Hinokami's Blessing
Chapter 24
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.
Back to the Ubuyashiki Mansion
It took the rest of the crew quite a time to make it back to the Ubuyashiki Mansion, considering the kakushi had to bring boxes to contain their demon captives.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko were placed in separate baskets, where they would be taken to the mansion alongside the rest of the crew.
Shinobu has an aggravated and bloodied shoulder because of managing to slice and deal with both the lower and upper moons.
Rengoku felt his body giving up on him as he coughed out blood. His internal organs seemed to have been damaged, and some of his bones had been dislocated because of Akaza's own shockwaves, even if he looked alright mostly on the outside.
This also culminated in some gashes across his torso and arm. Despite this, he managed to keep himself up, before a kakushi managed to help him up.
Zenitsu and Inosuke suffered a wide variety of injuries. They also suffered similar internal damage that Rengoku since they suffered the same attack by Akaza. As a result, their internal damage was more so than their actual external appearance.
However, Zenitsu did have a bloodied jaw from the snapped jawbone he suffered from Akaza.
As for Inosuke, he had a reddened abdomen from a particularly bad kick he took from Akaza.
Kanao, by contrast, did not have many injuries, but her arms did sustain some slashes and gashes that also consisted of her legs, but nonetheless, she seemed fine.
Nezuko was probably the best of the three since she just fell asleep.
As for Tanjirou, whilst he too was asleep, his behaviour prior to this was somewhat concerning, for he seemed to have been in a trance.
Even the rest of the slayers were confused, as they found Tanjirou not threatening whatsoever, but just confused whenever around him.
According to Rengoku, he laughed it off, telling them he merely reminded him of another demon slayer who had recently joined their ranks.
For the time being, they were all discussing everything.
"So, what exactly are we going to do with them?" Shinobu asked, "More importantly, what will happen with Giyu?" Shinobu asked.
"Since they are Giyu's tsugako's, he may find himself in some trouble…" Kanao mumbled after a bit.
Both Inosuke and Zenitsu, weren't sure what to say.
"I don't know. All I know is that these demons seemed very capable of helping us. But the risk of them going to the other side should not be overlooked." Rengoku explained, "I just cannot trust demons, regardless of their actions being pure. However these two… I don't know…"
"Well, we'll have to see firsthand why Giyu decided to spare them," Rengoku added. "For I can understand their actions being pure."
As they continued to make their way back, with the help of the kakushi, they were only able to focus their attention, on the two demons who had helped them survive against some of the highest-ranking demons.
"You know what is interesting?" Shinobu brought up.
"What?" Rengoku asked, "About the two?"
"Yeah, both of the upper moons kept talking about how Muzan wanted them dead…" Kanao spoke out, after flipping her coin, albeit with some form of difficulty.
For the time being, once they made it back, the rest of the Hashira was already there, with the crows informing them of everything.
However, for the most part, they were told to wait over the orders of Ubuyashiki.
"How come?! Are just going to leave these demons to potentially hurt anyone?!" The biggest opposition came from the white-haired, Wind Pillar, Sanemi.
Most of the pillars were relatively confused, but some like Gyomei and Obanai also agreed with Sanemi's own statements.
Mitsuri and Kanae were more accepting but also wanted to see what was going on to cause Ubuyashiki to hesitate to straight up kill the demons that were captured.
Usually, the Hashira themselves would kill the demons, not capture them.
Once both Rengoku and Shinobu were sent to Butterfly estate to get their own treatment, alongside the other three, the entire ordeal calmed down.
For others like Giyu, while he was debating on seeing Shinobu, and wishing her a simple get-well-soon, others like Tengen were flamboyantly waiting to congratulate them on their most recent mission.
"I see… Twenty killed, because of Lower Moon One? However, considering the observations our crows have given us, it could have been a lot more if our children weren't there." Ubuyashiki smiled, while Gyomei clasped his hands together, giving a prayer to the fallen, tears running out of his eyes.
"How did the crow describe the scene? How was fighting who?" Sanemi demanded. He wanted to hear everything about the two demons that were reportedly brought into the mansion.
Obanai too was interested in this. He for sure did not want any demons near the master and Mitsuri, for the risk of them getting hurt.
"The crows have told me that Upper Moon One was preoccupied by one of the demons we have currently, whilst Shinobu, Kanao, and another demon helped with getting rid of Upper One's blood demon art. As for Upper Three, Rengoku was assisted by Inosuke and Zenitsu." Ubuyashiki explained.
"So you are telling me, a demon managed to fight the second most powerful demon? What joke…" Sanemi mumbled, not believing what he was being told.
He would much rather believe demons could survive without being human eaters before what he had just heard.
"What amazing skills. If this demon is true by his actions, they perhaps he may be a worthwhile ally." Gyomei responded, "However, I will need some time to believe this. Right now, I simply cannot accept demons within our ranks."
"Well, when Rengoku, Shinobu, and everyone else involved in the Mugen Train Incident is awake and able to move, then we will have our interrogation." Ubuyashiki concluded, "You may all proceed with your own endeavors, and may you all live long and prosperous lives."
With that, Ubuyashiki smiled and went back into the mansion.
"We wish the same for you, master." The three remaining Hashira began as they left.
As for the Butterfly Estate, Kanao was the first one awake.
She had finally awakened after around a day of healing her body. Since she only suffered some slashes and gashes to her sides and surface area from the demon art, she wasn't badly injured, only requiring some coverings to slowly heal the wounds from scarring.
Surprisingly, Inosuke and Shinobu got up after, and while Rengoku was awake, he was unfortunately still bedridden, for he still suffered some damage to his legs from a strike.
Zenitsu was the one who woke up the latest, but he took the largest brunt of Akaza's attack, and thus he was injured somewhat.
Still, even he made a recovery after two weeks.
It may have taken the time, but they finally got up.
