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

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The moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie silver glow over the forest. Ryuji adjusted his grip on the hilt of his Nichirin Blade, his breath visible in the frigid night air. The blade shimmered faintly, catching the moonlight, its metallic sheen carrying a chilling promise of death.

"Ryuji, stay focused," Himejima Gyomei's deep voice rumbled as he clasped his hands together in a silent prayer. His presence was like a mountain—immovable and commanding, yet serene.

Ryuji gave a small nod, his lips curling into a faint smile. "I was just admiring the craftsmanship," he said, running a finger along the blade's edge. "It's cold to the touch... like it's hungry for blood."

Gyomei opened his eyes, their milky whiteness glowing faintly in the dark. "You shouldn't become too attached to your weapon. Remember, it is but a tool for justice."

Ryuji chuckled softly, glancing at the towering Hashira. "Justice, huh? Seems fitting for a monk. But I've always thought of these blades as more than tools. They're extensions of our will... of our souls."

Gyomei frowned slightly, tilting his head as though listening for something beyond their conversation. The night was still, but his heightened senses detected a faint disturbance. "Be alert. Something's coming."

As if on cue, a guttural growl echoed through the woods, followed by a rustling of leaves. The air grew heavier, saturated with the unmistakable stench of a demon.

"So, it begins," Ryuji muttered, his muscles tensing as he fell into a defensive stance.

Gyomei clasped his hands tighter, his expression calm but resolute. "This is no ordinary hunt. We've fallen into the demon's trap."

"What?" Ryuji's eyes darted around, scanning the shadows. "You're saying this was planned?"

Gyomei nodded solemnly. "The demon lures hunters out at night, exploiting our weakness under the cover of darkness. Its goal isn't just survival—it's to hunt us."

Ryuji smirked, the adrenaline coursing through him. "Sounds like a mistake on its part. I've been itching for a good fight."

"Do not underestimate it," Gyomei warned. "Even ordinary demons can be deadly in their domain. And if this is one of the Twelve Kizuki…"

"Then we're in for a hell of a night," Ryuji finished, his tone unwavering.

The growl grew louder, and from the shadows emerged a grotesque figure with elongated limbs and a maw filled with jagged teeth. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and a dark aura surrounded it.

"You dare disturb my feast?" the demon snarled, its voice guttural and filled with malice. "Foolish humans."

Gyomei stepped forward, his massive weapon—a spiked flail and ax connected by a chain—swinging in slow, deliberate arcs. His presence was both terrifying and awe-inspiring. "You have preyed upon the innocent long enough. Tonight, you face judgment."

Ryuji smirked, raising his blade. "Let's see how sharp this thing really is."

The demon lunged, its claws outstretched, aiming for Ryuji's throat. With a fluid motion, Ryuji sidestepped, slashing upward and severing one of its arms. The demon howled in pain, retreating momentarily.

"Impressive," Gyomei remarked, his voice calm.

"Thanks," Ryuji said, flicking the blood off his blade. "But it's not over yet."

The demon's severed arm began to regenerate, and its laughter echoed through the trees. "You think you've won? You're nothing but insects before me!"

Ryuji gritted his teeth. "Guess I'll just have to cut faster than you can heal."

Gyomei raised his weapon, his voice steady as he intoned a prayer. "Ryuji, remember the sun is our true ally. Do not let your guard down."

As the battle raged on, the two hunters fought in perfect sync, their blades and strikes a testament to the skill and determination of the Demon Slayer Corps. The demon, realizing it had underestimated its prey, snarled in frustration.

"This isn't over!" it spat, retreating into the shadows.

Ryuji lowered his blade, breathing heavily. "Coward."

Gyomei placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It will return. But next time, we'll be ready."

Ryuji smiled faintly, sheathing his blade. "Next time, I'll make sure it doesn't get away. But for now… how about a drink after this mission?"

Gyomei raised an eyebrow, a rare smile tugging at his lips. "Even monks can indulge on occasion."

