The Eternal Paradise Arc (Demon Slayer)

6 - Tsunashima

Yumiko jolted at the sight of Tanjiro when she went to fetch him for breakfast. His eyes were heavy with dark circles, and his usual vibrant demeanor was dimmed. "You look like you haven't slept at all," she remarked with a concerned tone, leaning toward him. "And you're pale as a ghost! Are you sick? Do you need more medicine?"

Tanjiro sighed heavily, burying his face in his hands and pulling the skin underneath his eyes downward, stretching his tired expression like putty. "It was a rough night," he admitted, releasing his face and yawning deeply. "I find it funny you mention ghosts, but don't believe in demons."

"Well, as long as you're ready, it's time for breakfast," Yumiko reminded him, lifting her index finger into the air between them. "The most important meal of the day!"

As soon as he and Yumiko sat down with their breakfast in the food hall, Tanjiro urgently scanned the room. His eyes landed on the enigmatic Tsunashima, who was staring at him from across the clamorous space. Even after several minutes, the man never let his eyes leave Tanjiro. The intensity of Tsunashima's gaze made Tanjiro's skin tingle, filling him with frustration. After stabbing his main course with a fork, he leaned closer to Yumiko and murmured, "What else can you tell me about Tsunashima?"

Yumiko paused, considering the question. She lowered her voice, "Tsuna's always been a bit of a mystery. He's been here longer than most and seems to have a close relationship with Douma."

"I know all that," Tanjiro practically cut her off, eager to know more.

She quickly shushed him. "I can't put my finger on it, but I always feel safe whenever he's around." She paused, recalling Tanjiro's words from the previous day about Douma's true identity. "Well safer."

With a speculative look, Tanjiro persisted with his questions. "Where did he come from? Who was he before he came here?"

Yumiko drew closer to him, shielding her mouth with her hand to ensure no one else could hear. "It's kind of difficult to learn that from someone incapable of speaking, Tanjiro," she whispered. "But be my guest. Why don't you ask him, eh?"

Before Tanjiro could inquire further, the signal for the end of breakfast sounded, and the hall erupted in the noise of moving chairs and chatter. Yumiko continued to peer over at Tanjiro, a sudden curiosity manifesting in her gaze. "What about you?"

His round, red eyes offered her a blank stare. "Me?"

"You've been here for a while now, but you rarely talk about yourself."

Tanjiro smiled gently, scratching the back of his head. "There's not much to tell." He stood up, giving her his signature reassuring smile. "I'm just an ordinary person trying to save my little sister from a curse."

Yumiko sighed in response, understanding that he likely had a reason for not giving her a straight answer. With this deduction, she decided to back off. They then joined the stream of people leaving the hall. As they walked, she leaned in closer to Tanjiro and whispered, "I'm going to jump in line with the others to meet with Lord Douma again, as I sometimes do. If I were to stop, I have a feeling he might notice a change in behavior from me." She must have meant her growing suspicion of him, thanks to Tanjiro. "Can you please return to your room in the meantime?"

Tanjiro nodded thoughtfully, though his mind was still fixated on Tsunashima's unsettling stare drilling into the back of his head. As they neared the exit, Tanjiro gave Yumiko a subtle nod. "Yes, but first, I'm going to have a word with Tsunashima," he informed her. She acknowledged him with a peaceful hum and continued with the crowd, glancing back once before moving on.

Meanwhile, Tanjiro discreetly slipped around a corner, disappearing from sight. Keeping to the shadows, he made his way around the building. Finding a spot where he could peer into the hall without being seen, he crouched low and watched intently, his eyes fixed on Tsunashima.