The Dancing Star
Chapter 14
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
There are times in one's life where they may question the time between, they've gone to sleep, and when they've woken up.
That was certainly the case with Nezuko.
For one, she immediately felt a bit strange.
"W-What's going on?" Nezuko asked herself, as she scratched her head, flinching when she realized her nails were slashing it a bit.
"Oh, right, I'm a demon." Nezuko reiterated to herself, as she once again tried to talk.
She opened her mouth, but all she could do was make some grunting noise.
She sighed because of that, "I guess that's a start… It's better than not being able to say anything with my mouth…" Nezuko thought to herself, as before she knew it, she began to get out of her bed, and walk around.
And as she began to walk, she completely forgot about someone.
"Where's brother…?" Nezuko asked herself immediately, frantically looking around. It was a sudden thought, and she frantically searched for him.
She was hesitant to go outside, but eventually she realized it was still night time, and thus she was able to leave and explore the immediate area.
She was also trying to find the other person. Her teacher… Urokodaki!
With her thoughts coming back with time, she continued to search for Tanjirou and Urokodaki.
However, she didn't need to go that far to find them, for she found her elder brother being praised by Urokodaki.
"You've done well. I'm proud of you… You are perhaps my most impressive student to date… Able to use two breathing styles, one that is exclusive to you… Able to consume human food, and able to control your demonic instincts… You are remarkable, Tanjirou." Nezuko heard Urokodaki say.
Eventually, the Tanjirou turned his head, and his eyes widened in shock, and hope, seeing her sister awake.
But… Why?
Why are both of them so surprised to see her up?
Now that she thought about it, she began to feel the environment around her, and that was when she realized how the area seemed rather warmer than the usual. Almost like it was a different season.
But how was that possible? Seasons took months to pass through, not a day.
"Why is the air much cooler now than the last time I was awake?" Nezuko asked herself in confusion.
But once she saw the longer hair from Tanjirou, that confirmed everything in her mind.
"How did my brother's hair grow so quickly?" Nezuko asked herself. She was noticing other differences with Tanjirou. He seemed more bulky, with longer hair.
And that was when she realized properly, why her brother and Urokodaki was acting so surprised to seeing her here.
"I was sleeping for months…" Nezuko's mind sank at the thought, clearly understanding why Tanjirou was having such a reaction.
The last thing she remembered was that Tanjirou did not necessarily radiate a sense of aura that she noticed. Now, he seemed more formidable in his strength. No doubt in her mind that he had time to practice, and to catch up to her own experience.
Now that she was not happy about it, she was very content with her brother. She was glad that he was able to bypass his struggles to become stronger. She was his sister, and would be glad for him regardless.
And the charging to hug her said it all.
She was asleep for around three and a half months?!
"How…?" She mumbled to herself, clearly not understanding how this was possible. Just how did she manage to sleep for that long?
How was she asleep for three and a half months? It didn't make sense… She just felt tired, and went to sleep. That was how it went until she eventually woke up.
She was shocked at the progress her brother was making, but also happy. Tanjirou had improved, and Nezuko was curious to see what he was now capable of, compared to her.
Another strange thing she noticed about her brother… Was that his body temperature overall, had increased.
But why was that the case?
She was able to detect some infrared light coming off of Tanjirou, and this went alongside some heat that she could check off of individuals.
And before she knew it, Tanjirou too fell asleep.
She was shocked at the sudden action, but Urokodaki smiled.
"You know, ever since you fell asleep, he refused to sleep." Urokodaki told Nezuko, who could only look at her now sleeping brother in shock.
"My brother… Didn't sleep for three and a half months…?" She asked, not wanting to believe it.
"Seems you still aren't able to talk, huh?" Urokodaki asked the younger Kamado.
Nezuko sighed, before she nodded.
"But you now are responding to me, so that's a positive." Urokodaki added.
From what I see, your brother is now sleeping. I'll let the two of you get some reunion time, before we all must talk of something serious, regarding the next phase of your demon slaying adventure. And likewise, Giyu will be accompanying me to also inform Oyakata-sama about this."
This caused Nezuko's eyes to widen. Despite being unable to talk, Urokodaki could tell what Nezuko wanted to ask and/or say.
"No, the master himself is not coming to oversee the two of you. Giyu is, and will inform via a letter, or by person. That is his decision, as long as Oyakata-sama gets the information." Urokodaki explained.
"Ever since Giyu had informed Oyakata-sama about both of you two, and your progress in training, he has been very intrigued in the two of you." Urokodaki added, clearly wanting to get that across.
With that, he looked up. "I suggest getting inside your rooms, for the sun will rise within an hour. You both can sleep, and when you both are awake, then we will talk. That is, if Giyu makes it in time." Urokodaki informed the two.
It took them around 10 hours before they both were up.
"Nezuko…" Tanjirou smiled, hugging his sister once again, clearly content, and happy to see her alive and well.
And this was the same time Tanjirou smiled brightly. "I'm so happy to see you here."
Nezuko smiled, but because she couldn't articulate any words, she gave a noise of content, a "Hnf!"
"You still cannot talk, Nezuko?" Tanjirou's smile disappeared, clearly now concerned for his sister yet again.
Nezuko shook her head, but since she was smiling, Tanjirou hoped it was all alright.
And just as the two got ready to meet with Urokodaki, they were interrupted by a knock at their door.
"Seems we must get ready. Let's go Nezuko." Tanjirou motioned for Nezuko to get ready.
Nezuko nodded in response, before she began to get up, and sighing. All this time, she was clearly trying to get herself back into the present.
She felt stuck in the past since she had fallen asleep for many months at the time. Therefore, she felt a bit strange regarding the current state of everything.
"Now that the both of you are finished having your reunion, we have some important decisions to make, and discuss." Urokodaki explained.
It was here did the two of them see that Giyu had made his way over.
"Indeed, for I've heard the both of you have managed to slice the boulder." Giyu explained, as he looked outside, as if trying to see the state of the two boulders.
Both siblings tensed at this, as they both were unsure of their capabilities. Sure they were able to successfully go through their training.
For Nezuko, three and a half months of sleep did render her clueless s to what was going on, and Tanjirou was a naturally insecure person, but alas, the two knew their time with Urokodaki and Giyu was ending.
The next chapter of their lives was coming to a head, as the two knew what they were going to do next, would be one of fighting and tests.
Tanjirou and Nezuko were both told about the prospects of being tested for their capabilities.
"Nezuko." The voice of Urokodaki caused the Kamado siblings to immediately look up in apprehension.
