The rhythmic clatter of the train tracks blended with the low hum of lanterns flickering inside the car as Bell and Rengoku moved through the Mugen Train, their senses sharp and their eyes scanning each shadowed corner. Bell glanced at his companion, who was practically radiating energy as he strode through the aisles, his loud "UMAI!" ringing out every time he took a bite of the sweet potato snack he'd brought along for the mission.
Rengoku finished his snack with a grin. "Isn't it wonderful, Bell? The taste of sweet potato—UMAI!" He pointed to Bell's untouched portion with a grin, nudging it toward him.
Bell laughed, shaking his head before taking a bite. "Alright, you're right, it's… UMAI!" They shared a laugh, the sound reverberating through the otherwise empty carriage.
Between bites and bouts of laughter, their conversations drifted. They spoke about everything from the quirks of the other Hashira to old battles, sharing stories of close calls and narrow escapes. But despite their lighthearted talk, Bell could see Rengoku's eyes constantly sweeping their surroundings, never fully letting his guard down.
"Do you think the demon's even here?" Bell asked, more curious than frustrated by the hours they'd spent on the train without a single encounter.
"It's possible it senses us and hides, waiting for the right moment to strike," Rengoku replied thoughtfully. "Or, it's on another part of the line. A cunning demon would know how to avoid the most skilled hunters—until it decides to feast, that is." He nodded to himself, then clapped Bell on the back with a booming laugh. "No matter! We'll search every last train if we have to!"
The night was long, and they continued their sweep, moving from car to car in search of any sign of the demon's presence. Now and then, they encountered low-level demons lurking in dark corners, and Bell and Rengoku dispatched them without breaking a sweat. Every defeated demon, however, only deepened the mystery. They shared quiet moments in between, side by side, as Rengoku spoke of his younger brother and how he wished to inspire him.
As dawn approached and they still found no sign of their elusive target, Rengoku glanced out the window, the faintest tinge of disappointment in his gaze. "We'll find it," he said, more to himself than to Bell.
Bell, ever the optimist, smirked. "When we do, you'll get to shout 'UMAI' all over again. That's got to be motivation enough."
They laughed, and as they prepared for another sweep, Rengoku clapped him on the shoulder. "Let's press on!"
Meanwhile, back at the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro sat on the porch, gazing out at the quiet gardens, lost in thought. His mind drifted to the recent encounter with the Hashira, the intensity and skepticism in their eyes when he'd first introduced Nezuko. He recalled the murmur of disbelief, the tension in the air as he tried to explain how Nezuko had never harmed a human—and never would. The memory of her calm, reserved nature, almost like a protective cat that never left his side, had brought a hint of a smile to his face during that trial.
It was Bell's voice that had changed things. Bell had stepped forward with a confidence that seemed to catch even the Hashira off guard, describing Nezuko not just as a demon, but as a fierce protector—a sister who had chosen loyalty over hunger, who had faced her demonic urges and won. Tanjiro remembered the moment vividly, Bell comparing her to an overprotective, loyal creature who'd fight anyone who dared harm Tanjiro.
And then the Master had spoken, sharing important details about Nezuko's past, her innocence preserved despite her transformation, her refusal to consume human flesh. Urokodaki's letter and Giyuu's support had strengthened Tanjiro's resolve, making his determination crystal-clear. A tear had slipped down his cheek in that moment, but it wasn't sadness—it was pride, and the unwavering resolve to protect Nezuko at any cost.
Snapping back to the present, Tanjiro felt his heart surge with renewed conviction. He would protect her, no matter what, just as she had protected him all this time.
Suddenly, a loud caw broke through the silence, and a Kasugai crow swooped down, its voice ringing clear. "Attention! Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, Inosuke Hashibira—your presence is requested on a mission to assist Rengoku and Bell in locating the demon on the Mugen Train! Set forth at once!"
Tanjiro jumped to his feet, a mixture of excitement and anticipation lighting his face. Quickly, he gathered his things, feeling a surge of pride at the thought of joining his friends. He made his way to the training hall to find Zenitsu and Inosuke.
Zenitsu was sprawled on the floor, dramatically pleading with Aoi about his injuries—likely half-made up. Inosuke was punching a training dummy, proclaiming his strength for all to hear. Tanjiro couldn't help but laugh as he called to them, "We've got a mission—Bell and Rengoku need us!"
Aoi crossed her arms with a frown, but a faint smile tugged at her lips as she watched Zenitsu scramble to his feet, exclaiming, "W-wait! Rengoku needs us?" He straightened up, a mix of panic and excitement in his eyes.
Tanjiro exchanged farewells with the staff at the Butterfly Mansion, thanking the triplets, Aoi, and Kanao. Shinobu observed them from the doorway, a slight smirk on her lips as she nodded, offering them quiet words of encouragement.
As the trio set off toward the train station, Tanjiro felt his heart pounding with anticipation. Nezuko's box was secured on his back, her quiet presence a comforting weight. Inosuke, eager for battle, was practically buzzing with excitement, while Zenitsu was muttering his usual complaints about the dangers they were rushing toward. Despite his fear, Tanjiro could see the determination in Zenitsu's eyes, and he knew that, deep down, Zenitsu was ready to fight alongside them.
The sun was just setting as they arrived at the station, casting a warm glow across the landscape. The mountains stood tall against the sky, Natagumo's forested peak in the distance. Tanjiro took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill his lungs as he steeled himself for the challenges to come.
The Mugen Train loomed ahead, and Tanjiro couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that hung over it. Yet, with Nezuko by his side, and his friends around him, he felt an unbreakable resolve building within him. Together, they would face whatever came their way—just as Bell and Rengoku were doing even now, somewhere within those darkened train cars.
"Let's go," he said, and the three of them boarded the Mugen Train, ready to reunite with their allies and face the unknown dangers that lay ahead.