A/N: Hello everyone! This is WWIIFanHistory, and I'm back! I know how you're feeling right now, but I've been busy with university and work recently, which has made it difficult for me to focus on my other stories. Additionally, I've been writing and uploading my own stories on Wattpad and AO3. You can easily find them by searching for my name, WWIIFanHistory.

Anyway, I don't want to go into too much detail. In short, I've been caught up with university and work, dealing with writer's block on my stories, potentially losing interest in them, and dedicating time to write my own non-reaction stories that I've uploaded on Wattpad and AO3. Now, I've written and updated this crossover reaction story of Bloodborne and Kimetsu no Yaiba (Demon Slayer) on two sites: and AO3.

Enjoy!

At night, when the moon shines brightly among the starry sky, there was a 15-year-old boy of average height. He had fairly tanned skin and an athletic, muscular physique. His ruffled black hair had burgundy tips, which were combed back to expose his forehead. His wide, dark red eyes had white pupils that appeared lighter around the lower section of his irises. He also bore a flame-like scar on the top left of his forehead.

His name was Kamado Tanjiro.

He was currently meditating on the roof of the Butterfly Estate, aiming to concentrate his breathing and improve his Total Concentration Breathing technique for his Water Breathing Technique. His mind was at peace as he reflected on the teachings and advice of his sensei, Urokodaki. However, his thoughts shifted to Haganezuka, his swordsmith, and the death threats and demands he had received due to Tanjiro repeatedly breaking the katana that the swordsmith had worked so hard to create for him. This distraction caused Tanjiro to lose his concentration momentarily, prompting him to mentally apologize to Haganezuka before refocusing and channeling his breathing to continue his meditation.

He was so deeply concentrated that he failed to notice or hear the calls of a young woman until her voice grew loud enough to catch his attention. Startled, he gasped as she leaned towards him in close proximity, wearing a smile on her face. She was an 18-year-old petite woman with a slender build and a pale complexion. Her eyes were large and devoid of pupils, instead displaying a gradient purple haze, reminiscent of insect eyes. Her black wavy hair gradually faded to a dark purple shade. She styled it into a flat yakai-maki bun at the back of her head, secured with a white, turquoise, and light purple butterfly ornament. Her ear-length curtain bangs were voluminous and split in the center, framing the sides of her face. Additionally, she had two slightly thinner chin-length locks of hair in front of her ears.

She wore a dark purple standard Demon Slayer uniform adorned with gold buttons. The uniform consisted of a straight-lined black jacket with a dark-purple tint, as well as matching tabi socks and hakama pants. Her white butterfly patterned Kyahan started pale turquoise and faded into pink around her lower legs, secured with white ribbons. Over her uniform, she donned a white haori that had once belonged to her older sister. The haori featured a butterfly wing pattern, with the colors transitioning from pale turquoise to pink on the sleeves and hem. The cuffs were trimmed with a black and white dotted design. For footwear, she wore white zōri sandals with purple straps, one of which concealed a hidden blade.

Her name was Kochou Shinobu, the Butterfly Hashira.

"Working hard, I see," Shinobu said, her face inching closer to Tanjiro's, causing him to blush. "Even though your friends didn't end up joining you."

Amused by Tanjiro's reaction, Shinobu pulled back and sat next to him, asking joyfully, "Aren't you lonely all by yourself?"

"No way!" Tanjiro responded confidently, his blush dissipating as he stared at Shinobu with determination. "Once I've mastered it myself, I can teach them too!"

"You have a beautiful soul, don't you?" Shinobu commented with a smile, surprising Tanjiro slightly before he turned his gaze away and stared at the sky.

"So... uh... Why did you decide to bring us all here in the first place?" Tanjiro asked, both of them now gazing at the sky, unaware that the moon was undergoing a subtle change.

"Nezuko and Sayuri's presences are no longer considered taboo. And the three of you have been terribly injured. Besides, you are Nao's little brother," Shinobu explained, her eyes unblinking. "Additionally, if I could, I'd like to entrust a dream of mine to you."

"A dream?" Tanjiro asked curiously, tilting his head and looking at her.

"Yes... that we can become friends with the demons. I'm sure you can accomplish that."

Shinobu smiled as Tanjiro stared at the Butterfly Hashira with a mix of bewilderment and surprise. Then, Tanjiro's nose detected something, and he sniffed before slowly turning his head toward Shinobu, who did the same.

"Are you angry?" Tanjiro uttered the question, catching Shinobu by surprise. She gasped and widened her eyes in shock. "For some reason, I always pick up a scent of anger, even though you're always smiling."

"Yes... you are correct," Shinobu admitted, her head hanging low after a moment of silence. "It may be that I'm constantly angry. My beloved older sister was slaughtered by a demon. I have witnessed the mournful tears of others who have lost their loved ones in the same way. I hear their despairing cries. And each time I do, the anguish inside me grows larger. In the innermost depths of my soul, there is a hatred that I can't fight. I'm sure the other Hashiras feel something similar. But now, with their own eyes, they have seen a demon who has never devoured a human. They cannot deny her existence. Due to the master's wishes, I don't believe anyone would raise a hand to Nezuko and Sayuri."

Tanjirou looked at her with sadness and sympathy, allowing her to continue after a brief moment of silence. "My sister was a kind-hearted person, much like you. She felt sympathy for demons, even when she was on the brink of death, that didn't change. Even Nao, who has trust issues with humans, became deeply attached to her. He went as far as hunting down the demon that took Kanae's life." Shinobu lowered her gaze and clenched her fists. "I couldn't bring myself to feel the same way. To feel compassion for something that kills us. I have never heard such nonsense. Nao understands this, so he didn't hesitate to kill, even a fellow human, and I don't blame him for it."

In that moment, Shinobu remembered the night her older sister, Kanae, was on the verge of death, and Karasuma Naoto, the older adopted brother of the Kochou family, arrived to witness it before embarking on his vengeful quest against the very demon that had taken her life. "But if that was truly how my sister felt, then I must carry on her legacy. If there is a way not to kill these pitiful demons, I have to keep trying to find it, all while wearing the smile my sister said she loved."

Tanjirou silently stared at her as Shinobu cast her gaze down and stopped smiling. "I have to admit, I am rather tired. Demons do nothing but lie. They fight only to survive, killing us without a shred of humanity." Shinobu stood up and smiled. "Tanjirou, please do everything you can to protect your sister until the end. Knowing that you are working hard to accomplish what I could not warms my heart. I can rest easy now."

