The young man was named Tanjuro Kamado, one of many saved by Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He and his wife, Kie, lived in these mountains, earning a living selling charcoal.
Some time ago, Yoriichi had passed through and saved Tanjuro from a demon. Afterward, when Kie went into labor, Yoriichi helped find a midwife, cementing his role as the benefactor of their family of three.
Seeing them, Ren couldn't help but think of the brothers he'd met days ago, wondering how they were faring.
"My deepest apologies—we may need to impose on you for a while," Yoriichi said.
Tanjuro and Kie were visibly moved by his words.
"Please, don't say that! Treat this as your home and stay as long as you like!" Tanjuro said earnestly.
Kie poured hot tea for Ren, Yoriichi, and Chitoshi, her voice gentle. "We rarely see people here. Having the house so lively makes us happier than we can say."
Ren sipped the tea. "It's delicious."
"Thank you," Kie said, her smile widening at his praise.
Through their brief time together, Ren saw that Tanjuro and Kie were genuinely kind.
Their warmth wasn't feigned for their guests—it came from the heart.
Ren understood why Yoriichi chose to bring them here to stay temporarily.
"What an adorable child!" Kie exclaimed, charmed by Chitoshi's cute appearance. She couldn't resist ruffling his mushroom-like hair.
Ren straightened proudly, a grin tugging at his lips. "That's my brother, Chitoshi."
It was as if her praise for Chitoshi was praise for him.
Kie's eyes widened, her tone playfully exaggerated. "No wonder he's so handsome! He's got an even more handsome brother!"
Ren's grin grew wider.
Chitoshi glanced at his brother, unimpressed. Really, Brother? That's all it takes?
Kie spoke again. "I heard from Lord Yoriichi that when Ren's out fighting demons, Chitoshi's alone at home. Your cooking must be amazing, Chitoshi, to keep Ren in such great shape. Training's one thing, but a balanced diet is key."
"Of course," Chitoshi said, as Ren puffed up even more.
"Lord Yoriichi, won't there be issues with the Demon Slayer Corps if you stay here?" Tanjuro asked, puzzled.
Yoriichi's hand paused on his teacup for a moment. "I've left the Corps."
"I-I'm sorry!" Tanjuro bowed deeply. "I spoke out of turn."
"It's fine," Yoriichi said, his gaze softening as he watched the brothers, charmed by Kie's words. "Leaving the Corps won't stop me from doing what I must."
And so, they settled in with Tanjuro's family.
By day, Tanjuro went down the mountain to sell charcoal, while Yoriichi hunted nearby beasts.
Ren, for two months, never gave up. He trained daily to recover, but his hands showed no sign of improvement—only growing weaker.
Staring at the unscathed wooden post before him, Ren lowered his gaze to his trembling wrists and gave a bitter smile.
He could no longer wield a blade.
These hands couldn't even lift heavy objects.
"Brother, dinner's ready!"
Smoke rose from the cabin, Chitoshi's voice carrying from afar.
Ren glanced at his wrists, then walked back as if nothing was wrong.
"Delicious! So good!" Tanjuro said, giving Chitoshi a thumbs-up between bites.
"Who'd think a kid your age could cook like this? I'm embarrassed to say I can't compare," Kie said with a warm smile.
"Heh, it's nothing," Chitoshi said shyly.
"Master," Ren said, breaking his silence, looking at Yoriichi, who ate quietly.
"What is it?" Yoriichi raised his head.
Ren glanced at Tanjuro and Kie. "Chitoshi and I are leaving."
"Huh?" Kie tilted her head, stunned.
Tanjuro blinked in surprise. "Is something wrong? Why leave so suddenly?"
"No, it's the opposite. For years, Chitoshi and I relied only on each other. But these past months here have given us a true sense of home."
Ren took a deep breath. "But we have reasons we must leave."
"I see," Tanjuro said softly. "I won't try to stop you."
Kie pulled Ren and Chitoshi into a hug. "Come back anytime you miss us. We'll be here, always."
"Thank you, Sister Kie," Ren said.
He removed the earring from his ear. "I don't have much to give. This was a gift from my master, something special to me. I want to thank you for caring for Chitoshi and me. Please, take this earring."
"No, it's too precious!" Kie waved her hands.
"Please, don't refuse," Ren said, placing it in her hand with a smile. "If I ever forget your faces, this earring will remind me."
Kie stared at the earring, then clutched it gently.
Chitoshi sat quietly, watching Ren without a word. Whether it was Ren's sudden decision to leave or this moment, he stayed silent. To him, wherever his brother went, he followed. Ren's choices were his own.
"Master, I'm leaving!" Ren called from the doorway, waving to Yoriichi with a laugh. "You have to kill Muzan Kibutsuji, Master. You must!"
"Ren!" Yoriichi said. "I took you as my disciple not for your talent, but for your heart, blazing and radiant like the sun. No matter what setbacks you face, never let that inner fire dim or die!"
Ren paused, tightening his grip on Chitoshi's hand. "I understand, Master."
Yoriichi watched Ren's figure fade into the distance until he was gone.
"Chitoshi, do you resent me?" Ren asked.
"No, Brother. I know what you're trying to do," Chitoshi said, glancing at Ren's wrists. "The world's big. There's got to be a doctor who can heal your hands!"
"Right!" Ren nodded firmly.
The words he'd said to Yoriichi were also for himself.
He would kill Muzan Kibutsuji!