When people have a hard time expressing their feelings, they could always express them in a letter. At least... That's what I thought. Letters... can be really special to someone, you know. Well, not like I care about others' feelings or anything.. The demon slayers in the Corps normally join because they want revenge against the demons that either killed, or ate, their family or family member. But that's just it. Some were only able to pass—wait, what was it called again?...Final Selection, was it? Yeah, that's it. Ehh... I forgot what I was talking about...
Oh, that's right. My name's Tokito Muichiro. I'm the Mist Pillar in the Demon Slayer Corps. Me and the other Hashiras are... ehh... oh, we're gathered here because.. someone in the Corps broke the rules and accompanied a demon along with them on their missions, I think? Yeah, I think that's right. I looked down at the unconscious slayer on the ground, yet all I could do was widen my eyes.
The demon slayer who broke the Corps rules was a young boy with burgundy hair, he looked.. younger than me. Yet.. He looked.. really beautiful—wait, what am I thinking!? I'm straight, aren't I...? Anyways... His hands were wrapped with bandages as they were tied behind his back. If it wasn't for the baggy demon slayer uniform, he looked like he had some sort of a petite body, or something.. How.. Odd...
Then, all I could think about... was why his hands were in bandages. Maybe he injured them or something? Wait, why am I even thinking about his condition!? It's not like he's worthy of my concern! Right..?
"Tokito?" "Oi! Tokito!"
I snap out of my trance and looked at.. what was his name again?... ah, right, Uzui Tengen, the Sound Pillar, who seemed like he was calling me for quite some time, I think.. Well, not like it matters to me.
"Huh.. What do you want?" I asked, squinting my teal orbs a little and looked up at this incredibly tall man beside me. Uzui just shrugged it off and turned to the kakushi named... Goto, was it?
"Wake up. Hey, I said wake up! Wake... HEY! HEY YOU! COME ON, YOU! COME ON! ARE YOU GONNA SLEEP THE WHOLE DAY!? WAKE THE HELL UP, WILL YOU!?" Goto yelled. Jeez... so loud... I look up to the sky once more, observing the cloud patterns. Then, the demon slayer on the ground's eyes fluttered open, making me look back down and.. well, what can I really say? His eyes were.. really beautiful, too. Like a.. a violet flower in bloom.
"Bummer. I heard he was a demon slayer with a demon in tow, so I was looking forward to seeing someone flamboyant, but that's one drab-looking dude, huh?" Uzui Tengen spoke out, his "fancy" jewelry blowing gently from the small breeze. I kinda disagree with him on that one, though... Ugh, what is wrong with me today!?
"And now we put this boy on trial! I see!" Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Pillar, said in his usual loud and enthusiastic voice. He's always so loud, it can be so annoying sometimes. But whatever. Eh, like it matters to me anyway.
"He has been protecting his sister who turned into a demon. The love between siblings is so touching!"
"Wh-Who are these peop—" "YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SPEAK HERE, IDIOT! Think about who these people are! You're in the presence of the Hashiras!" Goto cut him off. But for some reason, my heart began to twist when he called him an idiot. I think the boy's name was Kamado Tanjiro, or something like that...
"The Hashiras... Wh-What's a Hashira? What's going on? Who.. are these people? Where even am I?"
"This is the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps. Your trial will begin now. Kamado Tanjiro. I shall state the crime you committed—" "There's no need for trial! Protecting a demon, is a clear violation! We can handle this ourselves! Let's behead him together with the demon!" Rengoku cut the Insect Pillar, Kocho Shinobu, off mid-sentence. If I'm being honest right now, I don't really feel like beheading him... I'm not sure why.
"In that case, I'll be glad to decapitate him flamboyantly. I'll show you the most flamboyant spray of blood you'll ever see. No one can do it better than me. I'm talking max flamboyance." Uzui declared proudly, his head held high.
"Seriously?? Are we really going to kill such an adorable child?? My heart hurts! I feel so sad!"
"I see. How could there be such a poor child? How pitiful. His birth itself is a tragedy." Himejima Gyomei, the Stone Pillar, spoke out, tears running down his blind eyes. I guess a lot of us are opposing this...
"How should I describe the cloud's shape..? What was it called again?" I thought, trying to distract myself from this boy's captivating looks, which obviously wasn't working, I knew that much. I look back at him again, his violet orbs making contact with my teal ones. Without warning, I quickly turned my head away from him as I try to avoid his glance. I felt my cheeks heating up rapidly the moment I turned away as I heard my heart pounding hard against my chest.