Before Shinobu left, Tanjirou called out to her.

"Ano!" Tanjirou spoke, causing Shinobu to stop and turn her gaze towards the burgundy-haired teenage boy. "Maybe you feel tired and angry with all of this, but Nii-san is still here, isn't he? It might sound rude for me to say this, but you can depend on Nii-san more. You can talk to him more. I'm sure he would be very happy."

Shinobu stared at Tanjirou, raising an eyebrow. "How can you be so sure, Tanjirou-kun?"

"Nii-san has the same scent as you, Shinobu-san. Ever since I met him at the HQ, I have always sensed anger and deep sadness from him. However, whenever the two of you are together, all I can smell is happiness. It's as if the negative feelings never existed in the first place," Tanjirou explained, smiling at her. "Even Nii-san said he would be happier if you could be yourself, at least in front of him."

Shinobu could only stare at Tanjirou, giving him an odd and inquisitive look for a moment before she spoke. "... Did that guy tell you something strange?"

"No, no, not at all. He only told me a little bit about his past."

"I see... both of you are really strange. I don't know what he told you, but still, thank you, Tanjirou-kun."

"Wait!" Tanjirou shouted as Shinobu turned around to face him once again, just before she could return to her office. "Can you... stay here with me a bit longer? I'm enjoying our time together now, and I have to admit, it feels lonely when I'm all by myself."

Shinobu stared at the burgundy-haired boy for a few moments before joyfully replying with a smile, "Sure, why not! It's not like I'm busy or anything at all. I'd be happy to accompany you tonight, for a while."

Tanjirou smiled at her. "That's great! Thank you, Shinobu-san!"

Shinobu smiled back at him and teasingly said, "By the way, you stop your Total Concentration Breathing."

Seeing how startled and surprised the boy was made her giggle. Then, Shinobu sat next to Tanjirou and started a conversation with him about recent events and revelations.

"... It has been a rough and eventful week, Tanjirou-kun. You could say it's been... intense."

Tanjirou looked at her and smiled. "Crazy, right?"

"Yeah, that would be the right word to describe this week. I mean, Nezuko-chan is the first demon to resist human blood and her hunger. Even when Shinazugawa-san held his Marechi blood in front of her, she still resisted and refused to give in to the temptation..."

"I won't forgive that jerk for hurting my little sister!" Tanjirou interrupted, then quickly offered an apologetic look to Shinobu. "Sorry, Shinobu-san."

"It's alright, Tanjirou-kun. I understand your anger. However, apart from that, I think the most shocking revelation was Sayuri, Kibutsuji Sayuri, Muzan's daughter. It must have been a shock for all of us here."

Tanjirou slightly gasped before casting his eyes down, displaying a mix of nervousness and sadness. "Yeah..."

Tanjirou knew exactly what Shinobu was referring to. Kibutsuji Sayuri, a 9-year-old girl, was the daughter of a human woman named Rei and the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan. Muzan was the first of his kind, the progenitor of all other demons in existence, and he assumed the human alias of Tsukihiko. Tanjirou vividly remembered the day he first encountered her in Tokyo while he was with Nezuko. Well, "encounter" was a more accurate term than "met" when it came to describing their interaction with the little girl. They actually crossed paths after the trial, during Tanjirou's recovery and training at the Butterfly Estate. The more Tanjirou learned about Sayuri's story, the sadder and more sympathetic he felt towards her, and the intensity of his hatred and disgust towards Muzan increased.

However, nothing shocked him and the other Demon Slayers in the Corps more than the revelation that Sayuri was a half-demon and half-human. Because of this, she remained unaffected and unharmed by the sun's rays, which made her an important target for Muzan. God forbid what that monster would do to her, but Tanjirou wouldn't allow it. Not after Muzan had already killed Sayuri's mother and attempted to kill Sayuri when he deemed them no longer useful.

However, there were moments when Tanjirou blamed himself for causing this situation. But Naoto comforted him and assured him that Muzan was a selfish, prideful, arrogant, and heartless asshole, as he put it. Naoto added that Muzan would have killed them all regardless of Tanjirou's involvement on that day. Somehow, Naoto's words eased Tanjirou's guilt. Moreover, Tanjirou was surprised that Naoto didn't hold any grudges, resentment, or hatred towards Sayuri, despite her being the biological daughter of the Demon King. Tanjirou was grateful for that, and Naoto even said to him, "Well, that asshole can go to hell. At least I have another little sister in the Butterfly Estates' family."

"So..." Tanjirou began, attempting to avoid making eye contact with Shinobu as she turned towards him. "Do you...?"

"Hate her? Feel anger and resentment towards her?" Shinobu interjected, cutting off Tanjirou. The burgundy-haired teen became startled and started to panic before Shinobu giggled and responded, "Don't worry, Tanjirou-kun. While I can't deny my anger and hatred towards demons, I'm not petty enough to hate a little girl who had no idea who her father was."

Although Shinobu's words managed to calm him down, Tanjirou couldn't help but feel like he had touched upon a sensitive subject unintentionally. Before he could apologize, Shinobu waved her hands and spoke, "No need to be sorry. I know you didn't mean it that way, Tanjirou-kun. You're just an honest and kind-hearted boy, after all."

Then, a moment of silence fell between the two before Shinobu broke it. "You know, Tanjirou-kun, there's something I need to ask you, and I want you to be honest about it." Tanjirou looked at her curiously. "Do you think my sister would be proud of me for who I am now?"

Tanjirou gazed at Shinobu, carefully considering her question. He recalled the conversation he had with Naoto earlier that morning. Naoto-san and Shinobu-san had described Kochou Kanae as a kind-hearted and gentle individual, someone who possessed qualities such as being carefree, patient, and a loving and caring sister to everyone. With a touch of modesty and acknowledgement, Tanjirou responded, "I may not know much about Kanae-san, but based on what I've heard from both you and Naoto-nii-san, she was a wonderful person whom you both adored and loved deeply. So, I believe your big sister would be proud of the person you've become. After all, you have always shown kindness, care, and gentleness to all of us, much like what your sister would have expected from you."

