A Promise Between Worlds
Intermission Arc
Chapter 24: Black Blade
Preliminary Week
Tanjiro Kamado rushed through the dense and dark forest with haste, holding his unsheathed sword by his side, and a wooden box-crate at his back.
The whole forest is awake now. There'll be monsters running around!
After that sudden explosion? from the mountains, every creature in the wilderness was disturbed out of their slumber. There were several dangerous scents throughout the whole forest, and Tanjiro knew that he had to move at once before he gets caught up in the soon to unravel chaos. He could already sense a stampede in the making somewhere.
I need to get to higher ground! Tanjiro quickly made a sprint through the bushes, cutting through the leaves and branches. There're probably other competitors around here as well. Will they be alright-?
His thought process was put to a halt when he immediately caught the scent of a dangerous beast up ahead. His feet skidded to a halt and prepared his sword.
A large creature with hideous features, huge claws, fangs, and horns. A humanoid-type of beast with blue skin.
An Oni!
That had been one of the Challenge Boards. Tanjiro steeled himself as the monster immediately took notice of him and began to head his way. Its mouth parting with salivating desire to tear Tanjiro's body apart with its teeth alone.
Total Concentration: Water Breathing - First Form!
Tanjiro rushed bravely for the beast. His sword motioned like the flow of a raging river as he swung his sword for the legs of the Oni.
Water Surface Slash!
His sword cleaved through the legs of the Oni as Tanjiro dashed past the beast. The monster immediately fell as Tanjiro turned back for it.
Now's my chance!
Tanjiro hurried to deliver a final, fatal blow at the neck of the monster.
However, a startling new scent reached his nose and Tanjiro stopped at once. This smell-!
He looked to the side. There's several menacing presence over there. And people-!
The Oni in front of him suddenly lurched and reached out its arms for Tanjiro. Tanjiro snapped his attention back to the monster and backed away at once with one leap.
I need to focus! But-!
His eyes flickered to the side. Something dark, full of animosity was giving chase, and-
"RUN AWAAAYYY!"
A buff young man leapt out of the bushes. "Coming through coming through coming through now!"
The competitor with a yellow-green striped scarf around his neck rushed out. He ran past behind Tanjiro and planned to keep running when he noticed Tanjiro. "Wha-?! A kid?!"
Tanjiro's focus, however, shifted immediately to another presence, not noticed by the running man. "Stop! Don't go that way!"
Tanjiro caught the scent of a beast in hiding. Clinging onto one of the large trees with an invisible body. The scarf-wearing competitor was confused. "Huh?! What are you talking about?! You need to start getting away from these monsters too-!"
"You're about to run into one right now!" Tanjiro shouted back as he immediately ran for the competitor.
"What-?!" It was then that the running man's wrist was caught. What felt like a tongue that wrapped itself around his wrist that instantly sends shivers down the young man's spine.
"It's invisible! Get down!" Tanjiro rushed immediately and jumped overhead the man. With a single swing of his sword, Tanjiro sliced through the invisible tongue, and blood was unveiled.
The sliced tongue retreated, and its flesh was revealed. The body of a creepy-looking lizard uncloaked itself, eyeing at the competitors with its bulging eyes upon the tree it was on.
W-whoa. The saved competitor, Joseph Joestar, was amazed. That kid really did notice it. But how?
He watched as Tanjiro hurried forward and sliced the body of the lizard monster, a deep intake of the breath as he exerted strength that cut through the tree at once.
"H-HOLY SHIT!" Joseph was stunned. This kid just cut through an entire tree! Not only that, but just now, I heard a sound.
Joseph recognized that sound anywhere. The sound of concentrated breathing. It was different from his technique, however. Whereas Joseph's breathing was like a vacuum, this kid's breathing was like steam being released.
After slaying the monster, Tanjiro quickly turned back for Joseph. "There are monsters everywhere! You have to be careful where you're running! I can help you get through. Just stay close to me!"
Joseph stared at the brimming, reddish eyes of the boy in slight awe. What's with this kid? Those eyes, and his looks…
The flaming mark on Tanjiro's forehead. The black sword the boy also carried.
Is he some kind of samurai? He can't be no more than fifteen.
"-There are several people in the forest. Let's hurry and find them. Don't worry! No matter what happens, I swear I'll protect you!"
As Tanjiro proclaimed this, Joseph could only think. That fire in his eyes. This kid… he reminds me of grandpa.
Joseph clenched his fist, "H-huh? What are you saying about protecting me?! Don't underestimate me, kid. I'm clearly older than you!"
It was then that the legless Oni made itself known, hovering over Joseph's figure.
Oh no! Tanjiro immediately rushed for Joseph. "Look out-! There's-"
"I've already told you…"
It was then that, from Joseph's hand, a pair of clacker balls bounced out, and he swung them over his head. The clacker balls, infused with golden electrical energy, smacked into the nose of the Oni.
"Don't underestimate me." The frightened man from before was gone, as if it had been an entire act, and there was only focus in his gaze as Joseph looked back at the Oni. "I'm fine if my opponents don't take me seriously, but there's no way I'm just gonna let some brat fight for me. You listen here…"
He spun his clacker balls as the Oni retreated, clutching his face in pain. "The only one who's going to be protecting who… is me."
Joseph took a sudden deep intake of his breath, and sun energy travelled into his clacker balls. "-Now sit back and watch!"
He sends a barrage of beating through the swinging of his clacker balls, pounding the body of the Oni, breaking bones and spurting out blood from its wounds.
"A-amazing!" Tanjiro uttered. What are those weapons? They're so small, almost like toys, and yet there's so much power behind them. Not only that, but I swear I heard something…
Tanjiro also instantly recognized the sound of concentrated breathing, only it sounded much louder than his own. Was this man something like a demon slayer?
The Oni fell back defeatedly, and Joseph hangs the clacker balls over his shoulder. "Hmph! You see that? That's how it's done."
Joseph then opened his palm hand, and a broken tooth of the Oni landed there. It glowed, briefly, and transformed into a golden star badge.
"Amazing! Amazing!" Tanjiro said, running up to the scarf-wearer. "I've never seen anything like that!"
Joseph grinned at the teen, "Right? I've had this handled from the very beginning."
Although, it completely coincidental that the Oni's tooth landed right inside Joseph's hand, but seeing Tanjiro's wowed expression, Joseph decided to keep this to himself.
After Joseph pocketed his star, Tanjiro suddenly tensed at the arrival of dangerous scents, and he turned his focus back to the forest where Joseph ran from. "Be careful! Something's coming this way."
"Oh shit…" Joseph turned back to the forest, raising his guard as well. "That's right. I was running away for a reason."
Emerging from the dark woods, creatures of the night stalked out. Bear like monsters with bone-like masks, covered in red markings.
"I was with a group when we heard that big explosion, and we got separated when these guys showed up," Joseph explained his predicament. "Damn. No matter what I do, these monsters always managed to track me down."
Tanjiro was disturbed by the sight of these Grimm monster. There was nothing but darkness he smelled from them. Not the slightest hint of humanity. Not even the enjoyment of cruelty. It was like their sole purpose was to destroy and nothing more.
