Chapter Fifteen: The Mountain Of Octa-limbs
Arriving at the base of Mount Natagumo, the trio took in the ominous sight. The mountain was shrouded in a thick, eerie fog that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. Zenitsu's sensitive hearing picked up on something that made him visibly tremble. He turned to his companions, eyes wide with fear.
"I... I can hear someone screaming for help," Zenitsu stammered, his voice shaky. "It's coming from up there."
Inosuke scoffed, rolling his eyes at Zenitsu's fear. "You're such a coward, Tenitsu! If you're scared, just stay here and let the real fighters handle it."
Zenitsu's eyes filled with tears of frustration. "I'm not scared! It's just... I can hear them suffering. We have to help them!"
Before Zenitsu could respond further, Tanjiro placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, Zenitsu. I'll be observing you both from a distance. If things get out of hand, I'll step in and assist. But I have faith in you."
This assurance from Tanjiro, the Fire Shadow himself, bolstered Zenitsu's courage. He straightened up, nodding with determination. "O-okay. I'll do my best."
Inosuke grinned, brandishing his swords. "Alright, let's do this! And don't get in my way, Konjuro!"
"It's Tanjiro," Tanjiro corrected with a sigh, but Inosuke had already charged ahead.
As they began their ascent up the mountain, they soon encountered two demon slayers who were heavily bruised and clearly exhausted. Upon seeing Tanjiro, their faces lit up with relief.
"Hokage-sama!" one of them exclaimed, almost collapsing in relief. "We're saved!"
The other slayer quickly added, "But... isn't it overkill for you to be here? You're too strong for this."
Tanjiro offered them a warm smile, shaking his head gently. "I'll be here, but I won't join the fight. Zenitsu and Inosuke will handle it. You two should head back and rest."
The demon slayers exchanged surprised looks but nodded, grateful for the chance to recover. They bowed and hurried back down the mountain, leaving the trio to continue their journey.
Zenitsu and Inosuke exchanged glances. Inosuke's eyes were filled with fierce determination, while Zenitsu's held a mix of fear and newfound resolve. Tanjiro's calm presence and confidence in them gave them the strength to push forward.
"Alright, let's move," Tanjiro said, his voice steady and reassuring. "Stay alert and watch each other's backs."
As they ventured deeper into the fog-covered forest, the atmosphere grew more oppressive. Strange noises echoed through the trees, and the feeling of being watched was almost palpable.
"Oi, Zenjitsu!" Inosuke called out, misnaming Zenitsu yet again. "I can feel the demons! They're close!"
"It's Zenitsu," Zenitsu corrected wearily. "And yes, I can hear them too."
They pressed on, their senses heightened. The fog seemed to thicken, and the eerie silence was occasionally broken by the distant sound of drums. Suddenly, Zenitsu froze, his face paling.
"Inosuke, I think we're surrounded," Zenitsu whispered, his voice trembling. "I can hear them moving all around us."
"Good," Inosuke said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "More demons for us to fight! Come on, Benitsu, let's take them down!"
"It's still Zenitsu," Zenitsu muttered under his breath, exasperated.
Tanjiro smiled, his patience unwavering. "Stay focused, you two. Remember, we're here to help the people on this mountain. Let's move forward and find the source of those screams."
As they pushed further up the mountain, the screams grew louder and more desperate. The fog seemed to close in around them, and the air grew colder. Suddenly, they stumbled upon a small clearing where two more demon slayers lay, battered and bruised.
"Help... please..." one of them gasped, looking up at Tanjiro with wide, desperate eyes. "They're everywhere..."
"Don't worry," Tanjiro said gently, kneeling beside the injured slayer. "We'll take care of this. You need to get to safety."
The other slayer nodded weakly, tears streaming down his face. "Thank you... Hokage-sama."
As the two injured slayers made their way back down the mountain, Tanjiro turned to Zenitsu and Inosuke. "Alright, it's up to you now. Stay sharp and work together. We've got this."
Zenitsu took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Right. Let's do this."
Inosuke grinned, his swords at the ready. "Time to show these demons what we're made of!"
Tanjiro followed closely behind them his aura of assurance surrounding them.
They reached an open field and saw some demon slayers moving. Zenitsu, always looking for a way to stay safe, ran towards them. "Hey, guys! Safety in numbers, right?" he called out. But as soon as he entered the crowd, he was greeted with barrages of kicks, punches, and swings of swords.
