Chapter Fourteen: The Stay at Asakusa Estate
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After a long journey, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke arrived at the Asakusa estate, a place known for its long-standing tradition of treating and caring for demon slayers. The estate was nestled in a quiet, picturesque corner of Asakusa, surrounded by lush gardens and serene koi ponds. The moment the caretakers saw Tanjiro, their eyes lit up with excitement and reverence.
"The Fire Shadow!" they exclaimed in awe. Whispers of his heroic deeds and the legendary duel with the Hashiras had spread far and wide. The entire family bustled around, ensuring that every need was met promptly and with great care.
Zenitsu was laid on a soft futon, groaning in pain. His injuries, courtesy of Inosuke's relentless assault, were severe. The boar-headed boy had landed numerous blows, leaving Zenitsu bruised and battered. His right arm was heavily bandaged, and a nasty bump on his head had turned a purplish hue. The healers worked diligently, applying medicinal herbs and wrapping his injuries with expert hands.
Tanjiro watched over Zenitsu with concern. Despite Zenitsu's annoying tendencies, he cared for his comrades deeply. Meanwhile, a Kusagai crow landed on the windowsill, its beady eyes fixating on Tanjiro.
"Caw! Fire Shadow, rest for a few days. Ubuyashiki-sama's orders!" the crow screeched.
Tanjiro sighed, knowing he couldn't ignore a direct request from their leader. "Alright, I'll rest," he said reluctantly, though his mind was already planning for the next mission.
Inosuke, on the other hand, was a constant whirlwind of energy. He couldn't sit still for a moment, always challenging Tanjiro to sparring matches because he was convinced that Tanjiro was some sort of demon.
"Oi, Gonjiro! Fight me!" Inosuke would shout, brandishing his dual blades with an intense, almost manic look in his eyes.
Tanjiro, with his usual patience, would correct him gently. "It's Tanjiro, Inosuke. And yes, I'll spar with you."
"Whatever, Oonjiro! Prepare to face the strongest!" Inosuke would declare, launching into a flurry of attacks.
Despite Inosuke's fierce determination and raw power, Tanjiro always lined him up with precise, controlled movements. Each spar ended with Inosuke sprawled on the ground, panting heavily, yet his spirit never wavered.
Zenitsu, however, was a different story altogether. One evening, as they sat around a low table, enjoying a quiet meal, Zenitsu leaned in closer to Tanjiro, his eyes wide with curiosity.
"Do you have any sisters, Hokage-sama?" he asked, almost whispering.
Tanjiro looked up from his bowl of rice, puzzled. "Yes, two. But why?"
Zenitsu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Awesome!"
It turned out Zenitsu harbored a strange notion that marrying into the family of a powerful person like Tanjiro would ensure his safety from demons. The idea seemed ridiculous, but Zenitsu's desperation for a peaceful life drove him to such thoughts.
Later, in an attempt to dissuade him, Naruto agreed to a quick sparring match. Zenitsu, as expected, was no match for the Fire Shadow. Tanjiro's movements were a blur, and Zenitsu found himself flat on his back, staring up at the ceiling.
From that day, Zenitsu would often be heard muttering, "Nezuko-nee-chan! Hanako-imouto!" in his sleep, clearly traumatized by the idea of sparring with Tanjiro again.
During their stay at the Asakusa estate, the three boys experienced moments of peace and healing. The caretakers doted on them, providing warm meals, soothing baths, and soft beds. Despite the brief respite, the looming threat of demons was never far from their minds.
As Tanjiro gazed out at the moonlit garden one night, it was then that Inosuke's Kusagai crow landed, its sleek black feathers gleaming in the dim light. The bird, with its sharp eyes and regal bearing, spotted Tanjiro and immediately flinched before bowing deeply. "Honourable Fire Shadow," it croaked respectfully.
Tanjiro nodded in acknowledgment. The poor bird often had to deal with Inosuke's attempts to eat it whenever it came close. The crow hesitated before speaking, clearly choosing its words carefully.
"Your fellow demon slayer, Inosuke, is asleep, isn't he?" the crow inquired, its tone deferential.