Shinobu widened her eyes in bewilderment for a moment, but soon a smile graced her face as she expressed her gratitude, "Thank you, Tanjirou-kun. You truly possess a beautiful, kind, and pure-hearted soul, much like my sister did."

Tanjirou scratched the back of his head, blushing, and grinned in response. Then, Shinobu closed her eyes and began to speak, "You know, Tanjirou-kun." She turned her head, facing the sky with her eyes still closed. "My sister once shared a poem with me, and there was a verse that I loved the most and still hold dear to this day." She opened her eyes, but her expression suddenly shifted to alarm. Startled, Tanjirou followed her gaze towards the sky and froze in shock and fear as he beheld a sight he couldn't comprehend.

There was a crimson border at the bottom and edges of the moon, appearing as if it were bleeding. The moon was bleeding.

Before either of them could utter a word, clouds of mist surrounded their bodies, causing them to vanish into thin air.

After their eyes adjusted to the surroundings, Tanjirou and Shinobu uncovered their eyes and found themselves in a peculiar room with a large blackboard and rows of chairs in front of it.

"What just happened...?!" Tanjirou exclaimed in a panic. "Where are we? Where is everyone?"

Shinobu's expression turned serious as she responded, "I don't know, Tanjirou-kun. But it's clear that we are somewhere completely different."

"No kidding!" a strange voice interjected. Tanjirou and Shinobu turned in shock to see a demon girl, who appeared to be around 14 or 15 years old, with an average build for her age. She had medium-length hair that almost seemed ethereal, possessing an almost ashen color, tied in a low ponytail. Her slightly pale complexion was complemented by dark blue eyes, but with a noticeably brighter shade of red. She wore a white kimono adorned with morbidly ink-painted jagged flowers on her sleeves, and a small, worn-out black scarf was delicately wrapped around her neck. Clearly annoyed, she continued speaking, "I was in the middle of a forest when suddenly a cloud of mist appeared out of nowhere, bringing me to this place. I've been standing here, doing nothing for five minutes before you guys showed up." The demon girl narrowed her eyes, a mix of contempt and hostility evident in her gaze. "And just my luck, the first people I encounter here are two Demon Slayers."

In a sudden and swift motion, both Shinobu and the demon girl drew their katanas, holding them at each other's throats. The demon girl had her blade pressed against Shinobu's neck, while Shinobu positioned the needle-like tip of her blade, resembling an insect's stinger, beneath the demon girl's chin. Their eyes locked, Shinobu glaring at her with a mixture of hatred and fury, while the demon girl stared back with hostility and caution. They remained in this tense standoff, each waiting for the other to make a move. Meanwhile, Tanjirou stood there, attempting to formulate a peaceful resolution, all the while detecting an abnormal scent emanating from the demon girl.

A few seconds later, the heavy tension of silence and hostility was broken by the demon girl. "Well, well, well, not bad for a Demon Slayer. Although, judging by the haori you're wearing, I suppose you're a Hashira," she remarked. Shinobu remained silent, her katana still pressed with gritted teeth. "It doesn't matter. Since you and that boy will be the first people I kill in this strange place, I'll introduce myself. I'm Akane, that's all you need to know."

Smirking, Shinobu retorted, "Heh! You seem overly confident and arrogant, demon. However, since you introduced yourself, it would be impolite for me and my friend not to share our names... as they will be the names you remember when I poison you to death. My name is Kochou Shinobu, and his name is Kamado Tanjirou."

Akane scoffed in response. "We'll see about that."

Just as both swordswomen were about to clash their blades, Tanjirou shouted, "Wait! We shouldn't be fighting!" Shinobu and Akane turned to look at him, and Tanjirou directed his gaze towards the latter. "Because I know you don't seek confrontation or a fight. You want to know why we're here, why you're here, and if there's a way to leave this place."

Akane stared at Tanjirou, her face expressionless, her eyes betraying no emotions. Meanwhile, Shinobu maintained her focused gaze on Akane, refusing to let her guard down and searching for any potential slip-up or mistake. "How the hell do you know what I want, kid?" Akane questioned.

"It's your scent, Akane-san," Tanjirou replied, causing Akane to shift slightly before regaining her composure. "I can smell a hint of curiosity amidst the scent of hostility. You want to find a way out, don't you?"

Akane stared at him for a moment, clicking her tongue in annoyance. "And how can you tell that, kid? How can you tell that I want to kill both of you and then devour you?"

"Because if you did, you would have done it when we arrived here, Akane-san. You could have ambushed us, taken us by surprise. You could have killed me first since I don't have my sword with me. But you didn't. It's clear that you have no intention of harming us. You simply want to escape," Tanjirou reasoned, causing Akane to reconsider for a moment. Shinobu couldn't help but find Tanjirou's words logical, mentally appreciating his reasoning.

After a minute, Akane clicked her tongue in annoyance, taking a step back, sheathing her sword, and speaking. "Whatever, kid. Consider yourself and your Hashira friend lucky, as I'm not in the mood to kill either of you right now."

"Yeah, I'm glad to see you change your mind, Akane-san," Tanjirou smiled, signaling for Shinobu to sheathe her sword as well, which she promptly did.

"But that doesn't mean we're friends!" Akane shouted, relaxing her posture. Tanjirou let out a sigh of relief, while Shinobu kept her vigilant and cautious gaze fixed on the demon teenage girl. "Any idea where we are, kid?" Akane asked.

Before Tanjirou could reply, Shinobu beat him to it and remarked with a forced smile, "I thought you already knew, demon."

Akane narrowed her eyes, picking up on the mocking tone in Shinobu's words, and scowled. "If I already knew, I wouldn't be asking a stupid fucking question."

Shinobu scoffed. "I figured as much."

Akane growled, already disliking this woman's attitude, but she managed to calm herself down and clicked her tongue in annoyance. "Then, who the hell brought us here?"

"I did!" a cheerful muffled voice sounded, causing Tanjirou, Shinobu, and Akane to turn their attention towards a peculiar figure standing nearly 1.60m tall. The figure had a slender build and pale complexion, with long straight black hair that reached just below their hips. Their hair was worn down, with two shorter clumps over their shoulders, and they wore an arched bandanna and goggles that obscured their face. Additionally, their attire was Western in style. "Because I'm the one who brought you here, Akane-san, Shinobu-san, and Tanjirou-san. And before you ask, my name is the Hunter."

