Demon Slayer: Dragon Hashira#32/33: Mount Natagumo, Upper Rank Five's Past, Bribing Sanemi Shinazugawa,The Hashira Trial

"Who's this guy?"

"He's wearing a Corps uniform—must be one of ours!" Two Kakushi stared at a person strung up in a tree wearing a boar's head mask. Confused, they removed it.

"Oh, it's just a mask!"

"This guy's badly injured—let's get him down and treat him."

Kaidō, passing nearby, noticed the Kakushi untying someone from a tree. Curious, he walked over—and recognized Inosuke Hashibira, the character who constantly yelled "Pig Assault!"

"Dragon Hashira-sama!"

The Kakushi bowed upon recognizing a Hashira. They'd heard plenty about Dragon Hashira Ryūjin Kaidō.

"No need for formalities! I happened to pass by. Need help?"

"We're fine, Dragon Hashira-sama. We can handle this."

"Alright then. I'll patrol the area. You Kakushi work hard!"

"Farewell, Dragon Hashira-sama!" After watching him leave, they resumed their discussion.

"Dragon Hashira-sama really is like the rumors say—treats everyone equally, no ego at all!"

"Right! Anyway, quit chatting. This guy's still hanging there—let's get him down and treat him!"

——————

"Blood Demon Art: Cutting Thread Rotation!" A small boy-demon wearing a white kimono with spiderweb patterns—the kanji for Lower Five in his left eye—was Rui. He unleashed his Blood Demon Art, attempting to eliminate Giyu.

"Water Breathing, Eleventh Form: Dead Calm."

SHRED.

Instantly, all of Rui's spider threads were neutralized.

'What? What did he do? Not a single thread touched him? He cut through my strongest threads!' Rui's shock was absolute.

'Impossible! I'll try again—' Before he could release another attack, Giyu decapitated him in one swift motion.

'I've been... beheaded?' As his head fell, Rui saw Tanjiro lying on the ground, shielding his sister.

'Must kill them... definitely must kill that brother and sister... I absolutely must... Wait, what did I even want? Right... what I wanted was...'

When Rui was human, he'd been sickly and weak—walking was difficult, running impossible. Born with a frail body, every step was agony.

During that time, Rui heard a story about a father who died saving his drowning son. He found this a beautiful bond—believed the father who died in the river had fulfilled his "fatherly duty." Days passed like this until Muzan Kibutsuji appeared.

Sympathizing with Rui's similar condition, Muzan gave him his blood, transforming him into a demon. Rui gained a strong body—but began needing to eat humans.

After Rui killed people, his parents felt immense guilt but knew they couldn't let him continue harming innocents. His father, resolved to kill Rui and atone with his own death, attempted a murder-suicide.

But Rui, now a demon, felt his father's killing intent. Remembering the story from his past and comparing it to his father's murderous intent and mother's complicity, Rui concluded his bond with his parents was false.

Ultimately, consumed by rage, Rui murdered his parents. However, his mother's dying words expressed only guilt toward him. Rui suddenly realized his father's determination to kill him and die together—understanding too late that he'd destroyed the genuine family bond with his own hands.

Muzan appeared then and encouraged him. Unable to accept reality, Rui gradually lost his memories. He tried to restore them by experiencing true family bonds. Eventually, he began building his own "family" on Mount Natagumo. But since Rui maintained bonds through fear, and the gathered demons were far weaker than himself as a Twelve Kizuki member, this "family" was utterly false. For decades, Rui played "house" with unrelated demons on Mount Natagumo.

After being beheaded, the headless Rui initially wanted to drag the Kamado siblings to hell even as he vanished. But watching Tanjiro desperately protect Nezuko made him question what he'd truly been seeking.

Finally, Rui recovered his human memories—remembering he'd been searching to reclaim the bond he'd lost.

"Such a sorrowful presence." Tanjiro stared at Rui's decapitated body lying before him. Smelling overwhelming sadness, he reached out his hand. Feeling Tanjiro's sunlight-warm touch, Rui finally remembered he'd always wanted to apologize to his parents. He vanished peacefully.

——————

Giyu approached expressionlessly, stepping on Rui's clothes.

