The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 11 - 1st Season

— Tanjiro? - Genya is the first to approach, while several Kakushis begin to emerge to assist the injured girl and 'clean up' the signs of the fight. — What happened? How were you able to use their blood demon art and kill him so quickly?

It was understandable that there was doubt, after all, Tanjiro hadn't explained the special condition of the Transparent World to anyone yet. To avoid revealing his true level of power, Tanjiro had to quickly think of an answer that wasn't a lie but also didn't disclose the whole truth.

— It was just for an instant, but I could see the world around me slow down, and before I knew it, everything was transparent. I could see through the demon's skin, observe its muscles contracting, the flow of its blood, and predict its attack. With that, I struck and beheaded it without using a breathing technique, as I was too focused to remember to breathe. - Tanjiro explained his 'brief' access to the Transparent World, and then went on to describe how he was attacked by one of the demons. After cutting off its head, he caught the scent of the woman amidst the blood demon art and leaped into the puddle to pursue her.

Half an hour had passed since then. After being treated, the girl rescued by Tanjiro was returned to her fiancé, and the Kamaboko squad promptly left the city - they would be returning to the Butterfly Mansion if it weren't for Tanjiro's crow, Kasugai, appearing with a new mission. However, this mission was specifically for Tanjiro. The young redhead exchanged glances with Kanao - and as if communicating telepathically, Kanao gave a slight smile before taking Nezuko's box from her back and handing it to Tanjiro (Nezuko was already inside the box).

— Go back to the Mansion first; I won't be long. - Tanjiro tried to reassure his companions, who promptly followed his request and returned to the Butterfly Mansion.

And it was only when he was alone that Tanjiro allowed his expression to change. His once bright red eyes were no longer as vibrant, and his expression now held a deadly seriousness. Perhaps he could scare away a horde of demons with just a glance.

— Let's go, Nezuko.

[...]

Tokyo was indeed a highly developed city. In contrast to the nearby villages, the level of cultural and technological advancement far exceeded what anyone from that era could imagine. While in some villages there wasn't even electric lighting, in Tokyo, coal-powered and gasoline-powered cars drove through the streets day and night. Thanks to all the illumination, even the night extended far beyond what was considered common.

In small villages, both children and adults went to sleep when night fell. But there, the night was just beginning.

"Even though it's my second time here, I still haven't gotten used to it," Tanjiro grumbled, holding Nezuko's hand as she walked half-awake.

Tanjiro searched for the udon vendor and found him in the same spot where he had encountered him in his past life. Knowing that Nezuko would be safe there, he left her sleeping on the bench and returned to the bustling main streets of Tokyo. He remained there until that same foul smell caught his attention, boiling his blood with the purest rage he had ever felt.

Using the Transparent World, Tanjiro scrutinized each pedestrian until he noticed an abnormal and grotesque anatomy — a humanoid body with seven hearts and five brains scattered throughout. It was...

— Muzan Kibutsuji! Finally found you. - he whispered to himself, his tone dark and filled with hatred.

Tanjiro also sensed Tamayo's presence in the distance, hidden within her Blood Demon Art, but he paid no attention. His eyes followed Muzan, identifying a safe distance from which he could pursue him without being noticed. He did so, not rushing toward him as he had done last time, but instead taking slow and deliberate steps to avoid raising suspicion.

After trailing Muzan for a while, Tanjiro decided to intentionally reveal himself — though this time, he wouldn't confront him directly. Picking up the pace slightly, Tanjiro caught up to Muzan and walked past him, allowing Muzan to observe the earrings in his ears and the Nichirin blade at his waist.

At the end of that same street, there was an entrance to a much quieter road. With a glance over his shoulder, Tanjiro 'provoked' Muzan before stepping into that street, where no one would notice if he were attacked.

His red eyes gleamed in the darkness. A fake smile marked his face as he bid farewell to his wife and daughter, telling them he was going to work and handing them over to a driver who took them home. But the moment the driver left, the expression of false happiness and calmness vanished from his face. Now, his eyes were filled with pure terror—indeed, his whole body trembled from head to toe. His labored breathing revealed the fear he felt as he recalled the greatest trauma he had ever experienced in his life...

The trauma of a humiliating defeat and an even more cowardly escape.