Chapter 2: Paths of Sorrow

A/N: Now we are in the 2nd chapter. I can't wait for the Infinity Castle arc to get animated I know there will be several heartbreaks happening when I get there. As for this fic, I am actually thinking of how do I do the infinity castle arc maybe it will be the opposite of what happens in canon I might try something similar to how Issac from Castlevania Netflix series invaded Styria. But that will be a very long time later. For now, This chapter will contain character deaths. Since this is an alternate universe I might try out different experiments as time goes by.

The days that followed were filled with joy and laughter, but beneath the surface, something had changed. Kanae and Shinobu, though still the same loving and caring sisters, had begun to view Tanjiro in a new light. His innocent promise to marry them both had awakened feelings in the sisters that they hadn't quite realized were there..

Despite their growing feelings, both sisters had moments of doubt. As Tanjiro grew older, would he forget about them? Would he find new friends, perhaps even other girls, who would capture his attention? The thought was enough to make their hearts ache with worry.

But their fears were always put to rest when Tanjiro, time and time again, came running to them, never missing a visit. He would arrive with a wide smile, his face beaming with excitement to see them, and the sisters' hearts would swell with joy.

Still, jealousy crept in whenever another girl from the village tried to get close to Tanjiro. It wasn't often, but when they saw other girls shyly approaching him or giggling at his words, Kanae and Shinobu couldn't help but feel a pang of possessiveness. They would exchange glances, their silent understanding as strong as ever.

"Don't you think those girls are getting a bit too close to Tanjiro-kun?" Shinobu would murmur under her breath, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Kanae, though usually calm and composed, would nod in agreement. "Yes, it seems that way."

And so, whenever they sensed another girl trying to approach Tanjiro, the Kocho sisters would subtly intervene, guiding Tanjiro back to them with soft smiles and light touches that made it clear, even in their youth, that Tanjiro was theirs—whether he knew it yet or not.

For now, though, Tanjiro remained blissfully unaware of the growing affection the sisters had for him. To him, they were still his cherished friends—his angels. And though the future was uncertain, one thing was clear: Tanjiro had unknowingly tied his heart to the Kocho sisters in a way that would shape all of their lives forever.

The Kamado household had been unusually quiet. The once lively atmosphere filled with laughter and the scent of Kie's cooking had been replaced by the heavy air of worry and sadness. Tanjuro Kamado, bedridden and weak, lay in his futon, his breath labored and his skin pale. Kie sat beside him, her hands folded in her lap, watching over him with concern etched on her face.

Tanjuro's voice, though weak, still carried the weight of a father's love and concern. "Kie... I worry for Tanjiro." He paused to catch his breath, his chest rising and falling with effort. "His heart... it's too kind, too pure. I fear this world will take that from him."

Kie shook her head gently, her eyes soft but resolute. "Tanjiro is strong, Tanjuro. His kindness is his strength, not his weakness. He will be fine. He will grow into a man who protects that kindness."

Tanjuro looked at his wife, his eyes filled with both gratitude and lingering fear. "I want him to remember who he is, no matter what the world throws at him."

As if on cue, the door slid open, and Tanjiro entered the room quietly. His young face, though full of life, was shadowed with the worry of seeing his father's fragile state.

"Father?" Tanjiro's voice was soft, filled with both concern and love. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Tanjuro smiled weakly, lifting a trembling hand towards his son. "Tanjiro... come closer."

Tanjiro knelt beside his father, taking his hand. The warmth in Tanjuro's hand was fading, but the love he felt for his son burned as strong as ever. Tanjuro reached over to a small box beside him and pulled out a pair of hanafuda earrings, their design simple but filled with the history of their family.

"These... these are for you, Tanjiro," Tanjuro said, his voice barely above a whisper. "You are the eldest son, and you must carry on our legacy. Wear these... and never forget who you are. The Hinokami Kagura... the dance I've performed for years... it is now yours to carry on."