"No need to pity man-eating demons. Even if they look like children—they're hideous creatures who've lived decades, maybe centuries."

"I'll cut off evil demons' heads without mercy. But you cannot trample on demons who feel remorse. They were human once—exactly like us. So please move your foot!" Tanjiro's voice was firm.

Giyu felt something stir inside him. His junior brother Kaidō had said something similar: "If it's an evil demon, I'll kill without mercy. But if it's a good demon, I'll let them live out a human lifespan in peace."

Finally, Giyu moved his foot. But recognizing Tanjiro and the muzzled Nezuko, something clicked—they looked familiar. After a moment, he realized who they were.

"You're—"

Before he could finish, a sound cut through the air behind him. Giyu immediately drew his blade and blocked.

CLANG!

"Tomioka-san, what are you doing? Why get in my way?"

Shinobu demanded angrily. Since Kanae's revival, Shinobu had returned to her old self—though some habits remained.

"You said yourself you wouldn't get along with demons. So what are you doing now? Acting like this will only make everyone hate you."

"I... I'm not hated by everyone!" Giyu said.

Shinobu: "..."

"You there, little brother!"

Tanjiro: "Yes! (Ω Д Ω)"

"You're protecting a demon right now—very dangerous! Please leave."

"No—wait, that's not right! She's my sister! She's never hurt anyone!"

"I see. Can you still move? Take your sister and run. Quickly." Giyu turned his head, whispering.

"Tomioka-san..." Tanjiro looked between Giyu and Nezuko, then resolutely picked up his sister and fled. "I'm sorry! Thank you very much!!"

"Tomioka-san, you're violating Corps regulations." Shinobu's voice was calm.

"..."

What Tanjiro didn't know: a girl was chasing him from behind.

——————

Kaidō sat on his greatsword, weaving through the forest. Suddenly, familiar shouting echoed nearby.

"Nezuko! Run! Run—"

He spotted miniature Nezuko running frantically while Kanao Tsuyuri chased her with a blade.

One swinging her sword in pursuit, the other hopping desperately away. Witnessing this scene, Kaidō couldn't help but laugh. "Now that's a classic moment!"

Nezuko noticed Kaidō ahead on his greatsword and sprinted toward him, leaping into his arms. Kanao stopped her pursuit upon seeing him.

"Good girl, Nezuko!!"

Kaidō cradled Nezuko, stroking her head. She smiled happily, eyes crinkling into crescents, nuzzling his chest. She sensed the familiar scent and kindness emanating from him.

"Alright, Kanao. I'll handle this from here."

Kanao said nothing, simply glancing between Kaidō and Nezuko before nodding.

——————

"What was that behavior about?"

"..."

"Say something, Tomioka-san."

"This goes back two years. At that time, I was—"

"Are you messing with me, Tomioka-san? That's way too long! Are you trying to stall by rambling, or are you still hung up about me saying everyone hates you?"

Giyu: "???"

By sheer coincidence, Kaidō arrived at that exact moment, Nezuko in his arms, witnessing another iconic scene: Giyu had Shinobu's neck trapped under his arm like a drum at his waist. Shinobu's temple vein was throbbing.

"Uh, Senpai, Shinobu-nee... what exactly are you two doing?" He couldn't help but ask.

Both noticed Nezuko in Kaidō's arms.

"Kaidō-kun, in your arms is—" Before Shinobu could finish, a crow interrupted.

"ORDERS! ORDERS! CAW! HEADQUARTERS ORDERS!"

"Bring Tanjiro Kamado and the demon Nezuko Kamado to Headquarters!"

"!!" Giyu and Shinobu tensed.

"Tanjiro Kamado: deep red hair, red eyes, scar on left forehead, wearing green checkered haori!"

"Demon Nezuko Kamado: bamboo muzzle in mouth, pink kimono under black haori! CAW!"

"Are you Nezuko Kamado?" Kanao asked the girl in Kaidō's arms.

"Dawn's approaching. Let's go." Kaidō picked up a nearby box, letting Nezuko climb inside.

Soon, Kakushi arrived. Seeing Tanjiro lying on the ground, they rushed to check on him.