"Agh! Why are you people attacking me?!" Zenitsu cried out, trying to dodge the blows.
Tanjiro's keen eyes quickly noticed something was off. These demon slayers weren't mind-possessed, but their bodies were not under their control. A demon slayer ran towards him in an uncoordinated way, swinging wildly. Tanjiro easily dodged the attacks.
"Please... help us," the slayer pleaded, his eyes wide with terror.
Naruto saw that there were thin, almost invisible strings attached to the slayer's body. With a swift swing of his blade, he cut them off, and the slayer collapsed to the ground, free but exhausted.
"These threads... they're controlling you," Tanjiro murmured, his sharp senses picking up on more threads tied to the slayers' bodies. Using a katana would surely hurt them. Inosuke was too hot-headed to fight without causing harm, and Zenitsu was... well, Zenitsu.
"I need to be careful," Tanjiro thought. He flashed through a series of hand signs. "Wind Style: Cleave!"
With precise slashes of wind, he successfully cut the threads. The slayers fell to the ground, breathing heavily but safe.
"Thank you... thank you so much," one of the freed slayers gasped, clutching his chest.
"We owe you our lives," another one said, tears streaming down her face.
"Just get to safety," Tanjiro urged them. "This might be one of the Twelve Kizuki. It's way out of your league."
They hesitated for a moment, fear and gratitude warring on their faces, but they eventually nodded and hurried away.
Zenitsu, watching the whole thing with wide eyes, whimpered. "Maybe we should go away too..."
"No, Zenitsu," Tanjiro said firmly. "This is your mission, and you can't abandon it. I'll protect you. I won't let anything happen to my comrades."
Zenitsu gulped but nodded, staying close to Tanjiro as they proceeded deeper into the mountain. They encountered many more demon slayers whose bodies were being controlled by a demon.
"Stay behind me," Tanjiro instructed. "Wind Style: Cleave!"
With every slash, threads were cut and demon slayers freed. In one instance, they found a group of five slayers fighting each other. Tanjiro moved swiftly, his wind blades slicing through the threads with precision. The slayers fell to the ground, panting and thanking him profusely.
"Thank you, Hokage-sama," one said, his voice shaking. "We were helpless..."
"Just get out of here," Tanjiro said, a reassuring smile on his face. "You're safe now."
Further along, they found two young girls, barely in their teens, their bodies contorted as they fought against the threads controlling them. Tanjiro didn't hesitate.
"Wind Style: Cleave!"
The girls fell to their knees, tears of relief streaming down their faces. "Thank you! We thought we were going to die..."
Tanjiro helped them up, his voice gentle. "Get to safety, quickly."
Finally, they encountered a lone boy, fighting desperately against the threads. His eyes were filled with despair. Tanjiro's heart ached for him.
"Wind Style: Cleave!"
The boy collapsed, breathing heavily. "You... you saved me. Thank you."
"Go, now. Find the others and get to safety," Tanjiro said.
The entire time, Zenitsu stayed close to Tanjiro, shivering like a wet cat. Inosuke, meanwhile, was chomping at the bit, trying to attack the controlled demon slayers, but Tanjiro always managed to prevent it.
"Inosuke, stop!" Tanjiro shouted, blocking his path. "They're not the enemy!"
"Fine, fine," Inosuke grumbled, backing off. "But you better let me fight the real demons when we find them, Gonjiro!"
"It's Tanjiro," Zenitsu corrected, still trembling.
"Focus, you two," Tanjiro said, his eyes scanning the area for any sign of the demon. "We need to find the source of these threads."
As they moved deeper into the forest, the atmosphere grew more oppressive, the fog thicker. They could hear the distant sound of drums, and Tanjiro's sharp senses picked up on the presence of the demon responsible for the threads.
"Stay alert," Tanjiro instructed. "We're getting closer."
Zenitsu nodded, trying to steady his breathing. Inosuke just grinned, eager for the fight.
The forest around them seemed to close in, the shadows growing darker and the air colder. They were nearing the heart of the mountain, where the true threat awaited them.
oOo
They were crossing a big stream in the mountain, the water rushing over the rocks with a soothing murmur. The canopy above filtered the sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Zenitsu was nervously glancing around, while Inosuke was marching ahead with his usual bravado.
"Stay vigilant," Tanjiro warned, his senses on high alert. His voice was calm, but his eyes scanned the surroundings with sharp focus. Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to shake violently.
"What the hell?" Inosuke growled, his grip tightening on his dual blades.
