Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

---

Kochou Kanae and Kochou Shinobu were fully immersed in their training, their movements sharp and precise, yet with room for refinement. Ryuji, standing off to the side, occasionally offered guidance, his tone measured and professional.

However, something unusual caught Ryuji's attention that day. Whenever he approached Kanae, she seemed unusually tense. At first, Ryuji thought it was a coincidence, but as the day progressed, the pattern repeated itself. Her body stiffened, and her eyes darted away nervously every time he came near.

Puzzled, Ryuji decided to address it head-on.

"Your grip on the sword is off," he said, stepping closer to Kanae, gesturing toward her hands.

As he reached out to demonstrate, Kanae instinctively took a step back, her movements quick as if she'd been startled. Realizing she might have overreacted, Kanae lowered her head, avoiding his gaze.

Ryuji paused, thoughtful. He didn't press further. Instead, he picked up a practice sword himself.

"Watch closely," he instructed. "When holding the sword, your grip must be firm but not rigid. There should be strength, but also fluidity."

He demonstrated the correct technique, his movements deliberate and precise, ensuring Kanae could follow without feeling pressured. This time, without the need for physical correction, Kanae seemed to relax slightly, nodding as she mimicked his actions.

---

Later that afternoon, after training had concluded, Kanae pulled her younger sister, Shinobu, aside.

"Sister, do you think I've misunderstood?" Kanae whispered, glancing in Ryuji's direction.

Shinobu tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Misunderstood what? Do you think he's... that kind of person?"

Kanae frowned, her cheeks flushing slightly. "Don't say such things! It's just… I don't know. Something about him feels… different."

Shinobu chuckled softly, tapping her chin. "Let's keep observing. If he really had bad intentions, he wouldn't have held back this long, especially with someone as beautiful as you, Sister."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Kanae hissed, lightly smacking Shinobu's head.

---

That night, the air was cool, and the moonlight bathed the courtyard in a soft, silver glow. Ryuji stepped outside, his Nichirin Blade at his side. He hadn't gone far when his instincts flared, and he halted, his sharp eyes darting to the shadows.

"Who's there?" he called out, his hand resting on the hilt of his blade.

After a brief pause, a young Demon Slayer emerged from the darkness, his movements stiff but respectful. He wore the standard uniform and quickly knelt before Ryuji.

"My lord, Gyomei-sama requests your presence."

Ryuji's expression softened slightly. "Very well. Lead the way."

The young swordsman rose, casting a curious glance at Ryuji as they walked. Though he didn't speak, his admiration for Ryuji was evident. The new swordsman, despite his mysterious arrival, had already earned the respect of many for his composure and skill.

Soon, they arrived at a secluded courtyard, its dilapidated state giving it an eerie atmosphere. Ryuji pushed the door open, the hinges creaking loudly. The room was dark, save for the faint moonlight seeping through the gaps.

A sudden spark lit the room as flint struck, and a single candle flickered to life. The dim light illuminated the tall, imposing figure of Himejima Gyomei, the Stone Hashira. His closed eyes and calm demeanor gave him an air of unshakable strength.

"Gyomei," Ryuji greeted, his tone casual but respectful. "You could've come to me if there was something urgent. What's with the secrecy?"

Gyomei didn't respond immediately. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, as if studying Ryuji despite his blindness. His expression was unreadable.

"What's going on?" Ryuji pressed, a frown forming on his face.

After a moment, Gyomei finally spoke, his deep voice resonating in the room. "There's been an unusual increase in demon activity, particularly from the Twelve Kizuki. Reports suggest one of them is nearby."

Ryuji's eyes narrowed. "And you suspect me?"

Gyomei shook his head slowly. "Not suspicion, Ryuji. Vigilance. Your arrival coincides with these events, and the Master has instructed us to remain cautious. Personally, I trust you, but the timing raises questions we cannot ignore."

