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Chapter Thirteen: Future Friends?


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Two young demon slayers, new to the perilous world of demon hunting, found themselves battling a grotesque fish-bird hybrid demon. Its blood demon art overwhelmed them, its mocking laughter echoing in their ears.

"Look at you two, barely out of diapers and already trying to play with the big boys!" the demon sneered, its eyes gleaming with malice. "Your heads will make fine ornaments for my lair."

Frustration etched deeply on their faces, the two Mizunoto rank slayers struggled to keep up. Sweat poured down their faces, and their breathing was ragged. The first slayer, a boy with unruly brown hair, tried to rally his strength.

"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!" he yelled, darting forward with a burst of lightning speed.

The attack barely scratched the demon, who shrugged it off with a casual swipe of its claw. The demon chuckled, its laughter grating on their nerves.

"Is that the best you can do? How pathetic," it taunted. "I might just let you live a bit longer to amuse myself."

The second slayer, a girl with short, cropped hair and a fierce expression, took her turn. "Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!" she shouted, her blade crackling with electricity as she lunged forward.

But the demon was faster. It caught her blade in its clawed hand, throwing her back with enough force to send her skidding across the ground.

"Nice try, little girl," the demon mocked. "But you're still far too slow."

Just as the demon lunged, aiming to skewer the girl with its deadly claws, a sudden, sharp sound split the air. It was as if lightning itself had descended from the heavens. There was a blur of green and black, moving too fast for the eye to follow.

Silence fell.

The two demon slayers took a moment to understand what had just happened. They stared in astonishment as the demon's head, severed cleanly from its body, tumbled to the ground. Standing before them was a figure clad in a green and black checkered haori. His eyes were gentle but carried a steely edge, and his sword gleamed with the faintest trace of blue light.

"You kids... eh... guys okay?" the newcomer asked, scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

The young demon slayers were stunned by his speed and how effortlessly he had dispatched the demon. The first slayer picked himself up, trying to regain some semblance of pride.

"We're fine," he snapped. "We didn't need your help. Just go away and don't steal our thunder!"

"Yeah," the girl added, glaring at the newcomer. "We can handle this ourselves."

The stranger looked at them, a mix of surprise and amusement on his face. He nodded, giving them a kind smile before turning to leave.

"Oh, you never told us your name!" the girl called after him.

The boy paused, glancing over his shoulder. "It's N... Tanjiro Kamado, dattebayo!" he replied before vanishing into the forest, leaving only the rustle of leaves in his wake.

The two slayers looked at each other, confusion and irritation on their faces.

"Who was that brat?" the first one muttered.

Just then, one of their Kasugai crows swooped down, cawing loudly. "Mission successful?" it demanded in its raucous voice.

"Yeah, we defeated the demon," the first slayer said, puffing out his chest. "A brat named Tanjiro helped us a little, but it was mostly us."

The crow's reaction was immediate and furious. It began to peck at them aggressively, its caws rising to an indignant screech. "You fools, you disrespected the Fire Shadow!"

"The... what...?" the girl stammered. "Oh my god... that was the Hokage?!"

"Oh crap," the boy groaned, realization dawning.

They looked at each other, their faces paling as the weight of their mistake sank in. The crow, still flapping angrily, finally settled down, leaving them to ponder the sheer luck of their survival—and the unintentional slight they had given to the most powerful slayer of their time.

~~

Tanjiro Kamado sat in front of a ramen stall, savoring a rare moment of peace. He had just finished helping two young demon slayers defeat a demon. It had been half a year since his duel with the Hashiras, and since then, his life had been a whirlwind of responsibilities and battles.

Tanjiro, formerly known as Naruto Uzumaki, was reincarnated into this world and had swiftly risen to become a leader among the Demon Slayers. The demons' numbers were increasing at an alarming rate, and their attacks had become more frequent and desperate. His family had been targeted multiple times, but the demons stood no chance against him. It was clear that the demon king was growing restless.

As his steaming bowl of ramen arrived, Tanjiro eagerly began to dig in. The savory broth and tender noodles provided a comforting respite from his constant battles. The girl at the register, a young woman with bright eyes and a playful smile, leaned on the counter, clearly interested in him.

"Hey there, hero," she purred, twirling a strand of her hair. "Is that sword just for show, or do you actually know how to use it?"

Tanjiro, blissfully unaware of her intentions, looked up with a smile. "Oh, I've been using it for a while now. It's seen a lot of use."

She giggled, leaning in a little closer. "I bet you've got some impressive moves. Maybe you could show me sometime?"