Before Tanjiro could react, something massive struck him from the side, sending him flying through the air. He crashed into a tree with a sickening thud and slumped to the ground.
"Tanjiro!" Zenitsu screamed, panic flooding his voice.
Inosuke's eyes blazed with fury. "You'll pay for that!" he shouted, charging at the newcomer. Emerging from the shadows was a huge humanoid demon with a grotesque spider-like face. Its eyes glowed with malevolence as it towered over them.
"You will not hurt my family!" the demon roared, its voice shaking the very ground beneath them.
Inosuke didn't hesitate. "Beast Breathing, First Fang: Pierce!" he yelled, his blades gleaming as he aimed for the demon's neck. The demon swatted him away with a powerful arm, sending him skidding across the ground. Inosuke quickly got back to his feet, rage burning in his eyes.
"You think that's gonna stop me, you ugly freak?" he snarled, launching himself at the demon again.
The demon responded with a flurry of attacks. It threw punches that cracked the air and kicks that sent shockwaves through the forest. Inosuke ducked and weaved, barely avoiding the onslaught. The demon's speed and power were overwhelming.
"Beast Breathing, Third Fang: Devour!" Inosuke cried out, aiming for the demon's midsection. His blades connected, but the demon's thick skin resisted, leaving only shallow cuts.
"Is that all you've got, pig-face?" the demon taunted, delivering a bone-crunching kick to Inosuke's chest. Inosuke flew back, crashing into a boulder. The impact left a dent in the rock, but Inosuke forced himself to stand, defiance burning in his eyes.
"I'll take you down, even if it kills me!" he spat, blood dripping from his mouth.
The demon roared, charging at Inosuke with claws outstretched. Inosuke dodged to the side, slashing at the demon's legs. "Beast Breathing, Sixth Fang: Palisade Bite!" he yelled, but the demon's clawed hand caught him, lifting him off the ground.
"I'll crush you like the insect you are," the demon hissed, tightening its grip around Inosuke's torso.
Inosuke struggled, his vision darkening. "I... won't... die... here..." he gasped, trying to pry the demon's fingers apart. Just as the demon was about to deliver the killing blow, the air around them became humid, and an otherworldly scent filled the air.
"Ninja Art," a voice echoed from the heavens. "Water Release: Great Water Coffin!"
Water rose from the stream, swirling around the demon with incredible force. The demon's eyes widened in shock as the water engulfed it, crushing its body with immense pressure. The demon let out a final, gurgling scream before its body was obliterated, leaving nothing but a wet stain on the forest floor.
Inosuke dropped to the ground, gasping for air. His eyes were wide with shock and awe. "What... what just happened?" he muttered, staring at the spot where the demon had been.
Tanjiro emerged from the woods, looking apologetic. "Sorry I couldn't save you sooner," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Is everyone okay?"
Inosuke nodded slowly, still processing what had happened. "You... you saved me," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and confusion.
"Of course," Tanjiro replied with a gentle smile. But then his expression darkened as he looked around. "Where's Zenitsu?"
Inosuke's eyes widened as he looked around, panic setting in. "He was right here!" he exclaimed.
Tanjiro gritted his teeth. "Nobody hurts my comrades," he said, his voice low and dangerous. He quickly created fifty shadow clones, who immediately sat down and began to gather natural energy. Ten seconds later, they popped out of existence.
Now, Tanjiro stood in his Sage Mode. As he entered Sage Mode, two scarlet flower-like patterns appeared on each side of his eyes, glowing softly with an otherworldly light. He could feel the energy of the earth coursing through him, every heartbeat resonating with the pulse of nature.
With that, he instantly located Zenitsu. "Stay here with Inosuke," he instructed a clone, before leaping away, ready to rescue Zenitsu.
Inosuke watched Tanjiro leave, his mind reeling. "This guy... he's something else," he muttered to himself, the reality of their situation finally sinking in.
oOo
Tanjiro was on his way to save Zenitsu, his Sage Mode senses heightened and alert, the scarlet patterns on his face glowing with a subtle, otherworldly light. Each step he took was filled with purpose, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger. The forest was dense and dark, the moonlight barely piercing through the thick canopy of leaves. Every rustle of leaves, every snap of a twig, seemed amplified in the silence of the night. The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth, mingled with the faint, metallic tang of blood.