However, since Kanao was allowed to go out, albeit with some lighter exercises in her training, she was first met with a pillar she didn't expect to see.
Giyu Tomioka.
"Ah… Kocho's tsukago, right?" Giyu asked.
Kanao nodded, but was a bit confused, as he usually was very quiet from what many people told her.
"Do you know where Shinobu is? I'd like to wish her a proper recovery after her battles." Giyu explained.
Kanao merely pointed to the direction of the estate, before she asked her own question, after flipping her coin.
"Where are the two demons right now?" Kanao asked.
"They are currently in the water estate. The three of us are currently on house arrest, and I'm required to stay within the area for the time being until the interrogation and trial of the two demons commence." Giyu explained.
Kanao's eyes widened at that, and slowly her thoughts went back to when the boy demon had told her about his values. Their experience, and their eyes.
How they merely looked innocent, and very human like.
"They haven't done anything to warrant that, however." Kanao explained, "Neither Tanjirou nor Nezuko have eaten humans, and thus are not a threat."
Giyu sighed, "It's the possibility that they may with time consume human flesh is the issue, in spite of my insistence they can restore their energy through other various means." Giyu explained.
"I see… I-…" Kanao shook her head.
However, someone else came up to ask the question she had on her mind.
"I'd like to speak to the two demons." Giyu and Kanao looked to see Kanae smiling at the two. "I've heard about these two demons, and their actions really tell a different story than what some other pillars have told me. I would like to see them for myself!"
Giyu merely scratched his head, "I'd like to see Shinobu at the moment…"
"Aww, are you two dating by any chance?" Kanae asked Giyu, teasing him.
Giyu sighed, before he turned the script on Kanae, "What about you and Sanemi? You know the longer you two wait, the more you will regret the time not spent. Perhaps I may date Shinobu before you. How would you feel if both your younger siblings start living their lives?" Giyu asked.
He then turned to Kanao, "You know both the demons I've found are around Kanao's age, you never know if they may find her interesting-"
"ALRIGHT, THAT'S ENOUGH!" Kanae shouted as she tried to get the thought out of her mind, "Fine you can go see Shinobu!"
Kanae sighed, clearly not wanting this, before she and Kanao followed Giyu to see Shinobu.
To their surprise, she had gotten up. Since only her shoulder and arm sustained some wounds, she was at least able to walk.
Rengoku and Zenitsu were the only ones still trying to recover, with Inosuke on the roof waiting for the two to wake up.
What.
"Ah, good to see you all, I'm imagining since you all are here, that something is up?" Shinobu asked.
Giyu nodded, "I've been placed in house arrest, and am unable to perform any mission for the time being. I figure you have some questions about me and my tsukago's, so I figured it'd be best if you and the rest of the group wanted to talk with them in my estate."
"Did you leave them alone?" Shinobu asked.
"Yes, the two have been sleeping nonstop since they returned from the Mugen Train," Giyu explained.
Shinobu, Kanae, Kanao, and Giyu all made their way over to the water estate. Once they entered, Shinobu was accustomed to the place. Well, so was Kanae.
Only Kanao hadn't seen the place before, and even she was shocked at how empty everything felt.
Once they made it to the corner, one of the darkest corners of the room, the three saw the two figures they were looking for.
The box showed that they have yet to move, Giyu knocked on the box.
"Tanjirou, Nezuko, it's time to wake up. You have visitors." Giyu called out.
Eventually, after a bit, both Tanjirou and Nezuko managed to get out of their box, before reverting to their respective heights.
Originally, they had to get human-sized boxes for the two demons, however, whilst they both slept, they had surprisingly shrunk in size, probably to preserve any energy use, and to maximize the amount they could get whilst sleeping.
"Oh wow!" Kanae gasped at the two demons. "They are so adorable!" She exclaimed as she immediately went to pinch Nezuko's cheeks.
Nezuko mumbled something in objection, as she was still waking up.
Tanjirou, however, was already awake but seemed to be staring off into the sky, seemingly a bit upset he couldn't.
"Sorry Tanjirou, you will have to wait until night-time," Giyu mumbled to Tanjirou.
"Giyu, did you by any chance send these two demons to the train?" Shinobu asked, "It's too much of a coincidence for them to appear right when we needed help."
Giyu scratched his head, nodding. "I did… To be honest, I was somewhat upset I didn't get the mission, so the least I could do was send my tsugako's to help in my steed."
"I see… Well, that was a good decision, for one of us, or all of us may have died if it weren't for these two."
"You! You two are the butterfly girls! And there's another?!" Nezuko exclaimed, having finally woken up. "How many butterfly girls are there?! You all look sooo cute!"
The three butterfly girls looked at Nezuko in shock, seeing as they didn't expect the demon to start a conversation this casually.
The three butterfly girls took the time to properly analyze the two demons in front of them since they now stood out at their normal sizes.
The girl seemed to be Kanao's height, wearing a light pink kimono, with a brown overlapping jacket over her arms and back. Her mask, which she was wearing and fixed on the side of her face, showed a new style, with some pink vines, alongside a katana on both sides. This also fits with her facial features, as they contained some pink vines across her face, specifically surrounding her eyes. Her black hair had some orange tips on them, which stood out, alongside her pink eyes.
The boy was around an inch taller than Kanae, and he wore a black-green checkered haori. His burgundy red hair, with some black tips on them, as he looked very unusual. His face was composed of two flaming marks on the left side of his forehead, and the right side of his jaw, which found their way to connect through his nostrils. His mask had the same flaming marks across one side, with a black katana on the other.
In short, the two looked very demon-like.
"So, why did Giyu spare you?" Shinobu asked immediately, as she gave a weird eye towards Giyu.
Tanjirou and Nezuko looked at each other.
"You'll have to tell her, since I was…" Nezuko mumbled.
