*Disclaimer* I do not own either Demon Slayer or Naruto. Demon Slayer Belongs to Koyoharu Gotouge and Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto. Please Support the Official release
"Talk"
'Thought'
Demon Slaying Shinobi
Chapter One: A Shinobi from another Land
"Help me!" a voice yelled as a man and woman raced through an alleyway, pursued by something everyone prayed never to encounter: a demon. The demon laughed as it chased the couple to a dead end.
"P-please spare us," the man cried out, holding the woman close as the demon's evil smirk grew wider.
"Spare you? Hm, when I'm done devouring you both, there won't be anything left to spare, guhehehe," the demon laughed as it approached them.
"Leave them alone..." a voice called out from the void, causing all three to look around in search of its origin. Suddenly, the demon was kicked away by a figure in a black cloak that covered his body, except for a mask in the style of a fox on his face.
"Damn it, who the hell are you? A demon slayer?" the demon spat, getting up in anger.
"No... just someone who will stop you here and now," the cloaked figure replied in an even tone as the demon sprang forward.
"Try to defeat me as I eat you whole, you bastard..." the demon yelled.
"Flying Raijin Level 2," the man said before disappearing in a yellow flash.
"Huh?"
"Rasengan," the cloaked figure yelled out as he reappeared behind the demon, slamming a blue orb right into its back, obliterating it on the spot.
The alley fell silent as the remains of the demon dissipated into the air. The man and woman stared in awe at their savior, who stood with his back to them, the fox mask hiding his face but not his determination.
"Thank you," the woman whispered, her voice trembling.
The cloaked figure turned slightly, the mask glinting in the dim light. "Get to safety. There may be more of them."
The man nodded, helping the woman to her feet. "Who are you?" he asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.
The figure paused, then spoke in a low, calm voice. "My name is not important. What matters is that you are safe."
With that, he turned and began to walk away, his cloak billowing behind him. The couple watched him go, feeling a mixture of gratitude and awe.
Just as he was about to disappear into the night, the figure stopped and glanced back at the couple. The cloaked figure gave them one last nod before vanishing into the night, leaving behind only the memory of his heroic intervention.
"Heh, that demon was weaker than some of the others you've come across, eh... Naruto?" a voice called out to the cloaked figure as he was pulled into his mind. He turned around to see a large nine-tailed fox looking at him with amusement.
Naruto sighed, lowering his mask as he faced Kurama, the Nine-Tailed Fox. "Yeah, Kurama. But we can't let our guard down. The demons are getting more frequent and more dangerous. Especially since we got brought here by some demon that used a biwa..."
"Hmph, you're right, but it has been two years since then, hasn't it? And still no word or evidence on this demon or its master!" Kurama's voice was tinged with frustration.
Naruto clenched his fists, feeling the weight of those two years pressing down on him. "I know. It's like they vanished into thin air. But we can't stop searching. Whoever they are, they have to be stopped before more people get hurt. And we need to get back to everyone in the Leaf Village."
Suddenly, Naruto heard a rustle in the brush. He quickly put his mask back on as a hooded figure dropped down and kneeled before him.
"Kitsune-sama, I have received reports from Ubuyashiki-sama," the man said, continuing to kneel as he gave his report.
Naruto's eyes narrowed behind his mask. "What does Ubuyashiki want?"
"He reports that five have made it through the final selection to join the Demon Slayer Corps, but he has a request for you." The man produced a letter and handed it to Naruto.
"Did his kasugai crow indicate the request?" Naruto asked as the man got up and shook his head.
"I'm afraid not, Kitsune-sama. It said the request would be in the letter."
'Damn bastard, things are never straightforward with him, are they?' Naruto thought with a sweat drop. "Thank you, you're dismissed."
"Yes, Kitsune-sama." The man said as he got up and disappeared.
"Got to give credit to that old perverted toad teaching you how to build a spy network," Kurama said within Naruto's mind. "It seems to have served you well here."
Naruto chuckled softly. "Yeah, Jiraiya's methods may have been unconventional, but they sure do work."
He opened the letter and began to read. The contents caused him to narrow his eyes.
"Naruto-san, I hope your efforts to locate Kibutsuji Muzan are going well. I have received a request to have a boy named Kamado Tanjiro be accompanied by his sister, who has been turned into a demon by Muzan," the letter read. "This request comes from the former Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji, who states that Nezuko, the sister, will not attack humans. My request is that you accompany them and help Tanjiro find a way to cure his sister. This may lead us to the very thing we are looking for to defeat Muzan."
Naruto finished reading and folded the letter thoughtfully. "A demon that doesn't attack humans... That's unusual. Kurama, what do you think?"
Kurama's voice rumbled in his mind. "It sounds like this Nezuko might be different from the others."
Naruto nodded. "And helping Tanjiro find a cure for his sister might lead us to Muzan himself. This could be the break we've been waiting for."