Tanjiro's eyes widened as he accepted the earrings, his hands trembling slightly. "The Hinokami Kagura... but Father, I—"

"You must," Tanjuro interrupted gently, his voice firm despite his weakening state. "Promise me... you'll protect your family. You'll protect that kindness in your heart."

"I promise, Father," Tanjiro said, his voice thick with emotion. He slipped the earrings into his hands, holding them close to his chest.

In the days that followed, Tanjiro continued his visits to the Kocho estate, but a new weight pressed down on his shoulders. The loss of his father's health was imminent, yet Tanjiro refused to let the burden show in front of Kanae and Shinobu. He continued to laugh with them, tell them stories, and bring Nezuko whenever possible. He stayed strong, not allowing his worries to seep into the time he spent with the Kocho sisters. They were his escape from the heavy reality that awaited him back home. But soon that day will come.

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The Kamado household had fallen into a quiet, aching stillness after Tanjuro Kamado passed away. The once warm and vibrant home now felt as though it had been drained of life. Grief had settled like a heavy fog, clinging to every corner of their small, mountain cabin.

Tanjiro, ever the dutiful son and eldest brother, had worked tirelessly to take care of his family in his father's absence. He had grown quieter, his youthful exuberance replaced by a maturity that came too soon for a boy his age. His heart ached not only for his father, but for the weight of responsibility that now rested solely on his shoulders.

For six long months, Tanjiro stayed away from the Kocho estate, too burdened by the loss and the need to protect and provide for his family. The guilt gnawed at him, knowing that his absence might have caused worry for the Kocho sisters, but he simply couldn't bring himself to face them. Not yet.

Nezuko watched her brother with concerned eyes as he chopped wood in the yard one afternoon. His face was set in concentration, his muscles tense as though he were trying to will his grief away with every swing of the axe.

"Tanjiro-nii..." Nezuko said softly, her voice barely above a whisper, but filled with concern.

Tanjiro paused, wiping the sweat from his brow and giving her a tired smile. "Yes, Nezuko?"

"Maybe… you should go visit them," she suggested cautiously, her gentle voice holding the weight of what had been unspoken for months. "The Kocho sisters… they must miss you."

Tanjiro's smile faded slightly, his gaze turning distant. He hadn't been able to stop thinking about Kanae and Shinobu. Their laughter, their kindness, the way they made him feel like part of their family. And yet, every time he thought of visiting them, the image of his father's funeral, of his mother's tearful eyes, crept into his mind. He didn't want them to see the grief that had settled in his heart.

"I… I will," Tanjiro finally said, though his voice lacked the certainty it once had. "I'll go tomorrow."

The following day, Tanjiro made his way down the familiar path toward the Kocho estate. The sun was setting behind the mountains, casting long shadows along the trail, but there was a heaviness in the air that Tanjiro couldn't shake. His steps quickened as he neared the estate, an inexplicable sense of dread building in his chest.

When he reached the gates, his heart sank. The grand house that had once been full of life and warmth stood eerily silent. The vibrant garden where he had spent countless hours with Kanae and Shinobu was overgrown with weeds. The doors were boarded up, and a "For Sale" sign hung at the entrance.

"No…" Tanjiro whispered, his voice barely audible as he stood frozen in place, disbelief washing over him. "What happened…?"

His feet moved on their own, rushing toward the front doors. He pounded on the wood, hoping—praying—that someone would answer. But the only response was the echo of his own knocks in the empty, lifeless space.

"Where are they…?" he muttered, panic rising in his chest. His mind raced with possibilities, none of them good. He had been gone too long. Something terrible must have happened.

What Tanjiro didn't know was that tragedy had struck the Kocho family just as it had his own.

Six months earlier, a demon had found its way into the Kocho estate in the dead of night. It had slaughtered both the Kocho parents, leaving Kanae and Shinobu to face the horrifying scene alone. Their cries for help had gone unheard until a figure, towering and powerful, appeared to drive the demon away.

Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira, had saved them, but not before they had lost everything.