"It's a miracle and with great happiness and gratitude that we see you are awake and functioning… Even if you are yet to be unable to speak, we are happy nonetheless." Urokodaki told Nezuko, who merely nodded, and smiled.
"Perhaps we should explain everything that has happened over the past months then, right, Nezuko?" Tanjirou asked her sister.
Urokodaki smiled behind his mask before he explained everything that had happened.
And this was how Nezuko learned everything that had happened.
They first got a doctor to check on her health and functions, worrying she had fallen into a coma.
Of course, their worries were unfounded, as Neuzko merely fell into a sleeping state.
The doctor wasn't sure if she wouldn't wake up, which eventually turned to the idea that she would awaken, but it would take quite the time.
Then, Urokodaki went on to explain how her older brother began to dance the Hinokami Kagura every day until she woke up.
This statement caused Tanjirou to flinch, and Nezuko to stare at Tanjirou in surprise before she got a bit angry.
"Did you seriously put yourself through that?" Nezuko asked Tanjirou, clearly not content with what Tanjirou did.
Tanjirou seemed to have gotten the message, "I-I'm sorry Nezuko, I just felt so hopeless…" Tanjirou explained, clearly trying to calm his sister down.
Of course, Nezuko made a pout of annoyance, before she allowed Urokodaki to continue.
"Idiot brother… Didn't you forget how much strain that puts on your body?!" Nezuko asked herself with a bit of anger, clearly not wanting Tanjirou to do exactly that.
She was not content with Tanjirou's action of self-recklessness. She wanted Tanjirou to not overexert himself.
She did not want Tanjirou to blame himself for what happened to her. But knowing her brother, that was exactly what he did.
And so, she needed to make sure Tanjirou didn't do anything that would jeopardize himself and his health.
She was a bit emotional over the fact that Tanjirou had committed such a taxing dance, every day, until she woke up. She also hated how Tanjirou probably didn't look after himself as a result.
Tanjirou didn't care for himself. He cared more for his sister. He cared more for taking care of Nezuko. He prioritized her, once again.
And just like before when they were trying to get down the mountain, he had forcibly gotten himself hurt, just so that Nezuko didn't get hurt.
He didn't care for himself getting hurt, causing Nezuko to be the one protected.
She knew Tanjirou was trying to be protective, an older brother. A protective figure. That was the excuse he would give whenever Nezuko protested against it.
She wanted hi to worry and care for himself, and not just her.
"Why do you still value yourself so little, brother?" Nezuko wanted to ask Tanjirou in any form, to be able to connect to him in any way.
But alas, her voice just wasn't working still.
She was only able to make grunts and noises like that of wild animals.
Tanjirou, however, sighed, "At the very least, Nezuko, I've finally made progress. I've learned water breathing, and I don't struggle with the strain like I previously did. I can do it like you, now." Tanjirou explained, giving Nezuko a small smile.
And that smile, seeing the smile on her elder brother, immediately made her calm down. She was happy that her brother was smiling, considering how little he brought himself up.
Now, he was actually admitting to something he was able to do. He didn't hesitate to admit or feel that he was able to, but he was confident for once.
He must have gone through something to be able to feel this confident.
"Well, Nezuko. Tanjirou here has also failed to inform you of another thing he's managed to do." Urokodaki then added. "He turned your family dance, into a sword style."
"What?" Nezuko swung her head to face both Urokodaki and Nezuko
Tanjirou nervously scratched his head yet again, "Yeah, I turned it into a breathing style. Apparently, it can be used as a breathing style, which coincidentally was also my own affinity this entire time…"
Nezuko was shocked once again, and before she could try and speak about it, Urokodaki interrupted them.
"I'm sure the both of you are confused, and that is right, but for the time being, we have more pressing matters to deal with.
"He's right, why is a dance able to become turned into a sword style…? I mean, brother does have a design of a sword that he uses, but that's it…" Nezuko thought to herself. She was clearly being left behind on quite the stuff.
"What pressing matters?" Tanjirou asked.
This time, it was Giyu Tomioka to talk about this.
"The both of you have managed to complete your sensei's training." Giyu started. "However, for demon slayers, when they usually are deemed powerful enough by their trainers, they are to enroll into an event called the Final Selection." Giyu explained.
"Final Selection?" Tanjirou asked, and Nezuko too, but in her mind.
"Yes, the Final Selection is a yearly event where new, and soon to become demon slayers attend to officially test themselves. They are to remain in a demon infested area for seven days where they are the survive. After the seven days, they will be allowed to come back, will become new demon slayers." Urokodaki explained.
"Every demon slayer has gone through the Final Selection. Even Giyu here, has." Urokodaki added, but both Tanjirou and Nezuko could sense some form of loss and guilt coming from the two as they mentioned it.
This confused the Kamado siblings, but they shrugged it off.
"So is that how demon slayers are accepted into the crops, officially?" Tanjirou asked.
"Exactly." Urokodaki nodded. "That is what allows the corps to officially write you into the organization."
"I see…" Tanjirou responded.
"However." Urokodaki warned, causing the two demon siblings to raise their heads in confusiob.
"What's wrong?" Tanjirou asked once again, seeing the hesitance coming from Urokodaki.
"You both have managed to complete my training in around under nine months." Urokodaki explained.
"That's impressive, it took me 12 months, that is until waiting for the final selection," Giyu nonchalantly added, clearly giving the two demon siblings a testament to how powerful they truly were.
"So, now that the two of you know how demon slayers are officially accepted into the corps, there is a major problem with sending the two of you into Final Selection." Urokodaki started.
Tanjirou thought he knew, "Is it that we may eat some of the demon slayers who are trying to become one in the event?"
"Not necessarily." Urokodaki shook his head. "Giyu and I, even Oyakata-sama has a strong intuition that the two of you will never consume human flesh. You two have gone almost nine months without doing so. And Nezuko instead chose to sleep, and you choose to eat literally anything else other than human flesh. You both have proved to me so far, but in the future you must continue this."
"Of course, Urokodaki. We won't let ourselves eat human flesh." Tanjirou told the two firmly, once again determination setting into his eyes.
"That is good, but we need to see actions, you two." Urokodaki warned the two.
"But regardless. The thing with the Final Selection is its location." Giyu spoke up for Urokodaki this time. "Particularly, what is within Final Selection." Giyu clarified.
"What do you mean, Tomioka?" Tanjirou asked.
"The Final Selection takes place on Mount Fujikasane, a place where many demons are trapped, ready to hunt and eat soon to be demon slayers." Giyu explained to Tanjirou, as he made sure to be as serious as possible.
"You might be wondering, how are the demons trapped in Mount Fujikasane?" Giyu asked.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko nodded.