He stood up, determination flaring in his eyes. "Maybe, but we can't rush into this, without knowing all the details, or where this Tanjiro is?"
"Heh, then we better get looking." Kurama said as Naruto began walking away disappearing into a swirl of leaves.
Tanjiro stood in his new Demon Slayer Corps uniform, the fabric fitting snugly yet comfortably against his body.
"Have you gotten changed?" Urokodaki asked.
"Yes," Tanjiro replied, adjusting the uniform.
"Alright," Urokodaki nodded in approval.
Urokodaki watched as Tanjiro prepared to leave. "Tanjiro, now that you're starting out with the Demon Slayer Corps, I'd like to explain a few things to you."
"Right," Tanjiro replied attentively.
"That Demon Slayer Corps outfit you're wearing is made of a special kind of fiber. The fabric is quite breathable, yet it repels moisture and won't burn easily. A low-level demon's talons or fangs couldn't even manage to tear that uniform," Urokodaki explained.
"It's that strong?" Tanjiro asked, impressed.
"Yes. Also, that Nichirin sword of yours... The color varies from owner to owner, and each hue has unique properties. But since not many people end up with black blades, little is known about them. So little, in fact, that..."
"So little is known that... What, Mr. Urokodaki?" Tanjiro prompted.
"Since so little is known about them, black blades are said to be wielded by swordsmen who'll never go far," Urokodaki finished.
"I don't know how I'll do in the Demon Slayer Corps, but I'm going to turn Nezuko back into a human no matter what," Tanjiro declared with determination.
"Yes, you're right. I have faith that you're going to make that happen," Urokodaki reassured him.
"Right."
"One more thing. Take this," Urokodaki said, placing a wooden box in front of Tanjiro. "It's a box for you to carry your sister in during the day. It's built out of an extremely light wood called 'Cloud Mist Pine.' I coated it with rock lacquer to reinforce its exterior and to make it even more durable."
"Thank you very much!" Tanjiro exclaimed, picking up the box. "It's so light! It's really light, Mr. Urokodaki! Hehe!"
Tanjiro placed the box in front of Nezuko, who was hiding under the covers. He opened the door. "Nezuko, get inside this, will you? Can you do it?"
"Mmm..." Nezuko hesitated but eventually got into the box.
"Nezuko, from now on, we're always gonna be together, okay?" Tanjiro said, closing the box. Outside, he carried the box on his back. Urokodaki stood by to send him off.
"All right, I'll be going now," Tanjiro said.
"Hold on. Do you mind?" Urokodaki stepped forward, fastening the top button of Tanjiro's uniform. He adjusted the straps of the box, and finally placed his hands on Tanjiro's shoulders. "All right."
Urokodaki and Tanjiro nodded to each other, and Tanjiro headed off .
Tanjiro walked along a dirt path, the wooden box carrying Nezuko securely strapped to his back. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows along the road.
"Nezuko, are you all right? Nezuko?" Tanjiro called, glancing over his shoulder at the box.
Urokodaki's voice echoed in his mind. "I'm just guessing here, but it could be that Nezuko is recovering her strength by sleeping instead of consuming human flesh."
Tanjiro continued walking, receiving no response from Nezuko. "Nezuko… You get lots of rest," he said softly, reassured by Urokodaki's explanation.
As he walked, he eventually arrived in a town along a river. "Could this be the town to the northwest?" he wondered aloud, looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
Entering the town, Tanjiro noticed a man named Kazumi walking nearby, seeming to be in a daze.
"Oh, look, there's Kazumi," a woman whispered to her companion. "Poor thing. He looks so haggard."
"Ah…" Tanjiro murmured, feeling a pang of sympathy as he walked past Kazumi.
"Because he was with Satoko when she was taken," another woman explained to a man standing beside her.
"Night after night… It's so creepy," the man responded.
"It's so dreadful!" the first woman exclaimed.
"When night falls, yet another young girl will be abducted," the second woman added, her voice filled with dread.
"Ah…!" Tanjiro turned back towards Kazumi, his heart heavy with empathy.
"Mr. Kazumi! If you don't mind, I'd like to hear your story. Is that all right?" Tanjiro called out, hoping to learn more about the recent events.
Kazumi looked up, his eyes filled with sorrow. "Ah…" he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
Naruto walked along the dirt path, his mask off, revealing his bandaged right arm. As he passed by, his striking appearance caught the attention of many, especially the girls, who blushed as they admired the 19-year-old.
This is where my network stated they saw someone matching that kid Tanjiro's description, Naruto thought as he looked down at the town below.
"Heh, locating him shouldn't be too hard then, right?" Kurama said with a smirk, his voice echoing in Naruto's mind.
Naruto grinned slightly. "Yeah, it should be easy enough," he murmured to himself, adjusting the cloak that concealed his distinctive orange and black attire.
The town bustled with activity as Naruto entered, his sharp eyes scanning the crowds for any sign of Tanjiro. He moved with purpose, his presence commanding respect and curiosity from those around him.
