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Chapter Text

Kamado Tanjirou was a strange being.

He was quiet. Serene. He was like an spirit, untouched and unbothered by mortal affairs.

Giyuu saw him and was staring blankly. This Kamado child stared at him with clear eyes like still waters, deep and unmoving.

His own red nichirin sword was pointed at him.

The problem was that he never recognized this demon slayer. Giyuu was pretty sure he would remember any omega prime if he saw one, especially one with a red sword.

The Kamado child was staring at him before he struck, faster than anything Giyuu had ever seen. If it wasn't for Giyuu's instincts to block, his arm would've been lopped off.

His heart spiked in a sense of fear that he had never felt before.

The distraction allowed the demon in his arms to escape. There was a moment where Giyuu cursed the Kamado child for defending the wrong person as the demon rushed towards her brother.

Instead of attacking, she turned and snarled. 

She was...

Defending him.

The omega prime didn't seem to find it strange. His eyes warmed in happiness before he turned towards Giyuu.

His sister bared her teeth but didn't make a move just yet.

Tomioka Giyuu decided to send the two towards his old master Urokodaki Sakonji. 

—————————————————————

Tanjirou stroked Nezuko's hair and smiled gently. His instincts were in peace. He knew Sakonji was staring at him. 

"Urokodaki-San. When is the next Final Selection?"

Sakonji did not ask why he knew. He merely said, "In a year."

He petted both of their hair and sighed to himself.

Tanjirou knew that he was an enigma. 

An omega prime that could use all of the breathing styles as natural as breathing funnily enough, was not normal. 

Tanjirou couldn't tell him how he had quite literally created each breathing style. He changed his breathing style to suit everyone's style. He was an adept learner and teacher, so how could reviewing the Mizu no Kokyu be hard?

That's right.

Kamado Tanjirou was a reincarnated Yoriichi.

He remembered the day when he opened his eyes and he was the firstborn child between Kamado Kie and Kamado Tanjurou. 

He remembered the tears in his eyes when he saw the hanafuda earrings flashing on his father's ears. He remembered the lump in his throat when he saw his father dance the Hinokami Kagura.

'Thank you, Sumiyoshi. Thank you for passing on my skills. For passing on my earrings. Thank you.'

Tanjirou glanced at the sleeping face of Nezuko before he brushed his hair.

Slightly different from the maroon colors of his family, it was a shade of dark wine, nearly black as it faded into bloody reds and crimsons. It reached his back in curly waves.

He was strange, Tanjirou knew.

What omega prime was so powerful? What omega prime could fight so well, as if they lived for eighty years fighting demons? What omega prime could be so complex looking but be so simple?

He wasn't the beta Tsugikuni Yoriichi anymore.

He was the omega prime Kamado Tanjirou.

He had been a Kamado since he was born again. Nezuko might not have been his sister in his past life, but she was now.

Even if he couldn't protect the rest of his beloved family, he'd get revenge. For his family. For the one he had here. And for the one he had before.

With a small sigh, Tanjirou stopped brushing his hair and then went to sleep. 

————————————————————

He met Sabito and Makomo. 

They were helpful in a way that he didn't necessarily need but appreciated.

They were surprised by his power.

He told them his story.

He knew they wouldn't speak about it to anyone.

The dead tell no tales.

In the Final Selection, Tanjirou defeated very demon, copying Sabito's feats, except for one difference.

He didn't die.

Tanjirou wrapped his hands around the hand demon's stretched out fingers. The sadness was clogging but it disappeared with the smell of nostalgia and hope.

He put his hands together after.

'Please let him reincarnate into something better in the next life.'

He silently thanked Sabito and Makomo for teaching him. 

And thus, Tanjirou began his life as a demon slayer once more.

—————————————————————

Muzan had one love in his life.

He would say love.

Anyone else would call it an obsession so horrid, it'd wreck everyone's morals.

Muzan froze as he saw the omega prime glare ferociously.