The Hunter was dressed in the black attire of a hunter, wearing a tricorn hat adorned with withered feathers, a distinct mark of the old hunters. Their visage remained hidden behind the combination of the Hunter Hat, a black bandanna, and dark-lensed goggles that concealed their eyes.

Their Hunter Garb, a standard protective outfit, draped over their slender frame. The dark fabric, along with a short cape stained with remnants of past battles, hinted at numerous encounters with blood-soaked beasts. Designed for stealth and defense, the Hunter Garb allowed them to blend seamlessly into the night, their movements shrouded in darkness. They wore a white button-down shirt with a brown-striped leather vest held together by four brown leather belts known as the four-belted leather waistcoat. Completing their ensemble was a grey trench coat with a gold chain encircling the left shoulder, a thick brown leather belt wrapped around the coat, and a brown scarf with two gold chains and a red scarf layered around their neck. Additionally, they wore a black leather capelet with interconnecting chains and a dangling gold pocket watch beneath the coat's pocket.

Their gloved hands firmly grasped a cane, displaying both strength and grace. The Hunter Leather Gloves, another element of their attire, provided protection and dexterity, enabling them to wield their arsenal with deadly precision. The long leather gloves were accompanied by bracers for added arm protection.

To complete their outfit, the Hunter wore Hunter Trousers and Leather Boots. Crafted to withstand the assaults of the city's monstrous inhabitants, the grey trousers offered freedom of movement, while the black leather boots provided stability and agility on treacherous terrain. They also wore a black leather belt around their trousers and a belt to hold their leather pouches. For additional protection, the Hunter had knee pads and shin guards for their legs.

The revelation that the stranger called themselves the Hunter sparked curiosity and confusion among Tanjirou, Shinobu, and Akane. They were intrigued by the unfamiliar name and the unique attire the Hunter wore. However, they remained vigilant and cautious, as the Hunter's smile remained hidden behind their bandanna, and they firmly gripped their cane, ready for the questions that were about to be asked.

Just as they were about to inquire further, Tanjirou, Shinobu, and Akane noticed a hilt protruding from behind the Hunter's back. Now aware of the sword the stranger possessed, they approached with caution. Even Akane, despite her typically laid-back attitude, appeared to take the stranger seriously, sensing something foreign yet oddly familiar about them.

Curiously enough, Tanjirou was the first one to ask, "So... you're a hunter, right?" The Hunter nodded in confirmation. "Like the Demon Slayers? Are you one of us?"

Akane glared at Tanjirou's choice of words, specifically the inclusion of herself in the group that was sworn enemies to her. Meanwhile, Shinobu covered her mouth to hide her giggle, finding amusement in Tanjirou unknowingly annoying Akane. Akane facepalmed at Tanjirou's cluelessness, while the Hunter replied, "Well, it's complicated. Perhaps I was, perhaps I wasn't. But aren't we all hunters?" Though they couldn't see the Hunter's expression behind the bandana, the trio could sense a smile. "Our prey may differ, but we are hunters, the four of us. We are, after all, fellow hunters."

Upon hearing this, Tanjirou, Shinobu, and Akane couldn't help but feel a mix of confusion and bewilderment at the Hunter's cryptic explanation and choice of words. However, the Hunter's statement about them being fellow hunters irked Shinobu and Akane, as they were sworn natural enemies. From Shinobu's perspective, she and Tanjirou were the true Demon Slayers, the hunters who hunted down demons like Akane. Akane couldn't believe that the stranger had the audacity to put her in the same category as the human hunters like the Demon Slayers.

"Ara ara~!" Shinobu said with a forced smile, her anger seeping through. "It seems there has been a misunderstanding, Hunter-san. Tanjirou and I are the true hunters. You can't include her with us." Shinobu gestured towards Akane. "She's a demon that we hunt and kill."

Akane scoffed, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes as she glared at the Hunter. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but I agree with her. She, her kind, and I are sworn enemies. So, I'm sorry to say this, but I'm no hunter like them, and I will never be one."

"Now, for my question, who exactly are you, Hunter-san? Or is that really your real name to begin with?" Shinobu asked sharply, narrowing her eyes and preparing to draw her sword.

"She does have a point," Akane spoke, begrudgingly agreeing with Shinobu. "There's no way your name is the Hunter. Also, how the hell do you know our names?"

The Hunter remained unfazed by the two swordswomen, who already had their hands on the hilts of their swords. They calmly replied, "I will and shall reveal my name soon. As for your question, Akane-san, it will be answered in due time." The Hunter then raised their hand. "Furthermore, I would like to invite more individuals to this theater so they can witness the story of a young hunter in a city that blurs the lines between reality and illusion."

As soon as the Hunter snapped their fingers, a sudden cloud of mist formed a barrier in front of them. When the mist dissipated, the Ubuyashiki family, the Hashiras, the Swordsmiths, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Nezuko, Kanao, Genya, Aoi, and the girls from the Butterfly Estates, Tamayo, and Yushiro had all arrived. Tanjirou recognized the latter two since he had already met them before. Lastly, there was a man and a child whom both Tanjirou and Shinobu recognized, while Akane widened her eyes in shock and surprise upon recognizing the child.

The man was 21 years old and stood at a height of 1.85 meters. He had long black hair tied in a ponytail, adorned with a small black butterfly hair ornament with blue accents. His hair framed his face with ear-length bangs on either side. He had brown eyes with a yellow tint and possessed a beautiful face resembling that of a girl's. He was dressed in a white button-down shirt with a blue tie, a black vest with three yellow buttons, black trousers, black shoes, and a dark purple butterfly haori. In addition, he wore a brown leather bandolier and pistol holster around his waist. His name was Karasuma Naoto.

The child was a 9-year-old girl with pale skin, brown eyes, and long black hair tied in twin braided pigtails. She was dressed in a white uniform consisting of a long-sleeved buttoned-up shirt, a long dress with a pair of pants underneath, and white zōri sandals. Her name was Kibutsuji Sayuri.

"Aaaaah! What the hell is this place!? Where is Nezuko!?" Zenitsu screamed, his eyes almost bulging out of fear as he frantically looked around. Eventually, he spotted a 12-year-old girl with fair skin and long, black, wavy hair with a tip of flame-orange color, sleeping with a bamboo muzzle. Zenitsu immediately hugged Nezuko in relief and spoke, "Ah~! There you are, Nezuko-chan!"

