Tanjirou took out some medicinal oil and gently applied it to the large bump on Genya's forehead.
Genya glared at him: "Hiss, lighter!"
It was strange; they say that force works in both directions, but after their heads collided, Genya sat on the ground dizzy and disoriented, a large bump swelling on his head, while Tanjirou was energetic and seemed completely fine.
His smooth forehead remained as pristine as ever, making Haruto exclaim in wonder: "You're lucky you weren't born in ancient times, otherwise armies would use you as a battering ram."
After explaining the purpose of their trip, Tanjirou retrieved the nichirin blade from the house and scratched his head sheepishly: "I do practice... but I'm not quite sure why I practice. Because I can't find the reason, I might be a bit lax."
Haruto looked at the row of little heads peeking out from behind the door and couldn't bring himself to say words like "There are demons."
When faced with the unknown, the first thought of most people is to deny it.
Haruto hesitated, but Genya impatiently replied: "Aren't there wolves in the mountains? Aren't there bears? What's wrong with learning some martial arts for self-defense? You can headbutt me, but can you headbutt a bear?"
Tanjirou puffed out his cheeks: "I'm sorry!"
"I'm not asking you to apologize!"
"You're right, I should practice properly!" Tanjirou nodded seriously: "For the past two months, I've been following the notes to train my body. Although my sword moves haven't improved much, using my head has become much more convenient!"
"Stop talking about your head!" Genya gritted his teeth and jumped up from the ground: "I'm going to give you a good beating, you brat!"
Haruto stepped back a few paces, watching with interest as the two youths began to fight.
Genya had, after all, trained with Haruto for so many years, and though he held back considerably, he still gave Tanjirou a good beating.
The children behind them frequently gasped, wishing they could rush forward and hug Genya's leg.
It was unclear who first shouted "Go, Big Brother!" but soon the children all started shouting in unison.
"Big Brother, victory!"
"Kamado, victory!"
"Big Brother, beat up that rooster-head!"
"So noisy!"
Genya leaped up, kicked Tanjirou away, and roared, "My name is Genya! Shinazugawa Genya! Not some rooster-head!"
Haruto, who had always secretly called his disciple 'rooster-head boy' in his mind, rubbed his nose guiltily and gave him an encouraging smile: "Go, Genya!"
Takeo, who had a tear mole under one eye, pouted: "Big Brother, aren't you trying to take Big Brother as your successor? Why are you cheering for him?"
"Ha, because I only want to take your Big Brother as my successor, but Genya is already my successor! To prove that your Big Brother has bad taste and doesn't want to come with me, the more Genya beats him up, the better!"
Haruto sat under the eaves, his hands resting on his bent knees, and looked back at the pouting Takeo: "How about it? Isn't my successor amazing, Big Brother?"
"Do you want to become the pillar of your family like your Big Brother? If you do, become my successor and come with me..."
Before he could finish, Takeo pouted and turned away: "Big Brother, victory!"
...What a little brat this is.
Tanjirou's talent seemed good, but compared to the children in the Demon Slayer Corps, it was far from enough, especially since he was up against Genya, who had both talent and worked diligently.
Each of Genya's attacks deliberately avoided vital spots, but even with fist against fist and arm against arm, Tanjirou's muscles, built from labor and some training, were no match for Genya.
After a simple and brutal sparring session, Tanjirou's arms hung limply, and he was panting, flushed, and covered in sweat.
Genya, however, stood with his arms crossed, looking at him coldly as if nothing had happened, his arrogant expression made quite comical by the swollen bump on his head.
"My arms... my arms..." Tanjirou's arms were too sore to lift.
Haruto took a tube of ointment from his waist pouch and handed it to Nezuko, who was nearby: "After cleaning, use this to rub your Big Brother's arms, three times a day, and he'll recover quickly."
Then he turned to Tanjirou and sighed softly: "Tanjirou."
"Mr. Haruto, I've disappointed you." Tanjirou was a bit dejected: "I could feel that Genya was holding back, but even so, I didn't even get a chance to throw a punch."
"Today's fight was just an appetizer; Genya didn't even use one-tenth of his strength."
Haruto reached out and stroked his soft, dark red hair: "But you don't need to feel sorry. Although you have talent, you don't have a suitable teacher to guide you... I know you don't understand why you need to learn swordsmanship, to learn the so-called Breathing Technique, right now.
Next time... next time I'll tell you, though you'll find out eventually."
He took out some more money and handed it to Tanjirou, who quickly declined: "Mr. Haruto! I can earn a lot of money selling charcoal now, not only do I no longer need your support, but I can even return the money from last time to you in a while!"
"It's for recuperation."
Haruto lowered his voice and whispered in his ear: "Look how thin your younger brother is, and Nezuko's kimono, it's time for a new one."
He placed the money in Tanjirou's palm: "Go out and sell charcoal a few less times, free up some time to practice swordsmanship more.
Today is just the beginning; every few months, I'll come for a surprise inspection. Next time it might be Genya, or it might be someone else... In short, if you don't want to get beaten up in front of your younger siblings, then work harder."
At their departure, Tanjirou still stood at the mountain pass to bid them farewell, but this time his arms couldn't wave.
He watched the master and disciple walk away shoulder to shoulder, his fingers, clutching the coins, loosened slightly.
No scent of malice... no scent of malice.
There was only Mr. Haruto's concern and Genya's kindness.
Why help me?
But Mr. Haruto was right, Takeo and Hanako really needed to eat more meat, and Nezuko... Nezuko really needed a new kimono.
And he, too, could no longer let Mr. Haruto's kindness go to waste; he really needed to practice swordsmanship and the Breathing Technique quickly.
He also didn't want to... be humiliated in front of his younger siblings again!
...The journey down the mountain was unexpectedly quiet.
Haruto glanced at Genya, who was pursing his lips beside him, waiting for praise, and chuckled as he reached out and ruffled his hair: "You're so kind, Genya. If I were you, I'd give that kid Tanjirou two black eyes."
Genya, whose large head bump had gradually turned purplish-blue, grinned.
"Oh, you wouldn't either."