Elsewhere in the town, Tanjiro and Kazumi walked along a walled path. The air was thick with tension as Kazumi spoke.
"This is where Satoko vanished," Kazumi said, his voice heavy with grief. "You may not believe me."
"I do believe you! I believe you, all right! I believe you!" Tanjiro reassured him with conviction.
Tanjiro knelt down and began to smell the ground, his heightened senses at work. There's still a faint trace of demon scent, but it's uneven, he thought. There's something strange about this.
Kazumi watched Tanjiru, his mind racing. Who is this kid anyway?
Kazumi's mind then drifted back to the confrontation with Satoko's parents.
"How dare you!" Satoko's father had shouted.
"Ah…" Kazumi had stammered, taken aback.
"What do you mean 'vanished'?! You bastard!" Satoko's father had continued, his face contorted with anger.
"Dear! That's enough! Please stop!" Satoko's mother had pleaded, trying to calm her husband.
"Ngh…" Kazumi had felt the weight of their accusations pressing down on him.
Kazumi followed Tanjiro as he sniffed out the demon's trail around the town. The sky darkened as evening turned into night.
"I want you to believe me. She really did vanish," Kazumi insisted, his voice breaking.
"I believe you. After all, that's why I'm here," Tanjiro replied, his determination unwavering.
Tanjiro continued searching into the night, his senses on high alert.
"You're gonna keep going?" Kazumi asked, surprised by Tanjiro's persistence.
"Yes," Tanjiro affirmed.
"Look how late it's gotten. I'm flattered that you're so concerned for me, but shouldn't you pick up again tomorrow and get some rest?" Kazumi suggested.
Tanjiro suddenly knelt down again, his eyes narrowing. "Those things are active during the night. So I can't afford to rest. I've detected a new scent in this area. It's gotta be somewhere nearby."
Kazumi's eyes widened in disbelief. "Those things… Don't tell me you're… You're seriously…"
Tanjiro's intense focus left no room for doubt. "Yes. I'm going to find this demon and end its reign of terror."
"How terrifying. I want you to stay indoors for the time being," Tokie's mother said, her voice trembling with fear.
"Yes, mother. Now then, good night," Tokie replied, trying to hide her own anxiety.
As Tokie left the room, a dark shadow slithered along the floor, following her. She entered her own room and set down for bed. "I wonder what became of the girls who were taken. I just hope they're all right," she murmured to herself, closing her eyes.
Suddenly, two hands emerged from the ground, covering her mouth and dragging her through the floor.
Naruto continued to look around as dusk began to turn to night. His sharp eyes scanned every corner, every alleyway, but there was still no sign of Tanjiro.
Damn it, how hard is it to find one kid? Naruto thought, frustration creeping into his mind as he leaped from rooftop to rooftop with ease.
The town below bustled with evening activity, lanterns casting warm glows on the streets as people hurried home or gathered for dinner. Naruto's senses were on high alert, his every movement calculated and precise. Despite the serene setting, his mind was a whirlwind of urgency and determination.
"Heh, getting a bit impatient, are we?" Kurama's voice teased in his mind.
"Not now, Kurama," Naruto muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the area below. "We're running out of time. If I don't find him soon, who knows what might happen."
Jumping to another rooftop, Naruto paused, crouching low to get a better view of the street below. He took a deep breath, letting his heightened senses take in every sound and scent.
Come on, Tanjiro… where are you? he thought, focusing intensely.
Just as he was about to move again, a faint but familiar scent caught his attention. His eyes widened as he locked onto the direction it was coming from.
"There," he whispered to himself, zeroing in on the source. He could sense Tanjiro, mingled with something else – a faint demonic presence.
'A demon…'
Tanjiro's senses flared as he realized something. "Ah!" he exclaimed, sprinting off.
Kazumi, startled, called after him, "What's gotten into you all of a sudden?" 'So fast!' he thought, struggling to keep up.
"The scent just got stronger! The demon's at large!" Tanjiro shouted, leaping high into the air.
Kazumi tried to follow, his mind racing. 'He jumped? He spoke of demons. The Demon Slayer Corps… He really…'
Tanjiro landed in an empty alley, his eyes scanning the area. 'This is it. They're here right now!' He drew his sword, focusing on the scents. 'Two different scents. A demon and a female human! They're nowhere to be seen. But… the spot where the scent is strongest… is right here!' He stabbed his sword into the ground.
"Ngh!" a guttural voice grunted as Tokie floated up from the dark shadow on the ground.
"Ah!" Tanjiro gasped, reaching into the shadow and pulling Tokie out. The Swamp Demon emerged, ripping a bit of her sleeve off and half his body coming out of the ground.
'A morphed demon!' Tanjiro thought, recalling Urokodaki's words, "The demons who use special spells called the 'Blood Demon Art' possess supernatural abilities. You may have to fight those demons, as well, from now on."
"Where are those girls you kidnapped?" Tanjiro demanded, his voice firm.
