Hello everyone! 😊 This is my first fanfic. I came up with this story while I was bored, so I decided to give myself a chance to upload it. If you notice anything strange, it's because I speak Spanish, and English is not my primary language.
Kimetsu no Yaiba belongs to Koyoharu Gotouge
A Song of Ice and Fire belongs to George RR Martin
Fire Hunter
Chapter 1: A New World, New Problems.
Tanjiro felt his breath being cut off, his vision darkening, and his muscles numbing. But he did it, they did it, they killed Muzan Kibutsuji. He could feel the creature that took his family, turned his sister into a demon, and ended the lives of his friends, letting out a final scream of despair as the sunlight bathed it, turning it into ashes. He never thought he would find it satisfying to see someone die, but for him, it was the fitting end for such an evil being.
As the monster turned into ashes and its screams faded, Tanjiro fell to his knees. He felt the energy leaving his body, his head began to droop, and his eyes closed. However, even as the cold embrace of death enveloped him, he never let go of his sword. Not until he made sure Muzan had vanished, even as his body slowly succumbed to the wounds.
While his brain shut down, he could feel the presence of Tomioka and his sister approaching. Tanjiro registered the scent of sorrow emanating from the pillar and from Nezuko. He knew it was the end, always aware that it would happen at any moment, but at least he would have the satisfaction that his sister was free from that curse. His sacrifice and that of all who perished that day were not in vain.
"Tanjiro, wake up, please! How am I supposed to go on without you!?" He felt his sister clinging to him with a hug. "Please, God, don't take my brother away from me! I beg you!"
A pang of pain struck his already slowing heart, but still, he would die for the future of the people he loved, so that no one else would lose their family, and they could live their lives in peace. If he had to do it again, he would. He was ready, ready to leave this world, reunite with his family and those friends he lost, to be reborn in a new cycle. He just hoped Nezuko could have a happy life.
With a final breath, Tanjiro closed his eyes and embraced the cold darkness.
When he opened his eyes again, the first thing he encountered was absolute darkness. There was no sound; it was absolute silence as a feeling of discomfort formed in Tanjiro's chest. He felt that something was wrong. He knew he was dead; the question was, where was he? Perhaps he was in paradise? He didn't believe it. Despite not being very versed in his beliefs, he knew well that if he were dead, he wouldn't feel that persistent sense of discomfort.
He examined himself, and it was even stranger: he still wore his demon slayer uniform, could feel bruises on his body, even some cuts, and most notably, he still carried his katana. He couldn't help but frown in nervousness; wherever he was, it wasn't paradise.
'Could this be hell?' he thought with concern.
"Uh... Hello? Anyone?" As expected, there was no response. His hands tensed around the hilt of his katana. If this was some trick by Muzan...
But suddenly, a presence invaded his senses. Tanjiro turned, ready to unsheath his sword. However, what he saw was strange; in front of him was a tree.
One of the strangest trees he had seen in a long time, and for various reasons. Its appearance was ugly; its wood had lost its color, both due to the passage of time and human dirt. Dark stains adorned the wood, and the lack of leaves on its branches, and above all, the face carved into the trunk, with its closed eyes and mouth, was intriguing. But what was most unsettling was the aura emanating from the tree; it was dangerous and powerful. His heart began to beat faster, and his stomach knotted when he smelled the emotions emanating from it. There was anger, hatred, frustration, sadness, and... hope.
He approached the tree slowly, although his instincts screamed at him to stay away, something hooked into his soul that made the need to get closer urgent. When he was near the tree, he could appreciate how large it really was. He waited for any reaction, feeling how his posture tensed and how his hand slowly unsheathed his sword. But he didn't know what to do. Although in a normal situation, he might have thought it was a demon, in this case, something deep within him told him otherwise, and that the best course of action at this point was prudence.
And the tree opened its eyes. Tanjiro could feel how even in those empty eyes, the gaze was directed at him. He couldn't help but swallow hard. "This thing is not a demon, I don't know how, but I feel like this tree is older than Muzan." But before the hunter could continue his thoughts, the tree's mouth began to open, and the shape it took did not sit well with Tanjiro at all. A thin smile formed as its eyes took on an amused expression.
"Interesting..." The moment the tree spoke, Tanjiro could sense the amusement in its voice, as if it were telling a joke that only the being in front of him understood. "A lost soul in the machinations of others... Are you lost, little one?"
The hunter didn't respond, both out of distrust and the uncertainty he felt. He just stared intently at the tree, which, instead of being intimidated by the hunter's intense gaze, only laughed.
"Young man, don't look at me like that! I'm not like those unpleasant demons you faced..." Tanjiro noticed how the tree's expression soured, but then it regained its smile. "Calm down, I don't bite. At least, not in a long time." The comment didn't help ease his tension, but the tree didn't care and continued. "You're a hero, almost died like one, admirable. Of all the people I've met, you died like a true knight."
Tanjiro's eyes widened with surprise, and he felt his breath catch. Almost? Was he still alive? The tree responded, as if reading his thoughts: "Oh? Surprised? Yes, young one, you're not dead, at least not yet. Your body is still there, waiting to die."
Tanjiro couldn't help but ask, "And what is this place, an illusion?" Another laugh came from the tree. "Of course not! I'm very real..." the last part was said in a deeper tone but continued, "This is my favorite place, where I summon individuals of my interest, for interesting things... but getting back to the topic, I heard your sister's prayers... it's so sad that your gods are so deaf." His words were accompanied by a tone of false pity.
The hunter raised a curious eyebrow. "Are you a God? How do I know this isn't some trick by Muzan?"
"It doesn't matter what you believe, but what you will do," was the tree's response, which couldn't help but smile at the frustration forming on the hunter's face.
"I don't know what you are, or what you want. But I ask you to let me go back to my friends or..." His tone dropped along with his gaze, but he continued, "let me die." The tree seemed to think for a moment before responding, "Sure..." Tanjiro seemed to perk up, "not!" The hunter just grunted in frustration.
Still, the tree continued, "I know you want to go back to your friends and your precious sister; however, you're not here for empty talk. Your task is not yet finished."
Tanjiro's eyes widened in horror. Was Muzan still alive? The idea was terrible; in the end, the sacrifice would be in vain, and his sister would still be in danger.
"No, he's not alive," said the tree, grabbing the hunter's attention before he plunged into frustration. "At least not in this world, not anymore. Hahaha, not like he ever was! But who cares about talking ashes? What you need to know, my little friend, is that I have some issues from my side, and I think you're fit for what I want."
"I still don't understand what you want, you've only been ambiguous," Tanjiro replied, but then grimaced in annoyance, "you haven't been clear about what you desire, but I ask you, please, help me return."
"Of course, you're going to return; I'm not going to let you die! I'm not like your gods or the other fools! I'm very benevolent!" What he said made Tanjiro uncomfortable, the tone was theatrical and false, but still, he could feel that it was honest.
"Can I... can I go back then?" The hunter couldn't help but stammer at the prospect; it was too good. He could see his sister and friends again, live in a better time.
"No!" The cheerful response from the tree made Tanjiro's heart stop, but the ancient god continued, "As I told you, your mission is not over, at least not on my side. I'm sorry to burden you with this responsibility, but just consider it bad luck. What will you do? Well, you will eliminate certain individuals."
Tanjiro only looked at him in surprise, but his face wrinkled. "I won't kill anyone, even if you ask me."
The tree's tone remained casual. "You won't kill any humans, you silly boy! I need you to deal with an evil similar to that in your world!"
"What? Are there more demons?" The hunter felt nervous at the prospect. If that were the case, the sacrifice he had made was only to reduce a part of that evil.
