Chapter 5 – The curse of the mark & a Tragedy
A/N: As you noticed Tanjiro unlocked the demon slayer mark in the last chapter and he has not even completed his training. The reason is the deity watching over life and death decided to help Tanjiro by blessing him with the mark. As of now his patron can't do much until the inevitable happens and that is when Tanjiro and Nezuko will be forced to give up being human in order to become something else. I am aware that in demon slayer Yorichii is the only person who didn't die from the mark at the age of 25. I am not sure if Tanjiro survived until old age or if he died at the age of 25 when he got the mark in the manga and anime. Some sources say he dies at 25 and some sources say he marries Kanao in the manga and he lives till old age then eventually dies of natural causes. Also, Kagaya Ubuyashiki has not gone blind yet so as of now he is still able to see. For now, I am going with the assumption that Tanjiro will die at the age of 25 now that he has the mark since until now no one other than Yorichii has survived beyond the age of 25. Let's get on with the chapter.
Days had passed since the letter Kanae and Shinobu sent regarding Tanjiro's strange forehead mark had reached Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the revered leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. His eyes, always gentle yet burdened with the weight of centuries of battles against demons, had widened slightly upon reading the words that confirmed what he had suspected but had hoped wasn't true.
Someone who was not even an official Demon Slayer had gained the Demon Slayer mark.
It was unprecedented. The mark had always been a mysterious phenomenon, something tied deeply to those who battled demons at the highest level, often granting extraordinary abilities. But it also came with an unbearable curse.
Kagaya's fingers lightly traced over the words in the letter as he sat in his chamber, his expression calm but thoughtful. His wife, Amane, sat beside him, her eyes filled with quiet understanding. Kagaya's children, who often helped their father with the duties of leading the Corps, stood nearby, awaiting his words. He gently folded the letter and placed it on the small table before him.
"We must summon Kanae and Shinobu," he said softly, his voice steady. "They need to understand the true nature of the mark their beloved Tanjiro now bears."
The message was sent, and within hours, the Kocho sisters knelt before their master in his dimly lit chamber. Incense smoke curled through the air like wandering spirits, and the soft glow of paper lanterns cast long shadows on the walls.
"Kanae, Shinobu," Kagaya began, his voice gentle yet firm, "you have done well to inform me about Tanjiro's mark. However, I believe there are things you may not know about it. The Demon Slayer mark is more than just a symbol of strength and power."
Kanae's eyes widened slightly, sensing the gravity of the conversation. Shinobu, always observant, leaned in a little closer, her brow furrowed with concern.
"You see," Kagaya continued, "those who bear the Demon Slayer mark gain extraordinary abilities, including heightened senses, strength, and even the power to see into the flow of combat. However, this power comes with a price."
Both sisters listened intently as Kagaya's voice softened.
"Those who bear the mark are cursed," Kagaya said, his tone tinged with sadness. "The moment the mark manifests, it ensures that the person will not live past the age of 25."
The words hung in the air like a heavy weight, pressing down on Kanae and Shinobu. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the shock and horror of what they had just learned sinking in.
"W-what?" Shinobu's voice cracked slightly, her calm demeanor slipping for the first time in years. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Tanjiro—someone who wasn't even officially a Demon Slayer yet, someone so young, so full of life and promise—was fated to die before reaching adulthood?
Kanae's hands trembled slightly as she absorbed the information. She had known there was something strange about Tanjiro's mark, something powerful, but she never expected this. She glanced at Shinobu, who looked equally shaken. The idea of losing Tanjiro... it was unbearable.
Kagaya's wife, Amane, placed a comforting hand on her husband's shoulder as she spoke. "The Demon Slayer Corps has always known about this curse, but it is not something we share lightly. Only a few pillars throughout history have borne the mark, and all of them met the same fate."
"Kanae, Shinobu" Kagaya said softly, "I know how much Tanjiro means to you both. But it is important that you understand the danger he now faces."
Kanae and Shinobu felt their chest tighten as both the sisters recalled the countless moments they had shared with Tanjiro—the gentle smiles, the quiet conversations, their shared moments together, the strength of his resolve. Kanae and Shinobu had fallen deeply in love with him, and the thought of losing him to something beyond their control was unbearable.
"Is there... nothing we can do?" Kanae asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Kagaya shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with compassion. "There is no known way to remove the mark once it has appeared. The curse is tied to the power it grants, and those who have tried to find a way around it have failed."
Shinobu clenched her fists, anger boiling inside her, not at Kagaya but at the situation itself. "Tanjiro-kun doesn't deserve this. He... he's not even a full-fledged Demon Slayer yet! Why would this happen to him?"
"There is no easy answer to that," Kagaya replied, his voice calm but tinged with sorrow. "The mark manifests in those who possess extraordinary potential, often in times of great need. It may be that Tanjiro's destiny is tied to something far greater than any of us can foresee."
Kanae closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. She felt helpless, powerless in the face of something so cruel and inevitable. The thought of losing Tanjiro at such a young age... it was too much to bear.
"We will speak to Tanjiro," Kagaya said, his voice gentle but firm. "He has a right to know what lies ahead of him. But I leave it to you both, as those closest to him, to decide how best to share this burden."
Shinobu and Kanae exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with the weight of the knowledge they now carried. They would do anything to protect Tanjiro, but how could they protect him from a fate that seemed written in stone?
000000000000000000
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the Butterfly Mansion's courtyard as Tanjiro swept the fallen leaves, his mind wandering to Kanae and Shinobu. The two sisters had left early that morning for their meeting with the Master, leaving him to tend to his daily training and chores. The peaceful routine was interrupted by familiar voices approaching the main gate.