As he moved swiftly through the forest, Tanjiro sensed something unusual coming from a tiny clearing ahead. His instincts screamed at him to stay focused on Zenitsu, to not be distracted. But there was something about this presence, something familiar yet sorrowful that tugged at his heart. It was a feeling of profound sadness, a deep, aching sorrow that seemed to resonate with his own empathy.
He hesitated for a moment, torn between his duty to save his comrade and the inexplicable pull of this sorrowful presence. Just as he was about to continue on his way, he felt an even stronger wave of sadness wash over him, compelling him to investigate. It was as if the very air around him was suffused with the demon's grief.
With a determined sigh, Tanjiro disappeared from his place, reappearing in the clearing in an instant. His movements were so swift and silent that it seemed as if he had materialized out of thin air.
In the clearing, he saw a female demon sitting on a boulder, her shoulders hunched and her face buried in her hands. She was crying, her sobs quiet but heart-wrenching. Long, white strands of silk flowed from her fingers, drifting in the gentle breeze like gossamer threads. Her hair was disheveled, falling in tangled waves around her, and her eyes, when she looked up, were filled with a deep, unending sadness.
Tanjiro realized that she was the one controlling all those demon slayers from earlier, manipulating them like puppets with her threads. But there was no malice in her eyes now, only a profound, aching sorrow.
As he approached her, his katana ready, he saw her gaze shift from sadness to something else. It wasn't fear or anger, but a mixture of happiness and relief. Her eyes, wide and shimmering with tears, locked onto his with an intensity that made him pause.
'How long has it been since I felt such peace?' she thought, her mind drifting back to memories of a time before she became a demon. 'How long since I've seen such kindness in someone's eyes?'
Her life had been one of constant suffering and abuse. Born into a world that offered her no solace, she had known nothing but pain and torment. Her family, twisted and cruel, had treated her as nothing more than a tool, a means to an end. The memories of her past were a blur of harsh words and harsher blows, of days spent in darkness and nights filled with fear.
'When I was human, I dreamed of a different life,' she recalled, her thoughts a torrent of emotion. 'I dreamed of freedom, of love, of kindness. But those dreams were crushed, shattered by the cruelty of my own blood.'
As she became a demon, those dreams faded, replaced by a new kind of suffering. The power she gained was a curse, binding her to a life of violence and manipulation. She had no choice but to follow the commands of her family, to use her abilities to control and destroy. Each life she took, each soul she twisted, weighed heavily on her conscience.
'But even as a demon, I never stopped longing for that kindness,' she thought, her eyes filling with fresh tears. 'I never stopped hoping that someone would see me, not as a monster, but as a soul in pain.'
Tanjiro's presence was like a balm to her tortured soul. His eyes, filled with empathy and understanding, saw through the monster she had become to the broken soul within. For the first time in centuries, she felt a glimmer of hope, a fleeting moment of peace.
As Tanjiro raised his katana, her thoughts were not of fear but of gratitude. 'Thank you,' she thought, her mind at ease. 'Thank you for seeing me. Thank you for ending my suffering.'
With a swift, clean strike, Tanjiro decapitated her, her head falling from her shoulders. As her body crumpled to the ground, she whispered one word that he was able to hear.
"Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with a profound sense of relief and gratitude.
Tanjiro clasped his hands and prayed for her salvation, his heart heavy with the weight of her sorrow. He wished for her soul to find peace, to be free from the torment that had plagued her life.
With that, he disappeared from the place, reappearing once more on his path to save Zenitsu. His heart ached with the memory of the mother spider demon, but he steeled himself with the resolve to protect his comrades.
As he moved swiftly through the forest, his Sage Mode senses alerted him to Zenitsu's dire situation. He could feel the tension in the air, the lingering scent of venom and fear. He increased his speed, the forest around him becoming a blur as he closed the distance.
When he finally arrived, he saw Zenitsu was crying as hard as he could, his sobs echoing through the dense forest. Tears streamed down his face, mixing with the sweat and grime from the battle. He clung to a tree branch, trembling, his eyes darting around in sheer panic. He kept muttering to himself, "Tanjiro will come... Tanjiro will save me..." The hope in his voice was fading with each second. His eyes darted around in sheer panic, unable to focus on any one thing for long.
Hanging from a massive web above him, a grotesque spider demon with a human head chuckled malevolently. Its laughter was a sickening mix of gurgles and hisses, filling the air with an eerie, bone-chilling sound. The demon's body was a twisted amalgamation of human and spider, with long, spindly legs and a bloated, hairy abdomen. Its eyes gleamed with sadistic delight as it watched Zenitsu's torment.
