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

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"Uncle..."

Tanjiro stepped forward, noticing Ryuji standing by the door, and called out quietly.

"Hm," Ryuji responded with a nod. "Your mother's almost finished with dinner. Go call your brother and sisters so we can eat."

"Okay, Uncle," Tanjiro replied, though his eyes drifted toward the kitchen with curiosity.

Once Tanjiro left, Kie Kamado peeked out from the kitchen doorway. Seeing that Tanjiro hadn't noticed anything amiss, she let out a small, relieved sigh.

As Kie exhaled, her clothes shifted slightly, adding a gentle elegance to her delicate frame.

In the dim light, she felt a gaze resting on her. When Kie looked up and met Ryuji's eyes, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I… I'll bring the food to the table," she murmured, quickly turning back to the kitchen, flustered.

Ryuji's gaze lingered, a slight smile on his lips. It was a brief, fleeting moment—not the place for anything more. But there would be time.

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At the dinner table, Nezuko took a bite and looked thoughtful. "Mom, is it just me, or does the food taste a little burnt today?"

Her tone wasn't accusatory—just curious, since Kie's cooking was usually perfect.

Kie's eyes flickered to Ryuji guiltily, knowing the true reason. In the kitchen earlier, she'd been too distracted by Ryuji's presence to fully pay attention to the stove.

Ryuji chuckled softly, patting Nezuko's head. "Your mother's been tired lately, that's all. Maybe that's why her cooking's a bit off today."

"Is that true, Mom?" Nezuko asked, her wide eyes turning to Kie.

"I have been a bit tired," Kie admitted, lowering her gaze. She knew that wasn't the full truth, but how could she explain it to her daughter?

Hearing her mother's admission, Nezuko's heart softened. "Then let me help you from now on, Mom. I'm older now, and I can help with the cooking."

Kie smiled warmly at her daughter's thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Nezuko, but you're still young. Leave it to me for now."

"I'm not that young!" Nezuko said, puffing out her chest, which had only just started to develop.

Kie chuckled at her insistence. "You're still my little girl."

Nezuko was about to argue when Ryuji gently pulled her into his arms.

"When you're older and have grown into a fine young woman, you can help your mother as much as you like."

"But that'll take forever!" Nezuko pouted, clearly dissatisfied with the answer.

"Then you'd better eat up," Ryuji teased. "The more you eat, the faster you'll grow, and the sooner you can help."

"Alright!" Nezuko agreed eagerly, digging into her meal with renewed enthusiasm, her cheeks puffing out adorably.

"I want to grow up fast too, so I can help Mom," Hanako chimed in.

Soon, Takeo, Shigeru, and Rokuta joined in, all echoing their desire to help.

Kie's heart filled with warmth at her children's eagerness. She glanced shyly at Ryuji, her gaze filled with gratitude and affection. With her children growing up so well and Ryuji by her side, she felt truly blessed. She hoped they could all live peacefully together, watching their children grow.

The thought alone brought her happiness.

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"By the way, Kie, there's something I want to discuss with you," Ryuji said, setting his chopsticks down.

Kie looked up, meeting his gaze. Her eyes, warm and gentle, seemed to ask what was on his mind.

"I want you to learn the 'Breath of the Sun.' I'll start teaching you in the coming days."

Kie gasped softly. She knew the 'Breath of the Sun' or Hinokami Kagura was an ancient technique, traditionally taught only to the Kamado family's eldest sons. Teaching it to anyone else—especially a woman—was unheard of.

This went against everything she'd understood about the Kamado family's ways.

"What's the matter? Don't you want to learn?" Ryuji asked, a slight edge to his tone.

Seeing his expression, Kie felt a pang of guilt. Why did she worry about old traditions? Ryuji's word was all that mattered now.

Quickly, she shook her head. "No, I'll do as you say."

"Good." Ryuji nodded approvingly, then looked at Nezuko, Hanako, Takeo, and the others. "Your mother isn't the only one learning. All of you will, too."

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Kie felt deeply moved that Ryuji was willing to teach her the 'Breath of the Sun.'

In a world where women were often looked down upon, Ryuji's regard for her felt rare and precious. Determined, she resolved to master the technique and prove herself worthy of his trust.

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After the meal, Ryuji asked Kie to change into training clothes.

Tanjiro continued practicing in the yard while Nezuko tended to her younger siblings.

When Kie emerged in a simple kendo uniform, Ryuji's eyes lit up. Her graceful figure, highlighted by the white attire, captivated him.

Shyly, she lowered her head under his gaze.

"I didn't expect you to look so beautiful in a kendo uniform," Ryuji commented with a gentle smile.

Kie's cheeks turned pink, though she was pleased by the compliment.

"Turn around, please," he requested, amusement in his eyes.

With a hint of shyness, Kie spun slowly as he'd asked.

"Beautiful," he murmured.

"Thank you, Ryuji," she whispered, lowering her gaze.

Ryuji stepped forward and took her hand gently. Glancing around to ensure Tanjiro and Nezuko weren't nearby, Kie relaxed, allowing him to hold her hand.

He traced small circles on her palm, and she felt her cheeks warm in response. Tempted to tease her further, he refrained, speaking seriously instead.

"Learning the 'Breath of the Sun' is demanding. It requires physical and mental endurance."

"I can handle it," Kie replied, determination in her eyes.

"Very well. Let's begin." Ryuji nodded, pleased.

Kie's expression grew serious, preparing herself for his teachings.

"The 'Breath of the Sun' is the original Breath technique, created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni," he explained. "Compared to others, its unique trait is its ability to generate energy like sunlight—a lethal force against demons."

"This energy can be channeled into a sword, forming a burning crimson blade known as the 'Hinokami Kagura' or 'Flame Dance.' When it pierces a demon, it burns them from within, destroying them in ways no ordinary weapon can."

"A swordsman who masters the 'Breath of the Sun' can even slay demons without needing a Nichirin Blade. That's why demons will stop at nothing to eliminate anyone who wields it."

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