"My my, welcome back. That took quite a while, didn't it?"
Shinobu greeted the two as they returned. Beside her stood Tetsuki's wife—a lovely woman who bowed politely toward Tanjiro.
"Yeah, we really hit it off and ended up taking longer than planned!"
"Oh my, is that so? And what exactly were you discussing?"
"If I told you that, what'd be the point of making it 'no girls allowed,' huh? Just deepening some manly bonds, that's all. Right, Tanjiro?"
"Y-Yes, that's right."
At Shinobu's questioning, Tetsuki dodged with a grin, and Tanjiro played along with an awkward laugh.
Then, Tetsuki held up a hand—"Hold on a sec"—before ducking back into Asada-ya and returning almost immediately, this time holding a wrapped bundle of dango.
"Tetsuki-san, what's this?"
"Our shop's famous for mitarashi dango, but our kusa mochi and mame daifuku ain't half bad either. Take 'em."
"Tetsuki-san… Thank you. I'll enjoy them later. Next time, I'll bring my friends along to visit Asada-ya."
Tanjiro initially hesitated, not wanting to impose, but refusing such kindness felt rude. He accepted the gift gratefully.
"Hell yeah! …But you know, bringing friends is fine and all, but next time, why not use our shop for a date with Shinobu-chan? I'll even give you a discount!"
"Oh my, now that would be a delightful story, wouldn't it? We'll be looking forward to it, Shinobu-chan~!!"
"Ah… hahahaha…"
Caught in the whirlwind of the Asada couple's relentless teasing, Tanjiro could only laugh nervously. When he glanced at Shinobu, however, her reaction was… unexpected.
"W-What are you two saying?! There's no such relationship between me and Tanjiro-kun, nor will there ever be!!"
Her face flushed crimson as she grabbed Tanjiro's arm. "Come on, Tanjiro-kun! We're leaving!!"
Utterly bewildered by Shinobu's outburst, Tanjiro bowed hastily to the Asadas before being dragged away. The couple watched until the two were out of sight, then exchanged glances.
"Hey, wife."
"Yes, dear?"
"What'd you think of those two?"
"Well, first of all… I haven't seen Shinobu-chan act like that in ages."
"Yeah. Saw something good today—met a good kid, too."
"Mhm, he seemed like a fine young man. As for those two…"
"Yeah?"
"…It's only a matter of time, don't you think? I can't wait to see them next time~!!"
"Damn right, damn right! Hah! Knew my wife'd get it! My eyes never lie!"
"Of course, I am your wife, after all~!"
"Ahahahaha!"
Laughing heartily, the couple returned to Asada-ya, already looking forward to the day they'd meet Tanjiro and Shinobu again.
As for the two in question? They walked in silence back to the Butterfly Estate until Shinobu suddenly spoke up.
"Tanjiro-kun."
"Y-Yes…?"
He tried to respond, but his words faltered the moment he caught the scent of her anger.
"Just because of what happened earlier doesn't mean my anger has vanished. So don't even think about running away."
"…Yes, ma'am."
Resigned to his fate, Tanjiro answered meekly.
——
————
Location: Tokyo Prefecture · Butterfly Estate
Date: Taisho Era, Year 2 (1913) – March 1st
Time: Afternoon
——
————
"Now then, first—would you kindly explain, in full detail**, what exactly you were doing while ignoring strict bedrest orders? Understood? I said full detail**."
"…Yes."
Dragged into Shinobu's room, Tanjiro began recounting everything that had happened since sneaking out of the infirmary, holding nothing back.
He told her about rushing straight to the Rengoku residence.
About the physical altercation with Kyojuro's father, the former Flame Pillar Shinjuro Rengoku, while trying to convey Kyojuro's feelings.
About failing to learn anything about Sun Breathing.
About vowing to Kyojuro's younger brother, Senjuro, that he would become a Hashira like his brother.
About losing his Nichirin Blade, enraging Haganezuka, and being chased around in a frantic game of tag.
About hearing stories of Kyojuro's past from a now-calm Hotaru.
About promising Haganezuka, he would become the strongest swordsman—a Pillar.