"Well. They are trapped by a thick lining of Wisteria."
"By what?" Tanjirou asked, tilting his head indicating he had no idea what that was.
Giyu sighed in response, "Those who are ready to become official demon slayers will be sent to Mount Fujikasane. The event is ready annually, because they need time to trap the demons. Here, the wisteria flowers bloom every season from the foot of the mountain to the slope. Demons are trapped, and those who are new are responsible for their survival and slaying of the demons within the area."
"So, will the reason be that we will be mistaken as demons, trapped?" Tanjirou asked. "Or that we could become trapped demons?"
Nezuko nodded at that, agreeing, shaking her head. She was not going to be trapped in a place to be proven as a good demon!
Urokodaki shook his head, "No, we wouldn't do that. Neither of you have done anything to suffer such a fate. Even Oyakata-sama says you both are phenomenal demons. But, because of the wisteria, we cannot send you to the Final Selection just like that."
"Because the wisteria is poisonous to demons…" Tanjirou's eyes widened as he remembered.
"Is it?" He asked, clearly asking.
"Yes, Wisteria is the most common of the poisonous plants towards demons. Some humans who believe in demons will use Wisteria incense to keep demons away from their property." Giyu explained.
"Indeed, for I had to rid mine every since the two of you have joined." Urokodaki pointed out, pointing to the area where his wisteria would usually be.
"Oh…" Tanjirou mumbled. "I see…"
"But then how are we both going to be able to be brought into the corps?" Tanjirou asked. "Why are you both so eager in bringing us into the corps then?"
Urokodaki sighed, "The answer is very simple. The both of you will be protected by the corps. That is, if you both remain human in your mind."
"So you are saying we could potentially get protection if we have proof of our own actions?" Tanjirou asked.
"Yes." Giyu nodded.
Nezuko all the while was eying this up. She could tell the uncertainty of the upcoming future that terrified Tanjirou.
As a way to console him, Nezuko gently placed her hand on his knee, and pushed it down slightly, informing Tanjirou to calm down.
"Wisteria." Giyu started. "Is an example of a poison that can kill demons. So, we cannot send you to the Final Selection because you both may die. But we also want you to complete this test, so that you can officially become demon slayers." Giyu added.
"I guess that makes sense…" Tanjirou mumbled, both learning a mere plant could spell the end for both of them. "And so, if we perform actions during our time as demon slayers, we could show them our worth?"
"Indeed." Giyu nodded.
"Well then what is the plan for the both of us to become demon slayers?" Tanjirou asked.
Nezuko looked onwards, as she once again worried for her brother. She knew he was trying to take charge, especially since she still couldn't talk.
She knew how he was again trying to take initiative despite the circumstances.
It was exactly what he had to do when father died.
Tanjirou had to care for the family, even if his own siblings were uncomfortable being around him.
In short, Tanjirou had to do all the work, and Nezuko had to do the caretaking alongside their mother, Kie.
It was a tough time for Tanjirou, and Nezuko knew that Tanjirou probably felt alone in the world. He did all that hard work, but never got a thanks from his little siblings, only seeing him as an omen of bad luck.
But even through that, he still worked.
Even when he was looked at like he was the black sheep of the family, he still worked.
And Nezuko knew that this was going to repeat in a sense.
Both of them were demons, and even if Tanjirou had helped anyone from slicing and killing a demon, that didn't matter because Tanjirou was a monster too. So was Nezuko.
In the end, even if they saved the lives of others, as soon as they found out they both were also demons, they would run off.
And so, Nezuko worried that her elder brother would take this to heart.
Just like how he took it to heart when his siblings refused to stay near him, or to even talk to him.
The abuse their father and mother gave was just so bad, and whenever Tanjirou failed, the siblings knew they too would get punished because of Tanjirou's failures.
So, they adapted to stay away, for their own good, so that neither of them got hurt as well.
They thought dissociating from Tanjirou would save them from abuse.
In that household, Tanjirou was left alone, all his hard work was never appreciated by his family.
In the end, Nezuko basically worried it would be a sense of déjà vu. She wanted Tanjirou to feel like what he was doing, was contribution. It was of worth and value.
But knowing Tanjirou, and how stubborn he is, he'll probably either focus on herself and her potential, give her the credit, and say how he doesn't deserve the results given to him.
It was an unhealthy cycle, that she wished her brother could end and break out of.
Giyu's POV
Giyu had prepared for this day, regarding these two demons.
Ever since he encountered these two demons, and were sent to live with Urokodaki, Giyu had a lot on his plate.
He was usually the one to not really be involved in many of the Hashira Meetings.
All he did was listen.
Mostly, it was the outgoing and prominent individuals who did most of the talking.
Kanae was probably the most caring of the bunch, with Gyomei being as protective and mindful of the master's health.
Then, there was Sanemi and Obanai, who were the most loyal of the bunch.
They were also the only individuals who outright despised Giyu.
He knew it, but considering that they were in the very same organization, he pushed aside many of their comments aimed at him, to prioritize the wellbeing of the Hashira groups.
He did not want to fracture the entire organization because of the hostility between him, Sanemi, and Obanai.
Sanemi was Giyu's total opposite, in every way.
If Giyu was quiet, reserved, and trying to keep the world split between his own thoughts and how he portrays himself, Sanemi had no filter.
He didn't care for what others thought about him. He was an open book.
Whereas Giyu was someone you had to read the pages for to understand him, Sanemi portrayed himself as a kid's book.
Very comedic, full of pictures and life, and short. Giyu's was a philosophical book, having needing to read and understand every page to understand him.
Many within the Pillars knew well of who Sanemi was. What he had gone through. His journey. He was open about it, and took pride.
Just like how he took pride in the scars he got, he was not shy of being the one to inform everyone about certain events, or his opinions.
If he wanted something done, he was always the first to bring it up.
By contrat, Giyu was very quiet.
Almost too quiet.
He never once was open about his accomplishments, or how he got to where he was.
By what many of the Pillars knew, Giyu had just picked up a blade, was very skilled, and became a Hashira. Nobody knew of the turbulent times he's faced.
Nor, did he had the personality to show he struggled through turbulent times.
Giyu held a mask to his face. A mask of strength, and the idea that nothing around the world was bothering him. He always seemed calm, but in reality, none of the pillars knew of his upbringing.
What exactly he had been through.
And the reason for that was simple. None of them wanted to read through the pages of the book that Giyu was, to understand him.
They would all rather and prefer to finish and read the children's book.
Hell, even Giyu himself would, if he was not himself.