"Oi, Tanjiro-Kun!" Masachika's cheerful voice rang out, accompanied by the soft footsteps of Yuzuriha beside him.
Tanjiro looked up, a warm smile spreading across his face as he set the broom aside. "Masachika! Yuzuriha! What brings you both here?"
"Can't a friend drop by to see how our favorite charcoal seller is doing?" Masachika laughed, clapping Tanjiro on the shoulder. His eyes darted around the courtyard. "Are the Butterfly sisters around?"
"No, they're still at the meeting," Tanjiro replied, rubbing the back of his neck with a slight blush. Even after all this time, he still felt a flutter in his chest when thinking about Kanae and Shinobu. "They probably won't be back until evening."
"Perfect timing then!" Masachika's eyes lit up. "Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you about. Yuzuriha-chan, would you mind giving us a moment?"
Yuzuriha nodded silently, her Kakushi mask hiding most of her expression, but her eyes held a hint of concern. She squeezed Masachika's hand before walking toward the garden.
Once they were alone, Masachika's usually cheerful demeanor shifted slightly. "I've got a mission coming up, partnered with Sanemi. You know him, right? The guy who's probably going to be the next Wind Hashira at the rate he's going."
"Yeah, I've heard about him from Kanae-chan and Shinobu-chan," Tanjiro nodded. "They say he's incredibly strong."
"He is," Masachika agreed, his voice growing serious. "We've got intel about a Lower Moon demon causing havoc in the northern mountains. That's why they're pairing us up – it's going to be a tough fight."
Tanjiro's expression grew concerned. "A Lower Moon? That's..."
"Dangerous, yeah," Masachika completed the thought. He looked over at Yuzuriha in the distance, his eyes softening. "That's actually why I wanted to talk to you privately. You see, Yuzuriha and I... we're planning to get married after this mission."
"That's wonderful news!" Tanjiro exclaimed, but he could sense there was more to come.
Masachika lowered his voice, stepping closer. "Tanjiro, I need you to promise me something. If anything happens to me on this mission..."
"Don't talk like that," Tanjiro interrupted, but Masachika held up a hand.
"Listen, please. If anything happens to me, I need you to look after Yuzuriha. She's stronger than she looks, but..." His voice cracked slightly. "I just need to know someone will be there for her. You understand what it's like to love someone so much you'd do anything to protect them, right? With Kanae and Shinobu..."
Tanjiro's thoughts drifted to the Butterfly sisters – to Kanae's gentle guidance during their training sessions, to Shinobu's playful teasing that always made him blush, to the way both of them had accepted him, a simple charcoal seller, into their lives and hearts. He understood all too well.
"I promise," Tanjiro said firmly, gripping Masachika's shoulder. "But you have to promise me something too. Promise you'll fight with everything you have to come back. Yuzuriha is waiting for you. Don't make her wait forever."
Masachika's usual grin returned, though his eyes remained serious. "I promise. Besides, I can't let Sanemi show me up, right? Future Wind Hashira or not, I've got my own reasons to survive."
They called Yuzuriha back over, and she immediately sensed the charged atmosphere. "Is everything alright?" she asked, her voice carrying notes of worry.
"Perfect," Masachika pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her temple through her mask. "Just asking Tanjiro to be my best man at the wedding. He said yes, of course."
Tanjiro caught the grateful look in Masachika's eyes and played along. "It would be an honor."
"Oh, and Tanjiro? Tell those lovely girlfriends of yours to take it easy on your training. We can't have our favorite charcoal seller too beaten up to attend my wedding, can we?"
Tanjiro blushed deeply, stammering, "I-I'll let them know."
As he watched them walk away, hands intertwined, Tanjiro couldn't shake the heavy feeling in his chest. He'd seen enough in his training to know that demon slaying was dangerous work, and Lower Moons were especially fearsome. He found himself offering a silent prayer to whatever gods might be listening – please, let Masachika return safely.
Kanae and Shinobu returned from their meeting with Kagaya later that evening, their faces solemn and pale. They found Tanjiro in the garden, practicing his breathing techniques, his forehead gleaming with sweat. The red mark on his forehead seemed even more pronounced in the fading light, a stark reminder of the conversation they had just had.
As they approached, Tanjiro looked up and smiled at them, his expression full of warmth and innocence. But the weight of what they had just learned hung heavily over them, and for the first time, Kanae and Shinobu weren't sure how to smile back.
"Tanjiro-kun," Kanae called softly, her voice trembling slightly as she approached him.
He wiped the sweat from his brow and walked toward them, his expression turning concerned when he noticed the sadness in their eyes. "Kanae-chan, Shinobu-chan, is everything alright?"
The two sisters exchanged a glance, silently communicating their shared sorrow. Without a word, Shinobu took his hand and led him inside, up the stairs, and into their shared bedroom. Kanae followed closely behind, her heart aching with every step. Once inside, they closed the door behind them, shutting out the rest of the world.
The room was softly lit, with the scent of lavender and jasmine lingering in the air. The bed in the center of the room was neatly made, its delicate sheets reflecting the sisters' calm and orderly nature. But today, their hearts were far from calm.
Shinobu gently guided Tanjiro to sit on the edge of the bed while Kanae sat beside him, her hand resting on his. The two sisters sat close to him, the sorrow they felt reflected in their eyes. Tanjiro, sensing the weight of the moment, looked at them with concern.