The hanafuda earrings, the same body language, the numb expression burning with something, Muzan shuddered.

"Kibutsuji Muzan... I will kill you, even if I die in the process! You won't escape this time and cause more suffering!"

He nearly ditched his 'wife and child' to pounce on Yoriichi and take him right then and there.

Yoriichi unsheathed his sword, and readied to slice off his head when Muzan turned someone else into a demon and escaped.

Muzan looked back at the back of his Yoriichi who sped forward and cursed himself. He glanced at his frightened pretend family and decided:

He should take Yoriichi back.

Muzan shivered a little, grateful for his secondary gender.

As an alpha, he could surely take Yoriichi, an omega prime, as his own, right?

It didn't matter if omega primes could take more than one alpha as a mate.

Yoriichi only needed him.

Right?

———————————————————————

Tanjirou stared at Tamayo. Tamayo stared at him.

Both of them were silent.

"Are you really... Yoriichi?"

Tanjirou nodded. Tamayo's breath hitched and then she knelt on the ground. 

"I am in your debt! Yoriichi-Sama, if there is anything you want, I will help you with my entire being!" She said earnestly, refusing to look up.

Yushirou tried to get her to sit up in a slightly frantic way, saying, "Tamayo-San, what are you doing?"

"Yushirou! Show some respect!"

Yushirou looked at Tanjirou with a slightly fearful but also disdainful look. 

It didn't bother him because it was more like him just being petty.

"Tamayo, there is no need to do this. I helped you because I realized that you didn't deserve to die by my sword."

Yushirou was baffled. What happened between the two? How old was this human brat?

Tamayo sobbed a little. "I am eternally grateful to you. Is there anything you need? Anything at all?"

"... my sister. Can you cure my sister?" Tanjirou glanced at Nezuko, who looked back at him with the muzzle in her mouth. 

She stretched out and then rested her head on Tanjirou's lap like a puppy. Tanjirou smiled and stroked her hair.

Tamayo nodded. "I don't have the cure, but if you give me time, I promise that I can cure her."

Tanjirou closed his eyes in contentment. "That is enough for me. Thank you."

Suddenly, something tore through the window.

A pale figure smiled at them slowly.

"Oh wow! An omega prime! How cute!" A cheerful voice called. An ashy blonde demon stride through the cracked wall and smiled. He was wearing red with rainbow colored eyes, as if all of the colors in the world were trapped inside of his irises.

Turning around, he called, "You guys! They're in here!"

Two other demons strode through and Tanjirou froze.

One of them had pink hair and blue scleras, broad navy blue stripes stretching over white skin. This demon was frowning at the blonde demon.

The other was his brother.

His voice cracked as he spoke. "Aniue?"

Michikatsu froze and then turned slowly. His six eyes snapped to him with nerve wrecking clarity, staring into his very soul.

"Aniue... you're alive." He said again. 

A small part of him, that foolish, naive part that was always trampled and tricked and bullied into dying, hoped that perhaps seeing him would make him stop or something——

Michikatsu rushed forward and his sword gave a clear, sharp clang against his own.

His sword, fleshy with eyeballs and pieces of meat, was throbbing like an organ.

His heart broke in two, feeling as if the Earth should've swallowed him as Michikatsu roared in fury.

"How?! How can you still be alive?!"

The other two demons rushed at him and Tanjirou worked fast. 

He spun in a wheel, switching to Mizu no Kokyu as simple as blinking. It was fast and the slash of his sword cut off the pink haired demon's arm.

Instantly, he landed and then regenerated his arm. He used his demon blood art but was shocked.

Tanjirou ignored him and then rushed at his brother.

Even while his heart ached and his throat was stinging with the urge to vomit, he would not forget his duty. He died before he could kill his brother.

He knew that he had to kill him now.

The blonde demon stepped in front and swiped his fan. Tanjirou dodged neatly, landing in front of Nezuko, who was growling.

