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

---

Deep down, Kie Kamado didn't want to move.

But since Ryuji had decided, she felt she had no choice but to agree. Though outwardly compliant, a subtle sadness tugged at her. It seemed to her that Ryuji didn't consider her feelings, nor did he pause to ask what she thought.

In the past, she might not have minded. She would have accepted it without question. But recently, things had changed.

She found herself caring more about her place in his heart, expecting more from him.

These were feelings she could barely admit to herself, much less confide in anyone. Kie lowered her head, biting her lip slightly, lost in her thoughts.

"I don't want to move!"

The silence broke with an unexpected outburst.

It was Nezuko, her eyes bright with frustration.

Nezuko's sudden protest made Ryuji frown, but before he could respond, Kie stood and spoke sharply to her daughter.

"Nezuko!"

Without another word, Nezuko turned and stormed off to her room, her anger palpable.

"Please, Ryuji, don't be upset," Kie said softly, trying to smooth things over. "She's young—she doesn't fully understand."

"She's a bit headstrong," Ryuji replied with a sigh. Then his tone softened. "But I wish you could understand my concerns, Kie."

Kie felt a pang of irritation at his words but quickly brushed it aside as his voice softened. Her cheeks flushed slightly as she replied modestly, "I… I'm not as understanding as you say."

She then stood up. "I'll go talk to Nezuko."

Ryuji nodded, reaching out to gently squeeze her hand before she left. "I'm sorry to trouble you, Kie."

"It's no trouble," Kie murmured, her heart skipping a beat as his hand brushed against hers. She quickly turned and left the room.

As Kie went to Nezuko's room, Ryuji turned to Tanjiro.

"Tanjiro, do you not want to move either?"

He didn't bother asking the younger siblings—Takeo, Hanako, Shigeru, or Rokuta—since they were too young to fully grasp the situation.

Tanjiro hesitated, then nodded. "But if Uncle Ryuji thinks we should, I trust he has good reasons. I'll follow his lead."

Tanjiro was different from Nezuko. He had a broader understanding of the world. Ryuji had spoken to him before about the lurking dangers—about the demons who posed a constant threat. That conversation had prepared Tanjiro for the truth: not everything was as safe as it seemed.

"You're wise beyond your years," Ryuji said, patting Tanjiro's shoulder. "I'm glad you understand."

---

Kie quietly entered Nezuko's room, finding her daughter's back turned, arms crossed in defiance.

"What do you want?" Nezuko muttered, still fuming. She hadn't even called her "Mother" this time.

It was clear that Nezuko's frustration wasn't solely directed at Ryuji. She was also upset with Kie.

Kie sat beside Nezuko, gently taking her hand. "Are you angry?" she asked softly. "Is it because of Uncle Ryuji's decision?"

Nezuko clenched her fists. "How could I be angry with him? I'm angry because you listen to everything he says, Mother!"

"So… you're upset with me?" Kie asked gently.

Nezuko's frustration grew. "You're on his side! You just do whatever he says. We've lived here for so long, and now he wants us to leave. Why do you follow him so blindly?"

Kie felt a pang of hurt but kept her composure. Holding Nezuko's hand firmly, she replied, "Uncle Ryuji wouldn't ask us to move unless it was important. He's thinking of our safety."

Nezuko huffed. "You're always defending him! How do you know what he's really thinking?"

"Nezuko," Kie said gently, "Uncle Ryuji cares deeply for this family. You know that."

Nezuko turned away, her frustration lingering. Kie wrapped her arms around her, holding her close.

As Kie's warmth enveloped her, Nezuko's tense posture softened slightly, though she kept pouting.

"These past months, you've seen how much Uncle Ryuji has done for us," Kie murmured. "He's been kind to all of us. Without him, we wouldn't be where we are now…"

"I know," Nezuko mumbled, looking down. "But I just don't want to leave our home."

"I understand. I feel the same way." Kie gently stroked Nezuko's hair. "I've lived here even longer than you. This place holds so many memories for me too."

"Then why are you…?" Nezuko's voice trailed off.

"Because," Kie said softly, "I trust Uncle Ryuji. And if he thinks it's best for us, I'll support him."

Nezuko pouted but didn't argue.

"Do you trust me, Nezuko?" Kie asked, looking into her daughter's eyes.

"Yes, of course, Mother," Nezuko replied quietly. "I know you'd never hurt us."

"Then trust me when I say this: Uncle Ryuji only wants what's best for our family."

Nezuko was silent for a long moment, finally whispering, "...Okay."

---

Night

The night was still. Ryuji sat alone, quietly reading through an old family book.

These books had been passed down through generations of the Kamado family, and Ryuji was combing through them for any trace of Yoriichi Tsugikuni—a legendary swordsman, renowned for his mastery and rumored to have unparalleled skill in combat.

Curiosity drove Ryuji. This family's legacy held a connection to Yoriichi, yet after hours of searching, he'd found no mention of him. His disappointment grew.

Suddenly, he sensed a presence at the door. "Come in, Kie," he said calmly.

The door slid open, and Kie, dressed in a soft pink kimono, entered.

Ryuji's gaze lit up. She usually wore modest, practical clothing, but tonight, her kimono fit her figure elegantly, accentuating her mature grace. The pink fabric complemented her fair skin, while her dark hair flowed down her back, adding to her charm.

"Kie, you look lovely tonight," he said.

Kie blushed, glancing up to see his warm smile. She held a tray with a meal she had prepared for him. "I made this for you, Ryuji. I hope you enjoy it."

Ryuji tasted a bite, smiling. "Your cooking is wonderful, Kie."

Her heart lifted at his words. "As long as you like it."

"Coming so late—was there something you wanted to say?"

"Yes…" Kie hesitated, but then spoke. "I can't help but wonder why we must leave."

Ryuji's expression turned serious. "Kie, do you believe in the existence of demons?"

Kie's eyes widened. "Demons…? Surely they don't exist, do they?"

"They do," he replied, his tone grave. "And our move is tied to them."

"Demons?" Kie's voice trembled.

He told her everything he had shared with Tanjiro—the connection between the Kamado family and Yoriichi, as well as the interest demons had in their legacy. He explained how dangerous the demons were, but also reassured her.

Ryuji gently placed his hand over hers. "Don't worry. I'm here to protect you all."

Kie nodded, reassured yet still anxious.

Ryuji leaned in close, whispering something softly in her ear.

Whatever he said left Kie flustered. Her cheeks flushed as she met his gaze, surprised by his boldness. After a long moment, she nodded shyly, accepting his request.

Ryuji smiled, satisfied. He felt her hands gently massage his legs, her touch easing the tension that had built up over the night.

Ryuji picked up the book he had been reading earlier, continuing his search for any mention of Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

But despite his efforts, he still couldn't find any information about the legendary swordsman. Feeling a bit tired, he noticed Kie was still massaging his legs.

Ryuji reached down and gently patted her head. "That's enough, Kie. You must be tired. Go and get some rest."

Kie quickly rose, bowed her head, and hurried out of the room, her figure swaying as she left.

Ryuji chuckled softly to himself. "What a kind and graceful woman," he murmured.

---

..

.

Get early access to the next 10 chapters by joining my Patreon. Support my work and dive deeper into the story by becoming a member today!

patreon.com/Kentaro_69