Chapter 35: Yuji

“I can’t fathom how the blacksmiths of Forge Village hammered… wait—hammered…?” Zero suddenly realized something.

A three-dimensional image suddenly surfaced in his mind: iron striking iron with violent force, sparking, even slightly raising temperature.

So if iron hammers forge steel, the steel’s temperature must gradually rise, making it grow hot and scalding!

And if yu steel absorbs sunlight, then gets hammered repeatedly, it too will heat up and become hot! By extension, if two already-forged sun blades made of yu steel collide, wouldn’t they produce a similar effect?

If true, wouldn’t less force be needed? Then, in battle against demons, wouldn’t one avoid exhausting oneself trying to activate the Hell Blade?

This idea was still only Zero’s guess, but now his gaze fell on Himeji Rowing’s weapon—perhaps he could try. If it worked, it would prove Hell Blade activation wasn’t limited to grip strength alone.

“Rowing, I might have a way to help your weapon activate the Hell Blade! But it’s only a possibility—will you try?”

Upon hearing Zero’s words, everyone turned to him with astonished looks.

“Amitabha! If so, I entrust it to you!”

“Good. Do as I say—try striking your broadaxe and meteor hammer together. It might work!”

At once, everyone stepped aside to give Himeji Rowing space to follow Zero’s instructions.

Whoosh!

Himeji Rowing gripped the broadaxe and meteor hammer, each attached to a chain, and spun them rapidly.

With a sharp jerk, he slammed the two weapons together.

KANG!

A deafening clang of steel sent sparks flying—and gradually, everyone noticed Himeji Rowing’s weapons had changed.

The broadaxe and meteor hammer glowed crimson, radiating heat nearly identical to a Hell Blade.

“It actually worked?!!” Shinobu Kocho, seeing Zero’s method succeed, immediately entertained another thought: Could his own sun blade become a Hell Blade by striking it against another weapon?

His gaze silently drifted toward Tengen Uzui, standing nearby. Similarly, Inosuke Hashibira, as if reading his mind, seemed to have the same idea and quietly drew his twin serpent blades.

Zero, seeing his theory validated, wondered whether other weapons could also activate Hell Blades through collision.

If true, then at least one wouldn’t need to rely on grip strength—a method that “injures oneself a thousand to harm the enemy eight hundred.”

He was about to voice this thought when Shinobu Kocho spoke first: “Tengen Uzui, let’s try it?”

Tengen Uzui: “?”

Shinobu Kocho gripped his sun blade, eyes locked on Tengen Uzui.

Likewise, Inosuke Hashibira silently drew his twin serpent blades and aimed them at… Tengen Uzui behind Zero: “I want to try too!”

Tengen Uzui: “??”

“Uh…” Zero rubbed his forehead, speechless, regretting his earlier words—he should’ve waited until after the Pillar Meeting to tell Himeji Rowing alone…

Watching Shinobu Kocho and Inosuke Hashibira’s posture, he wondered: Were they truly not just using this as an excuse to pick on Tengen Uzui?

One and two… truly “seeing righteousness in Tengen Uzui”…

For some reason, a bizarre image suddenly flashed in Zero’s mind.

If forced to describe it in words, only six characters fit: subway, elderly person, phone.

He didn’t understand why this strange image appeared…

Helplessly, Zero stepped back with his scythe and said: “Er… let’s stop here.”

Shinobu Kocho: “Pfft, I know that without you saying it!”

Inosuke Hashibira: “Mm.”

In truth, this was Shinobu Kocho’s hidden motive—he’d long wanted to fight Tengen Uzui and teach him a lesson.

Always expressionless, always saying “I’m different from you,” acting as if he looked down on everyone.

Now, he was secretly grateful to Zero—without this method, he’d never have found an excuse to “sparring” with Tengen Uzui.

After all, the Demon Slayer Corps had a rule: no drawing blades against fellow members!

“Let’s go!”

Tengen Uzui: “???!”

Shinobu Kocho and Inosuke Hashibira charged at Tengen Uzui, sun blades raised.

Tengen Uzui instantly raised his own sun blade to block.

