Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

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Name: Ryuji

Physique: 1.05 (Normal adult physique is 1.)

Dexterity: 1.05 (Normal adult dexterity is 1.)

Strength: 1.05 (Normal adult strength is 1.)

Spirit: 1.25 (Normal adult spirit is 1.)

Breathing Style: Sun Breathing (0.2/100)

Attribute points remaining: 0.2

Ryuji glanced at his status panel, slightly taken aback. He remembered clearly having 0.3 attribute points left, with only 0.1 added to Sun Breathing. He hadn't used the remaining 0.2 points.

Yet now...

His physique, dexterity, strength, and spirit had all increased by 0.05.

In other words…

0.2 attribute points had been distributed across his stats.

But his remaining attribute points hadn't decreased.

This meant that by adding 0.1 attribute points to Sun Breathing, he not only advanced in mastering the technique, but his physical abilities had improved overall.

This was far better than simply raising a single stat.

Without hesitation, Ryuji immediately assigned the remaining 0.2 points to Sun Breathing.

Suddenly, vivid memories of training in Sun Breathing filled his mind, more intense than before. The relentless practice, day after day, became clearer, deepening his understanding of the technique.

After a long period of focus, Ryuji finally came back to reality, feeling a stronger connection to his breathing technique.

"Ahh…" he exhaled, a sense of clarity washing over him. His growing mastery of Sun Breathing allowed him to understand how the Demon Slayer Corps could challenge seemingly invincible demons with mere breathing techniques.

After allocating the final 0.2 attribute points, Ryuji's status panel had updated again:

Name: Ryuji

Physique: 1.15

Dexterity: 1.15

Strength: 1.15

Spirit: 1.35

Breathing Style: Sun Breathing (0.4/100)

Attribute points remaining: 0

Seeing the changes, Ryuji couldn't help but smile.

He began practicing the Hinokami Kagura dance once more. If his earlier attempts had been stiff and error-prone, now his movements were fluid, precise.

The twelve dance forms were no longer mere imitations; they carried a deeper understanding.

Nearby, Tanjiro, who had been demonstrating the dance to Ryuji, noticed his uncle's earlier awkwardness. Ryuji's steps had been slightly off, making Tanjiro want to offer guidance.

Before Tanjiro could step forward, Ryuji paused. Tanjiro was about to mention the finer points of Hinokami Kagura and the accompanying breathing technique, but then Ryuji opened his eyes, as if he had understood something important.

He began again.

This time, Ryuji's movements flowed smoothly, each step precise. In fact, his performance surpassed Tanjiro's own mastery of the dance.

If Tanjiro hadn't witnessed his uncle's earlier attempts, he might have thought Ryuji had practiced Hinokami Kagura for years.

"Uncle Ryuji, that was amazing! You mastered the Hinokami Kagura dance in such a short time!" Tanjiro exclaimed, admiration filling his voice.

Ryuji looked at Tanjiro, smiling at the awe in Tanjiro's eyes. The boy's admiration warmed his heart, filling him with pride.

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Ryuji placed a reassuring hand on Tanjiro's shoulder and spoke gently but firmly. "You need to be strong. Starting tomorrow, I'll push you harder."

"I understand, Uncle," Tanjiro replied, bowing respectfully. "Please, push me as much as you need. I'll work hard."

Tanjiro's voice was soft but resolute.

Ryuji smiled, ruffling Tanjiro's hair. "If your father could see you now, he would be proud. Rest well tonight. Tomorrow, training begins."

"Yes, Uncle."

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Later that night...

After his conversation with Tanjiro, Ryuji couldn't sleep. He stretched and opened the window of his room. A cool breeze drifted in, carrying the crisp chill of the night. Before his recent improvements, he would have felt the cold more sharply; now, it barely registered.

As he looked out into the darkness, he noticed a light still on in the kitchen.

Curious, Ryuji jumped lightly from the window, landing in the courtyard before heading toward the kitchen.

Inside, a single candle flickered, casting a warm glow over the room. Despite the dim lighting, everything was neatly arranged. A small pot simmered over the fire, releasing the fragrant smell of soup.

At the stove stood a woman, stirring the pot with patient focus. Her presence filled the kitchen with warmth.

Ryuji paused, quietly watching.

Sensing someone behind her, the woman turned, startled, but relaxed when she saw Ryuji.

" Ryuji, you startled me," Kamado Kie said with a small smile, a playful complaint in her voice.

Ryuji smiled, stepping closer. Kie's purple eyes met his, and her long black hair was tied in a simple bun. She wore a white kimono tied with a rope, emphasizing her slender frame.

"Kie, what are you doing up so late?" Ryuji asked with a slight frown.

Kie lowered her gaze, her expression gentle. "I saw the light on in your room and overheard you training Tanjiro. I thought I'd make something for you, in case you were hungry later."

Ryuji interrupted gently. "You shouldn't push yourself. You might catch a cold."

Though his words were stern, Kie's heart warmed at his concern. She even felt a fleeting wish that he would scold her more.

Lowering her head, Kie bowed slightly. "I'm sorry for worrying you, Ryuji. If it's my fault, I'll accept any punishment you think is fair."

Ryuji raised an eyebrow, a playful smile crossing his lips. "Any punishment?"

Kie's heart skipped a beat. His gaze felt piercing, making her pulse quicken.

"If… if it would ease your mind, then yes," she stammered, her face flushing.

Ryuji stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. "Really, Kie?"

She lowered her gaze again, her lips trembling, but before she could respond, Ryuji wrapped his arms around her.

"Ah—!"

Kie's body stiffened, her heart pounding as he held her. For a moment, she thought he might… do something. Her breath quickened, anxiety rising.

"What?" Ryuji's voice was soft as he spoke near her ear. "What's wrong, Kie?"

"It… it doesn't seem right…" Kie whispered, her voice shaky.

Suddenly, there was a light tap on her head.

Startled, Kie looked up, confused. Why had Ryuji tapped her?

"You're overthinking," he said with a gentle chuckle. "It's just a hug."

As his words sank in, Kie's racing heart began to calm. It was only a hug. Nothing more.

Relieved, she relaxed in his embrace, yet deep down, a small pang of disappointment lingered.

Cautiously, Kie raised her head, stealing a glance at Ryuji, who held her closely, resting his chin on her shoulder. Adjusting herself, she allowed him to hold her more comfortably.

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