"But, at least this way, I managed to get these guys away from the others," Joseph stated and held out his clacker balls. "Just as I planned."
He planned that? Tanjiro looked at Joseph. But… I swear I thought I smelled him panicking for a moment.
"You're a pretty tough kid. You feel up to fighting these guys?" Joseph asked as he and Tanjiro steadily backed away from the approaching Grimm monsters.
Tanjiro nodded unhesitant. "Yes! I've fought several demons before. These monsters are new to me, but I'm sure I can beat them."
"Good. After seeing you cut down that tree, these guys should be no problem to us," the man beside Tanjiro said with a smile, keeping his sight on the monsters. "Then I'll start by breaking them down, and you deliver the finishing blow."
"Understood! Let's do this!"
The grimm monsters growled at the human pair, and they pounced for them.
Tanjiro raised his sword. Here they come-!
"STOP!"
Both Tanjiro and the Grimm monsters did as commanded. All eyes turned to Joseph as he held out his hand at the monsters. His voice full of confidence as his clacker balls began bouncing off each other, holding them by the string in between his fingers.
"Take it easy now… Don't you want to see me do a trick first?"
"A… trick?" Tanjiro asked.
"That's right. I call this the Hamon Clacker Volley," Joseph declared. "It's one of my greatest, most powerful moves. First, I start by filling these clackers with Hamon."
Hamon? Tanjiro said and observed with captured interest as a swarm of yellow energy surrounded the clackers. That's… Hamon?
Could humans really be capable to perform such a feat like that?
The clacker balls were suddenly swung. Spinning into a flaming, orange wheel around Joseph's hand. It was like a ring of fire was being emitted. The grimm monsters were wary, slowly retreating as they wait for what's to come.
I-incredible! Tanjiro watched with wide eyes. What is he going to do-?!
*SMACK*
"OW!"
The clacker balls suddenly hit Joseph on the side of his forehead, and the scarf wearer ducked with his hands clasping over his skull. "Oh no! I messed up!"
"Ah." Tanjiro was completely stiffed. Looking absolutely dumbfounded at Joseph who injured himself. Not only him, but even the Grimms were stunned, looking at each other in confusion.
"Damn! Why the hell did I decided to use Hamon in those?! I could have caved my head in!" Joseph shouted as he rubbed his head.
Tanjiro held out a hand in concern, "Um… Are you alright?"
"Yeah yeah, I'll be fine. Geez. That was embarrassing," Joseph said as he picked up the clacker balls again. "Not the way I wanted to show off, but even though I can't cut through trees like you, I still hold pride in what I do."
Joseph straightened his back as he held out his clackers. "…Hey. What's your name, kid?"
"Ah. It's Tanjiro. Kamado Tanjiro." It seemed rather odd for them to act this casual when they were in front of monsters at the moment, but for some reason, Tanjiro felt calm when he stood near the collected the young man.
"Tanjiro, huh? You from Japan?"
"Yes."
"Keh. Heh heh. Ha ha ha ha!" Joseph suddenly laughed, confusing Tanjiro and the monsters once more. "Oh I'm SO going to rub it in that geezer's face when I see him again."
Finding his rhythm, Joseph posed as his clackers bounced off each other once more. "The name's Joseph Joestar, by the way. And from this moment on, you and I are allies!"
Joseph can't wait to see his future self fuming once he tells him this.
"Now watch the power of my Clacker Volley!"
The clackers suddenly separated, and now, two of them were held in each of Joseph's hand.
"T-Two of them?!" Tanjiro was taken aback. Where had Joseph been hiding the second one?
"Get a load of this!" Joseph began flailing the Hamon-infused pair of clackers.
And they slipped out of Joseph's fingers.
"Eh?"
The clacker balls flew over the heads of the Grimms, with one of them embedding itself into the tree.
"Oh no! I messed up again!"
"EH?!" Tanjiro shouted.
It was at this point that the Grimms lost their patience and began their charge after the humans.
"-or did I?" Joseph stated.
The two clackers had been tied together, and like a slingshot after one ball stuck itself into a tree, they flung back for the monsters. The metal ball struck the temple of the first monster, and its head ended up colliding with the one next to it. Like dominoes, the monsters' heads were knocked against each other as an energy wave surged through their skulls.
He hit them! Tanjiro was surprised at the misdirection and looked back at the chuckling Joseph.
"Well? How do you like that? And after having trained my Hamon, they're more potent than ever." Joseph then pointed at Tanjiro. "Your turn, kid!"
"Right!" Tanjiro was quick to act and sped for the monsters. Water Breathing - Third Form: Flowing Dance!
His sword glided through the necks of the Grimm monsters with ease. Joseph's eyes widened at the display of the technique.
What is that move? The way he swung that sword... Joseph thought to himself in amazement. It's like there's a river being made at each swing!
Tanjiro landed from the side with his sword clutched in hand, and each of the Grimm monsters collapsed with their heads rolling off.
"Nice!" Joseph cheered with a clenched fist in front of himself. "That's some decent fighting-!"
He stopped when another monster suddenly appeared from behind the fallen corpse of the Grimm monsters. "Oh shit! Look out!"
Tanjiro had already seen the hidden monster. A wolf-like being with black fur and a skull mask. It had masked its scent behind the monster bears. Tanjiro immediately brought up his sword in defense as a black claw struck him. His blade blocked against the attack, but the strength of the wolf sends Tanjiro flying, and his back struck against the tree with a strong impact. The wind knocked out of him.
"Tanjiro!" Joseph immediately rushed for the fallen swordsman, but the Grimm wolf leapt out of hiding. "Gh-! You son of a bitch!"
Joseph leapt back and avoided a deadly swipe of the wolfman's claw. "Fine! You want to do this hand to hand-!"
Even without his clackers, Joseph's fists were surged with Hamon, as he defended himself from the Grimm wolf's attack. Crossing his fists, he blocked the monster's claw that went for Joseph's heart. "-Shit!"
This was an especially tough monster, as it sends Joseph back. "Alright then! How about I-"
The monster did not wait for Joseph to finish as he rushed to take his head. -Guh! This monster isn't even going to wait and see what I can do! No. It must have been watching all this time. This guy's not just tough, he's smart too!
The Grimm wolf's ears twitched, and it sidestepped in time to avoid another sword attack from Tanjiro.
"Tanjiro!" Joseph was surprised to see the boy up and ready to fight again, but he could hear Tanjiro's breathing growing haggard. "H-hey! Are you alright?"
"This monster..." Tanjiro said, keeping his eyes on the Grimm wolf who was assessing him and Joseph. "It's not like those bears. This one is smart. It won't fall for tricks that easily."
"Y-yeah," Joseph said as he outstretched his hand for Tanjiro. "Hey. Kid. You're breathing is-"
"Don't worry about me. We have to focus on the enemy," Tanjiro said. "I'm going to try and weaken it. Go and get your clackers. I'll hold this monster off as long as I can!"
