was enjoying the warmth of the sun, but he didn't know what to do when he was so traumatized by what his family said.

Tanjirou wished he died alongside his family…

He wished he didn't survive. Even his father probably wished someone more useful, according to him was living, rather than him.

Tanjirou... Probably should have never been born... He was born into a family of abuse, fear, neglectfulness, and ruthless training. He wasn't even sure that his father knew what a demon slayer was because he was a terrible teacher.

The only thing he did was help Tanjirou with the Hinokami Kagura dance, but that was mostly by giving him the books of his ancestors to learn from.

"Tanjirou…" To Tanjirou's surprise, a voice was calling for him.

However, it wasn't a voice he was familiar with.

But what he did know, was how powerful this individual was. He could smell it.

Almost immediately, the atmosphere turned to that of nighttime.

Tanjirou stared up, and at first, he thought it was his father, but it was someone else.

The individual looked like Tanjirou's father and even had a flame mark on his forehead. By all means, this seemed to be someone familiar with Tanjirou's family.

"W-Who are you?" Tanjirou asked, clearly shocked. He still was unable to move, and so was just letting the individual help him sit up.

What was this dream of his?

"My name is unimportant, but if you must know, it's Yoriichu Tsugikuni," Yoriichi revealed to Tanjirou.

"W-Why are you here?" Tanjirou asked.

"I don't expect you to know me, but that's fine. I'm your descendent… And I want to tell you a story."

Tanjirou looked somewhat shocked as Yoriichi began to explain his own story.

"Uta and I had a daughter, whilst Sumiyoshi and his wife had a son. Unfortunately, Muzan was preying on me and wanted me dead at all costs. After what you did, managing to strike a heart and brain of Muzan's, I almost killed him."

"The result is that he was always trying to kill me, and everyone related to me, and my bloodline… Whilst Sumiyoshi and I survived, using the very breathing techniques we learned to survive. Unfortunately, both of our wives dying trying to protect our kids…" Yoriichi revealed, saddened at what he was revealing.

"I can understand your pain. The pain of feeling not good enough. For me, the truth is… I was good enough, but even then, I was unable to protect those I loved…"

"Wait, so you are the other friend of Sumiyoshi?" Tanjirou asked, clearly in disbelief.

"Yes." Yoriichi nodded, "My daughter and Sumiyoshi's son married and had offspring, I think two or three, which eventually came down to your paternal's side."

Tanjirou was in disbelief, but shocked. "Wow…"

"But I didn't only lose my wife… I lost my brother…"

"Your brother?"

Yoriichi nodded solemnly, "Michikatsu Tsugikuni. That was my elder brother's name. We were technically twins. But he became a demon, all because I wanted to follow beside him… I never wanted to exceed him, I just wanted to stand right next to him…"

"This makes me glad I chose to adopt and change my breathing style originally to match that of Nezuko…" Tanjirou sighed, "I don't know what I would do if Nezuko betrayed me…"

Yoriichi nodded solemnly, "That's why you are different from me… You can see the hidden thoughts of those close to you. You could tell of Nezuko's worry and fear of feeling inferior, which is exactly what my brother felt when I picked up a blade alongside him."

"He became jealous of my skills, and eventually tried to surpass me…" Yoriichi sighed, "He became a demon, and even then, was unable to fight and bypass me… That must have put him in such a position…"Yoriichi sighed, "But you, you managed to adapt to your sister's skill, so that she would rise with you, and the two of you rose together, not feeling inferior to one another…"

Tanjirou was glad he had chosen the actions he did, or else his sister may have gone through the same path as Yoriich's brother… To think that such a thing could have happened to both him and Neuzko, terrified him.

But one question remained on his mind.

"He became a demon… But your bloodline has become a demon, too. Nezuko and I are also demons. How can you believe and still see us as your descendants?" Tanjirou asked.

"Because you don't side with Muzan. You and Nezuko both attacked him and are labeled as traitors to him. Now you both are sought after by him, just like how he would go through the ends to find and eliminate me, and everyone associated with me. My brother willingly became a demon, whilst you both were forced to." Yoriichi revealed, "As a result, I want you to do, what I couldn't."

