"Long day?"
Kaguya glanced away from his reports he was writing and looked towards the person who asked. Standing next to the door was Amane, looking as beautiful as ever. She was wearing a white kimono with pink cherry blossoms patterned across it and a black haori on top. Her purple eyes were complimented with her signature pink eyeshadow, and her snow white hair was tied into a bun.
"Yes... I just concluded the Hashira meeting," replied Kaguya with his serene voice and warm smile. The illness has been spreading across his head, but he's still able to see fine so he was working on some reports.
Amane carried a face of worry. "My dear, I told you I could work on the reports. You should get some rest."
"It's fine dear. I'm able to do them..." Kaguya looked back down at his reports, his smile still on his face. "You've been busy, taking care of our son and daughters. This is the least I can do, both as the Head of the Demon Slayer Corps and as your husband"
Amane let out a sigh, before walking towards Kaguya and sitting next to him. As she scoots close to him, Amane wraps her arm around him and gently rests her head on his shoulder, being careful not to strain him.
"I just don't want you to push yourself..." said Amane.
"Don't worry dear. I'll make sure to still take good care of myself"
Amane lets out a small smile before turning her eyes to look into Kaguya's.
"How was the Hashira meeting?" asked Amane.
"It was good," replied Kaguya. "The future of the corps are looking bright."
"Right, you appointed the new Hashira today."
"Yes... Shinobu Kocho, the newly appointed Insect Hashira."
"It seems both the Kocho sisters have become Hashiras. I'm sure Himejima-san was very proud."
"Yes he was. He personally rescued those two when they were children. From what I saw in the Hashira meeting, he was filled with pride."
"He has every right to be. What she did has never been done before in history. Slaying more than 50 demons, and without severing their head either."
"Yes... from what I understand she developed a poison from wisteria that's capable of slaying demons. A feat no one has every done before..."
Amane's smile grown as she looked into Kaguya's eyes. When he talks about his children, whether biological or not, he just lightens up and becomes passionate. She's certain that Kaguya is someone that is born to be a father. It's his pride his exhibits when he's talking about his children that just hooks Amane's heart in.
Amane gently lifts her head from Kaguya's shoulder as she reaches for something in her haori. She pulls out a letter and places it on the table next to Kaguya's reports.
"I got this letter from Tomioka-san's crow earlier today," stated Amane. Kaguya's posture straightened as his expression lightened up.
"Wait, really?" asked Kaguya. "How is he? How is Sanemi? Are they okay?"
Amane lets out a small laugh as she observed the sudden shift in Kaguya's demeanor.
"Read it yourself. I'm sure you will understand what he said better than me." said Amane after she controlled her laughter.
Kaguya raised an eyebrow before picking up the letter and reading it.
Dear Ubuyashiki-sama,
Sanemi and I have completed the first stage of the mission. We are moving towards the second stage.
Sincerely, Giyuu Tomioka
Kaguya lets out a smile upon reading Giyuu's words. It's been more than a year since they last contacted, and the most Giyuu sends is two sentences. Kaguya knows it wasn't ill-intent, and that it's simply his nature that he is like that. Regardless, reading a letter from him fills Kaguya's heart with joy.
'So, those two have then finished their training,' thought Kaguya as he folds the letter and sets it back on the table.
"Good news?" asks Amane.
"Yes. Their mission is going well," confirmed Kaguya.
Kaguya glances outside, taking in the familiar scenery of his yard as he reminisces to a meeting 17 months ago...
***
"Before you two come back, there is something you both need to accomplish"
"What is it Master?" asked Sanemi.
"After you both finish training, it's apparent that you prevent the Kamado massacre..."
The room was enveloped in silence. Sanemi's eyes widened while Giyuu's lips slightly curved. This was the decision he wanted after all. There is no way he could live through this life if he willingly let Tanjiro's family die. However even Giyuu can acknowledge that there are some problems that arise with this decision, even if he believes it's worth it.