"You know what? I'm tired of explanations; it's best that you see it for yourself." After that response, the previously empty eyes began to glow.
Tanjiro could only feel a warmth forming in his chest. He tried to move forward to prevent whatever the tree was doing, but his own body halted. He attempted to use any willpower he had to move it, but it was futile. And to his horror, he noticed several flames emerging from his chest and spreading throughout his body. Although it didn't hurt, and he didn't feel the burns, he could sense his soul sinking.
The tree spoke again. "See you! When? It doesn't matter! But I hope you fare well. I know you don't want this, but you'll have your reward. Goodbye!"
Before Tanjiro could speak, his body was engulfed in flames, blinding his own vision. All he felt was being pulled into the void, how his body fell, and his soul left the plane he was on. And in the end, as quickly as the flames came, they vanished, leaving only the tree, gazing at the spot where Kamado Tanjiro once stood.
The ancient god closed his eyes again and slept.
What he first perceived was the scent of the environment, both familiar and unfamiliar. Slowly, he opened his eyes and took a better look at the forest around him. He gently stood up and checked himself.
"What?..." He couldn't help but be surprised as he felt his left arm. He looked at the limb, being sure he had lost it in his battle against Muzan. Curiously, he touched his arm, searching for any anomalies, but found nothing, as if it had never been gone.
He could even feel that his own body was fine; he still felt exhausted but lacked any wounds he might have received. His right eye, which had been infected by the demon's blood, was healthy.
Although this should have been a relief, it rather seemed unsettling to him.
'I'm sure I fought against Muzan,' he thought, 'I fell to the ground, missing an arm and an eye, I should be dead, but then that tree...'
His gaze hardened, and he began to inspect any tree around him, but the only strange thing was that some plants seemed unfamiliar. In contrast, everything else looked quite normal.
He just sighed and regulated his breathing. He knew very well that losing his composure in this situation was not the best solution. However, his heart was still uneasy, and his mind had many questions. Where was he? What did that tree want? What would happen to his sister and friends? What should he do now?
He had to search, even though that spirit had taken him away from his friends and his sister. He hoped they were still with him. Somewhere, where? He didn't know, but he would have to search until he found a way home.
With that goal in mind, he began to explore the forest to find an exit. But just as he was about to take the first step, he felt his sandal crush a familiar surface. He removed his foot and observed, curious about what was on the ground.
His katana.
It was in perfect condition, just like him; it was no longer broken, as if it had been made for the first time (or again) by Hotaru. He took the sword and examined it.
Memories rushed back to him, that fateful day when everything changed. His screams, the bodies of his mother and siblings. Nezuko lunging at him with an insatiable desire for human flesh. Pleading with Tomioka not to kill her. The exam to become a demon slayer. The friends he made along the way. And his battle against Muzan, and the tree.
His hand tightened around the hilt, and his expression wrinkled. Now he wasn't sure if it had all been worth it, if he would see the people he cared about again, or if the demons had been exterminated.
He only hoped those creatures had faded away like dust in oblivion. He closed his eyes and offered a silent prayer, sheathed his sword, and continued his walk. A demon slayer would face any adversity, no matter what.
As he continued, he noticed how different this forest was compared to many he was familiar with. It still showcased recognizable fauna and flora, but there were things he couldn't identify. Boars, considerably larger than the ones he had come to know, and much more dangerous. There were also deer, notably larger.
Although he was accustomed to forests, both in his hometown and during his travels, he had developed a strong affinity for such environments. However, here, he felt somewhat lost; even the scent differed from the forests he visited. Despite the unfamiliar atmosphere, something that revived his hope was the unmistakable human scent coming from various directions. Although the emotions emanating from them gave him a bleak perspective, ranging from basic intentions to the darkest ones.
That kept him on alert, but at least there were people, and that reassured him. It was different from the forests in Japan, where many preferred to avoid them due to stories of disappearances. They were right; many of those areas were inhabited by demons that would prey on any unsuspecting person. In this forest, at least, there was a faint human presence.
But as he followed the scent of other people, night fell, and although tempted to continue his search, he was mentally exhausted. From what happened with Muzan to the tree, it had all been a mountain of complicated emotions to bear. He was faced with anticipation and uncertainty, and it wore him out.
Without much delay, he cut wood and gathered sticks to make a small shelter between two logs and a stone. He arranged the wood and created a small roof, then collected plants and moss to sit on and cover the improvised roof. He then lit a fire to ward off some animals; none posed a threat to him, but he wanted to avoid losing sleep due to any inconvenience. And if it was a human threat, his instincts would alert him.
When he finished, all he did was sit in the small shelter and gaze into the flames. He was ready to get lost in his own thoughts until the sound of rustling bushes caught his attention. He waited curiously until a large boar emerged. The animal, like some he had encountered, was large, easily capable of killing a grown man, and this one was no exception.
The animal glared at him, but he maintained a calm expression, gently gripping the hilt of his sword. Then a memory came to him, the first day he encountered that self-proclaimed "mountain god," Inosuke. Tanjiro trying to prevent him from starting a fight with Zenitsu and asking him to call him by his name.
Tanjiro couldn't help but smile at the memory. Despite working on extremely dangerous tasks where their lives could end in minutes, the boar-headed boy and Zenitsu did a good job lightening the mood. The three of them had developed a special bond that went beyond camaraderie. They weren't just friends; they were a unique part of him.
He noticed how the boar had already left, leaving him alone. Kamado sighed sadly; he missed them, and for a while, he had the feeling that they were much farther away than he thought. But the only thing he could do was cling to the hope that he would see them again, so that everyone could be happy once more.
His hands tensed, and his gaze hardened. He looked up at the night sky and made a promise.
"I will come back, I promise."
With that, he returned to his shelter and lay down on one of the logs, hoping to fall asleep.
Then, an aroma registered in his brain. Quickly, Tanjiro opened his eyes and saw sunlight bathing the forest. He stood up and extinguished the campfire. He began to search for where the aroma was coming from and discovered that it emanated from multiple people. But not only that, the sound of horse hooves pounding against the ground reached his ears.
Tanjiro couldn't help but feel excited at the prospect. This was going to be his first encounter with people. Although some of those scents seemed strange to him, they didn't set off any alarms, so he decided to go meet this group. For regular people, it would be physically impossible to traverse the forest so quickly, but for a demon slayer, it was routine. Following his sense of smell, he started running. Although he hadn't eaten anything, he didn't feel tired at all.
But as he got closer, he sensed another scent reaching his nose, forcing him to stop. They were humans, that was certain, but there were quite a few, maybe around thirty, rapidly approaching the group. And none of them had good intentions. He could discern emotions of hatred and violence directed towards the group. However, what stood out the most was a strong sense of greed. With a growl, he approached the group, and to his unease, he felt his sense of smell picking up the scent of blood. And it was only increasing.
When he finally got close, he was almost about to stop at the sight before him. The only thing that prevented him from pausing to analyze the people in front of him was the fight that had erupted. But what he was sure of was that these people were not Japanese.
His gaze scanned the battlefield and made a quick analysis. The ones who smelled better and had quality armor were fighting against ragged-looking men wielding a variety of weapons, from spears and hammers to swords.
But his eyes stopped on a blonde woman in elegant attire. She was futilely trying to strike one of the ragged men while attempting to protect her daughter with her arm. Tanjiro supposed that one of her guards lay dead on the ground.
It was enough for him. With a powerful leap and a somersault, he landed in the midst of the battlefield, causing some to stop and watch him. Before anyone could say anything, the hunter ran towards the man holding onto the woman. Before he could turn around, Tanjiro delivered a spinning kick, sending him flying and crashing to the ground.
