[Is this… family?]
Kamado Tanjiro lowered his head, looking at the children who had rushed over in tears and clung to him after he spoke. For a moment, he didn't know what to do.
The scent of sorrow and longing coming from them was painfully clear. Feeling awkward, Tanjiro bent down and gently patted their backs.
"D-Don't… don't cry…"
"Welcome home, big brother! Welcome home!"
"Big brother, don't leave us again. No matter what happens next, let's face it together!"
Feeling the joy and worry woven into their words only made Tanjiro more at a loss. He knew they were his family—yet he couldn't remember a single one of their names. Because of that, he had no idea how to respond to the emotions they were pouring out at him.
In the end, Hiru stepped in to save him.
"Don't get happy too fast. He's still far from recovered. I'll be taking him away again later. That aside, why are there only three of you? And why are you still up this late… is it because you're not used to the new environment?"
"No, it's because Takeo-nii and Nezuko-nee are coming back today. We're waiting for them."
Hiru turned to look at Hanako, who had spoken, his brow creasing slightly.
"Coming back? What did they go do?"
"Takeo-nii and Nezuko-nee went to take part in Swordsman training, so we're all waiting," Hanako said as she wiped her tears. Her hand, however, still clutched tightly at Tanjiro's clothes. "But we didn't expect Mr. Hiru and big brother to come back today too. They'll definitely be really happy when they return."
"I see… but Swordsman training?" Hiru looked even more puzzled. "Why? That's a thankless, exhausting job. I'm already thinking of quitting myself."
"Because we want to stay with big brother," Shigeru spoke up. He looked up at Hiru, then turned his gaze to Tanjiro. "Nezuko-nee said that with big brother's current condition, we can't help him at all. If he has to struggle alone, he'll definitely feel lonely. So we have to cheer him on from somewhere he can see us!"
"We wanted to go too!" Hanako said indignantly, still gripping Tanjiro's clothes. Her nose was red, but she puffed out her cheeks stubbornly. "But Takeo-nii chased us back! That's so unfair! Only he and Nezuko-nee get to stay with big brother—it's way too sneaky! And that instructor even said we're too young and can't handle Swordsman training or something! That's just mean!"
"Stay with… me?"
Without even realizing it, Tanjiro smoothly picked up Rokuta, who was crying so hard he was nearly out of breath, and gently patted his back.
"But being a Swordsman is really hard work, isn't it?"
"We're not scared!" Shigeru clenched his fists. "That night, you worked so hard to protect us, big brother, but now we can't do anything for you at all. So at the very least, we have to stay by your side!"
"Big brother, you absolutely can't lose! You're the one chosen by the Fire God!"
"Huh? Fire God? Chosen?" Tanjiro looked utterly confused. "Me?"
"That's right!" Hanako's eyes lit up. "The Kagura dance you learned from Father—the one you danced at the beginning of the year! It was super amazing! Big brother is the best!"
"Kagura… dance?" Tanjiro thought for a moment, then suddenly realized. "You mean Sun Breathing?"
"Probably? But it's all the same!" Hanako tugged at Tanjiro's sleeve. Though tears still shimmered at the corners of her eyes, a smile appeared on her face. "Since Nezuko-nee and Takeo-nii only come back once a week, Mom made lots of delicious food! Big brother, come too!"
"Huh? But right now I—"
"Come on, come on!"
"Yeah, big brother, hurry up and come!"
"Sorry, Hanako," Hiru said as he walked over. He took Rokuta from Tanjiro's arms and handed him to Hanako and Shigeru, then draped an arm over Tanjiro's head. "I still need to say a few things to Tanjiro before he goes home. You guys go back first."
"Is that so…" Hanako glanced between Tanjiro and Hiru, then took Rokuta's hand. "Then Mr. Hiru, you'll come later too, right? I'll tell Mom to prepare more food!"
"N-No, I won't be going," Hiru waved his hand. "You all just enjoy your reunion today. I'll be taking him away again later."
"Ehhh—"
"Haha, the three of you are making the exact same face right now," Hiru laughed. "Go on back. I'll let this kid come find you soon."
Tanjiro watched the three of them head up the mountain. After standing there in a daze for quite some time, he finally lifted his head and looked at Hiru.
"Um… what was it you wanted to say to me?"
"How do you feel right now?"
"Hmm… how should I put it?"
Tanjiro lowered his head, unconsciously raising a hand to cover his chest. A gentle smile formed on his lips.
"It feels very warm. Like something that was missing has suddenly been filled. Really… really…"
Hiru slowly withdrew the arm that had been resting on Tanjiro's head. Then—
He swung it back and smacked Tanjiro hard on the back of the head.
"Ow!" Tanjiro clutched his head and turned to look at Hiru, his expression full of grievance. "Mr. Hiru? Why?"
"Are you showing off or something?" Hiru pulled her hand back, her expression full of disdain. "Of course I know what it feels like to have family. I was asking about your control over your body—things like appetite and aggressive impulses. Who asked you how family feels?"
"Huh? No, that's not…" Tanjiro rubbed the back of his head. "If anything, ever since we met, I haven't paid attention to that at all… And I don't know if it's just my imagination, but after smelling Sanemi's blood, I can't seem to smell the fragrance of any other blood anymore…"
"Well, it is Rare Blood among Rare Blood," Hiru said. "But as long as the special training is working, that's a relief."
She straightened up.
"And here—take this. Just in case."
Tanjiro looked at the medicine pouch Hiru took out and immediately stepped back two paces, covering his nose.
"This… it smells awful. What is it?"
"It's medicine made from wisteria flowers."
"Huh? But don't demons die if they touch wisteria?"
"Relax. Just carry it with you. It's not lethal—just smelly. Keeping it on you will help you stay clear-headed."
Hiru stuffed the pouch into Tanjiro's sleeve.
"But don't say I didn't warn you. The moment this medicine comes into contact with even a trace of blood aura, it'll instantly release poison gas. It won't kill you, but the pain will be unforgettable. So you'd better pray you can control yourself. If you end up with some lasting psychological trauma, I'm not taking responsibility."
Kamado Tanjiro: …Σ(ﾟдﾟ!!!)
Tanjiro stared down at the pouch in his sleeve, his nerves instantly tightening. Still, he knew Hiru was doing this for his sake. He carefully tightened his sleeve so the pouch wouldn't slip out, his expression turning serious.
"Yes! I'll do my best to restrain myself!"