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

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Once Tanjiro finished his morning training, the family gathered for breakfast. Kie had prepared a hearty meal, mindful of the family's need for extra nutrition after their rigorous routines. She had risen early to ensure everything was perfect.

As they sat around the table, Nezuko stared at her plate, her mind still swirling with emotions from the morning's revelation. Her discomfort was palpable.

Ryuji didn't press her. He understood it would take time for Nezuko to accept that he and her mother had grown closer. After all, Tanjuro's passing was still fresh in their hearts, and Ryuji respected the depth of her grief.

"The furs from our recent hunts are piling up," Ryuji said, breaking the silence as he reached for some rice. "I'll head into town later today to sell them."

Everyone listened, except for Nezuko, who sulked quietly. She occasionally glanced at her mother and Ryuji before quickly looking away.

Deep down, Nezuko felt conflicted. She couldn't accept how quickly her mother seemed to be moving on. In her mind, true love endured beyond death. It wasn't right for her mother to fall for someone else so soon. Yet, a small part of her didn't want Kie to be alone.

"Nezuko, listen to your uncle," Kie said gently, tapping her daughter's head with her chopsticks.

Nezuko huffed and turned away, her frustration evident.

"Let her be," Ryuji said softly, placing a calming hand on Kie's. "She's still young and needs time to understand."

"But Ryuji, if we don't guide her, how will she learn?" Kie murmured, her concern showing.

Ryuji smiled warmly, ruffling Nezuko's hair. "It's fine. Let her feel how she feels. I'll spoil her if I have to."

Nezuko froze, startled by his words. Tanjuro had been a quiet and reserved man, rarely showing open affection. Ryuji's gentleness was different, and while it warmed her heart, it also made her miss her father even more.

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As the meal progressed, Ryuji shared his plans.

"I'll sell the furs and stock up on supplies. Once I return, we'll prepare to move out," he explained. "Kie, can you start packing what we'll need while I'm gone?"

"Yes, of course," Kie agreed, nodding.

"Uncle, can I come with you?" Hanako asked excitedly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Kie shook her head gently. "It's difficult to bring a child along. Perhaps she should stay—"

"It's alright," Ryuji interrupted with a reassuring smile. "I'll take care of her."

Hanako cheered, her disappointment vanishing instantly. Seeing her excitement, Nezuko hesitated, glancing at Ryuji but not speaking.

"You can come too, Nezuko," Ryuji offered, noticing her hopeful look.

Nezuko's face lit up. She had always wanted to visit the town.

"Ryuji, you're too soft on them," Kie said, though her voice held a note of affection.

Ryuji chuckled and took her hand. "And I'll spoil you too, if you'll let me."

Kie's cheeks flushed as she tried to pull her hand away, but Ryuji's gentle grip kept her still. The children were too preoccupied with their food to notice, except for Tanjiro, who remained quiet. While his eyes stayed on his bowl, his ears picked up every word.

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"Let's go, Hanako! Nezuko! Climb onto the cart!" Ryuji called out after loading their goods onto the ox cart.

Hanako dashed over eagerly but found the cart too high to climb. She jumped repeatedly, her small legs failing to reach.

"Let me help," Nezuko said, crouching to give Hanako a boost. The little girl giggled as she climbed aboard, with Nezuko following close behind. Tanjiro took his place at the front near the oxen.

"Be careful on the road," Kie said softly, stepping forward to drape a fur cloak over Ryuji's shoulders.

Ryuji adjusted the cloak, then gently tilted her chin upward with a finger.

"Kie," he murmured, his voice low. "Before I leave… a gift."

"A gift? But I don't—" Kie began, only for Ryuji to cut her off with a knowing look. Her cheeks turned crimson as she realized what he meant.

Though shy, Kie stood on her toes and wrapped her trembling arms around his shoulders. In one quick, fleeting motion, she pressed her lips to his cheek before darting away, her face glowing red.

Ryuji touched the spot where her kiss had landed, a smile spreading across his face. "So sweet," he whispered as he watched her retreat.

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The bullock cart swayed gently as it traveled along the narrow mountain trail, its wheels creaking softly against the uneven path.

Hanako sat on the cart, her eyes sparkling with excitement, while Nezuko gazed wide-eyed at the passing scenery. Unlike Tanjirou, who had often accompanied their father, Tanjuro, to sell charcoal in the town below, Nezuko and Hanako had never ventured far from their mountain home. Their amazement was palpable as they took in every detail of the journey.

Seeing their delight, Ryuji reached over and ruffled Hanako's hair. "If I have more time in the future, I'll bring you out to explore more often."

"Really?" Hanako's and Nezuko's faces lit up, their smiles radiant.

In those days, it wasn't common for women or girls to leave their homes, especially in rural areas. When Tanjuro was alive, the girls rarely left the mountain, making this trip a rare and cherished experience.

"Of course. Have I ever lied to you?" Ryuji teased, lightly tapping their noses.

"Uncle is the best!" Hanako giggled, clapping her hands.

"Thank you, Uncle!" Nezuko chimed in, her cheeks flushed with joy.

Ryuji smiled warmly at their happiness, his heart lighter.

"Uncle, why are you so nice to us?" Hanako asked suddenly, tugging on Ryuji's sleeve. Her innocent eyes gazed up at him with curiosity.

"Why don't you guess, Hanako?" Ryuji said, chuckling. "Why do you think I'm so kind to you?"

Hanako scrunched her little face in thought before answering with conviction, "Because you like Mother! That's why you're so good to us!"

Ryuji chuckled. "That's a clever guess, Hanako, and you're not wrong. But that's not the only reason."

Hanako tilted her head, waiting for him to explain further.

"I care about your mother, yes. But I also care deeply for all of you—Nezuko, Tanjirou, and your siblings," Ryuji said softly. His tone grew serious. "More importantly, I made a promise to your father, Tanjuro. I promised him I would look after all of you, no matter what."

Nezuko glanced at him, her heart softening as she listened.

The cart bumped along the trail, and time passed quickly. Before long, they reached the bustling town at the mountain's base.

Ryuji lifted Nezuko and Hanako down from the cart. "Now that we're here, stay close to me. Don't wander off. If you get lost, it'll be hard to find you again."

"Okay!" the two girls said in unison, nodding eagerly.

For Hanako and Nezuko, the lively streets of the town were mesmerizing. The chatter of merchants, the aroma of freshly cooked food, and the vibrant stalls filled their senses with wonder.

"First, we'll sell the goods. Then, we can look around together," Ryuji said, patting their heads.

"Okay!" they replied, brimming with anticipation.

Ryuji led them to a shop that specialized in mountain goods. The shopkeeper's eyes lit up when he saw the cart's contents, particularly a rare Silver Wolf pelt that Ryuji had brought.

After a brief negotiation, Ryuji sold the goods for a fair price. The shopkeeper looked pleased, eagerly examining his newly acquired treasures.

Ryuji, however, wasn't concerned about profit. His focus was on completing the task quickly so he could spend more time with Nezuko and Hanako.

Once the deal was done, Ryuji stepped outside with the children, ready to explore the town. But as they left the shop, his eyes caught sight of something unusual.

Not far ahead, an elderly merchant was speaking to a young man dressed in a distinct black uniform. The kanji for "滅" (Metsu, meaning "slay") was emblazoned boldly on the back. At the young man's waist hung a katana, its hilt intricately wrapped.

Ryuji's eyes narrowed as he observed the stranger. He recognized the uniform immediately.

A swordsman from the Demon Slayer Corps.

A demon slayer.

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