CLANG! CLANG!

Their blades clashed, sparks flew, and all three weapons began to warm, turning red.

“This method really works!” Shinobu Kocho stared at his reddening sun blade, hesitating, not wanting to stop.

Tengen Uzui remained expressionless, but seeing their joy, he thought inwardly: So I’m not disliked after all!

“Enough, children. That’s enough.” Ubuyashiki Kyojuro, seeing the situation had gone far enough, intervened.

At his words, everyone sheathed their weapons and lined up.

“Zero, thank you for sharing such vital information with the Demon Slayer Corps.”

“It’s nothing. As a Pillar, it’s my duty.”

Ubuyashiki Kyojuro then turned to Shinobu Kocho and Inosuke Hashibira: “Shinobu, Inosuke—no next time.”

Shinobu/Inosuke: “Yes, my lord!”

Ubuyashiki Kyojuro saw right through their intentions, but since they were his children, he didn’t scold them harshly.

“Now, the Pillar Meeting resumes.”

All Pillars and Rengoku Kyojuro moved into the Ubuyashiki estate’s inner chambers to discuss what came next.

…………

The meeting lasted until nightfall.

Zero returned first to his residence, wondering if Kamado Kie and her family had grown accustomed to life there.

Also, he needed to go to Asakusa in Tokyo tonight to deliver Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood to Yuuji for research.

“Zero-nii, you’re back!” Hanako rushed over and hugged him the moment she saw him.

“I’m back. How’s life here? Are you comfortable?”

“Mm-hmm! It’s great—Xiao Yue taught us so much.”

“Good to hear!”

“What about you two?” Zero asked Takeo and Shigeru.

Shigeru: “We’re all very happy here.”

Takeo: “We’re fine too. Zero-nii, any news about Tanjiro?”

“Don’t worry—he’s probably reached Higurashi Mountain by now. I’ll go check in a few days.”

“Thank you, Zero-nii.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Zero, welcome back!”

“Master, you’re home.”

Kamado Kie and Xiao Yue heard the commotion and stepped out together.

Rokuta, in Kamado Kie’s arms, reached out toward Zero, as if wanting to be held.

Zero chuckled helplessly—Rokuta clearly loved being held. He walked over, picked him up, and asked: “Rokuta, did you miss me?”

“Miss.” Rokuta mumbled one word, gripping Zero’s collar tightly, beaming with pure innocence.

“This child really likes you,” Kamado Kie smiled.

“That’s fine. I like this kid too.”

But Xiao Yue was slightly jealous, pouting inwardly: “That’s supposed to be my spot…”

Then she reconsidered—they were just children. How could she compete with kids?

Yes, definitely no need to compete with children. She definitely wasn’t jealous!

“Alright, children, Zero’s back. Dinner’s ready—come inside and eat.”

“Okay~” x3

“Thank you for your hard work, Auntie Kie!”

“No trouble at all. Compared to what you do, this is nothing.”

At dinner, Zero held Rokuta and fed him, while Xiao Yue hugged a fried tempura, gnawing on it and staring at Zero, feeling deeply sulky…

After dinner, Zero called Xiao Yue alone to the courtyard.

“Xiao Yue, what’s wrong tonight?”

“Nothing! Hmph~”

“Oh? Could it be… you’re jealous? You’re jealous of a baby?”

“I’m not! He’s just a baby—I wouldn’t be jealous of him!”

“Alright, alright. How about this—I’ll take you out, just like before. I’ll carry you on my back or hold you. Deal?”

“Really?”

“Of course. Didn’t I do the same for you under the stars?”

“Heehee~ I knew you’d be the best to me!” Hearing this, Xiao Yue’s jealousy vanished completely. She clung to Zero’s chest, pouting and cooing.

“Master, was I just being unreasonable? I got jealous of a baby…”

“Not at all. To me, you’re my sister, my family. Family understands each other. But I hope you won’t act like that again. Auntie Kie and her family are kind—I want you to take care of them while I’m away on missions.”

“Don’t worry, Master—I will!”

