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3RD POV
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The head seemed to have finally accepted the futility of its body's condition, as the impacts it had taken from the foreigner's punches felt akin to being sliced by nichirin blades.

'Why is this happening to me?'

The demon's head was currently ensnared in a tree, its green hair tangled around Tanjiro's hatchet, and its arms emerging from its head in an absurd spectacle.

Tanjiro had effectively immobilized the demon and was now sprinting toward where he sensed the scents of his sister and Colith-san.

'I need to reach them quickly!'

"NEZUKO!! COLITH-SAN!!" He called out, hoping his voice would reach the two. His feet crushed leaves as he hurried on, his breaths coming in heavy pants, his focus entirely on locating them. Almost yelping in fright, he paused as he heard a rustling sound from a nearby bush on his left. He was momentarily gripped by the fear that something dangerous was lurking there, until the familiar scent of lilac wafted to his nose, causing him to freeze in his tracks.

"HM-hm !" a woozy Nezuko popped out, stumbling in her steps like a newborn fawn but all in all, fine. Tanjiro immediately rushed to her in worry, checking for any injuries, and is grateful when he finds none.

"I'm so relieved you're safe!" he tightly embraced her, a wave of relief washing over him as she reciprocated the hug with a gentle hum. Pulling back slightly, he scanned their surroundings, his brows knitting in confusion. "Where's Colith-san?" His expression became troubled as he remembered that Nezuko couldn't respond. Oops...

Yet, it seemed Nezuko had understood, as she got up and sprinted in the direction of the familiar and comforting presence she had come to know.

"Wait, Nezuko?!" Tanjiro's head jerked up, and he followed her, almost tripping in his haste. They swiftly reached the scene, where the dark-skinned woman stood, examining her clenched fist in wonder. The headless body crumbled into ashes, leaving only clothes behind on the now grayish ground. Tanjiro stared, his eyes wide with amazement as he watched the whole process occur, while Colith's golden eyes shifted to meet the gazes of the two Kamados siblings.

"Oh, Tanjiro, Nezuko, what a to see you here," she greeted with a casual grin, causing Tanjiro to sweatdrop.

"Colith-san! How did you do that?" He pointed incredulously at the pile of ashes near her feet.

She blinked, glancing down, then replied, "I punched him really, really hard." It was a statement that, in its essence, held a lot of truth.

Despite the fact that her words were backed up by her scent, poor Tanjiro found it hard to wrap his head around it. Before he could voice his confusion, Colith spread her arms wide, facing Nezuko, who tilted her head inquisitively.

"Make yourself tiny, honey, I'll carry you," she cooed in a maternal tone.

Nezuko perked up, complying with the request. Colith immediately let out a delighted squeal, cradling the demon in her arms as if she were a mother holding her child. She then turned to Tanjiro, who had been silently observing the scene with raised eyebrows.

"Alright, let's head back," she said, holding Nezuko as though she were a baby, and began walking toward the temple, humming soothing melodies as she went.

Tanjiro chuckled softly to himself, thinking, 'Colith-san is quite the character...' Shaking his head to dispel his weariness from the day's events, he hastened to catch up with them.
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In the distance, the distant cawing of crows combined with the eerie night atmosphere overwhelmed him. His life had nearly been cut short if not for the aid of the foreigner and his sister. The trio stood before the temple, the unconscious head of the demon sprawled on the ground, knocked out by the force of Colith's blows.

The boy, now unsure and visibly shaken, clutched a knife in his hand. Hesitation coursed through him at the prospect of ending a life, even that of a vile creature like a murderous demon.

His eyes were wide with anxiety, his breath coming in heavy pants as panic threatened to consume him. His stance was rigid, and he trembled like a leaf caught in a storm.

Colith frowned slightly. She gently tapped his shoulder, seeking to get his attention, which caused him to yelp in surprise. His grip on the knife faltered, the weapon nearly slipping from his grasp and clattering to the ground.

"Calm down, Tanjiro."

His dazed expression cleared somewhat upon hearing her soothing voice. He turned to her, still wide-eyed and lost in his own doubts. He had always been too forgiving.

"I understand that taking a life is difficult, but you must make a choice," she said with a solemn smile. "It's a matter of them or you. Hesitating against them could be a death sentence for you. While there's no current cure for their condition, you can at least release them from their curse by ending their lives." Her words left him stunned, his attention fully captured by her speech. "Oh, and a regular knife won't do shit."

