Chapter Text
“Ah Tanjiro, we get to be on another journey together!” Zenitsu beamed as he wrapped his arms around the wooden box and rested his head against the top. He could hear Tanjiro’s response of gentle scratching. Apparently, he already forgave Nezuko for dragging him away from the safety of the butterfly estate. She makes a mental note to bribe Zenitsu with Tanjiro every time he’s mad at her.
“Zenitsu you’re making it heavier!” Nezuko huffed as she was suddenly pulled backwards by the unexpected weight. “If you really like him, you could carry him.” She teased.
“But then I wouldn’t be able to see him! I don’t have eyes on the back of my head!” Zenitsu gasped, as if she had insulted him and his grandfather.
“I can’t believe we’re in its belly. The belly is the greatest weakness! I can’t wait to fight this thing! ” Inosuke cheered as they made their way through the train compartments.
“For the last time, it’s not a beast, it’s a train. T. R. A. I. N.” He spelled out.
“Your symbols mean nothing to me!” Inosuke turned his head away, ignoring the blond.
“They’re called letters you pig-” He stopped talking when he notices Nezuko looking around for something, or more like someone. “So, this Rengoku is a pillar?” Zenitsu asked as he walked up to be beside Nezuko. “How do you know what he looks like?”
“He was their when Tanjiro…” She stopped mid sentence. “Well, he has blond hair like you!” Nezuko answered and watched Zenitsu blush slightly. “Except his is a little more flashy. Trust me, you’ll know when you see him. I remember-”
“Tasty! Tasty!” Zenitsu frowned at the audacity of someone interrupting Nezuko. They couldn’t help but gape at the man sitting towards the front of the passenger car. He sat up straight, full of pride.
“This guy is the Flame Pillar?” The blond muttered in disbelief.
“Uh huh…” Nezuko nodded. She slowly reached out her hand as she approached him cautiously. Zenitsu instinctively step behind her and shielded himself behind Tanjiro. “Excuse me, Rengoku-”
“Tasty!” The pillar snapped his head to stare at them. Zenitsu watched as Nezuko politely began to introduce herself, and then him and Inosuke. The pillar smiled widely and began to take up the conversation. Zenitsu frowned when he noticed Nezuko was slowly making her way to sit in the empty seat next to the pillar. He glanced behind them and noticed there were two empty seats, for him and… He glanced at the hyperactive boy beside him.
“Nezuko, please let me sit next to Tanjiro.” Zenitsu frowned when he thought of sitting next to Inosuke and how physically and emotionally draining it would be. Nezuko shot him a questioningly look but otherwise ignored his question as she began responding to Rengoku.
“I’ll allow you to sit next to me, Kekitsu!” Inosuke puffed his chest out in pride.
“I’ll pass.” He groaned. He was about to open his mouth to try again but Inosuke’s arms wrapped around his stomach and hauled him into the air.
“Hey, hey! The great Inosuke is letting you sit next to him!” He can only yelp when he is man handled by the boy into the seat. Zenitsu knows better to struggle against the idiot so he just sits down quietly, listening to Rengoku and Nezuko’s conversation. He feels the train jolts into motion, and then Inosuke goes crazy and sticks his head outside the window. “Look how fast we’re going!!” He laughed in excitement.
“Hey moron! That’s dangerous!” He yelled as he tries to pull Inosuke back inside.
“It is dangerous!” Rengoku crosses his arms. “I don’t know when the demon is going to appear!”
“Eh? Demon???” Zenitsu blinks. “No way! A demon is on this train?! Nezuko now you really have to let me sit by Tanjiro! I mean it! You’re plenty strong but I still am weak! Besides you got a pillar their next to you! Please get me off this train, Tanjirooo...” He whined. Rengoku must think he’s joking, because he loudly laughs in response.
He knows he shouldn’t be so surprised when the Flame Pillar effortless took down the demon, but he still is. Rengoku was an extraordinary swordsman, not only that, the sound of his heartbeat is so earnest that Zenitsu immediately knew he could trust him. He smiled to himself as he thought of training under someone like him. It wouldn’t be as hellish as it was with Gramps, nothing could compare to that!
But being in the presence of this pillar, was like nothing he’s felt before.
It made him want to be better, stronger, and more determined. He felt safe but also confident. He knew that if he spends more time with Rengoku, he could be the person he always wanted to be. The strong swordsman who saves everyone and makes his Gramps proud. Zenitsu shot one last look at Tanjiro’s box and then smiled to himself. Everything seemed peaceful and safe, so he slid his golden eyes shut, just to relax for a short while.