"Nezuko, go to Yushirou and Tamayo. Tell them to run. Go." 

Nezuko growled but complied, running to the two demons who were arguing in the corner. Yushirou wanted to ditch them but Tamayo was throwing a fit.

Thankfully, Yushirou said it was a joke.

Tanjirou covered for them, fighting all three demons at once.

They were much weaker than Muzan but Tanjirou still had a broken rib or two and even as he was adjusting his breathing expertly, the three demons were slightly difficult to handle.

Slightly.

He had to get the others out before he could fight well enough.

The blonde demon was smiling happily, his eye curving.

"How pretty! So strong~. Is that why he wants you? Would you like to be his omega? Maybe you'll birth good demon pups!"

A shudder ran through Tanjirou's spine.

That was right, wasn't it? 

He was an omega prime, the only being that could take multiple alphas as mates. He could birth multiple pups from multiple fathers and that trait was desirable. 

All children born to him would have the best qualities of both mother and father. They would be the strongest if Muzan mated him. 

In fact, someone like him should've been sold for a lot of money but his parents worked hard to keep his secret safe. He should've been bouncing in the lap of some rich, old alpha but his parents loved him too much to even think about selling him like cattle.

Tanjirou realized the extent of the danger he was in.

Working faster, he blazed his way through, cutting off all of their heads in one go.

But luck was not on his side. 

They quickly snapped their heads back and forced their regeneration faster.

The blows were harsher and more frantic after that. Tanjirou didn't struggle but he couldn't turn the tides and kill them again after that.

He was still human, after all.

The blonde demon was the first to run, followed by the pink haired one and lastly, Michikatsu.

Tanjirou tried to follow but Michikatsu turned a couple of demons in one go in the busy streets and Tanjirou was forced to leave them in fear of more people dying.

Once again, he cursed himself for being weak.

He was reborn, but why was he still unable to save more people?

He was reborn but his family died.

His sister was now a demon.

Muzan wanted him so bad, he sent three Upper Moons.

He brought the demons back to Tamayo.

Yushirou was quieter in his presence. 

It didn't matter to Tanjirou. He hugged a sleepy Nezuko and then fell asleep himself with an even stronger resolve. 

He would kill Muzan. 

For the sake of everyone else and himself.

——————————————————————

Tanjirou didn't move as they forced him to his knees, his head pressed to the ground.

He didn't mind and stared at the Hashiras. All but one was an alpha. The blonde one was an omega and they all stared at him like he was an exhibition.

Tanjirou glanced around himself. 

Having found a boy named Zenitsu, who had practically clung to his thighs the moment he noticed who he was, he went to the house with the drum demon named Kyogai.

He saved three children and found another boy named Inosuke.

Surprisingly, he was doing all he could to befriend him, like wanting to sleep next to him and wanting to try the same foods as him.

Tanjirou nodded to the memory of that adorable child. (He didn't know that Inosuke was purposefully trying to provoke him into a fight.)

After that, they went to the forest and met a Lower Moon demon named Rui.

Then he was brought here to wait for the Ubuyashiki Family. 

When Sanemi brought Nezuko and was about to skewer her, Tanjirou took out his sword and intercepted him smoothly.

His eyes were cold. He took back the box and said, "Don't touch my sister."

The Hashiras were staring in sudden bewilderment. They hadn't seen him move and when they saw a crimson red sword, they were even more shocked. 

"You....!" Sanemi started, but was interrupted by Tanjirou putting on the box and leaving.

"What the—— get back here! Oyokata-Sama is going to arrive, you brat!"

Tanjurou turned but his eyes landed on Muichirou. They noticed his stare as he said, "You're... his descendent."

"Yep! Muichirou is the descendant of the user of the Breath of the Sun!" Kyoujorou said with a fake smile, still not trusting Tanjirou. 

Tanjirou shook his head. "No. He is not the descendant of the Sun." 