"And that is destroying Muzan?"

"Yes." Yoriichi smiled, "Finish what I started. For I will help you."

Tanjirou watched as Yoriichi got up, with his black nirchirin blade, and began to perform some breathing technique forms.

Tanjirou looked on, clearly seeing the forms similar to his Hinokami Kagura.

But Tanjirou wasn't one to be entranced and not notice anything unusual.

Tanjirou noticed that it was a bit different. Tanjirou noticed that the Hinokami Kagura was having some small disturbances in the movement. But this also included the breathing style Yoriichi was showing Tanjirou.

The strange thing was that whilst Tanjirou's movements were a bit different, his breathing style was the same as Yoriichi's.

"As you can see, the current breathing style you use is not the exact form of the breathing style I use." Yoriichi began, once he finished his demonstration to Tanjirou.

"I saw… Some of my movements were a bit off… Or some added steps seemed unnecessary…" Tanjirou explained.

"Indeed, but there was a reason," Yoriichi explained. "For those who overused the breathing style I used for quite some time, especially in the advent of life and death, they would develop the mark."

"The mark?" Tanjirou asked. "What is that?"

"Well, it's something you and your father had, to an extent. Sort of like an inactive state." Yoriichi started.

"Wait, so the mark on my forehead, isn't a scar?" Tanjirou asked as he felt his mark.

"No, it's not." Yoriichi shook his head, "It's the same mark as mine, that I was born with. As a human, you would gain this mark once the mark was no longer dormant. As for you being a demon, that explains the marks across your face. It's remarkable, but you and Nezuko remind me of Tamayo, how both of you seem to hate Muzan and retain your humanity."

Yoriichi patted Tanjirou on the head, "Both you and your sister are appropriate descendants of mine, and I shall show you more about the true meaning of your dance. It is time you learn Sun Breathing, Tanjirou Kamado."

Tanjirou nodded, as he began to train under Yoriichi.

It wasn't a lot, but Tanjirou knew of the steps and the wasteful ones so that he could properly fix his style. In the end, at least he could come out of this better. That was all he had time with Yoriichi to do.

"Remember Tanjirou, remember to finish what I started. I deeply apologize for not being unable to finish what I was destined to do, and that you have to fulfill the role, but I hope you see it fit to destroy Muzan." Yoriichi gave Tanjirou the final statement before he left.

And so, Tanjirou, whilst in the dream, practiced his improved Hinokami Kagura, to perfect it into Sun Breathing. Would he do it? Perhaps not, but he was going to try. He was going to remember what his ancestor had taught him.

He needed to. He know had a purpose. Even if his family didn't like him, he would pay with his life to achieve this goal. He needed to, for his own sake.

But still, the regrets he had for his family lay deep inside him.

But now Tanjirou knew he wasn't alone. Both he and Yoriichi had regrets for not being able to protect those they loved.

They both wished they weren't who they were, and they both wished they died when others did.

Tanjirou could only empathize with how he felt, but he had to continue living.

Still, his failures were haunting him. Enmu was trying to shoot him mentally.

Tanjirou sighed, as he was so unsure of what to do.

He didn't know… He was so tempted to give up and die in a corner, but he knew he had to continue.

He had to be strong. He had to be resilient.

And so, he needed to perfect what Yoriichi had shown him.

He would perfect Sun Breathing.

He needed to if he wanted to defeat his family's killer.

Tanjirou gripped his sword tightly, as he amplified his breathing, performing the constant, whilst he perfected the movement of Sun Breathing.

He had to. Even if he struggled, even if it stressed his body, even if he collapsed, he would get back up, and perfect it. His ancestor was able to, and so, he would as well.

It wasn't determination, it was a promise.

But even then, he was still feeling guilty.

He felt guilty that he survived, while the rest of his family had died. A brutal death nonetheless.

How was he supposed to feel, though?