"What is this place!?" Uzui asked.

"What the fuck is going on here, Montarou!?" Inosuke asked.

"It's Tanjirou!" Tanjirou reprimanded with annoyance.

"Is this your Blood Demon Art, huh!?" Sanemi angrily asked Nezuko, who had just woken up while Zenitsu hugged her and cried.

"Sanemi-san, calm down. I sense that this place won't harm us, just like the one who brought us here," Kagaya Ubuyashiki calmly spoke.

"Dear, where exactly are we?" Amane nervously said, gesturing for her children to stay behind her and her husband.

"But why are we here? I'm so scared!" Kanroji nervously said.

"Girls, stay behind me!" Naoto said, as Aoi, Sumi, Kiyo, Naho, and Sayuri went behind him, looking around with worry, fear, and confusion.

"Tanjirou, Shinobu, do you know what this place is?" Giyuu asked.

"No. The three of us were also just teleported here," Tanjirou replied.

"Thanks to this stranger," Shinobu added, pointing at the Hunter. "Oh, and they also brought a demon here too."

Immediately, Akane narrowed her eyes and shot a murderous glare at Shinobu. She growled and placed one hand on the sheath and the other on the hilt, preparing herself for a fight. Her enemies, who had already rested their hands on their swords and weapons, were ready to take her down. Akane intended to use her Wind Breathing technique and take down as many of them as possible before her inevitable defeat. She knew that the Hashiras, especially the Wind, Stone, and Cloud Hashiras - Shinazugawa Sanemi, Himejima Gyomei, Karasuma Naoto - were incredibly strong. However, she was determined not to go down without a fight.

Sanemi's smile widened, almost impossibly, as he taunted, "A demon, huh? Well done, Kochou-san. Your head shall be mine, demon!"

Before anyone could launch an attack, the Hunter snapped their fingers once again, creating mists and replacing the swords with wooden training swords. They coughed loudly and spoke with joy, "Ara ara~! There's no need for unnecessary violence! We are all hunters, after all. Our prey may differ, but we are hunters. Also, please refrain from causing a mess in this theater. However, I can't promise there won't be a mess when I bring them here." The Hunter added the last two parts mentally.

"What the hell!? Where's my sword!?" Iguro demanded angrily and confusedly.

"Are you a demon!?" Gyomei shouted.

"If they are, it makes sense why they're protecting that thing! We must kill them both flamboyantly!" Uzui declared.

"I, too, shall support you!" Rengoku said with a grin.

"Um... how are we supposed to kill them when we don't have any weapons in our hands?" Kanroji nervously reminded them that they all had wooden swords now.

Without saying a word, Naoto pulled out his Mauser pistol from his holster and fired five shots at the Hunter. However, the Hunter quickly caught the five rounds with their right hand, displaying the bullets before dropping them to the ground. The metallic clang as the bullets hit the ground shocked everyone in the theater.

"Ara ara~! I told you not to cause such violence and make a mess here, didn't I?" The Hunter continued speaking in a cheerful tone that eerily reminded the Hashiras, especially Naoto and Shinobu, of a certain Hashira. This left them feeling conflicted as the Demon Slayers remained vigilant and cautious towards the stranger. "Besides, Akane-san is not the only demon here. There are two other demons present as well: Lady Tamayo and Yushiro."

The Hunter pointed at the green-haired teenage boy who was protectively covering Tamayo. Yushiro growled and shouted, "Don't you dare hurt Tamayo-sama!"

Before anyone could say or do anything, Kagaya coughed loudly and spoke, "My children, it was very rude for all of you to behave so poorly and show a lack of manners towards our host and the guest they invited."

"But, Oyakata-sama, what if that stranger... was a demon?" Obanai stressed.

Kagaya smiled again, causing Akane to wonder if the man ever showed any emotion aside from his kind and gentle smile. He spoke, "Well, why don't some of you ask them who they are and what they are?"

The Hashiras turned to face the Hunter with conflicted yet vigilant and cautious expressions, some even showing hidden hostility. Gyomei was the first to ask when the Hunter gripped their cane and stood very close to Akane, "So, what are you? Are you a demon?"

The Hunter chuckled and smiled behind their bandana, "I'm not a demon."

"Then, are you a demon slayer?" Muichirou asked, following everyone's lead. The Hunter shook their head in response.

"Then, who are you? What's your real name?" Kanroji nervously asked.

"I am... a hunter," the Hunter replied with a hint of uncertainty. "My name is not important. But you can call me the Good Hunter or the Hunter."

Naoto scoffed and spoke, "The Good Hunter, huh? You certainly are, kidnapping us here, taking our weapons, and protecting that little demon beside you."

"Ara ara~! Naoto-san, please refrain from calling this little one a demon. She's my protege, a tsugoku in our language," the Hunter said, extending their left hand and placing it on Akane's right shoulder. Akane widened her eyes in shock, confusion, and bewilderment. This stranger, this Hunter, called her their protege, their tsugoku, even though she had just met them five minutes ago, marking the first time in her over 200-year-old life as a demon.

Shishou would kill me if he were here, Akane grimaced, thinking about her mentor, Kokushibo.

Contrary to Akane's reaction, everyone else was surprised, shocked, and startled. The Hashiras turned disgusted, contemptuous, and furious, with the exception of Giyuu and Kanroji. The teenagers and children were scared and terrified, except for Kanao, Inosuke, Tanjirou, and Nezuko, who had just awakened and were confused.

"So, you really are a demon!" Sanemi shouted angrily. "Only a demon would accept another demon as their protege."

The Hunter only stared at Sanemi, feeling indifferent towards his accusation. They sighed, turned to Kagaya, and spoke. "I'm not a demon. I'm a hunter. I'm... something else. But you already know who and what I am, don't you, Oyakata-sama?"

"Don't you dare address Oyakata-sama by name, you-!" Sanemi shouted before Kagaya stopped him. "That's enough, Sanemi-san. The Hunter is right. I know who and what you are. But can you come closer for me to see it?" Kagaya gently asked, signaling the Demon Slayers to make way for the Hunter, which they reluctantly obeyed.

Without saying anything, the Hunter marched towards Kagaya and his family, surprising everyone by taking off their tricorn hat, kneeling, and respectfully addressing Kagaya. "It is an honor for me to meet you again, Oyakata-sama. Even though... I've changed a lot... and I may not be the same Hashira you saw and recognized before." The Hunter spoke solemnly as Kagaya observed them attentively, smiling while his wife and children stood close by.

