"Shut up! I was going to say I missed you, but now you don't deserve it, you old fart!"
"I'm not old!" He playfully digs his knuckles into your head and jabs your side. "You little brat! You should be speaking to me with more respect!"
"But you star...
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You follow Tanjiro through the winding halls, the atmosphere tinged with a serene quietude that matches his current demeanor. Normally exuding warmth and cheerfulness, Tanjiro's expression is now a mixture of calmness and weariness, a testament to the trials and challenges he has faced recently. Despite the lack of words exchanged between you, the companionship feels comforting, a silent understanding shared between friends. As you walk alongside Tanjiro, you can't help but appreciate his composed presence, a stark contrast to the potential chaos that Inosuke or Zenitsu might bring if they were the one's accompanying you.
While their current state of semi-immobility, a consequence of the injuries sustained during the mountain ordeal, is far from ideal, it does provide a temporary respite from their usual boisterous antics. Inosuke's recent brush with death at the hands of a giant Spider Demon still hangs heavy in your thoughts, the memory vivid and unsettling. The marks along his neck and bruised back, the remnants of the fierce battle etched in yellow and purple hues, serve as stark reminders of the dangers he and the others face as Demon Slayers.
Tanjiro's body narrates a tale of resilience and unyielding bravery, etched in the criss-crossing scars that adorn his arms and torso. Though he conceals most of them beneath bandages, the glimpse you caught was enough to leave a lasting impression. These battle-worn marks, absent during your shared time on the mountain, whisper of the untold challenges he faced when your group was separated. One scar, particularly prominent as it traces his cheek, stands as a visible testament to the hardships endured during that tumultuous period. Despite his outward composure, subtle cues in his movements betray the lingering discomfort from these wounds, each step a testament to the strength required to carry on despite the pain he harbors within.
Meanwhile, Zenitsu's once vibrant and animated presence now bears the unmistakable signs of the ordeal he endured on the mountain. His previously nimble limbs now bear the marks of small punctures and bruises, a stark reflection of the ferocity of the battle fought. Despite his now pallid and weakened appearance, there's a glimmer of hope in the gradual signs of healing that begin to surface. Though his injuries may be less severe compared to Tanjiro and Inosuke, your empathy and concern for his suffering remain steadfast. Each member of your group carries their own set of scars, both physical and emotional, serving as constant reminders of the harsh realities intertwined with their noble path as Demon Slayers.
In a world where demons and danger are ever-present, pain and injury become inevitable companions. The looming specter of death casts a shadow of fear and dread over everything. Yet, amidst this darkness, there exists a flicker of resilience within each Demon Slayer, a testament to their unyielding determination to persevere regardless of the challenges they face. As you grapple with questions about the nature of demons and the motives of Demon Slayers, your recent brush with death at the hands of these otherworldly creatures fuels your curiosity and concern.
Are all demons inherently malevolent, driven solely by a desire to harm innocent humans?
How widespread is their existence, and how many lurk in the shadows, unseen and unknown?
