After a long silence, Tachibana Kyūjō began sharing everything with Kamado Tanjūrō—the existence of the Demon Slayer Corps, the hidden war against demons, and the legendary bond between Tanjūrō's ancestor, Kamado Sumiyoshi, and the legendary swordsman Tsugikuni Yoriichi.

For a moment, Tanjūrō couldn't speak. The weight of the truth left him frozen, quietly digesting each shocking detail.

Then finally, he gave a slow nod and asked in a calm voice,

"So what you're saying is… the Hinokami Kagura, the dance passed down in my family… is actually the breathing technique you called Sun Breathing?"

Kyūjō nodded with unwavering certainty.

"That's right. In fact, it's the strongest known Breathing Technique that still exists in this world."

(Though in his mind, Kyūjō muttered something else entirely: If you hadn't been malnourished for so long, your body would've been so much stronger by now. But of course, he wasn't dumb enough to say that out loud.)

Tanjūrō gave a stiff, almost awkward smile.

"I see… Then may I ask… what exactly brought you to our home?"

Kyūjō let out a soft breath before answering in a serious tone,

"Tanjūrō-san. I came here for two reasons."

"First, I want to learn Sun Breathing from you—Hinokami Kagura, the style your family has preserved for generations."

"And second… I want you and your family to leave this mountain, and come with me to join the Demon Slayer Corps."

"If you don't want to join the Corps, that's fine. I won't force you."

"But what's most important is this—you must leave this mountain."

Tanjūrō frowned, clearly puzzled.

"I don't mind teaching you Hinokami Kagura. You're obviously sincere about slaying demons."

"But… why would we need to move?"

"My family has lived on Mount Kumotori for generations. This mountain is our home. We're happy here."

"No matter the reason… I can't just abandon it."

His voice was firm—steady as a tree rooted deep into the mountain soil.

Kyūjō could only sigh and place a hand on his forehead.

Of course.

This was the same man who had the talent of a Hashira, yet chose a humble life of cutting firewood over fame or glory—just so he could stay by his family's side.

("I, Kamado Tanjūrō, will always put my family first.")

If he was the kind of man to abandon his home, he would've done so long before Kyūjō ever showed up.

Kyūjō's expression hardened. He looked him in the eye and spoke clearly.

"Tanjūrō-san. Are you aware that among demons… there are some far more powerful than anything you've faced so far?"

"You might've defeated a few that wandered into this mountain… but the next ones won't be that easy."

"I don't doubt your strength. But even so—I worry you won't survive."

"And even if you're prepared to risk your own life… what about your wife and children?"

"When you're out in the forest chopping wood, who's there to protect them?"

"When you're not home, who will keep them safe?"

He paused, then added,

"…Your wife is pregnant, isn't she?"

Tanjūrō's eyes widened. His breath caught in his throat.

Yes—his wife, Kamado Kie, was indeed pregnant with their third child…

But how did Kyūjō know that?

Kyūjō noticed the surprise and answered calmly.

"I can see it. To me… the world looks transparent."

That one sentence made Tanjūrō go silent.

He didn't know the term "Transparent World," or Kenshin Tōmei, but the way Kyūjō described it—he recognized it instantly.

It was the same way he saw the world.

Realizing that Kyūjō could also perceive the Transparent World, Tanjūrō's curiosity flared. Quietly, he activated his senses, reaching out to read Kyūjō's aura.

But the moment he focused on Kyūjō's right lung—

—he froze.

A chill ran through his body.

Without thinking, his hand reached for the axe hanging on the wall. He gripped it and stood up, his expression suddenly guarded.

"You… are you even human?"

"Why did you really come here?"

Kyūjō sighed and rubbed his forehead again.

"Took you long enough."

"My right lung is gone. I lost it in a fight against a demon. It doesn't function anymore."

"But I'm still human. I just breathe a little differently now."

"And that's exactly why I need to learn Hinokami Kagura from you."

Tanjūrō stood still for a long moment, then slowly lowered his axe.

He bowed deeply.

"I apologize… I spoke out of line."

Kyūjō gave a faint, forgiving smile.

"No harm done."

Then his expression turned sharp again.

"You understand now, don't you?"

"These demons aren't something to take lightly."

"Even with my current damaged body, even without any Breathing Technique… I'd still be stronger than you."

"And even I couldn't fight off every demon alone."

"So tell me, Tanjūrō… Are you really sure you can protect your family by yourself?"

"If something happens… you'll regret it."

The air fell heavy with tension. Tanjūrō couldn't respond.

Just then, the sliding door creaked open. Kie walked in, holding a wooden tray of food.

"Tanjūrō, Kyūjō-san… Please, come eat. You can talk after."

Snapped out of his thoughts, Tanjūrō quickly stepped forward to help her set the food.

Soon, the rest of the Kamado children entered the house, sitting in silence as their meals were handed out one by one.

As tradition demanded, the best portion was given to Kyūjō, the guest—even better than what the Kamado family usually ate themselves.

Kyūjō didn't make a fuss. He ate quietly, politely.

When he finished, he bowed respectfully and said,

"Thank you for the meal. It was delicious."

Then he looked to Tanjūrō, who had just put down his chopsticks.

"Tanjūrō-san… If you're finished eating, would you mind walking with me for a bit?"

Tanjūrō nodded and rose. Together, they stepped outside and slowly descended the mountain path, leaving the wooden house behind.

Once they were far enough, Kyūjō finally spoke.

"…Your body isn't doing so well, is it?"

Tanjūrō looked down at the distant lights of the town at the foot of the mountain.

"It's an old illness. Nothing to worry about."

Kyūjō frowned.

"You're as stubborn as ever."

"But if you're not afraid for yourself… what about your children?"

"You really want Kamado Tanjirō to grow up just like you—hauling firewood, going hungry, bearing the weight of everything alone?"

"You really plan to die young, crushed by sickness and poverty, leaving your wife and unborn child behind before they even get the chance to know you?"

Before Tanjūrō could answer, Kyūjō was already walking down the path.

"Think carefully about what I've said."

"I'll come back tomorrow. If your answer hasn't changed… I'll respect your decision."

— — —

Tanjūrō stood there, watching Kyūjō's figure fade into the trees.

He drew in a deep breath—and shouted,

"Kyūjō-kun… You're right!"

"Thank you!"

Kyūjō paused.

A faint smile crossed his lips.

Even if Tanjūrō ended up refusing, Kyūjō had already decided he would report the Kamado household to Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the head of the Demon Slayer Corps.

He'd make sure their home was visited by crows every single day until they gave in.

Tachibana Kyūjō vs. Kamado Tanjūrō—the battle of stubbornness.

But deep down, he knew…

If Tanjūrō could realize the truth on his own, that would be best for everyone.

He raised a hand, signaling to the black messenger crow, Shōki, to descend.

Then, in a clear voice, he delivered three simple messages for Kagaya-sama:

"Oyakata-sama, I've found a potential candidate for the next Sun Hashira."

"He possesses the Sun Breathing Technique."

"Please send a team to relocate the entire Kamado family immediately."

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