The Swamp Demon gritted his teeth, refusing to answer.
"I've got two more questions for you!" Tanjiro continued, but the Swamp Demon vanished underground before he could continue.
"Who was that?" Kazumi asked, bewildered.
"Mr. Kazumi, please hold this person and stand nearby. If you're inside my range of attack, I can protect you!" Tanjiro instructed.
Kazumi took Tokie from Tanjiro as he walked forward, sword drawn. 'From the ground or this wall… It can probably emerge from anywhere. There's also the chance that it could show up out of thin air. But this demon… even when it's submerged, it can't erase its scent!' Tanjiro thought, his senses heightened. 'Here it comes!'
"Water Breathing, Fifth Form!" Tanjiro exclaimed, stepping forward to attack. Three copies of the Swamp Demon rose from the ground.
'There's three of them!' Tanjiro thought, jumping back before the demons could grab him. 'Settle down! You can do it! Eighth form! Waterfall Basin!' he resolved, preparing for the next move.
"Tanjiro, listen to me closely," Urokodaki said, his voice grave. "The type of demon with the blood that can turn humans into demons… There is only one in this world."
"Just one…" Tanjiro echoed, absorbing the weight of the revelation.
"The one who was the first to become a demon more than a thousand years ago. In other words, that is your family's foe. Moreover, I believe he's the one who might know how to turn your sister back into a human," Urokodaki continued.
"Ah…" Tanjiro murmured, the information sinking in.
"That demon's name is… Kibutsuji Muzan," Urokodaki revealed.
Tanjiro faced the Swamp Demon, his resolve solidifying. Eighth form! Waterfall Basin! he thought, launching his attack. His blade sliced through the demon's arms, severing them from the ground.
Too shallow! I missed all the vulnerable spots! Because I switched forms midway through! Tanjiro cursed himself as the demon's arms fell to the ground.
"Ah!" Kazumi gasped, watching the demon's arms writhe before disappearing back into the ground.
Tanjiro jumped back to defend Kazumi. All of them have the exact same scent. I was told that demons don't band together as a rule. So one demon has dispersed into three. I'm going to protect these two while slashing those three demons! Don't lose your nerve! Make sure you get him to tell you about Kibutsuji Muzan… and how to turn a demon back into a human!
The Swamp Demon prepared to grab Kazumi. Total Concentration… Tanjiro thought, focusing his energy.
"Ah…!" Kazumi cried out.
Water Breathing… Second Form… Water Wheel! Tanjiro's attack hit its mark, but he realized, Too shallow again!
The Swamp Demon retreated, its movements swift and elusive. Urgh… I can't chase him too far. And I can't take a full swing while guarding others! Tanjiro thought, frustrated by his limitations.
"You bastard!" the Swamp Demon spat. "Back off for crying out loud! That girl's gonna go stale on me, dammit!"
"Ah…!" Tanjiro exclaimed in shock.
"That girl's already 16, okay? If I don't devour her soon, she's gonna lose flavor by the second!" the Swamp Demon continued.
"Ah…" Kazumi whimpered.
One of the Swamp Demon's copies rose from the ground behind Tanjiro. "Calm down, my other self," it said.
"Ngh…!" Tanjiro grunted.
"Hey, so what? There are gonna be nights like this. I've already fed on plenty of 16-year-old girls in this town. They were all quite meaty and delicious. I'm satisfied," the demon gloated. "Well, I'm not satisfied, my other self! I wanna consume more!"
"You monster… Return Satoko to me. The one you abducted the night before last!" Kazumi demanded.
"Satoko? Who are you talking about?" The Swamp Demon revealed the inside of his kimono, displaying various trinkets.
"Ah…!" Kazumi gasped, recognizing Satoko's hairpin among the demon's collectibles.
"If her hairpin is among these collectibles, then I've devoured her," the Swamp Demon said smugly before disappearing into the ground again.
"Ngh!" Tanjiro growled in frustration.
The Swamp Demon reappeared and attacked. Tanjiro managed to slice off an arm before being struck. I missed again! he thought as the demon fled underground.
He can escape underground so fast! Tanjiro thought, trying to predict the demon's next move. A shadow appeared on the wall.
"Ah…! Oh no! I got too close to the wall!" Tanjiro exclaimed, dodging another attack. Another copy of the Swamp Demon lunged from behind as Tanjiro regained his footing.
"Ngh!" Tanjiro grunted, preparing to defend himself.
Suddenly, Nezuko's foot flew out of the box on Tanjiro's back, sending the Swamp Demon flying. "Urgh!" the demon groaned.
Another copy of the Swamp Demon emerged from the ground, confused. "Why would a mere human be accompanying a demon? What's the meaning of this? Who are those two? Are they a swordsman and demon working together?" it pondered.
Nezuko stepped out from her box, her eyes fierce. "I don't get it at all," the demon muttered before disappearing into the ground again.