Tanjiro, thinking she was genuinely interested in swordsmanship, nodded enthusiastically. "Sure! I could demonstrate some moves right here if you'd like."

She blinked, momentarily taken aback, then laughed. "I meant somewhere more... private. You know, just the two of us?"

Still oblivious, Tanjiro tilted his head. "But it's important to practice in an open space. It's safer that way."

She chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You're something else, aren't you? So, do you come here often, or is this a special occasion?"

Tanjiro slurped his noodles and replied, "I come here whenever I can. The ramen here is really good, and it's nice to have a break from... work."

She raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Work, huh? Must be some kind of job if you're carrying that sword around."

A man in his early thirties approached, his eyes curious as he pointed to the sword by Tanjiro's side. "Hey, that's quite the sword you've got there. Are you an actor or do you work in a circus?"

Tanjiro smiled, giving him a vague answer. "I've been using it for a while now. It's seen a lot of use."

He knew the sword needed repairs. It had been through countless battles and was starting to show signs of wear. As he pondered where to get it fixed, he noticed his bird flapping its wings above the roof. A message?

Excusing himself, Tanjiro moved to a more secluded spot to speak with his bird. Moments later, the bird, a Mori no Yōsei, descended from the roof and landed on his shoulder. The small bird, with its vibrant plumage of red, black, brown, white, green, and cobalt blue, greeted him warmly. Its charcoal black beak and deep black eyes gave it an air of wisdom beyond its size.

"Hello, my friend," Tanjiro said, stroking the bird's head gently.

"Hello, Tanjiro-sama," the bird chirped back. "There is a case that needs your attention. It seems you are too overqualified for the job, but there is no available demon slayer at the moment who is qualified. The Hashiras are busy, so the leader has requested you, the Fire Shadow, to handle it. A demon slayer named Zenitsu Agatsuma sent a distress signal with his sparrow and needs help. There are no specific details about the problem, but it is assumed to be a high-level threat. The location is Tsuzumi Mansion in the southeastern mountains."

Tanjiro's eyes narrowed with determination. "Zenitsu... got it. I'll head there immediately."

With a quick nod to the bird, Tanjiro gathered his belongings and paid for his meal. As he was about to leave, the girl at the register called out, "Hey, hero, maybe next time you can show me more than just your sword skills."

Tanjiro turned back, smiling politely. "Sure, I can show you some hand-to-hand combat techniques too!"

She laughed, shaking her head. "You're adorable, you know that? How about I show you some moves instead?"

He blinked, puzzled. "Oh, do you know martial arts too? That's great! We can train together."

She leaned on the counter, giving him a playful wink. "Something like that. But maybe we could start with a drink first?"

The man who had inquired about his sword shook his head in amazement. "Kid, you really have no idea, do you?"

Tanjiro gave a puzzled look but nodded politely before heading out.

As he left the ramen stall, the girl at the register watched him go with a wistful sigh, and the man who had inquired about his sword chuckled, shaking his head.

Tanjiro made his way through the bustling streets, blending into the crowd despite his distinct attire. His thoughts were on Zenitsu and whatever danger awaited at the Tsuzumi Mansion. His senses were heightened, ready for anything as he embarked on another mission to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.

"On my way!" he whispered to himself, his resolve unwavering as he dashed towards the southeastern mountains, where a new challenge awaited him.

~~

Tanjiro arrived at the Tsuzumi Mansion, his senses immediately on high alert. The air around the eerie structure was thick with malevolent energy. Standing at the entrance, he spotted a young man around his age, looking utterly terrified. The young man had wild, spiky blond hair, wide fearful eyes, and wore the standard Demon Slayer uniform with a haori patterned in yellow and orange triangles. This was Zenitsu Agatsuma, a fellow demon slayer, though he didn't look very heroic at the moment.

Beside Zenitsu were two young children, a boy and a girl, clad in traditional kimonos. The boy, clutching his sister's hand tightly, looked up at Tanjiro with tear-filled eyes.

"Our older brother is trapped inside by a demon," the boy said, his voice trembling. "Please, you have to save him!"

Zenitsu, visibly shaking, added his own lament. "I knew it! I knew I wasn't going to make it out of here alive. All I wanted was a simple life, to get married and live peacefully. I never wanted to be a demon slayer! Why did I even get myself into this?"

Naruto placed a comforting hand on Zenitsu's shoulder. "It's going to be alright. Look after these kids while I handle the demon inside. Stay brave." He gave Zenitsu a reassuring smile before turning to face the mansion.

