Rui was reminiscing on his human life where he saw children playing in the snow. He tried to join them, but he fell in the snow face first. He rolled onto his back and looked to the sky until someone called his name.

???: Rui! Rui!

The voice came from a woman that ran over to him.

Woman: Rui! What are you doing? You know you're not supposed to be outside!

Rui was now laying in a futon in his home.

Rui: (Thinking: Since the day I was born, I've always been very frail. I couldn't run. Even just walking was a struggle for me.)

He looked outside and saw Muzan was outside on his porch.

Rui: (Thinking: That is until Master Muzan appeared.)

Muzan: You poor thing. I'll save you from this harsh life.

Rui: (Thinking: My parents weren't happy about it. Since I acquired a strong body, I could never expose myself to sunlight, and of course I had to devour humans.)

Rui's human father walked in on Rui eating a man.

Rui's father: What have you done? What on Earth have you done, Rui?! Answer me!

When Rui was asleep in his bed, his father rose up a knife with tears in his eyes.

Rui: (Thinking: When my parents tried to kill me. All my mother did was cry, never lifting a finger to protect me.)

Rui opened his eyes and he killed both his parents. Then sat on his porch and looked at the moon.

Rui: (Thinking: They must've been imposters. Our bond wasn't a genuine one at all.)

Rui's mother who was laying almost dead on the floor, tried to say something, but Rui couldn't make it out.

Rui: (Thinking: She's saying something. I thought she was dead.)

Rui's mother: I'm sorry that I couldn't give you a strong, healthy body.

Rui's eyes went wide.

Rui: (Thinking: Those were the last words my mother ever spoke to me. She was dead.)

He remembered what his father said before he tried to stab Rui.

Rui's father: Rui, listen! We're going to die with you!

Rui: (Thinking: I was so enraged he had tried to kill me, the meaning of his words escaped me. But I came to realize soon after he attended to atone on my behalf for the sin of having killed someone in the form of taking his own life. It was a genuine bond. And that night I had severed it with my own two hands.

Muzan appeared right in front of him.

Rui: (Thinking: After all that however, Master Muzan gave me words of encouragement.)

Muzan: It was all your parents' fault for refusing to accept you for who you are. Take pride in your own power.

Rui: (Thinking: I had no choice, but to see it that way. I couldn't bear the weight of what I've done. I knew I only had myself to blame.)

Back to present.

Rui's one eye head hit the ground as his disintegrating body walked to Tanjiro and Nezuko.

Rui: (Thinking: Every single day, I missed my parents so much that I could barely stand it. Even after crafting a family of my own, that emptiness remained. Because I was the strongest, I couldn't depend on anyone to protect me. No one. The more powerful I became, the more distance to my human or memories I became as well. I began losing sight of what it was I wanted in the first place.)

Rui's body fell right in front of Tanjiro and Nezuko.

Tomioka: That was some rather impressive swordsmanship, Y/n.

Y/n: Thank you.

Y/n put Rui's number eye in a liquid jar.

Tomioka: Here.

He gave Y/n's mask back.

Y/n: Thanks

Y/n put his mask back on and Tanjiro looked at Rui's body.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: This body is giving off a scent. One of grief too overwhelming for him to bear.)

Tanjiro teared up and patted Rui's back.

Rui: (Thinking: So warm. Hand as gentle as sunbeams. I remember now clear as day. I had wanted to apologize. I'm sorry. I was... I was to blame for everything. I hope you can forgive me. I've killed so many people, though. Surely, I'm going to Hell, aren't I? Father... Mother... I can't go to the same place as you, can I?)

???: That's not true.

Rui's parents came to his spirit.

Rui's father: We'll be together, no matter where you go, Rui.

Rui: Father and Mother.

Rui's mother: Darling, we'll be with you always.

Rui got back his human appearance as he cried and his parents embraced him.

Rui: It was my fault. All of it was my fault! I'm so sorry! I'm so sorry! Forgive me!

Rui fully disintegrated, leaving nothing but his clothes, which Tomioka stepped on.

Tomioka: Don't waste your sympathy, it was a demon. The fact it looked like a child makes no difference. It lived for decades, terrorizing our people.