Kanae stood in the garden, her once bright and warm eyes now clouded with sorrow. The butterflies that used to flutter around her seemed to have vanished, replaced by the cold wind that swept through the empty estate. Shinobu sat beside her, staring into the distance, her face void of its usual mischievous grin.

"We couldn't save them," Shinobu said quietly, her voice flat, devoid of its usual energy. "Mother… Father…"

Kanae placed a gentle hand on her sister's shoulder, though her own heart felt heavy with the same grief. "We did what we could, Shinobu. We survived. That's what matters."

"But what's the point of surviving if there's nothing left?" Shinobu's voice cracked, her hands clenching into fists as she tried to hold back the tears. "If we were stronger… we could have saved them. If I were stronger…"

"We can become stronger," Kanae said softly, her eyes lifting toward the sky as if searching for some distant hope. "We'll become Demon Slayers. We'll make sure no one else loses their family to these monsters."

Shinobu glanced at her sister, surprised by the calm determination in her voice. "Demon Slayers? But what about… what about Tanjiro-kun?"

At the mention of his name, Kanae's face softened, a sadness creeping into her gaze. "We'll keep him away from this world. He doesn't need to know. He doesn't need to lose his innocence like we did."

Shinobu bit her lip, conflicted. "But he's strong, Kanae-nee. He could help us…"

"No." Kanae's voice was firm, but there was an undercurrent of emotion in her tone. "Tanjiro-kun is kind, gentle. He doesn't belong in this world of demons and death. We'll protect him, even if it means staying away."

Shinobu sighed, leaning back against the garden wall. "He'll come looking for us eventually. He's stubborn like that."

A faint smile tugged at Kanae's lips. "I know. That's why we'll have to be ready when he does."

Despite their grief, despite the pain of loss, the sisters found solace in the thought of Tanjiro. Even in his absence, the warmth of his presence lingered in their hearts. They didn't realize it yet, but the seed of love that had been planted during their time together was slowly growing, nurtured by the memory of his kindness, his laughter, and the promise he made to always come back to them.

Six months passed, and Tanjiro hadn't forgotten them. Even now, standing before the empty estate, a cold wind blowing through the overgrown garden, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had been too late. That he had failed them.

But Tanjiro wasn't one to give up easily.

"I'll find you," he whispered to the wind, his fists clenching in determination. "Kanae-san, Shinobu-san… I'll find you, no matter what."

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The path to Gyomei Himejima's secluded home was quiet, yet every step felt heavier than the last for Kanae and Shinobu. The sun had barely risen, casting a soft golden hue over the forest around them. Each breath they took was filled with the cool morning air, but the warmth they once knew from their parents' embrace was long gone. Grief still clung to them like a shadow, but it was not enough to douse the fire in their hearts. They were here for a reason.

At the entrance to Gyomei's modest home, the towering figure of the Stone Hashira waited for them, his prayer beads gently clinking as he counted each one with his large, calloused hands. Despite being blind, Gyomei's presence was commanding, and his sensitivity to the world around him made it feel as though he could see more clearly than anyone.

The sisters, their hearts heavy with purpose, approached him. Kanae stepped forward, her usual warm smile tinged with determination. "Gyomei-sama, thank you for seeing us."

Gyomei nodded, his expression solemn as always. "I am always willing to make time for those in need. You both have suffered greatly."

Shinobu, who usually kept her emotions masked behind a calm façade, couldn't hold back her feelings any longer. "You saved us. If it weren't for you, we'd both be..." She stopped, her voice trembling. "We owe you our lives, Gyomei-sama."

Gyomei let out a low hum, his prayer beads stilling in his hands. "Namu Amida Butsu…It was my duty. No one should suffer at the hands of demons."

There was a long pause, and Kanae took a deep breath, gathering her courage. "That's why we're here. Gyomei-sama... we don't want to live in fear anymore. We want to fight. We want to protect others, just like you protected us."

Shinobu nodded in agreement, her voice steadier now. "We want to become Demon Slayers."

