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

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Kamado Kie tensed, her breathing quickening as she instinctively lowered her gaze, hands clasped tightly in front of her. A mixture of expectation and worry stirred in her heart.

Ryuji stood close, his tall figure casting a slight shadow over her. She found herself oddly captivated, an unfamiliar sensation sweeping over her. She'd never felt this way before.

Ryuji's gaze lingered, and Kie's cheeks flushed, the warmth spreading down her neck. In his presence, she felt as if he could mold her, that she might protest but wouldn't truly resist. Yet somehow, that wasn't enough for him.

Smiling faintly, he brushed her hand in a gesture so fleeting she almost thought it accidental. Yet even that brief contact sent a shock through her, her body tensing even more. She could scarcely breathe, her chest rising and falling as though caught in a spell.

When she regained her composure, Ryuji had moved away, now mingling with Nezuko, Hanako, Takeo, and Shigeru, playfully engaging with the children. Watching him laugh with them—holding Hanako, making Nezuko smile—warmed Kie's heart, filling her with a gentle joy.

But amidst this warmth, guilt crept in. How could she feel this way so soon after Tanjuro's passing?

"He hasn't been gone that long," Kie thought, shame gnawing at her. She should be mourning, not harboring these forbidden thoughts.

But no matter how she tried, she couldn't quiet the part of her that longed for Ryuji's attention, craved the fleeting touch. Sometimes, she'd find herself leaving her bedroom door slightly open, a silent invitation she couldn't explain, though nothing ever happened. Each night, she lay there alone, hoping for something, yet Ryuji never crossed that line. He remained a gentleman, giving her gentle words but leaving her to wonder. And each time her heart quickened, he would withdraw, either changing the topic or teasing her until she felt flustered and confused.

Her heart felt toyed with—drawn in, only to be pulled away.

"What is happening to me?" Kie sighed, feeling torn. She had never known anyone like Ryuji—someone who could make her pulse race with a simple look or a few words. In their quiet mountain village, she had never encountered anyone like him.

No one so gentle… or so infuriating.

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Ryuji scooped Hanako into his arms as they walked into the house, Nezuko holding his hand.

Takeo, Shigeru, and little Rokuta followed behind, though Ryuji didn't pay them as much attention. Deep down, he'd always had a soft spot for the girls—especially Nezuko, with her gentle charm. He could hardly resist her adorable innocence.

Once inside, they saw the table laden with food, an impressive spread Kie had prepared while Tanjiro and Ryuji were out.

Ryuji glanced outside where Kie was finishing some last-minute chores, admiration flickering in his eyes.

"What a virtuous, gentle woman," he thought.

As if sensing his gaze, Kie turned, meeting his eyes. She felt a mix of pride and warmth at the quiet admiration in his expression.

Taking light steps, she jogged over to serve him. "We can eat once Tanjiro returns."

Ryuji nodded, and Kie stepped back, feeling her heart settle as she turned to tend to the children.

When Tanjiro finally arrived, he looked disappointed, but his mood brightened upon seeing Nezuko safely back. He joined them at the table, glancing at his younger sister beside Ryuji.

"Next time, don't leave without telling us," he said, his voice carrying a hint of scolding.

"Did you hear that, Nezuko?" Ryuji teased gently, tapping her head with his chopsticks. "No more sneaking off."

"I'm sorry, Big Brother," Nezuko replied, sticking her tongue out playfully.

Ryuji remained seated, his chopsticks and bowl placed just within reach by Kie. She knelt beside him, keeping a watchful eye to refill his cup as soon as it was empty.

The children's chatter filled the room, but when they became too rowdy, Kie began to shush them, fearing they'd disturb Ryuji.

"It's alright; kids should be lively," he reassured her with a smile.

"You're so kind, Ryuji," Kie murmured, filling his cup again, her movements soft and graceful.

Ryuji smiled, accepting her quiet praise.

"Oh, I almost forgot—I sewed a new coat for you over the past few days. You can try it on after we eat," she offered shyly.