The woman looked at him in surprise, but he wasn't done. Another bandit leaped toward Tanjiro with his sword raised; as it descended, the hunter sidestepped and delivered a punch to the man's face, who met the same fate as his companion.
"Get into the carriage, I'll protect you!" shouted the hunter. The woman didn't need to be told twice as she grabbed the little girl. An arrow headed towards her back, but Tanjiro caught it. He turned to see where it came from and spotted a startled archer, who snapped out of his stupor to reload his bow.
Without wasting any time, Tanjiro picked up a stone and precisely threw it at the man's hand. He had no chance to react, and he watched as his fingers were mangled upon impact, causing him to writhe on the ground in pain.
Tanjiro had to grab the handle of an axe just before the blade crashed into his head. With little effort, he wrenched the axe from the bandit's hands and tossed it aside. Before the astonished man could react, he received a punch to the chin that left him kneeling on the ground.
Kamado turned to face another bandit, but before that could happen, a sword pierced through the man's chest. Tanjiro grimaced as the body fell at his feet, raised his gaze, and saw the perpetrator – a tall, blond man in white armor.
The hunter couldn't help but grimace. He wanted to prevent more people from dying, but it was impossible; the bandits had taken the risk. He gave a brief nod of gratitude to the man in front of him.
The man examined him for a few seconds but stepped back to protect the carriage where the woman and her children were. However, the bandits kept coming, and so did the arrows. Some were aimed at the man behind Tanjiro, but he used his own shield to cover himself.
The hunter had to think fast. It was imperative to get rid of the archers; they were proving troublesome, killing or injuring the men trying to defend themselves. Tanjiro sniffed the surroundings, and it didn't take him long to find the culprits; there were six of them.
Kamado quickly grabbed stones in his hands and forcefully threw them at a branch in the trees. He could see one of the archers falling to the ground with a dull thud. Tanjiro felt the man wasn't dead, but he doubted he could walk again; he would regret it later.
He searched with his sense of smell and found another bandit among the bushes. Before the archer could react, another stone smashed into his nose, leaving him on the ground groaning in pain.
He turned to the left and shot a stone at an archer who tried to shoot from behind the rocks. The man screamed in agony as his hand was shattered.
One was already escaping, so it wasn't worth it, but the other... Tanjiro caught the arrow heading for his neck and with a swift motion, threw a stone at another tree. The only sound was the thud of a body hitting the ground. He searched for the sixth, but he was already dead.
But there was no time to think. Another man lunged at him wielding a spear, trying to impale the hunter. Tanjiro just had to grab the weapon; the bandit only looked surprised. However, before he could react, his face was struck with the back end of his own weapon.
Tanjiro saw two bandits running towards him. The first tried to deliver a horizontal slash that the hunter dodged, then responded with a punch to the chin, leaving the man unconscious. The other, carrying a hammer and more armored than his companions, charged at his back trying to strike his head. Tanjiro simply evaded again and delivered a blow to the man's abdomen.
Although in theory, the armor should have left Tanjiro's hand injured, it was far from reality; the metal crumpled under his strength and sent the man flying a few meters away from the hunter. Despite the bandit ending up vomiting, he composed himself and charged with a scream of anger towards the young man.
Tanjiro took only a few steps to close the distance with the man. And before he tried to swing his hammer, the hunter jumped and delivered another punch to the man's cheek. This time, he stayed on the ground.
Tanjiro turned around and found himself surrounded by four bandits, each with looks of hatred directed towards him.
"This bastard messed everything up!" shouted one of them, he looked at his companions and issued a command: "We might die, but we'll rip this little bastard's head off!"
They all nodded in unison, and the four of them lunged with their swords and axes towards Tanjiro. But as their weapons were descending, suddenly, like a lightning bolt, they were shattered. The bandits didn't even know what happened as they lowered what remained of their weapons. Until they noticed what the hunter was holding: a beautiful dark blade.
Tanjiro spun his sword, and with the back of the katana, he struck one of the bandits on the shoulder. The man fell to the ground with rolled-back eyes.
One who was behind the young man tried to pull out a knife, but he didn't even get to grip the handle before another strike of the katana to the stomach sent him flying. Only two were left, one of them managed to grab a knife and lunged towards Tanjiro, aiming for his neck. The hunter just gave him a calm look, grabbed the man's wrist, then flipped him over and slammed him to the ground, and with a crunch, he broke his wrist.
The last one, with a growl, charged with fists to strike Tanjiro, but the hunter only needed to deliver a right hook to render him unconscious. He noticed one last time how many of the bandits were running into the forest, and others lay dead.
Although they were common criminals, the fight could have gotten complicated if he hadn't appeared. He was grateful that the family was safe, but he couldn't help but feel uneasy seeing the corpses. He was accustomed to death, and especially violence, but he would try to avoid killing another human being; his own ethics as a demon slayer prevented him from doing so.
But when the battle ended, many surprised looks were directed towards him. It didn't surprise him; people weren't used to seeing a hunter, even though he had tried to restrain himself to not scare others, he knew he had caught attention.
Then, he felt a presence near him, turned around, and saw the same blond man from before with a surprised expression. "Good job, kid. Honestly, for being so young, your performance was better than most knights I've known," he carefully examined the unconscious bodies of the bandits and looked back at him, "extraordinary, and I tell you that. Congratulations, but I don't know if you understand me."
Tanjiro just opened his eyes in surprise but then smiled, "O-oh! Of course, I understand, Mr...?"
"Jaime Lannister."
"Lannister-san, I appreciate it, but I was just doing my duty," Tanjiro looked back at the field, and his gaze tensed, "Although I think I should have arrived earlier."
Jaime just sighed with mock disappointment, "Don't lament it, kid. This was inevitable. This forest has bands of bandits, but what surprises me is the level of idiocy of these," he angrily kicked the unconscious body of one, "Are they so bold as to attack the royal family? I don't know whether to be amazed by their courage or their incredible stupidity."
Tanjiro looked at the man with surprise and couldn't help but ask, "The royal family?"
Jaime glanced at him with a hint of boredom but answered, "Right, you're not from around here. But yes, the woman and the two children you saved are the wife and children of King Robert. I don't know what they call it in your land, but he's the highest authority in Westeros. Not only that, his wife is my sister and is a Lannister," the man gave him a few shoulder taps and smiled, "You hit the jackpot, kid."
"I just do what's right, I don't think about the reward..." Tanjiro murmured as he observed Jaime. There were things about the man that made him feel a bit uneasy, given that he could sense certain lies in his narrative, but he had to opt for caution.
When he finally could analyze the situation, he noticed that the people around him were not Japanese; they didn't dress like Japanese, and for what seemed to be a military force, he didn't see any firearms. He thought he might be in another country, but it was improbable; there were things that didn't add up. Moreover, he knew there were countries with better industrial capabilities than Japan, and he doubted that many still used swords and armor in the midst of the Taisho era.
"By the way, you speak the common tongue very well for a stranger from distant lands." This almost casual comment from Jaime caught Tanjiro off guard.
His gaze tensed because it was true; he shouldn't even be able to understand. Although he was a literate person with a decent education for his circumstances, he didn't know other languages. But when he spoke with these people, he felt like he had always been able to speak their language. It was impossible; yet, with everything he had experienced, was it really?
He only felt more doubts the more he thought about it, but he decided to come back to reality.
"And where are we?" he asked curiously, trying to hide the nervousness that arose within him.
Jaime looked at him curiously but still answered, "You're in Kingswood, the royal forest that borders between the Crownlands and the Stormlands." Tanjiro felt the knight's gaze become suspicious, but he remained calm, "It's strange; you speak our language very well but don't know where you are."
The hunter looked disheartened but replied, "It's a long story, but I'm not sure how I ended up here."