“You’re always like a child. I don’t know what to say… Enough. I’m heading to Asakusa now. I’m leaving Auntie Kie and the others in your care.”

“Mm-hmm, I know, Master. Go early, come back soon!”

“Mm.”

……

Asakusa, Tokyo.

Returning to this bustling little city again, Zero couldn’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia. He had been here half a year ago, and it was then, by sheer chance, that he met Ju Shi and Yu Shilang. Now, he wondered how they were doing.

I wonder if Yu Shilang finally confessed to Ju Shi?

“Forget it. Why think so much? Just go see them—you’ll find out.”

As before, he walked down the quiet side street, and while no one was watching, passed straight through the wall into the villa’s backyard.

Yu Shilang was inside, helping Ju Shi record notes. Sensing his Blood Demon Art had been triggered, he said to her: “Lady Ju Shi, someone has activated my Blood Demon Art. I’ll go check it out. Please don’t leave here.”

He immediately turned and left the room to investigate.

When he reached the backyard, he realized the visitor wasn’t a stranger—it was Zero.

“You’re—”

Whoosh!

Before Yu Shilang could finish the word “kid,” a gust of fragrance passed by. Zero had appeared at his side in an instant, a scythe aimed at his throat.

“What were you just about to say?” Zero asked calmly, smiling that unnervingly kind smile.

Yu Shilang suddenly remembered: half a year ago, he’d called Zero “kid” and ended up with several “roasted chestnuts” on his head. Ju Shi had also told him Zero was older than Muzan Kibutsuji. He corrected himself: “What are you doing here?”

Zero sheathed his scythe. “I’m here to see Ju Shi. I brought Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood—and I also wanted to check if you’ve confessed to her yet.”

At this, Yu Shilang lowered his head, speechless, his face flushed to his ears.

Zero saw his expression and understood everything. He sighed helplessly, and decided to let it go.

“Yu Shilang, who’s here?” Ju Shi, noticing he hadn’t returned, stepped out to investigate.

“Lady Ju Shi, Zero has come to deliver blood.”

Ju Shi stepped out from the house, saw Zero, and smiled: “Zero, it’s been a long time!”

“Yes, it has.”

“Come inside and talk.”

“Alright.”

They entered the house.

Zero sat directly on the sofa. Ju Shi instructed Yu Shilang to prepare tea and snacks.

Meow~

Cha Cha Wan appeared beside them out of nowhere, leaping onto Zero’s lap.

Ju Shi: “It seems she really likes you.”

Zero: “Maybe.”

Ju Shi: “I loved the red rose you sent before. Thank you.”

She pointed to the red rose in a small vase on the table.

Yu Shilang entered at that moment, placing tea and snacks on the table, then stood behind Ju Shi.

Zero followed her gaze, curious, then glanced at Yu Shilang’s embarrassed expression—he understood.

With Yu Shilang’s personality, he must have misstated it, claiming he himself had sent the rose, causing Ju Shi’s misunderstanding.

“Th-thank you… heh…” Zero sighed helplessly. He wanted to pry open Yu Shilang’s skull and see what was inside!

Ju Shi: “Just now, Yu Shilang said you came to deliver blood. You could’ve just sent Cha Cha Wan.”

Zero: “If it were ordinary blood, I’d have no problem with that. But this blood is special.”

Ju Shi: “Special? Is it again the blood of an Upper Moon demon?”

Zero: “No. It’s Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood.”

Ju Shi: “So… it’s Muzan’s blood… Muzan?! This… this… how is this possible?!”

At that moment, Ju Shi and the Yu Shilang behind her could no longer remain calm—both stunned and panicked. Muzan Kibutsuji, that coward who hid in shadows, had actually encountered Zero—and Zero had collected his blood!

“Y-you’re… telling the truth?” Ju Shi gripped the collar of her kimono tightly, voice trembling with disbelief.

“Of course. I fought him. Too bad he escaped. To your world, he’s still strong—but only in your world.”

Zero stroked Cha Cha Wan as he spoke, his tone calm, as if Muzan Kibutsuji were nothing more than an insignificant trifle.

