"Where the heck did Suichiro and those Demons go?! They just vanished or somethin'! And I can't feel any other Demons around here either anymore!" Inosuke huffed in annoyance. A noise alerted the young Demon Slayer, causing him to turn around. A man stood there, with long black hair tied up in a ponytail and wearing a half and half Haori. "Who the heck are you?" Inosuke asked.
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"So, are these the Demon's we were informed of?" the girl asked. Tanjiro eyed the other Demon Slayer warily, stepping in front of his family, "they're not. Those Demons are dead, and these ones haven't eaten anyone, so you can leave now Ma'am" he replied, trying to stay calm. "Really? And did you kill those 'other Demon's' young man?" the girl asked, sounding amused. Tanjiro nodded, "my family helped me. We did it together" he replied. "Oh! Your family?! That's certainly tragic, especially for such young children. Really, it would be better if they were killed to put them out of their misery. Not to mention, letting your family live, as a Demon Slayer is against the Corps rules" the Butterfly-dressed girl held up her Sword.
"No! You don't understand!" Tanjiro said desperately. "Oh, don't worry. I won't make them suffer. I'll use a gentle toxin that kills quickly without pain" the girl replied with a smile, the Kamado children growled threateningly, but Tanjiro tried to think of what he could do or say to get the woman to believe him. No matter what though, he wouldn't let her kill his family. 'I can't fight her though. What do I do?' Tanjiro thought worriedly. "Stop" a voice called, as someone else stepped out of the trees. "Mr Tomioka!" Tanjiro said in surprise. "Tonjiro!" Inosuke shouted, running towards him and his family. "Inosuke! I'm so sorry we left you behind, are you alright? You're not hurt, right?" Tanjiro asked worriedly. "I'm fine! I told you I was the King of the mountain!" Inosuke replied, putting his hands on his hips proudly.
"Kocho. These Demons are not our enemies. I've already spoken to the Master about them. They have been excused" Giyu explained. The Master didn't tell me about this," the girl began, "and siding with Demons is against Corps rules. So I would like the Master to confirm the truth about this claim himself, if that's alright" Shinobu replied. She looked at Tanjiro, "boy! Would you be willing to go on trial to prove your family's innocence?" she asked cheerfully. "Well, as long as Mom doesn't mind" Tanjiro replied, looking at Kie. After a moment of staring at the female Demon Slayer, the Kamado Mother nodded her head in agreement.
"Wonderful! Now, shall we get going? We're burning moonlight after all!" so the Kamado family descended the mountain, returning to their boxes and Cart once they had. Then, as soon as that was done, Tanjiro felt a blow to the back of the head and blacked out.
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"Wake up" a voice said faintly, as Tanjiro slowly regained consciousness. He groaned, and his eyes slowly opened. When he did he gasped to find himself laying on a stone-covered ground with his arms tied behind his back. "You're in the presence of the Hashira. So show some respect." The person demanded. "What? Wait, where is- where is my family?! What did you do to them?!" Tanjiro demanded, looking around as much as he could from his place on the ground. When he'd agreed to go on trial, this wasn't what he'd thought would happen! "Mom! Nezuko! Takeo! Hanako! Shigeru! Rokuta!" he called, hoping to hear some noise in relpy from one of them.
But there was nothing. "So, this is the Demon Slayer who has a whole hoard of Demons with him? Why is he still alive?" a voice asked. Tanjiro got to his knees and looked for the source of the voice. He saw a man with white hair and scars all over his body. And, Tanjiro saw, he was pulling his cart with one hand. The Kamado's eyes widened in anger. "DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH THEM!" Tanjiro yelled furiously. "You idiot! If you're gonna insists they're still your family, then come die with them!" the white-haired man cried, drawing his sword and stabbing it into Nezuko and Hanako's shared box. His little Sister's screamed in pain. The rest of his Siblings and Kie cried out in worry, before the Demon Slayer withdrew his Sword and stabbed it into his Mother and Rokuta's box.
