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

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Ryuji held Kamado Kie gently in his arms, his grip protective yet tender. However, before he could savor the moment, Kie's face turned pale, and she instinctively pushed him away.

Ryuji froze, surprised by her sudden reaction. Kie had always been so gentle and accommodating.

"Kie? What's wrong?" His voice was laced with concern as he leaned forward.

Kie stumbled slightly, clutching her abdomen with both hands. Her breathing quickened as discomfort etched itself across her features.

"I... I'm not sure," she stammered, her voice faint.

She bent over, her hand pressed firmly against her stomach. A sour sensation climbed up her throat, making her wince. She tried to steady herself, but the queasiness only grew worse.

"Urgh..." Kie gagged, her body trembling as if she needed to vomit. But despite the effort, nothing came up.

A thought crossed her mind, unbidden and terrifying.

Ryuji, sitting on the edge of the bed, watched her with growing alarm. The possibility hit him like a strike from a Nichirin blade.

"Kie," he asked hesitantly, his eyes wide with disbelief. "You're not... pregnant, are you?"

Kie's breath hitched as her cheeks flushed with a mix of fear and embarrassment. She turned away, her trembling hands smoothing down her skirt.

Ryuji felt the air leave his lungs. The idea was overwhelming, almost too much to process. He ran a hand through his disheveled hair, his voice rising slightly. "No way... I wasn't prepared for this! This is so sudden."

Kie's heart sank. His words felt like a blade slicing through her resolve. Her gaze dropped to the floor, and she instinctively placed a hand over her stomach. Despite her nervousness, a faint, protective warmth began to bloom within her.

Ryuji noticed her distress. Realizing his reaction had frightened her, he exhaled deeply and reached out to take her trembling hand in his.

"Kie, hey..." His voice softened. "I didn't mean it like that. I was just caught off guard."

Kie bit her lip, tears threatening to spill as she whispered, "If... If you don't want this child, I'll—"

"Don't!" Ryuji interrupted, his grip on her hand tightening. His eyes met hers, earnest and steady. "That's not what I meant. If you're pregnant, we'll figure it out together. I'll protect you. And the child."

A tear slid down Kie's cheek as relief flooded her. She leaned into Ryuji, her voice soft. "Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl?"

Ryuji chuckled lightly, the tension in the room easing. He wiped away her tear with his thumb. "Why stop at one? Let's aim for a few."

The sunlight streaming through the window painted the room in a warm glow. Kie rested her head on Ryuji's shoulder for a moment before sitting up.

"I should make lunch," she murmured, brushing her hair back.

"I'll do it," Ryuji offered, already standing.

"No, no!" Kie shook her head, her expression firm yet shy. "Pregnant women should keep active. It's better for the baby."

Ryuji blinked at her, slightly surprised by her knowledge. Then he remembered—Kie had given birth before, though the memories of her late husband weighed heavily in her past.

The thought made his chest tighten, a flicker of jealousy and frustration sparking within him. "Those weren't my children," he muttered under his breath, the words barely audible.

Kie froze, her hands trembling as she reached for the apron. "Ryuji... I... I didn't want things to be this way." Her voice was laced with guilt and sorrow.

Realizing the impact of his careless words, Ryuji sighed and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry, Kie. I shouldn't have said that. Let's not dwell on the past, okay?"

She nodded hesitantly, still clutching the apron. "I'll do my best to make it up to you, Ryuji. I promise."

Ryuji smiled softly, ruffling her hair. "You don't have to. You've already done more than enough."

Together, they moved to the kitchen. Kie began preparing their meal with practiced ease, her hands moving gracefully as she worked. Ryuji sat nearby, quietly observing.

He couldn't help but admire her as she moved, her long black hair swaying gently with each step. Her dedication and warmth filled the room, and for a brief moment, the chaos of their world seemed far away.

Looking at her, Ryuji felt a sense of calm. He had been reckless before, thinking only of himself. But now, with Kie and the possibility of a child, he knew he had to change.

"I'll protect them both," he thought, his resolve solidifying.

As Kie plated their meal, she glanced over her shoulder and caught him staring. "What's wrong?" she asked, tilting her head.

"Nothing," Ryuji replied, a small smile playing on his lips. "Just thinking how lucky I am."

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Kamado Kie's cooking was as delightful as ever. The aroma of freshly prepared dishes filled the Kamado household, wrapping it in a warm, comforting ambiance. After the meal, Ryuji suggested she take some rest, his tone gentle but firm.

Kie hesitated, her hands lingering over the dishes. "I'm fine, really," she insisted softly.

