It was day time and Tanjiro was standing in front of a cave.

Tanjiro: All right, Nezuko. You just stay here. You sure you got her, Y/n?

Y/n and Nezuko were in that cave.

Y/n: Yeah, she'll be fine with me.

Tanjiro: Okay. I'll be back soon.

He left the two of them in that cave.

Y/n: So, how does it feel to have your life flipped upside down like that? I know how it feels, but I want to know your opinion, Nezuko.

Nezuko didn't answer him and just started to dig a hole.

Y/n: You really don't have to do that, but you do what you want I guess.

With Tanjiro.

Tanjiro was at a farm talking to the farmer.

Tanjiro: Pardon me, sir. Would it be alright if I took that basket, and some straw and bamboo?

Farmer: You're more than welcome for all the good it will do ya, the basket's full of holes.

Tanjiro: Thank you, I'll gladly pay you for it.

Farmer: No, you don't have to do that. I don't need it anyway.

Tanjiro: Please, I insist!

Farmer: No, it's fine. Same for the straw and bamboo.

Tanjiro: Let me pay you!

Farmer: I said it's fine! So just take it, you stubborn kid!

Tanjiro practically slapped the money into the Farmer's hand.

Tanjiro: Take this small offering for your trouble, please!

Tanjiro took the stuff and ran.

Tanjiro: And thanks a lot for your help!

Tanjiro returned to the cave where he left Nezuko and Y/n.

Tanjiro: Y/n? Nezuko?

Y/n: Oh, hey, Tanjiro. How'd it go?

Tanjiro looked in the cave and saw Y/n laying on a pile of dirt but Nezuko was nowhere to be seen.

Tanjiro: She's gone! Y/n, you said you were gonna watch her!

Y/n: I did. I watched her dig that hole behind me.

Tanjiro: Huh?

He looked behind Y/n and Nezuko popped her head out of the hole Y/n mentioned.

Tanjiro: Oh.

Tanjiro: Hey, Nezuko... (Thinking: Why'd she dig a hole? Is my demon kid sister turning into a mole? And she doesn't look very happy about it either. Guess she really wants to avoid the sun.)

Y/n: So, what did you go out to get?

Tanjiro: Hang on just a second.

Tanjiro started working on something outside.

Y/n: What do you think he's doing?

Nezuko tried to say something but her muzzle kept her from saying any real words.

Y/n: (sigh) That muzzle sure is great for conversation.

Tanjiro came into the cave with the basket now covered in bamboo.

Tanjiro: Nezuko, you think you can fit in here? I want to try to keep moving during the day, too. But I can carry you, okay?

Y/n: That does actually seem like a smart idea.

Tanjiro: Can you fit? In here? Basket?

Y/n: Tanjiro, she's a demon, not stupid. She knows full well that's a basket.

Nezuko tried to climb into the basket but it was too small.

Tanjiro: Guess it's not gonna work. (Thinking: I can't believe how grown up she is. Seems like yesterday she was half that size.)

Y/n: I don't know how we're gonna carry her with such a small basket.

Tanjiro: Hey, Nezuko.

Nezuko: Mmm.

Tanjiro: Nezuko, remember how you got really big the other day? I got an idea. Do you think you can get smaller?

He started to pet Nezuko's back.

Tanjiro: Come on, Nezuko. Get smaller for me.

Nezuko flipped the basket and got in.

Y/n: Nezuko, you okay?

Nezuko was now the right size to fit into the basket.

Tanjiro: Nice job.

Y/n: I have to admit, an ability like that could be useful in the future.

Tanjiro began to pet Nezuko on the head.

Tanjiro: Who's a good girl? You are, Nezuko. I'm impressed!

Y/n: She's not a dog, Tanjiro, so quit treating her like one.

Y/n took off his haori and put it on top of Nezuko's basket and knoted the sleeves to keep it tied up to keep it from falling off.

Y/n: Here, that should keep her out of the sun and she can look at us without even needing to get out.

Nezuko rose her head and Y/n saw her eyes looking at him.