His face paled at her casual use of profanity, taken aback by her choice of words.

Colith patted his back reassuringly, offering an encouraging smile before gently lifting Nezuko in her arms. The young demon was displaying signs of exhaustion, edging closer to sleep.

"Oh, and by the way, Sir, you can come out now!" She directed her attention to a particular tree behind them, where a surprised Urokodaki emerged. Tanjiro's eyes widened at the appearance of this newcomer. In his state of panic, he hadn't detected the presence of the masked man at all.

"How...?" A gruff voice emanated from behind the Tengu mask. Colith responded with a nonchalant shrug.

"Maybe luck?" She chuckled, "Now, if you'll excuse me~" With that, she hurried into the temple, cradling a drowsy Nezuko in her arms, leaving the two bewildered males behind.

A brief silence ensued as both of them continued to gaze in the direction Colith had disappeared. Eventually, Urokodaki shifted his attention to the young boy, the same one his former pupil had written about. He noticed that the boy had found a sizable rock in the meantime. Was he planning to use it to end the demon's life? The elderly man observed as the boy, despite the girl's advice, remained rooted in place. He sensed a mixture of anxiety and compassion emanating from him.

'Even in the face of a demon, his kindness remains unwavering. He can't help but feel compassion for them.' Urokodaki paused momentarily, detecting a persistent sense of uncertainty emanating from the boy. 'Giyuu...this boy won't make much progress like this.'

Recognizing that Tanjiro might take quite some time to take action, the old man turned towards the shelter, intending to handle the task of burying the corpses in the meantime. As he approached the entrance, however, he was greatly surprised to find that the previous scent of blood had completely vanished.

'What is the meaning of this..?'

Even his highly trained nose proved futile in detecting any trace of the coppery liquid, almost as if the events that had unfolded had been erased. Leaning forward to peer inside, he was taken aback by the sight of the area, now free of the crimson stains. The victims of the demon lay on the ground, shrouded under a pristine white cloth. The Tengu-masked man turned his attention toward the foreigner, the very one Giyuu had mentioned in his letter.

'Could this be her doing...?'

He observed her, now asleep while cradling a slumbering demon in her arms. The old man's brows furrowed beneath the mask.

'Her scent is peculiar...it lacks the essence of humanity, yet it's neither that of a demon...what exactly is she?'

The girl's head jerked forward, abruptly awakening her from her nap. She blinked slowly, her gaze lazily shifting in the direction of the man. Their eyes met, her golden orbs meeting the black wooden visage of his Tengu mask.

"Well, hello again. I thought it would be helpful to clean up a bit," she admitted with a sheepish grin, her hand scratching her cheek. She was careful not to disturb the sleeping demon in her arms. "Would you like assistance with burying them?"

The old man was taken aback by her proactive approach, and he felt a hint of gratitude since the stench of blood could be quite overpowering, especially to someone with a keen sense of smell. He shook his head, politely declining her offer for further help, and proceeded to take care of the bodies on his own.

Colith pondered for a moment. She was aware that concealing her status as the [Mother of All] would be a challenge, especially around individuals like Urokodaki who possessed exceptional sensory abilities.

'Oh well, honesty might be refreshing for a change. After all, it's not like I can die or something,' she thought with a hint of amusement.

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1ST POV
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Tengu gramps delivered his speech to Tanjiro, but I had already tuned it out since I had heard it before. I didn't intervene when he gave Tanjiro a firm smack, finding the scene amusing because old folks rarely hold back, and besides, a reality check was what Tanjiro needed at that moment. Not all demons warranted pity, especially those without sympathetic backstories.

With Nezuko back in her basket, still sound asleep and safely tucked away, we began our journey to Tengu gramps' house. I had offered to carry her, but Tanjiro declined, insisting that it was his responsibility and that I had already done enough for them. He wore a determined smile as he said it.

I shrugged and started jogging alongside the old man, whose footsteps were eerily silent. I wondered if he was utilizing some form of chakra, or if it was simply a testament to his vast experience. Regardless, I attempted to engage in some small talk.

"So...you are the former Water Hashira?" I asked, my breath steady after an hour of running, a contrast to poor Tanjiro who could be heard wheezing behind me. This level of activity was nothing compared to what I had experienced during my time at the training corps, so my stamina held up well.

Tengu gramps didn't appear taken aback by the question. He nodded with a grunt, choosing not to verbalize his response.

