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

---

On the way back, two more people joined the group.

One was Chiba Natsuo, a demon hunter, and the other was Saburo.

Tanjirou and Nezuko were well acquainted with Saburo. He was a kind yet lonely old man who had often visited the Kamado family in the past. Saburo enjoyed chatting with Tanjirou and the children, answering their curious questions with a gentle tone.

In contrast, Chiba Natsuo was distant. He clung to his Nichirin Blade, maintaining a stoic demeanor that discouraged conversation. Perched alone on the edge of the ox cart, he appeared lost in thought. Occasionally, his gaze flickered toward Tanjirou, as though evaluating him.

"Uncle Ryuji, why does that man keep staring at big brother?" Nezuko whispered, tugging at Ryuji's sleeve.

Ryuji had already noticed Chiba Natsuo's lingering gaze on Tanjirou. Though unsure of its meaning, he decided to address it. Approaching the demon hunter, Ryuji cleared his throat.

Natsuo's sharp senses immediately picked up his presence. He glanced at Ryuji briefly before returning to his brooding.

"I've noticed you keep looking at Tanjirou," Ryuji said calmly. "Is there a reason?"

Chiba Natsuo hesitated before responding, his voice low. "I'm curious. Why does he know the 'Breathing Techniques' of the Demon Slayer Corps?"

Tanjirou, growing increasingly uncomfortable under Natsuo's scrutiny, interjected. "Why have you been staring at me this whole time?"

After a pause, Chiba Natsuo explained, "The Breathing Techniques were developed exclusively by the Demon Slayer Corps to fight demons. Civilians don't usually know them. Yet, you clearly do."

It became evident that Tanjirou had unintentionally revealed his use of Breathing Techniques during their journey, piquing the demon hunter's interest.

Ryuji stepped in to clarify. "The Kamado family has its own ancestral 'Breath' style passed down through generations."

Natsuo frowned. Of all the families in the region, none were known to possess such techniques. Though skeptical, he decided to leave the mystery unresolved for now.

"I see," he said curtly, though his mind churned with questions.

---

In the distance, a small, secluded mountain cabin came into view.

Ryuji brought the ox cart to a halt.

Seeing him stop, Chiba Natsuo and Saburo climbed off.

"Tanjirou, take the cart and bring Nezuko and Hanako home," Ryuji instructed. "I'll accompany Natsuo to the site of the attack."

Tanjirou nodded, guiding the ox cart away with his sisters.

Chiba Natsuo's gaze followed the cart as it disappeared into the distance. He frowned, noting that they had not invited him to rest at their home—a clear sign of mistrust.

"The house is modest," Ryuji said, breaking the silence. "But since there's still daylight, we can head straight to the scene of the attack."

Chiba Natsuo's expression soured. As a demon hunter who risked his life to protect others, he had hoped for a warmer welcome, but he suppressed his irritation.

"Lead the way," he replied coolly.

Ryuji paid little mind to Natsuo's attitude. While many members of the Demon Slayer Corps were noble, history had shown that some could succumb to darkness, even becoming demons themselves. Trust had to be earned.

---

Tanjirou returned home with Nezuko and Hanako, then quickly rejoined the group. Together, they reached the site of the attack.

The cabin was abandoned, its aura heavy with despair. Signs of the demon's rampage were evident.

Chiba Natsuo meticulously examined the area while Ryuji described the events they had witnessed. After a thorough inspection, the demon hunter spoke grimly.

"There's no doubt. A demon attacked and devoured the occupants."

---

As night fell, Ryuji noted the time. "It's getting late. Tanjirou and I should head back before it's too dark. Kei will worry."

Without waiting for a response, Ryuji and Tanjirou turned to leave.

Chiba Natsuo watched them go, his brow furrowing. It was clear they were still wary of him.

---

Nightfall

The sky was pitch black, with only a flickering lamp casting its faint light. A young woman stood at the door, her gaze fixed on the darkness beyond. Her expression was a mixture of worry and hope.

"Mother, why are you still waiting outside?"

Kamado Kei turned to see Nezuko stepping out, her hair tousled from sleep. Barefoot, she approached her mother, her pale feet glowing in the lamplight.

"It's late, Nezuko. Go back to bed," Kei said softly.

Instead, Nezuko fetched a fur coat from inside and draped it over her mother's shoulders. "It's cold. Don't catch a chill."

Kei smiled, her heart warmed by Nezuko's care. She gently tapped her daughter's nose. "You've grown so thoughtful, Nezuko."

Nezuko grinned. "But it's Uncle Ryuji who always looks after you."

Kei's cheeks reddened, but she said nothing, ushering Nezuko back inside.

Moments later, the sound of approaching footsteps broke the quiet. Kei's heart leapt as she saw two familiar figures emerge from the darkness.

Ryuji had returned with Tanjirou.

As they approached, Kei slowed her pace, bowing slightly as she spoke, "Ryuji, you're home."

Her voice was soft, and her posture was graceful. The fur coat Nezuko had draped over her earlier slipped off her shoulders as she bent forward.

Her thin garments clung to her figure, outlining her curves as she panted slightly, the brisk movement leaving her breathless.

Ryuji, seeing her thinly dressed in the cold night air, glanced at Tanjirou. "Go inside, Tanjirou," he said, patting him on the head.

Tanjirou glanced at his uncle and mother, sighed slightly, and headed inside the house.

Once Tanjirou was gone, Ryuji stepped forward and wrapped his arms around Kei, pulling her close.

Kei's face flushed, and she hesitated for a moment before wrapping her arms around him in return. Though she was tall for a woman, she still only reached Ryuji's waist when standing this close to him.

"Why are you waiting outside in the cold so late?" Ryuji asked softly, his hand gently stroking her hair as he undid the bun, letting her dark, silky hair cascade down her back like a waterfall.

"I was just… worried about you," Kei whispered, burying her face in his chest.

"And here I was, missing you the whole way back," Ryuji chuckled as he effortlessly lifted her off the ground, cradling her in his arms.

Kei gasped, startled by the sudden movement, but quickly covered her mouth to keep from making too much noise and disturbing the children inside.

"Since you were so worried about me," Ryuji whispered with a teasing smile, "I'll make sure to take good care of you tonight."

He gazed down at Kei's shy but dignified face, his eyes filled with warmth.

"Tonight, with you by my side, I won't feel lonely at all."

---

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