Tanjiro: That's great, but what about you?

Y/n: I'll be fine without it since we're not anywhere cold. And besides, I try my best to be useful in anyway I can. Come on, let's go.

Tanjiro put Nezuko's basket on his back.

Tanjiro: Right behind you.

They walked out of that cave and got back on the trail until they stopped to ask directions from a woman.

Woman: Mount Sagiri? If you really want to get there, the fastest way is over that mountain. But the sun's about to set. And you're hauling an awful lot of luggage. It's dangerous.

Tanjiro: Please don't worry. We'll be careful.

Y/n: Yeah, this isn't my first trip up a mountain in the middle of the night.

They both bowed their heads to the woman.

Y/n/Tanjiro: Thank you for the directions.

They continued on the trail and the woman kept telling them not to go.

Woman: A lot of people have gone missing on that mountain lately! Don't get lost, okay?

After a few minutes the sun sat and it became nighttime.

Y/n: All right, Nezuko. It should be safe for you to come out now.

Y/n untied his haori from the basket and he carefully picked up Nezuko and sat here next to them.

Y/n: Now, grow back to your original size and let's continue.

Nezuko did what Y/n said and Y/n put his haori back on.

Y/n: I'm not gonna lie, that is rather fun to watch.

Tanjiro: So, Y/n, why are you traveling with us. I mean, it's not that we mind having you around. But still...

Y/n: Well, I guess it's because I see a kindred spirit in you, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: How so?

Y/n: I'm also out to kill the who killed my family.

Tanjiro: Oh, I'm sorry for your loss.

Nezuko nodded indicating she also felt sorry for him.

Y/n: Why are you apologizing? You had nothing to do with it.

Tanjiro: Do you think it was the same demon who killed our family?

Y/n: No, the demon that killed your family and the one that killed mine are completely different.

Tanjiro: How can you tell?

Y/n: Well, when we were making that barrel, I couldn't help but notice that none of your siblings or your mother had any piece of their flesh bitten off and we have Nezuko here explain why that is. Whichever demon turned her, only wanted to turn her. The demon I'm after on the other hand couldn't care less about making more demons, with me being the only exception.

Tanjiro: That demon turned you after he killed your family?

Y/n: Well, it was two years after he killed my family when I was nine, and he turned me into a half human half demon a year ago.

Tanjiro: That's another thing I want to ask you about. How did you only become half demon and not a full one like Nezuko?

Y/n: No clue. My guess is that my will to stay a human was so strong that it messed with my transformation.

Tanjiro: Okay, where did you get that sword?

Y/n: Oh, this old thing? I took it from a Demon Slayer.

Tanjiro: Was he okay with that?

Y/n: Well, I didn't really think he needed it since when I found him he was sorta... dead.

Tanjiro: Uh, okay. One final thing. Did you originally know that swordsmen, Giyu Tomioka or did he tell you his name?

Y/n: The last time we met he told me, but we actually knew each other before that. Him and his I guess you could call them "colleagues" raised me two weeks after my families death and I've been with them for two years.

Tanjiro: And I'm guessing you left because of you turning into a demon?

Y/n: Correct. I didn't tell anyone why I was leaving, but a few did try to stop me. So I stabbed three of my masters and one of my ladies in the sides, slashed another one of my masters in the face, and stabbed another one in his left arm.

Tanjiro: That sounds kind of intense.

Y/n: It was. I heard they flipped five towns upside down looking for me.

Tanjiro: They must really care about you than.

Y/n: More like punish me in some way. Now, I don't know if they're still looking for me, but if any of them do find me, I'll have to finish what I started.

He got a psychotic grin.

Y/n: Once I officially join the Demon Slayer corps, I'll use my real sword.

Tanjiro: Real sword?

Y/n Not now. Once I do use my real sword, I'll hunt them all down and take their swords as my trophies.

Tanjiro: Well, uh. Let's keep going, shall we?

Y/n's psychotic grin disappeared.

Y/n: We shall.

Tanjiro took Nezuko's hand and they continued to walk up the mountain until Tanjiro stopped.

