While they were talking, everyone returned to the small town at the foot of the mountain.
Tanjiro tightly held Nezuko's hand, his steps quickening as they walked.
When they reached the gates of the residence, Tanjiro immediately caught many familiar scents.
He excitedly knocked on the door.
Before long, the person who opened it was none other than Tanjiro's mother, Kamado Kie.
"Mom!"
Tears shimmered in Tanjiro's eyes as he rushed forward and hugged her.
Although Nezuko still felt a bit mentally disoriented after her transformation, the moment she saw her mother, she also threw herself into her arms.
Seeing that both Tanjiro and Nezuko had returned completely unharmed, Kamado Kie felt immense relief.
"As long as you came back safely."
"Big brother! Big sister!"
Hearing the commotion at the door, the whole family ran out and gathered around them.
Seeing this scene, a slight smile lifted the corners of Yuko's lips.
Giyu's gaze shifted slightly as he said calmly, "I need to report this to the Master first."
Yuko was briefly startled, then smiled. "Mm, of course."
On the other side, after the family's moment of warmth settled, Tanjiro looked at his mother with some unease.
"Mom… I'm sorry."
When the family was attacked, he had been fast asleep in bed.
Kamado Kie gently pressed her lips together and smiled as she stroked his head.
"Tanjiro, you've already done very well."
"But… Nezuko, she—"
Kamado Kie recalled what Yuko had said and subconsciously looked toward her.
Yuko's gaze dodged away, not daring to meet her eyes.
The faint sense of pride that had just arisen in her heart shattered instantly.
She had been able to save everyone—so what was there to feel proud of?
If only she were a little stronger… as strong as Yoriichi… then so many innocent people would never have had to suffer.
Kamado Kie didn't seem to notice anything. She looked at Nezuko instead. Nezuko was staring at her with wide eyes. Though they weren't the same as before, as a mother, Kamado Kie immediately sensed something was wrong.
Nezuko had lost the liveliness she once had.
Kamado Kie smiled as she patted Nezuko's head. "Isn't she the same as before?"
Tanjiro's lips trembled slightly.
No… Mom… Nezuko, she…
She's become a demon.
Kamado Kie crouched down and gently squeezed Nezuko's cheeks.
"You see? Just as cute as before."
"..."
Tanjiro opened his mouth, about to speak.
"It's alright, Tanjiro." Kamado Kie smiled at him. "You'll protect your little sister, won't you?"
This was Nezuko's own will.
Tanjiro froze for a moment. Mom… does she… already know?
Under Kamado Kie's gaze, Tanjiro patted his chest and promised, "Yes! I will definitely protect Nezuko!"
Kamado Kie smiled, then looked at Yuko. "Miss Yuko, thank you so much."
Yuko opened her mouth. "It's no—"
Suddenly, without any warning, Tanjiro dropped to his knees and slammed his forehead against the ground.
"I'm deeply sorry! I attacked Sister Yuko without understanding the situation!"
Yuko's hands trembled slightly. She'd seen scenes like this before, but never anything this dramatic—especially in front of so many people.
"Quick—get up, get up."
After a good deal of effort, they finally managed to pull Tanjiro back to his feet. Yuko wiped the cold sweat from her brow—her back felt prickly.
That had been far too awkward.
Kamado Kie asked in confusion, "What happened?"
Enduring the embarrassment, Yuko explained what had happened. At least the matter was finally put to rest.
Tanjiro then discussed things with his family. He planned to go to Mount Sagiri to study under a master and find a way to restore Nezuko.
Meanwhile, leaning by the doorway, Yuko and Giyu spoke quietly.
Giyu: "You live here?"
"Mm."
"I'll notify you once I receive word."
Yuko asked, "Where are you going next?"
"There's information that man-eating demons have appeared in the northern snowy mountains."
Yuko suggested, "Then I'll go with you. It'll be more convenient."
More importantly, she didn't plan to travel with Tanjiro anymore. Waiting around here would only waste time—going with Giyu would be better.
That way, if there was any news from the Ubuyashiki household, she'd know immediately.
Giyu thought for a moment. Since she didn't seem like a bad person, he nodded.