He opened his eyes to see the familiar rows of peach trees surrounding him. “How did I…?”
“Zenitsu!” The blond whipped his head around to look at where the familiar sound had come from. It wasn’t the voice that was familiar, but the heartbeat that fluttered towards him. The same heartbeat that could fill him with excitement but could also calm him down. The kindest heartbeat he’s ever heard, one that over flowed with love. “Zenitsu!” He called once more as a laugh bubbled in throat.
“Tanjiro!” Zenitsu ran towards the boy. “Tanjiro! You’re here!” He felt tears in his eyes. He was so happy, because Tanjirou was with him, it was like he was in heaven. Tanjiro stopped in front of Zenitsu, breathless.
“Where else would I be?” The redhead smiled widely as he wrapped his hands around the blond. “I love you and I promised to be with you. I’ll always be here, next to you. And you’ll be there for me, right? You’d never leave me behind.” He cupped the demon slayer’s face as he pulled him closer.
“O-of course!” Zenitsu gushed as he stared into those deep red eyes. It was like he was being swallowed whole, his senses were overpowered by Tanjiro’s close proximity to him. “I love you too Tanjirou…” He blushed and looked down at his feet. He took Tanjiro’s hand in his own and pulled him towards the trees. “Here, here! I’ve always wanted to show you this place, Tanjirou. The peaches are delicious and there are a lot of flowers blooming!” The demon immediately followed, jogging to catch up with the excited blond. “I could make you a wreath of flowers. I make them really well, so we can make one for everyone!”
“You’re amazing, Zenitsu! Let’s make a lot of them! I’ll make one for you.” The redhead promised as he followed Zenitsu through the trees.
“Ahhh, Tanjiro I would love that! But there’s a shallow river in our way, would that be a problem for you, right?” Zenitsu blushed as he turned his head to look back at Tanjirou.
“A river?” Tanjirou’s face fell. “Zenitsu, I’m sorry, but I can’t swim. What are we going to do?” He looked like a kicked puppy. Zenitsu blinked.
“Then I’ll carry you across! I won’t let the tips of your toes get wet!” Zenitsu nearly exploded in excitement. “Leave it to me, Tanjiro!” He couldn’t help but clench the demon’s hand. Tanjirou laughed in response and rested his head on Zenitsu’s shoulder playfully.
“My hero!” He gushed and Zenitsu started to giggle uncontrollably.
“???” Tanjiro jolted awake as he was thrown out of the box. He landed head first on the ground, the muzzle muffling his groan in annoyance. Wherever Nezuko was, it made it hard for him to sleep, with constant tremors and movement, it felt like the ground was shaking. He blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the surroundings and people around him. He slowly got up and greeted by the sight of a flame haired man holding a girl by the neck.
Wait, he knows that face, wasn’t he a pillar?
He turned to ask Nezuko what’s going on, but finds her dead asleep.
“... Have to wake up…” She muttered as her eyes were screwed shut. “... It’s a dream… It’s a dream…” Her breathing is uneven, like she’s having a nightmare. Tanjirou grabbed onto her pink haori, shaking her gently to wake her up. “... Please…” She whispered, still asleep.
“Hmmph!” Tanjirou tried to be a little more aggressive with his movements. “Nnghhh!” He furrowed his brow, when she doesn't wake up. He sighed through his nose and then reared his head back. The redhead knocked his forehead against hers, and smiles as he pulls back, she must have woken up from that!
“... Wake up…” Tanjiro felt tears in his eyes when a throbbing pain crawled onto his forehead. He furiously rubbed the spot but then gets up and walks over to the familiar golden haired boy on the next seat. He started to tug the yellow haori, trying to wake Zenitsu up so he can kiss his forehead.
“...Tan.. Ji… Ro…” Tanjiro nearly melted with affection when he saw the dopey smile Zenitsu had on his face after saying his name. He frowned, he doesn’t want to be rude and wake up Zenitsu from a good dream, especially when he’s sleeping so cutely. He reached up to run his fingers through the choppy blond bangs, wondering if Zenitsu is okay. He shakes his head and turns back to Nezuko, running up to her.
He focuses inward, remembering the love that flows through his heart for his friends and family, and burns the ropes around Nezuko. Hopefully, she’ll feel his flames and follow the warmth back to reality.