The knight stared at him for a few seconds, as if searching for something suspicious, but then simply shrugged and looked away, "I guess your travels played a trick on you, but don't worry, I don't suspect you. By the way, I'd like to know the name of the man who saved my sister and my nephews."
"My name is Kamado Tanjiro," he said with a smile as he bowed. Although there were things that made him wary of the man, for the moment, he preferred to be as diplomatic as possible.
The knight looked curiously at the greeting, then asked, "By the way, Kamado Tanjiro, why didn't you kill them?"
The hunter fell silent, feeling like he might have raised some suspicions in Jaime. He thought the knight might believe he was working with the bandits, although it seemed implausible to him. He figured it was best to dispel those small doubts.
"I can't kill them; I made a vow, but... they assumed the risk by doing this," Tanjiro explained.
Jaime just shrugged and turned his back to Tanjiro, "I guess everyone has their own way of seeing life, but here?" The Lannister chuckled under his breath, "It'll be hard to uphold, and I tell you that."
Tanjiro frowned and replied, "I have the strength to prevent that from happening." Even if he was far from home, the time he spent there would prevent him from killing a human; it was a vow he made as a demon slayer.
"Fair enough," the knight replied calmly, as if he hadn't even taken Tanjiro's words into account. "But I'll give you this advice, if you break it, don't let that sink you. Anyway, I hope the king rewards you for your efforts, Kamado Tanjiro."
With those last words, Jaime left Tanjiro alone, who simply stood there contemplating what to do. He could just leave and mind his own business with these strange people, but on the other hand, maybe the king could help him return home. However, deep down, he wasn't sure about that; something in his subconscious told him it was too far-fetched.
Still, Tanjiro decided that seeking some help from such an important authority would give him a better understanding of where he was. He just hoped the king would be a diplomatic person.
But as he was about to sit on one of the rocks, he felt a small hand press against his leg. He lowered his head and saw the little girl he had saved. Remembering Jaime's words, he bowed respectfully again.
The girl just laughed at his reaction. "You saved us from those bad men, are you a knight?" she asked with childish curiosity, examining the hunter.
Tanjiro couldn't help but give her a friendly smile and replied, "I'm not, just doing what's right."
The girl asked curiously, "Why aren't you a knight?"
The hunter scratched his head a bit confused; he understood the concept from some stories he had been told as a child. But he was sure the concept didn't apply in his country, so he just shrugged.
"I am from a distant land, my customs are not like yours, young princess," he said softly. He noticed how the girl's eyes sparkled, and just as she was about to burst with questions, another voice intervened.
"Darling, this young man must be exhausted, why don't you return to the carriage?" The woman's smile was gentle; however, the girl only nodded silently and then returned to the carriage.
Tanjiro merely bowed, but he couldn't help feeling uneasy in her presence. When he smelled the woman, he could only perceive ill intentions and the distrust she felt for him at that moment. Still, he dismissed it as a normal concern of a mother seeing her children in danger. That's what he hoped for.
"May I know your name, young man?" The woman's tone was different from her emotions, much more affable.
"Kamado Tanjiro, my lady," he responded gently, but more seriously. Deep down, he couldn't help but be cautious around the woman. Her scent reminded him of the demon from the red-light district, without the bloodlust and aura of power.
This was one of those cases. Although the woman didn't display overt external aggression, Tanjiro could feel the feelings of disdain emanating from her. It wasn't solely a result of the bandit attack and the danger his family faced.
Tanjiro kept his distance and continued to analyze his situation. Among the few conclusions he had drawn so far, he was somewhere outside of Japan (or very isolated, but it seemed impossible). People seemed unaware of recent technological advances and had their own monarchy. The more he thought, the more the hunter couldn't help but feel a headache forming.
Before he could continue his reflection, the sound of horses reached his ears. Gently, his hand moved towards his sword. He sniffed the air and detected a scent similar to the queen's group. However, he also sensed a powerful malice. He only clenched his jaw and waited.
When a group of men with the same attire as those defending the queen, albeit with some differences, emerged from the forest, Tanjiro relaxed a bit.
Then, from the small group, a tall and overweight man emerged. His horse was as dark as his beard, but what caught Tanjiro's attention was the smell of wine emanating from him. He was sure that even without his heightened senses, a normal person would be more than capable of perceiving it.
However, his intentions were murderous. His face was red, and his gaze held a cold killing intent. Still, after what seemed like a brief and silent reflection, the man calmed down. He distanced himself from his own group and approached the queen. But when Tanjiro expected some gesture of affection, he was surprised to see the woman slap him.
"My children were almost kidnapped because of you, Robert!" The tone was very venomous, more than the hunter expected.
However, the man remained unfazed. He merely sighed irritably and replied, "I'm sorry, Cersei. I wanted us all to have a moment like... a family on this trip."
"Really? Putting my children's lives at risk? How much do we have to pay for your foolish whims?" mocked the queen.
"This wasn't a whim," growled Robert. "If you hadn't been angry with me when I decided to bring you here and leave with our children, this wouldn't have happened. You are as responsible as I am."
The woman just laughed, "If you feel so sorry for the Arryn situation, go lament by yourself, but don't drag your family into it."
The king just glared at the woman, his jaw clenched, and he was ready to respond with his hands. Tanjiro was prepared to stop the man if Myrcella hadn't hugged her father's leg, bringing him back to reality.
"Daddy was scared!" the little one sobbed as she clung tighter to the man's leg. "I don't want it to happen again!"
Robert was surprised by the show of affection. He fell silent for a few seconds and then awkwardly stroked the girl's head. He cast one last venomous glance at Cersei and moved the child aside. As he was about to give orders, Myrcella spoke again.
"Dad, he saved me and mom from those bad men." The girl pointed to Tanjiro. The hunter almost grimaced; he had hoped the encounter would be in a less awkward situation.
Still, he only bowed, hoping the encounter would end there, until the king walked towards Tanjiro. The hunter stiffened as he saw the man analyzing him until he spoke, "Given your size, I would think you're not capable of fighting. However, looking at you, I can sense there's a natural fighter in there. Are you from the Free Cities?"
"The truth is, I don't know what you're referring to, sir," Tanjiro responded, confused.
"You don't know? For a traveler, you seem unaware of what the Free Cities are? It's suspicious," Robert's gaze turned inquisitive, and Tanjiro knew he had to find a way out of a potential misunderstanding.
"I don't remember much about what happened before coming here; I just know that I woke up here." It was true, perhaps not in great detail, but he doubted they would believe the story of how he was on the brink of death and how a magical tree intervened.
"I see," the king said softly. "I won't deny that you raised my suspicions; however, you saved my family. I can see you've had bad luck, and I sense you're lost. I'll give you a hand to get back home."
Tanjiro was encouraged by this. "I would be very grateful, sir!" He bowed again, but the king waved it off.
"Don't worry, lad. You saved my family; it's the least I can do for you." He patted Tanjiro on the shoulder, then turned and headed towards the royal group. "Alright, let's head back to King's Landing. This journey has already gone to the seven hells."
Tanjiro merely raised an eyebrow in confusion at the curse, assuming it was just part of their strange culture. However, he also noticed the intentions emanating from a bored-looking blond boy carrying a crossbow. The malice coming from him was deep, almost suppressed.
It was concerning.
But then, the king's voice caught his attention. "By the way, execute those fools. We need to send a message to any bandit thinking of trying it again."
The demon slayer just silently watched as they dragged the unconscious bandits. The only sound was the clash of swords against flesh.
Tanjiro clenched his fists; he knew these men were after him. However, the unease persisted.
When the king and his entourage left Kingswood, Tanjiro had to take a horse; he could have simply run to the location, but he didn't want to attract too much attention (more than he already had) and alarm others, so he took a horse from one of the bandits.