Tanjiro began darting his eyes around, seemingly looking for something, or someone. "Where's Nezuko? Nezuko!" Goto eventually became annoyed, telling him that the Hashiras were talking to him, minus me, of course.
"Let's put this aside. What are we going to do with Tomioka?" The Serpent Pillar, Iguro Obanai, spoke out, pointing his finger at Tomioka Giyuu, and gaining the attention of Tanjiro. "He's not even tied up and it's giving me a headache. According to Kocho, Tomioka also broke the corps rules. How should we punish him? What kind of responsibility does he bear? How should we make him suffer? Say something, Tomioka."
Then, Tanjiro averted his gaze from Iguro to Tomioka. He looked.. regretful. And somewhat guilty. "It was my fault for implicating Tomioka-san.." His body began to tremble slightly. Kanroji looked at Iguro, a pink blush still plastered on her cheeks as per usual. "Iguro-san is still his usual self. Entangles persistently like a snake! His persistence is so cool!!"
Everyone, including myself, turned to Tomioka, who was avoiding all of our gazes as he stood far away from the rest of us. "Tomioka-san! He's standing far away by himself. How cute!!"
"It's nothing much. He came here willingly anyway. Let's talk about his punishment later. Most importantly, I have a question for the boy. Tanjiro, as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, you brought a demon along for your missions. Regarding this matter, I would like to hear your explanation. But of course, the action itself has already broken the corps rules. You know that, don't you? Kamado Tanjiro. Why did you bring a demon along as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps?" Kocho asked. Uzui then grabbed both handles of his dual Nichirin Blades.
"We don't have to listen to him—" "It's okay. Take your time. Please tell me your reason." Kocho cut him off, before Tanjiro could answer, he started coughing violently, alerting me to perk up in concern, but I immediately stopped when the others saw my action as I hung my head low. "Seriously, man. What is with you today?" I could already feel Uzui looking at me in the corner of his eyes.
Kocho opened a gourd that was filled with water as she walked over to Tanjiro, who was still coughing, a smile on her face. "You better drink some water. Since you hurt your jaw, please drink slowly. I added painkillers into the water. You'll feel better. It won't heal your injuries though, so don't push yourself too hard. Well, Kamado Tanjiro." "Th-... The demon is my younger sister.. When I left my house and got back, me and my family were attacked. Both of my... arms were severed during that time, and everyone else were dead.. Although my younger sister turned into a demon, she never consumes human flesh before. She won't eat humans. Not now, not ever. She'll never hurt humans...!—" "Don't make such a reckless remark infront of me. Since she's your family, of course you're on her side. Everything you said can't be trusted. I won't trust you." Iguro cut him off. Wait... He said both of his arms were severed? Then how come...—
"So he is assimilated into a demon? Kill this pitiful child quickly and set him free." Himejima spoke out. It seemed like only me and Uzui heard that his arms were severed by a demon, given how I saw his reaction. Tanjiro only whispered that part of his explanation, though.
"Please listen to me.. I became a swordsman to treat Nezuko. Nezuko has been a demon for more than months, she never ate humans during this period."
Uzui quickly shook off his surprised expression. "You're talking in circles, fool. Never eaten humans. Won't eat humans in tbe future. Don't just talk. Show me some flamboyant proof."
"So... I have a question. I think it's impossible that Oyakata-sama doesn't know about this." Kanroji stated as both Rengoku and Uzui turned to took at her and sees what she has to say. "Can we really handle this ourselves?" She asked. With a grunt, Rengoku and Uzui looked back at Tanjiro, their orbs making contact with his violet ones. "Before Oyakata-sama's arrival, I think we should just wait." Kanroji spoke.
"My younger sister.. My younger sister will fight with me. As a member of Demon Slayer Corps, she'll fight to protect mankind. S-So—"
"Oi, oi. It seems things are getting interesting." Shinazugawa Sanemi, the Wind Pillar, spoke out, the box containing Tanjiro's younger sister in hand. This immediately caught his attention as Tanjiro gasped softly. "What kind of motive do you have?"
"Shinazugawa-san! The scars on his body have increased! How wonderful!!"
One of the kakushi had suddenly arrived on the scene. "This will get me in trouble, Shinazugawa-sama! Please put the box down!" She pleaded as Kocho stood up, having a heavy aura around her as Kanroji immediately took notice.
