Tamayo led them to a dead-end alley. She and Yōsuke stepped forward and disappeared straight through the wall.
Still caught up in arguing with Yushirō about how Nezuko was a beautiful girl, Tanjirō froze at the sight.
"Eh?! They vanished?!"
Yushirō snapped impatiently: "While no one's watching, hurry up and get inside!"
Pulling Nezuko with him, Tanjirō passed through the wall and found himself in a spacious residence. Wide-eyed with curiosity, he looked all around.
With a dark scowl, Yushirō warned him: "Listen closely. I don't care what you two do. But toward that lady—you must never, ever show disrespect!"
Guided by Yushirō, Tanjirō and Nezuko entered Tamayo's home.
Inside, Tamayo and Yōsuke were already seated. Tanjirō and Nezuko sat beside Yōsuke.
Noticing the hanafuda earrings hanging from their ears, Tamayo smiled softly.
"It seems both Yoriichi-sama and Yōsuke have found their successors."
Looking at Tanjirō and Nezuko beside him, Yōsuke also smiled. "The meaning of life lies in inheritance. No matter how long one lives, we all wish for someone who can carry on our will."
Tamayo sighed lightly. "You've changed a great deal, Yōsuke."
"From oil lamps and horse-drawn carriages to electric lights and streetcars—the world changes so quickly. And people change even more." Yōsuke turned his gaze toward Yushirō, who sat glaring at him with open hostility. "Aren't you the same? Now you, too, have someone to walk beside you."
Tamayo looked fondly at Yushirō. "When Yushirō was gravely ill, beyond medical help, he found me. For those suffering from incurable diseases or grievous wounds, some still long to live even if it means becoming a demon. I once attempted to save such people by sharing my blood, to see if demonization could keep them alive. But it always failed.
When I shared my blood with Yushirō, it was on a mere hope… and by chance, it succeeded. Yet in over two hundred years, he is the only one I've been able to turn into a demon.
Now, I search for a way to return demons to human form. I want Yushirō, one day, to live once again as a human."
Yushirō's eyes welled as he looked at her. "Lady Tamayo…"
Tanjirō nearly toppled over in shock, clutching his forehead. "O-over two hundred years… Miss Tamayo, just how old are you?!"
Before he could say more, Yushirō drove his fist into Tanjirō's chest. "Never ask a lady her age, you insolent brat!"
Tamayo's expression darkened. "Yushirō! Stop this at once! If you resort to violence again, I won't forgive you!"
"Yes, ma'am!" Yushirō immediately straightened, sitting like a well-trained child.
Coughing and gasping from the blow, Tanjirō pounded his chest to catch his breath.
With a mischievous smirk, Yōsuke added: "For reference, Tanjirō… I should be about nine hundred years old now. Nearly a thousand."
Tanjirō, just managing to breathe normally, choked again. "N-nine hundred?!"
Yōsuke burst into hearty laughter at his expression.
Tamayo's lips curved into a smile as well. "It feels almost like the old days."
But Yōsuke's laughter stopped short. He spoke with quiet weight: "But we can't go back, can we?"
"…No. We can't." Tamayo's voice carried a sigh.
"Um,Tamayo-san," Tanjirō asked hesitantly, "earlier, you mentioned seeking a way to turn demons back into humans. Have you found anything yet?"
"No matter how grave the wound or illness, there will always be medicines or remedies to heal them. Though I have not yet found a way to restore demons, one day, I will succeed."
She turned her gaze to Nezuko, resting beside Tanjirō. "Tanjirō… you and your sister are special. Even though she became a demon, you never abandoned her. And Nezuko, by her own will, has suppressed her instincts as a demon.
I believe it's not just her willpower. There is something different within her body compared to other demons. That's why I ask permission to study her blood."
Her voice grew more serious. "I also have another request. If possible, please gather blood from the Twelve Kizuki—Muzan's elite demons. In a past battle, when the former Flame Hashira, Rengoku Shinjurō, clashed with the Lower Rank Two, I happened upon the scene and managed to collect some of its blood.
Through that research, I discovered the Twelve Kizuki are far different from ordinary demons. The concentration of Muzan's blood within them is extremely high, far closer to his own power. If I can obtain more, it would greatly accelerate my research."
Her request was directed not only at Tanjirō, but also at Yōsuke.
With a gentle determination, Tanjirō nodded. "I'll do it! If, through your research, you can create medicine—even more than Nezuko, countless others could be saved, right?"
Tamayo was briefly taken aback by his kindness. Then she smiled. "Yes… you're right."
Yōsuke gave the faintest of nods, silently agreeing to her request.
Soon, dawn's light began to creep into the sky. Rising from his seat, Yōsuke said: "It's about time I took my leave."
Tanjirō rose with Nezuko, bowing politely. "We'll be taking our leave as well, Tamayo-san."
Tamayo looked toward the pale horizon outside. "I see… how quickly time passes. Then… may fortune be with you all."
Yōsuke, Tanjirō, and Nezuko departed from her residence.
At the street, Tanjirō bowed once more. "Yōsuke-san, this is where we part ways."
"Wait," Yōsuke said. "Give me one of the syringes Tamayo entrusted you with."
Though confused, Tanjirō obeyed, retrieving one from his pack and handing it over.
Yōsuke pricked his own arm, drew a vial of blood, and passed it back to him.
"Tanjirō, consider this a small gift. If you ever face an enemy you cannot overcome, inject this into Nezuko. For a short time, it will raise her strength considerably. May it help you in your battles."
He paused, then added: "And one more thing. The Dance of the Fire God you inherited—it is not merely a ritual dance. It is, in fact, a breathing style. Never forget that."
Tanjirō carefully tucked the vial of Yōsuke's blood away. "I understand. Thank you, Yōsuke-san."
"Then, farewell." Yōsuke turned to leave. But before he could, Nezuko suddenly hugged him.
Startled, even Tanjirō looked at her in surprise. "She must have mistaken you for… a family member."
"Family, huh?" Yōsuke murmured. He gently patted her head. "Nezuko… protect your brother well. For your sake, Tanjirō carries a heavy burden."
Nezuko let go, then held tightly onto her brother's hand.
"Tanjirō, Nezuko… walk forward together."
And with that, Yōsuke vanished into the fading night.
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