🦁: Say Present if you were reading this human..
----
"You should commit seppuku!"
"It's all your fault for letting that demon escape!"
"You're a sinner, the root of all evil—you don't deserve to live in this world!"
What are you all talking about?
"How could the Demon Slayer Corps have scum like you?"
In the darkness, countless faceless figures surrounded a lone silhouette, pointing accusingly, their mouths spewing venomous words.
"No, stop! Please, don't…"
With a startled cry, Ren jolted awake from the nightmare.
Gasping heavily, his eyes darted around in panic. As the familiar surroundings came into focus, he gradually calmed, feeling the cold, clammy sensation of sweat-soaked clothes clinging to his skin.
It was just a dream…
"Brother!"
A tender voice called out, and a pair of small hands covered Ren's calloused palms. Chitoshi, his face full of concern, asked, "Brother, did you have another nightmare?"
"…Yeah."
Ren nodded after a long pause.
Chitoshi stepped forward, his small frame wrapping around Ren in a hug. "I'm here, brother. Don't be scared."
Gazing at his younger brother's innocent face, Ren's heart steadied.
The morning sunlight streamed across his face, signaling the start of a new day.
"I've got a mission. Stay home and don't wander off," Ren said.
"I know, brother. Be careful out there," Chitoshi replied.
"You know how strong your brother is," Ren said with a faint smile.
After a quick wash, Ren grabbed his sword from the rack and headed out.
"Wait, brother!"
Chitoshi scampered over with quick steps, standing on tiptoe to hang an earring on Ren's ear.
"There!"
He stepped back, satisfied. "That's better. I'm making rice balls today, so tell Master Yoriichi to come eat with us."
"Got it."
Ren touched the earring, opened the door, and stepped outside.
Outside, the bustling Demon Slayer Corps members in their uniforms filled the streets. Ren's expression flickered with a sudden unease, the dream's accusing figures eerily resembling the people before him.
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away.
Since arriving in this world, he'd been plagued by this recurring nightmare for years.
Yes, Ren wasn't from this world. He hailed from another.
Seven years ago, he found himself in this unfamiliar, ancient world.
Orphaned, with no parents, he had only his younger brother, Chitoshi, for company.
Soon, he discovered this world wasn't as simple as it seemed. It was haunted by creatures called demons—terrifying beings that devoured humans.
His life changed one fateful night years ago when a demon broke into their home, intent on attacking him and Chitoshi.
Ren's quick instincts led him to fight the demon, but it wielded a strange power he later learned was called a Blood Demon Art.
He was no match for a demon with such abilities and was quickly overwhelmed. Just as hope faded, a passing swordsman saved him, slaying the demon.
That swordsman was Yoriichi Tsugikuni, now Ren's master.
Ren later learned Yoriichi was from the Demon Slayer Corps, a civilian organization dedicated to hunting demons.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the Corps' mightiest swordsman and the creator of the Breathing Techniques.
To protect Chitoshi and ensure his safety from demons, Ren joined the Corps under Yoriichi's guidance, becoming his disciple.
Ren's talent shone from the moment he first held a sword.
The instant he gripped it, everything became clear—transparent.
He could see the flow of blood in a person's body, their bones and organs, even their movements, with uncanny clarity.
Sword techniques that took others decades to master, Ren could replicate with a single glance.
This prodigious gift allowed him, in mere months, to rise from a novice who'd never touched a sword to a Hashira—the Corps' elite pillars.
Becoming a Hashira, one of the Corps' strongest swordsmen, was a feat that shook the organization.
Initially, some doubted him, but after witnessing his prowess, their skepticism vanished.
Despite his short time in the Corps, Ren had slain more demons than many veterans combined.
As a Hashira, he brought Chitoshi to the Corps' headquarters for safety, believing no place was more secure.
Walking through the streets, Corps members bowed respectfully as Ren passed. His face remained impassive, offering only a faint nod in return.
Their gazes held awe, but none dared approach.
Before long, Ren spotted a solitary figure standing in the distance, as if waiting.
"You're here," the figure said, turning.
His expression mirrored Ren's—calm, detached, as if nothing in the world could stir him. Nothing seemed to matter to either of them.
"Master," Ren said respectfully.
It was his master, Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
"Let's go," Yoriichi said, turning to leave.
"Master," Ren called, stopping him.
Yoriichi paused, looking back calmly.
"Let's split up this time," Ren said with a smile. "Whenever I'm with you, Master, the demons are gone before I can act. I'm a Hashira now—I can't always hide behind you."
"Very well," Yoriichi agreed.
"I'll take our original mission area, and you head elsewhere?" Ren suggested.
"Yes."
As Ren turned to leave, Yoriichi suddenly swung his Nichirin Blade at him.
*Clang!*
Ren blocked the strike with his own sword. "Master?"
Yoriichi withdrew his blade, nodding slightly. "Go."
Ren gave a wry smile. "Testing me, Master?"
Yoriichi said nothing, turning to depart.
"Chitoshi's making rice balls today. Come eat at our place!" Ren called after him.
Yoriichi didn't look back, raising a hand in a brief wave.
"Everyone says I'm aloof, but you're the real cold one," Ren muttered, shrugging as he headed in the opposite direction.