"Your Kamado family really is remarkable."
"Huh?"
Takeo tilted his head, only to find Hiru staring at him, expression blank, eyes fixed and unblinking.
There was a probing intensity in that gaze, so sharp it made him feel as though he were being dissected. Just as he shifted uneasily, about to excuse himself, Hiru finally looked away.
That somehow made it even harder for Takeo to leave. The two of them sat side by side in a strained, uncomfortable silence.
"…Perhaps he thought the same from the very beginning."
Takeo looked up at once, but Hiru clearly had no intention of explaining. He rose to his feet and walked off without another word.
Completely bewildered, Takeo scratched his head and stood as well, heading home.
"It's like I almost understood something… and yet didn't understand anything at all. Are all Hashira this hard to read…?"
After returning, he couldn't help recounting the incident to Tanjiro and Nezuko. They were just as puzzled about the "he" Hiru had mentioned. In the end, they could only conclude that, as a Hashira, Mr. Hiru must have his own reasons.
That night, as Takeo prepared to turn in, he pushed open his door—only to find an unfamiliar figure standing inside, a long sword in hand, his presence so faint it was almost nonexistent.
Takeo's pupils constricted.
He had no idea how this person had slipped past the three Swordsmen in the house—including himself—without making a single sound. But he understood one thing immediately—
This person was far stronger than any of them.
With that realization, Takeo froze in the doorway, body rigid, unsure what to do.
"What's wrong, Takeo?"
At the sound of Tanjiro's voice, Takeo's grip tightened around the doorframe. His eyes never left the figure inside as he tried to sound casual. His voice, however, came out dry and strained.
"…Nothing."
"That's not true. You smell nervous. Is there something in there? That can't be—I cleaned thoroughly today…"
Tanjiro stepped over and leaned inside. With a demon's keen night vision, he clearly saw the figure standing in the room. He paused, startled.
"Master? When did you—no… the scent is different."
Faint signs of demon transformation surfaced along Tanjiro's body. He pulled Takeo behind him and frowned at the intruder.
"…Who are you?"
"A disciple of Yoriichi… Not bad."
The man stepped forward slowly, looking down at the two wary brothers. He raised a hand and pointed at Takeo.
"I'm here for you."
In the light spilling in from outside, Takeo finally saw him clearly. His face was identical to Mr. Yoriichi's, and his posture just as upright and imposing. But his expression was far colder, far more severe.
What drew Takeo's eyes most, however, was the dark crimson long sword at the man's waist—already unsheathed.
The moment he saw it, Hiru's words from dusk echoed in his mind—
"…Perhaps that was his intention from the start."
Could this be someone Mr. Hiru had sent?
"What do you want with my brother? We've never met you." Tanjiro remained cautious, though he relaxed slightly at the mention of his teacher. "And even if you know Master and look exactly like him, you can't just walk into someone's home."
Kokushibo lowered his gaze to study Tanjiro. After a brief silence, his eyes shifted to the Nichirin Blade at Takeo's waist.
"Draw it."
By now, the rest of the family had noticed the disturbance. Nezuko stopped the others from approaching and guided them farther back instead. She drew her own Nichirin Blade and watched with guarded focus.
Takeo glanced at his family—their faces tight with worry—then at Tanjiro, still standing in front of him.
He let out a slow breath and drew his Nichirin Blade.
The dark crimson edge gleamed coldly beneath the lamplight. Even at a glance, its sharpness was unmistakable.
Kokushibo studied the blade in Takeo's hand, then looked at Tanjiro standing protectively before his family. He lowered his eyes and let out a faint sigh.
"Was this also what you foresaw…?"
Tanjiro sensed the shift in Kokushibo's emotions—a tangled scent of admiration, astonishment, and self-reproach. But one thing was clear: this "man," identical in appearance to his teacher, harbored no malice toward them.
"Are you… brothers with Master and Mr. Hiru?"
"I am… No. I once was. I should have been their elder brother."
Kokushibo walked past them toward the door.
"If you wish to learn, follow me. I will wait only until dawn."
Takeo swallowed and looked at Tanjiro, who had already suppressed his demon traits and now wore a puzzled expression.
"What do you think, brother?"
"Hm? What do I think?" Tanjiro stroked his chin. "He's a very strong demon."
Takeo's body went rigid.
"Th-then—"
"But not stronger than Master." Tanjiro smiled and patted his younger brother's back. "And thinking about what Mr. Hiru said this afternoon… he probably arranged this teacher for you."
"Is it really okay for Takeo to go with him?" Nezuko asked anxiously. "You said it yourself—that's a very strong demon."
"I'm a strong demon too, aren't I?" Tanjiro chuckled. "Master said I can handle a fight against one of the Twelve Kizuki now without much trouble."
Nezuko and Takeo exchanged a look but said nothing. Their expressions clearly read—
How can you compare yourself to someone like that?
Tanjiro saw the worry on their faces and smiled helplessly.
"Since Mr. Hiru said that to Takeo, he must know this gentleman. And there's no malice coming from him. I'll stay by Takeo's side the entire time he's learning. If he dares to harm Takeo, I'll keep him there until dawn—even if it means we both fall together.
"That might sound arrogant, but I have full confidence in who I am now. If I'd had this strength back then—even just my Breathing Style and swordsmanship—I'm sure I could have cut off that man's arm and stalled until Mr. Hiru arrived. And even if he hadn't, I could've held out until sunrise—badly injured, but alive. So? Do you trust me a little more now?"
"Seriously, big brother, don't say things like that!"
"How can you talk about it so lightly? If something like that really happened, I'd fight beside you!"
"Haha, sorry, sorry." Tanjiro raised his hands with a sheepish grin. "I only said it because you two looked so tense. Feel a little better now?"
"That doesn't mean you can joke about life and death!"
Nezuko puffed out her cheeks, though her eyes were tinged with sadness.
"If you get used to talking like that now, what happens when you turn back into a human? Humans and demons aren't the same!"
Takeo nodded in agreement.
"Exactly. Even if you're a demon who can heal right now, you still have to value your own life."
"Haha… sorry." Tanjiro reached out and ruffled their hair, his crimson eyes warm and gentle. "Anyway, don't worry. No matter what happens, I'll protect you with everything I have. I won't let either of you get hurt."