"Umm, Master?" asked Sanemi hesitantly. "I accept the decision, but can I know why? Because... well..."
It's not that Sanemi wants the family to die. Quite the opposite actually. After what he went through with his own family, he doesn't want anyone to ever go through the pain he and Genya felt that day. His hesitancy comes from his duty for the "greater good". He's fully aware that they only won the final battle, and in addition the whole war against Muzan, because of the Kamado siblings. If Tanjiro isn't a slayer and Nezuko isn't a demon, then everything that they are trying to protect would crumble.
So really, Sanemi doesn't want them to die. But he wants... no needs Tanjiro and Nezuko to join the corps. And he doesn't know how to tackle that situation and dilemma. This was the main reason why he and Giyuu went to Kaguya after all. Sanemi needs someone else to choose for him. That's why he's okay with Kaguya's decision. He just wants to know the reasoning now.
Kaguya lets out a sigh as he looks at Sanemi, clearly seeing the dilemma he's in.
"I understand your concern Sanemi," started Kaguya. "From what you two told me, the Kamado siblings are integral to our future... Tanjiro's breathing style, which I infer is Sun Breathing, is the breathing style that is the most effective against Muzan."
Kaguya takes a pause before continuing. "However, while it'll be difficult, the feats done by Tanjiro can be replicated."
Giyuu raised an eyebrow in response. "What do you mean, Master?"
"Tanjiro is an exceptional slayer. No doubt about that. However what I'm saying is that unlike your previous life, we won't need to be dependent on him. This is because we have you two."
Giyuu hums in understanding. Essentially, Tanjiro was a essential slayer that was present and had impact in almost every major event that leads to the death of Muzan. However, with the future knowledge and abilities that are present in Sanemi and Giyuu, they are able to act as a substitute in bringing that impact.
"Yes, when looking at it Tanjiro as a slayer isn't pivotal for our victory in this life. Who is essential for our victory is Nezuko..."
Sanemi furrowed his brows as he got the message from Kaguya. "It's because she's a friendly demon..."
"Yes," confirmed Kaguya. "Nezuko is the first demon to walk under the sun. Because of her, we were able to develop a cure for demons and a poison for Muzan. She is a pivotal ally for our victory, that can only be accomplished if she becomes a friendly demon."
Giyuu looks down in dissatisfaction. "So... then what?"
Sanemi also looked at Kaguya, silently asking the same question Giyuu did. Kaguya takes a few seconds to look at their faces, before bringing his head down in defeat.
"I apologize my children, but I must admit this is a dilemma where even I feel lost..."
The Hashiras stared in shock following Kaguya's statement. Through out their careers as Hashira, Kaguya was always sure of every decision he made. This could be because of his foresight, but the duo had a feeling it was more because of his nature. His demeanor is so father-like, that it's normal for Kaguya to be sure in his decisions. He guides his children, and makes the difficult decisions for the better. What Sanemi and Giyuu are witnessing, is something that feels alien.
"... so then-"
"However, the one thing I am sure of, is that the Kamado family will live!"
Kaguya looked back up on the Hashiras, his scarred face brimming with determination. The fire in his eyes could do nothing but captivate the two Hashiras.
"This is where we are going to take a gamble," said Kaguya. "While Nezuko is vital to our victory, I believe there can be another way. Nezuko isn't the only demon that were our allies. It will be difficult. It might not even work. But is there a small chance that we can do this without her, then I want to take that chance!"
Sanemi stared at Kaguya in awe. He... was really glad that this decision was chosen. Before the Wind Hashira deemed what he believed was the best for the future. But now that the master has chosen for the Wind Hashira, Sanemi can now be relieved. He really didn't want the situation to turn into what's deemed for the greater good. He was just burdened by the weight of his role as a Hashira. By the deaths of everyone he witnessed before, and silently promised that he would saved.