He then retrieved a specially prepared test tube from his [Nanospace] and handed it to Ju Shi.

Ju Shi took the test tube. Unlike the Upper Moon blood Zero had given her before, she immediately sensed the overwhelming aura of Muzan Kibutsuji within—it was unquestionably his blood.

“It’s confirmed. This is Muzan Kibutsuji’s blood! Zero, thank you so much. I’m certain this will greatly accelerate my research.”

“Good. But don’t forget the two conditions I mentioned before.”

At this, Ju Shi’s cheeks flushed again. She recalled how she had misunderstood his conditions, thinking he meant… that.

“Don’t worry. I won’t forget.”

“Then I’ll take my leave. I won’t overstay.”

“Leaving so soon?”

“Mm. I still have a mission.”

“Alright. But be careful. Now that Muzan Kibutsuji has encountered you, knowing his nature, he’ll do everything to find you.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

“Yu Shilang, see Zero out.”

“Yes, Lady Ju Shi!”

Zero set Cha Cha Wan down and followed Yu Shilang out of the parlor.

After Zero’s figure vanished from sight, Ju Shi looked again at the test tube in her hand. It all felt like a fairy tale to her.

“Zero… who exactly are you?!”

……

Yu Shilang led Zero to the front gate. “Next time, just come through the gate. No need to always walk through walls!”

“Alright, I understand. But…”

“But what?”

“How exactly did you mess up your words? Didn’t I tell you to say you sent it? How did it become me?”

“H-how did you know?”

“Guessed.”

“I…” Yu Shilang was stunned. He hadn’t expected Zero to be so sharp—just a glance and he deduced everything.

Zero sighed helplessly, then retrieved a wrapped hairpin from his [Nanospace] and handed it to Yu Shilang.

“This is the last time I’m helping you. If you still fail after this, don’t blame me for… prying open your skull to see what’s inside… hehehe…”

Seeing Zero’s eerie, obsessive smile, Yu Shilang broke out in goosebumps.

Zero: “I’m off. May your confession succeed!”

Yu Shilang: “Zero…”

Zero: “What else?”

Yu Shilang: “Stay alive. Don’t die…”

Hearing Zero had faced Muzan Kibutsuji, for some reason, he didn’t want him dead.

Maybe because Zero helped Ju Shi. Maybe because Zero helped him. Or other reasons.

Seeing Yu Shilang’s usual blunt exterior hiding a soft heart, Zero smiled and said: “I’m going!”

Only when Zero’s figure faded into the crowd did Yu Shilang close the gate and return inside.

“Yu Shilang, has Zero left?”

“Yes, Lady Ju Shi. He’s gone.”

“What’s in your hand?”

“This… this is what Zero gave you…” Yu Shilang suddenly realized—he’d said it wrong again…

“Again, he gave it to me?” She opened the package and found a beautiful hairpin inside.

“It’s truly lovely.”

Yu Shilang felt that the next time he saw Zero, it might be his last.

“Achoo!” Zero, on his way back, sneezed out of nowhere. He felt something strange was happening. “Could Muzan Kibutsuji be cursing me again? No… could it be Yu Shilang messed up again…?”

He thought for a moment, then stopped worrying. On his way back, he cleared another wave of demons he encountered.

…………

Time returned to several days ago.

After bidding farewell to Zero and his family, Tanjiro set off toward Mount Suyukyuu with Nezuko.

After walking all day, night had fallen.

He set down the tightly wrapped bamboo basket and let Nezuko out to stretch.

Nezuko crawled out, her body returning to its normal size. Tanjiro picked up the basket and held her hand as they continued forward.

“Let’s go, Nezuko.”

On a path through a forest, he spotted a small temple house ahead, its dim light still glowing—someone was inside.

“Ah, there’s a small temple house. Light’s still on—someone must be living there. Come on, Nezuko, let’s go see if we can rest there for a while.”

As he approached with Nezuko, Tanjiro caught the scent of blood wafting from inside.

“This… it’s blood?! Is someone hurt?! Quick, Nezuko, let’s go check!”

The closer he got to the small house, the stronger the stench of blood became.