"Hey! What are you saying?! As if I'll let a kid face a monster alone like this-!" Joseph's question was cut down when the Grimm wolf rushed for them again.
Tanjiro rushed forward in front of Joseph, shocking the scarf-wearer. "Y-you-!"
"Go! I can-!" It was then that Tanjiro's blade was gripped tightly by the Grimm wolf, and it swung Tanjiro over itself.
Oh no! It's going to slam me right into those rocks! Tanjiro's head will surely crack open if he hits those. But before he would even reach it, the Grimm wolf's wrist was wrapped from behind. A stripped scarf tightening its grip around the monster's limb and stopping Tanjiro's hard descent onto the earth.
"I don't just rely on my clackers," Joseph announced as he held the end of his scarf like a rope. "As long as I have Hamon, anything can be a weapon. Even my own fist!"
He then yanked the Grimm wolf back, pulling Tanjiro along and saving the boy as Tanjiro regained his sword. Daringly, Joseph faced the off-balance Grimm wolf and delivered a series of Hamon-infused punches into the body and face of the monster.
A-amazing! Tanjiro said as he picked himself up from the ground. He's fighting that monster barehandedly! I don't know what Hamon is, but seeing this, it's an incredible ability!
The Grimm Wolf was staggering as it suffered ceaseless beatings against its own face, and Tanjiro ran into the fight. Now's our chance!
Tanjiro leapt for the monster. Ready to behead the creature. Water breathing-!
Joseph saw Tanjiro coming and delivered a strong punch directly under the Grimm Wolf's jaw. Let him have it, kid!
The wolf's head was knocked back, exposing its neck for Tanjiro to cut.
"aaaaaAAAAAAAAWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
The Grimm Monster suddenly lets out a howl, surprising Tanjiro and Joseph as Tanjiro swiftly sliced across the neck of the wolf monster, silencing the howl at once.
As Tanjiro landed, he looked back at the fallen monster. It was dead. Its body lying on the ground with no movement whatsoever.
"Ah..." Joseph breathed out, stepping back. "For a second there, I thought-"
Tanjiro stiffened as he smelled a new scent of threat in the area. "Wait..."
"Huh? What's wrong-?" It was then that they heard twigs breaking, and Joseph looked to the forest. "Oh... my... God..."
Tanjiro clutched his sword tightly, his teeth gritted as he faced the new sets of red eyes that surrounded both him and Joseph. "The wolf... it called for reinforcements."
"Ch-! It knew it was going to die. It just wanted to make sure we were completely screwed anyway. How petty!" Joseph said, stepping close to Tanjiro as they kept their eyes at their surroundings. "This really doesn't look good."
"We'll make it!" Tanjiro professed, his voice carrying conviction and ignoring the pain in his body after being slammed against the tree. "We just have to stick together. We'll make a break for it through the woods. I'll create an opening for us!"
"What is with you throwing yourself into danger?!" Joseph pressed his fingers against his forehead. "Calm down, will you?! Just let me think for a second!"
"I'm a Demon Slayer! My job is to protect humans from monsters like these!" Tanjiro exclaimed as he and Joseph stood back-to-back. "I don't know if you're a competitor or not, but it doesn't matter."
"Huh-?" Joseph looked over his shoulder to see Tanjiro. And that's when he spotted it. On the side of the box Tanjiro carried on his back, the badge of a few golden stars was seen. Hold on. This kid... he's a competitor too?
"If you are one, I'm sure you must have an important wish. Even if we are competing, I'll make sure we'll get out of this alive!" Tanjiro swore as he held his sword ready, keeping control of his breathing. "I'll help you get back to your group. We'll get out of this forest together!"
This kid... Joseph was honestly stunned as he stared at Tanjiros. That voice full of resolve. What the hell? He's willing to help me even though we're competitors? This isn't just some brat. This is a man!
Joseph had only met a small number of people who had this much honor. His best friend being one of them, and his grandfather who he never imagined he'd meet in his lifetime.
"...Hey. I already told you," Joseph said as he turned back for the Grimm wolves. "I'm not letting some runt keep me safe. Do you have any idea how embarrassing that sounds?"
The Grimm wolves began to step out of their hiding and approached the surrounded duo.
"You worry about yourself, kid. If we're getting out of this, then we'll fight every one of these punks together. Got that?" Joseph said as several ideas already started coming his way, deciding to stick with the ones that will make sure the swordsman behind him stays alive.
The monsters growled at them. Tanjiro and Joseph prepared themselves.
"I understand!" Tanjiro answered as he raised his sword. "Get ready! Here they come!"
The first of the Grimm wolf pounced for them.
However, a figure in blue suddenly appeared, jumping out from the forest, and stopped in front of Tanjiro and Joseph.
"-?!"
A sword surrounded in golden electrical energy blocked sharp teeth of the Grimm wolf, and the wielder swiftly pierced through wolf's throat.
"-You will not harm my family! Sunlight Yellow Overdrive!"
With fists infused with Hamon energy, the man delivered a barrage of punches against the body of the Grimm wolf, sending the beast flying by the end of his attack.
The rest of the Grimm Wolves were surprised and distanced themselves from the sudden new arrival.
"-! Gramps!" Joseph shouted. Tanjiro was startled when he heard this as he stared at the new man.
Gramps...?
The new arrival looked anything but that. An incredibly buff young man who looked exactly like Joseph, but with blue hair. A blue shirt and shoulder pads. He held a sword in his hand, swarming with the same sort of energy Tanjiro had witnessed from Joseph.
This man... He smells... like the sun.
Tanjiro caught the scent of this man. His aura. His presence. It was pure. A pure-hearted soul with a righteous spirit. A strong and courageous man. A good man.
The man in blue turned to face the duo. "Are you two alright?!"
"Y-yes," Tanjiro answered. Joseph smiled widely at the man.
"Perfect timing gramps! I was just about to unleash my secret move on these freaks," Joseph said. "Now with you here, this just got a whole lot easier."
"I'm glad to have arrived just in time then," the man in blue, Jonathan said. "At least I was able to get to one of my family members."
It was then that Jonathan met with Tanjiro's eyes and the man's face relaxed, his expression full of kindness. "You look hurt. Don't worry, young man. Now that I'm here, I'll make sure nothing else happens to you."
With just those simple words, Tanjiro's heart felt a wave of relief and admiration, and he instantly believed him. What a man...
"Hey hey! Don't take the kid too lightly!" Joseph said, patting Tanjiro's shoulder and bringing the boy back to his senses. "He's as tough as nails! Hell, I saw him cut down a tree in one swing!"
"Language, Joseph," Jonathan lectured, a little distracted as he didn't notice one of the Grimm wolves sauntering after him. "And, I'm sorry, did you say he cut down a tree in one swing?"
"Look out!" Tanjiro saw the approaching monster and reacted quickly, running past the buff man in blue.
"Wait-!" Jonathan reached out, but he was surprised to see Tanjiro move so quickly and was even more surprised when Tanjiro swiftly sliced across the body of the Grimm wolf. The Grimm wolf retreated back with its pack, and quickly collapsed at the immediate injury Tanjiro caused.
