When Sakonji Urokodaki heard that Aoyama had already dealt with the Hand Demon, he finally let out a quiet breath of relief.
The fire in the hearth burned brightly, flames swaying from side to side.
Tanjiro, now dressed in clean clothes, came and sat by the fire as well. It seemed Urokodaki had something important to tell them.
The firelight reflected off his tengu mask, making its red color appear even more vivid.
"There are many kinds of demons," Urokodaki began slowly. "Those capable of using special techniques known as Blood Demon Arts… those are ability-type demons."
Tanjiro's pupils widened.
Another new layer of this world had just been revealed to him.
As for Aoyama, he remained calm. Having transmigrated here, he didn't know everything about the world of Demon Slayer, but he understood most of it.
"Now that you have both passed Final Selection, the demons you face from here on will likely be of this type."
Urokodaki's gaze shifted between the two of them.
Aoyama was extraordinarily gifted. As his cultivator, Urokodaki realized he no longer had a clear grasp of the boy's true strength.
Perhaps… he should test him again someday?
Aoyama noticed the lingering stare and lifted his head with a wide grin.
The old man is probably plotting something again.
Urokodaki withdrew his gaze.
The idea of testing him could wait.
For now.
He turned to Tanjiro instead.
"Tanjiro. The battles you face in the future will be far more difficult than anything you've experienced so far. You must remain cautious. Calm. Composed."
"But Tanjiro… you will be fine."
"Yes!"
That simple affirmation filled Tanjiro with renewed confidence.
After Tanjiro stepped away, Aoyama shifted into a more comfortable sitting posture.
"Hey, why didn't you give me any advice? Fairness, you know~~~"
He deliberately dragged out the last word.
Urokodaki knew that troublesome brat was about to stir something up again.
"You still need my advice?" he replied sternly. "Whether I say it or not, you already know everything yourself."
"Heh, that may be true," Aoyama said, straightening slightly. "But whether you say it or not—that's your responsibility! I'm just reminding you to be fair!"
With that, he sprang up and bolted toward the door.
Urokodaki was momentarily speechless.
Grabbing a piece of firewood beside him, he hurled it toward the doorway.
Fortunately, Aoyama had quick reflexes. As he slipped outside, he shut the door behind him just in time.
The firewood struck the doorframe instead.
Aoyama cracked the door open halfway and peeked inside with a grin.
"What's wrong? Hit the mark, didn't I?"
Then he disappeared in a flash.
"Brat! Get back here! How am I unfair?!"
Urokodaki's roar echoed through the house.
Tanjiro, hearing the commotion, stepped out from his room.
"What happened? Where's Senior Brother Aoyama?"
"I drove him out!" Urokodaki huffed, storming off toward his own room.
That Aoyama—
He always chose the perfect moment to irritate him.
It had to be intentional.
Tanjiro glanced at the deepening night outside.
After a brief hesitation, he grabbed his outer robe and hurried out.
—
In the forest, atop a large boulder, Aoyama sat casually.
Below him stood Sabito, Makomo, and the other eleven fallen disciples.
Aoyama raised an eyebrow.
"Well… what's this?"
His gaze landed on Makomo.
She stepped forward.
"We all came to thank you. You killed that demon and avenged us."
Aoyama hopped down lightly from the boulder and waved his hand dismissively.
"It was nothing. No need to thank me. Besides, I said I would kill it."
Sabito stood slightly to the side, arms crossed over his sword.
"Nothing?" His tone carried a faint edge.
They had all died to that demon.
Calling it "nothing" felt… dismissive.
Aoyama immediately caught the subtle tension.
"I meant there's no need for thanks. We're fellow disciples. No need to stand on ceremony."
Sabito's expression softened behind the mask.
He realized he had reacted too strongly.
Aoyama continued with a sincere smile,
"That demon said you were a formidable opponent. Strong. Skilled."
Well… it wanted to say something like that, Aoyama thought privately. I just didn't give it the chance.
Footsteps approached from afar.
Tanjiro.
The spirits began fading one by one.
Before disappearing completely, Sabito awkwardly muttered, "Thank you."
Then he was gone.
"Senior Brother Aoyama! Finally found you! Let's head back!"
Tanjiro jogged over.
On the way back, he hesitated repeatedly, opening his mouth only to close it again.
Aoyama glanced sideways.
"If you've got something to say, say it. Don't beat around the bush."
Tanjiro suddenly grabbed his arm.
"Senior Brother Aoyama… I didn't dare ask in front of Urokodaki-sensei, but I think… my sister is different from other demons!"
Aoyama rubbed his ear.
"Don't shout. Even if you don't, I already know Nezuko is different."
"Then…" Tanjiro faltered. He couldn't fully explain his sister's condition.
"Stop worrying," Aoyama said lightly. "Nezuko won't eat people. She's retained her sense of self. She restores her strength through sleep."
"R-really?"
Relief slowly spread across Tanjiro's face.
First, he had feared his sister would die.
Then he feared she might lose control and harm someone.
If Nezuko ever truly devoured a human…
What would he do?
The words surfaced in his mind.
Seppuku to atone.
Tanjiro clenched his fists slightly.
But now—
For the first time in a while—
He felt hope.