He had to be strong for Neuzko. He had to be resilient for her. For if he broke down and went through a dark path, how would Nezuko react?

How would Nezuko live?

If he didn't live, then Nezuko too, would be alone in this world.

He couldn't let that happen.

And so, Tanjirou knew, that while he had to be the best protector, to not fail his sister ever again, the only remaining family he had left, Tanjirou knew he also had to make sure Nezuko wasn't feeling inferior.

The risk of either him or Nezuko going down a dark path was there, and Tanjirou didn't want them to go through the same path as Yoriichi. He had to fulfill, what Yoriichi wasn't able to do.

In all the time of training, Tanjirou knew now he had to be serious.

If he also wanted to turn themselves back into humans, defeat Muzan, and live their lives how their family would have wanted, then Tanjirou had to make sure he was the best person he could be.

"There will be loses, and lots of grief, Tanjirou, but that is the reality of nature." Yoriichi had told Tanjirou, and all he could do was let that statement fill his mind.

As he was training, he heard the noises of gasps and screams.

"No…" Tanjirou exclaimed in shock and disbelief.

He quickly ran to his family, hoping they were alright.

But unfortunately, he kind of knew what was happening.

"He's here… He's trying to kill them again!" Tanjirou yelled to himself. "GO! YOU CAN'T FAIL THEM AGAIN!"

Tanjirou ran as fast as he could, not caring if his breathing was labored.

He had to make it.

He didn't.

When he got there, he saw the same vision and mental picture that had been clouded in his mind the entire time.

His family was brutally murdered. His sister was stabbed with a tendon to the neck, with blood seeping in.

Tanjirou could only look on in shock. After what he was seeing, again, what could he do?

He had failed again. He had failed to protect his family, again.

Just like last time, he had let his family die. Just like last time, he had only been able to watch them die.

Even with this knowledge, he couldn't do anything. He couldn't do anything to save his family. Just like last time…

He knew that his parents were probably talking about how useless he was wherever they were. They were probably cursing at Tanjirou for still being alive, whereas their other kids were dead. Tanjirou didn't feel like he deserved it.

"Why…" Tanjirou sobbed as he went to the ground.

He didn't care if Muzan was staring at him, now. At this point, Tanjirou wanted to die.

But unfortunately for him. He didn't.

And he knew why.

It was because he survived the last time, so he knew he would survive in his dreams.

Even then, when Tanjirou wanted to die, he knew fate has other plans.

Why did his family have to die…

Why did he survive…

While he was glad he did, for Nezuko's own sake, he was sad for his family.

Shigeru… Takeo… Rokuta… Hanaku… they all died, and were so young…

Even his mother… She didn't deserve this.

And if they all blamed him for their deaths, then Tanjirou would accept it. He blamed himself for the circumstances of his family.

If he couldn't accept and forgive himself, then his family wouldn't be able to.

Even his sister, Nezuko couldn't forgive him.

Even his father, Tanjuro couldn't forgive him.

Tanjirou felt himself undergoing a major emotional breakdown.

Should he have begged Muzan to keep his family alive? Should he have gotten back sooner? He didn't know.

He just wanted his family alive and whole again. Why was that so hard to achieve?

Tanjirou lay down as he was the only one alive. He knew Nezuko was alive, but she wouldn't wake up for a while. She would wake up, and Tanjirou would stop her from eating their family.

Or what remained.

Tanjirou sobbed. He cried… He was a strong person, but he ultimately knew everyone had their limits, and Tanjirou had reached his.

He was feeling guilt unlike any other, he was feeling a prolonged sadness, unlike anything he had previously gone through.

"Tanjirou." The voice of his father caused Tanjirou to look up.

"F-Father…" Tanjirou gasped as he stared at his father in fear. "H-Have I joined you?"

Tanjurou chuckled in a rather somber tone, "No, son… I've come to tell you, to never give up."

Tanjirou looked down, not knowing what to say. Why was his father seeming somewhat, nice to him? It felt weird...