"Be careful! These are intelligent monsters!" Tanjiro announced, sniffing the air. "There are seven of them here. They're very strong! Stay on your guard!"
"Right!" Joseph said as his hands were swarmed with Hamon. "See that, gramps? There's no need to worry about the kid."
"I... I see," Jonathan said, amazed by Tanjiro's swordsmanship, though was nonetheless concerned at how someone so young would ever swing a sword like that. "...Very well. Please be careful you two. Let's defeat these monsters together."
"Right!"
With that, the Grim wolves together pounced for the trio.
"Whew! That was a close one," Joseph said, looking over the fallen corpses of the Grimm Wolves. He tossed up the retrieved pair of clackers in his hand before catching them and putting them away.
Jonathan nodded, lowering his sword as he turned to Joseph and Tanjiro. "Are either of you hurt? Did any one of these wolves get to you?"
"No. I'm alright," Tanjiro affirmed, ignoring the pain in his back and arms. Blocking the strength of that one wolf he killed certainly strained his muscles, and likely bruised his back, but it's nothing he can't deal with. "What about you? Joseph-san?"
"Just 'Joseph' is alright with me. And yeah, I'm fine," Joseph said as he walked over to Jonathan and Tanjiro, and then surprised Tanjiro with a tap to his forehead. "You, on the other hand, aren't as 'alright' as you say you are. You took a direct hit earlier from that wolf you killed. Right now, you're just pretending you're not hurt at all."
"Ah-!" Having been caught, Tanjiro tried to exclaim that he was alright, and that there was no need for concern. He was stopped when Jonathan grasped his shoulder.
"Where are you injured?"
"Ah, well..." Tanjiro looked at the man's blue eyes and found himself unable to avoid the question. "...I slammed my back into a tree earlier. My ribs hurt a bit, but I can still walk around."
Hearing that, Jonathan knelt down and placed his hand against Tanjiro's back underneath the box Tanjiro carries. "Is it here?"
"Ow ow ow!" Tanjiro uttered out when he felt pressure against his lower back rib.
"Ha! What do I tell you! 'Alright' my a-"
One look from Jonathan was enough to quiet Joseph and Joseph looked away to avoid trouble. Man... Gramps really is as tough as Grandma. No wonder they fell in love.
Jonathan returned his attention to Tanjiro. "Here. This might help a little."
His hand glowed a warm yellow, and Tanjiro felt the soothing feel of energy travelling into his injury. The pain quickly subsided, and Tanjiro felt less burden there.
"You've also got some scratches on you. I know that as men, we need to show how strong we are, but there's nothing wrong in needing help every now and then," Jonathan said as he soon finished healing Tanjiro.
Tanjiro was amazed, rolling his arms and feeling his ribs. "It's healed...! Thank you!"
"It's no trouble. It's only the gentlemanly thing to do," Jonathan said with a smile. "My name is Jonathan Joestar, but my friends call me Jojo. What is your name?"
"Kamado Tanjiro. You can call me Tanjiro," Tanjiro answered.
"Tanjiro..." Jonathan practiced the name once and nodded. "It's a very unique name. A foreign one, I believe. Thank you for helping Joseph here. You were very brave."
"I'm happy to have helped," Tanjiro said with a nod. "Joseph mentioned that you were separated from your group. Your family?"
"That's right. I'm worried about them, but I've seen how strong they can be," Jonathan said. Even if it was only today that I've seen it for myself.
Jonathan stood up then. "They might be able to look out for each other, but still, I want for us to find them as soon as possible."
"I can help you," Tanjiro said as he pointed at his nose. "I have a very good sense of smell. You and Joseph have a distinct, similar scent. I'm sure I'll be able to find the rest of your family with this."
"Huh? Your nose?" Joseph asked as he leaned towards Tanjiro. "I don't believe it! You're telling me you were able to sense all those monsters because you smelled them coming?"
"Now now, Joseph. Let's not judge," Jonathan said, looking back at Tanjiro. "Although, I'm also a little taken aback hearing that. Can you really track anything by scent alone?"
"Yes!" Tanjiro said with confidence and then closed his eyes. He sniffed the air, and suddenly faced at one direction. "Right now, the forest is crowded with all kinds of smells, but there's a distinct scent I'm noticing that's like yours and Joseph."
He looked back at the two men. "I'll lead you through the forest. I promise you. I'll help you get back to your family."
Hearing him declare this, Jonathan was moved by Tanjiro's determination to help them, and he nodded. "Alright then. If it's because of your nose that you were able to help Joseph, then we'll trust it."
Tanjiro then started to move for the forest. "Let's go. There are still monsters roaming around. We'll need to be quick."
Jonathan and Joseph nodded at each other and looked back at Tanjiro.
"We're right behind you," Jonathan said. "And on my honor, I will keep us safe from all those monsters."
"Let's see how good that nose of yours is, kid!" Joseph said.
Tanjiro, Jonathan, and Joseph ran through the forest with haste. With the help of Tanjiro's sense of smell, they were able to slip past plenty of masters, and expected several more. Even though the wilderness and all its mixture of scents, Tanjiro was able to follow the trail of Jonathan's and Joseph's family, and they reached another opening in the forest.
Stopping at once, they were surprised to see a split of the earth between them and the next forest over. A canyon-like area that prevented them from going over.
"Hey hey kid! This just leads us to a dead end!" Joseph pointed out. Jonathan gave him a brief grasp of the shoulder, calming him down before approaching Tanjiro.
"Is this really the way, Tanjiro?"
"I'm certain of it. The scent of your family is through here," Tanjiro stated, and he sniffed. "Wait. Something's heading this way. It's getting closer!"
They prepare themselves and saw movement in the forest beyond the canyon.
"-over here! I think I see a break in the forest!"
They heard voices from across and spotted two figures jumping out of the woods. "See-? What did I tell-OH MY GOD!"
An old man in an adventurer's clothing and brown hat nearly fell into the canyon. He was quickly saved by a young man with a pompadour, grasping the old man's shirt and pulling him back.
"Joseph! Josuke!" Jonathan shouted across the canyon. Tanjiro was surprised to hear another named 'Joseph' in Jonathan's family. "Are you alright?!"
"Gramps!" The old man named Joseph shouted, and the referral of gramps to Jonathan confused Tanjiro even more. "Thank God you're alright, oh and there's younger me too, but that's hardly a surprise or saying much."
"The bloody hell's that supposed to mean, you geezer?!" Joseph shouted angrily, clenching his fist tightly.
"Think of it this way! If something happens to you, then I'll be- oh never mind. Just hang on! Me and Josuke will find a way over to you guys," old Joseph said.
"What happened with the others?" Jonathan asked.
"Me and gramps here got separated from them!" The young man named Josuke shouted. "Last I saw, Jotaro, Jolyne, and Giorno ran off with each other!"
"Well, at least they're together," Jonathan said quietly, though Tanjiro could see the worry still lingering in Jonathan's expression.