"Kanae-chan, Shinobu-chan," he began, his voice soft yet firm, "what's wrong? You both seem so upset."
Kanae bit her lip, struggling to find the words. She and Shinobu had always been strong, always the ones to comfort others in times of pain, but now, it was they who needed comfort. It was Tanjiro who they leaned on. After a long pause, it was Shinobu who finally spoke.
"Tanjiro-kun," Shinobu said, her voice uncharacteristically soft and wavering, "there's something we need to tell you. Something important about... the mark on your forehead."
Tanjiro's eyes widened slightly in surprise. He had known there was something strange about the mark, something that made him different, but he had no idea what it truly meant. He waited patiently, sensing the gravity of their words.
Kanae's voice trembled as she continued where Shinobu left off. "The mark you bear... it's called the Demon Slayer mark. It grants incredible power, strength, and heightened senses. You've likely already noticed that your abilities have improved since it appeared."
Tanjiro nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. He had indeed noticed the changes—the way he could sense the flow of battle more clearly, the way his body felt stronger, faster. But there was something more in their voices, something that made his heart tighten with worry.
"But there's more," Shinobu added, her eyes filled with sadness. "There's a price for that power. Those who bear the mark... they don't live past the age of 25."
The words hit Tanjiro like a heavy blow, though he didn't outwardly react. He simply sat there, processing what he had just heard. The room was silent for a long moment, the weight of the revelation hanging thick in the air. Tanjiro looked down at his hands, his brow furrowed in thought.
"So," Tanjiro finally said, his voice calm, "I'm... going to die?"
Shinobu and Kanae both nodded, their eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Kanae's hand tightened around his, as if holding on to him with all the strength she could muster. "Yes, Tanjiro-kun," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Unless we can find a way to stop it... the mark will take you before you reach 25."
Tanjiro was quiet for a moment, absorbing the weight of his fate. But then, a soft smile crossed his lips, one that was full of determination and quiet strength. He looked at Kanae and Shinobu, his eyes filled with warmth and love.
"Do you remember," Tanjiro said gently, "the promise I made to you both? The one I made when you caught me training in secret?"
Kanae blinked, momentarily surprised by the sudden shift in conversation, but then realization dawned on her face. She remembered it clearly now—the night she and Shinobu had found Tanjiro training alone in secret pushing his body to its limits. When they had scolded him for overworking himself, he had smiled at them and made a promise that had stuck with them ever since.
"I promised," Tanjiro continued, his voice soft but unwavering, "that if I ever die, I'll fight death itself to come back to you both. I won't let anything take me away from you—not even this mark."
Kanae and Shinobu's eyes filled with tears at his words. They had held on to that promise for so long, and now, in the face of this terrible curse, it was the only thing keeping them from falling apart.
"Tanjiro," Kanae whispered, her voice thick with emotion, "we don't want to lose you. We... we love you too much."
Shinobu, usually so composed, couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She leaned in, pressing her forehead against Tanjiro's shoulder, her body trembling with silent sobs. "We love you so much, Tanjiro," she whispered, her voice breaking. "We can't bear the thought of losing you."
Tanjiro's heart ached at the sight of their sorrow, but he remained strong for them. He wrapped his arms around both of them, pulling them close, and kissed the tops of their heads gently. "I'm not going anywhere," he said softly. "I'll keep fighting. For you. For both of you."
Kanae, overcome with emotion, leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips, her tears mingling with the kiss. "We love you," she whispered again between kisses. "We love you so much."
Shinobu, still trembling with emotion, kissed him as well, her lips lingering on his skin as if trying to memorize every inch of him. "You've always shown us how much you love us, Tanjiro. You don't even have to say it... we can feel it in everything you do."
For a long while, they stayed like that, holding each other close, their tears mingling with their kisses. In that moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the three of them—Tanjiro, Kanae, and Shinobu—wrapped in each other's warmth and love, trying to forget, if only for a little while, the cruel fate that awaited them.
After some time had passed and the tears had dried, Shinobu, ever the one to lighten the mood, gave Tanjiro a teasing smile. "So, Tanjiro-kun," she said playfully, wiping her eyes, "do you intend to marry us or not?"
Tanjiro, who had been sitting quietly, smiled warmly at her, his eyes filled with affection. "Of course I do," he replied without hesitation. "In a few years, when the time is right... I intend to marry both of you."
Kanae and Shinobu both froze for a moment, stunned by his directness. Then, in unison, they burst into tears again—this time, tears of joy. Kanae wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him hard on the lips, her heart soaring with happiness. Shinobu followed suit, pressing her lips to his in a passionate kiss, her usual calm exterior shattered by the sheer joy she felt in that moment.
"You... you really mean it?" Kanae asked breathlessly, her cheeks flushed with emotion.
Tanjiro nodded, his eyes soft and full of love. "I've never been more certain of anything."
The room filled with the sound of laughter, kisses, and whispered promises. Despite the looming shadow of the Demon Slayer mark and the curse it carried, in that moment, they were free. The future, uncertain as it was, no longer felt so frightening—not when they had each other.
00000000000000000000000000000000
The days at the Butterfly Mansion passed quietly, though an undercurrent of tension lingered in the air. Ever since Kanae and Shinobu shared the truth about the Demon Slayer mark, Tanjiro had thrown himself into his training with a renewed sense of determination. Each day, he balanced his duties of selling charcoal with his rigorous training to become a Demon Slayer. Despite the shadow of fate looming over him, he focused on the present, determined to become stronger and fulfill the promises he had made to the two sisters he loved.
