The Eternal Paradise Arc (Demon Slayer)

3 - Kyujitsu Pt. 1

The next day, Yumiko entered Tanjiro's room, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. 

"Today is Kyujitsu!" she exclaimed, hurrying over to his side. "We need to get ready! But I should mention that Lord Douma has allowed me to give you a tour of the grounds. Would you be interested?"

Tanjiro rubbed his tired eyes before looking out the window. It was raining. "I'd like that, yes," the demon slayer smiled, removing his covers and managing to stand. He immediately noticed the fresh bandages wrapped around Yumiko's head. "Wait," the boy stepped closer to her. "Whoa! What happened to you?" He had planned to ask her about his stolen gear again, but her change in appearance disrupted his thoughts. She still wore her purple flower on the other side of her head, opposite the white bandages.

Her smile faltered for a moment as she touched the bandage self-consciously. "Oh, this?" she said lightly, trying to brush it off. "It's nothing, just a little injury from a few days ago. It will heal soon."

Tanjiro frowned, sensing there was more to the story than Yumiko was letting on. "What do you mean?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice. "You were fine just yesterday."

Yumiko hesitated, then nodded with a small smile. "Yes, and I'm still fine," she assured him. "You must've not noticed before. Let's focus on our tour now."

In confusion, Tanjiro's upper lip curled, his eyebrows contorting slightly.

Was he losing his mind?

He decided to let the matter drop. Perhaps she was just embarrassed.

As they ventured outside, raindrops pattered softly against the ground, filling the air with a refreshing scent. Yumiko led Tanjiro through lush gardens and intricate pathways, explaining the significance of each area within the community's sanctuary. They passed serene meditation spots and elegantly adorned shrines—mostly dedicated to Lord Douma, according to Yumiko—all under the watchful gaze of the master's temple.

Not to mention, there were so many women. They far outnumbered the men—had Tanjiro even spotted any men yet? Yumiko knew them all by name, greeting each and every one. Unfortunately, there was no sign of Haruka.

"Here to the left is the main courtyard, where we'll gather for Kyujitsu shortly," Yumiko explained, gesturing with her arm. "The dining hall is just this way."

As she moved forward, she accidentally bumped into a sturdy figure.

"Tsuna!" Yumiko beamed, looking up at an intimidating man who towered at least half a foot over Tanjiro. "I was beginning to wonder if I'd see you today." She turned to face Tanjiro. "This is Tsunashima, the man who saved and brought you to us."

Tanjiro observed Tsunashima for the first time and felt an uneasy chill run down his spine. Beneath the surface of this silent figure, he sensed mysteries and dangers not easily unraveled. Each movement, each glance from Tsunashima hinted at a past veiled in shadow, like a dormant monster waiting to be discovered in the depths of a stone labyrinth.

Tsunashima's eyes, with their purple-gold hue, held a piercing gaze that seemed to penetrate beyond the physical realm, diving into areas where secrets lurked. He wore his black hair in a high ponytail, its ends dyed purple, draping all the way down his back. Red diamond-shaped ear piercings glinted subtly against his weathered face, marked by the passage of time and bearing the scars of battles fought and choices made in service to Douma, which belied his apparent age of early to mid-thirties. A matching crimson gem was situated on his forehead, just above his thin eyebrows.

Yet, underneath his stoic facade simmered a quiet intensity—an undercurrent of unspoken loyalty that set him apart from other followers of Lord Douma. His robes were white like Yumiko's, but the fabric smelled more expensive to Tanjiro. The demon slayer quickly noticed the faint outline of a belt adorned with kunai hidden within the attire.