Unfortunately, Tanjirou still seemed to be in a trance. His eyes seemed to be fixed, looking up, as if he was wanting to see the skies.
"Brother?" Nezuko asked.
"Is he alright?" Kanae asked, clearly concerned for Tanjirou.
"Um… I don't know…" Nezuko sighed, as he placed a gentle hand on her brother.
"He seems to be in a trance." Shinobu pondered. "I might have to bring him to the Butterfly estate."
Nezuko sighed, "I mean if you want to… I don't know why he is acting like this…"
Tanjirou, for the first time, moved his head, looking directly at Nezuko.
"Oh wow… His eyes, they seem so fixed and… It's almost like Muichiro's…" Kanae thought, "Perhaps, I should bring him to see this…"
"When exactly is our trial?" Nezuko asked the two.
"Well, we plan to make it happen tomorrow," Shinobu explained. "You will be brought upon the rest of the Hashira, and we'll see what your punishment is."
"However, if Ubuyashiki already knows about you, then he probably has already sanctioned your cases." Shinobu sighed, clearly knowing how this was going to go.
"A-Alright… But I guess in the meantime, you both can go and see what's wrong with my brother…" Nezuko explained, clearly more worried for her brother, Tanjirou.
He was still looking up, still mumbling the same thing, and still in a trance. He was not responding to the other butterfly girls around him.
If her brother was able to talk to the others, and not be in this trance, Nezuko would be doing all the work in trying to get him and the butterfly girl his age together.
"Of course, I'll come back and let you know about any update." Shinobu smiled, as she took Tanjirou away to the Butterfly Mansion.
Nezuko sighed, as she noticed Kanae and Kanao make their way out, having said goodbye to her. That left her with Giyu.
"Um… Will you be alright?" Nezuko asked Giyu who was standing alone in the corner. If Nezuko didn't see it, she would have mistaken Giyu for being the demon instead.
Giyu looked down to Nezuko, before he firmly spoke to her, "I will make sure they don't do anything to the both of you."
Nezuko's eyes widened at that, before she mumbled, "A-Alright… Thanks, Giyu."
"Don't worry about it." With that, Giyu went outside as he was probably going to talk to Ubuyashiki.
Nezuko sighed, knowing she was in for some problems and conversations regarding their very own beings. They were demons who were fighting other demons. They were supposed to be against them.
They were natural enemies.
In the end, Nezuko found herself outside during the night.
Tanjirou, however, seemed not as scared or intimidated as her sister, as he began to look up in the sky, that is, if he could.
As soon as they were within the box, they could hear the commotion that many of the Pillars had going on. Despite being in a box, it was nighttime, considering they were demons and thus could burn in the day.
"I can't wait to perform a public execution! How flamboyant it'll be!" Nezuko heard some man speak from outside her box. She couldn't do much, since she couldn't even observe and analyze the individual in question.
"Can you sense the demons in the box? What do they feel like?" A harsh voice asked them as Nezuko could only guess who exactly was who.
"Can't really say, but they do have a different aura than that of usual demons I've heard…"
Nezuko could recognize that voice. Was it the yellow-haired boy? But what was he doing here?
Nezuko was unsure about everything.
"You sure these demons are pure?" A softer voice asked someone.
"Their actions proved to me they were pure, and their intentions were pure as can be." Nezuko could recognize that voice was Rengoku. "Therefore, I don't think it's necessary to execute none of them, nor Giyu."
"Why not?" Another voice asked, "He clearly disobeyed the protocol! Demons are demons regardless!"
"That's it, I'm opening the boxes!" One of the demon slayers exclaimed, not caring.
Despite the pleas of some of them, Nezuko found herself being stabbed right in the chest.
"Ack!" Nezuko exclaimed in shock and pain at the sword being impaled right into her.
The next thing she knew, she was tumbling out of the box.
When she looked up, she saw many people, which immediately intimidated her.
She looked to the side, seeing a white-haired pillar with no eyebrows stab his blade into her brother's box. However, no sounds of pain from Tanjirou, causing the white-haired boy to look confused.
"Is there even a demon in this one?" The man asked before he shook the box, hearing something, before tossing it onto the field in front of the Pillars.
Out came Tanjirou, who decided to remain on the ground, on his back, as he was now staring up.
"Hino… Kami…" Was all Tanjirou mumbled, which was caught by most of the Pillars.
"What's up with this kid?" The white-haired man asked. It seemed he was more confused rather than bloodthirsty right now.
"He's a demon, what isn't there wrong with them?" The guy with the snake asked.
"I've tried to see what was wrong with him, but unfortunately, he hasn't been responsive to anything. He just keeps chanting the same praise over and over." Shinobu explained. "As for his condition, he seems fine by demon standards. His body is fine, but his cognitive abilities seem preoccupied with this trance-like state he's in."
"This kid has the same wavelength as Muichiro here, is he like your demonic brother or something?" The second tallest pillar asked a shorter boy with black hair fading into misty green tips.
Muichiro, apparently, who was slightly older than Nezuko looked at Tanjirou. "Perhaps we could be related, but I don't know… Now don't bother me as I look at the clouds during the nighttime. I rarely get this."
The other pillar shook his head and sighed, before turning back. "Hey kid, speak." He was looking at her.
"Uh… What do I say?" Nezuko asked.
"Seriously?! You are within immediate range of the strongest demon slayers currently, and that's what you have to say?!"
Nezuko shuddered as she could feel the strength leaking off all of them. Even her own vision had a lot of lights going off.
"Bah, what do we do with Giyu?" No eyebrows asked.
"Simple. We kill him too." The snake guy bluntly explained.
At that, Nezuko was shocked, before she growled, alerting them. "You will not touch him!" Nezuko exclaimed.
"What is this? Is a demon sticking up for a fellow Hashira? So, you both are working under that man, huh?"
"I work under nobody except for Giyu and formerly, Urokodaki!" Nezuko yelled towards the two.