“Ahhhh!” She screamed as she bolted up, her hands flying around her throat as she looks wildly around. Her black hair whipped around as she looks frantically at him. “Tanjiro! Are you alright?!” He nodded eagerly, happy that she’s finally awake. “... Good…” She breathed and got up on shaky legs. “Rengoku! Zenitsu! Inosuke! Everyone’s… asleep…” She looked around in amazement. “We have to wake them up. There’s a demon on this train, it isn’t safe for anyone.” Tanjiro nodded again understandingly. She walked around, her hand reaching for the sword on her hip. Tanjiro watches as Nezuko bites her lip, staring at the rope around the Flame Pillar and then glancing at her sword. Tanjirou tilted his head and she turned to him. “Please, Tanjiro. Burn everyone’s ropes off!” She suddenly ordered.
“Mmmph!” He agreed, happy at his sister for being so smart. He walked over to Zenitsu and stared at him for a moment, hoping that the demon slayer will feel his warmth and let his flames guide him back to him. He shook his head before getting to work with destroying the ropes around him.
“Great job!” She praised as she patted his head. Tanjiro smiled proudly and looks past her to see if Zenitsu is waking up. Nezuko seems to follow his gaze as she turns around and places her hands on his cheeks. “Zenitsu! Wake up already! Inosuke, you too!” She yelled as she shook the blond violently. Her response from him was a gentle snore.
“Ghrg!” Tanjiro’s warning saved her just in time. She pushed them both back as a girl with a pick charged at them.
“Don’t get in our way!” She screamed. Nezuko looked around, realizing that a group was surrounding her. The demon slayer looked and saw a familiar, but sickly boy staring at her in awe, like he wasn’t going to hurt her at all. “You better help us, or else I’ll tell him!” The girl with braids yelled at the boy. Nezuko narrowed her eyes.
“I’m sorry, but I have to fight.” She surged forward and knocked all of them out. She turned to face the sick boy in front of her. “Are you alright?” She spoke, taking one step closer to him. He held up his hands in protest as he took a step backwards.
“I’m fine, but please be careful…” He smiled sadly. Nezuko returned the gesture, before turning around to exit the train car.
“Come on, Tanjiro!” She called as she turned to open the door. She suddenly stopped, noticing how fast the train was moving. “Wait, Tanjiro, it’s too dangerous for you. Wait here and try waking up Rengoku, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. If they don’t wake up, then it’s up to you to protect them.” Tanjiro looked at her intensely, a mixture of worry and determination crossing his face. He doesn’t object, but he does anxiously watch her jump on top of the train, before running towards the front.
Tanjiro furrows his brows in worry, wondering if Nezuko will be alright on her own.
“RRAAH!” He snapped his head in the direction of the roar. Inosuke shoots up, throwing his hands in the air as he waves his swords around maniacally. “Stupid Monitsu! Making me fall asleep!” He yelled as he smacked Zenitsu’s head. Tanjiro let out a noise of protest, which caused the boar headed boy to look at him. “Gonpachiro! My silent but trustworthy minion! What’s going on?” Tanjiro gestured to the window frantically. “Huh? Suzuko’s out there?” The demon nodded. “Hmmpf! If anyone is going to beat the demon, it’s going to be me! She got to kill that demon on the mountain so I get to kill this one!” He watched as Inosuke charged towards the closed window. “Coming through!” He laughed as he smashed through the glass.
Tanjiro ran to the window, but could only hear the faint sounds of Inosuke’s feet on top of the train. He waited there for a minute, not knowing what he should do. Nezuko said to stay here, but what if she needed help? He was pulled away from his thoughts when he saw, something, crawling on the side of the train.
He surged forward and clawed at the mass of flesh that tried to latch onto a little boy. It seemed to be part of a demon. Could it be the one Nezuko was fighting? Tanjiro tensed when he saw more of them appear from nowhere, it looks like he won’t have time to think about Nezuko. He grew out his nails to sharp claws, as he charged sideways to protect a woman from being attacked. His red eyes flashed to Zenitsu, making sure the unconscious demon slayer wasn’t in any immediate trouble.
I have to protect everyone… I have to protect, Zenitsu!
Tanjiro whipped his head to the side and charged backwards, whatever this demon was trying to do, he wanted to do it badly. The attacks, or would be attacks, began happening faster, and at different sides of the train. When Tanjiro cut down the demon from the front of the train, another attack was beginning towards the back of the train. The redhead reached forward, trying to save a young boy, the same age as Shigeru, when the mass of flesh wrapped around his left arm. He grimaced at the feeling, then raised his right hand to claw of the flesh.