Unfazed, I continued the conversation. "How does it feel to wield a katana? Honestly, I'd rather use my fists!" I flexed my hands in the air with a grin, noticing a slight amusement in the old man's aura, evident by the subtle change.

"You don't seem European. Where do you come from?" he inquired, turning his masked face toward me—a surprise since he hadn't uttered a single word since our run began.

With a fond smile, I replied, "Mali, a country far from here. I have no idea how they got me here, but well, here I am." I patted my chest, the white fabric strands of my straw hat fluttering in the wind as we continued to run.

"They?" His tone carried a hint of curiosity, and my mood soured.

"Some individuals who clearly didn't bother asking for my opinion before dumping me into a forest," I growled, noticing a flicker of surprise in Tengu gramps' aura due to my choice of words and the unsettling truth I was sharing. "Anyway! Are we there yet?" I grinned at him, momentarily setting aside my irritation.

He turned his gaze back ahead, stating simply, "No," effectively ending the conversation.

'Damn grandpa, no need to be blunt like that.'

Not wanting to push the matter any further, I slowed down to match sunshine's more pitiful pace.

"I did tell ya to let me carry her, you dumb-dumb," I scolded with a chuckle.

He only wheezed in response

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"Hah... Hah... Is-Is that enough for you to recognize me as worthy...?" Poor boy was on all fours, wheezing like someone with COVID-19, to the point where I instinctively stayed a safe distance away from him.

'Heh, wait for it, Tanji.'

I leaned casually against a nearby tree, observing their interaction with a hint of interest, anticipating the revelation from the old man.

"The test begins now." Tengu gramps removed the cloth covering his head, revealing short grey hair and wrinkles on the previously concealed sides of his face. I couldn't help but wonder if he'd pull a Kakashi move someday, by disguising himself as a harmless civilian grandpa seeking help with chores in the village we passed 20 minutes ago. That would be sick "We'll climb the mountain."

Tanjiro gasped in sheer horror, and I couldn't help but guffaw without remorse from the sidelines. After all, he had brought this exhaustion upon himself.

"Told ya to let me carry her but no, you refused! You wouldn't be this exhausted if you listened!" I chimed in, my laughter intensifying when he stared at me as if he had been struck by lightning. Tengu gramps shifted his gaze towards us, his expression hidden behind the unreadable mask.

"C-Colith-san!"

"Bruh don't 'Colith-san' me, I warned you!"

He let out a pitiful cry from his position.

Wiping away a tear of mirth, I turned to the silent old man. "Anyway, do I get to join in too?" I asked eagerly. Will he train me as well? I'm not planning on becoming a slayer like Tanjiro, but maybe forming a partnership with the Demon Slayer Corps could work.

"Yes," came the curt reply.

"Sweet!" I leaped from my spot, landing next to a gaping Tanjiro. "ALL RIGHT SUNSHINE! TUCK NEZUKO IN! I WANNA SEE WHAT TENGU GRAMPS HAS IN STORE FOR YOU!!"

'Tengu gramps?/s-sunshine?!'

The two males seemed to have the same thought, and the elder decided that questioning me would be a hassle. After Tanjiro did as I asked, both of us followed the old man as he led the way up the mountain. He didn't bother checking if we were keeping up, and as the sun gradually disappeared in the distance, dusk settled in.

As we climbed for about 20 minutes and the air grew thin – evident from Tanjiro's increasingly strained breaths – it became clear that we were gaining altitude.

"This place is kinda spooky," I mumbled, glancing around. The forest had significantly darkened, blanketed by a thick mist that clung to the ground and the surrounding foliage. Navigating became challenging, with hidden roots threatening to trip anyone who wasn't cautious. I took care not to strangle Tanjiro as I held onto his scarf, preventing him from taking any accidental tumbles. Tengu gramps just shook his head wearily throughout. However, thanks to my heightened senses, I had honed my night vision well enough to see clearly even in the dark. I owe that to my nights of sneaking around camp!

Tanjiro let out a nervous chuckle in response to my statement. Tengu gramps came to a halt, bringing us both to a stop as we watched him turn towards us. The tired boy straightened himself up, his posture showing respect, while I simply rolled my eyes in affectionate amusement. He had a tendency to be overly polite.

"You'll have to make your way down to my house. I won't wait until dawn this time," he declared, his gaze shifting towards me as if he could sense my intentions. "And you, young girl, are strictly forbidden from assisting him."