The Stone Hashira's brow furrowed at their words. Though his face remained stoic, the tension in his posture was palpable. "You are both still so young. The world of Demon Slayers is not one to enter lightly. It is filled with suffering, loss, and unimaginable horrors. I do not wish for you to walk such a path."

Kanae stepped forward, her hands clenched into fists. "We've already seen that world. We've lost everything, Gyomei-sama. If we don't fight, others will face the same fate. We can't stand by and do nothing."

Gyomei's grip on his prayer beads tightened. He had seen many lives lost, many promising souls consumed by the relentless battle against demons. He did not wish to add two more to that list, especially not these two young girls whose spirits were still bright despite the darkness they had faced.

"I understand your desire to fight," Gyomei said slowly, his deep voice carrying the weight of experience. "But strength alone is not enough. The road of a Demon Slayer is one of sacrifice, and it is not something I wish for either of you to endure."

Shinobu, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke up, her voice sharp and filled with resolve. "But we're not asking for an easy life, Gyomei-sama. We're asking for a chance to make a difference."

Gyomei remained silent for a long moment, his sightless eyes turned slightly upward as if contemplating their request. His unease about sending the girls into such a dangerous world weighed heavily on him. But he also understood their determination. He had sensed it the day he had saved them. They would not let go of this desire easily.

Finally, he let out a deep sigh and turned his face towards them, his expression softening slightly. "If you are truly set on this path, then I will not stop you. But I will not send you into the world of Demon Slayers so easily."

Both sisters exchanged a glance, confused by his response.

Gyomei rose to his feet, towering over them, and gestured for them to follow him. They walked in silence until they reached a large clearing outside his home. In the center of the clearing sat an enormous boulder, its rough surface weathered by time and nature. It was at least three times the size of either girl, solid and unmoving.

"If you can move this boulder, even a single inch, I will introduce you to the cultivators who can help you become Demon Slayers," Gyomei said, his voice resolute. "But if you cannot, you must accept that you are not yet ready for this path."

Kanae's eyes widened in disbelief. "Move... that?"

Shinobu's jaw tightened as she studied the massive stone. "But we're not strong enough..."

Gyomei nodded slowly. "Precisely. Strength of body is not the only strength a Demon Slayer requires. You must have the strength of heart and the will to endure. This test is not just about your physical ability, but your resolve. If you can move the boulder, you may choose your fate."

The sisters stood in stunned silence, the weight of his words sinking in. Gyomei had set before them an impossible task, yet they knew it wasn't meant to be cruel. It was a test of their determination, a way for them to prove not just to him, but to themselves, that they were ready for the path they had chosen.

Without a word, Kanae approached the boulder, her heart racing. She placed her hands on its rough surface and pushed with all her might, her muscles straining against the immovable stone. Sweat dripped down her face as she gritted her teeth, but the boulder did not budge.

Shinobu watched her sister struggle, her hands clenching at her sides. After what felt like an eternity, Kanae stepped back, her breath coming in short gasps. "It's... impossible..."

Shinobu stepped forward next, her eyes narrowing in determination. She placed her hands on the boulder and pushed with all the strength she could muster. Her small frame trembled with effort, but like her sister, she couldn't move the stone an inch.

Gyomei stood silently, observing them as they struggled. He could hear their labored breaths, the frustration in their hearts as they faced the impossible task. Yet, he did not intervene.

Shinobu finally stepped back, her hands trembling. "We can't do it..."

Kanae's shoulders slumped in defeat. "We've failed..."

But before they could fully give in to despair, Gyomei spoke once more, his deep voice calm and steady. "Do you understand now? The path of a Demon Slayer is not one you can walk with strength alone. It requires patience, endurance, and the will to continue even when the odds are against you."

The sisters stood in silence, absorbing his words. They hadn't moved the boulder, but something within them had shifted. Their resolve had deepened, their determination stronger than before.