"But how…" Tanjirou sighed, "Sometimes, it feels like it's impossible to do that…"

Tanjuro smiled, "Boy, sometimes all you need to do is breathe and perform each step one at a time. You will learn to persevere."

"Why are you being nice to me now? Why, when you've hurt me throughout my life?" Tanjirou asked.

Tanjurou couldn't answer. "You will have to find out why, for the truth will destroy you."

"What do you mean?! You've already destroyed me and my siblings when you constantly hurt me!" Tanjirou yelled. "Why are you warning me against finding out? Am I wrong for wanting to find out why you did this?!"

Tanjurou sighed, "I cannot tell you, for it's for your mental health... All I can do for you is help you with the Hinokami Kagura."

"How did you do it?" Tanjirou asked, "When you got sick…"

"It's rather simple. I just breathed, and took it one at a time. You have to learn that everyone has regrets at some point in their life. What is important is how you choose to live afterward. Even after I knew I wouldn't live for long, I appreciated every little thing I did in my life. I cherished it, knowing there would be a time when I would be bedridden and unable to perform such tasks."

"But you were able to dance so long… Sometimes I feel like a failure when I cannot do it even when I rest properly." Tanjirou sighed. "I mean, you always called me one..."

"I'm not as strong as you, Father… I couldn't keep our family safe…" Tanjirou sighed, "How can I be like you?"

"You don't need to be like me, Tanjirou. You have to be the best version of yourself as possible." Tanjurou told his son, "Even when I was sick, I just breathed, and was able to do what I could. Sometimes, all you need is determination. It was something you had in the beginning."

Tanjurou sighed, "Listen, even I have my own regrets and bad decisions. Don't look at me like I'm a perfect parent..."

"I did…" Tanjirou asked. "I always thought I deserved the bad actions you inflicted upon me... Sometimes I feel like I deserve everything that happens to me... That's why I never got mad at you, even if you were in the wrong."

"To turn both you and Nezuko back into humans?" Tanjurou asked.

At this, Tanjirou's eyes widened. He had forgotten about his whole purpose of doing this. Even if he had lost his family, he was still trying to save his remaining ones.

It was the very same thing he had told Yoriichi. He would save Nezuko, to fulfill at least his role. He needed to.

"That's the spirit, Tanjirou. Even when you are at your lowest, you must learn to be resilient, and even stubborn in your own goals." Tanjurou explained further. "For those who are continuously focused on a goal, are the ones that are the quickest to enforce and complete them. Remember how quick you were to perform the Hinokami Kagura? You wanted to perform it so badly with me before I was unable to."

"I know… Looking back, I was so glad I was able to do such a thing." Tanjirou smiled. "But, still, why did you teach us like this?"

Tanjurou did not answer this but only wanted to give Tanjirou some praise. Something he couldn't give his son when he was alive.

"Your sister and everyone were so proud of you, and I'm sure they are after seeing who you've become. So, even though all your second thoughts about using it, use the Hinokami Kagura to your heart's content, for it is Hinokami's way of protecting you and Nezuko from demons." Tanjurou explained. "For your sister, she is becoming stronger in her sense. You don't need to worry about her feeling inferior, for she has found her place. You must protect your sister, with the very dance Hinokami has given you."

Then, Tanjirou's eyes widened in reality. His sister was in danger, and he needed to do something.

"Nezuko… I must…" Tanjirou mumbled.

"I know… Your sister is in danger, and you must head out to save her." Tanjurou proceeded to get his son to go. "I'll break your arm if something happens to my daughter."

"And remember, Tanjirou. Remember to breathe like Hinokami, and become Hinokami. If it's to protect your sister and your family, or even those you care and love for, then you must do so. No hesitations, for that, 'll get you killed. Now go, son. Defend the bad wards of this world." Tanjurou told his son.

The next thing Tanjirou knew, he was awakened in a blaze of scarlet light.


Tanjirou woke up with a headache. He woke up groaning.

He looked to his side to see his black blade alongside him.

He then realized.

He looked around.