Kazumi looked at Nezuko in shock. "Ah…!"
Nezuko walked over to Kazumi and Tokie, placing her hands on their faces, imagining them as her younger brother and sister.
"Nezuko…" Tanjiro said softly.
The Swamp Demon copies began to rise from the ground again. Urokodaki's voice echoed in Tanjiro's mind, "This may be cold comfort, but while Nezuko was asleep, I used a hypnotic suggestion on her."
"Suggestion?" Tanjiro had asked in the past.
"All humans are your family. Protect humans. The demons are the enemy!" Urokodaki explained.
Nezuko walked forward, her determination clear. She leaped at the Swamp Demon copies with a fierce attack. "Ngh!"
"Nezuko!" Tanjiro called out, ready to support her.
Urokodaki's voice resonated one last time, "Never forgive any demon who brings harm onto humans!"
Nezuko charged toward one of the Swamp Demons. "Ngh… Ngh!" she grunted, slamming her foot down toward the demon, but he retreated into the ground before she could hit him.
"Ah… Ngh…" Nezuko growled in frustration.
The Swamp Demon laughed. "Hehehe…"
"Ngh…!" Nezuko's determination only grew as she ran toward the demon again.
"Nezuko!" Tanjiro called out, stopping her in her tracks. "Don't chase after him! Get back here! Come to me."
Nezuko turned and ran back toward Tanjiro, but a hole appeared between them as the Swamp Demon reached out to grab her. Nezuko deftly jumped over the demon and rejoined Tanjiro.
"Ngh!" the Swamp Demon grunted in frustration.
"Ah…" Tanjiro sighed in relief. Mr. Urokodaki did tell me… that Nezuko is a demon now. And that she's not necessarily so weak that I have to protect her. Is it all right to let her handle this? If I have her watch over those two, I can focus on my attacks.
Tanjiro stepped toward Nezuko, Kazumi, and Tokie, but the Swamp Demon's shadow appeared at his feet. He jumped back, creating space between himself and the others.
"Ngh…!" Tanjiro grunted.
"Ngh…" Nezuko mirrored his determination.
Another copy of the Swamp Demon emerged from the ground next to Nezuko and attacked. "Argh!" it roared.
Nezuko dodged the attack, causing the Swamp Demon to slide back. "Ngh…" it grumbled.
"Nezuko!" Tanjiro called out as the shadow continued to creep toward him. "Nezuko! I'm going underground! I want you to protect those two! You can do that, right?"
Nezuko nodded, her resolve clear. Tanjiro stepped forward into the Swamp Demon's domain, leaving Nezuko to protect Kazumi and Tokie.
"Hehe…" the Swamp Demon chuckled. 'Heh while my other selves take care of him I'll get to gorge myself full.'
Tanjiro slowly sank into the ground through the hole he stepped into. Inside a swamp… And these are… he thought as he fell past a collection of clothing. Are these the clothes and belongings of the people who were kidnapped? Just look at all the innocent people they've murdered! It's unforgivable! Unforgivable!
"Hehehe… Getting hard to breathe, brat? There's hardly any air inside this swamp. On top of that, the darkness coiling around your body must feel pretty heavy. Hehehe… You can't move the way you would aboveground! Serves you right! You should've looked before you leaped in, you damn fool!" the Swamp Demon taunted.
Two copies of the Swamp Demon circled around Tanjiro. Don't underestimate me! Just where do you think I got my training anyway? The air was thinner on top of Mt. Sagiri! Not to mention… there are moves that only unleash their full potential underwater! Tanjiro thought as the Swamp Demon copies swam around him.
As the Swamp Demon copies rapidly swam away, Tanjiro prepared to strike. So they can move at angles like that inside this swamp? But it doesn't matter! All I have to do is slash when they get near enough to attack! The form that can be utilized even when there's no sure footing… Generating a powerful vortex with a violent twist of my upper and lower body!
The Swamp Demon copies raced toward Tanjiro. "Ngh!" they grunted.
Here comes the scent! The opening thread! Total Concentration! Water Breathing! Sixth Form! Whirlpool! Tanjiro thought as he attacked. The two copies of the Swamp Demon were swept up in a whirlpool, their bodies cut apart.
"Ngh… Agh…!" the Swamp Demons groaned.
"Ah…" Tanjiro breathed heavily as he defeated the two copies. As their bodies floated away, he grabbed a piece of fabric, looking at it sadly before stashing it away. Ngh… I can't breathe. I gotta get out of here! he thought, swimming to the surface.
Nezuko! he called out in his mind.
Kazumi looked toward the hole to the Swamp Demon's lair, then turned back to Nezuko, who was fighting the remaining Swamp Demon. Nezuko dodged all the Swamp Demon's attacks and punched him in the stomach, causing him to spit up blood.
"Gah! This girl is powerful! Ngh!" the Swamp Demon thought, preparing to go underground.