He wasn't accustomed to riding horses, but it wasn't unfamiliar to him; the times he went down to the village to sell charcoal, he had to help some people and sometimes had to ride. However, after becoming a hunter, and with the abilities he developed, he found it unnecessary. Nevertheless, now it was a pleasant surprise.
At first, the animal was reluctant towards him, but after patting its head and establishing recognition, the horse allowed him to mount. It was a comfortable journey; the scenery began to change as some cabins came into view, and there was more civilian presence.
However, the journey wasn't destined to last long; apparently, the royal group hadn't ventured too far from King's Landing, as they called it, so they didn't have to take a very long route to return.
Although the return didn't last too long, a conversation arose. This happened when one of the knights in white armor, whom Tanjiro now recognized as the royal guard, approached him. Unlike his other companions, the man was already old; however, Kamado looked beyond that and saw a seasoned warrior.
Tanjiro slowed his own horse to match the pace of the royal guard; the old man glanced at him for a few seconds but then spoke.
"As a member of the royal guard, I want to extend my congratulations and thanks for defending the royal family, young Kamado."
Tanjiro just smiled. "Thank you very much. May I ask your name, sir?"
"I am Barristan Selmy, a member of the Kingsguard," he replied calmly. "May I ask what kind of sword that is? I've faced many men throughout my life; however, I've never seen that type of sword."
"Of course!" Tanjiro nodded, moved his hand to the hilt of his weapon, and drew it, but he did so carefully not to alarm anyone. He received some glances, but Barristan raised his hand, and everyone returned their gaze to the road.
Nevertheless, Tanjiro continued, "In my country, Japan, we call it a katana. It's a weapon that has been used throughout history, and this one was crafted for me," the hunter couldn't help but smile nostalgically.
"May I hold it?" Selmy asked. Kamado simply nodded and handed it to him. The knight grasped the weapon and examined it.
"Quite an interesting sword. It's not like those around here; it's lighter. I can see it's made from special materials and crafted by a skilled blacksmith. Still, it feels heavier than a sword from the Seven Kingdoms, with exceptions, of course. Something tells me you need great skill to wield it." The guard handed the weapon back to a slightly surprised Tanjiro.
Selmy chuckled lightly, "Believe me, young man, when you've fought for as long as I have, you can guess the type of weapon you're facing. Now tell me," his gaze fixed on Tanjiro, "Are you a mercenary?"
Kamado felt that the aura around the man had become cautious, yet Tanjiro sensed no ill intention from him.
His tone faltered in confusion, but he replied, "But I'm sure I'm not; I am part of a group of hunters dedicated to defending the innocent." Tanjiro had to conceal the demon matter; he was unsure of how Selmy might react, and for now, he wanted to avoid any incidents.
"Are you a hunter? Do you hunt animals or humans as well?" Barristan asked with an inquisitive tone.
Tanjiro couldn't help but feel uncomfortable at the prospect of hunters killing humans; they were not unfamiliar with the idea. However, he could imagine how dangerous they would be if they used their power against the weaker ones.
So, he posed a question closer to the truth, "More than that, we dedicate ourselves to defending the weak from those who use their power to harm them." His eyebrows furrowed, "Still, we don't kill, except if they are animals. It goes against our ethics to take the lives of other people."
Barristan's eyebrow raised in curiosity, "So how do you defend the weak without shedding blood? I find that to be a very... optimistic perspective."
Tanjiro nervously chuckled; for him, it was a strange explanation, but he could only craft a version of the truth, not lie. "Hehehe... it's just that our organization wasn't created to pass judgment on others' lives. We want to be better than them."
Kamado just thought about how incoherent his explanation was, but he couldn't mention demons. He felt that if he gave that explanation, it would be less credible, and they would look at him as a stranger, if they weren't doing so already.
The commander of the Kingsguard looked at him and then nodded in puzzlement, "Alright, it's respectable. I suppose things in your land aren't as complicated. But I find it hard to believe it's viable or sustainable, especially in the Seven Kingdoms."
Although it seemed like the topic ended there, Tanjiro felt that his response only left more questions in the air. He just hoped that these doubts wouldn't deteriorate the situation. Another thing that made him uncomfortable was that, while explaining his stance of not killing other humans, he only received strange looks, as if he were a child talking about fantasies.
He could only wonder how dangerous this kingdom was for the notion of avoiding taking the life of another human being to be considered strange.
"A piece of advice." Selmy's voice brought Tanjiro out of his thoughts. This time, the man's expression changed a bit; a smirk adorned his lips, and he spoke, "King's Landing is not a city known for its cleanliness. If you're not used to it, it can be an unpleasant experience."
Tanjiro just looked at him confused but nodded. He didn't think it could be that bad; he had grown accustomed to the smell of blood and the stench of demons, so finding something worse than that seemed unlikely. So, he just waited expectantly for what he would encounter.
Arriving in King's Landing turned out to be a revelatory experience for Kamado Tanjiro. Throughout his life as a hunter, he had faced various situations, from developing superhuman strength to defeating Muzan. However, what he was witnessing at that moment could easily be ranked among those exceptional experiences.
When Desembarco del Rey was mentioned, Tanjiro imagined encountering a hidden small village or the roots of a modern civilization. But what he discovered far exceeded his expectations. Instead of a simple village or a small town, he stood before an extensive capital that loomed on the horizon.
As the royal group stopped at the shores of the Blackwater River, Tanjiro had the opportunity to admire the city from a distance. He immediately understood that this place couldn't be anywhere near Japan. At first, he considered the possibility of it being some isolated foreign culture, but this idea now seemed unlikely.
The sight of the city left him so amazed that he didn't even realize when one of the royal guards approached and instructed him to board the boat.
He barely managed to react, simply nodding. A knot formed in his stomach, and the inability to avoid it heightened his unease.
His horse had to stay on another boat, while he was allowed to travel on the royal family's vessel. However, the magnitude of the situation prevented him from fully appreciating the scenery; his mind was filled with doubts. As they approached the river gate, the unease in his heart grew.
When they reached the river gate, the situation didn't improve but, on the contrary, worsened. Although they hadn't entered the city yet, Tanjiro could sense the smell emanating from it: a mixture of human scent, animal flesh, and the negative emotions of those residing in King's Landing.
It was unsettling; although he was no stranger to human misery and had been to the poorest suburbs of Tokyo, he had never experienced such a penetrating smell.
As they passed through the gates, the situation didn't improve. The scene before Tanjiro's eyes was even more depressing; people displayed tired, irritated, and empty gazes. The hunter could sense the animosity many felt towards the royal group, unsure whether to blame them. The architecture, the state of the streets, and the lack of hygiene indicated that the city had seen better days.
However, the smell turned out to be the worst part. With a more developed sense of smell, Tanjiro could perceive a wide range of scents invading his nostrils, from the fragrance of a simple person to others whose nature he preferred not to imagine.
The combination of these different odors created a unique mix; he couldn't hide his disgust as his face took on a bluish hue, eliciting laughter from one of the king's men who commented on how green Tanjiro was to King's Landing.
He didn't pay much attention; his sympathy was directed towards the city's inhabitants. Their hopes had faded, and all they sought was to survive, not live. To Tanjiro, that wasn't life; he and his friends fought for a better future, where everyone could live in peace, and witnessing this reality only disheartened him.
Although he wasn't entirely aware of the political situation in his country, he was sure the Emperor wouldn't neglect his people like this. Furthermore, he noticed a marked lack of industrial development; there was no trace of cars or electricity.