Gyomei turned towards them, his expression softening slightly. "You may not have moved the boulder today, but that does not mean you are unworthy. If you still wish to follow this path, I will introduce you to those who can guide you. But remember, the strength you need will not come from your body alone."

Kanae and Shinobu exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with renewed purpose. They knew the road ahead would be long and difficult, but they were ready to face it—together.

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The quiet hum of village life filled the air as Tanjiro walked down the familiar dirt roads, his heart heavy with questions. For the past six months, he had been plagued by a sense of loss, not only from his father's passing but from the sudden disappearance of Kanae and Shinobu. Their estate had been sold, and no one seemed to know exactly where they had gone. The once-warm visits to the Kocho household now felt like a distant memory, but Tanjiro couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible had happened.

His determination led him to speak with villagers, hoping for any clue. But each time, the answers were vague, no one truly knowing what had transpired. All he knew for certain was that the sisters had lost their parents to a demon attack. That much was clear.

After a few days of searching, Tanjiro finally approached the village elder, a wise old man who sat on his porch, puffing on his pipe. Next to him was a gruff-looking man, his arm wrapped in bandages and an eyepatch covering his left eye.

The elder smiled warmly at Tanjiro's approach. "Ah, the Kamado boy... What brings you here, lad?"

Tanjiro bowed respectfully, his voice soft but resolute. "Elder, I need to know what happened to the Kocho family. I've heard bits and pieces, but I can't rest until I know the truth."

The elder glanced at the man beside him, who remained silent but attentive. After a long pause, the elder sighed. "It's not a story many want to recall. But you deserve to know."

The man with the eyepatch finally spoke, his voice deep and weary. "Hello Tanjiro… my name is Hatsuo. You want to know about Kanae and Shinobu, right? I was the one who handled the sale of their estate." He stood up, his posture tense as he stared into the distance. "Before this... I was a Demon Slayer."

Tanjiro's eyes widened. "You were a Demon Slayer?"

The man nodded, turning to show his missing arm and the scar running from his jaw to his eyepatch. "Not anymore. I lost this arm, and my eye... to a demon. The Kocho girls—" he paused, as if the memory pained him. "They lost their parents to a demon, too. The same night they were saved by Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira."

"Gyomei?" Tanjiro asked.

The man nodded. "He saved them, but after that, their lives were never the same. They sold the estate and left to train as Demon Slayers. That's all I know."

Tanjiro felt a wave of sadness and worry wash over him. They became Demon Slayers? His mind raced with images of Kanae and Shinobu facing off against the terrifying demons he had only heard about in stories. His chest tightened.

"There's more," the man added, his voice softening. "Before they left, they asked me to give you this." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, folded letter. "They didn't want you to know the details, but they wanted you to have this."

With trembling hands, Tanjiro accepted the letter. His heart pounded as he opened it, the familiar handwriting of Kanae and Shinobu greeting him. He read the words carefully, each line sinking deeper into his heart.

"Dear Tanjiro,"
"We hope this letter reaches you well. We're sorry for disappearing without saying goodbye. By now, you've probably learned about what happened to our family. We have decided to become Demon Slayers, to fight and protect others from the same fate."
"We don't want you to worry about us, and most of all, we don't want you to follow us into this life. You have your family to protect, and we want you to live in peace. This isn't goodbye, Tanjiro. We promise that we will meet again one day, when the time is right."
"Please, take care of yourself. And don't be upset. We'll always remember you, and we'll always cherish the time we spent together. Until then, stay safe."
"With love, Kanae and Shinobu"

Tears welled in Tanjiro's eyes as he finished reading. He clutched the letter to his chest, the weight of their words pressing down on him. They didn't want him to follow them, to worry about them, but how could he not? The thought of them facing demons alone filled him with dread.

Hatsuo watched the boy's reaction with a sigh. "I can tell you care about them deeply. That's why... I'll give you this." He stood and disappeared into his home for a moment, only to return with a nichirin sword. The blade had seen many battles, but it was still sharp, still strong. "This was mine. I don't need it anymore. But you... you should train. Train in secret, and when the time comes, you'll know what to do."