It had been agreed between Kanae, Shinobu, Kagaya, and Giyu that Tanjiro would undergo two years of intense training before being sent to the Final Selection. This decision, while unusual for someone not officially a member of the Demon Slayer Corps yet, was based on his potential, his mark, and the deep ties he already had with some of the Corps' most prominent members.
One late afternoon, as Tanjiro made his usual rounds delivering charcoal, a letter arrived from the Ubuyashiki mansion—the home of the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki. The letter was delivered by a kakushi named Goto, who was accompanied by another, unnamed female kakushi. The sight of the sealed letter made Tanjiro pause.
"The Master sent this for you," Goto said as he handed over the parchment.
Tanjiro wiped his hands on his apron before gently accepting the letter. The request was simple yet strange: the Master had asked him to deliver charcoal to the Ubuyashiki mansion. It wasn't unusual for Tanjiro to make deliveries to various clients, but this request from Kagaya himself was peculiar.
Tanjiro frowned slightly, puzzled. "The Master… wants charcoal to be delivered to him in person? That's a bit surprising, isn't it?"
Goto shifted uncomfortably, casting a glance at the other kakushi, who remained silent. "It is, but we're here to escort you. There's something important waiting for you at the mansion."
Tanjiro's eyes narrowed slightly as his instincts kicked in. Something wasn't right. He could sense tension in Goto's posture, the slight hesitation in his words. "What's going on?" Tanjiro asked, trying to sound calm. "Is something wrong?"
Goto avoided his gaze. "It's best… not to ask too many questions right now," he said carefully.
Tanjiro frowned deeper. "Why? Goto-san, if something's wrong, you can tell me."
The air between them felt heavy. After a long pause, Goto finally sighed and lowered his voice. "You should come with us, Tanjiro. The Master called you for a reason."
The weight in his words sank into Tanjiro's chest like a stone. He didn't know why, but an uncomfortable knot twisted in his stomach. His thoughts immediately went to his friends—Kanae, Shinobu, and the others—but more specifically to Masachika, who had left for a mission with Sanemi just days before. Masachika, the man who had asked Tanjiro to watch over his beloved Yuzuriha should something happen to him.
"Masachika…" Tanjiro whispered under his breath, his heart already beginning to sink.
"What about Yuzuriha?" he asked, his voice soft but strained. "She's not with you, is she?"
Goto's expression darkened. "It's best not to ask," he repeated, though this time there was a somber edge to his words.
Tanjiro's heart raced. Something was wrong—he could feel it in his bones. The way Goto and the other kakushi spoke, the subtle tension in their movements, everything screamed that something terrible had happened. And suddenly, his mind flashed back to Masachika's words, to that solemn conversation they had before he left for his mission:
"If I don't make it back, promise me you'll watch over Yuzuriha."
Tanjiro clenched his fists as his breath caught in his throat. No… it couldn't be.
"Goto-san… is Masachika…" Tanjiro began, but Goto quickly interrupted him, shaking his head.
"Don't jump to conclusions, Tanjiro. Just come with us," Goto said, his voice firmer this time. "You'll find out soon enough."
Tanjiro felt a chill run down his spine, but he forced himself to nod. There was no point in pressing further. If something had happened, he would find out soon enough. Without another word, he gathered what remained of his charcoal supplies and followed Goto and the female kakushi to the cart.
They traveled quickly, Goto keeping a steady pace as he carried Tanjiro through the forest. Tanjiro remained silent, his thoughts racing faster than his heartbeat. He wanted to believe that everything was fine, that Masachika was safe, but the growing dread inside him wouldn't let him rest. The sound of the cart wheels crunching against the dirt road was the only noise that filled the air as they made their way to the Ubuyashiki mansion.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they arrived at the gates of the Ubuyashiki estate. The atmosphere around the mansion was tense, and as Tanjiro stepped down from the cart, he heard shouting from inside the main hall—Sanemi's voice, raw with anger and grief.
"Masachika! You bastard! Why did you have to go and die on me?!"
The words hit Tanjiro like a physical blow, and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach. He stumbled forward, his legs feeling weak beneath him. Goto placed a hand on his shoulder, but Tanjiro barely felt it. His chest tightened, and a wave of nausea rolled over him as the truth finally hit him.
Masachika… was dead.
Tanjiro's legs felt like they would give out, but he forced himself to move forward, toward the mansion. His feet carried him inside, past the wide-eyed servants and kakushi who whispered amongst themselves. He barely noticed them. His mind was a blur, his vision tunneled on the door ahead.
Inside the hall, the scene was just as devastating as he had feared. Sanemi was pacing furiously, his hands clenched into fists, his body trembling with rage and grief. Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat calmly in his usual place, though his expression was filled with sorrow. His wife Amane and their children stood nearby, their eyes downcast.
And there, in the center of the room, lay Masachika's body, draped in a white sheet.
Tanjiro's breath caught in his throat as his legs buckled beneath him. He fell to his knees, his hands trembling as he stared at the covered form before him. Masachika, the man who had been so full of life, who had been like a brother to him… was gone.
"I'm sorry, Tanjiro," Kagaya's soft voice broke through the haze of grief, but it barely registered in Tanjiro's mind.
Sanemi, however, was far from calm. His fists were clenched so tightly that his knuckles had turned white, and his voice was hoarse from shouting. "Why?!" Sanemi bellowed, his voice cracking with emotion. "Why did he have to go? Why wasn't it me instead?!"