Zenitsu, confused but somewhat calmed by the stranger's confidence, managed to stutter out, "Who... who are you?"

The boy, flashing a kind smile, replied, "I'm Tanjiro Kamado. And you?"

"Zenitsu Agatsuma," the blond replied shakily, his knees still knocking together. "I'm... I'm also a demon slayer, but honestly, I don't know how much use I'll be."

Tanjiro nodded understandingly. "Nice to meet you, Zenitsu. I'll handle the demon. You keep these kids safe."

Without hesitation, Tanjiro approached the mansion's wooden wall and, in a surprising display of strength, punched through it, creating a sizable opening. The sound of splintering wood echoed around them. He stepped through the newly made entrance with casual confidence, leaving Zenitsu and the children gaping in astonishment.

The siblings exchanged a doubtful look, then turned to Zenitsu. "Are you sure you're a demon slayer?" the boy asked, his tone skeptical.

Zenitsu gulped, forcing a nervous smile. "Of course... I am...?" he stammered, trying to sound convincing but failing miserably. His legs trembled as he clutched his sword, his knuckles white from the grip.

Inside the mansion, Tanjiro moved with purpose, his senses finely attuned to the presence of the demon. The corridors were dimly lit, and the air felt heavy and oppressive. The sound of a drumbeat echoed through the halls, an ominous rhythm that seemed to shift the very layout of the mansion itself. Walls and floors rotated, creating a disorienting labyrinth.

With every step, Tanjiro's focus grew stronger. He could sense the demon's vile energy and the fear of the trapped boy somewhere within these twisted halls. He navigated the shifting rooms with ease, his training and innate sense of direction guiding him.

Meanwhile, outside, Zenitsu paced back and forth, muttering to himself. "Why does it always have to be me? I didn't sign up for this... I just wanted to live a normal life..." He glanced nervously at the children, who were watching him with wide, uncertain eyes.

"Your friend seemed really brave," the girl said quietly.

Zenitsu forced another smile, his heart pounding. "Yeah, he's something else, isn't he? Don't worry, he'll save your brother. Just... stay close to me, alright?"

The children nodded, drawing closer to Zenitsu as they waited anxiously for Tanjiro's return. Inside the mansion, Tanjiro continued his search, ready to confront the demon and save the trapped boy, his mind focused on the mission ahead.

As Tanjiro ventured deeper into the Tsuzumi Mansion, a sinister voice echoed through the halls, sending shivers down his spine. The demon's voice was cold and mocking, filled with malice and a cruel sense of amusement.

"So, another foolish human has entered my domain," the demon sneered, its voice reverberating through the walls. "Do you think you can defeat me? Pathetic."

Tanjiro continued moving, his eyes scanning the dark corridors for any sign of the demon. The rhythmic sound of drumbeats filled the air, creating an unsettling atmosphere. Suddenly, the demon's voice echoed again, taunting and condescending.

"I've already taken care of several demon slayers before you," the demon mocked. "They screamed and begged for mercy, but I showed them none. What makes you think you're any different?"

Tanjiro remained focused, using his exceptional sense of smell to detect the faint but distinct scent of the demon nearby. He knew that engaging in a battle of words would only distract him from his goal.

The demon's voice continued, dripping with contempt. "You're just a child playing at being a hero. Do you think your little sword can stand against my power? I will tear you apart, piece by piece."

As Tanjiro pinpointed the demon's location in another room, the drumbeats reverberated again, and he was abruptly shifted to a different chamber. The demon's laughter echoed through the halls, a chilling sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.

"Do you like my little trick?" the demon jeered. "I can shuffle the rooms of this mansion as I please. You'll never find me. You'll wander these halls until you die of exhaustion."

Determined, Tanjiro decided to take drastic measures. "Earth Style: Pillar Technique!" he shouted, slamming his hand on the floor. Instantly, massive stone pillars erupted from the ground, tearing through the mansion like a force of nature. The walls and ceilings crumbled, but, to his surprise, the house miraculously repaired itself.

From somewhere in the mansion, the demon cursed him furiously. "You insolent brat! You dare defy me? I will make you suffer for this!"

Another drumbeat echoed, and Tanjiro was shuffled once more, this time landing in a room with a young boy about his age, dressed in a traditional kimono and clutching a drum.

The boy, trembling, mistook Tanjiro for a monster or demon. "Stay back!" he cried out in fear.

Tanjiro raised his hands in a placating gesture. "It's okay. I'm here to help. Your younger siblings sent me to find you."

The boy hesitated, then slowly nodded, his fear giving way to cautious hope. "You really mean it? They're safe?"