He noticed he was on a train. The remnants of the train that they were fighting the Lower Moons on.

"Nezuko…" Was the first thing Tanjirou mumbled. He had to find them.

But where was he? He found himself in a dark corner, not used to waking up in the dark.

He explored around, noticing some damage.

"W-What happened? Oh, right… We fought multiple demons… I think we beat them all." Tanjirou recalled as he continued to walk.

Eventually, his smell caught something.

It was sweat. Lots of it.

Must have been a battle going on, considering the amount of tired emotions and sweat he was smelling.

"At least it's not blood." Tanjirou thought as he ran off towards the smell, with his blade in hand.

He had to find Nezuko and make sure she was okay. Not just Nezuko though, but also the others who were fighting the demons.

He must protect everyone from the bad of this world.

He would become the Hinokami. His father was capable of this, why couldn't he?

Eventually, he spotted exactly what his senses and father were telling him.

Right there was Nezuko, on the ground, a tall demon looking down on her.

The demon was tall, and grotesque, in both appearance and with the blade they wielded. Not to mention the marks on his face, and the six eyes.

This was Upper Moon One.

It seemed Nezuko and the demon had fought, but while the demon had some small injuries scattered across his body, specifically his legs, he seemed minimally damaged compared to Nezuko, who was panting quite an amount.

"Upper Moon One and Three are here, they both are here… I must… I must protect them. Become Hinokami, come on Tanjirou…" Tanjirou breathed in, and before the Upper Moon One could strike Nezuko down, Tanjirou interfered.

"Use the proper technique you were shown, to use the right step patterns, the right breathing, the right movement, to perform what our dance was."

Total Concentration – Sun Breathing, Twelfth Form: Flame Dance

Tanjirou, with the right movement, had perfected and used the correct form of breathing, movement, and pattern-making to perform Sun Breathing.

And Upper Moon One was looking at Tanjirou, with shock filling his six eyes.

"Well, this is certainly a surprise. Seems the brother finally showed up when his sister was in trouble." Upper Moon One commented.

"th… Kami…" Tanjirou mumbled.

"What is that?" Upper Moon One, known as Kokushibo asked.

"Breathe… Hinokami… Become… Hinokami." Tanjirou merely eyed Kokushibo with a casual look of ease.

Kokushibo could see the anomaly of this boy, and his entire body froze up.

"This boy… He's the spitting image of him. Disgusting…" Kokushibo mumbled as he looked down. "I must rid this boy as soon as I can… He seems to have access to that world too, and those marks seem evidence of what he is capable of…"

Total Concentration – Moon Breathing, First Form: Evening Palace

Tanjirou quickly moved Nezuko out of the way and managed to get her to a safe distance.

Or so, he thought.

Blood Demon Art: Crescent Moon Blades

As the grotesque blade of Kokushibo's swiped across to Tanjiro, a sharp, crescent moon blade spiraled out of his blade, trying to slash Tanjirou.

He didn't flee, but instead took the cuts across his body, as he safely got Nezuko out of the way.

As he placed Nezuko down, eyeing Kanao and the others to keep her safe, he stared down at Kokushibo.

"Even if you weren't a demon, I could tell from your eyes that you would be capable of endurance." Kokushibo mumbled, "Perhaps you'll be worth it."

"Michikatsu Tsugikuni." Tanjirou started.

This caused Kokushibo to freeze up at the name he was being called. "How does this kid know my human name?"

His human name. How in the world did this kid, who looked no more than 16 years old, know about his human name which is over 500 years old?

"You dare say that name?" Kokushibo asked at last, as Tanjirou stared down at Kokushibo. He was angry. It was a few times within his incredibly long life, has he ever been mad.

All because of this boy, who looked a lot like his brother... Kokushibo didn't believe everything, and how he was easily this angry about a kid.

"This kid..." Kokushibo growled as he gripped his sword very tightly. Alas, he made sure he wasn't going to break it.

"Yes, you inferior twin," Tanjirou mumbled, which only angered Kokushibo's image.