Y/n: What is it?

He looked where Tanjiro was looking and saw a temple with its lights still on.

Tanjiro: It's a temple. Looks like the lights been left on, so somebody must be there. Let's check it out.

Y/n: Good idea. It's like they say, temple with a light is a place to spend the night.

Tanjiro: I've never heard that saying before.

Tanjiro's face changed into a face off horror.

Y/n: Tanjiro, what's wrong?

Tanjiro: I smell the scent of blood. This path is pretty rough. Somebody must be hurt!

Y/n: Let's go!

They ran up the steps towards the temple and Tanjiro quickly opened the door.

Tanjiro: Is everyone okay?!

Tanjiro was in complete terror when he saw three dead people and a demon still eating on them.

Demon: The hell are you doing here? This is my territory. Anybody who sets foot on my turf, is gonna have to pay!

Tanjiro: (Thinking: It's a demon!)

Nezuko looked at the corps and her saliva started to leak through her muzzle.

Demon: (licking his fingers clean) Something's not quite right about you. Hang on, are you three human?

The candle in the temple went out and the demon launched itself at Tanjiro but Tanjiro slide its neck with his hatchet.

Y/n: Tanjiro!

Y/n ran to Tanjiro.

Y/n: You okay?

Tanjiro: I think so.

Demon: A hatchet, not bad, kid. Just a little scratch, though... should heal in no time.

The wound healed itself.

Demon: See that? The bleeding's already stopped.

Y/n: Let's see what you say about this.

Y/n drew his sword.

Demon: A nichirin sword, huh? But you're no Demon Slayer.

Y/n: I may not be one, but I don't need to be a Demon Slayer to kill you.

Demon: Let's see what you got then.

They both vanished.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: They're both incredibly fast.)

The demon was able to grab one of Y/n's arms but Y/n kicked him towards a tree.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Y/n and him are also insanely strong!)

Demon: I'll admit, you're quite strong and quick.

Y/n: You haven't seen anything yet.

Y/n took a stance and deep breath like in his battle with Giyu.

Y/n: Total concentration. Wind Breathing, Second Form: Claws-Purifying Wind.

Y/n made four vertical flashes that resemble claws and it slashed the hands off of the arms and then the arms off of the torso.

Demon: Wind breathing, huh? Not bad at all. But that was just a lucky shot, and it won't work again.

Y/n: I will admit, you're will to kill is strong, but there's a difference between wanting to do something and actually doing it.

The demon's arms regenerated.

Demon: All right, now you're really dea-

Nezuko kicked off his head and it hit a tree then the headless body dropped to the ground while Tanjiro still stood in disbelief.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: She... Nezuko, you killed him.)

Y/n: Uh, Nezuko, how you did that was cool, but demons don't die when their heads are ripped off, yet alone kicked off.

The headless body started to move but Nezuko just kicked it away and Tanjiro was still in disbelief.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I don't believe it. Did that body just move? And without a head?)

Demon: You bastards!

The demon's head started talking by itself.

Demon: So, the boy in white and girl in pink are demons after all, huh? I couldn't tell with that weird vibe you both gave off! But what are you both doing teaming up with a human?!

Tanjiro: (Thinking: How is he still talking?!)

Y/n: I'm not just a demon, I'm also a human. Now, are you going to die willingly or do I have to do this the hard way. I personally hope it's the hard way.

Demon: As you wish.

The demon's body launched itself at Y/n but the latter was easily able to avoid it but the body went straight for Nezuko.

Tanjiro: Leave her alone!

Tanjiro picked up his hatchet and was about to help Nezuko but the demon's head grew arms and went for Tanjiro, but the latter was able to block the demon's teeth with the hatchet.

Tanjiro: Nezuko!

Nezuko was still being mercilessly beaten by the demon's body and it even threw her and went after her.

Y/n/Tanjiro: Nezuko!

Y/n: Sorry, Tanjiro. But I've known Nezuko longer, I'm going to help her.

Y/n went after the demon's body and Nezuko to see them still fighting.

