The deeper he went, the more oppressive it became. The moonlight faded behind the thick canopy, swallowed by darkness. The trees stood too close together, their twisted roots snaking across the path like grasping hands. Spiderwebs, thick as rope, glistened faintly in the dim light.
The smell of blood was stronger now. It clung to everything—to the soil, to the air, and even to the bark of the trees. So many people have died here, Tanjiro realized, his stomach tightening.
Ahead, the distant echoes of Inosuke's battle cries rang through the woods—wild laughter, the clash of metal, and something monstrous shrieking in pain.
Tanjiro's pace quickened. "That idiot's going to get himself killed," he muttered, concern threading through his voice.
Then—a flicker of movement to his left.
Tanjiro froze instantly, instincts screaming. He lowered his body, hand steady on his sword. His breathing slowed, calm and precise, each inhale guiding his senses outward.
Nothing. Just the creak of branches and the faint hum of insects.
Then—
A shrill, bloodcurdling scream ripped through the silence. A human scream.
Tanjiro's heart lurched. That's a Demon Slayer!
Without another thought, he dashed toward the sound. Branches whipped against his face as he ran, the forest blurring around him.
The scent of fresh blood hit him full force before he reached the clearing. It was everywhere—spilled, splattered, staining the soil.
A lone figure lay slumped against a tree, their uniform torn and drenched in crimson. Their breathing was shallow, each exhale a struggle.
Tanjiro's pulse spiked, but before he could reach them—
A shadow fell from above.
A monstrous spider demon descended from the branches, its limbs long and spindly, each tipped with needle-like claws. Its human-like face twisted in hunger, drool dripping from its fanged mouth.
Tanjiro's eyes narrowed. His body moved before thought caught up.
"Water Breathing, First Form: Water Surface Slash!"
His blade arced in a flash of silver-blue, slicing cleanly through the demon's torso. The creature let out a distorted screech before bursting into ash, its remains scattering like dark snow through the air.
Tanjiro exhaled slowly, sheathing his sword. Stay focused.
He rushed to the wounded slayer's side, kneeling. The young man was unconscious, with a pulse faint but steady. A spider thread was coiled around his limbs—likely part of the demons' trap. Tanjiro carefully sliced through it.
"Hang on," Tanjiro whispered, lifting him gently into his arms. "You're safe now. I'll get you out of here."
The man's lips moved weakly, barely forming words. "…run… it's… a trap…"
Tanjiro's eyes widened. A trap?
The forest suddenly shifted. The air grew colder, the faint rustle of leaves turning into the sound of threads stretching. From all directions, spider silk began to shimmer in the gloom—connecting trees, wrapping the ground, and crisscrossing in intricate patterns like a web tightening around its prey.
Dozens of glowing eyes appeared within the darkness.
Tanjiro gritted his teeth, tightening his grip on his sword again. "So that's it… this whole forest is their nest."
The wounded slayer's head lolled weakly against Tanjiro's shoulder. "Run…" he gasped again.
But Tanjiro shook his head, determination burning in his gaze. "No. I won't run. I'll protect you and everyone else caught here."
He gently laid the slayer down beside a thick tree trunk and drew his blade once more. His feet slid into a firm stance, his breath steady and measured.
"Water Breathing…" he whispered. The air around him rippled faintly, his focus sharpening to a razor's edge.
From the shadows, a dozen spider demons scuttled forward—grotesque, human-faced things with twitching limbs and chittering laughter.
Tanjiro's expression hardened. "You won't take another life tonight."
And with that, he leapt forward, blade flashing under the pale moonlight that barely broke through the canopy.
The battle on Mount Natagumo had begun.
~~~