Everyone stared at him and even Muichirou looked slightly offended. 

What kind of omega prime was this? 

Weren't they supposed to be delicate and submissive?

Sanemi was getting angrier and angrier from this disrespectful and rebellious brat. "What are you talking about?!"

"He is the descendant of the Moon."

Tanjirou never had descendants. He had been alone. 

They were all ready to riot and thrash this insolent omega prime but were interrupted. 

"Oyokata-Sama is visiting!" One of his daughters shouted and instantly, they quieted and respectfully knelt. 

Tanjirou dodged Sanemi's hand and knelt beside his box. Inside, Nezuko was scratching softly against the wood. He rubbed the door to soothe her.

Kagaya explained and told them of the letter. Giyuu was stared at with accusing eyes but he ignored them. 

In the end, the pillars were reluctant to accept this demon sister and her troublesome brother.

After a moment of silence where they finished with their complaints, Kagaya said slowly, "Tanjirou... has come into contact with Kibutsuji Muzan and the top three Upper Moons."

"Huh???"

They all turned towards Tanjirou with slightly eager eyes. 

"What did he look like!? What were his abilities!? Where is he!?"

"Did you fight?"

"What was Kibitsuji doing!?"

"Have the headquarters been located!?"

Sanemi was trying to grab at Tanjirou with the intent to interrogate him about Muzan but Tanjirou suddenly felt a deep fear inside of him, like his omega was in tears from terror.

A sound spilled from his throat. 

They all froze and the blonde omega responded with his own noise which was similar to a coo.

Tanjirou could understand the meaning behind it. 

'Don't be afraid. I am here for you.'

The alphas retracted their excited pheromones and stilled like they were afraid of scaring him again. 

Tanjirou had a blank face but inside, he was wondering just how powerful this made him. If he could perfectly copy the sound and attack any alpha demon just like this, he could very well control them.

Kagaya smiled softly.

"I hope you will be less forceful with him. Kibutsuji ordered the demons to come and take Tanjirou away. It's possible that it was because of his nature as an omega prime. Another reason may be because he wanted to close loose ends, but for the first time, I don't want to let go of the tail Kibutsuji has shown us. This goes for Nezuko as well. I believe something unexpected has happened for Kibutsuji."

Tanjirou didn't speak his thoughts.

The Ubuyashikis were kind to him. Even when the Demon Slayer Corps all berated him and told him to slit his stomach, only two families didn't.

That was the Rengoku family, the one family with the best ability to copy his Breath of the Sun and the previous Ubuyashiki head, who was only a six year old boy. 

Tanjirou closed his eyes and sighed inaudible. He leaned slightly against Nezuko and she made muffled noises towards him inside the box.

Eventually, the day ended with Tanjirou earning more of Sanemi's hatred because he had quickly deflected his sword from cutting himself and revealing his marechi blood to Nezuko.

As he left with Nezuko in tow, Kagaya called him gently. "Give my regards to Tamayo-San."

Tanjirou stilled before he turned and nodded. He then left at a steady pace, neither in a hurry or slowly.

Being brought to Butterfly Estate, Tanjirou relaxed into the futons as he hugged Nezuko to his body. Feeling sluggish, he slept peacefully.

———————————————————————

"Muzan-Sama... how is my Otouto-San alive?"

He was staring at the three of them with cold eyes. Kokushibou didn't seem to realize or care.

"Why... why is he not with you?" He asked slowly.

Douma laughed like it was a funny joke. "Oh my! He was so scary! Really sexy too, but more scary." He gave a fake shudder to show his 'fear'. "He had big child bearing hips and a really lovely figure with tender skin. He'll give you good pups."

Muzan moved his hand downward in a swipe and Douma gave a small yelp, covering his bleeding eyes. 

"Why didn't you get him?! Is he not human? Why can't my three strongest take him? Hah? Are those numbers useless!?"

He was getting more furious as time passed. Each second spent was a moment where Yoriichi could be taken away from him.