---

Recently, reports had surfaced of Gyokko, the Upper Rank Five of the Twelve Kizuki, approaching the city where the Demon Slayer Corps had stationed several of their members. In just a matter of days, two entire teams of Demon Slayers had been wiped out.

Ryuji felt a knot of tension loosen slightly upon hearing this information. At least this provided an explanation for the suspicion directed at him. If he were in their shoes, he might have harbored doubts as well.

The Demon Slayer Corps had always been Muzan Kibutsuji's greatest obstacle. For centuries, he had been unable to eradicate them completely, no matter how many swordsmen he killed. The Corps was not a centralized organization, with no single fixed location to target. This resilience made them as elusive as they were dangerous.

Still, if Muzan ever discovered the whereabouts of the Corps' leader, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, he would waste no time sending his strongest subordinates to eliminate him. The death of the Master would cripple the Corps, leaving its swordsmen leaderless and disorganized.

Given the circumstances, it wasn't surprising that Himejima Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, harbored doubts. It was only natural for him to be cautious.

Even so, the mistrust stung. Ryuji had thought that his interactions with Gyomei over the past few days had fostered mutual respect.

Gyomei, seated cross-legged in the dimly lit room, bowed his head slightly. "The safety of the Master is paramount," he said in his deep, resonant voice. "I must exercise the utmost caution. Please forgive my suspicions, Ryuji."

Ryuji crossed his arms but nodded. "I understand. You're only doing your duty. But if I were an enemy, I wouldn't have come this far with you."

Gyomei inclined his head in agreement. "Your words carry truth. Still, I must tread carefully. The lives of my comrades, and that of the Master, are not something I can gamble with."

Ryuji let out a small sigh, his initial frustration ebbing. The unwavering loyalty and vigilance of the Demon Slayer Corps were a testament to their leader's influence. Ubuyashiki Kagaya inspired profound devotion in his swordsmen, and Ryuji couldn't help but admire it.

"Now," Ryuji said, breaking the silence, "you didn't summon me here just to clear the air, did you? There's something more, isn't there?"

Gyomei nodded gravely. "Indeed. While it was necessary to confirm your loyalty, there's a more pressing matter at hand."

The Hashira straightened, his expression growing even more serious. "an upper moon has been sighted in the vicinity. Two of our squads have already fallen to him. The Master has tasked me with assembling a team to eliminate him."

Ryuji frowned. "Just the two of us?"

Gyomei shook his head. "No. Several high-ranking swordsmen, including yourself, will join this mission. In addition, the Water Hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji, has been summoned to assist."

The tension in Ryuji's shoulders eased slightly at the mention of reinforcements. Gyomei alone was a formidable force, but the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki were notoriously powerful. Even a Hashira would struggle against them alone.

"If we had more time," Gyomei continued, "we would have gathered additional Hashira. Unfortunately, most are currently engaged in other missions. We cannot afford to wait."

Ryuji nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard the stories. The Upper Ranks aren't like the Lower Ranks. It's not just strength—it's their cunning and their Blood Demon Arts. Fighting them unprepared is suicide."

Gyomei closed his eyes, his calm demeanor unshaken. "That is why we will not underestimate him. He is a cunning demon who delights in using his Blood Demon Art to manipulate and ensnare his victims. We must remain vigilant and work together to bring him down."

Ryuji gripped the hilt of his blade tightly. "Understood. When do we leave?"

"Tomorrow at dawn," Gyomei replied. "We'll meet at the western gate. Be prepared, Ryuji. This mission will not be an easy one."

As Ryuji stood to leave, he glanced at the flickering candlelight casting shadows across Gyomei's face. The Hashira's expression remained resolute, his presence as steady and unyielding as the mountains themselves.

For the first time since arriving in this world, Ryuji felt the weight of his new role settle heavily on his shoulders.

Tomorrow, he would face one of Muzan's most dangerous subordinates. And he would either prove his worth—or die trying.

---