"This is Tanjiro's current situation. Although he has regained a measure of rationality, he still cannot restrain his urge to eat humans, so it isn't appropriate to bring him back to see you for now. I ask for your understanding…"
Having already awakened, Kie bowed deeply to Yoriichi. "No—if anything, we are the ones who should be thanking you all for helping Tanjiro…"
"It was largely thanks to the child's own efforts," Yoriichi said, shaking his head slightly. "Once he succeeds in fully suppressing his desire to eat humans, Hiru will bring him to see you."
"Why not execute him on the spot?"
Tomioka looked at Yoriichi.
"No matter how you put it, he's still a demon."
Yoriichi glanced at the family, who had instantly grown tense at Tomioka's words, and let out a quiet sigh. "I do have personal feelings involved in this matter. I will personally write to the Oyakata-sama afterward. For now, let us wait for his judgment."
"So Brother Yoriichi and Hiru intend to keep that child?" someone asked.
"Yes… I ask that you refrain from informing the other Hashira for the time being."
Tomioka fell silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"But how can you guarantee that demon won't harm humans? And doesn't Hiru always say that demons aren't worthy of salvation?"
Yoriichi fell silent as well. He knew this was a question without a clear answer. "…That child still has a chance to return to being human, and he hasn't stained his hands with blood. In short, neither Hiru nor I wish to abandon him."
Tomioka turned his head and glanced at the visibly anxious Kie and the others, then sighed. "I understand. I'll keep it to myself."
"For now, that's enough. If everything goes smoothly, we should be able to turn him back into a human before the other Hashira notice anything." Yoriichi smiled faintly. "Thank you, Giyu."
"…Then I'll resume my patrol."
Tomioka stood up, took a few steps, then turned back.
"What about Sabito, Makomo, and Urokodaki-sensei? Can't we tell them either?"
Yoriichi shook his head gently. "I'm sorry, Giyu. Please help us keep this secret for now. If you're uneasy, you may write to the Oyakata-sama as well, but please do not inform the others."
Tomioka nodded, picked up the Nichirin Blade by the door, and left without looking back.
Only then did Kie speak again. "May I ask… can Tanjiro truly return to being human?"
"I can't say for certain," Yoriichi replied, lowering his head slightly. "Tanjiro's condition is highly unusual, and the progress of the human-restoration medicine is difficult to judge. I also ask that all of you keep matters concerning Tanjiro confidential and not let more Swordsmen learn of this."
He paused, then continued, his tone firm. "But I swear that as long as that child does not lose himself to a demon's desires, I will do everything in my power to protect him. However, there is one more matter I must discuss with you."
"Yes?"
"Before our decisive battle with Muzan, you likely won't be able to return to live at Mount Kumotori. If you don't mind, I would like you to relocate to my jurisdiction." Yoriichi looked at Kie.
"There were children in my household before, so I took the time to thoroughly purge that area of demons. There is also a former Hashira nearby who is training new recruits, making it a relatively safe place. If you agree, once my children finish their current missions, I will personally escort you there and help you settle in."
"Isn't that too much trouble for you?" Kie said, flustered. "You've already shown us such kindness by offering us a new place to live. How could we trouble you further by asking for an escort?"
Yoriichi shook his head. "Helping your family relocate was a promise the Demon Slayer Corps made back when Tanjuro was still alive. If anything, it was our failure to move you immediately after his passing that led to this tragedy…"
"No, this is actually my fault…" Kie covered her mouth as tears spilled freely from her eyes. "I was afraid Tanjuro wouldn't be able to find his way home during the seven-day period, and with winter approaching, I decided to postpone the move until next spring… It's my fault… I'm the one who caused Tanjiro to suffer…"
Nezuko looked at Kie and spoke softly. "This isn't Mother's fault. We all agreed to it. We all wanted to stay a little longer in the place where Father was, and that's what led to this outcome… Mother is exhausted too. Please take Hanako and the others to rest first."
"Nezuko…"
"It's alright. Takeo and I are here," Nezuko said with a small smile. "I still have a few questions. Once I've asked them, I'll bring Takeo back as well."
Kie looked at the drowsy Hanako and Shigeru, and at Rokuta, who was already asleep. She stood up quietly. "I understand. I'll go ahead."
Nezuko rose to see them out. After watching them leave under the guidance of the Kakushi, she returned and knelt in front of Yoriichi.
"Mr. Yoriichi, I'm very sorry to take up more of your time, but there are some things I'd like to ask."
Yoriichi looked at the girl. "That's fine. Please ask."
"Under normal circumstances, how does the Demon Slayer Corps handle situations like this… when someone turns into a demon? Is it always as Mr. Tomioka said—execution?"
"…Yes." Yoriichi nodded slightly. "If a member of the Demon Slayer Corps becomes a demon, then that member's trainer and guide must also take responsibility. A Corps member who turns into a demon could leak a great deal of information, causing severe losses to the organization."
"Then… can I become a Swordsman?"
"Sister?!" Takeo turned his head in disbelief, his voice rising without him realizing it. "I object! That's far too dangerous! Demons aren't something we can fight!"
"But Brother has to remain under the Demon Slayer Corps' supervision now, doesn't he?" Nezuko said gently, smiling at Takeo. "The Corps' duty is to slay demons. There will surely be more people who view Brother as an enemy. If he stays in such an environment, with how sensitive he is, he'll definitely be hurt by it. That's why I think someone from the family should stay by his side… And maybe, with family nearby, he'll be able to recover his memories faster."
Takeo froze, his expression shifting several times before hardening with resolve. "Then it should be me! How can I let you go?! Fighting something like that is far too dangerous!"
"Takeo, you're the second son. How could I possibly let you—"
"Sister, have you really seen that demon?!"
Takeo's sudden shout left Nezuko frozen in place, at a loss for words. "…Takeo?"
"Sister, please… don't go…"
Takeo covered his face, but though it hid his expression, it couldn't hide the tears streaming down.
"Big Brother learned such difficult breathing techniques, sword skills like the Fire God himself, and he still ended up like that… We can't possibly defeat demons…"