Tanjiro's mind spun as he stared at Masachika's lifeless body. The man who had asked him to look after Yuzuriha… the man who had promised to marry her after this mission… was now dead. And Yuzuriha—Tanjiro's heart ached at the thought of her. She had been so full of hope, so in love with Masachika, and now her world would be shattered.
Tanjiro felt tears welling up in his eyes, but he forced them back. He had to be strong. He had to be strong for Yuzuriha, for Masachika, for everyone. But in that moment, the weight of loss felt unbearable.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he knelt beside Masachika's body, his heart heavy with grief. "Masachika-san…" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Why…?"
There was no answer. Only silence.
Tanjiro bowed his head, tears slipping silently down his cheeks as the full weight of Masachika's death settled over him. The promise he had made—to look after Yuzuriha if Masachika didn't return—now felt like a crushing burden. But Tanjiro knew he would keep it. He would honor Masachika's memory, no matter the cost.
"Tell me how it happened," Tanjiro asked, kneeling beside Masachika's covered form. "Please."
Sanemi's laugh was hollow. "We found her mansion three days ago. It looked like... like a haven. Children everywhere, all calling her 'mother.' She was so small, so delicate-looking with those crimson flowers in her hair. But her eyes..." He shuddered. "That left eye with the kanji for Lower One... it held such madness."
"The children seemed to adore her," he continued, voice cracking. "But we could smell it—the rot beneath the sweetness. She'd been breaking them, Tanjiro. Hurting them just so she could 'nurse' them back to health. Found journals dating back to when she was human, about her own daughter Sae... how she'd poison her just to feel the joy of 'caring' for her."
Kagaya spoke softly from his place. "She turned the mansion into a trap. Her Blood Demon Art created powerful illusions."
"The walls became flesh," Sanemi spat. "Everything pulsing like we were inside some massive stomach. But Masachika... he had that demon-slaying mirror. Saw through it just enough to locate the source—an incense burner spreading her cursed fragrance."
Sanemi's fist slammed into the floor. "We almost had her! But then this little girl—couldn't have been more than six—threw herself between Masachika and Ubume. Started crying, begging him not to hurt her 'beloved mother.'"
"And Masachika hesitated," Tanjiro whispered, already knowing where this was going.
"That BITCH!" Sanemi roared. "She smiled—this sick, twisted version of a mother's smile—and tossed the girl aside like garbage! Said he should have cut the child down first if he wanted to live! And then her hair... it moved like living blades..."
"But that's not what killed him, was it?" Tanjiro asked softly.
"No," Sanemi's voice broke. "He saw her reaching for another child. Used his own body as a shield. Smiled at me—that same stupid, gentle smile he always had—and said, 'A demon who mocks a child's love doesn't deserve to exist. Show her what real strength is, future Hashira.'"
Rage began to show on Sanemi's face. "I lost it then. Cut my own arms open to distract her since I have marechi blood and it gave me the opening to use my strongest technique. Turned the very air into blades. But even as I took her head... even as she crumbled to ash... she wore that same false maternal smile."
"The children?" Tanjiro asked.
"Safe. Traumatized, but alive. Thanks to him." Sanemi looked at the covered form. "He died because he couldn't stand to see children hurt. Because his heart was too pure for this cruel world."
"No," Tanjiro's voice was firm despite his tears. "He died because he showed us what true parental love looks like. Not the twisted version Ubume created, but real, sacrificial love that puts others first."
"The Wind Hashira position is yours now, Sanemi," Kagaya said gently. "Not just for defeating Lower Moon One, but for learning the true meaning of strength through Masachika's sacrifice."
"I don't want it," Sanemi said with anger and frustration. "Not at this price."
"Then use it to protect people's lives from demons," Tanjiro said, rising slowly. "Protect the way he did—honor his memory."
Standing, Tanjiro touched the sheet covering his friend one last time. "I'll tell Yuzuriha. I'll tell her how he died protecting innocent lives, how his compassion never wavered even at the end. How he helped defeat a demon who perverted the very concept of maternal love into something monstrous."
Outside, a cool wind began to blow—no longer tainted by illusion or false sweetness, but pure and strong, like the legacy of the man who had given everything to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
"Rest now, brother," Tanjiro whispered. "Your love was real. And it will echo through all the lives you saved... through all the children who now have a chance to know what true parental love should be."
000000000000000000000000000000
The evening shadows lengthened across Masachika's covered form as Tanjiro stood beside his fallen friend. The mark on his forehead seemed to pulse with shared grief, as if understanding for the first time the true weight of what it meant to be a Demon Slayer.
This is what they feared, he thought, remembering all the times Kanae and Shinobu had tried to guide him away from this path. Their gentle discouragements, their worried glances, their protective embraces—it all made sense now.
The sound of running footsteps broke through his thoughts. Then, a gasp that seemed to shatter the very air:
"No... NO!"
Yuzuriha burst into the room, her Kakushi mask askew, revealing a face contorted with dawning horror. She staggered forward, her usual grace abandoned in the face of overwhelming grief.
"Masachika?" Her voice cracked on his name. "Masa-kun?"
She fell to her knees beside the covered form, hands hovering over the sheet, trembling. "This isn't... you promised me..." Her voice dissolved into a raw sob as she clutched at the white fabric.
"Yuzuriha," Tanjiro moved to her side, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. She turned to him, and in that moment, her carefully maintained Kakushi composure crumbled completely.
"He said he'd come back!" she cried, collapsing against Tanjiro's chest. "He promised me! We were going to get married, start a family... he promised..."