"Scar on his left forehead—that's Tanjiro Kamado!"

"Correct! Restrain him and take him to Headquarters!"

"His jaw looks broken!"

"He seems kind of pitiful all tied up like this!"

<><><><><><><><>

"Dragon Hashira-sama, please hand over the box!" A Kakushi member spoke respectfully to Kaidō.

"What's your name?"

"Dragon Hashira-sama, I'm Goto."

"Alright, Goto. It's fine—I'll carry it myself."

"But—"

"Don't worry, Goto. No one will blame you. I'll explain everything." Kaidō smiled warmly.

"Thank you, Dragon Hashira-sama!"

As Goto departed, Kaidō suddenly sensed a powerful attack aimed at the box on his back.

CLAP!

He spun instantly, catching the strike with both hands. Good thing he hadn't used any techniques—otherwise he would've never resorted to catching a blade barehanded.

"I say, Sanemi, what exactly are you trying to do?"

The attacker was none other than Sanemi Shinazugawa.

"Kid, I won't waste words. Hand over that box!"

"No way. I know what you're planning. I'm not giving it to you!"

"So you're protecting a demon too?"

"It's not like that. There's a reason. I can't hand it over. Plus, you just attacked me with your Nichirin blade—that's also breaking regulations, isn't it?"

"Tch! Then quit yapping and hand it over!" Sanemi bellowed.

"I'll trade you something for it!" Kaidō had anticipated Sanemi's move. He knew the Wind Hashira's preferences and had prepared accordingly.

"Quit stalling and give me that box—what's this?" Sanemi caught an iron can Kaidō tossed his way.

"It's my favorite drink—coconut milk. Consider it compensation."

"A drink? Coconut milk? What the hell is that?"

"Open it and take a sip. Just pull that tab."

Sanemi examined the can curiously, pulled the tab, and took a drink.

"Mm! This taste..." One sip revealed a rich, sweet flavor. He couldn't help but take another.

"Here, have this too. Goes even better with coconut milk!" Kaidō handed over a bag of pre-prepared ohagi.

Sanemi accepted the ohagi. One bite of sweet rice cake, one sip of coconut milk—pure bliss. But mid-chew, realization struck.

"You think you can bribe me with this? Fat chance!"

"How about I throw in another serving?"

"No way. Minimum five servings. Plus five more cans of that drink."

"Deal!"

"Hmph. Out of respect for you, I'll let it slide. Hand them over!"

"You want them now? Where are you gonna put them? Planning to carry them in your arms during the Hashira meeting?"

"Good point. After the meeting, then."

"Sure thing!"

'Thank god the System Lifestyle Shop stocks this stuff. Otherwise I'd have no idea how to handle this mess!' Kaidō thought with relief.

——————

"Wake up! Come on, wake up!"

"Get up already!"

"How long are you gonna sleep? WAKE UP!!"

Tanjiro jolted awake, finding several people standing before him.

"Standing before you are the Hashira! Show some respect!"

'Hashira? What's that mean? Who are these people? Where am I?' Tanjiro's mind raced.

"This is Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters. You're about to face judgment, Tanjiro Kamado." Shinobu seemed to sense his confusion and explained.

"Oh my, Shinobu, no need to be so serious!" Kanae added cheerfully.

"There's no need for a trial. Protecting a demon violates Corps regulations. Demons get decapitated—plain and simple!" Kyojuro declared.

"Then let me flamboyantly sever his head and paint the ground with his blood!" Tengen struck a pose.

'Are they really going to hurt such a cute boy? Poor thing!' Mitsuri thought sympathetically.

Muichiro gazed at the sky, lost in thought as usual...

"Wait, where's Kaidō-kun? Didn't he go with you?" Kanae looked around, searching.

"He said he had some matters to handle. He'll be here shortly."

"Cough cough..."

"Drink some water first. I've added painkillers. Then explain what happened." Shinobu brought medicated water to Tanjiro's lips. After drinking, he felt considerably better.

"This is just for the pain—it won't heal your injuries. So please don't do anything rash."