Nezuko ran toward him before he could retreat and attacked. 'She moves so fast! I can't dive back into the swamp! But hey, I'm getting used to these one-note attacks of hers!' the Swamp Demon thought as he blocked Nezuko's kick with his hand.
"Ngh! Even if she kicks my head clean off… Even if my internal organs explode, demons can regenerate in a flash! Heh… Argh!" he boasted.
The Swamp Demon rushed to attack Nezuko. She prepared to strike him, but he blocked her attack and slashed her across the forehead.
"Hah!" the Swamp Demon laughed.
"Ngh…" Nezuko grunted, bleeding from the wound.
"Ahh…!" Kazumi cried out in fear.
"Ngh…" Nezuko continued to stand her ground.
'All right! Now I'm gonna drill a hole right through your face!' the Swamp Demon thought as he prepared to strike Nezuko.
Before he could, a strange kunai appeared in front of the two demons causing Kazumi to look in confusion. "A Kunai?"
"What the hell?" the Swamp Demon exclaimed. Suddenly, Naruto appeared in front of Nezuko, his presence commanding and powerful.
"Need a hand?" Naruto asked with a confident smirk.
"What the. Another one?" The Swamp Demon said his eyes widened as Naruto launched forward with a punch knocking the demon away.
Nezuko, momentarily stunned by the newcomer, quickly regained her composure. Naruto glanced back at her, giving her an encouraging nod.
"So what, I'll just devour you like the rest." the Demon said as Naruto suddenly appeared behind him using his kunai to slash at the demon's eyes.
"Agh! My Eyes." The demon yelled out as suddenly, Tanjiro emerged from the hole in the ground and sliced the demon's arm off. "Ah… Ahh!"
"Hands off my sister!" Tanjiro demanded.
"Ngh… Ahh!" The Swamp Demon cried out as Tanjiro sliced off his other arm, causing the demon to fall backward.
'Ngh… Did I just get taken out? Both of my other selves got taken out by this guy!' the Swamp Demon thought, stunned. 'Then there is that other guy.'
"You give off a scent like rotten oil. It's a horrible smell! How many people have you killed?" Tanjiro demanded.
"Listen! If women live any longer, they turn ugly and start tasting like crap! So we killed them for their own good!" the Swamp Demon sneered.
"Grr…" Tanjiro growled in anger.
"You bastard." Naruto said as Tanjiro looked over at him with confusion.
'Who is this? He smells like a human but also something else.' Tanjiro thought to himself.
"You should be thankful to us demons -" the Swamp Demon started, but Naruto cut his tongue with a kunai.
"Ngh…" the demon grunted in pain.
"Never mind," Tanjiro said, stepping toward the Swamp Demon, who backed up against the wall.
"You're going to tell me what you know about Kibutsuji Muzan," Tanjiro demanded.
"Ah…!" the Swamp Demon trembled.
"Ah…" Tanjiro's gaze hardened.
"A-Ah…" the demon stammered.
"Talk to me!" Tanjiro shouted.
"Eek…!" the Swamp Demon squealed.
"Start talking!" Tanjiro ordered.
"I-I can't tell you. I can't tell you!" the Swamp Demon cried out, his fear palpable.
'You mustn't tell. You mustn't tell anyone about me. If you do tell anyone, I'll know right away. I'm always watching you,' Muzan's chilling voice echoed in the demon's mind.
"I can't tell you! I can't tell you! I can't tell you! I can't tell you!" the Swamp Demon repeated, his fear palpable.
The smell of fear is strong. He's trembling all the way down to his bones! Tanjiro thought.
'He is so afraid of Muzan that he would rather die, then talk.' Naruto thought as he noticed that the demon became more and more desperate.
Tanjiro tightened his grip on his sword, preparing for whatever the Swamp Demon might do next. "I need answers," he said firmly, his eyes locked onto the demon.
"I can't tell you, all right?!" the Swamp Demon shouted, his desperation turning to aggression. With a sudden burst of energy, the demon regenerated his arms and attacked Tanjiro. "Ahh!"
Tanjiro swiftly dodged the attack and, with one decisive move, beheaded the Swamp Demon. "Ah…" the demon gasped before disintegrating into dust.
Tanjiro sighed, frustrated. "Ah… Once again, I failed to get any information."
He sheathed his sword and turned to Nezuko, who sat on the ground against the wall, fast asleep. "Nezuko! She's asleep. She stopped bleeding, too. So she's sleeping in order to recover? Sorry. I'm so sorry. Wait just a little longer, okay? I promise to turn you back into a human again!"
Gently, Tanjiro placed Nezuko into the box on his back and walked over to Kazumi, who stared blankly at the ground.
"Mr. Kazumi. Are you all right?" Tanjiro asked softly.
Kazumi looked up, his eyes filled with despair. "I've lost my fiancée. How can I be all right?"
Tanjiro's heart ached for him. "Mr. Kazumi… No matter how many people you may lose, you have no choice but to go on living. No matter how devastating the blows may be."