Y/n: Nezuko, stand aside! I got this!

Nezuko kicked the body away and ran behind Y/n.

Y/n: (Thinking: I haven't used this form much, but desperate times call for desperate measures.)

Y/n took his stance.

Y/n: Total concentration. Wind Breathing, Tenth Form: Wind Sword Slash!

Y/n ran at the body and slashed it vertically across the chest which plunged it off a cliff the slash seemed to be doing nothing but then it split up into a million tiny swords that cut the body up until there was nothing left.

Y/n: I really don't give that form enough credit.

Nezuko just stared at him in awe.

Y/n: I knew it was awesome, but if you keep staring at me you'll burn a hole through my haori and kimono. Come on, let's go help your brother.

Y/n took Nezuko's hand and they both got out of there to find Tanjiro in front of the unconscious demon head that was pinned to a tree by the hatchet.

Y/n: Hey, Tanjiro. How'd it go?

Tanjiro: I was able to pin this demon to the tree and it was about to curse at me, but than it stopped and passed out.

Y/n: We may have had something to do with that. Right, Nezuko?

Nezuko nodded and it was at that moment they realized they were still holding hands and let go while blushing a little.

Y/n: (little blush) Sorry about that, Nezuko.

Tanjiro: Y/n, do you know how many demons there are?

Y/n: I do not. New demons are made all the time and some have even been around long before I was even born. Why do you ask?

Tanjiro drew a knife.

Tanjiro: His scent isn't the second scent I found at my house. His is different. But... I still have to finish him off... or he'll keep killing people.

Y/n: No one will stop you from killing him, Tanjiro. But that knife won't do shit.

Tanjiro wasn't paying attention to Y/n as he was shaking.

Y/n: Tanjiro?

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Just do it!)

Y/n: Tanjiro, you're hesitating. And I'm still telling you that knife won't kill him.

Suddenly, an old man with a tengu mask and a blue tunic with clouds on it put his hand on Tanjiro's shoulder.

Old man: Your friend is right, that knife isn't going to do the job.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: What's with the mask? And I couldn't hear his footsteps.)

Y/n: (Thinking: Who is this old man and why couldn't I sense him?)

Tanjiro: Okay, how do I kill him then?

Old man: Think for yourself. Or aren't you capable of solving your own problems?

Tanjiro stopped to think.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Stabbing the head won't work. So, I'll have to crush it.)

Tanjiro picked up a nearby rock.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I'll probably have to crush his skull completely, which means hitting with this rock over and over. I bet he'll suffer. Isn't there anyway for me to finish him off in one blow?)

Y/n: (Thinking: I knew he was going to be too soft.)

Old man: (sighs) (Thinking: This kid's not gonna cut it. He's far too kind and far too indecisive. He stands against a demon, yet the scent of kindness remains. He still has empathy even for a demon. But this other kid on the other hand. It's faint, but I can sense blood lust coming from him. It's for that demon, but he's not stepping in to kill it. Giyu... the this one might have a chance, but the other one will never make it.)

The demon woke up.

Demon: (Thinking: I blacked out for a second. Does that mean my body's dead? I think I'm gonna be sick.)

He looked at Tanjiro and Y/n.

Demon: You bastards, I'll kill you! Get over here! I'll devour you! Dammit! Get over her where I can reach you, you little brats!

Y/n: If that's the case, we will stay right here.

The sun began to rise.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: I took too long. The sun's coming up!)

Y/n: (Thinking : I need to get Nezuko out of here!)

Y/n took Nezuko into the temple and quickly put her in the basket.

Outside.

Tanjiro watched as the demon head incinerated in the sunlight, the shock was enough to make him drop the rock.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: It only takes that much sunlight to melt him?! No wonder Nezuko was hiding.)

He looked around but didn't see anyone.

Tanjiro: Nezuko? Y/n? Nezuko?!

Y/n walked out of the temple without his haori.

Y/n: It's okay, she's in her basket.

Tanjiro looked inside the temple and saw Nezuko in the basket wrapped with Y/n's haori.