After catching his breath, Tanjiro spoke. "My sister... became a demon. But she's never eaten anyone—not before, not ever! She would never hurt anyone!"

"Stop spouting nonsense! You're only defending her because she's family. I don't trust a word you're saying!" Obanai's voice was sharp.

"Please listen! I joined the Demon Slayer Corps to turn my sister back into a human! Nezuko became a demon two years ago, but she truly hasn't hurt anyone! She can even fight for humans—protect them!"

"Enough talk! Everything you're saying is just your personal opinion. Prove it if you can!"

"Um, I have a question. Does the Master know about this situation?"

Suddenly—

"Yo, everyone! Morning!" Just as the heated discussion reached its peak, Kaidō flew in on his greatsword to everyone's astonishment. Sanemi followed behind him.

"Good morning, young Kaidō! Come visit my home sometime—my parents want to thank you personally!"

"I will, Rengoku."

"Truly flamboyant! Though compared to me, you're still missing just a bit!" Tengen grinned.

"Tengen, one day I'll be more flamboyant than you!"

"Is that so? Then I'll flamboyantly look forward to it! Haha!"

"Obanai, Mitsuri-nee, how have you been?"

"I'm well. Thank you, Kaidō."

"M-me too! Things with Obanai have been really good lately!"

Kaidō's arrival eased the tense atmosphere considerably.

"Oh my, Kaidō-kun, now's not really the time for small talk~"

"Sorry, sorry! You all looked so tense—thought I'd lighten the mood! Haha!"

"Kaidō-san!" Tanjiro called out.

"Hey! Show some respect! This is Dragon Hashira-sama—the most revered member of the Corps aside from the Master himself!" Goto pressed Tanjiro's head down.

"It's fine, Goto. You can step back. Tanjiro's mentor was also my teacher—he's my junior brother."

"Yes, Dragon Hashira-sama!" Goto withdrew to wait elsewhere.

"Tanjiro, Nezuko's safe. She's fine." Kaidō pointed to the box on his back, then approached and untied Tanjiro's restraints. "Just stand aside for now. Trust me—everything will work out."

"Cough cough... Thank you, Kaidō-san."

'Kaidō-san is also a Hashira?' Tanjiro's mind reeled.

"Shinazugawa-san, did you just eat something? You've got something on your mouth." Mitsuri pointed to Sanemi's face.

"Huh? Oh, sorry." He wiped his mouth.

Everyone found this odd—Sanemi was notoriously hot-tempered, yet he'd just responded politely. They glanced between Sanemi and Kaidō, quickly piecing things together.

"Pfft!" Kaidō couldn't help but laugh, immediately apologizing.

"You brat! You did that on purpose, didn't you?"

"Haha, no way! How could I?" Kaidō protested innocently.

"Hmph. Whatever. Not worth my time."

The other Hashira: "..."

"THE MASTER HAS ARRIVED!"

"Good morning, my beloved children. What beautiful weather today—the sky is so blue."

"Having all of you gathered for our biannual Hashira meeting brings me great joy. Not only that, but we have two new Hashira—Kaidō and Kanae. Kaidō, my child, I'm proud of you." Kagaya appeared on the veranda, seeing all eleven Hashira assembled before him. His happiness was genuine.

Instantly, all eleven Hashira—except Kaidō, who bowed respectfully—dropped to one knee. Sanemi pressed Tanjiro to the ground as well.

"Master, you're too kind. Seeing you healthy and vigorous brings me great comfort."

"Being able to see the Master again fills me with joy," Kanae added.

"Thank you, Kaidō. And thank you, Kanae."

'I wish I could greet the Master too...' Mitsuri thought wistfully.

"Master, with all due respect, before the meeting begins, could you explain this situation with the swordsman Tanjiro Kamado and the demon he's protecting?" Sanemi requested.

"Yes, I apologize for startling you all. I recognize both Tanjiro and Nezuko. I hope you will as well."

"Even if it's your request, Master, I find this difficult to accept..." Gyomei's voice was heavy.

"I'm also firmly opposed," Tengen declared.

"Either way, I'll forget about it soon enough," Muichiro added absently.

"I'll follow whatever the Master decides!" Mitsuri said earnestly.