Kie groaned in pain, and Rokuta made a sound of fear. Tanjiro felt his rage boil over, and he stood to his feet, "don't you dare touch them!" he screamed furiously, running towards the older man. The other Demon Slayer pulled his Sword out of the box with a manic grin on his face, the Demon blood on it burning away in moments. "Stop this! The Master will be arriving soon!" Giyu called, causing the scarred man to falter. Tanjiro leapt into the air and slammed his head into the white-haired man's. He collapsed, while Tanjiro fell to the ground for a moment, but he quickly scrambled to his feet, standing protectively in front of his family's boxes, "is stabbing women and kids fun for you?! You monster?!" Tanjiro yelled, his veins popping due to his sheer rage.
"I'm gonna kill you!" the white-haired man sneered. He stood up and held his Sword to Tanjiro's neck, but the teen didn't flinch. "Shinazugawa, please don't act out of line. We should wait for the Master's verdict before making any decisions about this" the girl in the Butterfly Haori spoke up. "Something is off about this. Surely the Master wouldn't be unaware of this situation?" the woman with pink and green hair spoke up. "Shinobu is right. We should wait for his decision" she said. The other people nodded, looking back at Tanjiro. "Before he arrives, why don't you explain your reasoning behind this crime Kamado?" the black and purple-haired girl, Shinobu asked.
"Why are you travelling with Demons, as a fellow Demon Slayer? You can take your time, just tell us why" she said. The tall man with two swords on his back grabbed hold of them, "who cares why?" he asked. Tanjiro gulped, before speaking carefully, "my family was attacked while I was gone, and they were turned into Demons. When I got home, Muzan Kibutsuji was there attacking my family, and-" he began to explain, before he was cut off by the man with the two swords, "what?! You've met Kibutsuji?! The only Hashira to ever find him has been-!" he paused, and his gaze snapped to Giyu.
"Tomioka! You knew about this! Why didn't you say anything!?" he demanded to know. "I reported it to the Master as soon as I could. He decided not to tell the rest of you" Giyu replied stoically. A couple of the other Hashira sneered at him. "Please continue Kamado" Shinobu spoke up again after a moment. "R-right. Well, he attacked my family and turned them all into Demons. But they protected me, and immediately attacked Muzan. None of my family has ever eaten humans. They sleep to regain energy and heal instead! Most of my family were sleeping for two years after being turned, except for our Mother, who needs less sleep than the others. They aren't a threat to humans! So there's no need to kill them!" Tanjiro said as firmly as he could with as much worry as he was feeling.
He and Urokodaki had discussed what to say for an explanation if the higher ups ever found out about his family. They decided that stressing the fact that they didn't need to eat humans, and were therefore not Demon's that needed to be killed was the way to go. "You really think we'd believe that? If they're your family, obviously you'd defend them. We can't trust anything you say" a voice from above him said. Tanjiro looked up to see a man with a snake laying on a tree branch. "I loathe Demons. You're just covering for them" he said, his snake hissing at Tanjiro.
"They did protect Tanjiro from Kibutsuji, and helped me fight him while battling themselves. And the only time they tried to attack me was when the battle was over, and their exhaustion had built up. Even then, they stopped when Tanjiro defended me, and they definitely recognised him as their Son and Brother." Giyu added. 'Such a beautiful family bond. They have so much love for each other that his family won't attack Tanjiro, despite being so hungry! What a brave and beautiful display of family love!' the pink and green-haired woman thought, hiding her smile behind her hands. "Like I said before, we should wait for the Master to arrive. It should be him who has the final say" Shinobu repeated. The white-haired man growled and looked away angrily.
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A few minutes later, two white-haired little girls walked out of the Mansion, "the Master of the Mansion, has returned" they said in unison. A young man walked out of the shadowy room, taking his daughter's hands as he did. When he was led out onto the Engawa, Tanjiro saw that the skin on the top half of his face was marred by cancer-like skin. 'That's the Master of the Corps? He looks hurt, no- sick maybe' he thought to himself. Tanjiro's face was suddenly shoved into the stones by a hand on the back of his head, "It's good to see you well Master. I pray for your continued good health" the white-haired man said.
"Could you please enlighten us about this young man, who it appears has been travelling with a whole group of Demons?" "Of course Sanemi. The Kamado family have indeed been sanctioned. As Giyu said, they are firmly against Kibutsuji, and have not hurt a single human since turning. Their combined strength is such that they nearly killed Kibutsuji themselves upon their initial transformation" the Master replied. "Are you serious? These Demons really almost killed the Demon King by themselves?!" the man with the two blades asked in shock. The young man nodded, "it's true. Since that is so, and since the Kamados have reason to also seek Muzan's destruction, it would be foolish to not take advantage of this assurance." The Master replied.