He didn't want to get involved in political matters, but he wondered what the king was doing in the midst of situations like this, which gave rise to children like those on the train. The memory clenched his fists, causing the horse's reins to tighten sharply. Desperation, pain, and hatred were emotions capable of plunging humans into the darkest abysses of cruelty.
This concern worsened when considering that his own situation had drastically deteriorated; it didn't take him much to conclude that he was very far from home. He highly doubted that this place was even close to China. For a moment, the idea crossed his mind that it might be that place he had seen on maps, books, and some newspapers called "United States," but it seemed impossible. If Japan was in the midst of industrialization, that country must be many steps ahead.
He pondered on how there was no logical reason for these people to abandon the use of firearms, especially if the kingdom was so dangerous. As he realized the truth, the situation worsened for him, and he experienced a deeper sense of discomfort.
However, he experienced a brief moment of distraction when the caravan turned onto the Hook and reached the Red Keep. Tanjiro could only gaze in awe at the place; it was almost majestic, although the smell emanating from the city dimmed the impressive view.
It was as Tanjiro had imagined it in stories; the royal gates opened, and they entered the immense castle. The stench of filth was not as overpowering now, although it still lingered in certain areas of the castle, presumably from the stables.
However, there was one aroma that stood out above all; it was strange, subtle, and almost imperceptible but tangible. It was the characteristic smell of ashes that lay beneath the castle. Despite this, Tanjiro decided to ignore it.
Once everyone dismounted their horses, the castle servants took Tanjiro's horse. Although the animal initially resisted moving away from its owner, Kamado patted it and told it he would be back. To the surprise of some, the horse obeyed and allowed the servants to lead it to the stables.
Upon entering the royal hall, the demon hunter was captivated by the decoration and, above all, the aura of the place. From experience, he knew there were few places in the world capable of radiating their own energy. One example was places inhabited by demons, practically saturated with their energy or even fused with them, generating a constant feeling of discomfort.
However, the Red Keep was different. From its walls, it could tell a story of conquest, fire, and blood. Tanjiro noticed that this place was not unfamiliar with evil, but it was different from what demons emitted. It was much more natural and human, although at the same time, he sensed the presence of something he couldn't describe. He only hoped it wasn't anything dangerous and that it wouldn't jeopardize the city's inhabitants.
Then, he noticed how a small crowd was forming in the hall, but everyone took one side to clear the way. Tanjiro almost stayed in the middle, but he was quick enough to realize and positioned himself alongside the crowd. He observed how the people around him exuded a unique air of pomposity, very different from the common folk he had met in the city. Everyone wore fine clothes, jewelry, or a sword. Some cast curious glances his way, as if he were a stranger invited to a party where he wasn't welcome. However, the hunter ignored it; it wasn't the first time he had been looked down upon.
Nevertheless, he preferred that to the dark intentions some of those present had in the room. They not only looked out for their own interests but seemed like predators waiting for the moment to strike. Tanjiro wondered if that's how it worked in their country because if so, then Ubayashiki was the best aristocrat he had known.
Then, all murmurs hushed when Robert entered. When the man's gaze settled on the throne, he sighed wearily. For Tanjiro, it was normal; the throne was something ugly in his opinion, very uncomfortable, and even dangerous if a wrong move was made. Between avoiding cutting oneself and trying to concentrate, it must have been a feat for the king.
The king's gaze swept across everyone in the room, and he spoke: "I suppose you've heard the rumors, but I'll confirm them anyway: my family was attacked in the royal forest by a group of bandits."
The entire hall erupted in murmurs of surprise, but Tanjiro could discern that many of those expressions of concern were false. Even when it came to endangered children, many seemed not to care; they were only seeking to give a good impression before their majesty.
He felt disgusted.
Robert raised his hand, and the murmurs ceased. "However, my family is safe and sound thanks to the work of the guards and a young man who risked his life for us. Still, I don't want this to happen again."
"My lord," a soft, male voice spoke. Tanjiro followed the scent and saw a bald man emerging from the people in the hall. Robert signaled for him to continue. "According to my informants, there has been an increase in these groups in the royal forest. They are becoming more tempted by the wealth and nobles coming out of King's Landing."
The king raised an eyebrow, confused and annoyed, and asked, "Why didn't you tell me this earlier, Varys?"
"If I may be so bold, I told you a month ago, my lord," responded the eunuch, and the king's gaze blanked out, but Varys continued, "I advised sending a detachment of gold cloaks, and the Stormlands contributing their own men if you and your brother agree."
"Of course, if my brother commands it, those men will be marching to the royal forest to root out that pest," Renly responded with a smile. However, he then continued, "But I wonder, what motivated them to make such a risky decision?"
"Greed, my lord, as simple as it seems," replied Varys in an even tone.
"But attacking the royal family, and them knowing where they are, doesn't it seem strange, spider?" Renly shrugged. "This attack could be the result of the ambition of some fools or premeditated."
Varys only glanced at the man. "If your implication is correct, I would already be aware of any attempt against the king or his family."
"Such a bold statement for such a foolish oversight that put the royal family at risk," Renly retorted. Before Varys could respond, the irate King Robert interrupted them.
"Enough, I'm tired of listening to your diatribes. I'll be clear; I want to prevent this from happening again. So, I'll do what Varys tells me; I don't want a bunch of bandits backing me into a corner, understand?" Everyone nodded, and he continued, "So, I'll send three hundred gold cloaks and two hundred men from my house. I don't see the need to bother others with this problem."
Both the rumor-monger and the edict-giver nodded silently. Tanjiro felt there was a better way to deal with this issue; sending garrisons wouldn't help if they were going to create a false sense of security for the bandits to return later. However, he kept that opinion to himself. From what he had observed of Robert's reign, addressing the underlying issues wasn't among his priorities.
Sighing, he responded, "I would like access to the maps you possess, my lord, to find out where I am and thus be able to return home."
The man only nodded slowly, as if expecting a different answer, but he seemed satisfied. However, Tanjiro couldn't help but feel uneasy about the intentions emanating from some people in the room, especially a mustached man and Varys, who were waiting for any misstep to corner him.
He didn't understand why. He hadn't done anything wrong; he just wanted to go back home. Why was everyone acting as if everything around him was a constant threat? It didn't seem normal to him. Since setting foot in the throne room, he could feel that none of these people's intentions were in favor of the realm but rather of themselves.
He hoped to leave the kingdom soon and return home, although the possibility was distant.
"Very well," spoke the king. "I'll have one of my maesters assist you and will also provide you with about four hundred gold dragons so you can finance your return and find a place to stay."
"Thank you very much," Tanjiro replied.
"Whatever," said the king in a more jovial tone. "This day has been dreadful, so I'm going to try to fix it by filling my stomach and having some woman in my lap."
The demon slayer couldn't help but feel a twinge of sadness for the queen. Now he could understand why Cersei felt that way, especially if they had been together for so long and had fathered three children. It must be a painful experience to see her husband and the father of her children go to bed with another woman. Tanjiro could only feel empathy for the woman.
They were introduced to Maester Edward Storm, an elderly man with a beard and a bald head who still managed to walk without a cane, making the journey brief. When both entered the library, Tanjiro asked, "So, sir... are you like a schoolmaster?"
The old man chuckled but replied, "No, I am not. There are some academies that may admit commoners or the Citadel itself, but my duties, like those of my fellow maester, are aimed at educating the nobility."
Tanjiro didn't find it strange; he was certain that, at best, a small part of the population knew how to read, not much different from his own country. He lacked a formal education himself; everything he learned was at home, his father had taught him enough to understand how the outside world worked. Everything else came from his own life experience. But he didn't think it was fair for others that education was so limited.