"I will murder you, for saying that. Master was right when he said you are the ugliest, most hate-inducing child of your family." Kokushibo responded to Tanjirou, who merely froze at that.

Unfortunately, Nezuko, Kanao, Shinobu, and the others were hearing the conversation.

"How the hell did you know about my family?" Tanjirou asked lowly. However, he did know about it. Considering Yoriichi mentioned his twin brother turning into a demon and being a descendant, Tanjirou did have a feeling that this demon knew him.

"It's rather simple, I was the one who tried to kill the remnants of my brother's descendants, which included his wife, Uta, and their daughter. Unfortunately, I was only able to slay the wives of both my brother and a friend of his." Kokushibo revealed.

Tanjirou's eyes realized once he noticed a similar resemblance to that and the story he had been told before.

"Alas, 65 years later, I managed to kill the very friend of my brother's who died protecting him, long enough to allow my brother to die of natural causes." Kokushibo's fists tightened in anger and frustration. "In the end, my brother's lineage passed down despite everything I could have done. I did everything I could to destroy his lineage, and it failed, all because of YOUR lineage." Kokushibo growled.

"You hide the Tsugikuni lineage. Your family hid it under your family name, Kamado. Yoriichi's daughter took the name Kamado to hide it all underneath a name to hide it from the master and I. Until, I eventually find you. I found your family, and Master wanted to be the one to kill them."

Tanjirou's eyes widened, as did Nezuko's as the revelation of this individual, was the reason why their family was dead.

"However, I eventually learned from the master that he was content with the state of your family, calling them pathetic, and dogs, almost slave-like." Kokushibo revealed.

"W-What did you mean by that?" Tanjirou asked as he felt his world crashing down on him. The revelation was heart-dropping.

"It's simple, your family was under the eye of the demon king. I don't know exactly what he wanted with your family, but since you are the descendent of that monster, he probably hated your family and you, to the point of wanting to kill you." Kokushibo revealed.

To say this was a bombshell of a revelation was an understatement. All Tanjirou could think was back to what his father told him briefly.

"Was this the revelation that Father said would destroy me?" Tanjirou asked as he gritted his teeth, "So, Father thinks I was too weak to be able to hear everything that happened? Well, guess what, I'm just happy I know about this now."

"Well then, let us make this fight even then, uncle." Was all Tanjirou, responded, as he grew his body to become taller, to match the height of Kokushibo.

This surprised Kokushibo, as he was expecting Tanjirou to show any form of hatred.

But instead, he was showing a calm emotion. His heart rate did spike temporarily when he revealed it, but Tanjirou surprisingly remained calm. He wasn't sure why, but he was just radiating the same aura as that monster.

What he did know, was that the sister and everyone else were showing a higher spike in their heart rates. This meant that Tanjirou was the oddity here.

"Why..." Nezuko mumbled as she heard everything that was being told about them to their family. Shinobu and Kanao were also there listening, but they were mostly focusing on the sheer power Kokushibo radiated.

It was only Nezuko and Tanjirou who were able to hear the full story, especially since they were able to look Kokushibo in the eyes without being consumed by a myriad of emotions. Perhaps it was to do with the two of them being demons, and the others being humans.

Regardless, they now knew they had to take care of Kokushibo if they were to survive.

Shinobu, Rengoku, Kanao, and even Akaza, were overwhelmed with fear over Kokushibo's appearance, but now were finally managing to wake up from the intimidation that Kokushibo radiated.

Alas, this meant that they were still unable to hear the story of the Kamado, the Tsugikuni, and everything else Kokushibo revealed regarding Tanjirou and Nezuko.

Whilst they were unsure about Zenitsu and Inosuke, they ultimately would assume that Kokushibo had purposely created a circle of fear so that he could have the conversation with only Tanjirou and Nezuko.

And even then, Tanjirou struggled to keep himself cool. Kokushibo, the revelation of his family, and still recovering from his sleep, was having to keep his emotions in check, especially with the talk he had with his supposed ancestor.