"Also, Tanjiro himself killed Lower Rank 2 and 6 on Mount Natagumo without the assistance of another Demon Slayer, or a Hashira. I believe he has more than qualified to become a Hashira in his own right". "Huh?" Tanjiro asked in confusion, before all the other Hashira cried out in shock: "WHAAAAAAAAAT?!"
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"What- but- M-Master! You can't make him a Hashira!" the white-haired man, Sanemi exclaimed. "Tanjiro killed not one, but two Lower Rank Demons by himself. According to the rules, he can become a Hashira in his own right. And, as a Hashira, his family is protected" Kagaya said. "But what if they can't control themselves?! If they kill any humans, we can't get them back!" the flame-haired man exclaimed. "I believe holding themselves back from attacking Tanjiro after such an intensive battle as the one they fought against Muzan, and more importantly, restraining themselves from attacking Giyu at the time, despite his numerous injuries is enough proof, wouldn't you agree?" the Master replied.
This time no one spoke up, so he turned to Tanjiro, "Tanjiro Kamado. I would like to offer you the position of Hashira, as your unyielding kindness speaks for itself. Do you accept this promotion?" the man asked. Tanjiro was far too overwhelmed to reply, and all he could do was stammer incoherently. "Perhaps a period of time to process everything in necessary. And we'll have to find somewhere for you and your family to stay as well". This time Tanjiro bowed on his hands and knees, "thank you so much Sir! I promise my family and I will end Kibutsuji! For good this time! So you don't have to worry!" he replied, immensely grateful.
"For now, why don't you go to the Butterfly Estate? I hear your friends are already there" the Master said. "If that is alright with you Shinobu?" "Of course!" the black and purple-haired girl replied. "Master, while I respect you from the bottom of my heart, we still haven't assessed if these Demons really aren't a threat to humans" Sanemi grit out. "That is true. What would you suggest Sanemi?" the other man asked. "Let me test them with my blood. That will show their true colours". "I suppose that would be for the best. But, as Tanjiro has become a Hashira, you will have to ask for his permission first". The white-haired man grunted, but did ask, "Kamado, can I test your family to ensure they won't attack humans?"
"Test them how? If you stab them again I will headbutt you so hard, you won't see straight for days" Tanjiro said threateningly. "No no. Shinazugawa is a Marechi, so he would cut himself and see if any of your family members attacked him for his blood" Shinobu explained. "Well they won't. So fine" the Kamado replied. Sanemi took the boxes and placed them inside the building in the shade. Then he sliced his own arm with his Sword. Tanjiro winced. Surely there were better ways to do that? He began kicking his family's boxes roughly, and Tanjiro flinched harder. Well, he wasn't stabbing them, so he guessed this was better at least, but still. He had to clench his fists tight to stay calm.
While this was happening, he was cut free. Tanjiro rubbed his wrists and watched intently. "Come on out you Demons! It's the human blood you love so much!" Sanemi cried, roughly kicking the boxes around more. His blood dripped onto the floor, and Tanjiro realised something. 'Is he a Marechi?' he wondered. He could hear his Mother and Siblings whimpering and growling from inside their boxes. But Tanjiro believed in his family. If they could resist before, they could resist now. They had stopped trying to go after Mr Tomioka right away, and even with Kyoshi, who was a Marechi too, Hanako and Shigeru hadn't attacked the boy.
So he was sure- his family's boxes opened, and Kie climbed out first, with a growling Rokuta in her arms. She had a wound in her shoulder. Takeo and Shigeru came out next, both boys looked angry, but simply glared at the Hashira. Finally, Nezuko and Hanako emerged from their box, and both his little Sister's had a stab wound through their chests. Tanjiro watched in worry. Sanemi held out his bleeding arm, "come on Demons. You know you want it" he taunted.
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Kie glared at the Demon Slayer who'd hurt her, but she was more upset about the injuries to her children. Veins grew on the sides of her face, as her light purple eyes sharpened to slits. She stepped in front of them, handing Rokuta to Nezuko. Sanemi eyed the Demon woman crazily, "well? Come get me Demon! And I'll cut off your head!" she growled at him slightly, before turning her head away. Nezuko and Takeo did the same, and held tight to the younger Demons. Shigeru and Hanako growled, red eyes glaring up at the man, but they didn't try to pull away from their Older Brother, or even look down at the blood on the floor.