As for the Hashiras, Tanjirou, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Kanao, as well as everyone in the Corps, they were all shocked, surprised, and some even stupefied to learn that this stranger, the so-called Good Hunter, was once a Hashira, a Demon Slayer like them. However, they had never heard or seen this stranger in their Corps before, leaving many unanswered questions. Meanwhile, Tamayo, Yushiro, Nezuko, and Akane stared at the Hunter in confusion, especially Akane, who couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with the Hunter, as if she had met them before but couldn't remember where.

Before Gyomei could ask his question, Kagaya raised a hand to signal him not to speak, continuing to observe the Hunter, who remained respectfully kneeling. Kagaya spoke in a tone of disbelief, yet maintained a calm and collected expression. "... It's impossible! You're... It can't be. You can't be..."

"Oyakata-sama," the Hunter spoke, raising their head and looking at him through their black goggles. "It may seem impossible, but your foresight... your insight would never deceive you. What you're seeing right now is real and true... as I am the living proof before you."

The Hunter's words only served to confuse everyone even further, but Kagaya continued to stare at them until he smiled and spoke. "Well, welcome back to the Corps, my child. It seems you have indeed undergone drastic changes. But I can tell that you will never harm your only family here."

"Oyakata-sama, do you know who this person is?" Shinobu asked.

"Yes... I do, Shinobu-san. However, I won't be the one to tell you. The Good Hunter will share the details when they find the right time," Kagaya replied.

"But what if they are dangerous? I mean, look at the sword they're carrying. It's huge," Kanroji nervously pointed out, referring to the large sword the Hunter had on their back.

"Yeah, I agree. What if they attack us when we least expect it?" Rengoku added, with Naoto nodding in agreement.

Kagaya's expression turned grim, shocking the Hashiras and the Demon Slayers. He spoke solemnly, "They are dangerous, I cannot deny that. However, if they had the intention to murder all of us here, they would have done so already. There is nothing we can do that would prevent our deaths in less than a second."

Kagaya's words left everyone shocked and horrified, including Akane, causing them to wonder just how powerful and dangerous the Good Hunter truly was. After a few minutes of secret discussion, everyone reluctantly agreed to comply with the Hunter's directives and took their seats in the rows of chairs in the theater.

However, Akane found herself sitting next to the Hunter. Despite her initial urge to protest and stay away from them, something about them, from their familiarity to their unusual and unsettling aura that surpassed even her shishou, compelled her to follow their directives, despite her ominous feeling towards them. This decision brought her displeasure and chagrin.

Then, the Hunter clapped their hands cheerfully and spoke with a joyful tone. "Now then, before we begin, I would like to make two announcements." Everyone looked at them with inquisitive, curious, and cautious expressions. "First, I want to apologize for bringing you all here without your consent and against your will. As a token of my apology, I have prepared a gift that I'm certain you will all love!"

With a snap of their fingers, the mist appeared once again. At that moment, the expressions of the Hashiras and the Demon Slayers transformed from confusion and disbelief to joy, warmth, and tears. They saw the spirits of Kochou Kanae, as well as the Kochou family members – Kochou Kaito and Kochou Hayami – Shinobu's older sister and parents. They also saw the spirits of Sabito and Makomo – Giyuu's childhood friends and Tanjirou's helpers – along with Kuwajima Jigoro, Zenitsu's mentor and the former Thunder Hashira, and Reigen, Naoto's teacher and a former Wind Breathing demon slayer. Additionally, they saw the spirits of Kibutsuji Rei, Sayuri's mother, and Rengoku Ruka, Rengoku Kyoujurou's mother. However, there were two spirits that they were not familiar with – Soyama Koyuki and her father, Soyama Keizo. Nevertheless, their happiness and joy at seeing their departed loved ones again overshadowed any unfamiliarity.

Furthermore, the Hunter had also invited Urokodaki Sakonji to join the reunion. The old and former Water Hashira was overjoyed to see and reunite with Sabito and Makomo, as well as Giyuu and Tanjirou. However, in Naoto's case, he was receiving an earful and whacks on the back from Reigen.

While everyone, including Tamayo and Yushiro, was happy and glad to witness this beautiful reunion, Akane felt conflicted. It wasn't that she was a cold-hearted demon; she was simply confused as her heart throbbed a bit, reminding her of fragments from her human life. Moreover, the demon girl never expected to see and meet Kochou Kanae again, the Flower Hashira she had encountered on that day before fleeing when Douma unexpectedly appeared. All she could recall about Kanae from that day was that she was a strange yet intriguing girl. Akane averted her gaze to avoid any awkward encounters or confrontations, especially with Naoto, whom she had heard about from Douma. She had to admit that she held a level of respect for the man who had relentlessly pursued Douma for four years in his vengeful quest, as she never liked that psychopathic bastard.

Observing Akane's inner turmoil, the Hunter reassured her with a gentle touch before walking toward the Kochou family. Naoto was seen embracing Kanae tightly, sealing their reunion with a kiss on her lips – a promise they never thought they would be able to fulfill before Kanae's untimely demise.

"I see that you all are enjoying my gift, don't you?" The Hunter asked, turning towards the Kochou family, Kanao, Naoto, Aoi, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, who all wore expressions of gratitude.

"Yes, absolutely," Shinobu replied with a genuine smile. "I can't express how grateful and happy I am to see my big sister and our parents again. It's... amazing! Thank you very much, Hunter-san!"

"Thank you so much, Hunter-san!" Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho said in unison.

Naoto wanted to thank the Hunter, but he felt awkward because he had shot them five times, even though they were unharmed and effortlessly caught the bullets. However, he couldn't express his gratitude at the moment and decided to find the right time to do so.

As for Kanae, she was overjoyed to see her family again, especially her lover, Naoto-kun. However, when she saw the Hunter, she couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity towards them. Despite not being able to see their face due to the goggles and bandanna, Kanae noticed the similarity in height and body build between herself and the Hunter, although she couldn't figure it out due to the Hunter's heavy clothing. Kanae was certain that she had seen them somewhere before. This caught the Hunter's attention, and they spoke, "Is there something on my face?"