Kazumi suddenly grabbed the collar of Tanjiro's clothing. "What do you know about it?! A kid like you?!"
Tanjiro placed his hands around Kazumi's wrist and smiled gently, his eyes full of understanding and compassion.
Kazumi's grip loosened, and he let go of Tanjiro's clothes. "Ah…!"
Tanjiro stood up and said, "I'll be on my way now. Take this." He took out the scrap of clothing he brought back from the Swamp Demon's lair and offered it to Kazumi.
Kazumi's eyes widened. "Ah…!"
"I hope you'll find something of Miss Satoko's in there," Tanjiro said softly.
Kazumi opened the scrap of clothing and found Satoko's ribbon inside. Tears welled up in his eyes as Tanjiro turned and left.
"Ah…!" Kazumi called out.
So you went through the same thing, too? Is that it? I… I'm sorry! That was an awful thing to say! Please forgive me! I'm so sorry! Kazumi thought, regret flooding his heart.
Tanjiro waved back to Kazumi as he walked away.
His hand was heartbreaking to see. Hardened by relentless training and so thick. It wasn't a boy's hand, Kazumi thought.
"I'm leaving that young woman in your hands!" Tanjiro called back.
"All right! All right…" Kazumi replied, watching Tanjiro walk to his next destination not noticing that Naruto was gone.
A crow flew overhead as Tanjiro continued on his path. It's not just me. How many people have you killed, tortured, and tormented? Kibutsuji Muzan, I'll never forgive you as long as I live! Tanjiro thought, his resolve unwavering.
"You did good work there, Kamado Tanjiro," a voice called out, causing Tanjiro to stop in his tracks. He turned to see a young man leaning against a tree, his arms crossed and a slight smile on his face.
"Who are you?" Tanjiro asked, cautious but curious. "Wait your the guy that help Nezuko aren't you?"
The young man pushed off the tree and walked towards Tanjiro. "Yep, Name's Uzumaki Naruto."
Tanjiro's eyes narrowed slightly as he assessed the stranger. "Why are you here?"
"I am here to help you as well as to keep an eye on that demon sister of yours," Naruto said plainly.
Tanjiro became very nervous at Naruto's words. "Nezuko... She's not like other demons. She doesn't harm humans. I swear it," he said, his voice tinged with anxiety and determination.
Naruto held up a hand to calm him. "Relax, Tanjiro. I've already heard about Nezuko. I'm not here to judge or harm her. My job is to make sure she stays under control and to support you in your fight against Muzan."
Tanjiro's tension eased slightly, though his guard remained up. "You know about Kibutsuji Muzan?" he asked.
"Yes, I have my own reasons for taking him out," Naruto replied, his eyes hardening with determination.
Tanjiro looked at Naruto, searching for any signs of deceit, but found only sincerity in his eyes. "All right. If you're truly here to help, then I'll accept it. But Nezuko is my responsibility. I will protect her with my life."
Naruto smiled, his eyes reflecting a mix of respect and determination. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."
As Tanjiro clenched his fist, the crow landed on his shoulder. "Ah…" Tanjiro sighed.
"Next up, Asakusa, Tokyo! Rumors of a demon lurking there!" the Kasugai Crow announced.
"Erk! I'm heading to my next mission already?" Tanjiro asked, surprised.
"Oh yes, you are!" the crow replied.
"Hold on a minute…" Tanjiro pleaded.
"No can do!" the crow retorted.
"Come on, just give me a minute! Hold on! What?" Tanjiro protested.
"Just shut up and go already!" the crow squawked insistently.
"Noisy little birdy, aren't you?" Naruto said, narrowing his eyes at the bird.
Tanjiro chuckled despite himself. "All right, all right. I'll get going." He turned to Naruto. "Are you coming with me?"
Naruto nodded. "Of course. I have some business in the city anyways."
"Then Let's be off!" Tanjiro said as the pair departed.
Tanjiro arrived in Asakusa with Nezuko and Naruto, his eyes wide with amazement at the bustling city around him.
Are the cities this advanced now? It's nighttime, but it's so bright out! The buildings are so tall! What is this? The cities… The cities… He felt dizzy, overwhelmed by the sights and sounds.
"Man as vibrant as ever." Naruto said, gaining Tanjiro's attention.
Naruto nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yeah, I've been here a couple of times. It's always lively, no matter the time of day."
Tanjiro looked around, still trying to take in the bustling streets, the tall buildings, and the bright lights. "It's incredible. So different from the villages and towns I'm used to."
Naruto chuckled. "It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but you get used to it. Listen, I gotta go meet a contact. I can see if this rumor of a demon holds water, don't cause too much trouble now you hear."
"Uh right, then let's go that way, Nezuko!" Tanjiro said, leading her toward a dark alley to avoid the crowd as Naruto narrowed his eyes disappearing into a swirl of leaves.