He knew that Yoriichi despised him. But it was okay. When Muzan will put some good demon pups inside of his stomach, Yoriichi would surely learn to love him.

If not, Muzan would teach him.

It was a fool proof plan.

Muzan imagined Yoriichi's new face gazing at him with watery eyes, shyly covering up his swollen nipples and his erection, biting those luscious red lips that looked like glistening red cherries. 

He imagined him writhing underneath him, sweet moans spilling from his mouth as he clutched at the sheets to grasp at anything that could keep him anchored from the waves of pleasure, slick oozing down his thighs with the scent of honey to attract the bees known as alphas.

Muzan swallowed his saliva and said, "Find him. If I don't see him soon, you'll be punished."

"But the blue——" Akaza started but was interrupted by Muzan's furious shout.

"SCREW IT! I want Yoriichi and you will bring him back, understand?"

"Yes."

No one realized that only Kokushibou was less enthusiastic as normal.

Chapter Text

Tanjirou spent time healing his broken bones as he played with the triplets.

He was cooing as they braided his hair. If he was a dog, his tail would've been wagging like crazy. Inosuke and Zenitsu watched, one in fascination, the other in jealousy.

Tanjirou glanced up and said, "Join."

Both betas paused before they decided to comply. 

That was when they taught Inosuke how to braid well and Zenitsu was discovered to be a proficient hair dresser. 

Eventually, all six of them had wonderful hairstyles. 

Al three triplets had fishtail braids that were pinned with their butterfly pins.

Zenitsu had a single braid stretching to the other side of his head. Inosuke had a simple braid bun, a small braid encircling a small bun on top of his head.

But the real beauty was Tanjirou.

All of then would stare at him with an expression of awe and admiration because Tanjirou with a half crown braid was so wonderful, it nearly seared their eyes.

One of the triplets came back with butterfly pins and they all decorated their hair with them.

Tanjirou usually looked like a doll, beautiful but empty, but at this moment, where the triplets spun around him in a flurry to match the best butterfly pins in his hair, he was smiling and laughing delightedly.

It was clear he loved children.

Zenitsu could hear it. He could hear the love and the affection for the triplets that beat through his chest, the kindness that was only heard from Tanjirou's sister and Tanjirou himself.

Inosuke couldn't hear or smell emotions, but he could see and he could feel. Tanjirou was kind, even if he didn't speak much. He was kind, even when his face was like a block of wood. He was kind, even when he slayed and killed demons.

Eventually, they started to train together.

They had to stretch with the triplets, then play a game of tag before playing a game with tea cups to train reflexes.

And everyone realized just how strong Tanjirou was.

When stretching, his body could be on par with Inosuke's and they nearly battled (one-sidedly) in flexibility and while Inosuke still won, Tanjirou could still contort like a piece of taffy.

Zenitsu feared for his life.

His own body hurt just looking at them turn into letters.

When they were playing tag, it took Tanjirou no effort to grab any of the girls. In fact, the moment they started, he had touched them. 

When they said to give them a five second start, it didn't even help because he still caught them nearly immediately. 

Even when Kanao trained with them, it took him no effort to tag her.

The tea game was also useless to stop him.

While he didn't splash any of the girls (he merely politely placed the cup on their heads before he lowered it so they wouldn't be wet), he was still winning like it was no effort.

Zenitsu and Inosuke stared at him in disbelief.

Eventually, after some days of him winning and having to get the triplets to find him things to do, Inosuke grabbed his haori and roared, "Teach me!"

Tanjirou turned and then paused before he said, "Alright."

And then he actually did. In fact, he offered to teach all of them.

The girls, besides Kanao, didn't practice with swords but wanted to see how he taught and when they watched, they were shocked.

Tanjirou was a wonderful teacher, patient and steady. He didn't get angry when Inosuke got frustrated by his slow pace and he didn't snap back when Zenitsu kept demanding for him to repeat his moves.