Tanjiro: Thank you, Y/n

Y/n looked around.

Y/n: Where's the old man?

Tanjiro: I don't know.

They went to the side of the temple and saw the old man praying in front of a barrel of the three people that were killed.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: He's holding a barrel for the people who got killed.)

Y/n: (Thinking: This has to be...)

Tanjiro: Excuse me.

The old man got up.

Sakonji: My name is Sakonji Urokodaki. You two are the ones Giyu Tomioka sent my way, correct?

Y/n: I knew Giyu would probably tell you Tanjiro was coming, but I didn't think he would anticipate I would come along.

Tanjiro: I am Tanjiro Kamado! And this is Y/n L/n, and my sister's name is Nezuko.

Sakonji: Tanjiro... what do you attended to do if your sister eats a human?

Tanjiro was taken a back by his question. When Tanjiro didn't answer, Sakonji walked over to him and slapped him across the face.

Sakonji: You're too indecisive! You must learn to make decisions quickly. Y/n, same question. What would you do if Nezuko were to eat a human?

Y/n: She won't, I'll make sure of it.

Sakonji: That's not what I asked you. If you weren't able to stop her, then what will you do?

Y/n: If it does come to that, I'll kill her honorably.

Sakonji: See that? You need to make decisions as quickly as that. That is why you failed to kill that demon before daybreak. Do you know why it took you so long to answer my simple question? Because your resolve is to weak. There are two things you need to do if your sister eats a human. First, you kill her,. Then slit your own belly and die. That what traveling along side a demon like your sister means. But you must never allow this to happen. No matter the cost.

Y/n: And not only can you not make quick decisions, you also freeze up too easily. If you want to kill a demon, you need rougher skin.

Sakonji: Y/n, you are not blameless either! You had the opportunity to step in and kill that demon with your sword!

Y/n: I was not going to kill something that couldn't even fight back.

Sakonji: A Demon Slayer must be willing to kill a demon by any means necessary!

Y/n: Well, that might be the way you Demon Slayers do things, but not the way I do them!

Sakonji: While you are training under me, you will do exactly what I say!

Y/n: Wait, you're gonna train me?

Sakonji: Maybe. But you and Tanjiro must first pass a test to see if you are both fit to join the Demon Slayer Corps. One of you carry Nezuko and follow me.

Y/n and Tanjiro ran after Sakonji with Nezuko on Y/n's back and the two boys made small talk.

Y/n: So, Nezuko only had one kimono?

Tanjiro: Yeah, it's the one she's wearing right now.

Y/n: Well, after we turn her back to normal, we'll put our money together and we'll buy her the most beautiful kimono in the world.

Tanjiro: Thanks. And I'll also buy us all dumplings to celebrate.

Y/n: Dumplings?

Tanjiro: You were going to give some to my family, so I'll pay you back by buying you some of your own dumplings.

Y/n: I would really appreciate that, Tanjiro.

They finally made it to a small house and Tanjiro fell to his knees exhausted.

Tanjiro: Okay, does this mean... please tell me this means we passed the test.

Y/n: I certainly hope not. I haven't even broken a sweat yet.

Sakonji: We're just beginning the test. We'll be climbing a mountain.

Tanjiro just gasped.

Y/n: Suck it up, Tanjiro.

Y/n took Nezuko inside the house and she was asleep, so Y/n laid her down and put his haori back on.

Sakonji: I promise, I'll take care of her for you both while you're gone.

Tanjiro: We do appreciate that, sir.

Y/n: More than you know.

Later.

Sakonji walked them both up a foggy mountain where Tanjiro was showing signs of exhaustion.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Oh, man. I'm so exhausted, my legs are starting to buckle. And I'm getting dizzy, too. But Y/n looks like he could do this and run through a town after words.)

They stopped and Sakonji turned to Tanjiro and Y/n.

Sakonji: Now, find your way back to my house at the foot of the mountain. Y/n, to make it more challenging for you I will take your sword and give it back to you when you reach my house.

Y/n: Okay.

Y/n handed Sakonji his sword.