"Yes, they are," Tanjiro assured him. "Now, let's get you out of here."

Before they could move, the drumbeats echoed once more. But this time, Tanjiro was ready. As the walls shifted, he moved swiftly, slipping between the rooms. His keen sense of smell guided him unerringly to the demon's true location. In a blur of motion, he broke through a wall and confronted the demon. With a decisive swing of his blade, he decapitated the demon in one clean stroke.

The demon's head tumbled to the ground, its eyes wide with shock. "No... this can't be..."

As the demon's body began to disintegrate, Tanjiro's attention was drawn to a stack of papers nearby. He picked up a few pages and scanned them quickly. "These... these are beautiful," he murmured.

The demon, fading fast, managed to speak. "Are you... telling the truth?"

Tanjiro looked at the demon, his eyes filled with genuine compassion. "Of course. You write wonderfully."

A single tear slid down the demon's cheek. "Thank you... for acknowledging me..."

As the demon vanished into dust, Tanjiro whispered, "May you rest in peace."

The mansion began to collapse around them. Tanjiro grabbed the boy and dashed outside, escaping the falling debris just in time. Once outside, they were greeted by the boy's younger siblings, who ran to him and hugged him tightly.

"Thank you for saving our brother!" they exclaimed, tears of relief streaming down their faces.

Tanjiro smiled warmly at the reunited family. "I'm just glad you're all safe."

Tanjiro noticed Zenitsu lying on the ground, unconscious from sheer terror.

But something about the scene seemed off. Zenitsu was not just passed out from fear; it looked like he had been knocked out cold. Tanjiro knelt beside him, checking for injuries, and found a large bump on Zenitsu's head.

Just then, a figure burst from the bushes, charging at Tanjiro with incredible speed. It was a boy wearing a boar mask, wielding two serrated blades. His body was muscular and scarred, giving him a wild, almost feral appearance. His breathing was heavy, and his stance aggressive.

"You there!" the boar-masked boy shouted, pointing one of his blades at Tanjiro. "You're a demon, aren't you? I'll defeat you and become the greatest demon slayer!"

Tanjiro raised an eyebrow, recognizing the boy's peculiar behaviour but also sensing the intensity of his spirit. "I'm not a demon," he replied calmly. "But if you want to spar, I'll oblige."

The boar-masked boy wasted no time, launching himself at Tanjiro with remarkable speed and agility. Tanjiro parried the initial strike effortlessly, his movements fluid and precise. The boy attacked with relentless ferocity, his dual blades flashing in the dimming light.

"Take this, you weak demon!" the boy roared, swinging his blades wildly. "I'll cut you to pieces!"

Tanjiro danced around the wild swings, countering with controlled strikes that showed his superior skill. Despite his impressive strength and speed, the boy was no match for Tanjiro's experience and technique. Tanjiro was toying with him, allowing the boy to exert his energy while he remained mostly on the defensive.

"Is that all you've got?" the boy yelled, frustration evident in his voice. "Fight me better, demon!"

Tanjiro's patience wore thin. He decided to end the sparring match quickly. With a swift, calculated movement, he disarmed the boy and delivered a precise blow to his stomach, knocking the wind out of him. The boy fell to the ground, unconscious.

Tanjiro knelt beside the fallen boy and carefully removed the boar mask. He was taken aback by the contrast between the boy's wild demeanor and his surprisingly delicate and beautiful face. The boy had sharp features, striking blue eyes, and long lashes that gave him an almost ethereal look. It was a stark contrast to his rugged body and aggressive attitude.

"Such a beautiful face," Tanjiro muttered, bewildered by the incongruity.

He turned back to the siblings, offering them a reassuring smile. "Take care of each other," he said gently. "You're safe now."

The siblings nodded, their eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, kind sir," the older brother said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Tanjiro hoisted the unconscious Zenitsu and the boar-masked boy, now unmasked, onto his shoulders. They were surprisingly light for their size, but Tanjiro's strength made the task manageable.

As he walked away, the siblings waved goodbye, their hearts lighter thanks to Tanjiro's intervention. He made his way toward the nearest demon slayer estate, where they could rest and receive treatment. The road was long, but Tanjiro's resolve never wavered. He knew that, despite the challenges, he was on the right path, helping others and bringing hope to those in need.

Just before he turned the corner, the older brother called out, "Hey! Did that guy knock out our friend?"

Tanjiro looked back, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, seems like it," he said. "But don't worry, I'll take care of them."

The siblings nodded, watching as Tanjiro carried the two unconscious boys toward the horizon.


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TBC


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