"Oh right, Urokodaki. He deserves death for harboring demons like you… Maybe you two killed him." The eyebrow-less guy commented.
That got both Nezuko and Giyu angry, and Giyu slapped him.
"What the hell was that for?!"
"You went too far…" Nezuko shuddered, as she stood up. "You can call us all you want, but you don't disrespect the dead. Hasn't your mom taught you better?"
At this, some within the Hashira mumbled, as Genya notably looked down, not deciding to comment.
"You son of a-" Before the eyebrow-less Hashira could slaughter Nezuko, he was stopped by the Tanjirou.
Without any form of malice or battle presence, Tanjirou headbutted the white-haired pillar, causing him to fall on his back, unconscious.
"AHHH! What the hell did you do?!" Two girls exclaimed in shock as they saw the foaming pillar.
Tanjirou then went back to eye the clouds, chanting the exact same praise.
"He probably has a minor concussion; the kid has a very hard head it seems." Shinobu chuckled at the circumstances, as she watched her elder sister hold the pillar in concern.
"That was soo cool!" A girl with pink and green hair exclaimed. "They're so cute!"
Nezuko could only chuckle at everything that was going on.
"You know Tengen, you are right. I can't really sense any form of malice from that boy when he headbutted Sanemi. Seems he was just protecting her." The snake boy mumbled, clearly seeing.
"That looks like a cumulonimbus cloud…" Muichiro commented, and to the surprise of many, Tanjirou had joined Muichiro to star and cloud gaze.
"Just what the hell is going on…" Nezuko heard Rengoku mumbled, as he chuckled at the two boys.
"You… Bastard…" Sanemi, apparently grumbled, as he wanted to slaughter the boy, but was held back by Kanae, with an apologetic smile.
Tanjirou was too busy stargazing with Muichiro to even care. But even then, was still chanting.
The tallest of the Hashira, with no iris and pupil, decided to take a closer look at Tanjirou.
"Ahh… Genya, doesn't this sound familiar?"
"Now that you mention it, Gyomei… It does…" Genya agreed. "Is he-"
Gyomei nodded, "Indeed. He is performing repetitive actions to focus himself, and to devoid himself of any hesitation or emotional instability… He seems to be in a state of selflessness."
"Such a shame he's a demon. Such a shame Giyu has fallen down such a dark path." Gyomei put his hands together, tears running down his eyes. "We should put him and the other demons out of their miseries. Namu Amida Butsu."
"Why, Giyu. Why would you fight amongst these demons and let them live?"
"Hey! I fought alongside these demons, and all of us who went to the train spared them as well…" Rengoku explained, "And I don't think any of them should be executed, for they proved their loyalty to us."
Mitsuri put a hand to her jaw as she exclaimed, "I know, if they're nice, then obviously they should have the privilege to fight alongside us!"
Obanai merely looked onward, but his eyes softened a bit.
"There is no reason to keep demons alive… Giyu, and now Rengoku and Shinobu have both betrayed us…" Sanemi mumbled, trying to get his point across.
Kanae looked conflicted, and remained quiet, as if something was gnawing in her thoughts.
"Oyakata-sama has arrived." Nezuko's mind went straight to an individual, whom they referred to as the master. They must have referred to the master of the demon slayer corps.
To think she was finally meeting him, it was definitely significant.
As for the individual in question, he seemed light-skinned, with a simple straight hairstyle. He wore a kimono and a white, calf-length haori with purple and salmon-like colored flames. However, those features paled in the specific condition he was suffering from.
It was a curse mark, that seemed that his face was rotting in front of their very eyes. The curse seemed to have spread to his eyes, and whether he was able to still see or not, was a question for Nezuko.
"Good evening, my children, how has today treated you?" Ubuyashiki asked.
"Could be going better, but we are pleased to see you are in good health, Oyakata-sama." Sanemi tried his best to sound formal with his head injury. "I fervently pray from your ongoing luck and prosperity."
"Thank you, Sanemi, and the rest of you who continue to wish me such wishes." Ubuyashiki smiled underneath his unfortunate curse.
"Now, if I may be blunt in my statement, may I please ask if we can decapitate and execute these two demons, and Giyu Tomioka, Okayata-sama?" Sanemi asked, getting right to the point.
"I agree with Sanemi… These poor souls have gone under a dark path, Giyu especially." Gyomei agreed with Sanemi, albeit for his own reasons.
"A flamboyant and flashy execution? You bet you got my vote on that!" The sound Hashira, Tengen smiled gleefully as if he was wanting to see blood being sprayed.
Ubuyashiki sighed, "As easy as it would be to perform such an act, we must inform you all of the complications that are involved in these two demons."
"For one, Giyu and, before his untimely passing, Urokodaki have informed me and the highest levels of the corps about the two demons, providing details about the whole situation. Therefore, we have known about these demons for quite some time. So the claim that Giyu was secretly harboring demons is false." Ubuyashiki explained as Giyu remained on the sidelines, watching everything unfold, even though he was a critical part of everything.
"But… They're demons." Sanemi explained. "We shouldn't be letting them live."
"The demon slayer corps kills demons who are a threat to humanity and eat humans. Both Tanjirou and Nezuko have never eaten any demons, and thus are not a threat to the demon slayer corps." Ubuyashiki explained.
"But the risk of them potentially eating humans in the future remains. They are simply too risky for us to keep alive." Obanai explained.
"I agree with Obanai. Even if they have yet to consume human flesh, it's only a matter of time before they do. Demons can only survive for so long without eating humans." Gyomei added.
"As much as they seem truthful unless I get some convincing answer from both of them, I can only wish for their certain deaths," Tengen explained, agreeing with everything.
"So far it's four people… This is not good…" Nezuko mumbled.
"Would you like to say anything?" Ubuyashiki asked Nezuko.
