Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hinokami Flames

The Calm before the Storm

"So, you say that you went to deliver a letter, and found he committed seppuku?" Kagaya was bedridden due to his condition worsening and was speaking to Chuntaro a week after the emergency meeting. The little sparrow nodded. "Does Zenitsu know?" Chuntaro hung his head down answering the question. "I see. Well, there have been a large number of disappearances in Kyoto. I believe that the traitor may well be responsible. We'll have him take part in the mission. Now go. Relay the message." Chuntaro flies back to the Butterfly Mansion as Kagaya turns his attention to his own crow. "Send word to all the Hashira, including the two retired ones."

"Of course." Kagaya's crow flew off, as Kiriya enters the room. "What is it my son?"

"A storm's approaching, father."

"Is that so? *cough* Then... this is... a dark day."

Through the rumbling clouds of thunder, the Kasugai Crows deliver the dark message. Outside a food stand Mitsuri was enjoying her lunch when her crow arrived informing her of the news. She was shocked. "Why?! Why would somebody do this?!"

Muichiro's crow flew right beside him and was confused. "A demon slayer... became a demon out of his own choice?"

Obanai was angry. "Those who turn demon freely, shouldn't receive any mercy!

Sanemi was by far furious. "I slaughter every demon in this world! Especially the traitors!"

Tengen and wives were enjoying their time together until his crow tells them the message. "You're shitting me!" Tengen gritted in disbelief. "Zenitsu, try and keep a calm mind. You're better than that scumbag."

Giyu was unafflicted by the news. "So, that's how the wheel of fate spins, huh? I'm sure Master Urokodaki will learn of this soon."

At Mt. Sagiri, Sankoji overlooks the oncoming storm when his crow arrives. When the former Hashira hears the message, the only thing he could do was shed a tear behind his mask. "Jigoro."

At the Rengoku Residence, Senjuro continues training until he sees Kyojuro preparing to leave with a depressed look. "Is everything alright, brother?" Senjuro asked.

"I'm... I'm being sent to recover to body of a former Hashira."

"What?!"

"Look Senjuro, my crow's already telling father about this man's death. Those two have worked together for a long time. And when father realizes what happened, I need you to be there for him."

"Of course."

"Good. Now once we have given this veteran demon slayer a proper burial, I promise, I'll bring you out on a mission. Just the two of us."

Kyojuro heads off as Senjuro watches. "You are indeed strong brother. Not even the hardest of rains can douse out your flame."

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHH!"

Senjuro heard a loud scream of grief and rushed back inside to find a tearful Shinjuro with a shattered bottle of sake and a bleeding hand. "Father!" Shinjuro turned to see his younger son and crawls over to him and hugs him out of desperation. "Senjuro, my boy!" All the Flame Tsuguko could do was comfort his father who just lost someone else close to him.

Elsewhere, Tanjiro, Nezuko, and Inosuke were running back to avoid the rain. "I won't lose to either of you!"

"It's not a race, Inosuke!" Tanjiro said. "We just get back inside before the rain hits and we get sick!"

Just as they made it to the front gate of the Butterfly Manor, they see Zenitsu who's keeping his eyes covered. Tanjiro and Nezuko stop while Inosuke continues boasting on his so-called victory.