"I'll try and use Hermit Purple to get us across. Just sit tight, alright?" Old Joseph shouted.
"You mean your stand? I still don't know what that is or why I can't bloody see it!" Joseph complained.
Tanjiro would also like to know, but his curiosity was put to a halt when he caught a new scent. A dangerous, familiar smell. Tanjiro quickly looked back into the forest. That's-!
"Everyone! Get back!" Tanjiro suddenly announced and raised his sword readily. Jonathan and Joseph turned back to the boy at once and followed his gaze.
A sudden appearance of a vine flew out of the forest. It grasped onto Tanjiro's sword. Tanjiro gritted his teeth, surprised by the sudden vine-whip, and then was yanked into the forest.
"Tanjiro!" Jonathan and Joseph shouted and ran after the boy.
"H-hey! What happened?! You guys!" Josuke shouted from the other side of the canyon.
Old Joseph gritted his teeth. "Not good. A monster must have found them. I'll have to act quickly! Hermit Purple!"
From his hand, purple vines were manifested and outstretched for the canyon on the other side. "It's far... But if I can just reach the edge, I might be able to swing our way-!"
"Hey... Gramps," Josuke suddenly informed, facing away from Old Joseph. "We got company..."
They turned back for the forest and finds a creepy crawling looking 'human' with an elongated tongue etching closer to the duo. "Well well well... What do we have here?"
"I-It talked?!" Josuke shouted, instantly getting goosebumps. "That's so creepy!"
Old Joseph couldn't agree more. Sweat instantly building as he looked at the unnerving creature. It can communicate... It's not like all the monsters we've come across. Dammit. It's always at night that the most troublesome enemies show up.
"Keh heh heh heh," the crawling monster cackled. "What luck. To come across two humans. You'll fill my belly up just fine..."
With Tanjiro, he was able to cut himself free from the vine's grasp, having refused to let go of his sword all the while.
"Ara ara~ Aren't you a tough boy?" A feminine voice uttered through the forest. "No doubt about it. You're a Demon Slayer, aren't you?"
Tanjiro looked around the forest, trying to track the hidden monster's scent. It knows what I am. I'm certain of it now. This scent... it's a Demon!
Another vine whip appeared from one of the trees. It tackled Tanjiro's arm and sends him flying. He was able to recover after a brief roll, getting back up at once.
"It would have been better if you just let go of your sword. I could have killed all three of you quickly..." It was then that the Demon made itself known. A twisted looking woman with a forest-aesthetic appearance. "But then again... it's always more fun when they struggle. Kyah ha ha ha ha!"
"Tanjiro!" Running through the bushes, Jonathan and Joseph reappeared with Jonathan shouting. "Are you okay?!"
Tanjiro looked back at them. "No! Don't come any closer-!"
But it was too late. From Jonathan's and Joseph's feet, vines wrapped themselves around their ankles, and immediately hoist them up into the trees.
"W-what?!" Joseph shouted.
"How touching. They came to help," the Demon said with a chuckle. "They would have been better off leaving you. But this way..."
The vines began to grow and slowly surround themselves around Jonathan's and Joseph's figure.
"I get to save them for later, after crushing their bones that is. Squeezing all their organs for me to drink. These burly men will make the most delicious soup!"
W-Who is that? A woman?! Jonathan was aghast at the sight of the unsightly creature. He looked back 'up' at the vines that were crawling beyond his feet while he hanged upside down. "Gh-! Let us go!"
He swung his sword for the vines. However, his weapon was quickly grasped and swamps by the vines, and he was unable to move. The same happened for Joseph as he tried to pull out his clackers, only for his hands to be tied together. "Oh no!"
"Jonathan! Joseph!" Tanjiro ran for Jonathan and Joseph, but they were too far from his reach. Both of the men were hanging upside down near the top of the giant-sized trees, and Tanjiro could only watch helplessly as the men's bodies were being covered in vines.
"I hope the three of you are competing. You must have some stars on you, don't you?" The demon said as she suddenly unveiled something underneath her shirt, pulling the fabric aside. "In that case, it looks I'll have another addition to my collection."
Underneath her shirt, she revealed a patch of several stars. Tanjiro, Jonathan, and Joseph were shocked to see it.
"It can't be...! You're a competitor?!" Jonathan yelled.
"Huh? Oh. No. I'm not, but who says I can't be one? It'd be nice to have a wish all to myself," the demon said, as she plucked off one star. "I got these off of some competitors I've killed. They were unlucky enough to stumble upon my cave. They made for excellent meals. Who knows? If I gathered more of these stars, maybe I'll be able to join this competition too? Kyah ha ha ha ha!"
Jonathan and Joseph were horrified and disgusted by this monster, and Tanjiro showed rage.
"After I'm through with these men..." The demon put away the star and turned her attention back to Tanjiro. "I'll kill you next, boy, and then-"
"Your next line is: I'll crush your bones and slurp your insides through your ear."
"-I'll crush your bones and slurp your insides through your ear!" The demon laughed wickedly, and then stopped abruptly. "W-what?! How did you-?!"
"Geez! What a terrible personality! You'll never get any man with that attitude!" Joseph said after having predicted the demon's line. "And I'm not so desperate as to settle for someone with your weird kinks!"
Throughout his taunt, Joseph's body was swinging from side to side, getting closer to the tree beside him and Jonathan.
"Take a hint! We're not interested in being your food!" Reaching the tree, Joseph's tied fists was charged with energy as he took in a deep and powerful breath, "If you want to eat something, eat this! Overdrive!"
Joseph slammed his fists against the bark of the tree. Hamon energy surged through the trees, traveling up to where the sentient vines were hidden.
"Nice one, Joseph!" Jonathan said as he gripped the vines in his hands, breaking himself free with his strength alone. "Overdrive!"
Hamon energy traveled up the vines that had his body surrounded, and quickly raced up to meet with Joseph's Hamon energy at the top of the trees.
"W-what is this...?" The demon said as she witnessed the strange and warm energy travel across her vines. "This feeling...! It's as if-!"
It's as if she was seeing the edge of the morning sun rising from the horizon. Not good!
The demon quickly released Joseph and Jonathan and her vines retreated, but there was no stopping their Hamon energy as it soon met the body of the demon. "AARRGGH!"
The demon lurched back into the shadows. Jonathan and Joseph landed back onto the ground. Jonathan was alerted at the sound of the woman's cries, and he couldn't help himself as he got up quickly. "M-Miss-?!"
Tanjiro immediately stood in front of him. Facing the direction of the demon, Tanjiro held his sword up. "Don't! That woman is a demon!"
Jonathan looked at the woman on the ground ahead. "A demon-?!"
He was conflicted. For all his life, he was raised to be a proper gentleman, and cannot help himself when the call of a distressed lady urged him to act. But there was no denying the cruel words that the woman had spoken, having even eaten people as if she were a vampire or a zombie! Even so, Jonathan doesn't believe he has it in him to break his gentlemanly code.
"Get away!" The demon shouted as she held her burning body. Behind her, she summoned a massive whip, hundreds of vines joined together to create a deadly weapon.
