Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

[Bonus chapter]

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The spring breeze drifted gently, brushing softly against her face with a cool, slightly damp touch.

Ryuji looked at Kie Kamado, standing resolutely before him. "Do you understand why I asked you to learn the 'Sun Breathing' technique?"

Kie lifted her gaze, her brows knitting in confusion. She genuinely didn't understand why Ryuji had insisted on teaching her the technique meant to harness the sun's strength.

Ryuji didn't answer immediately. Instead, he took her hand in his, his gaze soft as it settled on her form, wrapped loosely in her training attire.

Kie's cheeks flushed, and she instinctively looked down, feeling a shyness she couldn't quite explain. There was something about Ryuji's presence—an unspoken understanding that left her feeling vulnerable, yet safe.

"Because," he said quietly, "I want you to be able to protect yourself if there ever comes a time when I can't be there."

Kie's eyes widened. She hadn't realized the depth of Ryuji's intentions. Emotion welled up within her, and she grasped his hand tightly. "Ryuji... are you planning to leave?" she whispered, her voice wavering as she looked at him with anxious, pleading eyes.

Ryuji gently tilted her chin, his eyes warm as sunlight bathed her face, highlighting the softness of her features.

Drawing her close, he wrapped her in a tender embrace, his breath warm against her ear. "How could I ever leave you, Kie?" he murmured with a playful smile. "If I couldn't tease you every day, life would lose all its color. I want to be by your side for as long as I'm alive."

Despite herself, Kie felt a flutter in her heart at his words. They were lighthearted, yet laced with a sweetness she couldn't deny.

He pulled back slightly, his tone softening. "I didn't mean to worry you. I just want you to have the strength to protect yourself if something were to happen. If I couldn't be there for you... I'd never forgive myself if you got hurt."

Kie's face softened, a new resolve shining in her eyes. "I'll train hard, Ryuji, so you won't have to worry. And one day... I'll be strong enough to protect you, too."

Ryuji smiled, admiration lighting his eyes. "I'll be counting on it. Now, let's begin your training."

Since Kie had never trained before, Ryuji kept the exercises simple, starting with a warm-up before moving into breathing techniques.

The first exercise was a basic one—holding a sword in the ready stance.

Following his instructions, Kie picked up a wooden training sword, but her form was unsteady.

"Your posture is off," Ryuji corrected gently. He stepped forward, placing his hand on her shoulder and pushing down. "Lower your center of gravity. Focus."

Kie's eyes dropped slightly, feeling the warmth of his touch as he adjusted her stance and corrected her grip. Once she had the proper form, he nodded approvingly.

"Hold this position and stay still. This will help you build muscle memory. Soon, your body will instinctively know how to hold the sword."

Kie nodded with determination. "Understood."

At first, holding the stance felt manageable. But as time passed, her arms began to ache, and the wooden sword grew heavier in her hands. Sweat beaded on her forehead, and her muscles trembled under the strain.

Finally, unable to maintain the stance, Kie lowered the sword, sinking to her knees. "Ryuji... I can't… I really can't go on," she panted, her voice barely a whisper.

Ryuji walked over, his expression unreadable. "Are you really out of strength?" he asked quietly.

"I am… I swear, I have nothing left," she replied.

Ryuji's gaze was calm, but he didn't respond. Instead, he raised an axe, its blade glinting ominously in the late afternoon sun.

Kie's eyes widened. "Ryuji… what are you…?"

Without a word, he swung the axe toward her, the blade cutting through the air with a deadly precision. Instinctively, Kie rolled to the side, her survival instincts overriding her exhaustion as she narrowly avoided the strike.

The axe came to a halt just inches from her face, the cold steel sending a chill down her spine.

Her breaths came in ragged gasps, heart pounding as the realization sank in. She'd come within a hair's breadth of serious injury.

Ryuji crouched beside her, gently patting her cheek. "Are you afraid?" he asked, his tone surprisingly gentle.

Kie swallowed hard. "How could I not be?" she murmured, still trembling.

Ryuji's eyes softened. "Fear keeps you alert. And sometimes, it's the only thing that can push you past your limits." His voice was steady, a quiet strength in his words. "Remember this next time. If I don't tell you to stop, you don't stop."

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Ryuji knelt in front of Kie, who was half-kneeling, her head bowed in respect. His firm tone was unfamiliar, leaving her feeling both intimidated and oddly comforted.

"I'll... I'll be more obedient," Kie whispered, her voice soft.

Ryuji's gaze softened slightly, and he reached out, gently patting her head. "That's enough for today. Rest."

"Yes," she replied, her voice barely audible. But when she tried to stand, her legs buckled, too stiff to move.

Ryuji sighed, lifting her into his arms. She looked up at him, eyes wide with a mix of admiration and awe.

"Are you still afraid of me?" he asked, noticing her hesitancy.

"No... It's just that... I've never seen this side of you," she admitted, cheeks flushed.

Ryuji chuckled, giving her a gentle pat on the shoulder. "Well, now you have," he teased.

Kie blushed, nodding. "Yes... I have."

With a gentle but serious tone, Ryuji added, "From now on, I'll push you even harder. If you don't listen, I'll only be tougher."

Kie's cheeks flushed a deeper shade of red. "I… I understand," she replied, her voice shy but resolute.

After settling her in her room, Ryuji stepped out into the courtyard.

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In the courtyard, Tanjiro was still hard at work, diligently practicing his swordsmanship.

Compared to what Ryuji had seen earlier in the day, Tanjiro had made noticeable progress. This improvement caused Ryuji to pause, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Tanjiro's rapid growth was impressive, even overwhelming. Despite his young age, his determination was stronger than most adults'.

Sensing Ryuji's presence, Tanjiro stopped his practice and turned to look at him.

"Have you been training all afternoon?" Ryuji asked.

"Yes, Uncle Ryuji," Tanjiro replied, nodding enthusiastically. His eyes shone with excitement. "I feel like I've gotten a lot stronger."

"That's natural," Ryuji said, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder. "When you work this hard, progress is inevitable. Sweat and effort never betray you."

Tanjiro nodded again, his heart swelling with pride, before scratching the back of his head sheepishly.

"Uncle Ryuji, I was wondering... could we spar? I want to test how far I've come with the breathing technique."

Ryuji raised an eyebrow in surprise but smiled in approval. "Sure, why not? I've been curious to see how much your 'Total Concentration Breathing' has improved."

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