"Shinobu-san looks angry. This is a rare sight! How cool!!"
"Shinazugawa-san. Please don't act rashly." Kocho angrily demanded. Ehh... she's actually angry... huh...
"Brat, what did you say this demon will do? As a member of Demon Slayer Corps, she'll right to protect mankind, right? That kind if thing..." Shinazugawa's hand found it's way on his Nichirin Blade. "WILL NEVER HAPPEN, YOU MORON!" He stabbed his blade through the box, barely missing Nezuko by the heart. This caused Tanjiro's violet orbs to widen as he stood up, raising his bandaged arms and easily brought them forward as he broke the rope that tied him with ease, surprising almost everyone in the vicinity. The sound of metal creaked as Uzui immediately heard it, with his enhanced hearing after all. "Eh? Why can I hear metal?"
"Oh my! Tanjiro-kun broke the rope with so much ease! He's so flexible!! Kyaa!!"
"Please refrain from stabbing my sister, Shinazugawa-sama."
"You really think you can tell me what to fucking do?" Shinazugawa then pulled his blade out and swung it, getting rid of the blood that belonged to Nezuko herself.
"STOP IT! OYAKATA-SAMA IS ARRIVING SOON!" Tomioka yelled out.
Tanjiro calmly ran up to Sanemi in sheer speed that was comparable to that of a Hashira. Shinazugawa stepped back and swung his blade at him as Tanjiro had caught it with petite hand with ease, slowly cutting a little bit of the bandage that was wrapped around it. I clench my fist. How badly I wanted this whole fight to end. Tanjiro easily grabbed Shinazugawa's blade and kept Shinazugawa at swordpoint, much to our surprise as his violet orbs narrowed deadly at Shinazugawa.
Kanroji giggled, as she quickly covered her face with her hands in embarrassment, excusing herself for letting such a sound escape her mouth. Tanjiro then threw Shinazugawa's sword and took the box from the Wind Pillar's hand swiftly, gently placing it down and standing infront of it protectively.
"How the fuck did he..."
"Although Tomioka stepped in, the brat still kept Shinazugawa at swordpoint and overpowered him. What the fuck..."
"Since Shinazugawa-san is unable to distinguish kind demons from vile demons, I suggest you might as well quit being a Hashira." Tanjiro's voice was calm, yet it was still laced with venom. A lot of it. My mouth formed a small 'o' shape in surprise.
"Fuck you..." Shinazugawa grabbed his blade that was lying around on the gravel. "I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU—!"
"Oyakata-sama has arrived."
And everyone, including myself and Tanjiro, turned our attention to the Oyakata-sama, who just arrived on the scene.
"You are all here. My cute swordsmen. Good morning, everyone. Today's weather is great. The sky is really blue, isn't it? All the familiar faces are here. Welcome to the semi-annual Hashira meeting. I'm really relieved.
"Is he injured...? No.. is he sick? Maybe this is Oyakata-sama."
Tanjiro's temple immediately met the gravel as Shinazugawa pushed his head down in order to kneel before Oyakata-sama, as we all did. Shinazugawa was the first to speak up.
"It's great ro see you in good health, Oyakata-sama. I sincerely wish you good fortune and may all your hopes be fulfilled."
"Thank you, Sanemi."
"I wanted to say my greetings to Oyakata-sama too!"
Shinazugawa continued, "Forgive my bluntness. Before we begin the Hashira meeting, regarding the demon slayer, Kamado Tanjiro, bringing a demon with him, can I seek clarification?"
"You're right. Sorry for surprising you guys. The matter regarding Tanjiro and Nezuko has my approval. Therefore, I hope that everyone can accept them."
Himejima began to clap his hands in the form of a prayer. "Even though it's a request from Oyakata-sama, I still have trouble understanding and accepting it." Uzui then pointed to himself with his thumb, as if sparkles were to appear around him. "I also oppose it flamboyantly! I can't accept a demon slayer bringing a demon along!"
"I'll obey all the requests of Oyakata-sama!!"
"Fine by me. Since I'll probably just forget about it."
Kocho and Tomioka were silent, but Iguro pointed at Tanjiro once more. "They can't be trusted. I hate demons the most."
"Although I respect Oyakata-sama from the bottom of my heart, I can't understand what you're thinking! I fully oppose it!!"
"Carrying out the task of slaying demons defines Demon Slayer Corps. Please severely punish Tomioka and the two other offenders!"