He simply quickened his pace and repeated his movements as if it was a trivial matter.

Even Inosuke and Zenitsu knew that they were slightly unreasonable but Tanjirou didn't seem to mind.

He told them to how to concentrate breathing constantly and demonstrated with Kanao. They both used the bottles and exploded it. 

In fact, they purposefully used small bottles before increasing sizes dramatically to emphasize just how powerful they needed to be.

Inosuke and Zenitsu worked harder after that.

Tanjirou was just too powerful. 

It didn't make them jealous, in fact, they were even more determined to surpass them. 

When Inosuke declared it to his face, a wide smile stretched over Tanjirou's face and he laughed, pinching Inosuke's cheeks as he said, "We'll see."

After a while of his own training, which even the girls trained with, Tanjirou asked if they wanted him to help them with their breathing styles.

Zenitsu wondered how but since Tanjirou was pretty skilled in everything, he nodded.

Tanjirou turned out to know every single form of Kaminari no Kokyu. He could've been even better than Zenitsu's own master, Kuwajima Jigoro, but that might've been Zenitsu's imagination.

When he sparred with Zenitsu, it was obvious that he purposefully held back just enough so he was slightly above Zenitsu's power.

He patiently reviewed the one form Zenitsu knew and changed tactics to slowly teach him the other forms.

Zenitsu had loudly complained that he really couldn't learn but he didn't seem to hear, even with his hyper senses.

He was purposefully ignoring Zenitsu.

Zenitsu, in a dejected manner, was forced to relearn the rest of the thunder breathing forms.

But instead of teaching him face to face, Tanjirou called over the girls and asked them to play a game with him.

Playing the game of Kasugai Crows (or Telephone for you modern people), he told the triplets to relay a message and then one would tell the other until it reached Aoi's ears and she'd tell Zenitsu what to do.

With the girls 'teaching' him, Zenitsu was even more determined to learn.

Somehow, his grandpa had never thought of this idea with girls.

Probably because he thought that Zenitsu would get distracted with girls around.

Tanjirou asked Inosuke to demonstrate his moves and as they watched Tanjirou react, Tanjirou's eyes lit up and sparkled as if he was in awe.

"You made this?" He asked, his voice as blank as ever even with his astonished and wide eyes.

Inosuke crossed his arms proudly. "Yep! I call it Kedamono no Kokyu! What about it!"

"How fascinating. You modeled it after a boar, didn't you? It uses both blades and multiple techniques. It derives from wind breathing, doesn't it?"

Inosuke looked a little shocked but then he nodded. Tanjirou smiled a little.

"May I borrow your blades?"

"Uh, sure."

He took them and with a deep breath, copied Inosuke's movements like they were his own. His body as brimming with ferocity, power in every attack like it would kill even Muzan.

He didn't look disturbed or even tired. He completed all 11 attacks in one session and then stilled silently.

Then he turned and said, "Come, I will teach you how to improve them," like he was the creator of the beast breathing style and took no complaints.

Zenitsu looked at the rest of them as if to ask if they saw that and they all had their mouths opened in shock.

Tanjirou was straight forward with Inosuke. He didn't play around and told him how to use maximum power with minimum damage with small changes to details like a smaller swing or a twist to the wrist.

After a week, Tanjirou had beaten power into them.

Even Kanao with her style was improved and perfected even further. She had refused at first but Tanjirou had forced her and she became a part of the team.

They were exhausted but vigor was stirring inside of them and they felt stronger because of his training.

Tanjirou was having his hair done again, this time with a waterfall braid. He looked back and stared at their exhausted figures.

He brought some tea back and poured them a cup. Handing it out, he stroked Inosuke's boar mask and said, "Tired?"

Zenitsu sat up and said, "How do you know Kaminari no Kokyu?"

"I taught it."

They all turned, going, "Huh?"

Tanjirou never hid the fact that he was reborn but he didn't what to explain so he said no more. They couldn't get anything out of him if they talked about it so they decided to drop it.