"Our family… Was murdered by a demon, and he turned us into demons." Nezuko explained. "He brutally slaughtered all of them, and even my brother and I are lucky to have survived, even if we have become demons, against our own will…" Nezuko started. "Do you think we want to be demons? We never asked to be one! All we wanted was to live with our family in the mountains, but that man took it away from him…"
"Damn, you… Kibutsuji Muzan…" Nezuko gripped her hands, not caring she was bleeding from her claws digging into them.
"Wait a minute! Did you say Muzan? You've met him?!" Rengoku asked, clearly catching on to that point.
At this, the rest of the Hashira went into uproar. Sanemi remained silent and breathless, whilst Obanai, Tengen, and Rengoku grilled her with questions.
"What did he look like?"
"Why was he after your family?"
"Did you fight him?"
At this, Nezuko was overwhelmed.
But at this, a hand separated them from Nezuko's face.
It was Tanjirou's.
"We did… Twice, one as a human, and the other in the city of Asakusa." Tanjirou spoke with such softness in his voice.
It seemed that the thought of that man had brought Tanjirou out of his trance, at least temporarily, as he still showed muted emotions and calmness in his voice and aura.
"WHAT?!" The rest of the Hashira were shocked.
"He was attacking my family when I saw him. All I had was an axe, and looking back, I stood no chance. I thought at the time a simple decapitation was all that was needed to kill demons… I now learned that is not entirely true, but he pierced me with these black wires and sent me into a tree. I survived because I fought teeth and hands to decapitate him, getting exposed to his blood in the process." Tanjirou spoke with such a monotone emphasis, that it almost made Nezuko worry.
Even if he was talking now, he was still in this weird state that was so unlike her brother.
"Brother, are you feeling well? Tanjirou?" Nezuko asked.
"I am fine, Nezuko…" Tanjirou told his sister.
"In Asakusa, Nezuko and I fought him… He had seven hearts and five brains, and we only sliced one of each." Tanjirou explained. "He still injured us badly and ran away shortly afterward."
"I remember exactly, what he said…" Tanjirou spoke, and even when talking about someone who had harmed his family irreversible, he spoke with such calmness and formality, it really shocks not just Nezuko, but the other pillars.
"Let this be known to you, 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. You probably cannot talk, about the faults of being human, and how fragile one's life is. I truly have nothing against you, but your family. You're the bloodline of that monster, and I must rid anyone of the tiniest of blood from that ancestor." Tanjirou finished, silencing the rest of the Hashira and even Ubuyashiki.
"As you both can see, Muzan has sent pursuers after both Tanjirou and Nezuko and while one may quickly see it is due to them being labeled traitors, it may also be due to a long-standing feud by family members," Ubuyashiki explained to the rest of the Hashira. "Therefore, Tanjirou and Nezuko are both valuable to Muzan, and thus I would like to make sure he does not get them."
"Well, why can't we just kill them?!" Sanemi asked, "That way Muzan doesn't get access to them, AND they won't eat demons!"
Ubuyashiki sighed, before he brought out the note, "In the event that either Tanjirou Kamado or Nezuko Kamado breaks the role and consumes human flesh or blood, Giyu Tomioka, Urokodaki, the remaining Kamado sibling, and Kanae will atone for killing themselves, committing seppuku."
This shocked most of the Hashira.
Kanae is risking her life for these two demons?
"Kanae?" Even Giyu was shocked.
"I may or may not have written my name to trust these two after Mount Natagumo…" Kanae chuckled, "I believe these demons, for the stories I hear from the demon slayers show a different story of these two. One that does not match that of typical demons, but rather of humans trapped in a demon's body."
For Kanae, her thoughts, and dreams were coming true.
"I hope that one day, there will be a set of demons who wish to not eat human flesh but to be treated as a human, and loved by a human. Demons are hopeless and tragic creatures, and I am sure there are some demons out there who will want to be friends and wish not to commit violence on us… And when that happens, I will shower them with all the love I can give, and open their ideals with wide arms…" Kanae's morals about demons were on fire, as she was eyeing the two demons in front of her.
Even when she was suspicious of the demons in front of her, the case of these two that was slowly building up was too much of a coincidence.
When she was injured in the Final Selection from Upper Moon Two, and there were reports of a strange individual stalling the Upper Moon to get her to safety, she was curious about who this individual was.
When Genya and Zenitsu told their stories about finding masked figures helping them slay demons in the Final Selection area, she knew the reports were true.
When Kanao had told her about that same individual saving her from a Lower Moon, she had begun to get serious about these two individuals. This was in part told by Shinobu's own experience with Giyu.
By that time, she had learned that the two individuals were Giyu's tsugako's, and were demons. That was when Kanae had the thought, that perhaps these two demons could be the one.
The straw that broke the camel's back, however, would be the Mugen Train.
When even Rengoku, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Kanao, and Shinobu had all told her the stories, of how Tanjirou had fended off Upper Moon One, whilst Nezuko also helped, it confirmed her theory.
These were demons who had righteous morals and were true to their nature. She loved them and wanted to cherish them as she had hoped she would find.
It was such a shame that none of the Hashira agreed, but she hoped that everyone speaking would sway the Hashira to side with her, and even Giyu.
Genya was the first to show up, clearly a bit nervous.
"I was in the forest of Final Selection, struggling against a particularly hard demon… You see, I was only able to develop the skills to kill demons if I managed to consume a demon… I think Tanjirou noticed this, and he willingly gave me his blood. When I got his blood, I was able to fend off the demon, but I lost consciousness… When I woke up, Kanao told me he had brought me to safety and medical assistance." Genya explained.
Sanemi was living that his own younger brother was going against him, to defend a demon.
"You might just never be my brother again, Genya… I told you to stay away from the corps… but not only did you betray my recommendation, but you went against me…" Sanemi thought as he gripped his fists.
Zenitsu then came up and spoke.
