Tanjiro: The Twelve Kizuki should possess a high amount of Kibutsuji's blood. If we can extract it, the medicine that will turn Nezuko will be finished sooner.

Y/n: Did you seriously feel like you needed to explain all of that to me even though I'm the one who told you about the Twelve Kizuki?

Tanjiro: Sorry, I got caught up in the moment.

He looked at Inosuke who was bleeding from his wounds.

Tanjiro: Hey, are you okay, Inosuke? You're bleeding. Your wounds.

Inosuke: Don't go showering me with your mushy sensitivity and kindness! I don't need it! Got that? After all, anything you can do, I can do, too! Before you know it, my head will be... will be harder than yours... (points at Y/n) and my legs will... will be stronger than his! Not to mention that... Not to mention... Not to...

Tanjiro: (Thinking: He's not doing well.)

Y/n: (Thinking: The blood loss from his wounds are definitely starting to get to him.)

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I know Y/n had our other friends well beings at heart, but I still felt we could've saved them. That woman gave off a scent of terror and suffering. Enough to make her yearn for death. What is it about this mountain anyway? A demon family living here as well as one of the Twelve Kizuki! I didn't think demons gathered together like that.)

Y/n: I know this is a random thing to bring up, but I bet Zenitsu's having the time of his life crying like a little bitch under this mountain.

With Zenitsu.

Zenitsu: Ouch! Something just pricked me! What the hell? I'm so frustrated! I can't find Tanjiro, Inosuke or even that jerk Y/n anywhere! Where did they go?

He came across a fork in the road.

Zenitsu: This sound of spiders crawling around and that strange wood hiding noise is so creepy. I'm sure they're just doing their best to survive the same as me, but still!

He heard crawling from behind him.

Zenitsu: Be quiet! Stop moving around!

He turned around and saw a spider with a creepy baby face.

Zenitsu: What am I even looking at?!

Back with the group.

Y/n: Ah, probably best not to think about it.

The three were back on the move.

Tanjiro: Y/n, since you brought up Zenitsu, we need to talk.

Y/n: About what?

Tanjiro smacked Y/n's head.

Tanjiro: You don't just go around telling people to kill themselves!

Y/n: But he was being a whiney coward.

Tanjiro: Even so, that doesn't give you the right to treat him like that! What were you going to do if Zenitsu actually did it?!

Y/n: Oh, like you care. You left him at the bottom of this God forsaken mountain and for all we know, he may have already killed himself.

With Zenitsu.

He was in front of a small house being held up by threads along with several bodies being held up by threads. He also held his nose.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: Ah! It really stinks here! Talk about pungent! Tanjiro would hate this for sure! The smell is making my throat hurt! Not just that, it's grotating my eyes, too!)

Zenitsu heard criking from the house and a demon with a spider body a human young man face slowly game down.

Zenitsu: It's huge! Look at the size of that thing! It's absolutely gigantic!

The spider person looked at him.

Zenitsu: You better not start talking to me! I don't want to hear it from you!

Zenitsu turned back and ran.

Spider demon: There's no point in running away. You've already lost the battle.

Zenitsu: I told you not to talk to me! I don't want to hear it so stop talking! Things like you give me the creeps, all right?

Spider demon: So you already know how dire the situation is for you.

Zenitsu: What are you talking about?

Spider demon: Take a look at your hands.

Zenitsu: My hands? Why?

The spider demon began to laugh.

Zenitsu: What's wrong with my-

He looked at his left hand and saw that it had purple spots and vains on it.

Zenitsu: What's this?

Spider demon: You're poisoned. A spider bit you, didn't it. Your gonna turn into one before long. In half an hour, you'll be my slave crawling all over on the ground!

It began laughing.

Back with the group.

Inosuke: Enough about this for now. W/n, if you can sense exactly how many demons are on this mountain and how strong they are, then which one is this Twelve Kizuki?

Y/n: I can't exactly tell. See, I've come up with the philosophy that the stronger a demon is, the better that demon is of hiding that power. So, any one of the other six demons could be this Twelve Kizuki. Hell, it might even be that little one we saw earlier.

Tanjiro: Do you at least have a guess at which it could be?

Y/n: I feel it might be a lower rank. If it were an upper rank, it wouldn't need minions.

Tanjiro: What's this lower and upper rank you keep talking about?