Nezuko held Rokuta in her arms, the little Demon sniffling, but not moving to try and get away to attack. She glared at Sanemi, before looking away as well. None of the other Demon's moved to attack. "Guys! I'm here! You'll be okay!" Tanjiro called, catching his family's attention. His Siblings turned to look at him, while Kie stepped towards the Hashira, and the white-haired man tensed, gripping his sword tightly. She just stared down at him, before turning and walking back to her box. The rest of the Demon children got back into their boxes without any other reactions and closed the doors.
"Well, that was somehow both flashy and underwhelming at the same time" the Hashira with the two Swords spoke up. "Tell me what happened" the Master said. "The Demons returned to their boxes, despite many of them having been stabbed and Shinazugawa flaunting his bloody arm in their faces, they restrained themselves from bitting him" one of the white-haired girls replied. "There you have it. Undeniable proof that the Kamados won't attack humans. If anyone else wants to refute this, they must come up with a more compelling argument. Are any of you able to do so?" the Master asked. No one spoke up and the man smiled, "very well then. We should figure out living arrangements for the Kamado family."
"Oh! I'll be happy to take them in!" the pink and green-haired Hashira exclaimed happily. "Thank you Mitsuri. For now, the Kamado family will be moved there" the Master agreed. Just then the Kakushi appeared and packed the Demon's boxes into the cart. "Follow us please" a female one asked. Tanjiro glared at Sanemi as they passed him, taking his cart and following the Kakushi away from the meeting.
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"This is the Love Estate." The Kakushi explained, as they led him to a large mansion surrounded by flowers. Bees buzzed around in the air. Tanjiro looked at them, "there are lots of Bees" he said. "From what I know, the Love Hashira raises Bees to make her own Honey" the Kakushi replied. "Oh" Tanjiro replied, starting to fall asleep. He hadn't slept for several days after all. "Hey, don't fall asleep in the dirt!" the Kakushi said in annoyance. "Sorry, I haven't slept for a while, I've been so worried about my family" Tanjiro replied tiredly.
The masked man looked back at the cart the teen was pulling. 'I can't believe this kid will be becoming a Hashira soon' he thought. "Why don't I pull the cart for a while, and you just walk?" the older man asked. "No, it's fine, really" Tanjiro replied. "When I became a Demon Slayer, I accepted this responsibility. I can bring them inside" the Oldest Kamado Son said with a tired smile. "Alright. But make sure you rest after that, okay?" Tanjiro nodded to the Kakushi in understanding, waving as he picked up his family's boxes, "okay, let's get inside and rest, huh?" he asked them.
He also wanted to check over their injuries when he could. After brining the boxes inside, Tanjiro found a large room where his family could sleep. He closed the curtains, before speaking up, "okay everyone, it's safe to come out now" Tanjiro said. His family crawled out of the boxes, and Tanjiro moved to check on them. "I know you can all heal, but can I check your stab wounds?" he asked gently. Nezuko had a stab wound in her side, and Hanako had one through her shoulder. His Mother had a wound in her chest. Gently, Tanjiro removed their clothes to check the wounds. He was relieved to see them healing slowly. Tanjiro sighed in relief, "I'm so glad. I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you guys" he said, tears welling up in his eyes, "I'm so sorry".
Kie walked up to him and hugged him, stroking back his long hair, "o-okay. Safe n-now" she stuttered. Tanjiro smiled tearfully at her, hugging his Mother for a long moment. Then he stepped back, "I'm going to go find Futons for you to sleep in, alright everyone? Wait here, okay?" Tanjiro asked, leaving the room with a wave.
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"Okay, linen cupboard, linen cupboard. Ah! Here" Tanjiro said happily. Since all of his family could shrink, they didn't need especially big Futons. He grabbed four and brought them, along with pillows, back to the room. When he arrived, most of his Siblings were already asleep. Tanjiro smiled gently at them, and with his Mother's help, get everyone into bed. Then he lay down as well, almost falling asleep immediately. The battles he fought against the Lower Rank Demons might not have been hard for him, but everything else had been exhausting. Soon he was deep asleep, cuddling Hanako close in his arms.