I blinked at being referred to as a 'young girl' and couldn't help but pout, crossing my arms in mock annoyance. "Alright," I replied reluctantly. He nodded, casting one final glance in our direction before vanishing into the mist.

"Wa-what?!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his eyes widening in disbelief. He looked at the spot where the old man had stood and then turned to me, repeating the process as if trying to comprehend how an elderly man could disappear so mysteriously.

"Ya heard him, I won't be able to help you, sorry."

He blushed slightly at my concern. "I-it's alright! I wish to prove that I can become a slayer too! And... it shouldn't be too difficult to return before dawn, right?" His fists clenched, determination replacing the exhaustion from earlier.

"I wouldn't be overly confident," I cautioned with a grin. "Tengu gramps mentioned it's a test for a reason." I emphasized the word 'test,' making it clear that it wouldn't be so simple. While it would be amusing to see Tanjiro navigate Tengu gramps' more than questionable traps, I figured a little warning wouldn't hurt. Not that it would prevent him from encountering challenges he couldn't avoid. Poor kid.

"Huh?"

"Just be mindful of where you step," I advised with a playful smile, ruffling his hair. I couldn't help but marvel at how soft their hair was, even without modern hair products. I'd spent so much time back in the day trying to make my own hair presentable while theirs seemed effortlessly gorgeous. Now, with my abilities, I could change hairstyles at will. The short dreadlocks had become a personal favorite—

"C-Colith-san..?"

"Hm? Oh, right, the test. My bad! I should head off then. Take care, kid, and don't get yourself killed out here!"

Before he could reply, I found myself back at the front door of the house, sensing Tanjiro's startled aura spiking on the mountain.

Oops.

I took off my boots, mindful of the fact that it's considered impolite to traipse around someone else's home with dirty footwear—Ma would've had my head if she saw me doing that—and stepped into the room where Tanjiro had placed Nezuko.

Bruh, wasn't going to risk getting caught in Tengu gramps' crazy traps all over the mountain. If he kept it up, you'd think he was trying to kill his students. Although, I suppose it's a solid method to weed out those who didn't fully understand what they were getting into.

Once inside, I looked down at the slumbering child and smiled, but then my expression turned into a frown. Should I remove the bamboo muzzle altogether? Shaking off my uncertainty, I decided to go ahead with it.

'What's the point of that thing, anyway? She's gonna be asleep for two years, and Tanjiro's going to freak out when he realizes it, huh.'

Crouching down to her level after placing my straw hat against the wall, I managed to undo the muzzle, setting it beside her pillow. I gave her scalp a gentle stroke, and she responded with a softening of her features, exhaling a peaceful sigh in her slumber.

'Sleep well baby, you'll need it.'

After planting a soft kiss on her forehead and ensuring she was tucked in comfortably, I stepped out of the room and slid the door shut. But as I did so, the front door suddenly glided open, revealing a bewildered Tengu gramps.

"How did you...?" He gestured behind him and then back to me before his voice trailed off. "What are you, exactly?" Ah, the million-dollar question! You might wonder why I'm not breaking a sweat. Well, this time I figured being honest was the best course of action, especially considering the superhuman company I'm in.

A little chuckle escaped me as I watched his typically composed aura now clouded with confusion and a hint of caution. Can't blame the old man, really. He had no clue what he'd brought into his home. A demon was already enough of a surprise; now here I was, an anomaly, neither fully human nor demon. What indeed was I?

I offered a calm smile. "In truth, it's a bit more complicated than that. I wasn't always like this," I began casually, much to his surprise.

'Didn't expect that, did you? Well, blame your heightened senses for prying.'

"But I suppose you want me to explain anyway, right, gramps? Oh, and is it alright if I call you gramps? Also, could you please let me know where the futons are?" I turned to face him, adjusting my clothing with a bright grin, awaiting his response.

Baffled by the revelation, the old man gestured toward another room. I offered a nod of gratitude and headed there to prepare a futon for Tanjiro, positioning it beside Nezuko's. I had a feeling he would be utterly exhausted once he arrived. I set up a third futon for myself, a bit farther from the Kamado siblings. Once the arrangements were made, I returned to the living room and settled down, sitting cross-legged on the floor. I figured I'd forgo the traditional seiza position; it's not exactly comfortable, and hey, I'm a foreigner. Would Tengu gramps really mind? As he went about mechanically preparing dinner, I pondered whether I should offer my help or not...