“This mountain path is steep and treacherous—someone must be injured!” Tanjiro thought.

At the door, he flung it open and shouted inside: “Is anyone hurt!? Do you need help…!!!”

The scene inside was nothing like Tanjiro had imagined—it was drenched in blood everywhere.

Mangled corpses, severed limbs, blood splattered everywhere—the thick, cloying stench made him gag.

The sight sent chills down Tanjiro’s scalp; his bamboo basket fell to the ground, and he saw a “person” gnawing on a woman’s arm—panic surged through him.

“It’s… it’s a man-eating demon!!” Tanjiro thought.

Behind Tanjiro, Nezuko saw the scene inside, and the stench of blood stimulated her nerves, awakening a deep craving—saliva dripped from her mouth, and she struggled internally.

“Huh? What’s this? Hey! This is my territory—if you’re here to wreck my dining hall, I won’t let you off easy!” The Butsudan Demon spotted Tanjiro and Nezuko behind him and warned them.

But when he saw Nezuko behind Tanjiro, he felt a strange sensation—as if he’d encountered a fellow demon!

The Butsudan Demon licked the blood off his hands, savoring it like a delicacy.

“Huh? Something feels off… Are you human?”

Seeing Tanjiro standing frozen, the Butsudan Demon stood up and stared at them both.

Suddenly, he charged forward and slammed into Tanjiro, sending him flying.

He reached out his hand to kill Tanjiro.

In that instant, Tanjiro snapped to attention, swiftly drawing the axe hanging at his waist and swinging it in a half-circle around the Butsudan Demon’s neck—pushing him back and buying himself time.

The Butsudan Demon touched the gash the axe had opened, surprised.

“Hah! An axe! You’ve got some skill!”

The terrifying wound on the Butsudan Demon’s neck healed before Tanjiro’s eyes—in just a few breaths—as if it had never happened.

“See? The bleeding’s stopped. Even your wound’s gone. Hehehe…”

Sweat rolled down Tanjiro’s forehead as he gasped for air.

Just as he raised his axe for another move, the Butsudan Demon vanished from his spot with a *whoosh* and reappeared right before Tanjiro.

He slammed Tanjiro to the ground, one hand gripping his throat tightly, the other seizing the hand holding the axe!

“So fast! So strong!” Tanjiro struggled, but against the Butsudan Demon’s overwhelming strength, he was quickly overpowered.

“Hehehe… I won’t fall for the same trick twice! I’ll snap your neck!”

He tightened his grip on Tanjiro’s throat—suffocation surged in, making it impossible to breathe.

Nezuko stared at the corpses inside, saliva dripping continuously, her eyes growing hazy.

“Ahh!!”

Tanjiro’s cry came from behind Nezuko, jolting her nearly unconscious mind—she spun around and sprinted toward Tanjiro.

*Kutsu!*

Nezuko kicked the Butsudan Demon’s head clean off—it flew, slammed into a tree, rolled a few times, and came to rest on the ground.

With its head gone, the Butsudan Demon’s body lost control—Tanjiro, terrified, shoved the headless corpse aside, gasping and trying to calm his racing heart.

“Killed… killed it…!? No, it’s a demon!” He looked up at his sister, still shaken by what had just happened.

“Ne… Nezuko…” Tanjiro called his sister’s name, completely unaware that the headless demon’s body was reaching out toward him with both hands.

*Pong!*

Nezuko kicked the body again, sending it flying into a tree—Tanjiro, still stunned, finally noticed the headless body was still moving—how was this even possible?!

“Unbelievable! Even without its head, the body still moves!” Tanjiro thought in disbelief.

But it wasn’t over—the Butsudan Demon’s severed head spoke: “Hey! You two bastards! One of you is definitely a demon! No wonder I sensed something strange earlier—why would a demon be with a human!!?”

The Butsudan Demon’s head wore an expression of utter confusion and fury—he couldn’t understand why the girl, clearly a demon herself, was siding with a human.

“It… it’s talking!” Tanjiro was stunned again, unsure how to react.

But it wasn’t over—the headless body, despite losing its head, still launched an attack.