"Besides," added Kaguya. "Tanjiro became a slayer to help Nezuko turn human. To willingly make Nezuko turn demon, would not only go against what we stand for, but would also be disrespecting the Kamado sibling's wishes. After what they have done for us, we owe our lives to them."
Giyuu smiled to that statement. Indeed, he owes everything to those siblings. They saved him after all, physically and mentally. In a time where he found everything bleak and dull, he found himself putting his hope and faith on those two ever since he first met them. Those two brought light back into his life, and brought him from his shell.
"So..." started Giyuu. "Then after our training we will head to the Kamado family?"
"Well, no exactly" answered Kaguya. "Only you will be going Giyuu. I have another mission for Sanemi."
Sanemi raised an eyebrow in question. "What do you need me to do Master?"
"While Giyuu heads to the Kamado family, you need to meet with Tamayo."
Sanemi's eyes widened. "The demon doctor?"
"Yes. Since we will be preventing Nezuko from turning into a demon, we will need all the help and knowledge from her. It's important that we establish early contact with her and cooperate with her. Bring her in on our plan to defeat Muzan, and gain her cooperation."
Sanemi clenched his jaw. He wasn't... opposed to the idea. In his previous life, he didn't even bother to try and meet with Tamayo. He couldn't fathom working with demons side by side. Now that he's more mature and knowledgeable, he recognizes the efforts done by her.
'It'll be a little uncomfortable, but I should be able to do it. Honestly, Tomioka would be better at this, but he should go meet the Kamado's.' Sanemi understands the importance those two have on Giyuu.
"Understand Master! I won't fail!" said Sanemi with a face of determination. Then his face slowly morphed into a puzzled look.
"Umm, how do I find her?"
Kaguya lets out a smile in response. "Don't worry. Once you finish your training, I'll send a crow to guide you to her location."
Sanemi lets out a mental sigh in knowing he wouldn't have to go in a wild goose chase. Giyuu meanwhile closes his eyes, mentally happy that he'll get to see Tanjiro and Nezuko again...
***
Giyuu is walking towards Mount Kumotori. The journey will be long, but he has time. Last time when he was sent on a mission there, he didn't take this path. Now that there is no sense or urgency, Giyuu can take his time with the surroundings.
The snow has just cleared, and the flowers have bloomed. While spring isn't Giyuu's favorite season (his favorite is winter), he can appreciate the beauty that arises when the warmth returns.
As he continues his journey throughout the days he stops at towns, refill his supplies, and heads back to the road. Giyuu has a feeling that if he was born in the Sengoku era, he would assimilate to the lifestyle of a vagabond very easily. Of course, the Demon Slayer Corps still existed back then, so he would be a slayer first and foremost.
But what Giyuu really meant is that he enjoys the solitude. There's a certain peace that comes when its yourself and the world. Sure he enjoyed travelling with Sanemi, but Sanemi is... loud. Loud not in a speaking way (he's controlled his temper and voice extensively), but in a presence way. Sanemi was a person that occupied lots of space and made a bold statement in the air. Giyuu didn't hate having to travel with him. He just prefers peace, and Giyuu associates peace with quiet.
So yes, Giyuu was enjoying travelling by himself. There are times when he's on the road and there is no one else there. The surrounding nature then would become brighter, and the quiet ambient noise it produces would start to fill Giyuu's ear. It's then that he would just take a moment to stop and look around. To take everything in. When he was in these moments... it was as if the world was telling him that he matters, and is seen. It was those moments that Giyuu has grown to love after the war.
So far, he hasn't encounter any demons so far to snap him out of these moments. Actually ever since splitting with Sanemi, he hasn't encountered a single demon. However Giyuu knows better than to let his guard down. He knows sooner or later he will encounter one. He just has to be ready then.
By now it's been a couple weeks since he spitted with Sanemi. Although Mount Kumotori was far from Jigoro's house, Giyuu really could have reached earlier. But Giyuu opted to take a scenic route towards there.