But alas, that was the case, and many just saw it a fact and reality that both Giyu and Sanemi should never be around each other, without the risk of a fight breaking out.
The reason was that it happened before.
So much so that Oyakata-sama made it so that Giyu and Sanemi were forbidden from being placed in the same missions for around six months, and that they weren't to be around a certain distance of each other.
It was pretty much a restraining order between the two, but unofficially.
Even the way they fought was completely opposite to each other.
Sanemi's style of wind breathing was often categorized by many to be the best offensive breathing style. It was merely because of the wide range the strikes could cover, and with an emphasis on aggression, many demons would be ruthlessly slaughtered.
Giyu's style of water breathing was, instead categorized to be the best defensive breathing style. The fluidity and flexibility of water breathing meant that many of their strikes were placed in a manner that they would protect themselves. Although slower, and less aggressive, it was instead calm and tranquil, which usually contrasted with the offense that wind breathing had.
Even the contents of their body were completely different.
Sanemi had marechi blood within his system. Marechi blood is a rare type of blood inside humans that is deemed nutritious and valuable to many demons.
It usually had the added ability of making demons feral, losing their sense of consciousness. It made them distracted, like a human high in alcohol.
Sanemi took use of this, and used his own blade to cut himself, so that his blood could be detected by demons, and thus have the demons be unable and unfocused to fight him.
However, Giyu was completely different.
His blood was disgusting to many demons. For some reason, Giyu had blood that was deemed nutritious to many demons. Because every human was different in some way, of course demons could be picky, and detect that some blood in a human was tastier and more valuable than the blood of another.
For example, it is usually said that women's blood is tastier to demons over males. In addition, teens and adolescent girls were usually considered to be the tastiest for demons, with the quality of the blood becoming more dull and less nutritious when humans were babies, or an elder.
The older a human got, the less valuable their blood was for a demon.
But Giyu even then was different. His blood was apparently the most repulsive blood towards demons, as he had the specific blood that made it innutritious for demons. It smelled bad for demons, like a skunk, and whenever Giyu began to bleed because of fighting demons, the sheer repulsive nature made it incredibly difficult for demons to focus.
And so, Giyu and Sanemi were complete opposites in almost every way. Personality, fighting style, and even in their blood.
Giyu reminiscent when he realized how demons reacted to him bleeding.
It was when he saw his sister being mauled by the demon, before he hugged his sister, in the process of absorbing her.
Giyu did everything a young kid could do, and that was run and try to pull his sister, but the demon had swiped and injured Giyu's own arm and chest, causing blood to leak.
Immediately, the demon looked like he was about to vomit, as he ran off, after properly consuming Giyu's sister, all the while Giyu saw, with a slash and bleeding chest and left arm.
Giyu remembered the demon that killed his sister, and he hoped that the demon was dead.
But sometimes, he knew that was not the case.
He wished it was alive, so that he could be the one to slay it, and to avenge his sister.
He already felt a lot of guilt for the deaths of his loved ones, but all he could do was try and move on.
However, what Giyu didn't realize, is that he had been gaining the attention of some of the pillars recently, ever since he discovered the demon siblings who had not eaten any humans.
He continued to be a pen pal to Urokodaki, the topic focusing on the development of both Tanjirou and Nezuko.
He had said both were progressing just fine, and that was that.
But then he also had to inform Oyakata-sama about this, and that was what he did. He went inside after the introduction of two new pillars, Muichiro Tokito, and Mitsuri Kanroji, and talked to Oyakata-sama about the presence of Tanjirou and Nezuko.
He had informed the master a bit before about the presence, but he had decided to wait in tune with the most recent Hashira meeting.
Apparently, Oyakata-sama had been dealing with a bout of illness, no doubt due to the curse on his forehead, before he was able to. Therefore, he planned it after the Hashira Meeting.
Because of the nature of both Tanjirou and Nezuko being demon, alongside the worry about the other Hashira acting out, Oyakata-sama and Giyu had decided to have the meeting in private.
But that was nine months ago at most.
Right now, Giyu needed to inform the master of multiple developments regarding Tanjirou and Nezuko.
And exactly how Oyakata-sama predicted, it was all good news.
For starters, Nezuk woke up.
Second off, Tanjirou had managed to improve immensely on water breathing, whilst also learning a new breathing style that deviated from a dance his family had.
All the while learning how to properly eat human food again.
Of course, they still had the risk that they could still potentially eat human flesh.
But thankfully, Giyu had told Oyakata-sama that none of them had shown any intentions or signs of wanting to eat human flesh.
"I see. That is great news then." Kagaya smiled underneath the pain he was probably feeling from his forehead.
Giyu then sighed, as he remembered the extra information he once had to tell Kagaya, about Nezuko falling into a deep slumber and not waking up.
Of course, Kagaya thought that she was dying because of a lack of flesh to consume, but after months, he eventually deduced that sleeping was allowing for Nezuko to refill her energy.
Now that the two were almost done their training, he had to inform Kagaya, about what they should do with the demon siblings.
They couldn't just get rid and slay them, there was no reason to.
They could potentially be great assets for the demon slayer corps, and so far, they hadn't committed to any form of pain for humans.
"How are the demon siblings doing, my child?" Kagaya asked Giyu, who bowed to the master.
"First off, Oyakata-sama, I'm content to here of your health, and I hope you continue to take care of it." Giyu started.
"Don't worry about my health, my child, for I have my lovely wife and the help of the kakushi to take care of me." Kagaya smiled, "But thank you."
Giyu nodded, "Anyways, regarding Nezuko and Tanjirou, I would like to inform you that Nezuko Kamado has awoken, after an over three-month nap. As comedic as this timing is, both Nezuko and Tanjirou have completed Sakonji's training. As a result, usually we would send them to the Final Selection, however…"
Kagaya seemed to have understood the message.
"I see where you are getting at. Both are demons, and thus would get trapped inside with no way of escaping." Kagaya continued and finished for Giyu.
Giyu nodded. "We are asking you for an approved method so that Tanjirou and Nezuko can become official demon slayers, in spite of being demons."
Kagaya smiled, "Are you and Urokodaki confident about the intentions of these demons?"
Giyu nodded, "I am, and my teacher certainly is as well. We've spend nine months observing them, and not once have they shown any ill nature or malicious intents. Any demons regardless of their hesitance would not be able to hold it in for as long as they did. Plus, Urokodaki has tole me both can regenerate their energy through sleeping and eating other alternatives."
"Well then I trust the both of you." Kagaya smiled.
"You do?" Giyu asked, a bit surprised.