For the time being, the simple smell of power from Kokushibo was enough to make Tanjirou, at a baseline, cringe and become traumatized, frozen from fear. But at least as a demon, and in a calmer state, the ideal state he had to reach, he would be able to power through intimidation.

Tanjirou needed to achieve that selfless state that Yoriichi had mentioned. He had only learned properly the proper movements for his breathing style, and even his dance now. However, he was only told about some stuff, specifically a vague explanation about the transparent world and selfless state.

All he had to go by, was seeing other people's muscles, organs, and movements, whilst pertaining no emotions whatsoever. Something Tanjirou found relatively difficult.

"Looks like I'll have to slice him down with my blade." Kokushibo thought. Tanjirou immediately eyed him, as the two stared at each other, while the rest of the crowd got back on their feet.

All the while, Tanjirou's human appearance remained as he looked older. He looked like a younger adult. The flaming demon slayer mark on his left forehead goes down and above his eyes.

This only made Kokushibo angrier, since he remembered the exact demon slayer mark that was on his twin brother.

Tanjirou only stared up, looking at Kokushibo, with a difficult-to-grasp tone. Regardless, his focus was purely on Kokushibo, as he raised his black blade to the Upper Moon One.

"Perhaps you'll be worth my time. Master has told me to be weary of you, but to ensure you both are dead." Kokushibo explained.

And Tanjirou only chuckled, "We'll see."

Total Concentration – Sun Breathing, Third Form: Raging Sun

Tanjirou made his way towards Kokushibo, as his blade approached Kokushibo's own.

For Tanjirou, he knew this would be the hardest battle he would ever have to perform on. He had just learned the proper movements for his breathing style and was expected to learn what the Transparent World and the Selfless State were. He was sure he could get it down within one battle.

And that was him being sarcastic.

For, the upcoming battle between Uncle and Nephew, would be a battle between the Sun and Moon.


A.N / Going to end it here, for chapter 22. Chapter 23 will be a lot more intense of a battle, for obvious reasons. We have Rengoku versus Akaza and Tanjirou versus Kokushibo. For the time being, I'll try and make sure I get the fighting scenes right, as I hope it works.

One more thing to mention is that one of you was asking me why Tanjirou was using water breathing before his battle with Rui if he knew it. Read this chapter specifically if you want the reason. I did hint towards Tanjirou's reasoning and thought process for Tanjirou, and I do like how I made it work.

For the time being, like I said, I'll show some romantic hints, but not actual acts that are excessive. Anyways, I'll see you later.


Character Profile


Akaza: Male, 300 years old.

Status: Alive, Demon Height: 5'9" (175cm) Weight: 170Ibs

Kokushibo: Male, 480 years old.

Status: Alive, Demon Height: 6'3" (190cm) Weight: 205Ibs

Enmu: Male, unknown age.

Status: Dead, Demon Height: 5'6" (168cm) Weight: 137Ibs

Rengoku: Male, 19 years old.

Status: Alive, Human Height: 5'10" (177cm) Weight: 159Ibs


Ability: Breathing Style


Rengoku

All forms of flame breathing.

Tanjirou Kamado:

In the process of properly learning sun breathing.

Kokushibo:

All forms of moon breathing.


Ability: Blood Demon Art


Kokushibo:

Crescent Moon Blades

Using his moon breathing and blades, the blood from his blade and blood can be manipulated to form sharp crescent moons that can change in size and projection, becoming unpredictable. The nature of these crescent moons is chaotic, which also allows him to manipulate the shape and range of his sword. Many of his techniques have been made for their benefit, such as increasing the range of his slashes.

Akaza:

Destructive Death

Centered around martial arts, allowing him to create shockwaves that are blue taking in the forms of many forms, managing to generate them from his punches and kicks.

Compass Needle

User manifests a compass ranging from 1-12, allowing for them to sense a fighting spirit, or the will to live. The compass can give the user intel about every one, specifically his opponent. The move can also be used as an anticipation for the opponent's strikes.