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

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Snow-Capped Mountains

The rugged mountain road was challenging to traverse. Tanjirou had already gone to search in one direction, while Ryuji was exploring another.

With mountains and fields stretching endlessly, finding someone who truly wanted to hide was a daunting task.

"If I were Nezuko, where would I be right now?" Ryuji murmured to himself.

After a moment of thought, his eyes brightened with realization, and he quickly headed in a certain direction.

Before long, Ryuji arrived at the place where Kamado Tanjuro was buried. Scanning the area, he soon spotted a small figure crouched in front of Tanjuro's gravestone.

It was Nezuko, dressed simply, curled up with her knees drawn to her chest. Her face was buried in her knees, her small shoulders trembling slightly—evidence of her quiet sobbing.

Ryuji approached slowly, the sound of her soft cries growing clearer. When he reached her side, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder and said softly, "Nezuko, let's go home."

Nezuko didn't respond, keeping her head down and remaining curled up in her sorrow.

Ryuji didn't push her. Instead, he squatted down beside her, his eyes resting on Tanjuro's gravestone. "Life, old age, sickness, and death... they're all parts of being human," he said quietly. "Everyone grows old, gets sick, and eventually dies. I will, too. One day, so will you. But that's not something to fear."

The cold wind continued to blow, biting into their skin.

After a while, Nezuko lifted her head, her sorrow-filled eyes meeting Ryuji's. "Uncle, does that mean being human is… sad? Are we all just… sad creatures?"

Ryuji reached out and gently stroked her head, his voice soft but reassuring. "No, Nezuko, humans aren't sad by nature. It's true that we grow old and face loss, but that doesn't define sadness. In fact, because we're fragile, we can truly appreciate the beauty in life."

He smiled gently. "The beauty of being human is knowing that one day we'll grow old and fade away. It's that fragility that makes us cherish what we have. And because of that, we gather, we laugh, and we share our sorrows together."

Nezuko listened quietly, not fully understanding, but she could feel her uncle's warmth and concern.

"Uncle, will you share my sorrow?" Nezuko asked softly.

"Of course," Ryuji replied. "Not just me—your mother, Tanjirou, Hanako, Takeo, Shigeru, and Rokuta. We all want to share your sorrow because we care about you. Everyone is waiting at home right now, worried about you."

Nezuko lowered her head, guilt washing over her. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make everyone worry."

Ryuji gently patted her head. "There's no need to apologize. We're only concerned because we love you."

"Come on, it's too cold to stay here any longer. If we don't head back soon, you'll catch a cold."

"Okay," Nezuko nodded and tried to stand, but her legs had gone numb from sitting in the cold. She wobbled and nearly fell.

Ryuji quickly caught her. "Let me carry you," he offered.

"No, Uncle, I'll be fine after resting a bit," Nezuko replied in a small voice.

But Ryuji was already kneeling in front of her, offering his back. "Hop on."

After a moment's hesitation, Nezuko wrapped her arms around her uncle's neck. Once she was secure, Ryuji stood and began walking.

As they made their way down the snowy mountain path, the cold wind nipped at their faces. Instinctively, Nezuko leaned her cheek against Ryuji's back, seeking warmth from his body.

"My father used to carry me like this," she murmured, her voice tinged with sadness.

Ryuji didn't respond, allowing her to linger in the memory. Silent tears slipped from Nezuko's eyes and fell onto Ryuji's back.

"It feels just like when my father carried me," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"Then, for now, think of me as your father," Ryuji replied gently.

"No… Uncle, you're different," Nezuko murmured, shaking her head slightly.

Ryuji smiled at her words but didn't say more.

"Uncle?" Nezuko said after a brief silence.

"Hmm?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Are you always this kind to every girl?" she asked innocently.

Ryuji chuckled. "Not always. I can be strict when I need to be."

"You don't seem strict at all, Uncle," Nezuko teased, a small smile forming on her lips.

Ryuji tried to look stern, but a laugh escaped him.

Nezuko tightened her grip around his neck, her earlier sadness fading. "I hope one day I find someone as kind as you to marry," she whispered.

Ryuji didn't respond right away, but his gentle smile said more than words could.

Nezuko wrapped her arms around Ryuji's neck, filled with hopeful anticipation.

"How old are you to already be thinking about marriage?" Ryuji exclaimed, a hint of exasperation in his tone.

"Hmph…" Nezuko puffed her cheeks, her spirits visibly lifted by their exchange.

"By the way, Uncle, do you have someone you like?" she asked, leaning closer to his ear.

"You guess," Ryuji teased, evading the question.

Nezuko didn't bother guessing and closed her eyes slightly. "Uncle, do you know what it feels like to like someone?"

"No idea."

"What a silly Uncle."

"And you know?" Ryuji countered.

"Nezuko has never liked anyone before, so how would I know?"

"Then we're both silly."

"I'm not silly!" Nezuko protested, lightly tapping his head with her small hands. "When I'm as old as you, I'll definitely like someone! Then I'll tell you what it feels like."

"When you're my age, you'll be an old lady! By then, no one will want you," Ryuji laughed.

"Ugh, I don't want to talk to Uncle anymore!" Nezuko huffed, lightly hitting his head in mock anger.

…

Soon, the small houses nestled in the mountains came into view.

As Ryuji arrived with Nezuko on his back, Kamado Kie rushed out, pulling Nezuko into her arms.

"My dear Nezuko, you're back!"

Hanako, Takeo, and Shigeru hurried out as well, their voices filled with relief.

In her mother's warm embrace, Nezuko closed her eyes, feeling the comfort of family. She could sense their love and worry.

"Mother…" Nezuko lowered her head, guilt filling her heart.

Reflecting on Ryuji's words about life and the fragility of human existence, Nezuko began to understand that life's meaning lay in the love and care shared with others.

Though she wanted to scold Nezuko, Kamado Kie couldn't bring herself to. Feeling her daughter's small hands gripping her arm, she sighed, patting her head gently.

"Next time, don't leave like that," Kie said softly.

"I understand, Mother," Nezuko nodded, then looked up suddenly. "Where's Big Brother?"

"He went to look for you. Do you know how worried we were?" Kie playfully flicked Nezuko's forehead.

Nezuko stuck out her tongue, smiling sheepishly.

Seeing her daughter slowly return to her usual self, Kie felt a warm relief.

After a while, Kie finally let Nezuko go, and she was immediately surrounded by her younger siblings, their voices filled with joy.

The sight of her happy children brought peace to Kie's heart.

"Ryuji."

Kie turned to Ryuji, bowing her head slightly in respect. "Lunch is ready."

Her voice was soft, like that of someone welcoming a dear family member home.

Ryuji's gaze fell on Kie. In her early thirties, her beauty was understated by her simple clothes, yet her grace and kindness were unmistakable.

Realizing Ryuji was staring, Kie looked up, catching his gaze, her cheeks flushing slightly.

"Ryuji, what are you looking at…?" she asked softly.

Ryuji stepped closer, his gaze intent. Leaning in, he whispered near her ear, "Kie, of course… I'm looking at you."

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