Chapter 6: A Heart of Fire
The young man was named Tankichi Kamado, one of the many people saved by Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He and his wife, Akemiko, lived a quiet life on this mountain, making a living by selling charcoal.
Some time ago, Yoriichi happened to pass through the area and rescued Tankichi from a demon attack. Around the same time, Akemiko gave birth. Yoriichi helped find a midwife and became a beloved benefactor to their little family.
Seeing them, Akira couldn't help but think of the pair of brothers he had met a few days earlier. He wondered how they were doing now.
"We're truly sorry to trouble you," Yoriichi said politely.
Upon hearing this, Tankichi and Akemiko became flustered with gratitude.
"Please don't say that! Treat this as your own home—you're welcome here for as long as you like," Tankichi said sincerely.
Akemiko poured hot tea for Akira, Yoriichi, and Akito, smiling warmly. "We don't usually get many visitors up here. It's such a joy to have company—it makes the house feel alive."
Akira took a sip of the tea and smiled. "It's delicious."
"Thank you," Akemiko replied, pleased by the compliment.
In the short time they'd spent together, Akira could already tell that Tankichi and Akemiko were genuinely kind people. Their hospitality wasn't forced or superficial—they were truly happy to welcome them.
Akira figured that must be why Master Yoriichi had brought them here to rest.
"What a cute child!"
Akemiko's eyes lit up as she looked at Akito and gently touched his round, mushroom-shaped hairstyle.
Akira straightened his back, smiling proudly. "This is my little brother, Akito."
It almost felt like the praise for Akito was praise for himself.
Akemiko widened her eyes playfully. "Oh! That explains it. No wonder he's so handsome—he has an even more handsome big brother!"
Akira blushed, clearly amused by the teasing.
Akito gave his brother a look of mock exasperation. Brother… are you being shameless again?
Then Akemiko added, "Yoriichi told me that while Akira goes out to fight demons, Akito stays home. That means Akito must be an excellent cook! Otherwise, Akira wouldn't be in such great shape. Exercise helps, of course, but good nutrition is key."
"Absolutely!" Akito said proudly, puffing up with confidence.
Tankichi turned to Yoriichi, slightly hesitant. "Master Yoriichi, is it really alright for you to stay here? Won't there be issues with the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Yoriichi paused, his hand on the teacup. "I've left the Corps."
"Oh! I'm so sorry," Tankichi apologized quickly, bowing his head. "I didn't mean to pry."
"It's alright," Yoriichi replied calmly.
He glanced at Akira and Akito, who were still smiling and joking with Akemiko. "Even if I'm no longer part of the Corps, it won't stop me from doing what I must."
And so, Akira and Akito stayed with the Kamado family.
During the day, Tankichi would go down the mountain to sell charcoal. Yoriichi hunted wild animals in the nearby forest. Akira, despite the pain, continued his rehabilitation training every day. But after two months, there was still no improvement in his hands. In fact, they had grown even weaker.
Standing in front of a wooden training post, Akira looked down at his trembling wrists and smiled bitterly.
He couldn't swing a sword anymore. He couldn't even lift anything heavy.
"Brother, it's time to eat!"
Smoke curled up from the chimney of the wooden house. Akito's voice echoed through the mountainside.
Akira glanced at his useless wrists one more time, then turned and walked back as if nothing had happened.
"Delicious! Amazing!"
Tankichi gave Akito a big thumbs-up as he ate.
"Who would've thought someone so young could cook so well?" Akemiko added with a smile. "You're making me feel like I'm falling short!"
"Hehe, not at all," Akito said, smiling shyly.
"Master," Akira said suddenly, breaking his silence.
Yoriichi looked up from his meal. "What is it?"
Akira glanced at the Kamado couple, then looked back at Yoriichi. "Akito and I… we're leaving."
"Huh?"
Akemiko tilted her head in surprise. Tankichi froze, chopsticks halfway to his mouth.
"Is there something wrong? Are you uncomfortable living here?" Tankichi asked.
"No," Akira replied. "Quite the opposite. Akito and I have always lived alone, depending on each other. But these last few months… this place has truly felt like home."
He took a deep breath. "But now we have a reason to leave."
"I see," Tankichi said softly. "Then I won't try to stop you."
Akemiko hugged both Akira and Akito tightly. "You're welcome here anytime. No matter when—this will always be your home."
"Thank you, Sister Akemiko."
Akira removed the earrings he wore. "I don't have any gift to give you, but these were given to me by my master. They hold deep meaning for me."
He gently placed them in her hand. "Thank you for taking care of Akito and me. Please accept these."
"No, that's too precious—" Akemiko tried to refuse, waving her hands.
"Please, don't," Akira insisted with a soft smile. "If I ever forget your face one day, these earrings will help me remember."
Akemiko looked down at the earrings in her palm, then gently closed her fingers around them.
Akito sat quietly nearby, watching his brother. Though Akira had made the decision suddenly, Akito didn't question it—because wherever Akira went, he would follow. His brother's decision was his own.
"Master, we're heading off!"
Standing at the doorway, Akira turned to wave one last time. He laughed. "Master, promise me—you must defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"Akira!" Yoriichi called out, his voice firm. "I didn't accept you as my disciple because of your talent. I saw in you a heart that burns bright like the sun. No matter what happens in life, never let that fire be extinguished!"
Akira stood still for a moment, then squeezed Akito's hand. "I understand, Master."
Yoriichi watched silently as the two brothers disappeared down the path.
"Brother… do you think I'll blame you?" Akito asked quietly.
Akira shook his head. "No, you understand me."
Akito looked at Akira's trembling hands. "The world is big. There must be a doctor out there who can heal you."
"Yes," Akira said, his eyes full of determination.
The words he said to Yoriichi weren't just for him—they were for himself.
He had to survive.
He had to become stronger.
He had to kill Muzan Kibutsuji.