'Hm...'

Wanting to make a good impression, I approached to offer my assistance with cooking, but he politely declined.

'Ight.'

Here I sat, leaning against the wooden wall, lost in my thoughts about my beans and my family back home. Oh, how I longed for their warmth and affection... a hug would be nice right now.

'Or maybe I should check my phone and see if Fa' has finally decided to have kids? She kept bugging me to date someone. Husbandos have raised my standards too high, sigh...'

Unintentionally, a wave of sadness washed over me, catching the attention of Tengu gramps, who briefly turned his masked face toward my sullen expression. After finishing dinner preparations, he settled into proper seiza and motioned for me to come closer. He handed me a bowl filled with fish cake Oden and a pair of chopsticks, drawing me out of my reverie.

'Did I really spend all this time sulking? Calm down bitch.'

"You... appear troubled, young one. Is everything alright?" It had been a solid two hours since he last spoke, quite impressive.

"Ah, sorry... I was just thinking about my family... I really miss them," I admitted, scratching my cheek as I gingerly accepted the bowl, accompanied by a grateful smile. This was my first experience with Japanese pot-au-feu, and the aroma was heavenly. The growling protests of my stomach were impossible to ignore, and I didn't mind. When hunger strikes, the stomach makes its voice heard! Even though I no longer required sustenance to survive, there was something undeniably comforting about food.

The elderly man chuckled at my enthusiasm as I gazed at the bowl as if it were a divine gift - which, as Sasha insisted, it was. Curiously, I inquired about the presence of pork, and upon his confirmation that there was none, I eagerly dug in after a soft "Itadakimasu." He acknowledged my religious dietary restrictions with a nod and joined in the meal, his mask concealing his expressions. How on earth did they do that in anime, anyway? It was beyond me.

We enjoyed our meal in a relatively peaceful silence. I resisted the urge to sway with joy, surprising the old man with my adeptness with chopsticks, as foreigners often made a fuss about using "proper" silverware, in his experience. He nodded, indicating that I had his attention and could commence our conversation.

With a bite of carrot, I knew it was time to open that can of worms. So, I began my explanation.

"So, gramps, to put it simply, I'm some sort of...goddess," I stated plainly, opting for honesty.

Tengu gramps paused, his chopsticks holding a piece of konnyaku suspended halfway to his bowl. His gaze bore into me, searching for any hints of deceit. After a tense minute, during which I fidgeted like I was facing Ma, he cautiously confirmed, "You're...telling the truth."

I let out a sigh of relief, my shoulders relaxing. "Yes, it's a bit complicated because I'm not originally from here..."

With that, I launched into an explanation, being selective about what I revealed. I omitted certain details like my death, the fact that he and everyone here were part of a manga/anime series (though I enthusiastically discussed my newfound knowledge of beans), and, of course, the Higher-ups. It didn't seem necessary to mention them. Knowing that he had likely witnessed things beyond human comprehension, given his status as a Hashira, I felt no need to sugarcoat the fact that I hailed from another realm, possessed extensive knowledge, and, most importantly, wasn't an enemy. His aura flared with shock at those words, which was understandable. The old man remained attentive as I spoke, refraining from interrupting me, even though I sensed his desire to ask questions at various points.

After finishing my story, a moment of silence settled between us. I patiently awaited his questions, keeping quiet, my empty bowl sitting before me.

Despite the enormity of the information, Tengu gramps took his time to process it. Just for the heck of it, I lightly tapped a finger on the wooden floor, causing our empty bowls to self-clean before one filled with leftovers, preserving some for Tanjiro. Remarkably, Tengu gramps showed no reaction to this display, likely accustomed to witnessing various Blood Demon Arts and thus unimpressed.

'That's probably why he's handling this so calmly,' I thought.

"I believe you."

I startled at his declaration, raising my eyebrows and blinking rapidly.

"...You do?"

"Yes," he affirmed, "You don't seem to harbor ill intentions, though I suspect you've left out certain...details." My shoulders tensed under his masked gaze. "I won't pry into those if you deem them unnecessary to mention. However, I must ask, what brings you here?"

I sat up a bit straighter, contemplating my purpose.