The headless body sprinted forward again, targeting Nezuko.

It leapt and kicked—Nezuko dodged, and the foot slammed into the ground, kicking up dust.

Before Nezuko could react, the headless body struck again, knocking her to the ground.

“Stop it!! Aaaahhh!!”

Tanjiro rushed forward with his axe to help Nezuko—but from beneath the Butsudan Demon’s head, two new arms sprouted, lunging forward, biting the axe and gripping Tanjiro’s shoulders.

The headless body kicked and punched Nezuko on the ground, grabbed her clothes, and hurled her into the forest—then followed her inside.

“Nezuko!!”

Tanjiro tried to rush to Nezuko’s aid—but the Butsudan Demon’s head wouldn’t let him go, teeth locked onto the axe, arms gripping him tightly, pinning him in place.

“What the hell is this thing?! Arms growing from its head! I have to save Nezuko!”

Suddenly, the Butsudan Demon’s head hair grew long, wrapping around the axe—he simply wanted to steal Tanjiro’s weapon.

“Let go!!”

*Dong!!*

*Hōng!!*

Tanjiro slammed his forehead into the Butsudan Demon’s head—the impact reverberated through it, leaving a massive red welt on its forehead.

“Damn… this thing’s head… is too hard!”

The Butsudan Demon’s head reeled from the blow—but Tanjiro grabbed it and delivered another headbutt, nearly giving it a concussion.

Then, while the head was still dazed, Tanjiro yanked the axe’s handle free.

The Butsudan Demon’s head never expected his own hair had tangled around the axe—he couldn’t break free.

It spun dozens of times in midair, dizzy and disoriented, finally stuck fast in a tree trunk, its arms pinned and immobile.

Seizing the chance, Tanjiro rushed into the forest to find his sister.

“Damn it! I meant to take his axe—my hair got tangled and I can’t break free! Damn it!” The Butsudan Demon’s head roared in frustration.

“Nezuko! Where are you?! Nezuko!” He shouted her name while searching.

Suddenly, he heard Nezuko’s voice ahead—he ran over and saw the headless body relentlessly beating her.

“Stop it!” Ignoring the danger, Tanjiro tackled the headless body and both of them tumbled over a cliff.

At the critical moment, Nezuko grabbed the collar of Tanjiro’s clothes and pulled him to safety—the headless body plunged over the cliff, crashing onto a rock, lifeless.

The Butsudan Demon’s head, struggling to free the axe, felt its body sever its connection—and fainted.

After surviving, Tanjiro sat on the ground, gasping heavily—what had just happened still haunted him.

“Nezuko, are you hurt?”

Nezuko shook her head—she was fine.

Seeing she was unharmed, Tanjiro relaxed, took her hand, and walked to the Butsudan Demon’s head.

He stared at the head stuck in the tree, pulled a small knife from his pocket, drew the blade—and hesitated.

“Demons must come in many forms… this one doesn’t smell like the one at home… Zero didn’t tell me who that demon was…” Tanjiro thought, wanting to deliver the final blow—but his hand trembled.

“If I don’t end him, he’ll hurt others… so… I have to do it!”

He kept urging himself to act—finally, he made up his mind, raised the knife, and prepared to stab down.

At that moment, a hand rested on Tanjiro’s shoulder—he turned, startled, and saw an old man with a white cloth wrapped around his head and a red tengu mask covering his face.

“That knife won’t deliver the final blow!” the old man spoke in a voice worn by time.

“Tengu mask… and he walks without a sound…” But Tanjiro knew now wasn’t the time to wonder—he asked quickly: “Then… how do I kill him?!”

“Don’t ask others—use your own mind.”

Hearing this, Tanjiro fell into thought: if the blade won’t work, then he must destroy the head!

He looked at a large stone beside the tree, walked over, picked it up—then hesitated again: “To crush the head, I’d have to strike it multiple times… but that would cause him so much pain! Is there anything that could kill him in one blow…?”