With that settled, Tanjiro's side had also finished discussing matters.
Yuko walked over and found Kamado Kie.
"Sister Kie, you shouldn't go back to your old house for now. It's too remote up in the mountains—it's not safe."
"Stay here for the time being. If you need money, there's some in the cabinet in the main hall."
Kamado Kie hurriedly refused. "That won't do."
"It's fine. Once Tanjiro joins the Demon Slayer Corps, he won't be short on money. Just treat it as a temporary loan from me."
Kamado Kie was still hesitant, but now that Tanjiro knew demons existed, he quickly persuaded her.
With only their family living at the foot of the mountain, it was far too dangerous.
They had simply been lucky before.
After reassuring Kamado Kie, Yuko looked at Tanjiro and said, "There's a basket in the kitchen. You can use it to temporarily settle Nezuko."
"Demons can slightly change their body size."
Tanjiro froze for a moment, then said with deep gratitude, "I know!"
"I will absolutely not disappoint Miss Yuko's expectations!"
Now it was Yuko's turn to be confused.
Expectations?
She did have high hopes for Tanjiro… but she didn't remember ever saying that out loud.
Behind Tanjiro, Kamado Kie gave Yuko a big thumbs-up.
Yuko: "..."
What exactly did you tell him?
Looking at Tanjiro's serious expression, Yuko said after a moment's silence, "…Just do your best."
"Yes!"
...
Nezuko seemed to sense that Yuko was about to leave. She ran over and tugged at Yuko's sleeve.
Yuko gently patted her head. "We'll meet again."
Before Tanjiro graduated, she would definitely come back.
After saying goodbye to everyone, Yuko walked toward the gate. "Let's go."
Giyu, standing at the entrance, gave Tanjiro a slight nod and then left.
...
This guy really isn't good with words.
On the road, Yuko discreetly looked at him.
Along the way, communication between the two of them was extremely sparse. If Yuko didn't initiate the conversation, this guy absolutely wouldn't speak.
He was the kind of person she was worst at dealing with.
"We're here," Giyu suddenly said.
Yuko turned her head and saw a small mountain town appear ahead.
Northern Post Station.
Upon entering the town, Giyu spoke up on his own initiative. "The information says several hunters were eaten by demons."
"Then we should find the town's hunters to learn more—" Yuko murmured while looking toward the street ahead.
A girl carrying a rifle and wearing a white headscarf was arguing with a group of rifle-carrying hunters.
Speak of the devil.
Giyu quickened his steps.
Just as the girl angrily turned to leave, he reached out and grabbed the rifle on her back.
"Don't touch someone else's gun!" Before she could even turn around, her elbow lashed out at him.
Expressionless, Giyu pressed down on her shoulder.
The girl froze for a moment, then shook him off.
"You're Yaehachi, right? I'm Tomioka Giyu of the Demon Slayer Corps. Please tell me what happened when the demon attacked."
The hunters beside her looked confused.
"Demon? Wasn't it a bear that attacked people? What is this guy talking about?"
Someone asked cautiously, "Excuse me… are you a government officer?"
"No. I'm with the Demon Slayer Corps."
"The Demon Slayer Corps? Is that a government organization?"
"No. It's a private organization."
Yuko: "..."
Is this guy always this reckless?
"Then what's that at your waist?"
Giyu drew his Nichirin Blade.
Everyone's hearts jumped in alarm.
"I am Tomioka Giyu of the Demon Slayer Corps."
There's no reasoning with this guy. Wouldn't it be better to call the police?
That was what everyone was thinking when suddenly a hunter shouted:
"Ah! I remember now!"
"A charcoal-burning household in the opposite mountain was attacked. Someone nearby saw a person wearing that kind of half-and-half haori."
"Ah! No wonder he looks so suspicious."
"Who can go and get some rope!"
Is this guy an idiot?
Seeing the crowd break into chaos, Yuko covered her face and stepped forward.
Just as she was about to reach Giyu, quick, light footsteps suddenly approached from behind—and something tugged at the corner of her clothes.
---
Currently at chapter 348 for advance chapters
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