Tanjiro stared at the brightly lit world before him, awe and emotion swelling in his chest.
"Incredible… Has the world really changed this much while I was a demon?"
"That's why you need to get out more, big brother. Otherwise, when you turn human again, you won't even recognize anything," Nezuko said with a bright smile, holding his hand as she walked beside him. "Besides, everyone goes on missions at night. It's perfectly fine for you to be out!"
"Yeah! Mr. Hiru already said back on Spider Mountain that the medicine was almost ready. After this mission, you'll probably get it and turn human again," Takeo chimed in from his other side, eyes shining with anticipation. "Then the three of us can fight together and slay demons together!"
Tanjiro couldn't help smiling at his younger siblings' excitement. But soon his gaze dropped to the Corps uniform he was wearing.
"But… is it really okay for me to wear this right now? Shinazugawa-san said he still hasn't acknowledged me."
"Aren't you Yoriichi's disciple? There's nothing wrong with you wearing it."
"Teacher…" Tanjiro looked away. "Y-You're right…"
Takeo didn't understand why Tanjiro suddenly looked so awkward. He glanced at Inosuke and Zenitsu—already arguing again—sighed, and went over to break it up. After all, carrying swords was illegal these days. Drawing attention would only cause trouble.
Nezuko watched their lively commotion with a gentle smile and tugged Tanjiro along to buy tickets for the five of them.
Fortunately, with Takeo stepping in beside Zenitsu, they managed to stop Inosuke from charging headfirst into the train. Otherwise, the railway guards would have been on them in no time.
"To think something can carry so many people and move this fast… The world really has changed," Tanjiro said as he boarded with the others. "It makes me strangely happy."
"Let's find the Flame Hashira we're working with first," Zenitsu muttered, hauling back an Inosuke who kept trying to bolt. He shuffled down the aisle, looking completely drained. "I seriously can't do this anymore…"
"I'm kind of nervous…" Takeo trailed behind, helping keep Inosuke in check. "When we went to Headquarters before, the Hashira really scared me."
"It's fine. Rengoku-san—the Flame Hashira—is a great person," Tanjiro said with a smile. "He's open and straightforward. That honesty puts people at ease. I think you'll like him."
At the front, Nezuko smiled softly and reached to slide open the carriage door.
Before she could say anything, a booming shout erupted from inside—
"UMAI!"
Tanjiro steadied Nezuko as she instinctively stepped back, then smiled.
"Looks like we've found him."
They walked forward and saw a man seated squarely in the middle of the carriage, eating boxed lunches one after another. With every bite, he shouted at the top of his lungs—
"UMAI!"
He wore a haori trimmed with flame patterns. His golden hair flared into vivid red at the tips. Bold brows framed bright, steady eyes. Even though the entire carriage had turned to stare at him, he remained perfectly composed, continuing to eat with unwavering focus.
Zenitsu leaned closer and tugged at Tanjiro's sleeve.
"…That's the Flame Hashira?"
Tanjiro nodded with a smile.
"Yeah. Every time I see Rengoku-san, he has an incredible presence."
"Incredible? He just looks like a normal—ghk!"
Zenitsu froze mid-sentence when Rengoku's gaze suddenly locked onto him. With a yelp, he immediately ducked behind Tanjiro.
Tanjiro, however, waved naturally.
"Long time no see, Rengoku-san!"
"Mm! Kamado boy! You've adapted well!"
Rengoku patted the seat beside him.
"Come, sit here! The rest of you as well—come, come!"
"Yes, I'm gradually getting used to things," Tanjiro said as he sat down. "Mr. Hiru mentioned the medicine is nearly complete. I should be able to receive it after this mission."
"Mm! Excellent news!"
He began handing out the boxed meals spread across the table.
"Let us eat together! Now then, what brings you aboard this train?"
"Our crow reported a growing number of disappearances on the train. We were sent to assist with the investigation."
"I see! Then I shall rely on you!"
He picked up another box.
"In that case, we must eat our fill! Umai!"
Tanjiro didn't join them. Even if he ate, he couldn't draw any energy from it, and everything tasted faint and dull. He only ever took a few bites during family gatherings.
Compared to the rich scent of food in the air, the faint trace of demon presence lingering throughout the carriage bothered him far more.
"Um, Rengoku-san, I have a question…"
"Mm! Speak!"
"I feel like I can smell a demon, but I can't tell where it's coming from…"
"That is because there truly was a demon aboard this train before. It was sent back for repairs afterward. Perhaps some scent still lingers in the machinery. Kamado boy, your nose is remarkable!"
Tanjiro continued breathing in carefully, his brows drawn together.
"I see… It still feels unsettling."
"Do not worry! I am here! I will see that each of you returns safely! Leave it to me!"
"Um…"
"Yes? Kamado boy!"
"I've been meaning to ask… What exactly were you looking at just now, Rengoku-san?"
"I do not know! Hahaha! Hahahaha!"
Zenitsu clung to Inosuke with one hand to keep him from crawling out of the train while handing his ticket to the conductor with the other. He felt as though life had never been this difficult.
Why do I have to suffer like this? Sure, it was nice when Grandpa praised me last time—but why do I have to face dangerous demons and babysit this guy too?
He let out a heavy sigh.
If only I could sit next to Nezuko-chan… I just want to stay by her side… If I could even marry her, that would be—
"Zenitsu?"
"Yes! Nezuko-chan! What is it?!"
He spun around instantly.
But the moment he saw what stood before him, his face flushed bright red and his words tangled in his throat.
"Ne-nezuko?"
There she was, long hair flowing freely, dressed in a pink hemp-leaf patterned kimono, a basket cradled in her arms. She beamed at him.
"What's wrong? Didn't we agree to visit your grandfather together?"
"Eh? Eh?!"
She stepped closer and gently took his hand, her voice soft and warm.
"Shall we go? We still need to tell everyone we're together, don't we?"
After a stunned pause, Zenitsu practically leapt with joy.
"Yes! I'll treat you well, I swear! I'll do the laundry, the cooking—even the farming! As long as you're by my side, when I'm tired, just smile at me—that's more than enough!"
Her smile grew even brighter.
"Alright then. I'll leave myself in your care from now on."