Below the demon, a swarm of smaller, yet still horrifyingly large spiders scuttled towards Zenitsu. Their many legs clicked and clattered on the tree branches, and their eyes, multiple and unblinking, locked onto him with a predatory hunger. Zenitsu was paralyzed with fear, his breaths coming in shallow, panicked gasps.
One of the spiders had already bitten him, and he could feel the poison coursing through his veins. His limbs felt heavy, and his vision began to blur. The big demon leaned closer, its voice a rasping whisper that seemed to echo inside Zenitsu's head. "These spiders you see," it began, "were once human. They dared to challenge me, and so I transformed them, poisoned them until they became part of my family." The demon's lips curled into a cruel smile. "And now, you will join them. The poison is already in your system. Soon, you will be one of us."
Zenitsu's mind raced, but he was too terrified to think clearly. He could feel the venom spreading, his skin prickling as the transformation began. "No... no... Tanjiro, please..." he whimpered, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Just in time, Tanjiro reached the place. He was hidden among the trees, his eyes sharp and focused. He was just about to leap into action, but his Sage Mode senses warned him to wait. He watched, his heart pounding, as the spider demon continued to mock Zenitsu.
The demon's laughter grew louder. "Look at you, so weak and helpless. It's almost pitiable. Almost." It raised one of its spindly legs, preparing to deliver the final blow.
Suddenly, Zenitsu's body went rigid. His eyes were still closed, but his expression changed from one of abject terror to a serene calm. He took a deep, measured breath, his chest rising and falling with newfound determination.
In a flash, Zenitsu moved. Lightning crackled around him, illuminating the dark forest with an otherworldly glow. His katana, previously clutched in trembling hands, now gleamed with electric energy. He slashed through the air with incredible speed and precision, the blade cutting through the approaching spiders before they could even react.
The lightning engulfed Zenitsu and the area around him. The spiders were incinerated in an instant, their bodies disintegrating into ash. Zenitsu's movements were a blur, his form almost indistinguishable amidst the bolts of electricity. His eyes snapped open, glowing with a fierce, golden light as he landed gracefully on the ground.
The spider demon watched in shock, its confidence wavering for the first time. "What... what is this?!" it screeched, throwing projectile attacks at Zenitsu in a desperate attempt to defend itself.
Zenitsu was a blur of motion, effortlessly dodging the demon's attacks. Each step he took left a trail of sparks, and his katana moved with such speed that it seemed to be everywhere at once. He was no longer the terrified boy clinging to a tree branch. He was a force of nature, a storm given human form.
Tanjiro, still hidden among the trees, watched in amazement. "Zenitsu..." he murmured, a mixture of pride and awe in his voice. He had never seen his comrade fight like this before. The sheer power and grace of Zenitsu's movements were breathtaking.
Zenitsu leaped into the air, his katana raised high. With a final, powerful strike, he cut through the spider demon's neck, severing its head from its body. The demon let out a final, gurgling scream before its body crumbled to the ground.
Zenitsu landed on the roof of the hanging hut, his breathing heavy but controlled. He looked up at the moon, his eyes wide and unseeing. "Did I... do that?" he whispered, his voice filled with a mixture of wonder and confusion. He was now fully awake, but unaware of his own actions. "No, it's not me…"
His body began to tremble, the aftereffects of the poison and the exertion taking their toll. His skin turned an eerie shade of blue, and he began to lose consciousness.
Just then, Tanjiro emerged from the woods, still in his Sage Mode. His presence was calm and reassuring, the scarlet patterns on his face glowing softly. He hurried to Zenitsu's side, his hands already moving in a series of precise, practiced motions.
"Zenitsu, hang in there," Tanjiro said, his voice steady and comforting. He placed his hands on Zenitsu's chest, channeling his energy into a healing technique. "Medical Ninjutsu: Healing Palm," he murmured, his hands glowing with a soft, green light.
Zenitsu's breathing began to steady, the blue tint fading from his skin. He blinked up at Tanjiro, his eyes filled with confusion. "Tanjiro... did you save me?" he asked, his voice weak but hopeful.
Tanjiro smiled softly, focusing on the healing. "Just rest, Zenitsu. You're safe now," he replied, his tone gentle and soothing.
Zenitsu's eyes fluttered closed, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thank you... Tanjiro..." he whispered, drifting into a peaceful sleep.