Tanjiro held her as she broke down, her tears soaking into his haori. Behind them, Sanemi's pacing stopped, the wind Hashira-to-be turning away, his own grief mixing with guilt.
"I should have been faster," Sanemi muttered. "Should have seen through that demonic wench's illusions sooner..."
"Don't," Yuzuriha's voice was muffled against Tanjiro's chest. "Please... Don't blame yourself Sanemi..."
"He truly was brave," Sanemi said, his voice rough with emotion. "How he saved those children."
"Sanemi," Tanjiro said quietly. "He truly was! Make him proud and stand tall as the Wind Hashira!"
Goto stepped forward from the shadows. "We should take her to the Butterfly Mansion," he suggested softly. "She shouldn't be alone tonight."
Tanjiro nodded to Goto, gently helping Yuzuriha to her feet. She swayed, clinging to his arm like a lifeline. He then gave a nod to Sanemi who nodded back.
"Take care of her brat. You better not die, or else I will drag your soul from hell and repeatedly kill you," said Sanemi with a smirk.
Tanjiro chuckled, muttering, "Whatever you say, Sanemi!"
Sanemi scoffs with a smirk and walks away.
"Just a moment," she whispered, turning back to Masachika's body. With trembling fingers, she removed something from her sleeve—a small sachet of lavender, one she'd prepared as a welcome-home gift. She placed it beside him, her touch lingering. "I love you," she breathed. "I'll always love you."
The journey to the Butterfly Mansion passed in a blur of quiet sobs and gentle support. Once there, Tanjiro led Yuzuriha to one of the private rooms, settling her on a cushion as Goto respectfully withdrew.
"Would you like some tea?" Tanjiro asked softly.
Yuzuriha shook her head, then looked up at him with red-rimmed eyes. "Did... did he suffer?"
Tanjiro's heart clenched remembering what Sanemi told him. "He died protecting others," he said carefully. "He died with a smile on his face, thinking of those he loved."
"That sounds like him," she managed a broken smile. "Always putting everyone else first." She drew a shaky breath. "He told me, you know. About asking you to look after me if... if anything happened."
"Yuzuriha, I—"
"No, let me finish," she interrupted gently. "I thought he was being silly then. Too cautious. But now..." Her voice wavered. "Now I understand why he trusted you with that request. You're here, just like he knew you would be."
Tanjiro felt tears prick at his own eyes. "Of course I am. He was like a brother to me I never got to tell him."
"He said that too," Yuzuriha smiled through her tears. "Said you were the kind of man who'd never break a promise, even if it was difficult to keep." Her gaze grew knowing. "Even if it might complicate things with the Kocho sisters."
Tanjiro tensed slightly. "How did you—"
"I'm a Kakushi, Tanjiro-Kun," she reminded him softly. "We see everything. And those two... they love you very deeply. They might not understand this at first."
"I'll find a way to explain," Tanjiro said firmly. "They'll understand that this is about honoring Masachika's memory, about protecting someone he loved."
Yuzuriha's exhaustion finally caught up with her, her eyes growing heavy. As she drifted off to sleep, she murmured, "He believed in you, Tanjiro. In your strength, your kindness... your future..." Her voice faded as sleep claimed her.
Tanjiro sat in the growing darkness, lost in thought. Through the window, he could see the wisteria trees swaying in the evening breeze. Somewhere in the mansion, he knew Kanae and Shinobu would soon return, and he would have to explain everything—the tragedy, the promise, the complicated path ahead.
But as he watched over Yuzuriha's sleeping form, he felt a deep resolve settling in his heart. He would find a way to keep all his promises—to honor Masachika's memory, to support Yuzuriha in her grief, and to love Kanae and Shinobu with unwavering devotion. The mark on his forehead might limit his time, but it would not limit his capacity to protect those precious to him.
Watch over me, brother, he thought, looking toward the stars beginning to appear in the darkening sky. Help me be as strong and true as you were.
The night deepened around him, carrying the weight of promises made and lives forever changed, as Tanjiro prepared himself for the delicate balance he would need to maintain in the days to come.
000000000000000000000000000000
It had been only a short while after Masachika's passing, and grief still hung over the Butterfly Mansion like a quiet storm. Tanjiro found himself wandering the estate grounds in silence, his heart heavy with sorrow not just for the loss of his friend, but for Yuzuriha, left alone to mourn the man she had loved.
In a secluded corner near the garden, he saw her, a solitary figure bent with quiet sobs. She held something small in her hands, clutched so tightly her knuckles were white. It was a small wooden trinket—one of Masachika's little keepsakes.
Tanjiro's heart clenched at the pain in her voice. Carefully, he settled beside her on the bench. "You loved him very deeply."
"More than anything," she admitted, her fingers tracing the worn edges of the charm. "We had so many plans, Tanjiro. So many dreams..." Her voice cracked. "Now they're all just... ash."
"Tell me about them," Tanjiro encouraged gently. "About your dreams together."
Yuzuriha's breath hitched, but she managed a tremulous smile. "We were going to have a small house, near enough to the Corps to serve but far enough for peace. He wanted a garden – said he'd grow flowers as beautiful as the ones here." She laughed softly, though it sounded more like a sob. "He was terrible with plants, but he was determined to learn."
"That sounds like him," Tanjiro smiled. "Always trying his best, even at things that didn't come naturally."
"We were going to have children," she continued, her voice barely a whisper. "He wanted a large family. Said... said he'd be the kind of father who'd always come home, always protect them." Fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "And now..."
Without hesitation, Tanjiro wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She stiffened for a moment before collapsing against him, her grief finally breaking free in great, heaving sobs.