"I had a similar encounter, but with Nezuko. We encountered each other, and found this weird demon that could fly and strike us… Nezuko came to help, and with her help she was able to slay the demon… she then left, saying she had to get back with her brother before I could thank her… As for the train, she had helped wake us up with her blood demon art, and even helped against the Upper Moons… As for Tanjirou, he was mainly able to fend off against Upper Moon One, albeit with some help… But he's a monster to demons…" Zenitsu complimented the two.
Shinobu sighed, "As for these two, not only did they save both my sisters, but they even defeated and fended off the demons that hurt them. They are formidable fighters, capable of fending off Upper Moons and killing the Lower Moons. In fact, it was Nezuko and Tanjirou who defeated Lower Moon 3 and 4, respectively. As for their own prospect of not eating human flesh, I couldn't sense that they were lying, especially when Kanao had the same thing to tell me."
At this, Tengen then turned to Nezuko.
"Tell me right now, you two. Did you, or did you not ever eat a human, and do you plan to in the future?"
Nezuko immediately shook her head, with Tanjirou falling suit.
"We will never eat humans, and never plan to! Our goal is to kill Kibutsuji Muzan!" Nezuko yelled as she panted.
At this, Tengen's eyes widened, before he turned to Obanai. "Are you getting the same thing?"
Obanai, as much as he hated to admit it, nodded.
"Both of their vibrations did not show any hesitance. Meaning, it was an instinctual response, that came from pure emotions… Therefore… They weren't lying…" Obanai mumbled, not believing the words coming out of his mouth.
Tengen nodded, "Their musical pattern was too pure and focused… There was no hesitation, only pure hatred, especially when they mentioned Muzan." Tengen explained.
"Can those two pillars sense the people outside of the usual tone?" Nezuko asked in confusion, staring at both Tengen and Obanai.
"Kanao, would you like to explain your story?" Kanae asked.
Kanao sighed, tossing her coin before she slowly… but surely…
Decided against it.
This shocked both Shinobu and Kanae, but they let her.
"Both of them saved me from Lower Moon Five, and eliminated them… And in the Mugen Train, they helped us wake up, and helped us stay alive when the Upper Moons came…" Kanao explained. It was short, but it was enough.
"Adding onto what Kanao would say, she told me she could see the honesty in them when they told her they were demons who had never hurt humans, or even thought to." Shinobu helped Kanao speak.
Even if Kanao, for the first time, disobeyed the coin, it was still a work in progress, as she wasn't able to speak more than a sentence without pausing it seems.
Ubuyashiki smiled, "Well then, now with all of these portfolios and evidence placed on both Tanjirou and Kamado, what do you Pillars think? And do you think Giyu should be atoned for his actions?"
Nobody said anything before Sanemi growled.
"I'm sorry Oyakata-sama, but I just cannot accept demons in this corps. I never can, nor will I ever will." Sanemi mumbled, clearly not wanting to. "I oppose these demons, and I wish for Giyu to be executed."
"The idea that a demon doesn't want to eat human meat and blood is just a fantasy to me! I firsthand will have to see it to believe it! I flamboyantly, oppose them." Tengen exclaimed, "But I am willing to give them a chance since so many others are giving them a chance." Tengen abstained.
Mitsuri had a different opinion, "I accept whatever decision you made for them, Okayata-sama! If you see these demons as valuable for defeating the demon king, then I will accept your decision!"
At this, Obanai was torn between his own beliefs, or siding with Mitsuri.
Both Ubuyashiki and Mitsuri were the two people he cared the most about, and he did not want to hurt them in any way shape, or form. He was loyal to the two of them.
And so, his answer was a compromise. "As much as I'd personally want them dead if they can prove their ideals moving forward, I wouldn't oppose them," Obanai mumbled. "I abstain but wish to see precautions placed on them to limit the risks they may eat human flesh."
"I agree with Obanai." Gyomei spoke out, "To say they are pure now, what if they eat human flesh? How will we move forward with that perpetual risk?"
"That is a good question. Tanjirou? Nezuko? Do you have any ideas?" Ubuyashiki asked.
Tanjirou nodded, "I want to kill Muzan as much as you all do. I am willing to work alongside you all to perform such a task. Plus, if we kill the twelve kizuki, Nezuko and I can turn back into a human."
This shocked many, with Gyomei surprised, "Even under that skin, they're finding a way to become human?"
"We already have the blood of Lower Moons 1, 3,4, and 5!" Nezuko exclaimed, "But the Upper Moons and even some of Muzan's blood will be critical…"
"I see…" Ubuyashiki smiled, "Both of our goals are intertwined, and thus may make it easier for each other to slay Muzan."
Obanai nodded, "Agreed. What a notable goal. If you both truly want to become human again, work for it. Show your priorities and don't fall under your desires, for if you do, I'll gladly slay you on the spot."
Gyomei and Tengen nodded. It seemed that although they were still skeptical of Tanjirou and Nezuko, they were willing to give them a chance to prove themselves. For the two siblings, that would be more than enough, it may have been on thin ice, but it was something they would take.
"Well, now that we know of their goals, what do you say? Are you willing to work with them to slay and hopefully kill Muzan?" Ubuyashiki asked.
Rengoku smiled, "I've seen firsthand the diligence, morals, and determination of the two of them in wanting to reach their goals, as they fought to the end against those Upper Moons, saving all of us from death! I support them!"
Kanae nodded, "They've saved my life, and my tsukago and sister. I will forever cherish them and be in their debt."
Muichiro finally looked towards them. "He seems cool, wanting to watch the clouds and stars with me. I like him."
"I like them too! Plus, they're so cute! Not to mention Kanao's been staring at Tanjirou and Zenitsu's been eyeing Nezuko!" Mitsuri smiled, "I'm sure they would want to see them more!"
The Pillars ignored Mitsuri's comment as Kanao and Zenitsu looked confused and in horror at what Mitsuri said, respectively.