Sakonji: And one more thing, I won't wait until daybreak.

Sakonji disappeared into the mist.

Y/n: Well, let's do this, Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: Right. But why did he make this the test?

Y/n: It's probably because of the fog.

Tanjiro: Oh, I get it. Because of the fog he thinks we might get lost. All we have to do is get back by daybreak? That shouldn't be a problem. Not with my sense of smell. I've memorized Mr. Urokodaki's scent.

Y/n: I mean, I could get down there in five seconds if I used my Blood Demon Art, but I'm pretty sure old man Urokodaki wants me to use my own abilities. Let's get going.

Tanjiro: Yeah.

They started to run down the mountain but Tanjiro tripped on a rope that Y/n jumped over and a few rocks hit Tanjiro square in the face.

Tanjiro: What the-

Tanjiro then fell into a tiger pit.

Y/n: Should've known it wouldn't be that easy. Tanjiro, you okay?

Tanjiro: I'm fine. I just fell into a tiger pit.

Y/n gave Tanjiro his hand and pulled him out of the tiger pit just to step on a rope.

Y/n: Well, fu-

A log hit him and knocked him over.

Tanjiro: Y/n!

Tanjiro carefully ran to Y/n who quickly got up and dusted himself off.

Tanjiro: If we keep running into traps, we'll never get down this mountain! And it's not just the traps, the air is thin on this mountain! A lot thinner than on the mountain where I grew up!

Y/n: We need to push forward, Tanjiro. Remember why you're doing this!

Tanjiro's face became more determined.

Tanjiro: You're right, Y/n!

Y/n: Here's the plan, you smell out whatever trap you can, and if we can't avoid them I will set them off and take the hits for myself. I know it sounds stupid, but I can't get severely hurt like you can.

Tanjiro: Okay, I'll trust you, Y/n.

They started to run down the mountain with Y/n taking the dangerous traps that Tanjiro can't dodge. They eventually made it to Sakonji's house and Y/n opened the door with Tanjiro leaning on him.

Tanjiro: We... made it... back down.

Sakonji looked at them and remembered what his letter from Giyu said.

Giyu: (Writing: Dear Urokodaki, sir. Forgive the intrusion. There's a boy heading your way in need of instruction. He wants to be a Demon Slayer. He was fearless enough to attack me unarmed. A demon killed his family, except for his younger sister who's been turned, but I am certain she will not attack a human. Their different, I can sense something about these two. The boy has a keen sense of smell, much like yourself. And another thing, there's a chance he'll be with another boy in a F/c haori and white kimono. He trained under us for two years and left one day when I was on a mission. He's skilled in Wind breathing and was even able to slash my arm. I'm asking you to train these boys. This might seem like a silverist request, but please humor me. If I'm not mistaken, this will all make sense one day. Take care of yourself. Yours truly... Giyu Tomioka.

Y/n laid Tanjiro down and looked at Sakonji.

Y/n: What now, old man?

Sakonji: You both are now my new students, Tanjiro Kamado and Y/n L/n.
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Tanjiro: That demon in the temple sure was a surprise. I never thought I'd see arms grow out of its head.

Y/n: Yeah, it surprises everyone at first, but you'll get used to it over time.

Nezuko muffles something.

Y/n: Yeah, I know now's not a good time to tell you this, Nezuko. But no one understands what you're saying. Also I apologize for grabbing your hand without asking you earlier.

Tanjiro: Now's not the time to worry about that. We're Mr. Urokodaki's students now, and we're gonna make him proud. First off, it's time for a Taisho-era secret! Mr. Urokodaki hides his face with that goblin mask, but do you know how old he is-

Sakonji: Tanjiro, Y/n!

Y/n/Tanjiro: Yes?

Sakonji: Do you both want beef stew for dinner or hot pot?

Y/n: Oh, let's have hot pot, it's healthy and delicious.

Tanjiro: Well, uh.

Sakonji: Too indecisive!

Tanjiro: I want hot pot, too! Chapter 3, "Sabito and Makomo"!

To be continued.