"Here it is!" exclaimed the maester. The man placed a scroll on the table and then unfolded it. Tanjiro approached the map slowly and fell silent. "This is a map of the known world; not all are accurate, as they can vary by author, but this version was made in the Citadel, it's the most accurate one we have. So, tell me, where is your home?" Edward looked up with a smile, but it faded as he saw Tanjiro's worried expression.
The demon slayer barely paid attention to the maester's explanation; his heart began to beat fast, and a knot formed in his stomach. What he saw in front of him was terrible. There was no Japan; in fact, there was nothing resembling his world. He had seen many maps before, was aware of what other countries were like, and above all, understood what Asia was like. And what was in front of him bore no resemblance to his world.
He felt sweat dripping from his forehead.
"Are you alright?" the maester asked with concern.
"I don't know, I..." Tanjiro felt his voice tremble but tried to regain composure. "Do you know what China is?" He could understand if it were a set of islands he wasn't aware of, but these were continents.
Edward rubbed his chin, pondered for a few minutes, then shook his head. "I don't know what realm that is; I've never heard of it. Perhaps somewhere in Sothoryos or Essos?"
However, Tanjiro didn't respond; he looked back at the map nervously, there was nothing he could recognize. There were only names like Yi Ti, Leng, or the Jade Sea. But there was no trace of Japan or nearby countries.
"I can't recognize anything on this map," he finally replied. His gaze futilely searched for something that was no longer there. The maester wore a solemn expression but answered, "You seem like a person from Yi Ti; I've never met one, but I've seen portraits. However, you're also different: your hair is distinct, and so is your attire. I believe you suffer from amnesia."
Tanjiro wanted to respond with a no, that this wasn't about amnesia. His memories were still there: his family's murder, his sister turned demon, him becoming a hunter to cure her, his friends, and even his own death. And, finally, that tree. His eyes widened as the truth he had been denying intensified in his mind; that being had sent him to another world to fulfill a mission.
But he didn't know what to do, didn't even know where he was; he had no starting point. There wasn't even a guarantee that he would be returned to his world; he was practically trapped. He only felt his hands clenching into fists, sweat running down his forehead, and the knot in his stomach.
"Do you need water?" Tanjiro snapped back to reality when the maester's concerned voice interrupted his thoughts.
"No, thank you... I'm just very overwhelmed," he said slowly. He looked at the map again and let out a shaky sigh. "And where am I?"
"You are here," his finger pointed to the western landmass on the map, specifically the place labeled 'Crownlands.' "What you see are the Seven Kingdoms, each ruled by His Excellency Robert Baratheon. Right now, you are in the Crownlands."
"I see." He brought his hand to his mouth and began to devise a plan; he simply couldn't give up. He would have to find a way back; if he could come here, he could return. Then, a question arose in his mind. He recalled the tree's words, how it spoke of "his side"; if he wasn't mistaken, that side was the world he was in.
"One question, Edward-san." The maester only nodded in acknowledgment. "Do you know of any tree with a face?"
The maester fell silent, puzzled, but then his eyes lit up. "Are you referring to the heart trees?"
"Heart trees?" Tanjiro echoed.
"You see, based on what you described, it sounds like a heart tree. Look." He searched one of the shelves and pulled out a somewhat dirty book. "Religions of the Seven Kingdoms, this is a compendium on faith in Westeros; it was created by maester Yandel, who also wrote a book about our world, one of the most important for understanding our history. So..." He opened the book on the table and started flipping through many pages while murmuring, until he stopped at one, and Tanjiro's eyes widened too.
"These are the heart trees; they are part of the beliefs of the people in the North; according to the Northerners and the Free Folk, the gods see through them, hence the faces. However, in the South, this belief has been phased out in favor of the Seven." He looked up from the book and gazed at Tanjiro. "Are you seeking a heart tree?"
The demon slayer only silently stared at the heart trees depicted in the book; they were just like the one he had encountered before coming here, although their condition was better. He wondered, what would a god from another world want with him? But he wouldn't know until he found out. He needed to find one of these trees and, consequently, a way home. It was the only idea that occurred to him to return to his family.
"Yes," he responded determinedly. "Where can I find them?"
The maester cleared his throat. "You can find them in the North; they used to exist in the Neck, but they were destroyed. However, many are found in somewhat dangerous areas where Free Folk dwell and in strongholds, especially in Winterfell. I would recommend going there."
Tanjiro simply nodded in silence, but the maester continued speaking.
"So, if you're heading to Winterfell, I need to give you some advice. When heading north, you should know that these lands are ruled by Eddard Stark, a great friend of the king. He's an honorable man, although the people of the North are reserved with foreigners, especially those not from the Seven Kingdoms. But I believe you are an educated person, so I don't think you'll have problems." The maester's finger traced a path extending from the king's lands to the north, which Tanjiro assumed was Winterfell.
"This line here is the Kingsroad. You have to pass through the Riverlands, especially the Neck, which is a tricky area, but if you stay on the road, you shouldn't have many problems. If you want to get there quickly, I advise avoiding detours; in general, it would take you approximately 58 days, I believe. But if you don't mind, you can go by boat; however, it would take a bit longer, and there's a risk of encountering pirates. But if you go by the Kingsroad, keep in mind that winter is coming, and sometimes it's more troublesome and harsh than any man," the maester explained.
Tanjiro clenched his jaw; it was too long, but on the other hand, he was relieved that demons no longer existed in his home, so he wasn't in a hurry. However, concern persisted; he didn't want to imagine his sister crying because he left or trying to search for him without fruitful results. Besides, he was already accustomed to winter, so he supposed it wouldn't be a problem. Regardless, he knew he had to try. He noticed how Edward pointed out some points on the map and handed it to him.
"Uh? No, I don't think I can accept this, sir. Isn't it yours?" he asked skeptically.
The maester chuckled. "Don't worry, Kamado, this is just one of the many maps a maester can access. Besides, this one has plenty of copies. Take it, you'll need it."
Tanjiro slowly took it and smiled before bowing. "Thank you very much for your help, Edward-san!"
"It's nothing, I'm just following the king's orders." Tanjiro was ready to leave, but the man's voice stopped him. However, there was no longer any sparkle on his face, just seriousness. "One last thing, be careful. And I think you should leave Desembarco del Rey as soon as possible; it's a pit of misery. If someone sees you with so many gold dragons, they won't hesitate to do something to you or draw undue attention. You're a sensible person, and some will try to take advantage."
Tanjiro looked at him in silence and couldn't help but ask, "Is the city so dangerous?"
A bitter laugh escaped the man's lips, but he still replied, "From the keep to the slums, serpents and rats crawl."
Tanjiro simply remained silent and then nodded. Without saying more words, he left the library, leaving the maester alone.
Tanjiro moved cautiously through the deserted streets of King's Landing, hiding the bag of gold dragons under his clothes to avoid drawing unwanted attention. Despite the apparent tranquility of the city at night, the weight of his thoughts and the sadness of not finding answers to his situation accompanied him.
He walked amidst shadows, recalling the purpose that had brought him there: to find a heart tree in the North. He had hoped to die when he faced Muzan, but now he was in another world. He was grateful for his survival, but the longing for his family and friends weighed heavily on his heart.
Despite the melancholy enveloping him, Tanjiro maintained the determination to fulfill his mission. With silent steps, he ventured into the dark alleys, prepared to face the challenges that the night and the city presented in his quest for answers.
Unnoticed and concealing his own presence, something he had learned as a demon slayer, he slipped through the shadows and climbed onto one of the roofs of the many establishments in King's Landing. Concealment had been part of being a demon slayer, and while he wasn't an expert, his abilities were decent enough to go unnoticed.