"While I don't support this in the slightest, I'll give them the chance to prove themselves," Obanai explained, a sentiment shared with Tengen, and Gyomei.
"I don't trust them. I really want them dead. I don't care if Giyu is alive, I don't want demons here, period.
"Get over it eyebrows." Nezuko told Sanemi, "The majority of them are leaning towards us. They're willing to give us a chance even when they oppose us. Why can't you?"
Sanemi growled before a hand was placed gently on his shoulder.
It was Kanae.
"Sanemi… Remember the dream I told you about?" Kanae asked.
At this, Sanemi grumbled, "What's so significant about that?"
"The one about demons wanting to just live in peace?" Kanae asked. "Remember when I told you that after my first fight with Upper Moon Two, when you rushed to see if I was alive?"
"Y-yeah… I remember…" Sanemi responded. "You almost died… The wounds on your lower back and thighs were bad…"
"I know, but it told me something. It's not every demon who wants to kill humans. It's only those at the top…" Kanae explained, "Most demons seem scared when you mention Muzan…"
"That could mean anything!" Sanemi yelled.
He was such an adamant person for someone with no eyebrows.
"Actually, she's right… Whenever I ask a demon about Muzan, they all say they can't say his name else they die…" Nezuko explained, "That happened with a demon when she accidentally said his name… This arm appendage came out of her stomach, and ripped her head off of her body… It makes me think that most demons are only doing this because if they stop, they're killed…" Nezuko added.
Kanae smiled, "You see? These two are the perfect example… They aren't living in fear, and can choose their own decisions. And look at what they've done…" Kanae tried to persuade Sanemi.
"I… I can't…" Sanemi's defenses were weakening, as Kanae was trying to convince him.
"They've decided to turn against the demon king… They are actively choosing to help us…"
"They're-"
"They slayed some of the closest allies of Muzan… They've already proven their worth and standing on this." Kanae continued.
"What does that-"
"If I can see the good in them, and so can everyone to the point of at least giving them a chance, why can't you?" Kanae asked as she has begun to get teary.
Sanemi looked on, and softened his voice to be that of caring, "Kanae… You know I hate it when you cry…"
Kanae sobbed silently, "I-I'm sorry… But… I really believe these two are capable of fulfilling my wish… It's critical for us now… I know it's difficult, but can you please give them a chance…?"
Sanemi looked at the begging face of Kanae, "Please, Kanae… you're cheating with that face…"
Kanae smiled, "I know I am…"
Sanemi growled, before he let go, and sighed, looking towards the two sibling demons. "Fine! I'll give them a chance… But one instance of betrayal, and I get the fulfillment of decapitating you and your protector's head!"
"You do realize I've put my name in believing them, right Sanemi?" Kanae asked.
At this, Sanemi recoiled, "You what?!"
He then turned to the two demon siblings, and without provocation, slashed his arm, allowing his marechi blood to spill out.
Immediately, both Tanjirou and Nezuko reacted, putting their hands over their mouth to hide their drool.
"Come on demons! Show your true self! Don't you want a taste of some healthy, good marechi?" Sanemi teased both Tanjirou and Neuzko.
"Come on… Don't give in…" Nezuko mumbled. The smell was entrancing, and it took everything in Nezuko's willpower not to fall to the marechi's own smell.
"Come on, demons…" Sanemi chuckled as he began to chuck some of the blood onto Tanjirou.
However, something occurred that shocked everyone.
Tanjirou collapsed once the blood splattered on his chest. Nezuko screamed, and the rest watched on in shock.
That was not supposed to happen.
"Brother!" Nezuko exclaimed in shock as she went to check on her brother.
"What just happened?" Ubuyashiki asked, clearly a bit worried.
"The demon boy collapsed for unknown reasons, perhaps from exhaustion, but it looked to avoid trying to hurt Sanemi, and the sister is too preoccupied to notice Sanemi's blood." His child had explained.
"Then that shows the two demons are not a threat… Can we get someone to check on Tanjirou?" Ubuyashiki asked. Shinobu nodded and immediately got some kakushi to help get Tanjirou to a medical room.
Sanemi, for his part, was confused. He had never seen a demon openly fall asleep or go unconscious to NOT taste his blood. He sighed angrily.
He then turned to the two of them, "You both better be truthful in wanting to be among us, and not wanting to harm humans…"
With that, he walked off, clearly upset about the outcome, but at least not as much, thanks to Kanae.
"I'll deal with him, maybe pay him for being a good boy later tonight…" Kanae smiled, apologizing to everyone before she walked out to look for Sanemi.
"Well then, I guess that concludes the meeting for tonight, please get Tanjirou the assistance he needs," Ubuyashiki explained before he went back into his mansion.
Immediately, they brought Tanjirou into the butterfly estate. Nezuko was the first to see what was wrong with him.
"To be honest, we don't know…" One of the kakushi explained, with only Nezuko and Shinobu around to hear the verdict.
"W-What do you mean?" Nezuko asked.
"His bodily functions are normal, but he's not waking up… His bodily functions seem normal that it looks like he overexerted himself until he collapsed…" The kakushi added and Nezuko looked down.
It was then Shinobu who brought it up, "Is it normal for the both of you to sleep for long periods of time since you need sleep to regenerate your energy?" Shinobu asked Nezuko casually.
Nezuko nodded, "I mean yeah, but it never lasts no more than a couple days after a rough episode… unless…"
Nezuko's eyes widened.
Shinobu noticed this and looked concerned, "Is everything alright, Nezuko?"
"T-There was a period in time when I fell asleep for three and a half months…" Nezuko mumbled… "Brother told me how my vitals seemed very normal, but that I wouldn't wake up…"
"But why would this be different? Tanjirou usually sleeps, right?" Shinobu asked.