"Tomioka, I know you are a trustworthy person. To think suddenly you would deceive me is something I couldn't understand you doing. You've always been loyal to be, so I have a lot of leverage and reasoning to trust you." Kagaya smiled back at Giyu, who could only bow.
"Thank you, Oyakata-sama." Giyu bowed down before he got back up.
"Now, I think we should discuss what we should do for the two of them to become official demon slayers, isn't that right?" Kagaya asked.
Giyu nodded.
And that was where Giyu was now.
Once he had finished talking back to Kagaya, Urokodaki's message about Neuzko's sleeping endeavor ending, Giyu had made sure he spoke with the master as quick as possible.
Now that he was done, and he got the message, he was going back to Urokodaki's so that he could explain everything to the demon siblings.
If they could complete the missions, then Tanjirou and Nezuko would become official demon slayers.
Perhaps among the first actual demons who sworn to fight and kill demons. Their supposed very own kind.
But Giyu knew the world would not be on their side.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko were facing a cruel world. A world where they would probably not be accepted by anyone.
To demons, they are their enemies, for they openly will slay and maybe even consume demons.
On the other hand, demon slayers will openly try and kill Tanjirou and Nezuko because they are demons.
Even if they didn't harm any humans, it did little in their own figure and profile.
If Tanjirou and Nezuko protected themselves, by hitting out at any demon slayers, then it would be very bad for them.
And so, Giyu knew that the road ahead for Tanjirou and Nezuko would be an incredibly difficult one ahead. More so than even that of regular demon slayers, just because of the position they were in.
Alas, Giyu tried to be optimistic. He was never one to begin with, but he decided he could at least try and hope that Tanjirou and Nezuko were truly different.
And he had a gnawing feeling. An intuition's feeling.
And so, once he made it back, he made sure to tell the two demons what to do in the event they run into other demon slayers.
"Tanjirou, Nezuko. The sad reality, is that no demon slayer will want to work with demons." Giyu started.
"I guess that makes sense…" Tanjirou looked down. Giyu felt a bit bad informing Tanjirou of the sad reality, but it was one he would face inevitably.
"Exactly, so the main and proper reaction for the both of you, is that if a demon slayer is near or arrives whilst you are fighting a demon, abandon the mission." Giyu told the two.
"Wait, what? Why?" Tanjirou asked. "Wouldn't that hurt our reputation if we are known as frequent deserters?"
Giyu explained, "I guess, but in the event, deserting your mission is better than killing a human out of a potential incident between a demon slayer's hostility towards you."
"Oh." Tanjirou went down. "But wouldn't we just be letting other humans die if we leave the demon alive for the other slayer to take care of?"
"No. The demon slayers will usually be sent to missions they can handle. And whilst it is very rare you may encounter a demon slayer whilst in the middle of your mission, it is actually common to be paired with other demon slayers during missions." Giyu explained.
"You talking about you and Ko-" Urokodaki was about to ask, but Giyu shut him down in an unusual manner different from Giyu.
"Shut up." And just like that, Urokodaki chuckled.
"I don't understand to this day why you hate her so much." Urokodaki commented.
Giyu sighed, as he turned away, "She's a doctor."
That was all he said, and immediately, Urokodaki's tone remained quiet. Giyu could guess that Tanjirou could probably smell the sudden tension that was happening.
"Tomioka?" Tanjirou asked, "Who is the doctor?"
Giyu gritted his teeth, not wanting to say anything. "An evil being who makes your issues worse."
Giyu didn't realize that Tanjirou was asking for the identity of the doctor in question, not what a doctor was.
But alas, Tanjirou knew it would be best to remain quiet, considering the tense mood Giyu was probably in for a bit.
"Anyways." Giyu started as he was trying to switch the entire catalogue.
"This is something that has been approved by Oyakata-sama, for both he and I have decided the circumstances that the two of you have been left in. Therefore, your journey to become official demon slayers, will be remarkably different. Perhaps more difficult, we are not sure." Giyu explained.
"And what is this new test?" Tanjirou asked, clearly confused.
Giyu sighed, as he began to explain. "As the two of you, demons consume and eat humans, and unfortunately, demon slayers are not any different from humans. They are only humans who can fight against demons, and therefore, like humans, they too can be defeated during their missions."
"Oh, I see." Tanjirou nodded, beginning to understand what Giyu was getting at.
"In short, many demon slayers have been killed prematurely, long before their fullest potential." At this, Giyu looked down, almost saluting the long lost demon slayers who had met this fate.
It seemed to them that Giyu had a first hand understanding of this.
"Anyways, the fact of the matter, is that there are countless of examples, where young demon slayers, many whom complete the Final Selection, in the end die after a couple of missions. Hence, prematurely." Giyu started.
"These demon slayers die before their fullest potential, and often due to misguidance, and through the demons who ultimately kill them." Giyu added.
"So basically, the demon slayers who died early, have their respective demons who are still alive?" Tanjirou asked.
"Not all demons, but a significant percentage." Giyu clarified.
"Oh." Tanjirou got that fixed inside of his head.
"The demons who kill these demon slayers, a significant portion of them are smart enough to know what they've done, and thus usually go into hiding. Many of these demons are still alive and frolicking, killing humans and trying to lay low." Giyu explained. "Both of you two will go out for the revenge of many of these demon slayers, and by proving you are willing and capable of killing these demons, while acknowledging the human lives they've killed."
"Once you are capable, then you will be accepted into the demon slayer corps." Urokodaki confirmed to the two of them.
"Wait, but how will we know when we have met the requirements for such a promotion?" Tanjirou asked. Nezuko was beside her brother nodding along to the questions.
Even if she couldn't talk, she was capable of understanding and answering some questions. She just couldn't talk that much.
"That will be decided based on the number of demons you slay with time." Urokodaki answered. "As for the worry the both of you may be captured, previously mentioned, Giyu has informed Oyakata-sama about the both of you, and he is the one to have approved this measure." Urokodaki informed the two about their presence to the master.
"He is both impressed and hopeful of the both of you, and so he will oversee this exception privately, but will also closely monitor the two of you himself, alongside Sakonji and I." Giyu added.
Tanjirou and Nezuko's eyes both widened at the revelation that the literal leader, and master of the demon slayer corps knows about. While they felt like it was expected, it did worry them about if their leader would just see them for demons and have them killed. Thankfully, that did not seem to be the case.
Considering both weren't dead and were still very much alive, meant that the master saw reason in them, and thus the two felt a bit safer within the corps. Regardless, they knew the real test for their worth was about to start.
"How will we slay demons?" Tanjirou asked.