He felt the demon’s grip on both of his arms before he knew it. The more he tried to wrench his arms out of the demon’s grasp, the more it tightened against his movements. Tanjiro bites his muzzle in determination, but he starts to panic when he feels something curling around his legs. The demon’s grip is tightening painfully so, and then he feels a force pulling him down, trying to make him submit and fall onto his knees.
No please! I can’t! I have to protect him!
He closed his eyes in determination, but all he could think about was Zenitsu’s bashfully smile in the moonlight. All he could think about was the gaping, blushing, and wide eyed Zenitsu when he looked up from reading Tanjiro’s note. All he could think about was the way Zenitsu smelled, like peach blossoms blooming, when he held him.
Tanjiro heard something land before him, and as he opened his eyes he saw the flutter of a yellow-orange haori.
“Breath of Thunder, First Style…” The familiar voice muttered. “Thunderclap Flash, Six Fold!” Tanjiro watched in awe as Zenitsu zigzagged around the train with lightning in his wake, striking the demon all at once. He could feel the electricity and the air buzz around him, it danced on his skin and ran its way into his heart. Suddenly, a flash of gold appeared in front of him, kneeling down in a protective stance. “I will protect you, Tanjiro.” The redhead instantly relaxed at his words and moved towards him, preparing to kiss his hero on the cheek. “I’ll protect… Tan.. ji…” Zenitsu softly snored.
Tanjiro blinked, dumbfounded.
He doesn’t know how long they’ll be able to keep this up. Zenitsu is strong and amazingly fast, but there are too many passengers to protect all of them. Rengoku had woken up a while ago. and bolted towards the front of the train, probably towards Nezuko, or at least he hoped. Tanjiro can’t help but steal a glance at Zenitsu every so often, watching in utter amazement as the demon slayer charges forward with lightning twisting around his blade. He’s graceful like this, when he’s confident in his abilities, he’s almost like a god. Tanjiro had seen Nezuko’s water and fire fighting styles, but it was something about Zenitsu’s that just excited him to his core.
It was like the warmth of the day, with the buzz of excitement, and the refreshing quality of rain. Zenitsu was like welcomed summer storm.
His thoughts were ripped away from Zenitsu when he felt the train rumble, then shake violently as a distant screaming roared loudly. He instinctively lurched forward as a mother and son fell out of their seats and onto the floor. It was like time seemed to slow down, but so did his movements. He felt the train start to lift up on one side, like it was about to jump off the tracks. He clutches them closer to his chest and prepares to use his body as a shield for whatever happens next.
Tanjiro falls forward as the train begins to rotate to its side, but before he can hit the floor--
“Tanjiro!” Zenitsu yelled out and he feels it. With a clap of thunder, Zenitsu is by his side. The demon slayer’s arms wrap around the three of them. He hears the sound of wood crunching, glass shattering, and metal snapping in a horrifying cacophony of noise. Tanjiro clutches his eyes shut at the vertigo that overpowers his senses when the train flips down the side of the hill.
He clutches onto Zenitsu’s haori, terrified that he’ll be torn away from him, and that’s the last thing he remembers before he loses consciousness.
“Hmp! Zmmphu!” There’s a tugging in the back of his mind, like he was forgetting something. He felt a dull ache crawl its way from his head down to his feet. Zenitsu groaned when he realized that as he was waking up the pain was intensifying. Suddenly, he felt a physical tugging on his haori. Once his ears stopped ringing he was able to focus on the frantic heartbeat to his side. He slowly turns his head to the side and slide his eyes open.
“Tanji...ro…?” The blond whispered. The demon let out a muffled noise of relief, and drew his face closer to the demon slayer. His red eyes were filled with tears, but he smiled and caressed the side of Zenitsu’s face lovingly. He could hear Tanjiro’s heartbeat slow slightly in relief. Zenitsu blinked when he realized Tanjiro had placed his head on his lap and was gently handling his head. “Wha… is that blood?!” He yelped when he noticed the red stains on the demon’s hand. “Tanjiro! Why are you bleeding?!” He tried to get up, but he was pushed back down with a wave of dizziness.
“Mmmm…” Tanjiro’s eyebrows furrowed in worry as he stared at Zenitsu with the most distressed expression he’d ever seen. Zenitsu reached up slowly with a shaky hand to touch the side of his forehead. He pulled back just as slowly and shakily to see blood on his fingertips.