Tanjiro continued to heal him, his mind already planning their next move. He would not let his comrades suffer. He would protect them, no matter the cost. As the night grew darker, the forest around them seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the dawn and the promise of a new day. Tanjiro took Zenitsu in his arms and leaped.
oOo
The night was alive with danger, the dense forest cloaked in shadows that seemed to pulse with malevolence. The only light came from the pale slivers of moon that filtered through the canopy, casting an eerie glow on the forest floor. The air was thick with tension, every rustle of leaves, every distant call of a nocturnal creature, seemed to carry a hidden threat. But Tanjiro moved through the darkness with the fluid grace of a predator, his senses honed to a razor's edge, his heart focused on one thing—saving his friend.
In his arms, Zenitsu's body was limp, his breathing shallow and labored. The venom from the spider demon had taken its toll, rendering the usually jittery boy unconscious. Tanjiro's grip tightened slightly, cradling Zenitsu's fragile form as he sprinted through the forest. He could feel the life in Zenitsu waning, the venom spreading like a poison vine through his veins. But Tanjiro didn't panic. He couldn't afford to. His mind was clear, his resolve unshakable. He had to save Zenitsu, no matter the cost.
Just then, Tanjiro's keen senses picked up something—a subtle change in the air, a shift in the atmosphere that was barely perceptible. But to Tanjiro, it was as loud as a scream. Instinctively, he leaped into the air, twisting his body just as a series of threads, sharp as the finest blades, sliced through the space where he had just been standing. The threads were nearly invisible, glistening faintly in the moonlight, but their lethality was undeniable. They cut through the thick trunks of trees like paper, severing branches and sending splinters flying in all directions.
Tanjiro landed lightly on his feet, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness for the source of the attack. His breath was calm, controlled, but his heart was pounding with adrenaline. He didn't have time for this. Zenitsu needed help, and every second wasted was a second closer to losing him.
Then, from the shadows, a figure emerged—a pale, slender demon with eyes like burning coals. His face was emotionless, his gaze cold and calculating as he regarded Tanjiro with a detached interest. In his hands, he held the threads, manipulating them with a casual flick of his fingers, as if they were mere toys.
"So, you've come," the demon said, his voice as cold as ice. "You've killed my mother, father, and brother, and now you've come for me. How predictable."
Tanjiro's grip on Zenitsu tightened, his other hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his katana. He had encountered many demons before, but there was something different about this one—something darker, more sinister. The air around him seemed to vibrate with malice, the very ground beneath his feet felt tainted by his presence.
"I don't care who you are," Tanjiro said, his voice steady but filled with quiet fury. "All I care about is saving my friend."
The demon's lips curled into a faint smile, though it held no warmth. "You think you can save him? You think you can defeat me? You're just a boy, playing at being a hero. But heroes die, boy. And so will you."
With a flick of his wrist, the demon sent the threads flying towards Tanjiro, each one a deadly, precise strike aimed at his vital points. But Tanjiro was already moving, his body reacting faster than his mind. He dodged the threads with ease, his movements a blur of speed and grace. The threads sliced through the air around him, but not a single one touched him. It was as if he was dancing between raindrops, untouchable and invincible.
The demon's smile faded, replaced by a look of mild annoyance. He had expected Tanjiro to be an easy kill, but this boy was proving to be more troublesome than he had anticipated.
"Is that all you've got?" Tanjiro asked, his voice filled with a quiet confidence that belied his age. "Because if it is, you're not even worth my time."
The demon's eyes narrowed, his pride stung by Tanjiro's words. "You dare mock me, human? You'll regret that."
With a snarl, the demon unleashed another barrage of threads, each one sharper and faster than the last. They came at Tanjiro from all angles, crisscrossing the air in a deadly web. But Tanjiro wasn't fazed. He moved with the same effortless grace, dodging and weaving between the threads, his body a blur of motion. It was as if he could see the threads before they were even launched, his reflexes preternaturally sharp.
As the threads sliced through the trees around them, Tanjiro closed the distance between himself and the demon in a flash. His katana was out, the blade gleaming in the moonlight as he brought it down in a powerful arc. The demon barely had time to react, raising his hands in a feeble attempt to block the strike. But Tanjiro's blade cut through the threads like they were nothing, severing them cleanly.
Before the demon could launch another attack, Tanjiro was upon him. His katana moved with blinding speed, slicing through the air with a force that belied its slender form. The demon tried to defend himself, lashing out with his threads, but Tanjiro was relentless. He dodged each attack with ease, his movements a perfect blend of speed and precision. His blade cut through the demon's defenses like a hot knife through butter, leaving deep gashes in his flesh.
