The moon hung low as Tanjiro strolled through the dimly lit streets, his mission ever-pressing, yet his heart resolute. As he walked, a peculiar scent brushed past him—distinct, earthy, and faintly floral, but tinged with an unmistakable aura of demon energy. Following the scent, he turned into a narrow alleyway, where he found himself facing a small, secluded clinic. A gentle yet powerful aura emanated from within, and Tanjiro could feel the warmth of healing rather than malice, which steadied him.
Inside, a soft voice greeted him. "You must be Tanjiro Kamado," it said.
He turned to see a woman dressed in traditional attire, her presence ethereal and calming. Her dark hair framed a face of gentle elegance, and her gaze held a quiet sadness that Tanjiro recognized all too well.
"I am Tamayo," she said, bowing slightly. "I've been expecting you."
Tanjiro bowed in return. "Thank you for meeting with me, Lady Tamayo." He could sense the strength of her aura, refined and compassionate, and she seemed, despite her demon nature, like a gentle spirit.
Tamayo offered a small smile. "You are unlike any demon slayer I've met, and I believe your quest is noble. I have information that might aid you in facing demons stronger than you've encountered thus far. These demons have adapted unique abilities that go beyond blood demon arts—enhanced by Muzan himself, they're capable of powers we thought impossible."
Intrigued, Tanjiro leaned forward, his focus unwavering. "Powers beyond even blood demon arts?"
Tamayo nodded. "Muzan can grant certain demons not only enhanced strength but influence over dimensions, even the ability to manipulate them remotely. He has demons working directly under him, individuals he's personally shaped to do his bidding. They're... his instruments of fear and destruction."
The revelation chilled Tanjiro. Even with all he knew from his previous life, he hadn't expected Muzan's reach to extend so far.
As if sensing his tension, Tamayo spoke gently. "You're not alone in this, Tanjiro. Demons like myself who have renounced Muzan are working to bring him down, no matter how small our influence may seem."
Tanjiro took her words to heart, grateful for the alliance, however tenuous. Yet their conversation was interrupted by a loud, taunting voice echoing from outside.
"Tamayo, dear traitor, it seems your pet has attracted quite a bit of attention."
Tanjiro whirled around to see two demons stepping out from the shadows. One, a fierce woman with multiple eyes and a taunting smile, balanced a set of handballs that emanated raw, malevolent energy. Beside her, a man with an ominous, arrogant gaze seemed to sneer at the scene with open disdain.
"Lady Tamayo, please stay back," Tanjiro said, gripping his sword tightly.
Susumaru, the demon with the handballs, laughed, her voice grating and mocking. "So you're the brat Muzan-sama wants dead. We'll crush you like the insect you are!"
Beside her, Yahaba grunted, raising his hand to reveal an eerie set of eyes embedded in his palms, each one focused intently on Tanjiro. "You should feel honored, being a nuisance significant enough for Muzan-sama's notice. But it'll be a short-lived honor."
As Tanjiro's grip tightened, his breathing steadied. "You'll regret underestimating me," he warned, eyes flashing with determination. Susumaru let loose a flurry of tamari balls, each one packed with deadly force, but Tanjiro weaved through them, his body moving with practiced ease.
Water Breathing, Fifth Form: Blessed Rain After the Drought. His sword swept through the air with elegance, deflecting each tamari ball, redirecting their force away from Tamayo and her assistant, Yushiro, who was watching with intense concentration.
Undeterred, Yahaba raised his hand, and invisible arrows shot toward Tanjiro. Tanjiro felt his movements contorted, his body twisting under Yahaba's directional force. But Tanjiro, with a sharp breath, grounded himself, drawing on Stone Breathing to steady his stance.
"Is that all you've got?" Tanjiro taunted as he unleashed Thunder Breathing, First Form. Lightning crackled as he launched forward with blinding speed, his sword slicing clean through Susumaru's defenses. Her laughter turned into a shocked gasp as Tanjiro's blade landed, severing her hand in one swift motion.
"You insolent brat!" she shrieked, but before she could retaliate, Tanjiro shifted into Sun Breathing, Dance of the Fire God, his blade glowing with fierce, sun-like energy as he brought it down upon her.
Beside him, Yahaba tried to use his directional arrows to defend her, but Tanjiro's Haki-infused blade tore through them, each swing filled with his fury. Within moments, both demons were nothing more than dust, their sneers and arrogance fading into the wind.
Tamayo looked on, impressed yet solemn. "Thank you, Tanjiro. You've shown incredible strength."
Tanjiro nodded, feeling a sense of resolve solidify within him. "They were powerful, but their cruelty only makes me stronger. I'll keep fighting until no one else suffers under Muzan's tyranny."
The next day, Tanjiro received another mission, and he embarked toward a mansion where demons had reportedly been seen. On his way, however, he encountered a rather loud commotion—a boy, around his age, clinging to a distressed young woman who looked at Tanjiro as if he were her saving grace.
The boy was crying, pleading with the woman in a voice that cracked. "Please, I don't want to die alone! Marry me so I can finally be happy!"
Tanjiro intervened, gently pulling the boy off her, though he wore a calm smile. "Apologies, miss. My friend here gets a bit… enthusiastic," he said, giving her a gentle kiss on the knuckles. She blushed and stammered a goodbye, hurrying away with a relieved sigh.
Once she was out of sight, the boy sniffled, wiping his eyes. "Why did you stop me? She was perfect! I can't live without her!"
Tanjiro chuckled softly. "I'm sure there'll be plenty of other perfect matches. Besides, I think we have more pressing matters."
The boy sniffed, looking at Tanjiro through teary eyes. "You're right, I guess… My name's Zenitsu Agatsuma, by the way."
Tanjiro introduced himself, and the two set off toward the ominous mansion together. As they approached, they found two small, terrified children huddled by the front gate, clinging to each other and staring at the house with wide eyes.
Tanjiro crouched down, his expression gentle as he addressed them. "Hey there. Are you two all right?"
The older child, a boy, nodded but said in a shaky voice, "Our brother… He's inside. The monster took him."
Tanjiro placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry. Zenitsu and I will go in there and bring him back safely. I promise."
The boy's face lit up with hope, and he clung tightly to his sister. Tanjiro's heart swelled with determination. Though he didn't know what awaited them inside, he would face it without hesitation, determined to protect not just these two children but everyone he encountered.
With Zenitsu reluctantly following him, Tanjiro straightened, and the two entered the mansion, ready to face whatever horror awaited them.