Y/n: Oh, brother. Okay, the Twelve Kizuki are divided into two groups. The lower ranks and the upper ranks. Each rank has a total of six demons. The difference in strength between the two ranks is very noticeable. Any time a lower rank engages a Hashira or Hashira level swordsmen, they die. But the upper ranks have killed scores of Demon Slayers, even Hashira. One of my former ladies once said Upper Six has the strength of three Hashira.

Tanjiro: Well, are you a Hashira level swordsmen?

Y/n: I like to think I'm somewhere close to that level.

Tanjiro: Then if it is an Lower rank, we shouldn't have a problem as long as we have you.

He suddenly stopped.

Tanjiro: What's wrong?

Y/n: I can sense four demons near by. One pair that way... (points right) and the other pair that way... (points left)

Tanjiro: Well, I would like for us to stay together, but I'm pretty sure we could get both pairs if we split up.

Inosuke: Split up how exactly?

Tanjiro: Well...

Y/n: I'll take the pair on the left alone.

Tanjiro: Y/n, are you sure.

Y/n: These two are weaker than the ones on the right. I'm pretty confident I can handle them myself.

Tanjiro: Okay, just be safe and don't die.

Y/n: I can't promise I'll come out smelling completely like roses, but I definitely will come back to you both alive. And I'll help you both with your demons as soon as I can.

Inosuke: You say that now, but I, the Great Inosuke, will come to your rescue first.

Y/n: We'll see.

They both went their separate ways. While he was walking, Y/n closed his eyes and had a memory of him splitting a boulder in half.

Y/n: I did it.

He was with Sanemi.

Sanemi: You know, for someone who accomplished a great feat to his standards, you don't sound very excited.

Y/n: Papa said to always keep a leveled head.

Sanemi: Well, that might be a good thing to do in combat, but sometimes (psychotic grin) you need to know when to let loose.

Y/n stared at his master for a few seconds then gave his own psychotic smile.

Sanemi: You're learning.

???: Yo-ho!

They turned and saw Kanae and Kanao walking towards them.

Sanemi: Aw, Kocho. Nice seeing you here.

Kanae: The same for you, Shinazugawa.

Sanemi looked at Kanao.

Sanemi: I see you brought your weird little sister with you.

Kanae: Please be more gentle with your words.

She looked at Y/n.

Kanae: Hello, little Y/n. It's great to see you again.

Y/n: The feeling is mutual, Lady Kanae.

He looked at Kanao and silence filled the air.

Kanae: Uh, to the reason we're here...

She pulled out some binto boxes.

Kanae: Would you take a break from training and join us for a little picnic?

Sanemi: Is it cool with you, kid?

Y/n: It's fine by me, Master Sanemi.

Y/n snapped out of his memory and came back to reality.

Y/n: Good times.

Y/n gave a sad smile under his mask.

Elsewhere.

Two little demons that looked like the other demon and the mother demon were running in an opening in the forest. One had long hair that reached down to his thighs, and the other one had short hair that didn't even cover the back of his neck.

Long haired demon: These Demon Slayers sure are fun to toy with, aren't they?

Short haired demon: Playing with them is the only thing that gives me satisfaction anymore, dear brother.

Above them, the bodies of Demon Slayers were stuck in weps which were shaped like dart boards, one began to move and quiver in fear.

Long haired demon: Dammit, Dātsu. You missed one!

Dātsu: It seems in all the fun we were having, I missed his vital spots. But luckily for us, I don't miss twice.

Dātsu spat some kind of web substance that harded like a rock as soon as it touched hand. He then threw it at the Demon Slayer which pierced that Slayer's chest.

Dātsu: Told you, Kumonosu.

Kumonosu: Not bad, I guess.

They heard rustling in the back.

Kumonosu: What's that?

Dātsu: More fun, that's what. Let's hide, you set the trap, I kill, then we eat. Same as usual.

Kumonosu: All right.

They hid behind trees and Y/n walked through the opening.

Y/n: Miserable demons. Come on out, I know you're here, so don't even waste effort hiding.

He took a few more steps and then he saw those Demon Slayers.

Y/n: What the hell?

After one more step, Y/n got caught in one of those webs.

Y/n: Damn!

The two demons came out.

Kumonosu: Aw, this one's shorter than the others.

Dātsu: It doesn't matter how big or how small he is. All that matters is how he taste and how much fun our game of darts will be.