'If I keep this pace up, I should reach by next week.'
The sky has long turned dark, and the moonlight was illuminating Giyuu. Giyuu made the early decision to follow his Demon Slayer schedule, which is travelling through the night and sleeping through the morning. Giyuu wanted to travel at night, so that if there are demons nearby he can encounter them.
With Giyuu walking through the night, he had his lantern out and his sword hoisted to his waist. During the day, he has to hide the sword in his bag, but when night falls he takes out his katana. Once he hoists the katana, he continues travelling with his ears open. Most of the times when a demon is nearby, he is able to locate them either through noise made by them or by the people they are attacking. So Giyuu was keeping his ears open as he walked. It's what he does for every night, and he wasn't going to stop right now.
Giyuu continued to walk under the moonlight, careful to react at any indicator. He kept walking, and walking, and walking.
Until around two hours passed. Then he heard it.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
A human scream. Giyuu looked ahead and right to where the sound came from. In that direction was small mountains, likely where the scream came.
Giyuu immediately started sprinting towards that direction. Anytime wasted will be more seconds that the person could die. Judging from the scream, Giyuu deduced that is was a boy in trouble. Likely a child or a teen, which means that they are in more danger of being killed.
Giyuu rests his right hand on his sword as he continues running. As he reaches the base of the mountain he starts running uphill. The physical training he has done with Sanemi hasn't gone to waste, as right now Giyuu was around the same speed as he was when he was 21. And he will only get faster as his body becomes stronger.
The terrain started to introduce trees, and Giyuu can still hear the screams of help, which means they are still alive. As he runs he quickly notices a path of broken bushes and chipped tree trunks. Giyuu immediately shifts his direction on the path, deducing that this was the path the demon was chasing the boy.
'God, please don't be late... I can't be late'. Giyuu hated being late when it came to these things.
Giyuu continued running until he saw far in the distance the demon. It seems the demon just caught up with the boy and has him pinned down on the floor. The boy was screaming in terror as the demon was about to take a bite of his neck. However Giyuu launches himself faster towards the demon as he unsheathes his sword. In a second, Giyuu appears across the demon and slices its neck in a blur.
The demon's neck slides of, landing next to the boy as splashing some blood on his face. As the demon disintegrates, the boy remains laying down, petrified with fear.
Giyuu walks towards him as he sheathes his katana. "The demon has been slain... do you need directions to a nearby tow-"
Giyuu stops as he approached closer to the boy. Now that he's closer, he can actually see his face. And what Giyuu saw froze him in his tracks.
Because Giyuu has met this boy before.
'Seriously? How ironic that I'm the one that's meeting him.'
The boy snaps out of his trance upon seeing Giyuu and starts backing away.
"ST-STAY AWAY! DON'T HURT ME!"
Giyuu remains stationary as he sees the boy backs himself to a tree, tears falling down his scarred cheek. Giyuu had to be careful in what he was going to say. After all he wasn't the best when it came to word choice. After a moment, Giyuu finally found the right words.
"Look... calm down... please"
"GOD PLEASE HELP ME! STAY AWAY FROM ME"
"Calm down... you're safe now..."
Giyuu slowly walked towards the boy, which made the boy flinch hard.
"Take a deep breath..." said Giyuu. "What was chasing you was a man-eating demon... I am a demon slayer who slays these demons... I am not here to hurt you..."
The kid finally stopped screaming. He took a couple minutes to stop hyperventilating and calm down. Judging his reaction, Giyuu deduced that he's probably never seen a Demon Slayer before, so a dude with a sword that instantly killed a demon would have no doubt frightened him.
Once the kid finally stopped crying, Giyuu reached out his hand. The kid hesitated before taking his hand, getting pulled up by Giyuu.
"We'll head to the nearest town... what's your name?" asked Giyuu, even though he already knew his name.
The kid gulped before stammering,
"G-G-Genya... My name's Genya Shinazugawa..."