Tanjiro: If it's for the sake of avenging those who were killed... to make sure there are no more victims, I will not hesitate to bring my blade down on any demon's neck! But when it comes to those who feel regretting to spare from the actions they took as a demon, I will never disrespect them! Because at one time or another, they were human. No different from me! So please, don't step on his remains! They're not hideous monsters at all! Instead, demons are hopeless creatures, tragic creatures.

Tomioka looked at Nezuko and his eyes widened.

Tomioka: Isn't she...

Y/n: She is. It's been two years, and she hasn't ate a single human.

Tomioka: Why are you still on the ground?

Y/n: This is what happens when I use too many Bird Breathing forms. It tears up my leg muscles, so I can't stand up.

Tomioka looked ahead and blocked an attack from Shinobu.

Shinobu: Oh, my...

Shinobu landed on one foot and spun around until she stopped.

Y/n: You.

Shinobu: Why would you get in my way, Tomioka? And after you told me we could never be friends with demons. I have to say, this kind of thing is exactly why no one likes you.

Y/n: When exactly have you ever cared about being friends with demons?

Shinobu looked at Y/n.

Shinobu: Oh, my. Y/n, is that you under that mask?

Y/n: I honestly didn't think they'd send a Hinoe after me when Hashiras couldn't stop me those years ago.

Shinobu: Oh, things changed since you left. I'm a Hashira now.

Y/n: Well, congratulations.

Shinobu: Thank you. I'll deal with you in a moment.

She looked back at Tomioka.

Shinobu: Now then, Tomioka. Would you please move?

Tomioka: I don't... I don't think I'm disliked.

This shocked Shinobu, Tanjiro, and even Y/n to an extent.

Shinobu: Oh, dear. I do apologize. You're only just hearing about this now then? I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to find out this way.

This shocked Tomioka and both Tanjiro and Y/n again.

Shinobu: Boy!

Tanjiro: Yes, ma'am?

Shinobu: What you're protecting there is actually a demon. So please, move away before you get hurt.

Tanjiro: No, you're mistaken! Well, you're not mistaken, but she's my little sister! She's my sister and that's why...

Shinobu: Oh, my. Is that really true? You poor thing. In that case, so she won't suffer, I'll use a gentle toxin in order to kill her.

Tomioka: Can you move?

Tanjiro looked at Tomioka.

Tomioka: Even if it's difficult, you need to go. Take your sister and run.

Tanjiro: Tomioka. Thank you. I appreciate this! Come on, Y/n!

Y/n: My legs are still messed up. Go on ahead, I'll catch up!

Tanjiro: Are you sure?

Y/n: Yes! Go!

Tanjiro picked up Nezuko.

Tanjiro: I won't forget this!

Tanjiro ran off.

Shinobu: Did you two, just break the rules of the Corps. Well, Y/n, I'm impressed that you actually managed to make a friend while you were gone!

Y/n: Once my legs heal, you're so getting kicked.

Shinobu: We'll see about that.

Shinobu rushed at him, but Tomioka blocked her attack.

With Tanjiro.

He was running through the forest with Nezuko in his arms and he picked up her box as he was fighting back a lot of pain.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: My whole body is aching up so much I want to scream! But I have to keep going and endure it!)

Nezuko opened her eyes.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Does this mean, I'm going to have to leave the Demon Slayer Corps? Even if she's my sister, there's no way they let one of their swordsman travel with a demon!)

Back with Tomioka and Y/n.

Shinobu: I can see you're dead serious about this. Who would've thought a Hashira would defend a demon?

Tomioka just stared at Shinobu.

Shinobu: Whatever your intentions are, I'm afraid I don't feel like playing this game of stalling for time. And so, good day to you.

She jumped to the trees.

Shinobu: Don't worry, I'll be back for you later, Y/n.

She started jumping through branches as Y/n was able to stand again.

Y/n: I can stand.

Tomioka: You go on with Tanjiro. I'll stop her the best I can.

Y/n: You have no idea how much this means to me, Master Tomioka. But let me help you with her first.

Tomioka: What?

Y/n disappeared and then he appeared in front of Shinobu, kicking her in the stomach, sending her through a branch.

