"You should commit seppuku!"
"It's all your fault that demon escaped!"
"You're a sinner, the root of all evil—you don't deserve to live in this world!"
What are they talking about?
"How could the Demon Slayer Corps have scum like you?"
In the darkness, countless faceless figures surrounded a lone silhouette, pointing at him, their mouths spewing venomous words.
"No, no! Stop…"
With a cry, Ren jolted awake from the nightmare.
Gasping for air, his eyes darted around in panic. Only when he recognized the familiar surroundings did he slowly regain his composure, feeling the cold, sticky sweat soaking his body.
It was just a dream…
"Brother!"
A tender voice reached his ears. A pair of small hands clasped over Ren's calloused palms. Chitoshi, full of concern, asked, "Brother, another nightmare?"
"…Yeah."
Ren nodded after a long pause.
Chitoshi's small frame wrapped around Ren in a hug. "I'm here, Brother. Don't be scared."
Looking at his younger brother's innocent face, Ren's heart gradually calmed.
The morning sunlight warmed his face, signaling the start of a new day.
"I have a mission. Stay home and don't wander off."
"I know, Brother. Be careful."
"You know how strong your brother is."
After a quick wash, Ren grabbed his blade from the rack and headed out.
"Wait, Brother!"
Chitoshi scampered over, standing on tiptoes to hang an earring on Ren's ear.
"There!"
Satisfied, he stepped back. "That's better! I'm making onigiri today. Tell Lord Yoriichi to come for dinner."
"Got it."
Ren touched his ear, pushed open the door, and stepped outside.
Outside, the bustling Demon Slayer Corps members in their uniforms filled the streets. Ren's expression faltered for a moment, the nightmare's accusing figures flashing in his mind, eerily similar to the people around him.
He shook his head, pushing the thoughts away.
Ever since arriving in this world, he'd been haunted by this recurring nightmare.
Yes, Ren wasn't from this world. He came from another.
Seven years ago, he found himself in this unfamiliar, ancient era.
No parents, only his younger brother by his side.
Soon, he discovered this world wasn't as simple as it seemed. It harbored creatures called demons—terrifying beings that devoured humans.
His life changed one night years ago when a demon broke into their home, intent on attacking him and Chitoshi.
Ren fought back, alert just in time.
But the demon wielded a strange power, later revealed to be Blood Demon Art.
He was no match for a demon with such abilities and was quickly overwhelmed. At that moment, a passing swordsman saved him, slaying the demon.
That swordsman was Yoriichi Tsugikuni, now his master.
Ren learned that Yoriichi belonged to the Demon Slayer Corps, a civilian organization dedicated to killing demons.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni was the Corps' strongest swordsman and the creator of the Breathing Styles.
To protect Chitoshi and ensure a future free from demonic threats, Ren followed Yoriichi, joining the Demon Slayer Corps and becoming his disciple.
Ren's talent was evident the moment he first held a sword.
From that instant, everything became clear to him.
He could see the blood flowing through a person's body, their bones, their organs—even their movements were laid bare before him.
Sword techniques that took others decades to master, he could replicate with a single glance.
This terrifying talent propelled him from a novice to a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps in mere months.
A Hashira—the Corps' strongest swordsmen, its pillars.
Ren's rise to Hashira caused a stir in the Corps, but once his strength was proven, the doubts vanished.
Despite his short time in the Corps, Ren had slain more demons than many veteran members combined.
As a Hashira, he brought Chitoshi to the Corps' headquarters, the safest place he could imagine.
On the streets, passing Corps members bowed respectfully to Ren. His face remained impassive, responding with only a faint nod.
Their gazes held awe, but none dared approach.
After a short walk, Ren spotted a solitary figure standing in the distance, as if waiting.
"You're here."
The figure turned, his expression as calm and unreadable as Ren's, as if nothing in the world could stir him.
"Master."
Ren bowed respectfully.
It was his master, Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
"Let's go."
Yoriichi turned to leave.
"Master."
Ren called out, stopping him.
Yoriichi paused, looking back calmly.
"Let's split up this time."
Ren smiled. "Every time I'm with you, Master, the demons are gone before I can do anything. I'm a Hashira now—I can't always hide behind you."
"Very well."
"Then I'll take our original mission area, and you go elsewhere?"
"Yes."
As Ren turned to leave, Yoriichi suddenly swung his Nichirin Blade at him.
Clang!
Ren blocked the strike with his own blade. "Master?"
Yoriichi sheathed his sword and nodded slightly. "Go."
Ren gave a wry smile. "Master, don't you trust me?"
Yoriichi said nothing, turning to walk away.
"Chitoshi's making onigiri today. Come to our house for dinner!"
Yoriichi didn't look back, only raising a hand in acknowledgment.
"Everyone says I'm the cold one, but you're the real stoic, aren't you?"
Ren shrugged and headed in the opposite direction.