Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba: Hinokami Flames

The Start of Hashira Training

"You said to Gyomei before that you wished to return a favor to Tanjiro, is that right?" Shinobu questioned. Currently, she was speaking to Tamayo and Yushiro with Kie as a witness.

"That's correct." Tamayo calmly replied. "After we met in Asakusa and his encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji, he took a major risk helping the two of us. And through the blood of Lower and Upper Ranks that he acquired; I was able to create a drug that can weaken Muzan himself. But that won't stop him from turning others into demons."

"So?"

"So, I need your help. In order to create an anti-Muzan drug to prevent your comrades from becoming more of his subordinates."

"Why are you so intending on helping us? You have every intention on helping yourself survive. Why?"

"Because... because I lost everything." Tamayo started to grip on to her kimono. "I was dying centuries ago, and I foolheartedly let that bastard turn me into a demon so I can be cured of my disease. I went feral and slaughtered my family. I blame myself and him for everything."

"And despite us fearing the Demon Slayer Corps, those two still held out a hand as allies." Yushiro continued. "Despite my slight hatred for humanity, I still tolerate them for Tamayo. She saved me. So, I'm indebted to her."

"I trust them." Kie said.

"Are you sure about this Kie?" Shinobu cautioned.

"It was like she said, they could've killed Tanjiro and Nezuko. But if they came to their friend's rescue, then it shows that there are good demons in this world."

Tamayo smiled seeing how there are more humans with kind hearts.

"I swear you Kamados are too trusting." Shinobu said. "Just let me check on my brother. Then I'll give it some thought." Shinobu leaves her office and walks over to Zenitsu's room. She enters seeing him resting in bed with bandages where the crackle skin formally was.

"Your heartbeat is still familiar for me to hear Shinobu." Zenitsu said with his eyes closed.

"How are you still feeling?"

"Like the gods have punished me for my recklessness."

"You know Chuntaro told me that you had strange markings near the end of your mission. You unlocked the mark. Congratulations."

"Thanks. How is everyone else?"

"Everyone's been checking on you these past 2 weeks, especially Nezuko."

"I'm sure she's been very concerned for me."

"Well, you two are in a decent relationship. Now I have a question. Do you trust the two demons that are here?"

Zenitsu was given a difficult question. An enemy saved his life without hesitation, and he wonders if they'll betray them sooner or later.

(Flashback)

Zenitsu was drifting in and out of consciousness as he heard Gyomei speaking with two other he didn't know.

"How sure are you that you can save him?" Gyomei asks.

"This medicine has the appropriate effect to counteract the Blood Demon Art infecting his entire body." Tamayo said.

"You should know I will inform the Hashira and Oyakata of the two of you."

"It's fine." Yushiro replied. "Lady Tamayo had been planning to get an audience with the demon slayer corps."

Tamayo gives Zenitsu the medicine and all the crackles on his face starts to fade away. "The Demon Arts effect are slowly starting to fade away, but I can't say the same for these injuries."