As the demon staggered back, blood pouring from his wounds, Tanjiro's eyes flickered to the side. There, hiding behind a bush, was another demon—a girl, smaller and frailer than the one he was fighting. Her eyes were wide with fear, her body trembling as she watched the battle unfold. She was trying to hide, but Tanjiro's sharp senses had already locked onto her.
In an instant, Tanjiro moved. He was a blur of motion, his katana flashing in the moonlight as he struck. The girl didn't even have time to scream. His blade sliced through her neck with a sickening crunch, severing her head from her body. Her body crumpled to the ground, lifeless.
"Useless little sister," the demon hissed, his voice dripping with contempt as he watched her fall. "She was always weak, always holding me back. Good riddance."
Tanjiro froze, his heart seizing with a sudden, overwhelming anger. His blood boiled, his vision narrowing as those words echoed in his mind. Useless little sister. The sheer cruelty of it, the heartlessness, struck him like a blow to the chest. How could anyone speak of their own family that way? How could anyone be so cold, so devoid of love?
"You..." Tanjiro's voice was low, trembling with barely restrained fury. "You dare speak of your sister like that? You dare treat your own flesh and blood with such contempt?"
The demon sneered, unfazed by Tanjiro's anger. "She was weak, a burden. Family is nothing but a chain, binding us to the weak. I cut those chains a long time ago. That's why I'm strong."
Tanjiro's grip on his katana tightened, his knuckles turning white. His breath came in short, sharp bursts, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the rage building inside him, a storm of fury that threatened to consume him. But he didn't let it. He channeled it, focused it, into a cold, deadly resolve.
"Family isn't a chain," Tanjiro said, his voice low but filled with a quiet intensity that made the demon flinch. "Family is a bond, a connection that should be cherished, not discarded. It's not something you throw away when it's no longer convenient. It's not something you use for your own gain. It's something you protect, something you love, no matter what."
The demon scowled, his eyes narrowing. "You speak of love as if it's some kind of strength. But love makes you weak, makes you vulnerable. I discarded love long ago, and that's why I'm strong."
"You're wrong," Tanjiro shot back, his voice filled with conviction. "Love isn't a weakness. It's the strongest force in this world. It gives you strength when you have none, it gives you hope when all seems lost. It's what makes us human, what gives us the power to keep going, even in the darkest times. You may have discarded your love, but all you've done is make yourself weaker. You've lost the very thing that makes life worth living."
The demon snarled, lashing out with his threads in a desperate attempt to silence Tanjiro. But Tanjiro was ready. He moved with blinding speed, dodging the threads and closing the distance between them in an instant. His katana flashed in the moonlight as he brought it down in a powerful, decisive strike.
The demon barely had time to react. His eyes widened in shock as Tanjiro's blade sliced through his neck, severing his head from his body. The demon's head hit the ground with a dull thud, his body collapsing beside it, blood pooling around the severed stump
a mix of emotions—anger, pity, and a profound sadness. The moonlight bathed the clearing in a cold, silvery light, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch endlessly into the night. Tanjiro sheathed his katana, the sound of the blade sliding back into its scabbard barely audible over the soft rustling of leaves in the breeze.
For a moment, the world was silent. The fight was over, the danger had passed, but the weight of what had just happened lingered in the air like a thick fog. Tanjiro stood still, his eyes fixed on the fallen demon before him. In death, Rui's face had softened, the cold, cruel sneer replaced by an expression of almost childlike peace. It was a stark contrast to the monster he had been in life, a reminder of what could have been if things had been different.
But there was no changing the past. Tanjiro knew that all too well. The pain of losing his own family, of seeing them torn apart by a demon's cruelty, was a wound that would never fully heal. And seeing demons like Rui—twisted, broken souls who had lost their way—only deepened that pain.
Tanjiro's thoughts were interrupted by a faint movement behind him. He turned quickly, his senses still on high alert, but it was only Zenitsu. The unconscious boy was stirring, his brow furrowing in discomfort as the venom continued to course through his veins. Tanjiro's expression softened, and he quickly knelt beside his friend, his hands hovering over Zenitsu as he assessed his condition.
"Hang in there, Zenitsu," Tanjiro whispered, his voice filled with determination. "I'm going to get you out of here. I promise."