Nezuko shook her head, "I sleep to regain my energy… But Tanjirou, eats human food… He's been training to adapt to that since he was trained by Urokodaki… He rarely sleeps, and never collapses…"
"He eats more food than an average human, but he rarely sleeps…" Nezuko explained… "So… there's a possibility that he might… Sleep for months…"
At this, Shinobu was somewhat shocked and concerned.
"First off, why didn't you mention the fact that Tanjirou could eat human food to regain energy? That is something no demon can do, not even you from the basis of it… Second off, if this is true, then perhaps we can inject some nutrients from food to help hasten Tanjirou's recovery…" Shinobu explained, "But if what I believe is true."
Shinobu took a breath, "Then Tanjirou might sleep for months, similar to when you did, according to you."
A.N / So the one thing I want to discuss is the topic of total concentration breathing, constant, as I've had a bit of confusion regarding Tanjirou and Nezuko's own ability to perform it. What I can explain is that it maximizes mental capacity to one's physical abilities to make one excel more in the battle against demons. Tanjirou, learned the technique early on but was still intruding in his own mental capacity through emotions, something he unintentionally learns to handle during the last chapter. As for Nezuko, she will begin to learn total concentration breathing, constant later as we now noticed that something is wrong with Tanjirou.
Anyways thanks for the feedback, even if it is criticism, as it is something I do take and try to do better going forward, such as calling Ubuyashiki Kagaya Oyakata-sama when he is referred to by the Hashira. In addition, I recognize that some of the grammar contains repetition and slang that doesn't fit for the time period in which the story takes place. Like I said before, I'm going to lightly fix and tweak the grammar of my story to make sure stuff isn't repeating, but I may do this a bit later.
Character Profile (Most in a chapter, so be prepared!)
Tanjirou Kamado: Male, 15 years old.
Status: Alive, Demon
Height: 5'7" (170cm)
Weight: 135Ibs
Nezuko Kamado: Female, 14 years old.
Status: Alive, Demon
Height: 5'2" (157cm)
Weight: 115Ibs
Kanao Tsuyuri: Female, 16 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'2" (157cm)
Weight: 122Ibs
Zenitsu Agatsuma: Male, 15 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'7" (170cm)
Weight: 130Ibs
Inosuke Hashibira: Male, 15 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'5" (165cm)
Weight: 135Ibs
Genya Shinazugawa: Male, 16 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 6'0" (181cm)
Weight: 157Ibs
Gyomei Himejima: Male, 26 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 7'3" (222cm)
Weight: 292Ibs
Tengen Uzui: Male, 22 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 6'6" (198cm)
Weight: 210Ibs
Sanemi Shinazugawa: Male, 20 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'11" (180cm)
Weight: 172Ibs
Kyojuro Rengoku: Male, 19 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'10" (177cm)
Weight: 160Ibs
Giyu Tomioka: Male, 19 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'10" (178cm)
Weight: 155Ibs
Kanae Kocho: Female, 20 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'7" (170cm)
Weight: 130Ibs
Mitsuri Kanroji: Female, 18 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'6" (167cm)
Weight: 135Ibs
Obanai Iguro: Male, 20 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'4" (163cm)
Weight: 120Ibs
Muichiro Tokito: Male, 14 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'3" (160cm)
Weight: 118Ibs
Shinobu Kocho: Female, 18 years old.
Status: Alive, Human
Height: 5'0" (152cm)
Weight: 85Ibs
Abilities: Breathing Style
Tanjirou Kamado:
Sun Breathing Style
Water Breathing Style
Transparent World
Heightened sense of smell
Selfless State (started)
Repetitive Action
A technique that involves using a repetitive praise or movements, to allow them to properly maintain and amplify their state of total concentration breathing. This can cause them to even develop a demon slayer mark, increasing their body temperature and accelerated heart rate.
Nezuko Kamado:
Water Breathing Style
Heightened sense of vision (regarding infrared vision).
Heightened Perception
Flower Breathing Style
Kanao Tsuyuri:
Flower Breathing Style
Increased Visual Awareness
Emotional Suppression
Extraordinary suppression, potential selfless state.
Zenitsu Agatsuma:
Thunder Breathing Style
Heightened Auditory Awareness
Advanced Speed, even amongst other slayers, except the best.
Able to fight even when asleep
Inosuke Hashibira:
Beast Breathing Style
Animal Imitation
Enhanced Flexibility and Sense of Touch
Repetitive Action
Poison Resistance
Dual Wielding
Genya Shinazugawa:
American Breathing
Consume Demons for their Powers
Repetitive Action
Dual Wielding
Gyomei Himejima:
Stone Breathing Style
Transparent World (Supposedly)
Enhanced senses, except for vision
Repetitive Action
Tengen Uzui:
Sound Breathing Style
Heightened Auditory Awareness
Echolocation and Musical Score
Heightened Stealth
Poison Resistance
Sanemi Shinazugawa:
Wind Breathing Style
Marechi
Muscle Control
Kyojuro Rengoku:
Flame Breathing Style
Demon Slayer Mark
Beyond increased battle presence when demon slayer mark is activated
Giyu Tomioka:
Water Breathing Style
Emotional Control
Extraordinary Endurance
Extraordinary suppression, potential selfless state.
Omnipresent Rage
Kanae Kocho:
Flower Breathing Style
Extraordinary teaching skills
Demon Slayer Mark (from Upper Moon Two)
Mitsuri Kanroji:
Love Breathing Style
Muscle Concentration
Enhanced Flexibility
Obanai Iguro:
Serpent Breathing Style
Kaburamaru (assisting in his vision loss)
Heightened Vibration Sense
Extraordinary Endurance
Muichiro Tokito:
Mist Breathing Style
Transparent World
Selfless State
Extraordinary Perception
Shinobu Kocho:
Insect Breathing Style
Extraordinary Agility
Medical Expertise
High Intellect (IQ)