Startled, Kanae took a step back, giving a sheepish smile as she blushed in embarrassment and awkwardness. "Sorry about that. It's just... have we met before?" The Hunter stared back at her, and Kanae couldn't help but feel that she had touched on something sensitive. "I'm sorry if I upset you. But... I don't know why, but it feels like I've seen you somewhere before."

The Hunter continued to gaze at Kanae for a moment, causing Naoto, Shinobu, Kanao, Aoi, and Kochou Kaito and Hayami to look at them curiously. Then, the Hunter lowered their head, lifting their goggles to wipe tears from their eyes. This surprised and shocked everyone to see this stranger, the Hunter, whom they had never met before, crying upon seeing Kanae. Meanwhile, Kanae also began to cry, though she didn't understand why. Naoto, Shinobu, Kanao, Aoi, the girls, and Kanae's and Shinobu's parents comforted her. They were all curious and wondered why both Kanae and the Hunter cried at the same time, and they also noticed the striking similarity in height between the two.

Then, the Hunter lowered their goggles back over their eyes, raised their head, and spoke with solemnity. "I'm sorry, Kanae-san. It's just... you remind me of someone very dear to me, someone I lost a long time ago when I became the Hunter."

Kanae sniffed and wiped tears from her eyes, offering a gentle smile. "They must have been someone you loved and cherished deeply, right?" The Hunter nodded in response. "Well, I'm sorry for your loss, Hunter-san."

The Hunter shrugged their shoulders. "It's... alright. As a hunter, this burden is one that no one else should bear. Trust me on this, okay?"

Kanae looked puzzled by their words. The Hunter then turned to Kaito and Hayami, addressing them. "Mr. and Mrs. Kochou, please stay by your eldest daughter, Kanae. Given what we are about to witness, she will need you both." They then looked at everyone who was close to Kanae. "All of you." With that, the Hunter turned around and walked back to the front stage, leaving them filled with unanswered questions.

Then, the Hunter clapped their hands loudly to grab everyone's attention and spoke, "Now that we've all had a chance to get to know each other, I kindly ask you to return to your seats and listen to my next announcement." Following their instructions, everyone who was standing found their way back to their seats, and the Hunter directed the newcomers to sit in any unoccupied seats. Once everyone was settled, the Hunter continued with their announcement, saying, "Now that's settled, I would like to make a second announcement before we begin the show... and I can assure you, it will leave you outraged and furious!"

The audience's attention was immediately captured, and several individuals narrowed their eyes, including Obanai, who asked, "What is it?"

Taking a deep breath, the Hunter prepared to drop the bombshell. "I am going to bring Kibutsuji Muzan and a few members of the Twelve Kizuki here."

The audience's eyes widened in shock and disbelief. Several, particularly the Hashiras, erupted with outrage, fury, and outright hostility. However, Akane, who was shocked and surprised by the second announcement, remained silent, processing the fact that the Hunter intended to bring Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki into a room filled with their mortal enemies.

"Are you crazy?"

"Have you gone mad?"

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Oh no! We're doomed!"

"You want to bring that monster here!?"

"Oyakata-sama and his family will be killed!"

The room was filled with countless shouts of outrage and fury, just as the Hunter had expected. In response, the Hunter raised their hands and clapped, producing a thunderous sound that silenced the audience. They began to speak, acknowledging the shock and surprise that had gripped everyone. "I understand that you are all shocked and surprised by my decision to bring your mortal enemies here. I know that you all harbor intense hatred and disgust towards Muzan and his demons. And above all, I recognize your concerns and worries for the safety and well-being of Oyakata-sama, his family, and your loved ones, your brothers and sisters. However, whether you like it or not, Muzan and his Twelve Kizuki must be here and join us to witness my story."

"...So, that's why you brought us here," Naoto spoke quietly, his gaze fixed on the Hunter. "You brought us here just to watch your shitty tale... with our mortal enemies. I don't know who you are or if that's even your real name, but you have no right to bring us here and expect us to tolerate the presence of the most disgusting and hated enemies in this room. We absolutely despise him. Do you have any idea how many people that monster has killed? How many families have been torn apart because of him and his lackeys? How many innocent people has he turned into demons? So, why do you think we can sit back and let you do as you wish? Because the moment you brought Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki here, especially him, there will be bloodshed between you, me, and the Demon Slayer Corps."

After Naoto spoke, the Hashiras couldn't help but agree with his words. Despite some Hashiras having issues with Naoto's attitude, they found themselves in agreement with his statements. There was no way they would allow the Hunter to bring Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki to this place, knowing that the Demon King and his henchmen could kill them and the Ubuyashiki family while they were unarmed.

Tanjiro was torn between siding with the Hashiras or giving the Hunter the benefit of the doubt. There was something about the Hunter's scent that gave him a sense of... something he couldn't quite put into words. Tanjirou looked at his friends and saw Zenitsu hugging Nezuko, while Inosuke surprisingly remained silent the whole time. Inosuke's sudden and unusual silence made Tanjirou wonder what kind of expression he was showing behind his boar mask.

The Ubuyashiki's wife and children looked at Kagaya with uncertain looks, but Kagaya reassured them with a smile, believing in the Hunter and their powers/abilities to keep everyone safe.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group was uncertain or chose to remain silent. Rei held her daughter, Sayuri, protectively, both afraid of encountering Muzan again. However, Akane had a strange feeling that something bad and terrible would happen, though she couldn't be certain of what.

A moment of tense silence ensued until the Hunter broke it, speaking with a tone laced with venom and contempt. "Trust me, Naoto-san. I hate and despise Muzan and some members of the Twelve Kizuki as much as I hate and despise Laurence, Annalise, Micolash, Brador, and several other motherfuckers and shitheads from where I came. However, there's a wise man who once said, 'You just have to take a leap of faith.' And that's what I will do. Regardless of whether you like it or not, trust me." The tone then shifted to one of apathy. "To me, Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki are the lesser evil and horror compared to what I've seen in Yharnam. Including myself." The Hunter mentally added the last part.

The audience, or rather everyone present, was bewildered by what the Hunter had said. Yharnam? Where is that place? What on earth is it? Is it even real? And who are those people they're talking about? The names sounded foreign, Western perhaps, but it was clear that the Hunter held a grudge against them.