Tanjirou peacefully taught them again just after the triplets finished his hairstyle.

Butterfly pins were distributed and when Shinobu came with the pillars to see what Tanjirou was up to, they were met with all of the occupants of the training room wearing butterfly pins.

Seeing Tanjirou was one of the reasons why they arrived. The other was to tell him of the new mission Kagaya had personally told them about.

They were in for a surprise when they went inside and saw Tanjirou moving about like he was floating. 

In fact, Tanjirou was flying through the air and was using Oto no Kokyu. He stopped after a few movements, turned and started to say something, most likely explaining by the attentive expressions on the other three's faces.

Kanao raised her hand and said something and Shinobu was given a shock. 

Kanao was asking a question by herself? Without someone to tell her to do something? Without her coin?

Tengen muttered to himself, "How does he know my breathing style?"

And everyone was feeling a little more terrified of this omega prime, who couldn't barely even reach their shoulders.

Tanjirou nodded to whatever was Kanao's question and readied himself before he perfectly copied the flower breathing style.

Kanao looked excited and said something inaudible. Tanjirou responded back with his own inaudible answer. 

Then there was both of Zenitsu's and Inosuke's excited chatter, which the pillars heard, Tanjirou nodded again.

"We wanna see your dance!"

"Yeah yeah! Dance!"

Kanao nodded slowly before she hid away as if to reassure herself that it was okay doing that much, even if it was just a nod.

Tanjirou smiled and then he prepared himself. His sword was steady and then he moved, his body twisting into a dance.

Flames flew from his sword, twisting and turning into shapes as he danced. Like Ame-no-Uzume, he was enticing Amaterasu outside of her cave, his sword like an extension of his body as he moved.

Smoothly, flawlessly, wonderfully, he danced like it would be his last dance before he would die.

He was clothed, but in their eyes, it was as if he was enticing them out of the cave, moving almost seductively as he jumped and did a spin, flames dancing around him.

Finally, he finished and then smiled as the three cheered.

"Awesome! Again!" Inosuke roared.

"That was so cool, Tanjirou!" Zenitsu beamed, impressed.

"Amazing!" Kanao said, clapping softly.

Tanjirou smiled a little and his cheeks flushed a bit like the color of Sakura blossoms. 

His face looked adorable, peachy skin stained with blotchy colors as the ruddy hues highlighted his limpid eyes and embarrassed expression.

He looked up and then his face cooled as he said indifferently, "Thank you. You ten, step out."

"Ten?" Muttered Tengen before Shinobu turned and saw a very confused Aoi, who just arrived and was wondering why the pillars were all hiding behind the door.

The pillars and Aoi stepped inside and Aoi went around them, handing out onigiri. The triplets slipped past the pillars and also ran to Tanjirou, jumping into his arms.

Tanjirou smiled and stroked their heads before he picked up Sumi as she squealed.

Kiyo and Naho cheered before they pulled at the hem of his clothes and wanted to be the one next.

Tanjirou complied as Aoi directed the pillars to sit.

Zenitsu screamed in fright as Inosuke glared at them, putting on his mask. He hadn't had to put it on since Tanjirou began teaching.

Shinobu smiled serenely and said, "Tanjirou-Kun, what kind of dance was that?"

"It's my breathing style," he replied curtly. 

Sanemi sneered. "Oh? What breathing style is it?"

It wasn't as if he didn't believe Tanjirou. Tanjirou had proven to be a very strong opponent. The problem was that Sanemi just had the urge to infuriate this wooden person.

Tanjirou, as expected, didn't react strongly or at all.

Giyuu glanced at the onigiri and Tanjirou gave him one without complaint. Both Tengen and Kyoujorou glanced at it when they realized they could have one.

Tanjirou gave two more.

Then Mitsuri asked in a slightly bashful voice, "Can I have one?"

Tanjirou gave another.