About being forced to treat Hotaru to a meal at Asada-ya as penance.
"…"
Shinobu listened in complete silence, eyes closed, not uttering a word. When he finished, she sighed deeply and finally looked at him.
Tanjiro hesitated before speaking. "U-Um… Shinobu-san…?"
"Yes, Tanjiro-kun?"
"A-Aren't you… mad?"
"I'm at a loss for where to start being mad, which is the problem."
"…!"
"Should I be furious that you ignored bedrest orders the very same day they were given? Or that you wrestled with the former Flame Pillar and played tag with Haganezuka despite your wounds possibly reopening? Or that you ate solid food after days of fasting? …Well, I suppose I'll just have to address all of it."
"…Yes."
"I've decided. Tanjiro-kun, close your eyes. Right now."
"Y-Yes."
Bracing himself, Tanjiro shut his eyes. He expected a strike—a slap, a punch—and resolved to accept it. 'I deserve no less,' he thought.
But what came was neither pain nor anger.
Instead—
A tight embrace.
"…Huh?"
"…I'm sorry."
Tanjiro froze, face buried in the soft warmth of Shinobu's chest, utterly bewildered.
"W-Wait, why are you apologizing?! This was all my fault! You didn't do anything wr—"
"That's not what matters. No… I knew someone like you would react this way. You say it's not my fault, but if I hadn't interfered, you wouldn't have been hurt like this. You wouldn't have had to suffer so much."
"…Shinobu-san. What do you mean?"
Confused, Tanjiro asked for clarification. Shinobu released him and began to explain.
"The mission on the Mugen Train… was originally assigned solely to Rengoku-san. It was my recommendation to the Master that allowed you, Zenitsu, and Inosuke to accompany him."
"…!!"
The revelation struck Tanjiro like a physical blow, but he remained silent as Shinobu continued.
"Rengoku-san was the epitome of what a Demon Slayer should be. His strength went without saying, but his judgment, leadership, and unwavering integrity were unmatched. He never mixed personal feelings with duty, yet never lost his compassion. I thought… if anyone could guide you, inspire you, it would be him."
She paused, then forced herself to go on.
"In hindsight, it's only because all five of you—including Nezuko—were there that you saved 200 passengers from Lower Rank One, Enmu. But even so, I can't help but wonder… if I hadn't spoken up, you wouldn't carry this pain in your heart. I know it's pointless to dwell on it, but I still think about it."
"Shinobu-san."
Listening to her confess her regrets, Tanjiro finally spoke—softly, but firmly.
"Shinobu-san… thank you."
"...!?"
Shinobu stiffened, stunned by his gratitude. Tanjiro smiled gently and continued.
"Maybe you're right. If I hadn't gone on that mission, I might not have been hurt. It would be a lie to say it doesn't hurt. When Rengoku-san fought Akaza—Upper Rank Three—I kept thinking… if only I'd been stronger. If I could've helped him, even for a second. If I'd disobeyed orders and shielded him. If I could've died in his place. I thought about it over and over."
He clenched his fists, remembering his own helplessness. Any tighter, and his nails would've drawn blood.
"But no matter how much I think about it, the past won't change. The present won't either. The only thing I can do is move forward. And saying I should've died instead… that would just insult Rengoku-san, who risked his life to protect us. He'd scold me for it. So no matter how miserable, painful, frustrating, or sad I feel… I'll keep moving forward. With everything I have. Because that's the only way—the best way—to live up to Kyojuro-san's expectations."
"You don't… resent me?"
Shinobu's voice trembled. But Tanjiro shook his head, his smile unwavering.
"Of course not. How could I ever resent you?"
"If anything, I want to thank you. If you hadn't recommended us… I never would've met someone as incredible as Rengoku Kyojuro. I would've kept misunderstanding him. But now… I'm glad I met him. I'm glad I got to talk to him. I'm glad I knew him. I'll never forget his strength, his words, his nobility, his light. So… Shinobu-san. Thank you."
"~~~~~"
Tears spilled from Shinobu's eyes as she pulled Tanjiro into another fierce hug. He returned it just as tightly.
The two held each other close, unwilling to let go, until their tears finally subsided.