But before he could do anything, a new presence made itself known. Tanjiro didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The faint sound of footsteps, the slight shift in the air—it could only be one person.
"Kamado," a calm, measured voice called out. It was Giyuu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, his presence commanding and quiet as always. He stepped into the clearing, his eyes immediately taking in the scene before him—the bodies of the fallen demons, the unconscious Zenitsu, and Tanjiro, standing in the midst of it all.
"You are here, I see you have already taken care of everything," Giyuu said, his tone neutral, though there was a note of surprise in his voice. It wasn't often that a mission was completed so thoroughly without the Hashira's intervention.
Tanjiro looked up at Giyuu, the exhaustion clear in his eyes, but he still managed a small, weary smile. "It wasn't my intention to interfere, Tomioka-san, but… seeing how things were, I couldn't just stand by and do nothing, dattebayo!"
The last word slipped out before Tanjiro could stop himself, an old habit he inherited from his mother, but one that still lingered in his soul. Giyuu's expression didn't change, though his eyes softened slightly, a barely perceptible acknowledgment of Tanjiro's words.
"I understand," Giyuu replied simply, his gaze shifting to Zenitsu. "He needs medical attention immediately. The venom—"
"I know," Tanjiro interrupted, already moving to lift Zenitsu carefully into his arms. "I'll take him to Shinobu. She'll know what to do better with poisons."
As if on cue, another figure entered the clearing, her presence as light and graceful as a butterfly. Shinobu Kocho, the Insect Hashira, her delicate features marked with a warm, if slightly mischievous smile. Behind her, Kanao Tsuyuri, her quiet, stoic apprentice, carried a loudly protesting Inosuke, who was tied up and slung over her shoulder like a sack of rice.
"Kamado-sama! You're here!" Shinobu greeted, bowing deeply, her voice filled with an almost playful reverence.
Tanjiro cringed at the honorific. No matter how many times he told her to drop it, she insisted on addressing him with such formality. He supposed it was better than arguing about it. "Yeah, I'm here. But what's up with Inosuke? Why is he tied up?"
Shinobu giggled, the sound light and airy. "He was being a naughty boy, causing trouble, as usual. I thought it best to restrain him before he hurt himself… or anyone else."
Inosuke's muffled protests grew louder, and Tanjiro couldn't help but chuckle despite the heaviness of the situation. "Right… that sounds like him," Tanjiro said, shaking his head.
Giyuu, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally spoke up. "Kamado, where will you be you going now?"
"Home," Tanjiro replied, his expression growing serious again as he glanced down at Zenitsu, who was now breathing in shallow, labored gasps. The situation was urgent, and every second counted. "I was going to head home," Tanjiro said, his voice thoughtful as he looked up at the moon, which was now fully visible in the night sky. It cast a soft, silver light over the clearing, bathing everything in a serene glow. "But… I think I should take them with me."
Giyuu frowned slightly, confused by Tanjiro's sudden change in plans. "Why? The mission was here, and it's done. Why not let them return to the Butterfly Mansion and let Shinobu handle things?"
Tanjiro's gaze remained fixed on the moon, a small, peaceful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Just a feeling that I should," he said softly, his voice filled with an odd sense of calm.
There was a silence that followed, one that hung in the air like a gentle breeze. Giyuu didn't press the issue, trusting in Tanjiro's instincts, which had never led him astray. Shinobu, too, seemed to sense something in Tanjiro's words, her usual playful demeanor giving way to a more serious, contemplative look.
Finally, Shinobu broke the silence, her voice gentle but firm. "Then let's not waste any more time. We need to get them treated as soon as possible. I hope you will help me with their medical treatment in your own unique way." Her eyes gleamed. "I want to see you do it again!"
Tanjiro nodded. With Zenitsu in his arms and Inosuke still tied up but now quieter, he turned to Shinobu and Giyuu, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Thank you, both of you. I don't know what I would do without your help," he said sincerely.
"We did nothing," Giyuu scowled slightly before his usual stoic expression was back in place.
Shinobu, however, gave Tanjiro a warm smile. "Anytime, Kamado-sama. Anytime."
TBC
Author Note: Sorry for the late update. I was kinda' tired of writing this since it was barely getting any attention. But now, I am back with yet another chapter. I hope you liked it. The next chapter will be released soon.
Next Chapter: Tanjiro returns home with Inosuke and Zenitsu. Tanjiro meets Tamayo…
Till next time!
~Phoenix.