Behind him, the tengu-masked old man smelled Tanjiro’s gentle, indecisive aura—he thought: “This child won’t do… too considerate, too unable to decide! Even for demons, his gentleness remains—he even feels pity for them! Giyu… this child won’t do.”

As Tanjiro hesitated, he remembered Zero’s words.

*‘Don’t hesitate when you shouldn’t, understood?’*

“Zero… can I really do this?” As he thought of Zero’s words, the Butsudan Demon’s head stirred awake.

The Butsudan Demon’s head remembered his body was dead—fury and resentment filled him—he glared at Tanjiro and roared: “You bastard! I’ll eat you! Damn it! Come here yourself so I can eat you! Do you hear me?! Come here, let me eat you!”

The sun rose in the east, its warm light illuminating everything—Tanjiro finally realized he’d dawdled too long—the sun had already risen.

The sunlight struck the Butsudan Demon’s head—and it burned instantly to ash!

*Dong!*

The stone slipped from Tanjiro’s hand—he stared in disbelief at the vanished demon head.

“Just from sunlight…? That’s why Nezuko resists it! Oh no—Nezuko!” Tanjiro suddenly remembered Nezuko was also a demon—she couldn’t be exposed to sunlight.

“Nezuko? Nezuko!”

He searched frantically—then saw Nezuko had hidden inside the bamboo basket inside the house the moment the sun rose.

Seeing this, Tanjiro finally relaxed.

“By the way… where’s that man?”

He walked to the side of the Butsudan house and found the tengu-masked old man had buried the dead, hands clasped in prayer.

“Um…”

“I’m Rokujō Saigō. You’re the one Fujikawa Giyu wrote about, aren’t you?”

“Y-yes, I’m Kamado Tanjiro. My sister is Kamado Nezuko…”

“Tanjiro, if your sister ate a human, what would you do?”

“I…” Tanjiro hesitated again, unsure how to answer.

Kagaya Koyuji stepped before Tanjiro and slapped him. “Your judgment is too slow! Your decision-making is painfully slow! You couldn’t deliver the final blow to the demon until dawn! And why couldn’t you answer my question just now?”

“It’s because your resolve isn’t strong enough! If your sister starts eating people, you have only two choices: kill your sister, then commit seppuku to atone! That’s what it means to carry a demon sister!”

“But remember this: absolutely never let this happen! Never let your sister take the lives of the innocent! Do you understand what I’m saying?”

Tanjiro: “Yes!”

Kagaya Koyuji: “Then let me test whether you have the qualification to become a Demon Slayer. Carry your sister and follow me.”

Without waiting for Tanjiro’s response, he left immediately.

Seeing this, Tanjiro rushed into the house, wrapped the bamboo basket in cloth, slung it onto his back, and chased after Kagaya Koyuji, who was already running ahead.

He ran hard behind Kagaya Koyuji, carrying the bamboo basket containing Nezuko.

This rapidly drained Tanjiro’s strength.

“Hah… hah… so fast! How old is this man?! And he makes no sound when he runs!”

Watching Kagaya Koyuji pull farther ahead, Tanjiro had no choice but to speed up.

“Nezuko, it might get bumpy—just hold on…”

Memories of home with Nezuko flashed through his mind.

“Nezuko, are you mending your kimono again? You can’t keep wearing that one!”

“It’s fine, brother. I like this kimono. Besides, wouldn’t it be better if the younger ones ate more?”

“Nezuko, I’ll find a way to turn you back into a human! Zero is helping us too! One day, I’ll buy you countless beautiful kimonos! I won’t let Zero down—and I won’t let my family down!”

Thinking of this, his heart hardened. He ran faster, clinging to Kagaya Koyuji’s heels…

Sunset.

Tanjiro ran with Kagaya Koyuji all day, finally reaching the house on Mount Saimu where Kagaya lived. Tanjiro was drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, collapsed on the ground.

Kagaya Koyuji remained as steady as a mountain—calm breath, no sign of fatigue, walking as if on flat ground.

“Huff… huff… Is… is this enough… to earn your approval?” Tanjiro panted.

Kagaya Koyuji didn’t answer. He turned, opened the door, and removed the white cloth wrapped around his head. “The test has only just begun. Put your sister inside, then climb the mountain.”

