𝕭𝖔𝖓𝖉𝖘 [Tanjiro Kamado X Reader] (Kimetsu no Yaiba)

~chapter twenty~

Tanjiro Pov:

I think I got it. The drum on his left shoulder turns things to the right, while the right one turns things to the left. Right leg moves things forward, while left leg is back. The drum on his stomach is the claw attack. Suddenly, the Demon hit a few drums, making the room spin randomly. This speed of the spin and attack is way too strong! I managed to dodge the attacks. Just barely, though.

Even though Tamayo-san patched me up for a bit, my wounds haven't completely healed yet. Can I win? I... My wounds are hurting the hell out of me, I almost can't stand them! I've really been enduring it all the way here! No matter when pushing Zenitsu away from the girl's side, keeping him away from (Y/N), or when he keeps hollering about. I've been constantly enduring the pain!

Because I'm the eldest son, I can endure it. If I was the second son, then I definitely couldn't. Whenever I stand my ground with all my strength, the place where my bones are broken will make a scraping sound, and then I lose my strength. That Demon's claw-like attack that leaves tracks is just too frightening. I really don't dare get close to it.

If I rush in during an opening while I am not completely prepared, and my legs lose their strength because of my pain... I will be diced into slices. I keep thinking nasty thoughts because of my pain. 'Water is able to transform into all sorts of shapes. Drawing it into a box will make it square, drawing it into a bottle will make it cylindrical. It's able to smash rocks and overflow everywhere.' That's what Urokodaki-Sensei told us. Us? Ah, right! (Y/N)!

'Hey, Tanjiro? Why do you want to fight?' she asked me once. That time, I was hesitant to answer. But right now, I know what I would say. I fight to protect. To protect Nezuko. And to protect you, (Y/N). I could never forgive myself if either of you died. That's right, I can still... I can still fight! If I'm hurt, then I'll use the water breathing to help me move again. Water can form into any shape! Its flow will never be stopped!

Okay! I got it! Move forward in a straight line! I need to cheer myself on! You can do this, Tanjiro. You can do this! I've already endured things this far! I am a capable person! No matter if it's today! The future will be the same as well! No matter how broken I might be! I will never yield to Demons!

I started to rush towards the Demon, about to slash it. That's right, I can do this! I gripped my sword tightly, slashing at the Demon. However, he dodged, jumping up. This is... The Demon started drumming on his drums, even faster than before. Not again... Everything is spinning! An attack was send my way, and I managed to dodge, although getting a small cut on my chin.

I jumped back, noticing a bunch of papers that were spilling out of a drawer that the attack had hit. I wonder whose words those are... I was able to step besides the papers, wiping the blood dripping from my chin. I dodged yet another attack, having finally figured it out. A way to move and breath without increasing my pain.

Short, rapid breaths. Breathing like this will increase the muscle strength around the broken bone in my leg. And before the claws strike, there is a smell of mold. Ah, here it comes! The claw attack! Full focus, breath of water. 9th style, water splash chaos. With this attack, I dodged all of the Demon's attacks, closing in on him.

This smell! The line of interval! "Your Blood Demon Art is very impressive!" I said, then took my chance. I sliced his head cleanly off, landing on the ground again. I gasped, clutching my chest. This hurtsssss! I accidently breathed in too deeply! "Kid... answer me..." My head snapped towards the Demon. "My... Blood Demon Art... is it really strong...?" he asked.

I hesitated, then answered: "It's very strong. However, killing humans is unforgivable." "Is... that so..." I quickly grabbed one of the blood-drawing devices, throwing it at the Demon. With this, I got it. The blood. Yushiro really made a great device with this. "Meow~" "Wah!" I gasped, seeing the cat that had suddenly appeared. That's Tamayo-san's cat. "You scared me... You're here to take this to where Tamayo-san is, right? Thank you. Please be careful." I said, putting the blood in the cat's backpack.

After I left the Demon, praying for him to make it to the afterlife, I followed Teruko's scent. Once I opened the door, I said: "Kiyoshi, Teruko!" They both started screaming, throwing things at me. I covered my head, where they had hit me. "Why are you throwing things at me?" I asked. Kiyoshi answered: "Tan-Tanjiro-san... Sorry, it's because the drum disappeared so we were in a panic." "Alright. Let's go outside." I said, taking Kiyoshi on my back since he's hurt. "Okay!"

As we were walking towards the exit, I said: "I can smell (Y/N), Zenitsu, and Shoichi. The three of them are outside and alright." I stopped in my tracks after I said that, making Teruko bump into me. It's the smell of blood... I picked up my pace, starting to dash at the exit. "Pull out your sword and fight, you cowardly weakling!" called the boar man, kicking at a person on the ground.

My eyes widened as I recognized that person. (Y/N)? She suddenly lifted her head, saying: "T-Tanjiro... I-I kept her safe. I kept her... s-safe." My eyes widened even more as the boar man kicked at her again, but she didn't move. "You sure like to talk impressive! You're just a coward that's afraid to even pull out their own blade! Since you and I are both Demon Hunters, you must fight!" yelled the boar man, continuing to hurt her.

I put Kiyoshi down, balling my hands into fists. This man... He better stop, or I'll- "I'm going to skewer you along with the box!" he called, about to stab her. That's enough. I rushed forwards, yelling: "Stop!" while punching him with all my might. "Don't you dare hurt (Y/N) more. I won't let you." I said, glaring at him. "Do you know why she won't pull out her sword? Because it's taboo for team members to use their blades to bully others! And you're here, enjoying yourself while others are in pain? You really are despicable!"

Then, I quickly turned around and kneeled down next to (Y/N). "I-I'm sorry, Tanjiro... I couldn't fight him. A Demon injured my ankle, so I can't even stand up, and Zenitsu was unconscious after shielding me and Shoichi from the fall. I-I couldn't have helped Nezuko otherwise..." she explained, tears brimming in her eyes. "(Y/N), it's fine. Thank you for protecting her." I said, gently brushing a strand of (h/c) hair out of her face, tucking it behind her ear. "I'm tired... I'll just... sleep..." I nodded at her, smiling. "Sleep well, my (Y/N)." With that, she closed her eyes, still hugging the box that Nezuko is currently in.

I turned to face the boar man, hearing him laugh. "So that's how it is. I'm sorry. Then, let's duel with our bare hands!" he yelled. "No, I still think you don't understand anything at all. First of all, team members who are both Demon Slayers are not allowed to duel each other! This isn't a problem that can be solved with bare hands!" He ignored my words, rushing towards me.

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Picture from:

https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/593208582155257325/