Shinobu: Ow. He actually did it.

Y/n went into Tanjiro's direction.

With Tanjiro.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Don't stop running! Keep on moving. You gotta run away as far as you can! I hope Y/n's not far behind now.)

Suddenly, Kanao jumped from the trees and stepped on Tanjiro's back, causing him to fall and drop Nezuko.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: Damn! What just happened? I wasn't aware of my surroundings. Nezuko!)

Kanao jumped in front of Nezuko. Kanao was now wearing a purple Demon Slayer uniform, with a purple skirt that only covered above her knees, a small white cloak tied together with red flower pin, white boots, and she held a pink sword in her right hand.

Tanjiro: (Thinking: A Demon Slayer?)

Kanao was about to cut Nezuko's neck, but Tanjiro pulled her haori and made Kanao fall on him.

Tanjiro: Get out of here, Nezuko! Run away as fast as you can! Don't get caught no matter what! Hurry-

Kanao kicked Tanjiro's head, knocking him out. Then she ran after Nezuko and tried to cut her neck again, but Nezuko shrunk so the sword missed her.

Kanao: (Thinking: Did she just shrink into a child?)

Kanao tried to slash Nezuko again, but this time, her blade was stopped by Y/n who countered with a sword he got from one of the fallen Demon Slayers.

Y/n: Hello, my dear sister.

Kanao: Y/n.

Y/n: Nezuko, stay near me. This won't take long.

Nezuko nodded.

Kanao: My orders were to kill that demon and if I encountered you, to bring you back to headquarters alive.

Y/n: Well, I'm afraid you're going to be doing neither of those things.

They both took a stance.

Kanao: Total Concentration. Flower Breathing, Fifth Form: Peonies of Futility.

Y/n: Wind Breathing, Third Form: Clean Storm Wind Tree.

Kanao unleashed a flurry of continuous slashes that have pink flower petals trailing behind them, while Y/n countered them all with his whirlwind pattern slashes.

Y/n: First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter.

Y/n used his sky blue cyclone pattern slashes to knock Kanao's sword out of her hands sending it high into the air.

Y/n: I do wonder something. We were both trained by Hashira, but you were also trained by someone who was near Hashira level and you were with yours longer than I was with mine. So, why is it that you're having such trouble keeping up with me?

Y/n quickly kicked Kanao in the side and send her to a tree. When her sword fell down, Y/n used it to pierce Kanao's shoulder. Missing a vital spot, but pinning her to the tree. All of it caused Kanao to scream in pain.

Y/n: It's because I was born and raised to do this job. Now, to do what I failed to do last time you tried to stop me.

Y/n used the sword he was using to pierce Kanao's other shoulder, causing her to scream in pain again.

Y/n: There. Now if you try to free yourself without doing the right Breathing techniques, you'll bleed out. Though, incase you don't survive, I'll tell you this now. Don't come after us again.

He turned back and saw Nezuko looking at him with judging eyes.

Y/n: Look, you can judge me later. Right now, we need to get your brother.

They both ran to where Tanjiro was and Y/n sat the box up straight.

Y/n: Get in, Nezuko.

Nezuko got into the box and Y/n put it on his back.

Y/n: I'll get you both out of here after I say something to someone else. Hang tight, Tanjiro.

With Tomioka and Shinobu.

Shinobu was leaning against a tree and holding her stomach where Y/n kicked her and Tomioka wasn't far at all.

Shinobu: Tomioka, there's something I want to say. Since the purpose of my attack or actions were to slay a demon or take Y/n in, it certainly wouldn't be considered a violation of the Corps. But what you're doing is clearly against the rules. You are preventing me from slaying a demon and from stopping Y/n. What are your intentions here? Don't you have anything to say for yourself? This will be your final warning. At least give me some sort of reason.

Tomioka: As I recall, it was two years ago.

Shinobu: Are you about to go into a long, winded story from the past, just to spite me? It's because of what I said to you earlier. Is that it?

This struck a nerve in Tomioka and that's when Y/n showed up.

Y/n: Oh, my, Lady Shinobu. Don't you look utterly pathetic.