"Take the letter." Oyakata-sama spoke out gently as Hinaki agreed. She gently pulled out the letter from her kimono. "This letter was written by a former Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji. I'll read out a small part of the content." She did as she said and read the letter out loud; "Please allow Kamado Tanjiro and his demonic sister to be together. Nezuko has unyielding mental power. She still retains the rationality, from her humanity. Even when she's hungry, she won't eat humans. Just like that, months had passed. Although it's a situation that's hard to accept momentarily, it's definitely the truth. In case Nezuko attacks humans, Kamado Tanjiro, Urokodaki Sakonji, and Tomioka Giyuu will disembowel oneself to show gratitude and take responsibility."
Tanjiro looked towards Tomioka as tears began forming in his violet eyes.
"So what if they're willing to disembowel themselves? If they want to die, they might as well just do it now! That's not a guarantee at all!"
"Shinazugawa is right! Killing her after she has eaten a human is way too late! The person she murdered won't come back to life!" Rengoku spoke out, agreeing with Shinazugawa's statement.
"You guys are right."
"Then, Oyakata-sama...!"
"Indeed, they can't guarantee that she won't attack humans. They can't prove it either. However... you can't prove that she'll attack humans. Nezuko has never eaten human flesh for numerous months. This is a fact. For Nezuko, three people gambled with their lives. If you want to completely deny these things, the opposing party must also offer to pay a bigger price. Does everyone plan to do so? In addition, there's something I would like to tell my fellow swordsmen. Tanjiro has met Kibutsuji."
Everyone, except Tomioka, was shocked, but I didn't show much emotion either.
"How's that possible!? Even the Hashiras have never met Kibutsuji!" Uzui yelled out, as Mitsuri planted face first into the gravel due to Uzui's muscular and tall build. "This brat!? How does Kibutsuji look like!? How strong is he!? Where did you meet him!?"
"Did you fight with him?" I plainly asked him, as I felt my heart pounding hard against my chest.
"What did Kibutsuji do!? Did you find his lair!? Answer me now!" Shinazugawa tugged on Tanjiro's hair roughly.
"Shut up! I asked him first! Tell me about Kibutsuji's powers!"
Oyakata-sama put a finger on his mouth, signalling us to keep quiet, to which we did so. "Kibutsuji sent his subordinates to kill Tanjiro. Maybe the reason is to silence him. But this is the first time Kibutsuji has given himself away. I really don't want to let go. I'm afraid what happened to Nezuko and Tanjiro was beyond Kibutsujims expectations. Do you guys understand?"
"I don't understand, Oyakata-sama." Shinazugawa spoke again. Jeez, someone really needs to put a dog leash on him or something... He talks way too much.
"If she's a human, she can live. If she's a demon, no way. Think about the mentality we have while fighting as demon slayers! The number of sacrifices we made! I really can't accept it." Shinazugawa took out his Nichirin Blade and sliced his arm, letting his um... what was it called again? Ah, right, his Marechi blood flow out. He said it was intoxicating and mouth-watering to demons apparently...
Tanjiro gasped softly at Shinazugawa's action. Kanroji was the first to worry about it.
"Eh? Eh? Is he going to do whatever he wants? His blood is going to stain the ground!"
"Oyakata-sama. I'll prove to you how ugly a demon is."
"Sanemi..."
Shinazugawa placed the box down roughly and stomped his foot on it. "Hey, demon! It's time for your meal! Come out and eat me!"
Tanjiro furrowed his eyebrows slightly as Shinazugawa's blood began to stain the light wood of the box. Growling and snarling had eventually emerged on it as Shinazugawa grinned.
"Don't force yourself. Just show your true nature. I'll give you a quick death with my sword here."
"Nezuko..."
"Shinazugawa. She can't come out under the sun. If you don't go under the shade, the demon won't come out." Iguro commented.
"Oyakata-sama. Please pardon my action." He swiftly went under the shade in just one jump as he tossed the box aside in a rough manner. With a grin, he stabbed the box again.
"...STOP IT!"
Iguro swiftly elbowed Tanjiro on the back as an attempt to stop him from stopping Shinazugawa. I quickly averted my gaze to Tanjiro, worry bubbling in my chest.
"COME OUT, DEMON! I HAVE YOUR FAVORITE HUMAN BLOOD HERE!"