"You've put in so much effort, Kie. Thank you," Ryuji said warmly.

"It's my pleasure to do something for you," Kie replied, bowing her head as she caught a quick glance of his face, her heart fluttering.

Across the table, Tanjiro, eating quietly, glanced up, catching sight of his mother beside Ryuji. Her expression puzzled him—she seemed unusually tender, more so than he remembered seeing with his father, Tanjuro.

It gave him a strange feeling, almost as if…

Somehow, it should've been Uncle Ryuji there all along.

Once everyone had almost finished eating, Ryuji finally set down his chopsticks.

As soon as he did, every gaze in the room shifted toward him, the unspoken curiosity hanging heavy in the air.

"Kie, there's something I'd like to discuss with you," Ryuji began, his eyes meeting Kie's as she knelt beside him.

Kie's already straight posture seemed to tighten. She lowered her head, a formal yet soft response escaping her lips, "Whatever you decide, Ryuji. I will follow your lead."

Though she maintained a calm tone, her hands clenched slightly.

Ryuji shook his head gently. "It's something we should discuss together."

Kie bit her lip, her gaze lifting to meet his directly. "No matter what, I'll listen to you, Ryuji."

Her hands felt damp with the tension of the moment.

At the table, Tanjirou and Nezuko, both old enough to sense the shift in the room, exchanged curious glances. Hanako noticed her older siblings' alert expressions and blinked, puzzled but silent. Meanwhile, Takeo, Shigeru, and Rokuta remained absorbed in their meal, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension.

Ryuji was slightly surprised by Kie's unexpected openness, especially in front of the children. Her words carried a quiet boldness that he hadn't anticipated.

Seeing his reaction, Kie's face turned a light shade of red, realizing that her words had bordered on being overly familiar. She cast her gaze downward, embarrassed, particularly with Tanjirou and Nezuko watching. Her heart raced, both from the awkwardness and from something else—a flicker of hope.

For so long, her life had been rooted in duty and resilience. Ryuji's presence had brought a sense of warmth and vitality she hadn't felt since her husband's passing. His presence made her feel… young again, as if a long-hidden part of her was reaching out for companionship.

It was as if Ryuji's presence had reawakened a quiet, yearning part of her heart.

Ryuji offered a reassuring nod before speaking again, his tone steady. "Even so, this is something we should talk about together."

Kie tried to hide her disappointment as she forced a smile, realizing he might not have understood the depth of her feelings. A part of her had already begun imagining a future where she could ask her children—perhaps even that night—to start calling him "Father" instead of "Uncle."

But she kept those hopes tucked away, and replied softly, "What would you like to discuss, Ryuji?"

Ryuji glanced toward Tanjirou, his tone shifting. "First, it's about Tanjirou. From tomorrow, I'll begin training him."

Kie turned to her son, her expression serious. "Tanjirou, you must listen to Ryuji in everything he teaches you. Show him the same respect you showed your father."

"Yes, Mother," Tanjirou replied with a bow of respect.

After speaking to Tanjirou, Kie glanced at Nezuko, Hanako, and the younger children. "The same goes for all of you. Treat Ryuji with the utmost respect and listen to him."

"Yes, Mother," the children chorused.

Ryuji chuckled lightly, slightly surprised at Kie's solemn tone. Clearing his throat, he continued, "And from now on, there's no need for your family to continue selling charcoal."

A flash of worry crossed Kie's face. Selling charcoal had been their livelihood for generations. Without it, how would they manage?

But she trusted Ryuji's judgment, so she nodded, keeping her concerns to herself.

"There's more," Ryuji said, his voice taking on a more serious edge. "We'll be moving from here."

Kie's eyes widened, and she froze, struggling to process the gravity of his words. This house, this land—it held her memories, her past. The thought of leaving it was daunting. But as she looked at Ryuji's unwavering expression, she nodded, though more slowly this time.

"If you believe this is best, Ryuji," she whispered.

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