"I miss him so much," she cried against his shoulder. "Every morning I wake up thinking it was just a nightmare, but then... then I remember..."
Tanjiro embraced her, his gaze steady and compassionate. He thought of his father and of the loss that had forever changed his family. "I know it hurts," he murmured, his words laced with sincerity. "Losing someone you love feels like you're missing a piece of yourself. Masachika was... someone I looked up to, someone who inspired me. I promised him I'd be there for you."
Yuzuriha's eyes widened a fraction, surprise and gratitude mingling with her sorrow. "You remind me of him," she whispered, her voice a fragile thread, sincere but filled with unspoken memories. "My Masa-kun… he was gentle, kind, just like you."
There was a silence between them, a calm in the storm of grief, and Yuzuriha's expression softened. She let her mask slip down, her cheeks flushed, before leaning forward and brushing her lips gently against his cheek. It was a fleeting gesture, yet one heavy with gratitude and sadness. She rested her head on his shoulder, her slight frame shivering as the weight of her grief spilled out. "Tanjiro-kun… stay with me, please. Just for a while."
Tanjiro's heart ached for her, for all that she had lost, and he wrapped his arms around her, giving her the comfort he could. He held her close, the steady beat of his heart a quiet assurance that she wasn't alone.
In the silence of the garden, hidden by shadows, Kanae and Shinobu stood a few paces away, watching the scene unfold. They had come looking for Tanjiro, but upon seeing him with Yuzuriha, they held back, sharing a glance of understanding.
Kanae's lips curled into a soft smile, though her eyes were misty. "Look at him," she murmured to Shinobu. "Our Tanjiro… giving strength to someone who needs it."
Shinobu, who might have typically felt a twinge of possessiveness seeing another woman so close to Tanjiro, watched with a strange warmth in her heart. "He's exactly the person we thought he was," she whispered. "Always thinking of others."
There was no jealousy this time, only pride, knowing that Tanjiro's heart was capable of such compassion. They waited quietly, knowing Yuzuriha needed him just a little longer.
As Tanjiro held Yuzuriha, she finally looked up at him, her voice barely audible but filled with a newfound strength. "Thank you, Tanjiro-kun. I… I don't know if I'll ever heal from this, but… I'll try. For him."
Tanjiro smiled, a gentle expression that reached his eyes. "Masachika would want you to be happy. Even if it's hard, take it one day at a time. You'll never have to face it alone."
Yuzuriha gave a small nod, her eyes lingering on his face. She stood, her movements slow and careful, as though the weight of her sorrow had made her fragile. "I'll… I'll do my best," she promised, and with one last look at Tanjiro, she slipped away, her spirit a little lighter.
Kanae and Shinobu approached him then, their presence a gentle comfort that Tanjiro welcomed with open arms. He smiled softly at them, though his eyes carried the weight of what he'd witnessed.
"You both saw, didn't you?" he asked with a gentle chuckle, his tone teasing. "Poor Yuzuriha… She loved him so much."
Kanae wrapped her arms around him, her voice gentle. "We did, Tanjiro-kun. And we're so proud of you for being there for her. You're a true friend, just as Masachika would have wanted."
Shinobu rested her hand on his shoulder, her usual mischievousness softened by a rare sincerity. "It's no wonder we fell in love with you. You're selfless to a fault, always thinking of others. Yuzuriha will need time, but… she'll have friends here."
Tanjiro's smile grew, touched by their words. "I know my heart belongs to you both," he murmured, his eyes warm as he looked at them. "But if it's alright… I'd like to be a friend to Yuzuriha. I don't know if I can ever fill that place for her, but… I promised Masachika I'd be here."
Kanae's eyes glistened, and she leaned up to kiss him softly on the forehead. "Of course, Tanjiro-kun. We wouldn't have it any other way."
"Though I have to admit," Shinobu added with a hint of her usual playfulness, "seeing another woman kiss you—even on the cheek—did make my hand twitch toward my sword for a moment."
"Shinobu-chan!" Tanjiro blushed deeply.
"She's teasing, love," Kanae laughed softly. "We're proud of you. Proud of how you're honoring Masachika's memory, proud of how you're helping Yuzuriha heal."
"I just want to be worthy of his trust. Of everyone's trust." said Tanjiro with a smile.
"You already are," Shinobu assured him, her voice unusually gentle. "Now come inside? We'll have tea, and you can tell us more about the Masachika you knew. Share those memories with us."
As they walked back toward the mansion, the evening's first stars beginning to appear above the wisteria, Tanjiro felt a deep sense of peace.
00000000000000000000000000
The seasons had turned gently at the Butterfly Mansion, each day bringing subtle changes in the garden and in the hearts of those who dwelled there. Spring had melted into summer, and summer was now softening into early autumn, marking nearly six months since Masachika's passing. The wisteria that had witnessed their grief now bore witness to their healing.
Tanjiro had fallen into a comfortable rhythm, dividing his time between his charcoal deliveries, intensive training under Kanae and Shinobu's guidance, and quiet moments spent with Yuzuriha. The mark on his forehead seemed to pulse less frequently now, as if acknowledging this period of peace.
That particular afternoon, golden sunlight filtered through the maple leaves, casting dappled shadows across the garden path. Tanjiro had just finished his morning training session with Kanae, his muscles pleasantly sore from the exercise. As he rounded the corner near the koi pond, he stopped short, his breath catching slightly.
