A/N: - I own nothing. This fiction is just for my amusement and to add up the elements I wanted to see in the canon.
Enjoy~
Shinobu Kocho has been put into a variety of situations where one could find themselves unable to land a definite decision. She has become Hashira after going through distinctive scenarios yet she hasn't felt this much conflicted ever before.
A dominant side of her mind had feelings for her savior beyond any acquaintance or how she feels about her fellow Hashiras or how Shinobu felt for her sister or any other butterfly back in the mansion. This feeling was unique and she knew what this was, despite how much Shinobu tried denying it.
Her line of work doesn't allow the Insect Hashira to engage in her personal world but it doesn't change the fact that Shinobu was aware of her emotions toward Tanjiro.
Now the same savior she has yearned for a whole two years suddenly appears right in front of her but she couldn't reach him. Despite desiring to talk to him, to touch him once again, Shinobu couldn't do so.
Taking away the fact that this place wasn't appropriate, there was a much bigger obstacle that now stands between her savior and Shinobu.
Kamado Tanjiro is a demon.
Was Shinobu too absorbed in his kindness to realize his actuality when the first time they met or Tanjiro was brilliant at hiding his demon traits something she would contemplate on a later date?
Shinobu was conflicted about how she should view this matter from both perspectives. As a Hashira and as just a regular girl who was deeply and madly infatuated with him.
"I do not mistrust our master but it seems some kind of mistake has occurred while placing judgment on this young soul. Letting him remain here would only jeopardize the Master's safety. I strongly suggest executing the demon and evacuating the mansion as soon as we can, Oyakata-sama. "
The one who suggested the immediate course of action which mostly ever Hashira agreed upon was the Flame Pillar, Kyojuro.
Shinobu should have agreed to it as well since considering the fact that Kibutsuji Muzan could pry into any demon's consciousness and get the details of the hidden Kagaya mansion could cost dearly.
However, the thought of killing Tanjiro brought a sense of distress in Shinobu's subconscious as she barely held herself from moving on instincts and standing as a shield for her savior.
'Why...why this had to be like this... ' Biting her lip Shinobu remained frozen at her spot with her nails digging into her palm in helplessness.
"But...how come Demon-san still be under the sun without any damage? "
The innocent voice of Mutsuri echoed in the previously deadly silent front yard. It was a commonly known fact amongst the corps and also by many civilians that Demons could not resist the sunlight nor the wisteria which was the primary base of Shinobu's poison.
However, despite standing under the blazing heat of the morning sun, the boy with the strange mark on his head stood calmly. Not to talk about that he still hasn't shown a single reaction despite his neck being surrounded by four blades that could end his life at any next moment.
"A special kind of demon?"
"But wouldn't he be devoured by Muzan by now if the boy would have immunity against the sun? "
Questions overlapped more questions and soon a question mark emerged on everyone's head.
Oyakata-sama has been silently watching since the start, Shinobu noted.
Before any more queries could have risen Shinazugawa Sanemi took a hold of Tanjiro's haori before pushing the boy to the bark of the nearest tree. His blade was still drawn as he brought the steel near Tanjiro's neck after pinning the latter to the tree.
"Tell me at once, what are you and what's your purpose for coming here?" Sanemi's words and tone left no room for refusal, or an argument. He demanded answers and he seemed very well set on gaining them right now before he could decide the mode of executing this demon.
For Sanemi, no demon was an exception regardless of what special trait they show. In the end, they were just flesh-eating creatures who were destined to be slain by the Demon Hunters.
"I am a demon Shinazugawa-san...yet not. " As Tanjiro said he brought his hand toward Sanemi's blade and made a deep gash at the side of his palm.
'Ah... !' Shinobu shifted forward with her hand risen and eyes filled with concern but soon she halted in her steps upon witnessing the wound healing at a tremendous pace.
No one saw Shinobu's sudden reaction since they all were slightly surprised upon witnessing a demon recovering so fluently from a wound inflicted by nichirin.
"So what?! You must be a high-ranking demon without any marks! " Sanemi growled with his frustration nearing its limit.
However, Tanjiro remained smiling as always without minding the rude treatment he was presented with. He already anticipated the reaction but what made even him confused was how violently Shinobu's scent was shifting by the minute.
'Shinobu-san...is a difficult person to understand I assume... '
Putting away her thoughts for later, Tanjiro spoke once again, this time to everyone in general.
"I cannot be slain using Nichirin nor sunlight could harm me because my blood components absorb sunlight itself."
Sanemi, just for a second faltered in his stance hearing the words, and with a swift moment, he found the place where Tanjiro was, empty.