Standing on the rooftop, Tanjiro gazed at the starry sky as his thoughts delved into memories of his home and loved ones. The weight of nostalgia and sadness reflected in the tears silently streaming down his cheeks. However, amidst the melancholy, an unbreakable determination shone in his eyes.
His fists clenched tightly, and in a gesture of resolution, Tanjiro wiped the tears from his face. With the silent promise to return home, he remembered his days as a demon slayer, facing death itself. This was another challenge he had to face.
"…Don't let your fears and weaknesses stray you from your goals, keep your heart burning, remember that time waits for no one, it won't keep you company or share your sorrows." The vision of the Pillar of Flames came to his mind, the gentle gaze the man gave him in his final moments, and the happiness he radiated even as he faced inevitable death.
Tanjiro knew he had to be as strong as his master. Though facing this new reality was a challenge, as long as there was a way to return home, he would fight with determination to achieve his goal. He had managed to cure his sister, defeat Muzan, and free his world from demons. Now, if he had to traverse an entire kingdom to get home, he would.
With a newfound determination in his heart, he silently leaped from the roof to the ground. However, he then scratched his head, remembering that he hadn't asked the maester how gold dragons worked. He just hoped he could manage well during his journey.
As he was about to leave, a scent reached his nose.
Quickly, alarms went off in his head. From the feelings to the intentions, they were terrible and disgusting. Regardless of whether anyone saw him or not, he ran towards where his sense of smell guided him, pushing some people who insulted him along the way. But when he turned the corner again, he found a sight that made his veins protrude and his jaw clench in anger.
There lay a semi-naked woman, while one man in a golden cloak held her arms and another was about to pull down his pants. One of the men yelled.
Then, one of the men yelled, "This will teach you not to mock us, bitch!"
The woman glared angrily at the man in the golden cloak and cursed, "Rot in hell, scum! You're all damn corrupt. I hope you burn in the Seven Hells!"
The two laughed cruelly, but before anything happened, the sound of feet hitting the ground caught their attention.
"What the hell—" The man in the golden cloak couldn't finish as a fist collided with his cheek, sending him crashing into the wall. His jaw hung open as blood sprayed, his teeth scattered on the ground, and his gaze was lost.
The other man holding the woman looked at the assailant. Tanjiro just glared at him with rage, his veins visible, the man felt terrified, as if he were nothing more than a rabbit caught with a wolf. He tried to reach for his sword, but didn't even get a chance as a kick to the chest sent him crashing into the wall of a nearby house.
"How dare you, you damn demon!?" The man in the golden cloak couldn't even get up as another blow to his face broke his nose, blood flowing onto the ground. With tears in his eyes, he looked at the demon slayer.
Rarely did Tanjiro feel like this; there were only two creatures capable of bringing out the worst in him, Akaza and Muzan. He had promised himself, after he finished off the demons, to never give in to those feelings again. But this time, he only felt the desire to kill the two men. He drew his sword and pointed it at the man.
The man in the golden cloak raised his hands in desperation. "I get it! Okay! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"
"Do you think your apologies mean anything!? You're less than an animal, less than an insect, you're like a demon!" Tanjiro shouted, his sword inching closer to the man's neck. He didn't even hesitate, no matter how much the person in front of him begged, he was no longer human to the demon slayer.
But before his sword could sever the man's head, something stopped him, a hand rested on his shoulder. He turned his head and saw Rengoku, the Pillar only had a compassionate yet stern look in his eyes. The request was simple.
"Jaime's words echoed in his head 'I guess everyone has their way of looking at life, but here?'
Not just his, also Selmy's 'So how do you defend the weak, without shedding blood? I think it's a very... optimistic perspective.'
His sister's gaze, looking at him scared, his friends wondering what he was doing.
The oath he made as a demon slayer.
His hands tightened around the hilt, and what seemed like an eternity ended when Tanjiro lowered his weapon. He let out a deep sigh, but he didn't take his eyes off the man.
"Thank y—" The man in the golden cloak couldn't finish as a blow to the back of his head rendered him unconscious.
"Shut up," Tanjiro growled.
But before he could continue, a gentle hand grabbed his shoulder; surprised, he turned to see the woman who had been attacked. She was pretty, with black hair, brown eyes, and a nice figure. Tanjiro noticed her semi-nakedness and averted his gaze.
"I'm sorry," he murmured sadly.
The woman just sighed but then replied, "Don't worry," she said as she adjusted her clothes. They both watched as a small crowd formed, surprised by the scene.
"These bastards think that just because I'm a prostitute, they have the right to overstep with you, corrupt bastards, they even charge you," the woman growled angrily. "You should have killed them, now you'll have the golden cloaks after you."
"Why?" Tanjiro asked, confused. "Aren't they supposed to be punished?"
She chuckled bitterly, a look of bitterness appearing on her face, but she replied, "They're supposed to be, but in this cesspool, many of the golden cloaks are corrupt, serving the interests of others. These?" She pointed to the two unconscious men. "They're close to Slynt, so you're practically in trouble."
Tanjiro growled in anger, "They're supposed to defend the weak, not take advantage of them."
"It's not like that for them, they just take advantage because they know Slynt will cover for them," the woman replied. "I appreciate your help, but it would have been better if they had stayed quiet forever." She spoke venomously, then kicked the man in the head.
"Then, I suppose I should speak to the king to judge these men," said Tanjiro. The woman looked at him as if he had just told a joke, but then she observed his cold expression.
"I don't know if they'll allow you, Slynt may try something to kill you," exclaimed the woman, surprised.
"I don't care," Tanjiro replied. "I'm stronger than him and his men." She looked at him as if he had grown a second head.
She shook her head and replied, "You're crazy, there are thousands of cloaks in the city, they'll just need to corner you and kill you, then pretend you simply left, no one will ask questions."
Tanjiro fell silent. She thought he had simply accepted reality; it was cruel, but that's how things worked. However, when the hunter looked at her, she felt her eyebrows raise in surprise.
"Then, I'm ready to face him, everyone deserves justice, no matter their status or power. No one should take advantage of the weak," Tanjiro said with determination.
She was surprised. She had never known a look like it; no man had shown the courage (or madness) that the boy in front of her did. There was a courage and nobility in his eyes that was hard to describe. A certainty she never thought she'd feel.
"Well, before we die, I want you to know that my name is Alysa," she said vaguely, turning ready to leave, until a hand grasped hers, she looked surprised at the demon slayer.
"Please, leave this life behind and live in peace," Tanjiro said with sadness. His expression showed emotional pain, Alysa felt strange, as if the boy in front of her could read her.
"I don't know what happened to you, but whatever happened, there will be people who love you. So please, live," Tanjiro's voice trembled.
Alysa just withdrew her hand from the demon slayer, as well as her gaze. She gritted her teeth and spoke, "You don't understand," was all she could say as she turned away and walked away from Tanjiro. However, she couldn't hide the tears streaming from her eyes.
The hunter just watched in silence as the woman walked away, until she disappeared into the crowd. He just hoped no one noticed the golden dragons he had given her. He turned angrily towards the waking golden cloaks. The crowd began to part as the sound of horses appeared.
More golden cloaks emerged on their horses, their furious looks stopping at Tanjiro as they pointed their swords at him. He clenched his fists in frustration. He understood that now his return would have to wait. His family and friends would have to wait, because now he had just gotten himself involved in a problem he didn't even know how to solve.
It had only been two days and he already wanted to go back.
...
Well, that's it! To be honest, I'm not sure when there will be a new update, but I hope it's soon. Honestly, I don't feel like it's a great job, but I think it turned out decent. I know Tanjiro isn't accurate, but I try to think about what he would have done in certain situations and also, to move the story in the direction I want. But hey, don't forget that I'll be reading your comments, if you think I need to improve on something, just let me know. See you, have a nice day!