❛ 𝐅𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐎𝐋𝐃 ❜ ━━━ (𝗸. 𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗷𝗶𝗿𝗼)

008

You couldn't help but turn to look at Muichiro next to you. He was staring at Nezuko, bored of waiting to see what would happen next. He felt you staring at him and turned to look at you.

"Big Sis...?" He called. "What's wrong?"

You smiled at him and shook your head, "Nothing, Mui. I'm just adoring my cute brother."

But in truth, you were imagining if it was you and Muichiro in that situation. If Muichiro had turned into a demon from that attack all those years ago, you would've done the same thing as Tanjiro did. It's why you understood him so well. You knew what it felt like to risk anything to protect your younger sibling. In fact, you wouldn't be as calm as Tanjiro was. You would've harmed anyone who dared to harm Muichiro.

I still do, technically... Oops. You thought and quietly apologised to anyone you had actually harmed for crossing the line in your head.

After what seemed to be a long minute, Nezuko turned her head away from him. Sanemi was taken aback at her action, judging by how wide his eyes had become. Tanjiro sighed in relief, knowing Nezuko had won against her urges.

"What happened?" Master Kagaya asked Hinaki.

"The demon girl is resisting by turning away," Hinaki answered him. "Although she was stabbed by Shinazugawa-san thrice, and even though there's bloodied arm in front of her, the demon girl still refuses to bite him."

"So, we have sufficient proof that Nezuko won't attack humans," Master Kagaya concluded.

Obanai glared at Giyuu and pulled his arm back, "What are you thinking of, Tomioka?"

"Tanjiro," Master Kagaya called him, "Even so, there will be people who remain suspicious of Nezuko. You have to back it up with evidence. From now on, Tanjiro and Nezuko will fight and contribute to the cause as members of the Demon Slayer Corps."

Tanjiro's body moved as he immediately bowed to Master Kagaya in gratitude.

"Your struggle against the Twelve Moons has gained our recognition all along. Your claims carry a lot of weight, Tanjiro," Master Kagaya told him.

"Nezuko and I will defeat Kibutsuji Muzan! I promise that we both will succeed. We'll cut off the chains of sorrow with my blade!" Tanjiro declared.

"That is still far-fetched given your present status," Master Kagaya reminded him. "Perhaps you can say that after defeating one Demon Moon."

"Yes, sir," Tanjiro said as his face turned extremely red.

You couldn't help but let out a laugh at his cute, yet determined proclamation. Shinobu laughed along next to you, nudging your body a little as she gave you a look.

"The Hashiras of the Demon Slayer Corps have outstanding talents, to say the least," Master Kagaya said. "They have poured blood, sweat, and tears to prepare themselves for the worst so that they can vanquish the Twelve Demon Moons. That is how the Hashiras gained respect and deference. Tanjiro, you must also learn to mind your words."

"Yes, sir."

Master Kagaya turned around and said, "With that said, Sanemi, Obanai, you should not be too harsh on that boy."

"As you wish, sir," Sanemi bowed to him while a small, angry, but cute Nezuko huffed at him in her box.

"That is all for now in regards to Tanjiro," Master Kagaya ended the topic. "You are all dismissed."

Shinobu raised her hand and smiled, "May I make a request that Tanjiro be handed over to my estate for care?"

Master Kagaya nodded his head, and Shinobu clapped her hands twice. On cue, two familiar Kakushi members arrived on scene.