Ryuji shook his head, his gaze steady. "You're carrying a child now. Rest isn't a suggestion; it's necessary."

Nearby, Nezuko observed the exchange, her curious gaze flitting between her mother and Ryuji. Something was different, she thought, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it.

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Afternoon Training

Later in the day, the Kamado household welcomed two familiar faces. Kochou Kanae and Kochou Shinobu arrived, their expressions determined as they greeted Ryuji in the courtyard.

"We've finished our other responsibilities," Kanae explained, her soft voice tinged with resolve. "We're ready to commit fully to your training."

Ryuji nodded, his sharp eyes studying the two sisters. They stood before him in form-fitting training attire, ready to embrace the challenges ahead.

"If you're certain," he said, his tone calm but firm, "then let's not waste time. Begin by running around the courtyard—one hundred laps."

Shinobu blinked, frowning as she crossed her arms. "Run? Shouldn't we be learning how to fight demons instead? Why are you making us do something so trivial?"

Her voice carried a hint of defiance, and she glanced at Kanae, seeking validation.

Ryuji's expression didn't falter. Without a word, he stepped closer and placed a hand on Shinobu's shoulder. The force he applied was deceptively gentle, but it sent her sprawling to the ground.

Shinobu gasped, her hands scraping against the dirt as she tried to steady herself. A sting spread across her palms, and she glanced down to see blood beading on her delicate skin.

"Shinobu!" Kanae rushed to her sister's side, helping her up and inspecting her wounds.

Ryuji folded his arms, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "If you can't even maintain your balance against a light push, how do you expect to stand against a demon? Strength begins with a solid foundation."

Shinobu's lips trembled, but she bit down hard to suppress the sting of his words. Tears welled in her eyes, but she refused to let them fall.

"I'll prove you wrong," she said, her voice steady despite the anger simmering beneath it.

"Then run," Ryuji replied flatly.

Without another word, Shinobu began running, her footsteps pounding against the dirt.

Kanae lingered for a moment, bowing deeply. "Ryuji-sama, please forgive her outburst. She hasn't faced hardships like this before."

Ryuji's gaze flicked to Kanae. "If she feels this is unfair, she can leave. You, too. Neither of you are bound to this training."

Kanae straightened, her lips pressing into a thin line. She nodded silently before turning to join her sister.

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The yard wasn't large, but a hundred laps soon proved to be a grueling task. At first, the sisters moved with determination, their pace steady. But as time passed, their breaths grew labored, their steps faltering.

Kanae, older and slightly more accustomed to physical strain, managed to keep moving despite the burning in her lungs. Shinobu, however, struggled. Her legs felt like lead, and her chest heaved as she gasped for air.

"If it's too much, stop," Ryuji called out, his voice devoid of sympathy. "No one will force you to continue."

Shinobu clenched her fists, her teeth digging into her lip. "I... won't stop," she muttered, pushing forward despite the protests of her body.

The image of her parents flashed in her mind—their lives stolen by demons. That hatred burned within her, fueling her determination.

Kanae glanced at her sister, worry etched across her face. "Shinobu, don't push yourself too hard..."

"I can do this," Shinobu snapped, though her voice wavered.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the hundred laps came to an end. Shinobu staggered to a stop, her body trembling.

"Don't stop yet," Ryuji said, his tone sharp. "Walk two more laps to cool down."

The sisters exchanged exhausted glances but obeyed, their movements sluggish as they circled the courtyard once more.

---

By the time they finished, both girls were on the brink of collapse. Kanae sank to the ground, her breaths shallow but controlled. Shinobu, however, swayed on her feet, her vision blurring.

"Shinobu!" Kanae called, reaching out, but she was too exhausted to catch her.

Before Shinobu could hit the ground, Ryuji was there. He caught her effortlessly, cradling her small frame in his arms.

Her skin was damp with sweat, her dark lashes resting against pale cheeks. Despite the harshness of his training, Ryuji couldn't help but feel a flicker of admiration for her resolve.

"She's delicate," he murmured, shaking his head.

"She's strong," Kanae corrected, her voice quiet but firm.

Ryuji glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "Strength isn't just about willpower. If her body isn't conditioned, her spirit will only carry her so far."

Kanae lowered her gaze, her lips pressing together. "We'll improve. Both of us."

Ryuji nodded. "Good. Rest now. Tomorrow, we start again."

As he carried Shinobu inside, Kanae watched them, determination flaring in her chest. They had a long road ahead, but she was ready to face it—no matter the cost.

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