'A harem- Nah, sis, definitely can't say that,'

"My purpose...perhaps it's to go wherever the wind takes me? To follow the flow of events and see where they lead. I don't have a specific goal in mind, except maybe..." I cast a glance toward the door, where Nezuko lay sleeping, a soft smile forming on my lips. The presence of the demon child had awakened my motherly instincts. "...to help these two achieve what they're seeking, and maybe assist the Corps if I encounter a Slayer. Yeah, that's it! Think of it as a partnership of sorts!"

Tengu gramps' aura flickered with genuine curiosity. "You want to aid us?" he inquired, his gruff voice maintaining its neutral tone.

"Why, yes, absolutely!" I responded enthusiastically. "I can contribute by reducing casualties as a powerful ally. I've already done it once, so let's make it official!" I grinned, noting his bewilderment. Since I couldn't see his face, I relied on the aura surrounding him. It seemed he was unaware of having one, making it easy for me to detect his emotions and intentions. The KNY universe still had people with unique senses like his, so I decided not to dwell on it.

'Pretty useful ability all things considered.'

With a serious demeanor, I addressed Tengu gramps, who was still absorbing the recent revelations.

"I have a request, gramps," I began.

The old man nodded, clearly taken aback by all he had learned but willing to listen. I let out a breath before making my plea.

"Could you please write a letter to the Demon Slayer Corps, expressing my desire to meet their leader? You don't need to specify what I am; I'd prefer to explain that myself once I arrive." I accompanied my request with a respectful bow, which surprised the old man. "Also... getting there might be a challenge since I've never been to Japan before. Is it possible to have a guide? I've heard you have those unusual birds called Kasugai crows that can communicate, so..." I trailed off with a nervous chuckle, averting my gaze while massaging my neck.

Tengu gramps nodded in understanding. "Of course, that won't be a problem, Tobe-sama."

I choked on my own spit, coughing loudly, and then turned my head toward him with wide eyes so abruptly that the old man jumped in surprise. Gotcha!

"P-please, no need for the honorifics!" I stammered, my hands making frantic gestures, and my face flushing with embarrassment. "As I mentioned earlier, I used to be human, so I don't require those, really!" I covered my face with both hands, muttering, "Subhanallah, this is so weird. Just call me Colith, please!" A nervous laugh escaped me, and my blush was clearly visible.

'I AIN'T READY FOR THE GODDESS BULLSHIT APPARENTLY.'

Tengu gramps sweatdropped once more, acknowledging, "As you wish, Colith-san."

With a relieved sigh and my shoulders settling back into place – because, seriously, they better not start with the honorifics again if I reveal myself – I continued with a laugh, placing my hands back on my knees.

"Excellent! Now that we've got that settled, do you happen to have any questions about my abilities? Oh, and by the way, I discovered I can kill demons with my fists! I have no idea how it happened, but it's pretty cool!" I rambled with excitement, while the old man sweatdropped even more, still wondering if I truly was what I claimed to be.

'Is she really a Goddess...? She behaves more like a child than a powerful being...' he thought.

Recognizing that there were still hours until dawn, the old man willingly listened to my stories as he composed the letter. He finished writing it while I recounted the time I adopted my beans, which was also when I revealed my real age to him. To my surprise, the old man didn't even flinch, having experienced his fair share of surprises that night. He did, however, inquire why I maintained this youthful appearance.

"I didn't want to scare Tanjiro with my height," I had replied with a grin.

Two hours later, the door slid open to reveal a battered and bloodied Tanjiro, panting heavily as though he had just emerged from a fierce battle.

In short, he looked like shit.

That brought back memories of those times when I used to walk home from school after P.E., and those memories weren't pleasant at all.

"I...I did it," Tanjiro muttered before collapsing onto the ground, completely exhausted. Tengu gramps and I exchanged glances before I broke the silence.

"Well, Gramps, it looks like you've got yourself a new student! Congratulations!" I chuckled as I stood up and then picked up the boy in my arms bridal style. I carried him into the room where Nezuko was resting and tucked him in. Tempted to wake him up for a bath, I decided to take pity on him instead. I gently tapped his forehead, cleansing him of any dirt and wounds, and dressed him in proper sleepwear, a light blue yukata.

"I bet he's going to be in for a surprise when he wakes up in that yukata," I added with a mischievous laugh.

In the softly illuminated washitsu, Tengu gramps sat, having heard the entire exchange. He let out a sigh that seemed to carry the weight of the world.

'I'm too old for this...'

And he truly was.

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EDITED