Tanjiro's eyes widened as he accepted the sword, feeling its weight in his hands. "But... why?"

The man smiled faintly. "I've seen that fire in your eyes. You're more than just a boy. You'll do great things, Tanjiro. Just... don't rush into it. Take your time."

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Meanwhile, deep within the mountains, Kanae and Shinobu stood before Gyomei Himejima once more. Days had turned into weeks as they trained relentlessly, determined to prove themselves. Their bodies ached, but their spirits remained unbroken.

Gyomei nodded thoughtfully. "You've both shown remarkable progress."

Kanae smiled gently. "Thank you, Gyomei-sama. We won't let you down."

Shinobu added, "We appreciate everything you've done for us."

Gyomei sensed a lingering sadness in their voices. Despite their dedication, something was amiss.

"Your techniques have improved, but your hearts seem heavy," he observed. "Is something troubling you?"

The sisters exchanged a glance. Finally, Kanae spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "We miss someone from our past."

Shinobu took a deep breath. "His name is Tanjiro. He's... very important to us."

Gyomei sat down on a nearby stone, gesturing for them to join him. "Tell me about him."

Kanae's eyes softened. "Tanjiro-kun is kind and selfless. He always saw the good in everything. Before we left, he promised that he'd marry us both when we're older." She chuckled softly at the memory.

Shinobu smiled faintly. "It was a child's promise, but it meant a lot to us."

Gyomei stroked his chin thoughtfully. "It's natural to miss those we care about. Keeping loved ones away from this harsh life is a noble act."

"But sometimes," Kanae said, her gaze distant, "I wonder if we made the right choice by not telling him."

Gyomei considered their words. "The path you've chosen is filled with hardship, but also purpose. Perhaps one day, your paths will cross again."

Shinobu looked up at him. "Do you really think so?"

He nodded slowly. "I have a feeling that this Tanjiro is more than he appears. The threads of fate have a way of bringing people together when the time is right."

Kanae's expression brightened. "Thank you, Gyomei-sama. That gives us hope."

He stood, his towering figure casting a protective shadow over them. "For now, focus on your training. Honor the memory of your parents by becoming the best you can be."

The sisters rose to their feet, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Gyomei-sama."

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As the days went on, the Kocho sisters trained under the guidance of Gyomei and the Demon Slayer Corps. Their grief was channeled into their swordsmanship, their resolve growing with every passing day. They were determined to become stronger, to protect others from the same fate that had befallen their family.

But no matter how hard they trained, how focused they became on their new mission, the memory of Tanjiro lingered. His absence left a void in their hearts that no amount of swordsmanship could fill.

One evening, after a particularly grueling training session, Kanae sat by the edge of a cliff overlooking the village. The sun was setting, casting a golden glow over the horizon.

"I wonder… if Tanjiro-kun has forgotten about us," she murmured, her voice barely audible over the sound of the wind.

Shinobu sat beside her, silent for a moment before shaking her head. "No. He hasn't forgotten. I know he hasn't."

Kanae smiled faintly, though there was a sadness in her eyes. "You're right. He's probably wondering where we are right now."

Shinobu leaned back, her gaze turning upward toward the darkening sky. "When we see him again, do you think he'll still be the same? Or will he have changed?"

Kanae thought for a moment before replying, her voice soft and filled with hope. "No matter how much time passes… he'll still be our Tanjiro-kun."

Shinobu glanced at her sister, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You sound like you're in love with him."

Kanae's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn't deny it. "Maybe… I am."

Shinobu laughed softly, the sound light and teasing, but there was an undercurrent of emotion in her voice. "Well, you'll have to share him, Kanae-nee. I won't let you have him all to yourself."

As the stars began to twinkle above, the Kocho sisters sat in silence, their thoughts drifting back to the boy they both cared for. Little did they know, Tanjiro was thinking of them too.