Urokodaki looked on, clearly wanting to be the one to explain this.
"The both of you will be given Nirchirin swords, however, you will not be given any orb for the Nirchirin sword, yet."
"And orb? What?" Tanjirou asked.
"A nirchirin sword is the standard weapon for many demon slayers. They are made of a material high in the mountains closest to the sun's rays to get the most, which is then forged into a blade. It is this material that allows the blade to be lethal to demons if cut through their neck." Urokodaki explained.
"And the orb is meant to represent the spiritual core of an individual. The spiritual core is what allows you to see the elements of your breathing style. The actual breathing styles are not there, but rather visuals that one can see if their spiritual core is trained during demon slayer training. The spiritual core of the user will, when mixed with the orb, turn the blade a specific colour to represent what breathing style and attributes one may experience." Giyu added on, further explaining the concepts of spiritual cores, and the orbs of a nirchirin blade.
"Buw where do you get the blades?" Tanjirou asked.
"From a swordsmith. But even then, I have some spare blades I could give you. But anyways."
Urokodaki then clapped, and immediately the sounds of flapping filled the air for both Tanjirou and Nezuko.
This caused the demon sibling to flinch.
"A-Are those crows?" Tanjirou asked, his frightened self clearly over and now curious.
"Yes." Urokodaki explained. "These are all the crows of former demon slayers who have passed from demons during their missions. While many have been able to find a demon slayer that has lasted for quite the time, others, have witnessed countless demon slayer's deaths."
"Oh wow…" Tanjirou thought as he felt a bit sad for the crows.
Of course, he knew that some crows were probably a bit too scared to get too close to Tanjirou and Nezuko, since the two of them were demons.
"Now now, I understand the worry, but Oyakata-sama was given these two permissions to become eventual demon slayers. Act like they are ones soon." Urokodaki explained.
"Tanjirou and Nezuko. Each of these crows will send you on a mission to slay the demon of their former demon slayer companions. Both of you will be needed to slay these demons, and to give conclusions for the families for the demon slayers we've lost. These crows will be informing you of the demon in question and will send us updates." Giyu explained.
"Oh wow… So do the both of you have your own personal crow?" Tanjirou asked.
Giyu nodded, "Yes. My crow is called Kanzaburo."
"Aww, so are all of them are from former demon slayers? When do we get ours?" Tanjirou asked.
"When you become official demon slayers." Giyu explained, "Though, it may be difficult for us to find a crow willing to work with a pair of demon siblings…"
Tanjirou sighed at that, "Of course… If we can't, then we'll just wander aimlessly and hunt any demon in our path."
"Formidable, but alas not efficient." Giyu explained, "We can find one for the two of you."
"Alright." Tanjirou sighed.
"So, the both of you, here are your nirchirin blades, they are not coloured for you will receive the orb once you become official demon slayers. You will also be working with many crows of former demon slayers, who will only guide you towards the place of the demon sighting but will not be your personal crow. You will also receive a personal crow after you become official demon slayers." Urokodaki explained.
And so, both Tanjirou and Nezuko took their blades into their hands, watching the actual material.
Tanjirou felt the burning semblance of the sun's rays emanating on the blade, but he was able to hold it regardless. It was only the blade itself that had this, not the handle. And so, Tanjirou gripped it, and began to swing it, getting used to its weight and properties.
"There are a lot more things I would like to inform the two of you one." Urokodaki explained.
"Oh?" Tanjirou and Nezuko both looked at Urokodaki after that.
"And what is it?" Tanjirou asked. Nezuko nodded in response.
"We need to explain to the both of you about demons and the likes." Giyu started, taking the lead from here.
"Usually, many demons are unkillable and stronger than humans. As previously mentioned, the only way to kill demons is the decapitate them in the neck with those blade. However, even then, you must acknowledge that demons are physically superior to humans in almost every sense. They can regenerate fatal wounds that would be inflicted onto humans. They can run without losing stamina, and they don't feel environmental stressors like the cold, or even freeze to death." Giyu ran down a comprehensive list of everything.
"The same can be said for both you and Nezuko, but Tanjirou, your strength seems to be like that of a human, only marginally better. Perhaps it would be better for Nezuko to use her own fists and body to fight, for she could be useful for pummeling demons down…" Giyu thought.
"That won't be necessary, Giyu." Urokodaki started.
"Anywas, demons have special abilities called blood demon arts. These are something stronger demons can use once they achieve enough energy and strength, usually by consuming humans."
"So those are demons who have eaten a lot of humans… Do you know how many?" Tanjirou asked.
"Not really, though I can advise you, Tanjirou. Use your nose to decipher the strength of demons. The more humans a demon has eaten, the stronger they are." Urokodaki advised Tanjirou with a small tip.
"Got it." Tanjirou nodded.
"Anyways, blood demon arts allow them to use their blood to infuse into a special attack. These can vary widely and can be crucial for a demon slayer, whether they run into one or not. We are not sure if you both will run into one, but since many new demon slayers usually are sent to defeat low-ranking demons, you may be very unlikely to run into demons with blood demon arts, yet." Urokodaki explained, all the while Tanjirou continued to think.
"Wait, what about us? Won't we develop blood demon arts, if we're both demons?" Tanjirou asked, "Or is it because since we don't go after human flesh, we can't?"
"Since the two of you are technically getting stronger and gaining energy without eating human flesh, there is the possibility that both are possible. However, even I am unsure about the exact causes one to activate a blood demon art." Urokodaki answered.
Tanjirou sighed, "Got it." He clearly fidgeted, but also intrigued. Would the both be able to develop blood demon arts? What would that mean? What would both of their blood demon arts look like?
"Knowing this world to myself, I'll probably fail to develop a blood demon art…" Tanjirou thought to himself.
"Anyways, be cautious for any demon you meet may surprise you with one." Urokodaki warned, "And I cannot stress this enough. Many demon slayers die underestimating the blood demon arts of many demons."
Tanjirou and Nezuko both nodded in response to this.
"Also, one more thing." Urokodaki voiced out.
Both siblings stopped when they heard that.
"There is only one individual demon, that I know of, that can turn others into humans. It is the only way for a human to turn into a demon." Urokodaki revealed.
"What?" Tanjrou asked, clearly confused about this. "Giyu told me those who were exposed to demon wounds will turn into a demon!" Tanjirou exclaimed. "He told me."
"That is a usually misunderstood myth. Only one individual can infect others with demon cells, by injecting them with their blood." Urokodaki confirmed and clarified for them, "That man is the demon king, the progenitor of all demons, called Kibutsuji Muzan." Urokodaki named.