Dātsu made that same substance.

Kumonosu: You get the first go.

Dātsu: Thanks, bro.

Y/n: (Thinking: Well, if they're planing to toy with me, might as well try to remember more of my memories.)

He closed his eyes and went back to his memories. Kanae and Sanemi were sitting together while Kanao and Y/n were sparing with wooden swords.

Kanae: How far has he come in training so far?

Sanemi: Y/n? He's doing pretty good.

Kanae: How many Wind Breathing forms is he able to do?

Sanemi: Three. He's almost got the fourth form down though.

Kanae: You must be proud.

Sanemi: I will say that it's impressive that he's the only one of my successors that was able to survive my training.

Kanae: I'm surprised you haven't made him take Final Selection yet.

Sanemi: He said he wants to take his time. By the way, you know anything about that mark on his palm?

Kanae: Anytime I ask him about it, he just says that his mother said it was a birthmark.

Sanemi: Hey, Y/n, come here for a second!

Y/n ran to Sanemi.

Y/n: Yes, Master.

Kanae: You're a speedy one, aren't you?

Sanemi: Y/n, show me that Mark on your left palm.

Y/n showed a light blue feather on his left palm.

Sanemi: Kocho, do you honestly believe this kid was born with a mark in the exact shape of a feather? And to add on, it's light blue.

Y/n: Like the sky.

Kanae: It could be possible, Shinazugawa.

Sanemi: I guess.

Y/n: To be honest, I'm not sure if it's a birthmark either. But if mama says it is, then it is.

Kanae: Well, why don't you go back to training.

Y/n: Yes, ma'am.

He went back to his spar.

Kanae: I just wish he could've had a normal childhood, instead of one full of demons.

Sanemi: That's why he's training under me. To make it so that kid will.

Kanae: I know he is, and I find it honorable that he's doing it even though he's ten and a half years old. I hope one day, he'll find friends that will support him see him the way I do.

Back to reality.

Y/n had multiple harded web spears in his body. Two in each of his arms, two in each leg and one in the gut. He was bleeding profusely.

Dātsu: I sure hope he's having as much fun we are.

Kumonosu: I don't know. This doesn't feel very fun. He won't even scream. I'll end it here.

Dātsu: Fine.

Dātsu gave Kumonosu a web spear which Kumonosu threw straight through Y/n's chest.

Kumonosu: And that does it.

Dātsu: Great work as always.

They did a series of high-fives until Y/n used wind blades to cut himself free and jump on a tree.

Dātsu: What?

Kumonosu: I could've sworn I got his heart!

Y/n: (Thinking: That's what I'm striving for, a world where no one will have to worry about demons. I might not know what this mark on my palm is, but I won't let it stop me.. And if no one's going to give their all for a world like that, then they shouldn't have picked up a sword.) Bird Breathing, Second Form...

With Zenitsu.

Zenitsu was sleep fighting the Spider demon and his minions.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: Y/n, I get you hate me. But not as much as I hate myself. But I also heard the sound of jealousy from you. What about me could you be jealous about? Your strong, fast, talented, you make people happy no matter where you go and you came from a wealthy family. So, why be jealous of me?)

Spider demon: Get him! Inject more poison into his veins!

The little spiders opened their mouths and stingers laced with poison came out. Zenitsu dodged them but he coughed up a bit of blood and fell to one knee which gave the little spiders the opportunity to climb all over him.

Spider demon: (laughing) That should do it!

Suddenly, Zenitsu was able to blow back all the little spiders and the air began to vibrate.

Spider demon: What's this? The air is vibrating.

Zenitsu open his eyes.

Zenitsu: Thunder Breathing, First Form...

Y/n/Zenitsu: Gliding Slash/Thunderclap and Flash! Sixfold!

Dātsu threw a web spear at Y/n while the spider demon spat poison at Zenitsu, but they vanished in an instant.

Spider demon/Dātsu: He vanished?

Zenitsu jumped from tree to tree and finally decapitated the spider demon as Y/n cut off Dātsu and Kumonosu's heads so fast not even they knew it before it was too late. Zenitsu landed on the house held up by threads while Y/n landed hard on both knees.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: I just wanna dream. A happy, peaceful dream. In it, I'm more powerful than anyone, even Y/n. I'm able to help the weak and anyone in trouble. Anytime. And everything that Gramps taught me, all the time and effort he spent, it wasn't for nothing. In this dream thanks to Gramps, I became strong and was able to help a lot of people. But the time to dream, is over.)