Yuzuriha sat on the stone bench where they had shared so many conversations, but today was different. Her kakushi mask lay beside her, revealing her true face to the autumn light. Her ebony hair, usually contained in strict working styles, cascaded freely down her back like liquid silk, catching glints of sunlight. Her traditional black uniform, while simple, seemed to emphasize the elegant line of her neck, the graceful curve of her shoulders. But it was her eyes that truly captured attention—those vivid green orbs that had once been dulled by grief now sparkled with returning life.
"Yuzuriha-san," Tanjiro breathed, the honorific falling naturally from his lips. He couldn't help but recall Masachika's words from what felt like a lifetime ago:
"She's like watching the moon rise, Tanjiro," Masachika had said, his face glowing with love. "Every time I see her, she's somehow more beautiful than before. Sometimes I can hardly believe she chose me."
"Masachika was right about you," Tanjiro found himself saying, his voice warm with genuine admiration. "He always said you grew more beautiful each day. Standing here now, I understand exactly what he meant."
A soft blush colored Yuzuriha's cheeks, but her lips curved into a knowing smile. She rose with fluid grace, closing the distance between them. "Do you know," she said softly, "you're the first person since Masa-kun who's made me feel truly seen?" Her hand reached up, delicate fingers brushing his cheek. "Not as a kakushi, not as a widow, but as myself."
Before Tanjiro could respond, she leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. The contact was brief but electric, sending a rush of heat to his face. His hand flew up to touch the spot, eyes wide with surprise.
Yuzuriha's laugh was like wind chimes in a summer breeze. "Oh, Tanjiro-kun," she teased, "you're adorable when you blush." She kissed his other cheek, lingering just a moment longer this time. Her voice dropped to a whisper, "Perhaps for you, I'll always show my true face."
Stepping back, she gathered her mask, a playful light dancing in her eyes. "Until next time, lovely Tanjiro-kun," she purred. "Thank you for making my days brighter."
As she glided away, her hair swaying with each step, Tanjiro stood frozen, his hand still pressed to his burning cheek. A small, flustered laugh escaped him as he tried to process what had just happened.
"My, my, Tanjiro-kun," Kanae's melodious voice broke through his daze. "That was quite the scene."
He whirled around to find both Kocho sisters emerging from behind the maple tree, their expressions a mix of amusement and something deeper, more contemplative.
"Kanae-chan! Shinobu-chan!" Tanjiro's blush deepened impossibly further. "I... that wasn't... I mean..."
"Oh? It certainly looked like something to me," Shinobu teased, her eyes twinkling. "Our dear Tanjiro-kun, making a beautiful woman blush and smile like that."
"I was just being honest," Tanjiro protested weakly. "You both taught me the importance of sincere compliments, after all."
Kanae approached him, her movements as graceful as the falling maple leaves. "We've noticed how she's changed these past months," she said softly. "How the light has returned to her eyes, how her laugh comes more easily now." She reached up to touch his face where Yuzuriha's lips had been. "You've been good for her, Tanjiro-kun."
"We all have," Tanjiro corrected gently. "You've both welcomed her, made her feel at home here. That means more than anything I've done."
Shinobu joined them, her usual sharp wit softened by genuine affection. "She's become precious to us too, you know. Strange how grief can forge such unexpected bonds."
A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the gentle splash of koi in the pond. Then Kanae's expression grew thoughtful, almost serious.
"Tanjiro-kun," she began carefully, "what would you do if Yuzuriha were to fall in love with you?"
The question hung in the air like autumn mist. Tanjiro blinked, then let out a warm, genuine laugh that seemed to brighten the very garden around them.
"That's impossible," he said with complete conviction. "Yuzuriha is beautiful, kind, and strong. She deserves someone who can give her their whole heart like Masachika did." His eyes softened as he looked at Kanae and Shinobu. "Besides, my heart already belongs to you both completely. How could I ever look at another when I have the two most amazing women in the world by my side?"
"But you do care for her," Shinobu observed, no accusation in her tone.
"Of course I do," Tanjiro admitted freely. "She's precious to me, just as she is to you both. But that care comes from friendship, from wanting to honor Masachika's memory and help someone he loved find happiness again." He took both their hands in his. "My love for you two is different. It's the kind of love that fills every corner of my heart, that makes me want to become stronger, to protect and cherish you both for all the days I have."
Kanae's eyes glistened slightly. "Even if those days are numbered by the mark?"
"Especially then," Tanjiro said firmly. "Every moment becomes more precious when you know they're limited. And I want to spend every one of those moments loving you both with everything I am."
Shinobu stepped closer, resting her head against his shoulder. "Our sweet, honest Tanjiro-kun," she murmured. "Always saying exactly the right thing."
"Not saying," Kanae corrected, moving to his other side. "Feeling. That's why we fell in love with him, remember? Because every word comes straight from his heart."
The three stood together in the autumn garden, surrounded by falling leaves and the sweet scent of late-blooming flowers. Above them, a cool breeze stirred the branches, sending more leaves dancing around them like nature's blessing on their love.
"Come on," Shinobu said finally, tugging gently at his hand. "You need to clean up after training, and then we can have lunch together. I've been experimenting with some new recipes."
"Should I be worried?" Tanjiro teased, earning him a playful swat from Shinobu and a giggle from Kanae.
As they walked back toward the mansion, Tanjiro caught a glimpse of Yuzuriha watching from a second-floor window. She smiled and gave a small wave, genuine happiness radiating from her expression. In that moment, Tanjiro felt a deep sense of rightness settle over him. This was how it should be—all of them supporting each other, helping each other heal and grow stronger.