Almost immediately, Tanjirou's eyes widened. Almost like he was remembering a memory.
Almost like he was able to recall him.
He felt his head hurting, but he thought back. Nezuko could see the tenseness coming from Tanjirou, and the large influx of stress. On instinct, she placed a calm hand on Tanjirou's shoulder.
For her, the heat map of Tanjirou's body was shifting drastically, as his anger was apparent. Tanjirou's eyes began to show cat-like pupil slits, whilst his teeth became larger, and his nails grew into claws. He also began to show some semblance of ragged scars enveloping the other side of his forehead, and the right side of his neck, but alas, he was still holding it in.
He now had claws and fangs, like that of a demon, which alarmed them all. Thankfully, Tanjirou didn't move, and just let himself remain there, which eventually, with time Tanjirou was able to calm down, and with the help of Nezuko, he was able to calm himself down.
"Easy Tanjirou, what's going on?" Urokodaki asked.
"Sorry… I didn't even know that could happen, but I was able to keep still… So that's the demon's name… Kibutsuji Muzan…" Tanjirou's eyes narrowed intensely, as Urokodaki and Giyu's eyes widened at that.
"That was his name," Tanjirou exclaimed, as a cruel smile enveloped his face. This surprised Giyu and Urokodaki, whom they both didn't see much of an expression from Tanjirou these days.
Urokodaki and Giyu looked somewhat shocked. They didn't think Tanjirou would be able to even turn into his demonic appearance. Then again, Giyu did see some semblance of a demonic semblance of Tanjirou when he was first spotted by him, all those months back then.
But even then, Tanjirou didn't show any semblance of being a out of control monster. In spite of being a demon, he still was not showing any form of malice or bloodlust.
Rather, it was full of hatred. Towards the being who turned the two of them into demons.
"He's the one who attacked and killed them… He's the one who turned Nezuko and I into demons." Tanjirou grumbled.
"How do you know?" Urokodaki asked, clearly surprised. But even he knew it made sense. Why else were they both demons? It was the only plausible explanation.
"I fought him as a human when I saw him holding my sister in a chokehold… he badly injured me with those barbed spikes, leaving me for dead… He then tortured me, ripping me limb for limb, wanting me to suffer…" Tanjirou explained.
"His presence is nothing but a volcanic eruption. He's just a being, ready to unleash nothing but death with the mere flick of the wrist. He has nothing but a thirst for blood wherever he goes. He acts like a natural disaster, who is mortal…" Tanjirou tells, clearly explaining to both Giyu and Urokodaki the contents of what Muzan was like.
And it was here did they realize the severity and criticality of what they had.
They had a cooperative demon, who knew about Muzan.
"What did he do once he finished… Torturing you?" Giyu asked, rather professionally.
"He joked and mocked about how I was about to die, and I swear, he told me his name… Now I remember…" Tanjirou explained.
"That's strange… Muzan doesn't usually tell his victims he was turning into demons they would die… Why would he say that?" Urokodaki asked.
"Tanjirou, did he ever inject you with his blood?" Giyu asked.
Tanjirou shook his head, "He impaled me with his spikes, but there was no blood." Tanjirou explained.
"I see." Giyu pondered, "Well, under many normal demons, this wouldn't work, but perhaps this could for the demon king. When you fought him, did you injure him in any way?"
Tanjirou thought properly, before he nodded, "I had a hatchet and I forgot that you needed the nirchirin blade to decapitate them properly, but I swung it to the back of his head."
"I see… Did any blood come out?" Urokodaki asked.
"Yes." Tanjirou nodded.
It was here did the two finally confirm. "Well, I think we know how you became a demon." Giyu concluded.
"Y-You know?" Tanjirou asked a bit nervous.
"You must have gotten some of Muzan's blood inside of you when you fought him." Giyu concluded, "You probably weren't aware of that at the time, but if Muzan was taunting you about death, then he probably was certain you would die…"
Giyu turned to face Tanjirou. "It means that you weren't meant to become a demon. You were meant to die from Muzan."
This caused Tanjirou to look down, "Of course… I couldn't even die properly." He grumbled.
"Muzan teased you with the expectation that you would die. If he did that, then he probably didn't intentionally turn you into a demon." Giyu concluded.
Tanjirou nodded, "I think I know… I tried biting into his neck trying to separate his head from his neck… That was how I thought demons died at the time… I was very desperate to save Nezuko…"
"I see." Giyu pondered, "Guess we can't blame yourself for becoming a demon…"
"You said he taunted you about death, right?" Urokodaki asked.
"Yes, he did." Tanjirou confirmed.
"Do you remember everything he told you?" Giyu asked once again to Tanjirou.
Tanjirou sighed, as his eyes glared.
"I remember exactly what he said, for I will never forget that monster's words…" Tanjirou angrily remarked. "He said: Let this be known, since you don't have much time left, and you've held onto your life stronger than the rest of what I assume to be your family, that the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan, was responsible for this." Tanjirou revealed to them, clearly not liking this.
Anything about Muzan was enough to sour the boy's own mood.
All the while Nezuko watched this as she was now learning in her own mind that the demon king, Muzan had murdered the rest of her family.
She teared up realizing the entire ordeal, and the sad reality that she would never get to see her other siblings, a mother, or father. They were all gone, and she only had Tanjirou.
But what this did for the two of them cemented their own goal.
Tanjirou considered himself reborn with the sole purpose of killing the man who had hurt his little sister and tortured him.
Now, he had a name. Kibutsuji Muzan.
He had a name to the individual finally.
"Kibutsuji Muzan, I'll murder you…" Tanjirou threatened, which surprised both the tone Tanjirou had, and the contents of what he said.
"Did Tanjirou just say Muzan's name? Did he just prove they don't work for the demon king? Did he ironically, already complete another test in them?" Urokodaki asked, clearly surprised. He turned to Giyu knowing he too was shocked.
The fact that Tanjirou was showing hatred for a demon that was supposed to be someone they looked so highly of it was phenomenal of the demons they found.
They were, what other demons would call, demon traitors.
Or demons who sided and fought alongside demon slayers.
"Anyways, as you two are about to go on your new quests to become demon slayers. You both will need one more thing." Urokodaki explained.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko looked at him, a bit confused.
And when Urokodaki took out of his bag, he showed the two demonic siblings, masks to hide their demonic characteristics.
Tanjirou's mask was very distinct. The right side was red, with yellow and orange flaming streaks, whilst the left side contained a crimson red katana that went down to his left lip. It had a drawing of the earrings Tanjirou wore on his ears. He had two different, split designs on both his right and left side, which was very clear, with the right side having flaming designs, whilst the left contained a katana with different crescent extensions, similar to that of a tree sprouting out branches.