He stabbed it for a third time as Tanjiro could only watch in horror, I clench my fist again as my body moved in its own. I grabbed Iguro by the wrist, allowing Tanjiro to move as he mumbled a soft 'thank you' and moved over to the engawa as he hopped on it with ease. Kocho looked at me in shock as Iguro pulled his arm back, scoffing.
Before Tanjiro could get close to Nezuko, Shinazugawa threw his sword at him, narrowly dodging it as his violet orbs widen slightly and he froze. Shinazugawa forcefully opened the box as the demon inside it slowly stood up, infuriated more than ever. Kamado Nezuko glared a sharp dagger at Shinazugawa, her mouth watering as beads of sweat slowly trickled down her pale demon face.
"Nezuko..."
Kanroji had ducked since Shinazugawa's blade had nearly hit her, causing several veins to pop out of Iguro's forehead and neck.
"OI, OI! WATCH WHERE YOU'RE THROWING THE FUCKIN' SWORD, DIPSHIT!"
Of course, Shinazugawa ignored Iguro's statement. It's not like he cared about any of it anyways.
"What's stopping you? Come closer. You want it, right?" Shinazugawa taunted as his blood began to stain the tatami flooring. Nezuko had began to clench her fist so hard blood started to drip. I knelt back down on one knee as I started to... get a headache...? No... a vision? What the...
❀
"My younger sister. She's my younger sister! It wasn't Nezuko! Although I don't know why she became like this..."
The cherry blossoms were in bloom as Shigeru was happily running about in circles. Rokuta was clinging onto Nezuko and soon enough, Takeo joined Shigeru.
"Humans are your family."
Hanako waved at Nezuko. And a familiar boy with violet eyes walked forward and turned to Nezuko with a smile. His arms weren't bandaged like in the present, they were very much human.
"Humans are to be protected and saved. Not to be harmed. Never to be harmed."
❀
What.. was that? Were those people their siblings? And Tanjiro's...
A single bead of sweat trickled down Nezuko's face. Her willpower was really strong and soon enough.. Nezuko turned her head away in disgust of the marechi blood presented infront of her, surprising Shinazugawa and relieving me and Tanjiro. Nezuko still kept her head turned as Oyakata-sama turned a bit to look at us. "What happened?"
"The demon girl is resisting by turning away in disgust. Although she was stabbed thrice by Shinazugawa-sama and even though there's a bloodied arm infront of her, the demon girl stoll won't bite him." Hinaki answered, making Shinazugawa scowl. Not that it really surprises me anymore..
"So we have sufficient evidence that Nezuko won't attack humans. Tanjiro." Oyakata-sama called out as Tanjiro politely turned to look at him. "Even so, there will be people who will remain suspicious of Nezuko. You have to back it up with evidence. From now on, Tanjiro and Nezuko will fight and contribute to the cause as members of the Demon Slayer Corps." Soon after Oyakata-sama finished his sentence, Tanjiro quickly kneeled before him.
"Your struggle against the Twelve Demon Moons has gained our recognition all along. Your claims carry a lot of weight, Tanjiro."
"I promise that me and Nezuko will both succeed. We'll cut off the chains of sorrow with my blade." Tanjiro spoke out, a genuine and soft smile on his face. Smile... that smile... why... why does it make me feel so much warmth? And why... does it seem so familiar?
Oyakata-sama smiled, "That is still farfetch'd given your present status. Perhaps you can say that after you've completely healed up." Tanjiro blushes red from embarrassment and covered his mouth with his petite bandaged hand as he mumbled a soft 'Gomenasai..'. I felt my cheeks heating up once more as Shinobu was the one who noticed and giggled, poking me a bit as a teasing attempt..
Oyakata-sama then explained we, the Hashira, have outstanding power so that the Demon Slayer Corps will vanquish demonkind.
"Remember this, okay?" Rengoku spoke in an enthusiastic manner.
"That is how the Hashiras gained respect and deference. Tanjiro, you must also learn to mind your words." Oyakata-sama said.
"H-Hai."
"With that said, Sanemi, Obanai, you should not be too harsh on that boy."
"...As you wish, sir."
Nezuko was back in her box, angrily huffing every second as Shinazugawa kneeled down. "As you wish, sir." He spoke out. I didn't hear him though as I was lost in my own train of thoughts...
"That is all for now in regards to Tanjiro—Muichiro, is something the matter?"
I snapped back to reality as the Hashiras turned to look at me. "...Oyakata-sama, may I request something?"
"What is it?"
"Can I request for the permission to make Kamado Tanjiro my Tsuguko?"