"Oh crap-!" Joseph shouted.
Tanjiro, Jonathan, and Joseph all ducked together as the massive wipe sliced across the trees and over their heads. The giant trees began to descend over them as the demon fled at once.
"Jonathan! Joseph! Run!" Tanjiro yelled.
"You don't have to tell me twice!" Joseph said as he began sprinting. "Oh shit! Look out!"
"Joseph! Tanjiro!" Jonathan shouted as he saw one incoming tree heading straight for them.
"Split up!" Tanjiro shouted, and they did so.
The giant trees began to pile onto each other, creating a barricade between Tanjiro and the two Jojos. Once the last tree made its fall, Tanjiro looked back at the fallen forest and rushed for the fallen trees that were as high as city buildings. "Jonathan! Joseph!"
"Tanjiro!" Jonathan's voice was heard through the openings of the trees, and Tanjiro was able to spot the man and Joseph through it. "Are you alright?!"
"I am! Are you and Joseph okay?!" Tanjiro asked back.
"You bet! It'll take more than a tree to knock me down!" Joseph boasted. Tanjiro sighed in relief at the sound of Joseph's energy.
"Hold on! We'll find a way around and get to you," Jonathan declared.
"No. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine," Tanjiro said as he turned back for where the demon had fled. "You should get back to your family. I need to hurry and kill that demon before she attacks more people."
"What?! Wait! Tanjiro!" Jonathan called out as Tanjiro already began running for the wilderness.
"Whoa whoa! Hold on! Kid!" Joseph also shouted through. "You can't be that desperate for a star! Just look at what she did just now!"
Still, Joseph will admit that he liked Tanjiro's spirit. Jonathan on the other hand was only worried for the teen.
"Joseph is right! She's too powerful!" Jonathan shouted. "You shouldn't fight that monster by yourself! Think of how worried your parents will be!"
Hearing that, Tanjiro slowed his pace, coming to a full stop.
"I'm really grateful to you for helping us find two more of our family members!" Jonathan said. "I'm in your debt! That's why I can't on my good conscience leave you to fend for yourself! You must have family looking for you as well, right? Let us help you!"
Tanjiro stood there for a moment, and then turned to face Jonathan and Joseph.
"-?!"
Through the opening of the fallen giant trees, Jonathan and Joseph saw Tanjiro's face. A face full of compassion and sorrow.
Tanjiro smiled sadly at them, "It's alright. I'm sure they're watching over me right now. Knowing that, I'll be able to fight my hardest. I won't let myself lose because of that."
Watching… over him…? Jonathan's eyes widened. What does he...? No… Don't tell me…!
Joseph was stunned by the look Tanjiro held, a look that knew so much grief and pain. Those sad eyes… What the hell happened to you, kid?
"Take good care of yourselves and your family," Tanjiro said to them before turning to them fully and bowed his head for them in respect. "Please, treasure them for as long as you have them."
Such a simple statement, after seeing Tanjiro's sad eyes, it broke Jonathan's heart, and the man instantly understood the meaning behind those words. His family is…!
"Wait! Tanjiro! Please wait!" Jonathan shouted, slamming his hands against the tough bark of the giant trees, but Tanjiro had already resumed his run into the dark forest.
"Hey! Kid! Hey!" Seeing Tanjiro run off by himself, it left a bad feeling in Joseph's gut, a feeling not dissimilar to when Caesar had left on his own. "That runt…!"
Jonathan slowly removed himself from the trees. "…Joseph."
Joseph read the tone of Jonathan's tone clear as day, adjusting his scarf. "Yeah. I know. I'm sure the old me and that other guy can handle themselves."
"… I don't wish to drag you along. But… I can't simply leave that boy alone…" Not after Jonathan saw such sadness in Tanjiro's eyes.
"You won't be dragging me along, gramps. Heck, I would have gone after that kid myself. Seeing him act so tough, it makes me want to smack him in the head!" Joseph said as his hands are charged with Hamon. He swiftly removed his scarf and used it as his rope, catching one of the broken parks of the tree with it. "Let's go! Gramps!"
"Right! Joseph!" Jonathan said with a fist full of Hamon, although he really wished that Joseph was kidding about the hitting Tanjiro in the head part.
Tanjiro Kamado once lived a normal and peaceful life. His family wasn't wealthy by any means, but they were content. For so long as they had each other, the Kamado family was happy. After Tanjiro's father passed away, it was up to Tanjiro to carry the role of taking care of his family of seven. He would go down the mountain and sell coal, then climb back up to see his mother and five younger siblings.
However, one winter morning, Tanjiro's life changed forever. He was on his way home when he caught the smell of blood, and he knew something terrible had happened. He rushed up the snowy hill and found nearly his entire family dead. Massacred by some unknown creature.
However, in the midst of his grief-stricken horror, there had been one survivor. His younger sister, the second eldest sibling of the Kamado family; Nezuko. But something had happened to her, and when Tanjiro hurried to carry Nezuko down the mountains, she had transformed into something not human. She had become a demon.
It was then that a swordsman suddenly appeared and attempted to kill Nezuko. A demon slayer known as a Hashira, and he made his intentions clear. However, Tanjiro refused to lose his only family remaining, determined to prove that he will save his sister from her curse, but he was no match for the experienced Hashira. It was then that something truly unforeseeable happened. An unprecedented event like never before.
The demonized Nezuko went to her brother's side and shielded him from the Hashira. Rather than devour her own family, she protected him, as if she was able to recognize her own brother still. The Hashira then granted the Kamado siblings mercy, entrusting Tanjiro's words to one day cure her sister, and make her human again.
From then on, Tanjiro went down the path of a Demon Slayer. He persevered through everything – all the trials and tribulations, for the sake of his sister.
Total Concentration: Water Breathing!
Tanjiro sliced through another vine-whip attack as he chased after the fleeing demon.
"Y-you damn brat! Fine! You want to be killed so badly! I'll gladly help you with that!" The demon shouted as she delivered several vine-whips to slice through the demon slayer.
Tanjiro rolled underneath another whip and pressed on. However, he caught whiff of another attack hurtling his way. He brought up his sword, and blocked the incoming attack that pushed him against the tree.
"I got you!" The demon said triumphantly, and rather than savor her moment of victory, she decided to make quick work in ending the swordsman. "I'll save your head for last. I want to keep that look of agony on your face once I'm through with you!"
Several more vine-whips shot for him, and Tanjiro prepared himself, cutting himself free from the vine that had him against the tree.
I came to this competition hoping for a quicker way to help Nezuko… Tanjiro ducked under the vines and sliced through the rest. But there had to be other competitors who have important wishes too.
And after seeing that blast from the mountains that stirred the entire forest awake, Tanjiro knew just how out of league he was. He was a simple swordsman, not even ranked as the strongest. There had to be other strong competitors who are more than likely to get their wish than Tanjiro himself ever could.
Even so, he will do whatever he can, push his body to the very limits if he must, if it meant having the opportunity to save his sister.