Nezuko's mask by contrast was also unique. The left side contained some pink vine-like shapes that sporadically went across the left side of her face. The right side, however, had the drawing of Wisteria. Just like Tanjirou, Nezuko's own mask had two different, split designs with their own respective themes.
"You both will be needing this to ensure you are not spotted by the wrong group of individuals." Urokodaki explained, "Despite this, you will need to be proactive, in avoiding demon slayers. If you spot them, and they approach you, just greet them causally and be on your way." Urokodaki warned the two.
"If you see any demon slayer, don't associate with them, and if they ask about the mask, just say your sensei is a mask designer who wanted to you both to wear." Giyu added.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko nodded.
And so, the two of them were ready. They were given their respective demon slayer uniform.
Tanjirou was given a green and black checkered haori, whilst had a brown and pink clothing haori. Both had their respective blades on them, their masks on.
Giyu and Urokodaki eyed the two critically, before they both nodded. "That is perfect, the two of you will not be mistaken for demons with the mask on."
"However, if you do break your masks, make sure you stock up on some on the way." Urokodaki explained.
Both Tanjirou and Nezuko nodded.
"Will the two of you be alright, considering Nezuko still cannot talk?" Giyu then asked.
Tanjirou looked to Nezuko, who shook her head.
"We'll be fine. Nezuko and I will defeat demons regardless of the situation we find ourselves in," Tanjirou explained in a determined tone."
"Oh yeah, there is a final thing to talk about." Giyu explained.
"And what is that?" Tanjirou asked.
"The status of you eating and consume demons."
Tanjirou's eyes shook upon hearing that, before he focused., "Yes, what is it about that?"
"I just want to make sure, you only have eaten one demon so far, right?" Urokodaki asked.
"Yes, it was the demon at the house just before we met." Tanjirou confirmed.
"I see… Now, I would usually let demon slayers do anything they want, as long as they follow the protocol rules." Giyu explained.
"However." He then turned serious. "I am unsure about what will happen to you if you start and continue to consume more demon flesh."
Tanjirou scratched his own head, "I mean, I felt a bit stronger when I ate that demon…"
"We don't know the risks of what can happen if you eat demons." Giyu explained, "The only thing we can base it on, is our demon slayer who consumes demons…"
"What happens?" Tanjirou asked.
"They become a demon temporarily." Giyu explains.
"Oh." Tanjirou mumbled, "Well, we'll never know what happens until I realize what happens, and how can this harm humans, if I just go after demons?"
"You make a fair point, Tanjirou. It isn't the matter of whether you eat humans or not, it's the risk of if you lose control, and in your rampage, you consume human flesh." Giyu explained.
Tanjirou sighed, "I cannot say if I will or will not lose control, but I've already made it so far."
"What do you mean?" Urokodaki asked.
"I've managed to eat human foods, like bread, and fruits. I've managed to learn breathing styles and techniques, and I've done so much to not consume humans… I think this is another alternative I could do to avoid consuming humans..." Tanjirou explained.
"Besides, we don't know if it'll actually make me more demon like. It could just make me stronger, or gives me a way to not lose control." Tanjirou added.
Urokodaki and Giyu both pondered, "We don't know…"
"I'll have Nezuko besides me, I think she can help me if I ever lose control." Tanjirou confirmed.
While Giyu and Urokodaki was a bit unsure about the entire ordeal, they eventually decided to give it a risk and a chance.
They believed in Tanjirou and Nezuko.
Giyu believed in the two as soon as he saw them, and their actions towards each other. How neither focused on him, unlike many demons wanting to initially bite him, until they reflected when they were exposed to his repulsive blood.
Urokodaki believed in the two as he taught them over the course of nine months, where both found alternatives to regain their energy,
And even Oyakata-sama believed in them.
Perhaps they should continue to, after all, this was their test to become official demon slayers for a reason.
And so, Giyu and Urokodaki both gave Tanjirou the permission, to consume demons if he was able to, and was not losing control of himself.
A.N / Not much else to say here, other than wanting to confirm the specific information regarding Tanjirou and Nezuko's own test. It is just a simple go on pre missions to see if they are fine, and they will continue to be monitored by the crows of former demon slayers, so they can't really escape them, especially because of how many of them there are.
This was where I wanted to ask yet again about your potential demon ideas. I won't be using blood demon arts just yet, since Tanjirou and Nezuko are in the process of becoming official demon slayers. Think of this as a very long Final Selection. All there is to say is that there will be some chapters where Tanjirou and Nezuko will be fighting demons, until the climax of this little arc rears its ugly head. Once again, not much to say because this is more of an interlude chapter before we get to the chapter of vengeance.
No new characters introduced, or modified in this chapter
Abilities:
Giyu Tomioka:
Kimoi Blood: Kimoi is a Japanese slang for very disgusting. Giyu Tomioka's blood is the opposite of marechi blood, in that many demons tend to stray away and be disgusted by his blood. Many demons who are able to slash and expose Giyu's own blood will be subjected to a horrendous stench, and a blood that is not nutritious in the slightest. As a result, Giyu has an advantage in not risking being eaten by demons.
Tanjirou Kamado:
Demon Consumption: Tanjirou's demon consumption is brought up in the final part where it is unknown what will happen to Tanjirou when he consumes a large amount of demon flesh.
Demonic Stats, that helps understand:
Think of demons having 3 different bars they need to maintain.
The primary foundation bar is like, "Energy."
Energy is the basis for demons that allows them to be able to replenish their stamina, and limb regeneration. Energy goes down as demons engage in combat, as their energy is used up, and their demonic strength is as well. Energy is replenished, but many demons use human flesh. However, for Nezuko, energy is replenished through sleeping. For Tanjirou, energy is replenished through sleeping, and consuming human foods.
Stamina is the secondary bar that demons require to function. This basically allows for demons to move their body around in a fight. Stamina is relatively dropped the fastest in a vigorous activity, however it is quickly regenerated by the demon's energy, Stamina is only replenished by energy being adequate and high.
Demonic strength is probably the peak of pyramid. They require both stamina and energy to keep up. If energy is low, then their demonic strength will fall to compensate for that. Demonic strength is what gives demons their abilities, such as expanded physical capabilities, blood demon arts, and even their awakening form. This is replenished through demons eating human flesh. For Nezuko, demonic strength is replenished through sleeping. For Tanjirou, demonic strength is only replenished through consuming demonic flesh, however consuming human foods can maintain demonic strength, but not increasing it.