Numerous questions filled the minds of the audience, but the Hunter quickly cleared their throat to capture their attention. Gripping the cane tighter, the Hunter spoke, "Let me ask you this: Do you trust Oyakata-sama and his words?" Just as the Hashiras were about to voice their objections and opinions, the Hunter swiftly interjected, "If you trust him, then why don't we listen to what he has to say about it?"

The Hashiras, both present and former, turned their gaze toward Kagaya, seeking guidance like children. Kagaya smiled at his swordsmen and spoke softly, "My cute swordsmen, please listen to what the Hunter has said. As I mentioned before, if he or she had the intention to murder all of us here, it would have been done already. We would have perished, despite our combined strength, manpower, and Breathing Styles. Instead, they have brought us here for a reason. Now, I believe they are capable enough to protect us from Kibutsuji Muzan and his Twelve Kizuki, preventing them from harming and killing us all."

Kagaya then directed his gaze toward the Hunter and continued in his thoughts, "Moreover, my foresight now allows me to see clearly who she is and what she is capable of... and how dangerous she can be if she were to forsake her humanity, her past, and her connection to the Demon Slayer Corps." Kagaya silently added the last part to himself.

The Hashiras stared at Kagaya with conflicted expressions. Naoto, Gyomei, Obanai, Uzui, Sanemi, and Rengoku were eager to voice their concerns and objections to Kagaya's words. However, upon seeing the seriousness, sternness, and sincerity in his expression, they chose to remain silent, putting their trust in his words. Giyuu, Sabito, and Makomo turned to their mentor, Urokodaki Sakonji, seeking his opinion. His silence conveyed that they should trust the words of their Oyakata-sama. The same sentiment was shared by Zenitsu and his teacher and grandfather, Kuwajima Jigoro, along with Naoto and Reigen.

However, there were still some individuals, including the girls and a few others, who were not entirely comfortable with the idea. Even Keizo and Koyuki, despite their desire to see Hakuji again, couldn't forget how broken and devastated he had become, leading him down a dark path where he transformed into a demon and later became Upper Moon Three of the Twelve Kizuki, discarding his birth name and adopting the name Akaza. They struggled to find a way to remind him of who he truly was, his family, and his previous life, let alone convince him to abandon his futile pursuit of power. Nevertheless, Koyuki held onto the hope that her fiancé would remember her and be able to save himself from his own darkness. She still loved him, even after his descent into evil, believing that there was still a small spark of his humanity that could be rekindled.

Observing everyone's expressions, the Hunter spoke in a reassuring tone, "I understand that you all still have concerns. Worries about whether you can truly trust Oyakata-sama or not. I know that many of you doubt my abilities and skills to handle the situation with Muzan and his Kizuki. You question if I am capable of keeping them under control, ensuring they won't harm Oyakata-sama, his family, or any of you. However..." The Hunter drew their greatsword from their back with their right hand and firmly planted it on the ground, dropping their cane into a white mist that dissipated, leaving no trace of the cane behind. This unexpected act shocked and surprised everyone.

"I've got this," the Hunter continued, their voice resonating with confidence. "So rest assured, everyone. It will be just like any other Night of the Hunt that I and the Hunters have always participated in. To me, Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki are not so different from the beasts I've slain."

"Don't you mean demons?" Hinaki asked quietly.

Upon hearing the question from Ubuyashiki's eldest daughter, the Hunter shook their head and replied, "Beasts, demons, monsters... They're all one and the same to me. They're simply creatures that I must kill for our own well-being. As my sensei used to say, 'Don't think too hard about all of this. Just go out and kill a few beasts.'" Everyone raised an eyebrow at the statement.

"I know it may sound mundane and cryptic, causing confusion among you all," the Hunter continued. "But once you learn about the Night of the Hunt, you will understand what my sensei meant by those words."

"...Are you even sure that you're strong enough to take them on all by yourself?" Akane finally spoke up after a prolonged period of silence, drawing the attention of both the Demon Slayers and the Hashiras. "Are you absolutely certain that you can defeat the Demon King himself, whom no one has ever managed to lay a scratch on?" Akane persisted. "Even my shishou is completely outmatched in terms of raw strength, power, and experience. Even someone with common sense like me wouldn't foolishly challenge such overwhelming might that would undoubtedly lead to instant death."

While the Hashiras wouldn't normally pay much attention to the words spoken by a demon like Akane, her mention of Muzan intrigued them, prompting them to seize the opportunity to learn more about their formidable foe and the progenitor of the demons. Her words did indeed elicit concern about their adversary.

The Hunter then leaned forward, and although Akane couldn't see their face behind the mask, she could discern a faint smile in their demeanor before they spoke. "Then Kibutsuji Muzan and the Twelve Kizuki should learn to fear the Hunter." They looked at the gathered audience and boldly declared, their voice resonating loudly.

"Tonight, the Good Hunter of Yharnam joins the Hunt!"

A/N: And that's it! To bring you back to the cast of Kimetsu no Yaiba, here is the list:

+ Kamado Tanjiro, Kamado Nezuko, Agatsuma Zenitsu, Hashibira Inosuke, Tsuyuri Kanao, Shinazugawa Genya, Kanzai Aoi, Nakahara Sumi, Terauchi Kiyo,Takada Naho, Urokodaki Sakonji, Kuwajima Jigoro, Rengoku Ruka, Tamayo, Yushiro, Soyama Keizo andSoyama Koyuki, Kibutsuji Rei, the Ubuyashiki family, the Hashiras (former and current), and the Swordsmiths.

+ There are three characters you may not be familiar with: Akane, Karasuma Naoto, and Kibutsuji Sayuri. Akane is the deuteragonist in "Tainted Butterfly" by Rei Usagi on , alongside the protagonist Kochou Shinobu. Karasuma Naoto is the protagonist of "[Kochou Kanae x OC] Kimetsu no Yaiba - Twin Butterfly" by Yang_Kun on Wattpad. Lastly, Kibutsuji Sayuri is inspired by Suzuran, the main character and protagonist of the Kimetsu no Yaiba AU comic by springpalettes-art on Tumblr. While I have obtained permission from Rei to use their OC, Akane, in the story, I am still awaiting confirmation from Yang_Kun regarding Karasuma Naoto. I apologize for any inconvenience in advance.

Nevertheless, Akane, Naoto, and Sayuri are additional cast members in the story. Feel free to check out their stories on the mentioned websites.

Please leave a comment on this first part of the Prologue, follow, and favorite my story.