“Ah…” Tanjiro gasped. He hadn’t realized the whole day’s run wasn’t the test—the real test had only just started.

Still, Tanjiro did as Kagaya ordered. He carried the basket inside, lifted Nezuko out, and laid her on the wooden tatami.

Kagaya Koyuji: “I’ll take care of your sister.”

Tanjiro: “Thank you.”

Then Kagaya Koyuji led Tanjiro to the mountain summit.

Exhausted, legs trembling, head spinning, Tanjiro followed Kagaya Koyuji for a long time.

Soon, Kagaya stopped, turned, and said: “Your next test is to return from here to the house at the mountain’s base. I won’t wait for you until dawn.”

No sooner had he spoken than thick mist rolled in—and Kagaya vanished. The test had officially begun.

“Is that it? You think I’ll get lost in this fog? All I need is to reach the house before dawn… easy! My nose is sharp—I’ve memorized Master Kagaya’s scent!”

Thinking this was simple, Tanjiro began sprinting down the mountain.

But what Tanjiro could imagine, Kagaya Koyuji had already foreseen. If the test were this simple, it would be naive.

Not long after he started running, Tanjiro nearly tripped over a rope—it triggered a trap.

Shu! Shu! Shu!

Stones shot from nearby, striking Tanjiro’s face—pain flared across his skin.

He stepped sideways to avoid it—and triggered another trap, tumbling into a pit.

Only now did he understand: returning to the house wasn’t simple. Traps were everywhere. Miss one, and you’d be struck—you’d never make it down before dawn.

Realizing this, he scrambled out of the pit—only to trigger another mechanism with his palm. He leapt aside just in time.

He hadn’t expected it—the trap seemed to know exactly where he’d stand. A massive wooden stake shot from behind him, slamming into the ground!

“Not good! If I keep triggering traps, I’ll never reach the base before dawn! And this mountain… the air is so thin… hard to breathe… dizzy…”

“Calm down… calm down… regulate your breath… smell the traps!”

He sensed the scent of traps in the air. He kept running downhill. Even when he triggered traps, his keen nose let him dodge—but he still got hit many times.

“I must… I must hold on… I have to… get back…”

Kagaya Koyuji settled Nezuko, covered her with a blanket, and knelt beside her, waiting. His gaze occasionally drifted to the window.

Shhhhh—

Just before dawn, the wooden door creaked open. Tanjiro stood there, caked in mud, gasping, blood trickling from his forehead and lips—clearly from the traps.

“Huff… huff… Master Kagaya… I… I’m back…”

No sooner had he spoken than Tanjiro collapsed.

Kagaya Koyuji looked at Tanjiro lying at the door, remembering the letter sent days ago by Tomioka Giyu via a Hashira crow.

【Master Kagaya, I’ve sent a boy to you who wishes to become a Demon Slayer. His family was saved by Zero Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, but his sister became a demon! [353] I judge she won’t attack humans. I sense something different in both of them. The boy’s nose is as sharp as yours—perhaps he can achieve ‘Breakthrough’ and ‘Inheritance’! [354] Please train him. I know this is a selfish request, but I beg you to forgive me—and take care of yourself. [355] Tomioka Giyu】

I judge she won't attack humans! I can sense something different from these two, and the boy's nose seems as keen as yours—perhaps he can achieve the "breakthrough" and undergo the "inheritance"!

Please nurture him! I know this is a selfish request of mine, but I beg your forgiveness, and please take care of yourself.

To Tomoka Giyu

Kagaya Koyuji rose, walked to the door, looked at Tanjiro, and thought: “I accept you, Tanjiro Kamado.”

His gaze drifted toward the distant horizon.

“Zero Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps… I hope I get to meet you. The only one who ever encountered Muzan Kibutsuji—and fought him!”

On the same night the Demon Slayer Corps’ Pillar Meeting ended, Kagaya Koyuji received a letter from the Corps’ head, Ubuyashiki Kyojuro, confirming the matter—and including a record of information on Muzan Kibutsuji.

…………