"Hmph, there is no doubt about it that man, Muzan is here." Kurama said within Naruto's mind as Naruto stands on top of one of the large buildings in the city."
'Yeah, but that's the biggest question: why is he here?' Naruto thought as he gazed down sensing the presence of the Demon King.
Naruto scanned the city below, his senses on high alert. The vibrant city lights reflected off the glass windows of towering buildings, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Despite the beauty, Naruto's mind was focused on the lurking danger.
Why would Muzan be here, in a place so densely populated? Naruto wondered, his eyes narrowing as he concentrated on the faint, malevolent aura he sensed.
"Kurama, can you pinpoint his exact location?" Naruto asked mentally, seeking the guidance of the Nine-Tailed Fox.
"He's masking his presence well, but I can feel the faintest trace of his energy near the eastern part of the city," Kurama responded.
'I just hope Tanjiro doesn't do anything stupid.' Naruto thought grimly as he continued to look around.
As they entered the alley, Tanjiro abruptly stopped, seeing a couple being intimate. "Erk! I-I beg your pardon!" he stammered, quickly turning away and continuing through the city with Nezuko.
They arrived at an udon stand, and Tanjiro approached the vendor. "Excuse me."
"Huh?" the man responded.
"A bowl of udon with grated yam on top, please," Tanjiro requested.
"Uh, sure thing!" the man replied, beginning to prepare the meal.
'I've never been to a place like this. It's way too crowded,' Tanjiro thought as he looked around nervously.
"Here's your udon with grated yam on top!" the vendor said, handing him the bowl.
"Thank you very much," Tanjiro said, sitting down to eat.
As he began to eat, a familiar scent hit his nose. He stood abruptly, dropping the bowl of udon. 'This scent! Why would I catch it here all of a sudden? It's the same scent that was left in my house! Kibutsuji Muzan! Is this the guy giving off that scent?'
Tanjiro rushed through the crowded streets, pushing past people. He spotted a man walking calmly and put his hand on the man's shoulder. The man turned around.
"Hmm?" Muzan said, looking at Tanjiro with a calm expression.
'It's him!' Tanjiro thought, preparing to draw his sword.
"Dad!" a little girl called out, stopping Tanjiro in his tracks. Muzan turned further, revealing a small girl in his arms.
"Ah…" Tanjiro stammered, shocked.
"Who's that?" the girl asked.
"Ah…!" Tanjiro was at a loss for words.
"It's alright. Don't worry," Muzan reassured the girl.
'He's… He's… He's living here, pretending to be a human!' Tanjiro thought, disbelief and anger coursing through him.
"Is there something I can do for you? You seem to be quite flustered," Muzan asked calmly.
"Oh, my. What's going on?" a woman nearby asked, noticing the tension.
"Mother!" the little girl called out.
Tanjiro covered his mouth and gripped his clothes tightly. 'They're humans! The girl and the woman… Their scent is human! Don't you know? Can't you tell? That this guy is a demon? That he devours humans?'
"Do you know him?" the woman asked Muzan.
"No. Much to my consternation, I've never seen this child before. He must have mistaken me for someone else," Muzan lied smoothly.
As Muzan scratched a man passing by, Tanjiro's eyes widened in horror. "Ah!"
The man clutched at his neck where he was scratched. "Ah…"
"Dear, what's the matter?" the man's wife asked, concerned.
"Ngh…" the man groaned, his body beginning to convulse.
"Dear?" she repeated, fear creeping into her voice.
The man, now turned into a demon, turned to face his wife. "Urah!" he roared.
"Ah!" the woman screamed.
"Stop!" Tanjiro shouted, but it was too late.
The demon bit into the woman's neck, blood spraying as she cried out in agony. "Ahh!"
As Naruto jumped down from the building and started heading toward where he last saw Tanjiro, Unknown of the events transpiring, he felt a familiar presence he hadn't felt in a long time.
"You can come out the two of you, you know I can sense you." Naruto called out as suddenly two figures appeared behind him as Naruto turned and smiled at the pair. "It's good to see you again, Lady Tamayo."
And End of the First chapter Hello everyone welcome to the second story that's been swimming in my mind for weeks now. To start off no I have not and will not abandon Sun and Moon I'm just wanting to write something different in the mean time. I actually don't know if I will continue this so I am going to put it out and see how well it does before evening touching chapter 2. So the Premise is that Shortly after the 4th Great Ninja War Naruto fell through a door created after he heard the Sound of a Biwa and has spent 2 years in the World of Demon Slayer. Obviously Naruto is wayy to over powered to have him fight all of Tanjiro Battles hence why He kinda defeated 2 demons in 2 moves this chapter. In the Future if I decide to continue with this story how Naruto came to be here. I do plan to have Sasuke show up cause of his Rinnegan at some point but yeah for the Pairing I am kinda gonna be leaning for Shinobu (Sorry Mitsuri Fans) so we will see what happens. Sun and Moon 21st Chapter will be coming soon TM. With That Being said thanks for reading.