“Wait, I’m bleeding! Why am I bleeding!” Zenitsu tried to get up in his excitement but was hit with another wave of vertigo. Tanjiro noticed this as gently pushed his head back into his lap, minding the wound on Zenitsu’s head. “Tanjiro, are you alright? What-”
He was interrupted by a loud crash, the sickening crunch of bones, and then blood spurting onto the ground.
Zenitsu turned his head in the direction of the sound, watching as a cloud of dust began to settle.
“Rengoku!” Nezuko’s piercing scream echoed in his head, now he’s sure he’ll hear that in his nightmares for the rest of his life. He couldn’t dwell long in that thought when he’s eyes landed on the Flame Pillar, with…
With an arm plunged through his chest.
“R… Rengoku…” He croaked. The pillar let out a war cry as he brought his sword up to the demon’s neck, preparing to behead it in his last moments.
“Get off me!” The demon roared in front of his face.
“Move Inosuke!” Nezuko charged forward with her blade in her hands. “Move for Rengoku!” Zenitsu felt Nezuko’s words grip at his heart. Without thinking, he rolled off of Tanjiro’s lap and gripped his sword.
“I may be useless… but I won’t let Nezuko and Inosuke face him alone!” Zenitsu yelled in anger. “Tanjiro, protect the-” He turned around to face the redhead, but his eyes shot behind him to look at the sun rising in the distance. He snapped his head back to watch in horror as Nezuko and Inosuke prepared for their attacks, but he turned away to stare at Tanjiro. “Tanjiro! The sun!” He yelled, searching for a place to hide the demon, but there wasn’t any. Before he could really think about it, he ran towards the train wreck. “Your box must still be on the train!” His head was pounding with pain and adrenaline. If he’s fast, he can save Tanjiro, then help Rengoku…
If he’s fast he can save everyone…
He clenched his eyes shut when her heard another loud boom.
If only he wasn’t unconscious for the whole fight, he would’ve had more time to…
“Don’t run away, you coward! How dare you run away!” Nezuko’s voice was filled with desperation. He had to ignore his instincts to look back and just focused on saving Tanjiro, so he quickly ducked into the wreckage to look for his box.
“Tanjiro! I’m coming!” He called back the demon. Tanjiro didn’t seem to hear him and just nodded his head, trying to fight the sleep that was clouding his brain. He was probably exhausted from the fight. He might collapse at any second, then he’ll be burned up by the sun. Zenitsu could barely over hear Nezuko over the sound of his heart beating and Tanjiro’s labored breath. He knew it wasn’t good. “Please, not Rengoku… Please not Tanjiro!” He chanted as he searched the destroyed train car. His eyes landed on the familiar box that was on the other side of the train from where they had been sitting.
Zenitsu ran towards the demon with the box and dropped it in front of him. “I’m here, now Tanjirou hurry. Get in!”
“Mhhhmm!” Tanjirou reached up to brush the blood away from Zenitsu’s face.
“I’m fine! Hurry up! Please, for me!” He urged. Tanjiro ignored him and turned to look at Nezuko. He reached his hand out to her, like he wanted to move to her but his legs wouldn’t let him.
“You’re a coward, you hear me! You’re nothing compared to Rengoku! He’s strong, stronger than you could ever hope to be! He kept his promise and no one died! He fought to the end and he protected everyone to the end! You’re the loser! And Rengoku is… Rengoku is the winner!” She let out an agonizing scream as she crumpled onto her knees. Her hair cascaded around her shaking shoulders as she continued to sob.
Zenitsu fell onto his knees as he clenched the box for support. She slowly got up and made her way to sit in front of Rengoku. Zenitsu felt like crying when he listened to the weakening heartbeat of the Flame Pillar, but it still had that courageous tune to it, a mixture of strong and sweet. His song was fading but it wouldn’t miss a single beat. Tanjiro was oddly silent as he started to fold himself into the box. He should’ve felt relief when the sun began to tickle the back of his neck with the promise of a new day, but he only felt empty. He quickly shut the box when Tanjiro was settled so the demon wouldn’t see his expression. He took a deep breath as he put his arms through the straps and made his way over to his friends wordlessly with Tanjiro on his back.
“Nezuko… Inosuke… are you guys alright?” He asked quietly. She only nodded as she stared into the ground in disbelief. “For Rengoku to die… I can’t believe it. And for an Upper Moon demon to come out of nowhere… Why would an Upper Moon come here?” He couldn’t help but ramble on. “How strong could they be…?”
“I couldn’t do anything…” Nezuko whispered. “Not one thing… I’ve trained so hard. I should’ve been able to at least help him, but I still couldn’t get to them…” Zenitsu felt tears run down his cheeks at her words. “How could I possibly hope to help Tanjio if…” She sucked in her breath. “Can I even become like Rengoku…?”