He heard Ukogi chirp.

Zenitsu: Is that you, Chuntaro? I'm so sorry.

Ukogi flew of with tears in his eyes and Zenitsu heard a voice.

Voice: Don't ever give up!

Zenitsu took a deep breath.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: Don't give up. I can use the breathing technique to slow down the poison. Even if it's painful, even if it's agonizing, don't try to take the easy way out or Gramps will let you have it. Yeah, and Tanjiro's gonna yell at you, too. You'll prove Y/n right. Y/n, you might be more likable and more talented, but between the fight for Nezuko, I will not lose. Not in a million years.)

Back with Y/n.

Y/n: (Thinking: Damn. It was probably a bad idea to use Bird Breathing with piercings in my legs, and I broke my promise to never use my Blood Demon Art. Tanjiro, Inosuke. I know I said I'd get back to you two right after I killed my demons, but I think I'm gonna have to rest here for a bit. Just control your breathing, Y/n, and you'll be with them soon.)

With Tanjiro and Inosuke.

They were in front of a lake.

Tanjiro: What was that sound? Did lightning just strike?

Inosuke: How should I know?

Tanjiro: Well, I'm not smelling any thunderclouds. But I do smell blood in the direction Y/n went. I hope he's doing okay. Inosuke!

Inosuke: What is it?

Tanjiro: I think I'm gonna go down that path instead.

Inosuke: Why are you telling me? Do whatever you want!

Tanjiro: So, are you heading back down?

Inosuke: Back down?

Tanjiro: Down the mountain.

Inosuke: Why would I do that? Just beat it!

Tanjiro: What about all your wounds though?

Inosuke: What are you talking about?! I'm not hurt at all!

Tanjiro had a deadpin face.

Tanjiro: What? You gotta be kidding me, Inosuke! Anyone from a mile away can tell how bloody you are.

They looked across the stream and saw a girl demon that looked like the small demon, Dātsu, Kumonosu, and mother and a white kimono.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: A demon! The scent hovering over this mountain blocked me from picking that up!)

Inosuke shouted.

Inosuke: Listen up, you damn demon! I'm gonna tear you to shreds!

She made a run for it.

Inosuke: Come back here!

Inosuke ran after her.

Tanjiro: Hold on!

Girl demon: Now, Father!

Inosuke: Who are you calling "Father"?

Something jumped in front of Inosuke.

Tanjiro: Inosuke!

Inosuke jumped out of the way and saw whatever jumped in front of him. It was a giant demon with the body of a very muscular man with white hair and the face of a spider.

Man spider: Don't you come near my family! Stay way from them!

He nearly crushed Inosuke, but he jumped out of the way.

Girl demon: I'm leaving the rest to you, Father.

She ran off and the Father was about to punch Inosuke.

Tanjiro: Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!

Tanjiro used a Water Wheel on the Father's arm, but it only stopped the punch and didn't cut the arm off.
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Tanjiro: Combined Junior and Senior High School!

Tanjiro/Y/n/Zenitsu/Inosuke: Tales of a Demon Slayer Academy!

Zenitsu was in front of the gate with a clip board.

Zenitsu: (Thinking: A prefix day starts early. I'd quit, but there's one thing keeping me going. And that's checking the dress code. I can admire the girls all I want and not get yelled at!)

Nezuko came with a black school uniform and a short skirt reacting that start of her legs.

Zenitsu: Morning, Nezuko!

Makomo showed up in the same uniform along with Shinobu with a yellow sweater and skirt.

Zenitsu: Makomo's looking cute today, too. And that senpai's gorgeous!

Tomioka and Y/n then showed up.

Zenitsu: Mr. Tomioka! Y/n! It's not what it looks like! I'm just doing a dress code check!

Tomioka punched him in the face.

Tomioka: Before you start finding fault in people's clothing, dye your hair!

Zenitsu: But it's my natural color!

Y/n: Oh, and I'm not blind just because I have two different colored eyes.

He kicked Zenitsu in the head.

Y/n: Quit being such a pervert! Mr. Tomioka, with all due respect, why did you let this delinquent be our disciplinary officer?

Tomioka: I didn't, but I'll have a talk with the school board about this. Next, Chapter 18, "A Forged Bond."

To be continued.