But I also can't ignore others if they're in trouble. Even if I'll end up putting myself in last place…
He thought back the relief in Jonathan's face when he saw Joseph, Old Joseph, and Josuke.
If it meant that they could see their families again… Tanjiro's grip of his sword tightened, a strong grip that popped veins in his back hand. Then there's no way I'll ever rob them of that!
But he will fight. For his sister. For the innocents. He will fight, because that is his duty as a Demon Slayer.
He sniffed an incoming whip that came from behind, catching him by surprise by attacking his blind spot. Oh no! I'm going to be hit-!
It was then that another sword cuts through the vine, and Jonathan appeared. "-?! Jojo!"
Jonathan slashed across the vines with his Hamon-infused blade, much to the demon's terror. The demon quickly retreated and tried to make a run for it again.
"Joseph!" Jonathan shouted up.
Joseph appeared, hopping from a branch at one of the tall trees. "I got it!"
Joseph quickly got a hold of the vines that belonged to the demon, and he sends a surge of Hamon through it.
"-! NO!" The demon was quickly swarmed with Hamon from her vines, and the energy quickly began to cause her body to crumble.
-! What an effective power! Tanjiro said as he sniffed the air, and his eyes widened. This smell… it really does smell like… sunlight-!
No wonder the demon had been afraid. Tanjiro didn't understand how, but Joseph's and Jonathan's power, they're able to channel the energy of the sun!
"Nnh! I don't wish to harm a lady…" Jonathan began, before his face became terse, "But I refuse to let this boy be hurt. You have my sincerest apologies!" Jonathan stated as he rushed forth and easily burns through the vines, reaching the body of the demon.
The demon shrieked and held out her arm. Her limb was instantly cut, and she shrieked. "Damn! Damn you! Damn you!"
She summoned more vines, all of them having grown deadly thorns. Tanjiro was quick to go to Jonathan's aid, slashing at the thorns. "We have to cut off her head! It's the only way to kill her! However-!"
It was then that the thorns suddenly popped out and fired at Tanjiro and Jonathan.
-! We're going to be hit-!
Tanjiro was suddenly yanked to the side, and his body was embraced by the muscle figure of Jonathan. "J-Jojo!"
Tanjiro was shocked to witness Jonathan endure the barrage of thorns at the man's back, piercing through the man's skin, but Jonathan did not flinch under them. He let himself be hit by the thorn-bullets as he made sure Tanjiro would not suffer the same fate.
"I'm fine!" Jonathan assured. "Now, Jojo!"
"On it, Jojo!" Joseph suddenly yanked the vines as he landed back on the ground and whipped them. The vines moved at this instigation, and it hooped itself around the demon's neck.
"Checkmate! And I don't even play chess!" Joseph slammed the side of his hand against his wrist and sends another surge of Hamon through the demon's vines.
Tanjiro looked around Jonathan and saw what was about to happen. "-! It's going straight for the demon! But-!"
The demon, seeing her end quickly approaching, had no choice but to act daringly. She pulled at the vines around her neck and tightened it with all of her strength.
"W-what?!" Joseph and Jonathan were shocked by the demon's sudden self-inflicted strangulation, and even more so when the sharpness of the vines was enough to cut her neck through. "Whaaaat?!"
The headless demon hopped away, barely managing the to avoid the burning infliction of Joseph's Hamon and she started running away on foot.
"The demon can regenerate! You need a special blade to cut off its head!" Tanjiro said as he held up his sword as Jonathan held him. "This sword! Take it! Joseph!"
Joseph looked back and saw Tanjiro threw the sword his way. Whoa! The kid's willing to let me use it?
"Hurry! She's going to get away!" Tanjiro shouted. "Do it just as she regenerates her head!"
Jonathan met Joseph's eyes, and in that brief moment, they understood each other and nodded.
"Leave it to me!" Joseph allowed the sword to stab into the ground, and swiftly picked it up. "She's already far ahead of me, but that's fine-!"
Joseph quickly tied the handle of the sword with his scarf. "Gramp's old fashion, but I'm no gentleman! We're on equal grounds here, and I'm not afraid to hit a woman if I need to!"
Joseph then swung his scarf with the katana at the end of it and sends it for the demon just as her head started to grow back.
"You were also willing to kill that kid. I may not be a gentleman, but you're sure no lady," Joseph said as his hands was charged with Hamon. "This is for hurting Tanjiro and Grandpa Jonathan! And for all the people you've killed!"
The demon's head grew back, and her neck was instantly met with the blade of Tanjiro's sword. It… can't be!
In a swift motion, the sword with its Hamon-infused energy that brightened its metal, it sliced through the neck of the demon, and her head flies off. The body of the demon instantly crumbled, and all that remained were ashes, and the shirt that dropped several gold star badges onto the grass.
"He did it!" Tanjiro cheered.
Jonathan smiled at Joseph's accomplishment. "That's my grandson."
"Eh? Grandson?" Tanjiro looked up at Jonathan completely confused.
"Oh. Yes. It's… a bit hard to explain. Frankly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," Jonathan said as he lets go of Tanjiro. The man winced as he felt the piercing sensation of the thorns stuck in him.
"Ah! Are you alright?" Tanjiro held out his hands for the tall and very buff man. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean for you to get hurt."
"It's alright," Jonathan said as he smiled at Tanjiro. "As long as you weren't hurt, it was worth it."
Tanjiro was moved by Jonathan's selflessness and kindness, and the demon slayer's eyes shimmered with admiration. What a man! A gentleman!
"Th...Thank you very much!" Tanjiro bowed his head deeply.
"Oh! By no means must you bow your head. Please, stand straight, young man," Jonathan pleaded with the swordsman, putting his hand on Tanjiro's wooden crate.
"Hey kid!"
Tanjiro snapped out of his shiny expression of awe and turned back for Joseph. Joseph returned with the sword in his hand and held it out for Tanjiro.
"Ah! Thank you!" Tanjiro regained his sword.
"Holy sh-moly!" Joseph said, avoiding outwardly cursing as he looked back at Jonathan. "You look like you're on your way into becoming a blue hedgehog!"
"I suppose so," Jonathan said, a little amused by Joseph's humor as Jonathan started pulling out the thorns in his arms. "Luckily, nothing but a simple pull can't help."
"Let me help you there, gramps."
"I'll help too!"
Together, they removed all of the thorns from Jonathan's body. As they were removing the last thorn, Tanjiro suddenly caught a familiar scent in the air, and turned back to the forest.
"What is it?" Jonathan immediately asked at Tanjiro's diverted attention.
Joseph was on edge at once, "Ch! Is it more monsters?"
"No!" Tanjiro answered, "It's-!"
Within a moment, two figures revealed themselves.
"Gramps! My idiot self!" "Mr. Jonathan! Mr. Joseph!" Appearing out from the woods, Old Joseph and Josuke arrived, having dealt with enemies of their own before coming here.
"Joseph! Josuke!" "Who the hell are you calling an idiot, you damn geezer?!" Jonathan and Young Joseph shouted back as the men came together.