"Didn't think you'd admit that," Ryuji teased.

"Every battle is a sin," Gyomei said softly, his tone heavy with regret. "And every life we take—demon or not—adds to that burden. Sometimes… even a monk needs solace."

Ryuji laughed softly as he dragged his Nichirin Blade through the dirt, the faint moonlight glinting off its edge. Shadows flickered beyond the dilapidated black temple, their movements unnatural and menacing.

"Master Gyomei," Ryuji said with a smirk, "I may need your guidance for what's to come."

"Prepare yourself," Gyomei said, his tone calm but firm.

From the shadows, several demons emerged, their grotesque forms twisting unnaturally. One of the larger demons, its pale skin covered in jagged scars, sneered as it stepped forward. Its glowing crimson eyes narrowed as it glanced at the headless corpses of its fallen companions.

"Useless fools," the demon growled, its voice dripping with contempt. "They couldn't even delay you long enough for us to arrive."

The demon turned its attention to Ryuji and Gyomei, its lips curling into a wicked grin. "No matter. Your flesh and blood will make up for their incompetence."

Gyomei stepped forward, his weapon swinging slightly as he prepared for battle. But Ryuji raised a hand, stopping him.

"Wait, Master," Ryuji said, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let me handle the opening act."

Gyomei paused, his brow furrowing slightly in confusion.

Ryuji reached to his waist and, with a swift motion, pulled out two modified firearms. "Sometimes," he said, cocking the weapons, "you've got to mix things up."

Before the demons could react, the sharp sound of gunfire echoed through the temple grounds.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The bullets, made of sunsteel alloy, tore through the air with blinding speed. They struck the demons, piercing their skulls and torsos with precision. The lead demon let out a guttural roar as the pain overwhelmed it, clutching at its chest.

"Damn you!" it bellowed, its flesh writhing unnaturally as it pushed the bullets out of its body. The wounds began to close, but the pain lingered, evident in the fury burning in its scarlet eyes.

"Cheap tricks!" the demon spat. "Only cowards use such unworthy weapons!"

Ryuji shrugged, blowing imaginary smoke from one of the gun barrels. "It's not about the weapon. It's about how you use it."

The demon's form blurred as it vanished from sight.

"Be cautious," Gyomei warned, his voice calm but commanding. "Its Blood Demon Art enhances its speed. Stay alert."

Before Ryuji could respond, the demon reappeared behind him, its clawed hand reaching for his back. Its lips twisted into a predatory grin.

"You can't keep up," the demon snarled, its claws inches away from Ryuji's neck.

But the next moment, its grin faltered.

Ryuji had turned, catching the demon's wrist in a vice-like grip. His expression was calm, almost amused, as he locked eyes with the creature. "You're right," he said, his voice cold. "The weak are meant to be stepped on."

With a swift motion, Ryuji raised his Nichirin Blade. The faint glow of moonlight caught the edge as it sliced cleanly through the demon's neck.

The demon's head hit the ground with a dull thud, its wide, disbelieving eyes staring at nothing.

As the body began to disintegrate into ash, Ryuji exhaled, the adrenaline still coursing through him.

Gyomei approached, his weapon still ready but his expression calm. "Efficient," he said simply, nodding in approval.

Ryuji sheathed his blade, his lips curling into a smile. "Guns may not kill demons outright, but they sure make them regret picking a fight."

The faint, familiar sound of a mechanical voice echoed in Ryuji's mind.

> Ding! Congratulations, host. You have slain a demon and earned 0.5 attribute points.

Ryuji shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Not now," he said, focusing on the task at hand.

Gyomei raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Instead, he gestured toward the remaining shadows. "There are more coming. Ready yourself."

Ryuji gripped his blade, his eyes narrowing. "Always."

Together, they stood side by side, the moonlight casting their determined silhouettes against the temple walls as they prepared for the next wave of demons.

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