The Eternal Paradise Arc (Demon Slayer)

12 - Shinobu's Promise

Tanjiro's senses returned slowly, the world around him coming into focus as if through a dense fog. The soft rustle of cloth, the faint scent of medicinal herbs, and the persistent ache in his body reminded him that he was somewhere safe—somewhere far from the horrors he had faced. He forced his eyes open, blinking against the brightness of the room until a familiar ceiling came into view above him. He tried to move, but the effort sent sharp pains shooting through his chest and limbs, forcing him back onto the bed with a gasp.

"Easy, Tanjiro. Don't strain yourself."

The gentle voice was unmistakable—Shinobu Kocho. She sat beside his bed, her usual calm smile in place, though her wide eyes were sharp as always, watching him closely.

"Miss Shinobu," Tanjiro croaked, his throat dry and his voice barely more than a whisper.

She reached over, placing a hand on his shoulder to keep him from attempting to sit up again. "You've been through a lot. It's important that you rest."

Tanjiro nodded slightly, his gaze drifting around the room. The last thing he remembered was the battle, the frigid air, and those piercing, rainbow-colored eyes.

"How long...?" Tanjiro began, his voice trailing off as he tried to piece together how much time had passed.

"Three days," Shinobu's expression softened. "Though you were missing for several weeks—long enough that Nezuko became worried."

"Nezuko..."

"Mitsuri was the first to notice," Shinobu explained. "She told me that Nezuko kept saying 'brother' over and over, that she was becoming increasingly distressed. Kanao did her best to comfort her, but it was clear that something was wrong. Mitsuri knew it wasn't like Nezuko to be so anxious, so she took it upon herself to act."

Tanjiro listened intently, his guilt growing with each word.

"Mitsuri was searching for you and happened to run into Sanemi and Obanai during their mission," Shinobu continued. "When she returned and described the demon you had been fighting, I overheard her. That's why I wanted to speak with you."

As Shinobu spoke, a sudden realization struck Tanjiro, and his heart raced. "My sword!" he gasped, trying to sit up again despite the pain, panic evident in his voice. "Where's my sword? I—"

"Don't worry," Shinobu interrupted, gently pressing him back onto the bed. "Mitsuri grabbed it. It's safe."

The memory of the battle resurfaced, sharper now. The cold, cruel laughter, the swirling golden fans, and those eyes—multicolored, hypnotic, terrifying. Tanjiro's fists clenched involuntarily as he recalled the face of the demon who had nearly taken his life.

"Miss Shinobu," he began, his voice trembling, "the demon... he had rainbow-colored eyes. His name is Douma. He's the Upper Moon Two. He fights with golden war fans and leads the Eternal Paradise Cult."

The moment the intel left his lips, Tanjiro felt a change in the air. Shinobu's composed demeanor wavered as a vein appeared on her temple and her eye twitched.

"Thank you, Tanjiro," she said, her voice tight but controlled. "That information is crucial."

She paused, her gaze distant for a moment as she processed what he had told her. When she spoke again, her tone was measured, though it carried a weight that hadn't been there before. "Once you've healed, I need you to go and train with Lord Tengen. You've been gone for some time, and there's a lot for you to catch up on."

Tanjiro's gaze dropped, burdened by guilt. He had failed to stop Douma, and he had failed to protect Yumiko, Tsunashima, and the others...

Everyone.