Hiru stayed with Genya until the demonized state faded completely. After warning him to be more cautious from now on, he resumed patrolling the examination grounds.
Along the way, he encountered a few unfamiliar demons. That, at least, reassured him somewhat—other Swordsmen were doing their jobs and hunting properly.
When the assessment finally concluded, the list of those who passed came as no surprise.
The unknown yet fiercely combative boy in the boar mask, who had bolted down the mountain the instant it ended.
The unconscious thunder swordsman, Zenitsu.
The Demon Eater, Genya.
The Flower Hashira's Tsuguko, Kanao.
And the Kamado siblings, who had joined the Demon Slayer Corps for the sake of their family, even while still unsettled by the sight of blood.
[Hm… now that I think about it, Nezuko and Takeo suddenly seem almost… normal.]
Hiru folded his arms beneath the shade of the wisteria trees, idly watching Ubuyashiki Kiriya—in his usual ceremonial disguise—address the Swordsmen who had passed.
[That Ubuyashiki fellow asked me to bring Kiriya and the others back. Shinobu's coming to gather medicinal herbs—she'll escort them to headquarters afterward. She also asked me to bring Kanao along on the way. Nezuko and Takeo live on the neighboring mountain—that's on the way too. And then there's Genya…
Wait—why did the number triple compared to when I came? And there's still Tanjiro's situation. I need to track down the Twelve Kizuki. It's been nearly half a year—time to draw his blood again for testing…
How did I end up piling this much trouble onto myself without even noticing? Being human or demon really isn't easy.]
"Mr. Hiru?"
Hiru snapped out of his thoughts and looked down at the small figures who had approached him, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"Alright, let's head back—hm?"
Zenitsu stood off to the side, clutching a sparrow in both hands, staring at him with naked terror in his eyes.
[Ah… he's the only one left. Should I just bring him along too?]
But the instant Zenitsu realized Hiru was looking at him, he shuddered violently and bolted like a startled rabbit.
[Hm… this kid's tolerance is severely lacking.]
Absentmindedly, Hiru reached out and ruffled the nearest child's hair.
[He's fast, though. Maybe Uzui wouldn't be a bad choice to train him… But with Uzui's personality, if I hand the kid over, won't he end up even more unbearable?]
Ubuyashiki Kiriya tilted his head up, his carefully styled hair now sticking out in wild directions from being mussed. He looked as though he wanted to protest—but seeing Hiru's distant, contemplative expression, he paused and quietly lowered his head again, allowing him to continue.
After all, his father had always told him never to interrupt a Hashira while they were thinking.
Fortunately, Hiru soon returned to himself. He carefully smoothed Kiriya's hair back into place, then led the group of children down the path toward home.
...
After returning to the river valley, Nezuko came down with a high fever. The strain of real combat had clearly taken a heavy toll on her.
Tanjiro was beside himself with worry, remaining at her bedside day and night.
When her fever finally broke, he cautiously brought up the matter of officially joining the Demon Slayer Corps.
He didn't want Nezuko to overexert herself—didn't want her forcing herself down a path that didn't suit her, just for his sake.
But for once, Nezuko was uncharacteristically resolute. She shook her head and refused, insisting only that she would adapt as quickly as possible.
Tanjiro's presence, meanwhile, visibly startled Genya, who was visiting the river valley for the first time.
One glance was enough for Hiru to understand—those from the Water Breathing lineage, along with Sanemi, that hopelessly overprotective older brother, had clearly kept the truth from him.
Everyone on Sagiri Mountain knew. If not for Sanemi's insistence, Genya should have learned the truth long ago.
Fortunately, Genya adapted quickly. Especially after Hiru explained the matter of Demon Eaters, the way he looked at Tanjiro shifted completely.
Tanjiro, for his part, seemed entirely unbothered by Genya's intense stare. After talking for a while, he even took the initiative to suggest using his own flesh and blood to make portable pills for Genya to carry.
"Hair is enough. You don't need to start cutting off pieces of yourself," Hiru said dryly, staring at the two boys with visible exasperation. "And it's only been a few days. You're already this close?"
"Because Genya is a really good person," Tanjiro replied with a gentle smile. "He even went into the mountains to gather herbs for Nezuko. Now that her fever's gone down… if there's anything I can do to help, I want to."
[This kid has been foolishly earnest from the very beginning.]
Hiru thought to himself.
"But something feels strange…" Tanjiro tilted his head toward Genya, clearly puzzled. "Genya isn't Rare Blood, but he smells… delicious. Or maybe my special training still isn't enough?"
"Delicious?" Hiru gave Genya a long look. "That's probably just your imagination. Even if they're brothers, no one should smell sweeter than Sanemi. We'll increase your special training later."
"Yeah… but I'm still worried." Tanjiro lowered his gaze slightly. "I've managed to suppress my appetite, but whenever I'm near Genya…"
He hesitated before asking, "Sensei… can't I keep traveling with you?"
"You've done more than enough." Hiru reached out and ruffled Tanjiro's hair. "I'll prepare medicine to help suppress your hunger around Nezuko and Takeo, so don't overthink it. Tamayo says the blood in your body has stabilized. She's already developing medicine specifically for you. You'll be human again soon."
"Once Tanjiro turns human again, let's fight together," Genya said with a grin. "We'll probably be the two who understand demons best in the Corps. We'll be unstoppable."
"Hm? Yeah… sure." Tanjiro smiled faintly, though inwardly he felt a trace of awkwardness.
[In that case… we really would be the two who understand demons best.]
"Alright, I have things to take care of." Hiru stood. "Tanjiro, if you want to help Genya, just cut some of your hair and give it to him. If anything happens, head to the neighboring mountain. The former Wind Hashira, Yukinashi Aoba, will assist you."
"Got it!" Tanjiro brightened immediately. "I was thinking it was about time for a haircut anyway. Genya, I'll leave the cutting to you."
"Huh? I'm not very good at cutting hair…"
"It's fine, it's fine! A new style might be nice! Maybe it'll give me a completely fresh look. I think your hairstyle looks great—very spirited!"
Hiru had already reached the doorway when he heard that.
He froze.
Involuntarily, he pictured the scene.
Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode back, catching Genya's hand just as he picked up the scissors and pressing it firmly downward.
"Wait. On second thought… I'm not actually that busy. I'll handle it."