Even though Shinobu was wearing a smile, the vain on her forehead indicated she was secretly angry.

Shinobu: Did you really just come all the way over here just to tell me that?

Y/n: No, I came to tell you that your little lackey failed and is currently pinned to a tree.

Shinobu: What?!

Y/n: And what I would like to say now is this. Don't come after me or them, ever.

Suddenly, a crow started to shout.

Crow: Message! Message! I have a message from headquarters! Tanjiro, Y/n, and Nezuko are to be taken into custody and brought back to headquarters! Tanjiro, Y/n, and the demon, Nezuko, are to be taken into custody and brought back to headquarters! Tanjiro, dressed and a checkered haori, with a scar on his forehead! Y/n, wearing a white cape like haori with kanji for wind on it, and a white bird mask with closed eyes! Nezuko, a demon girl with a bamboo muzzle!

Shinobu: Well, it doesn't matter if I go after your friends because now, everyone will be after them.

Y/n: You have Kakushi here, right?

Shinobu: Who else?

Y/n: Well, they could easily take Tanjiro as he's unconscious and I left him alone, but as we all know, the Kakushi have no actual strength. So, tell me. What's stopping me from just going to where Tanjiro is and decapitating any Kakushi that tries to take him?

Shinobu: Uh...

Y/n: That's what I thought. I'll be taking my leave now.

He was about to walk off until Tomioka spoke up.

Tomioka: That's a shame. Master's really been missing you all these years.

Y/n stopped and listened.

Tomioka: Everyday and night, I hear him utter your name at least once. When he heard you joined the Corps, he said it was moments like that, that truly filled him with pride and joy.

Y/n: Master really said all that?

Tomioka: He did. He even wishes he could be in your presence at least one more time.

Y/n thought hard on those words and sighed.

Y/n: Sorry, Nezuko and Tanjiro, but there's been a change of plans.

Shinobu was finally able to stand.

Shinobu: That's wonderful!

Y/n: Just one thing. You both are going to have to lead me back to headquarters. I forgot where to go.

Tomioka: Just follow us.

They walked ahead and he followed them.

Y/n: Oh, yeah. When you two came here, it either of you happen to see a delinquent with blonde hair at the bottom of this mountain?

Shinobu: I did. But he wasn't at the bottom of the mountain, he slayed a demon that poisoned him from the West of here. Why? Is he another friend of yours?

Y/n: Well, I wouldn't call him a friend. More an acquaintance.

They looked to see the sunrise.

Later.

Tanjiro was still unconscious with Y/n and a person in a uniform with their face covered watching over him. That was a Kakushi.

Kakushi: Wake up. I said "wake up"! Come on, get up! Are you going to sleep all day? Wake the hell up, will ya?!

Tanjiro finally came to and saw Rengoku, Uzui, Mitsuri, the blind gaint, Tokito and Shinobu watching over him.

Kakushi: You're in the presence of the Hashira!
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Rustle Rustle Preview.

Shinobu: We finally got you back after all this time, Y/n.

Y/n: Is that supposed to bother me?

Shinobu: We owe it to you, Tomioka. Me and him have been teaming up on missions as of late. Isn't that right, Tomioka?

Tomioka didn't say anything.

Shinobu: Could you at least answer me, please? Are you still angry about me pointing out that people don't like you?

Tomioka still said nothing.

Shinobu: You really have nothing to say?

Y/n: Answer me this, Shinobu. Is it true that when a cat jumped on you, you nearly pissed yourself?

Shinobu: (blushing) What?

Tomioka: Time for a Taisho-era secret. Apparently, Kocho can't stand cats, dogs, or any kind of furry creature.

Shinobu: You finally talk and that's the first thing you say?

Tomioka: you're not denying what me or Y/n said, so they must be true.

Shinobu: (tick mark) It's that lack of tact that makes people not like you.

Tomioka: People-

Shinobu: If you're gonna say, "do like me." I'll ask you to reconsider.

Y/n: Do you like him?

Shinobu: Uh. No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes. No. Yes.

Tomioka: Which one is it?

Y/n: Next, Chapter 22, "Master of the Mansion."

To Be Continued.