'Fast... ' Even Sanemi wasn't able to trace Tanjiro's movements even though he takes pride in his perceptions.
But that didn't matter to be concerned about as of now since Tanjiro's words were a lot more startling than anyone could have ever expected.
"The blood of Kibutsuji still trying to overtake my consciousness but the essence of the sun in my body is restricting it ever since that incident. I have a way of getting rid of that filthy demon's blood but I chose not to since I could use Kibutsuji's curse to kill him one day."
Utter silence.
No one said anything for a great amount of time, either confused, contemplating, or entirely clueless, everyone was engaged in comprehending what Tanjiro just spoke.
But soon Sanemi disregarded everything and was about to grab Tanjiro once again and ask for immediate execution when their master suddenly spoke up.
"I humbly wish that my guest no longer gets humiliated during the meeting since it was I who insisted him on coming here. "
Sanemi knew it was his cue to abandon his aggressive thoughts and he reluctantly did since nothing could cross their master's words.
Tanjiro gratefully looked at the white-haired young man only for the latter to glare back.
No other hashira said nor moved after that, heeding their master's words and prohibiting themselves from acting on impulse.
Shinobu inwardly sighed in relief since apart from her conflicted thoughts regarding Tanjiro's origin, a dominating part of her conscience didn't like Tanjiro getting insulted.
"Tanjiro-san...would you enlighten us about the recent incident when you came across Kibutsuji?"
The tone of respect Oyakata-sama held for Tanjiro made Shinobu feel proud and instantly complicated. Why would she feel proud if Tanjiro was highly held in the eyes of such a great man, like Oyakata-sama?
Indeed, she was in a way, sick today.
Regardless, Tanjiro didn't let himself get pulled toward the mixture of scents Shinobu was permeating and with a severe expression, he began to narrate the tale that occurred not so long ago. And also the reason why Tanjiro ever sought the help of the Demon Slayer Corps.
--
[3 months ago]
Tanjiro has somehow gotten used to his routine of taking care of injured and hunting as many demons as he could during nighttime.
His trust in Lady Tamayo has elevated enough to leave his Nee-san at her place without worrying about her safety.
Tanjiro wasn't a naive blind swordsman who could believe in anyone he finds friendly which concludes why only recently his Nee-san began living in the mansion even though Tanjiro was in contact with Lady Tamayo for years now.
He has observed her through various phases and now he could confidently say that Tamayo and Yushiro were on the side of peace.
Just the other day, when Tanjiro was out on the street of the most populated and lively town in Japan—Tokyo, he found the scent of someone he never expected to find here.
After all, a demon roaming under the night sky, in between those many people...it takes a lot to resist the urge for blood and Tanjiro very well knows it.
But the demon in question was also on the highest ladder of the hierarchy and was titled with the ominous crown of Demon King, so it was given that the said creature would be able to hold his thrust.
The rage Tanjiro has preserved for ages now again began to boil up. The lifeless faces of his family members, those bodies whom he engraved and left behind...Tanjiro remembered it all and thanks to that, his burning rage for vengeance never settled down.
People surely have asked him to let go of the thought of revenge and turn the hate toward demons for a greater cause. Tanjiro regards those ideas as noble but he just couldn't forget the emotion he felt when he was burying his precious family members.
He couldn't call his rage on Kibutsuji a step toward a peaceful world, since for Tanjiro, it was bare and simple vengeance. And he was well set on balancing the tabs tonight.
'But I can't attack him now...'
There were many people around and to get a good grasp of kibutsuji, Tanjiro would need to use his demonic eyes which would allow Tanjiro to pinpoint the specific regions Tanjiro needs to target.
"Eh? Specific regions? What do you mean by that?"
Everyone instantly glared at the Love Hashira for interrupting the story, except Iguro and Oyakata-sama.
However, Tanjiro didn't seem annoyed by the question as he smiled in her direction, earning a deeper blush from the girl, and replied in a gentle tone.
"I was about to get on that but now since Kanroji-san has asked, I would like to inform you of vital information about Kibutsuji Muzan."
Those eyes which were directed at Mitsuri for a moment, once again fell back on the young man since everything related to the Demon King was too crucial to miss out.
"These eyes of mine...have varieties of functions and one of them is that I could see through a living being's flesh and bones and determine their weak points. And because of that, I was able to see why Muzan still has never been dealt with even though so many demon hunters have tried so hard in the past."