"Yes, Inosuke is asleep," Tanjiro confirmed. "What's the matter?"
The crow fluffed its feathers nervously, then continued in a more urgent tone. "There has been an emergency, Fire Shadow. The presence of your fellow demon slayers—Zenitsu and Inosuke, is required. The mission is to assist other demon slayers at Mount Natagumo. The situation is dire and requires immediate attention."
Naruto listened intently, his expression serious. "I understand the urgency. I'll make sure they get the message," he assured the crow.
The bird bowed again, deeply appreciative. "Thank you, Fire Shadow. Your guidance and leadership are invaluable to us all." With that, the crow took off into the night, its silhouette disappearing against the dark sky.
Tanjiro stood there for a moment, deep in thought. Kagaya had strictly instructed him to rest and not to engage in any missions for ten days. He had been thinking of visiting his family, longing for a brief respite from the endless battles and responsibilities.
His family's mountain was on the way to Mount Natagumo. Maybe he could accompany these boys, not engaging in the mission itself but merely observing it. That seemed like a good idea. He could ensure their safety without breaking his promise to Kagaya. With a resolved nod, he decided on this course of action. It was the best way to balance duty and rest.
As he made his way back to the estate, he mentally prepared himself for the journey ahead. "Zenitsu, Inosuke," he murmured to himself, "we've got work to do. Let's make sure everyone comes back safely." With that, he set his plans into motion, ready to protect and support his fellow demon slayers.
At dawn, Naruto found a quiet spot under a large, ancient tree. He settled into a meditative pose, closing his eyes and letting the stillness wash over him. As he entered Sage Mode, two scarlet flower-like patterns appeared on each side of his eyes, glowing softly with an otherworldly light. He could feel the energy of the earth coursing through him, every heartbeat resonating with the pulse of nature.
Around him, the forest came alive. Birds of various colors and sizes perched on his shoulders and head, chirping melodiously. Squirrels chattered and gathered near his feet, their tiny paws twitching in curiosity. A family of rabbits hopped closer, their noses wriggling as they sniffed the air. Even butterflies fluttered around him, their wings creating a delicate symphony of colors. Small foxes and hedgehogs cautiously approached, their eyes reflecting a mixture of awe and trust.
The people in the estate watched with wide eyes, whispering in amazement as nature itself seemed to resonate with Tanjiro's presence.
From their room, Zenitsu and Inosuke were slack-jawed, peering through the window at the incredible sight. Zenitsu rubbed his eyes in disbelief. "Are you seeing this, Inosuke?" he whispered, his voice tinged with awe. "It's like he's some kind of... nature god!"
Inosuke, however, was less impressed by the scene and more excited about the potential challenge. "That's nothing! I could do that too if I wanted," he huffed, but his eyes betrayed his amazement. "But right now, we need to find out what he's planning!"
As they approached, the crowd parted to let them through, all eyes still fixed on Tanjiro. He opened his eyes slowly, the patterns around his eyes fading as he transitioned back from Sage Mode. He gently patted the creatures around him, whispering words of gratitude for their company. The animals gradually dispersed, returning to their natural routines.
Turning to Zenitsu and Inosuke, Tanjiro spoke calmly, his voice carrying a sense of peace and authority. "Zenitsu, Inosuke, we have an urgent mission at Mount Natagumo. I will accompany you both, but I will not assist directly. My role is to observe and ensure your safety."
Zenitsu gulped, still in awe. "Right, Tanjiro... I mean, Fire Shadow. We'll do our best!" he stammered, trying to muster some confidence.
Inosuke, ever the eager warrior, pounded his chest. "Yeah, just watch! We'll take care of everything. You won't have to lift a finger!"
Naruto smiled at their enthusiasm, feeling a deep sense of responsibility and pride. "Let's get ready then. We leave soon. Remember, trust in your training and in each other. I'll be right behind you."
As they prepared for their journey, the estate's residents couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of hope and admiration for their Fire Shadow, who not only commanded the respect of his fellow demon slayers but also the very essence of nature itself.
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TBC
Next Chapter: The Mountain of Octa-Limbs!
Revised: 29/06/2024