The Eternal Paradise Arc (Demon Slayer)

5 - Tomato Juice

Tanjiro instinctively reached for his waist, realizing too late that his sword was not there. He had hidden it under his bed, a precaution to keep his true identity as a demon slayer secret from Douma. His eyes darted to the hospital bed, knowing the sword was somewhat within reach but not wanting to give away its location.

"Where is Yumiko?" Tanjiro demanded to know, trying to keep his voice steady.

Douma's smile remained frozen in place. "No need to be so tense, Takeo! I just wanted to check in on you. I couldn't help but notice you seemed incredibly off-put during yesterday's festivities. I know you're new around here, but this place hasn't been named 'Paradise' for nothing! Relax while you can—before you choose to leave and get spit back into the real world..."

Tanjiro balled his fists, his body ready to spring into action if required of him. "I asked you a question," he reiterated abrasively.

"About that..." Douma chuckled, hiding his face behind one of his war fans. This time, Tanjiro didn't flinch at the sudden movement. "Dear Yumiko passed away unexpectedly last night."

Disgusting, Tanjiro seethed inwardly, vengeful veins protruding from his forehead. He must have been egging Tanjiro on. "How can you say such a thing with a smile shamelessly plastered on your face?"

"I'm only kidding!" Douma snickered, leaning forward so he and Tanjiro could meet eye to eye, the fan still a barrier between the two.

Tanjiro's right eye twitched. "And I'm not laughing."

"She's at the blood donation center," Douma continued casually, pushing past Tanjiro to inspect his belongings. As he entered the room, a chill seemed to settle in, the air growing noticeably colder around them. "Quite the gear you have."

"Blood donation center?" Tanjiro repeated. He watched as Douma began to move towards the bed, where his Nichirin sword and earrings were hidden, prompting him to speak louder. "Can you take me there?"

Douma flicked shut the Japanese war fan and returned it to its holster. "How come?" He turned to face Tanjiro, his gaze lidded with what he could only assume was demonic bloodlust. "Looking to donate? Or perhaps reunite with your precious caretaker? Am I not good enough for you?"

"The latter," Tanjiro stated firmly. "But if I did donate, what exactly would I be donating to?"

Douma's smile widened, his colorful eyes glinting with amusement. "You'd be giving to our humble cause, of course. We're always in need of fresh blood around here."

Douma completely dodged his question. Why was Tanjiro not surprised by that?

"I'm gonna need more information than that."

Douma hummed before suggesting, "Walk with me?"

As they walked together, a light mix of snow and rain cascaded from the heavens. Tanjiro cursed to himself on occasion, hoping the sun would peek through just enough to scorch Muzan's upper rank puppet alive.

Douma glanced at Tanjiro with a serene smile. "You know, Yumiko has been quite exceptional. Her potential for ascension to Eternal Paradise at the next Kyujitsu is rather promising."

Tanjiro's jaw clenched at the mention of Yumiko's so-called potential. "I noticed she was crying during yesterday's service."

"Oh?" Douma replied curiously. "When was this?"

"Upon mention of Hiroto, Yuki, and Hanako. Do you think she was worried about them?"

"Quite the contrary," the demon responded. "I think she was jealous."

"And what if you're wrong about her?" Tanjiro pressed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What if she doesn't want that?"

Douma's smile faltered for a moment before returning. "Yumiko was given to us by her mother, who couldn't care for her. Her mother worked in the entertainment district, where bearing children has always been highly unacceptable. We offered them both a chance at a better life."