Some didn't believe Tanjiro's words about having supernatural eyes, and Tanjiro could understand their justification. After all, he was practically a stranger to them, and spouting things that were unheard of until now. Reaching Muzan was one thing but to unravel the secrets of the Demon Lord and yet to be still breathing...indeed something no one would like to put their trust on.
"Tanjiro-san." Every gaze then turned toward the female who suddenly stepped forward and spoke up in her usual tone yet a sense of warmth could be found unnaturally blended in her voice.
"I cannot speak on behalf of my fellow Hashiras but as an individual, I would like to hear your story until the end. " The Insect Hashira surprisingly was in support of Tanjiro which came a bit unexpected for others.
Amongst the ranks, Shinobu might be the Hashira who despised the demons more than anyone yet she took the step and encouraged a demon.
'Maybe it's because they know each other... ' Iguro noted that something has occurred to change the perspective of the violet-eyed girl yet nothing could change his perception toward Tanjiro.
Currently, he and some of the others were just an audience to respect Oyakata-sama's will.
Tanjiro smiled at the lady for her goodwill before he slightly shook his head and apologized, "I may have continued Shinobu-san but it wouldn't make any difference since I believe not even you would trust my words if I continue from here. I may have gained some experience on the battlefield but when it comes to interacting with people, I am still way too immature. So rather than singing my tale, I would come to the proposal I have thought of and the reason I am present here. "
Shinobu was a little sad about the fact that even though she tried, Tanjiro was already being targeted with enough ridicule and doubts to continue with his past. However, she couldn't blame others since it was she who was saved by him not them.
Shinobu respected Tanjiro's wishes and backed off. It seemed like Mitsuri, Rengoku, and Tangen were also eager to listen forward but they didn't voice their thoughts and remained silent.
"Oyakata-sama...as I wrote in my letter, there's something that has changed after I saw Muzan recently and that was his body composition."
Addressing the master, Tanjiro muttered with an air of tension rising exponentially. One could see how bothered Tanjiro seemed about this discovery.
The master of the mansion didn't seem to have much change of expression but his attention was solely fixed to the boy and to hear what news he had to share.
"Amongst the twelve Kizuki...Muzan has contained his fragments in them to remain alive. Until even one of his segments remains in this world, Muzan would never perish. And for that, we have to deal with every Kizuki before we could think of challenging the main body. And for that reason, I have sought the help of the Corps since not even I could achieve everything on my own without losing anything in the process."
Tanjiro's tranquil yet severe voice resonated clearly in the backyard as every pillar and the master heard his words with great interest. Despite there being some who weren't believing in Tanjiro since the start, this information was something they could help but think to be credible and vital.
Doubts and suspicion would be for later to deal with since everyone's mutual enemy has just evolved into a greater danger that would require a higher force of counter from Slayers as well.
"Tanjiro-san. We wholeheartedly welcome you to Demon Slayer Corps and we would be thankful to receive your aid in the mission to put an end to this never-ending battle of humans and demons. As much as I would like to talk to you in private and apologize on behalf of my children for misbehaving, I still have some business I need to discuss with the Pillars. So for the time being, would you mind resting in my mansion?"
Oyakata-sama offered Tanjiro, hospitality which once again signified that the man respected the blindfolded boy.
"I am thankful for the offer but I have some business with Shinobu-san so if she doesn't mind-"
"Ah, yes. Of course, I would love to have Tanjiro-san as my guest. Since I need to be here for the meeting, someone else would guide you to the Butterfly estate."
Shinobu realized how hurriedly she spoke just now which surely would have made it seem how eager she was to invite Tanjiro to her house. Shinobu already could feel Mitsuri's smug face and curiosity-filled eyes burning in her direction and every other Hashira giving her a complicated gaze. Even Tanjiro had a soft smile that made her ears heat up.
Not good!
However, before she could have to say anything and possibly embarrass herself even more, Tanjiro's tranquil voice replied in assent, "I would wait for you, Shinobu-san. Please take your time."
A/N: - A maiden's complicated feelings, *sigh*
I hope you guys liked the chapter. It's fanfic so surely I would alter things accordingly. If you guys are eager to know how strong Tanjiro actually is in the fiction then...you need to wait for the upcoming battle.
And about Tanjiro's story then you have to understand that he has basically just interacted with his sister and two demos until now, properly. He's still a young innocent and naive boy when it comes to human relations and how to win their trust.
Tanjiro assumed that if he tells them about the incident, as Demon slayers, they would trust him but it didn't go as he thought.
Well, through events their trust would grow and soon Tanjiro would become an irreplaceable comrade of the Pillars.
I would take another chapter for the romance before we move to the action.
Drop a review if you liked the chapter.