"Oh thank heavens! You're alright! I was so worried!" Jonathan gave Old Joseph and Josuke a grand hug, his arms over their shoulders as the gesture was returned. "I know we've only just met today... but to think that I would a bloodline like this... I couldn't be any more eager to know more about all of you. It pains me dearly at the thought that I would lose any of you."
"Same here, gramps..." Old Joseph patted the backhand of Jonathan, feeling proud and warmed to finally hold the hand of his grandfather. "I'd hate to lose you again after finally getting to know you myself."
"Hey hey! Mr. Joseph! Come on! This is a family group hug we're having here!" Josuke teased at Young Joseph who was standing aside.
"I-Idiot! I'm just fine where I am!" Joseph crossed his arms and looked away, admittedly a bit embarrassed to show his familial side.
"Oh cut it out with that tough guy attitude. This is your grandfather! Right here! In the flesh!" Old Joseph said as he gestured to Jonathan. "Someone neither of us ever knew, but deep down, we wished we could have met at least once."
Hearing that, Young Joseph slightly gave in with a sigh, and stepped closer to them.
He was suddenly pulled by some unforeseen force, Josuke having summoned his 'stand' and bringing the Young Joseph in with a big grin on Josuke's face. Young Joseph was not amused but did not reject the hug as Jonathan held Joseph's shoulder, and the family of Jojos hugged together.
Tanjiro watched the family from the side, smiling warmly at the display. I don't really understand their situation, but...
It's without a doubt that this family of Jojos loved each other very much.
"Oh! Let me introduce you to a new friend of mine and Young Joseph," Jonathan suddenly announced. The Jojos relent their hug, and everyone turned to the lone marked boy watching from the side.
"This is Tanjiro Kamado," Jonathan introduced. "He's the reason how we managed to find you two. He helped Young Joseph before I showed up. I must say, I have never met anyone so young who was so brave."
Tanjiro felt a little flattered by the compliment and bowed his head in greeting. "It's nice to meet you all. I'm glad to see the four of you together again."
"Kamado...? Hold on, are you by chance Japanese?" Old Joseph suddenly asked.
Young Joseph smiled with mischief and went to Tanjiro's side, grasping Tanjiro by the shoulder in a side hug. "Yup! Not only that, but Tanjiro and I are best friends now!"
"WHAT?!" Old Joseph shouted, startling Tanjiro and surprising even Jonathan and Josuke. "What about Caesar?! And have you forgotten that it was a Japanese man who took our daughter away from us?!"
"No. I remember. I still can't wrap my mind around that, but you've been a big pain in my arse for a while now, so here's my revenge! Honestly, I think you're just being petty. You got your grandson and Josuke here, right? You should give this kid a chance too!"
Old Joseph dragged his hand across his face in pure exasperation, "Just wait until it happens to your precious, sweet, innocent daughter Holly. Not even Suzi-Q tried to stop her from leaving America- oh my god..."
"Suzi-Q? Suzi?!" Joseph sputtered out. "Hold on! I'm going to marry Suzi-Q?! YES!"
Giving up, Old Joseph simply turned around, holding down his hat to conceal his eyes. "The worst part is that I can't tell if younger me meant for me to slip up or not. Listen, everyone! We need to move fast and find the other three. There are still monsters running around. I'm not sure how long it'll take before they'll get pushed too far from us."
"That's true," Jonathan said as Josuke removed his hand from Jonathan. Jonathan looked at his wounds and find them instantly healed, thanking Josuke who felt sheepish at the gratitude from the sincere man.
"We'll need to figure out where they went to first, and I believe I know one way to do that..." Jonathan looked over to Tanjiro and approached him. Tanjiro immediately knew what Jonathan planned to request as Jonathan knelt down before the boy. "Tanjiro. Will you help us find the rest of my family?"
"Yes! Absolutely!" Tanjiro immediately answered. "Don't worry. I won't rest until we find the others!"
"Huh? How's the kid going to help?" Old Joseph asked, raising an eyebrow at the boy. "And why is he dressed like he's from the Age of the Samurai?"
"You should have seen this kid in action!" Young Joseph stated. "He's got more guts than most grown men I've met in my lifetime! Has a pretty good sense of smell too. I know it sounds weird but trust me, it's legit."
"Bah. There'll be plenty more of 'weird' stuff that'll happen in your future, I'll just have to take your word for it, even though I really shouldn't, and I should know better too," Old Joseph said. "Alright then, if gramps is willing to vouch for him, then let's see him do it."
"Yes!" Tanjiro said enthusiastically, his face brimming with resolve. "You have my word. I'll make sure that Mr. Jonathan. Mr. Joseph. You and your son will find the rest of your family."
"...Eh? His son?" Young Joseph asked, looking at Tanjiro strangely. "Whose son are you talking about?"
No one noticed Old Joseph instantly freezing as everyone looked to Tanjiro.
Tanjiro looked confused, looking between Old Joseph and Josuke. "Huh? But... there's a similar scent between those two. I mean, all of you smelled similar, but the scent of those two is stronger. The kind of scent that doesn't skip a generation, like with Jonathan and Joseph - although, I'm kind of wondering how that's even possible."
"Ah...Huh?" Josuke blinked widely. "Wait, so are you saying..."
Everyone turned to Old Joseph.
They found the old man trying to sneak away, tiptoeing so not to make himself heard as he quietly leaves.
"...Dad?"
Old Joseph stiffened and stopped at once at Josuke's calling.
"Hold on! I have a son too?! And he's- he's right here?! How come you never mentioned that?!" Young Joseph demanded before noticing his older version's mannerism. He side-eyed the old man's back. "...Hey, mate. What did you do?"
With much hesitation, Old Joseph turned his head slightly. "...This is why I can never forgive the Japanese."
Suddenly, the earth beneath their feet began to tremble, and a loud explosion was heard from a distance. "Holy shit! What was that?!"
"Language! Joseph!" It was unknown which Joseph Jonathan was referring to. It might as well have been both in fact.
Tanjiro picked his head up, sniffing the air. "-! There's a stampede somewhere! Competitors and monsters fighting all together at once!"
Old Joseph held down his hat. "There's only one thing left to do..."
Old Joseph and Young Joseph shared a look, and they nodded. "RUN AWAY!"
Together, the Young and the Old ran into the forest. Josuke blinked at the fleeing men, and he ran right after them. "H-hey! Hold on! I have questions!"
Jonathan looked back at Tanjiro. "Let's go!"
"Right!" Although Tanjiro felt as if he may have exposed a family secret, he rushed alongside Jonathan after the rest of the Jojos, doing their best to avoid the onslaught of fighting that overwhelmed the entire forest.
Author's Note:
dariuscrawford482: For sure. Look forward to when they show up!
A fair warning to everyone that I may end up posting chapters and forgetting to answer reviews. I usually respond after a while or so. Apologies in advance!
Maxim7: Yup! it was typo. Should have it all fixed now. I hope to have the story will be readable enough despite all the characters we'll be meeting, I'll try and make it so, since there's so much to look out for. Thanks for everyone's reviews!