“Don’t go spewing out worthless words like that! All this talk about becoming or not becoming like him is a waste of time!” Inosuke yelled as he clutched his swords. Nezuko and Zenitsu could only stare at him as tears ran down their cheeks. “He said that he believes in us, so we just have to continue on and live! Don’t cry, even if you feel regret! No matter how miserable you are, you gotta keep living!”
“You’re crying too.” Zenitsu sniffed as he wiped his face with his sleeve.
“I ain’t crying!” He charged forward and headbutted Zenitsu, who whine about carrying precious cargo. “Come on, we have to train!” Inosuke insisted. Nezuko could help but continue to sob as Inosuke pulled her by her pink haori and pummeled his fists into her back.
“Whaaaat??? I did all that?! In my sleep?? The one time I was cool I don’t even remember it! How unfair! I’m starting to think you guys are lying to me… ” Zenitsu sulked as he sits crossed legged on the bed. They were in the butterfly estate now, safe from any Upper Moon, but only for a short while. They had been carried off to the infirmary as soon as the fight was over, all of them sobbing loudly the entire way back. Shinobu wasn’t there to greet them when they came, only Aoi stood there with her arms crossed over her chest. News of Rengoku’s death must have spread, because Zenitsu was stuck listening to the whispers of other demon slayers around them.
Nezuko was silent as she sat in the bed next to his. She had the worst injuries of the group and was taken care of first. Tanjiro sat in a chair between the two beds, dividing his attention between his sister and Zenitsu.
Inosuke only stepped foot in the room to have his injuries checked, and when he was told he didn’t have to stay, he left. The boar boy just grunted out something about training as he walked past Aoi. Zenitsu suspected he just wanted to be alone to cry. “I was cool, wasn’t I, Tanjiro?” The demon nodded eagerly as he wraps his hand around Zenitsu’s. The blond smiled at him, but his attention quickly shifted to Nezuko, who was physically a couple feet away, but miles away in other aspects. He feels weird trying to lighten up the mood. Usually, Nezuko pats his head and calms him down, but now…
She’s silent.
Her heartbeat, however, solemnly sings in sadness.
“Why don’t I look for some food for us?” Zenitsu offered. “The food they give us is gross! Maybe some nice warm food will help us recover!” Tanjiro nods and turns to look at Nezuko, who makes no sign that she heard him. The redhead frowns slightly as he leaves Zenitsu’s side to wrap his hand around hers. “I’ll be right back, ok?” Nezuko tightened her grip around Tanjiro.
“Zenitsu.” She called him when he’s halfway out the door.
“Yeah?” He quickly stepped in, visibly surprised. She smiled at him, with a sad expression that makes him want to cry. She’s too beautiful to look that sad! And can’t she see she’s making Tanjiro worry!
“No, sorry… It’s nothing.” Zenitsu know she’s lying, but he doesn’t push the conversation.
“I’ll be right back…” He repeated before closing the door. He looked down at his feet when he walks down the hallway. Nezuko is still beaten up about the pillar’s death, he could hear her heart stutter with thoughts of her uselessness. Inosuke handling it pretty badly as well. He isn’t taking it well either, for once he wants to be strong for his friends, but he can’t. He wants to be the responsible and gentle older friend for them, but he just can’t. He keeps thinking about the sounds of the battle, the frantic heartbeats, the sound of blood splattering, the sound of Nezuko’s wails, it all keeps bouncing around in his head. But there’s something else he can’t stop thinking about…
Zenitsu paused midstep. Rengoku died, strong, confident, trustworthy, kind Rengoku is dead. He feels like it’s so messed up for someone as bright as him to die.
And even though Rengoku died, he can’t stop thinking about Tanjiro.
Strong, confident, trustworthy, kind Tanjiro.
He realizes why he liked Rengoku’s heartbeat, it was because it reminded him of Tanjiro’s. Their melodies were nearly identical, but Tanjiro’s heartbeat of course was softer and less intimidating that the pillar’s. If Rengoku could die so suddenly, and he had a stronger heartbeat, then what would happen…
Zenitsu shakes his head, not wanting to finish the thought.
When he comes back, he finds Kiyo screaming about Nezuko being gone. He feels his heart drop at the fact that she basically has a hole in her stomach, and that Tanjiro is gone too.
For some reason, he feels anxious at the fact that he didn’t get to say goodbye to Tanjiro.