Sanemi, with cross marks on his face from anger, snapped, "Answer the goddamn question!"

"I will only speak to those polite to me." Tanjirou answered coolly before he turned and said to Muichirou and Gyomei, "Would you two like some?"

Muichirou didn't seem to notice but Gyomei said in a quiet tone, "No, but thank you."

Tanjirou glanced at Shinobu and Obanai. Shinobu smiled and took one. Obanai glared at him for offering one to Mitsuri.

Sanemi was practically simmering in his anger but he kept his mouth shut. 

Tanjirou finally said, "Hi no Kokyu is its name."

"Sun breathing? How? It's been a lost art! How do you know?!" 

Tanjirou turned to Kyoujorou and met his bewildered stare. "I made it."

They all stared at him as if he was lying to their face to get attention.

That was probably what they were thinking. 

Tanjirou smiled coolly and said, "You don't have to believe me. All of your breathing styles derived from mine."

"How's that possible!?" Tengen said.

Tengen snickered. "That explains how he knew my breathing style."

Shinobu's mind was racing but it made sense.

Reincarnation wasn't too shocking to a scientist who specializes in killing demons with poison. 

If demons existed, why didn't reincarnation? 

(A small part of her wondered where her sister was, then.)

It made sense because Tanjirou knew that Muichirou wasn't a descendent of the Sun, but the Moon. It made sense because he taught nearly all of the breathing styles to other demon slayers so he knew all of their forms. It made sense because he was so experienced.

Shinobu stared at Tanjirou like he was her new experiment. 

Tanjirou didn't speak again after that. He just stared at an empty spot in the wall and actually looked interested.

Kyoujorou sat next to him and said, "Tanjirou-Kun, are you really the creator of Hi no Kokyu?"

Tanjirou turned and stared at the other omega. With a small smile, he said, "Yes. Your family has taken care of me even when the others didn't."

Kyoujorou lowered his head. ".... oh."

After a moment of silence, Kyoujorou said, "Thank you for what you did for us. My family still passed on your techniques. We write about you."

His voice was getting quieter but Tanjirou heard him just fine. 

"I... I will try to accept Nezuko." He said slowly and carefully.

"Thank you. As long as you try, I will be okay," and Tanjirou gave a bright smile that warmed Kyoujorou's heart and Kyoujorou nodded.

The other pillars were forced to battle a very overzealous Inosuke and had to deal with a very fearful and screaming Zenitsu. 

Giyuu himself kept smacking Inosuke out of the air in annoyance.

Tengen laughed and joked with Mitsuri as if Zenitsu wasn't sobbing in the corner out of terror.

Kanao had stopped talking the moment they arrived, only sticking close to Shinobu.

The day passed in peace, even when Sanemi was still trying to pick a fight.

They all went to bed before the pillars realized one thing:

'Shit. We forgot to tell him about the new mission.'

——————————————————————

Kyoujorou was an omega. 

His father didn't like it. No one did at first.

Only Senjurou, his little brother and also fellow omega, accepted him. Kyoujorou knew that it was only because he accepted anything Kyoujorou did. 

So when he saw the omega prime, he was very interested.

The demon sister made him hesitate and slightly suspicious but after awhile, Kyoujorou could kind of accept them. 

When they went on the infinity train, Tanjirou defeated the demon instantly. When the Upper Moon 3 came and tried to capture him, he was instantly slaughtered like it was nothing. 

Not even it's regeneration could catch up.

There were no casualties. No injuries. Nothing.

It was a perfectly successful mission. 

With zero casualties except a few confused people and a two Twelve Moons dead, Tanjirou was out in front of Kagaya.

Tanjirou was made a pillar almost instantly, called the Sun Pillar.

This omega prime was now put in front of the eyes of the other demon slayers and many young alphas and others were lusting after the beautiful omega prime.

Lovely and calm, like a male Nadeshiko Yamato, he was the absolute vision of an omega if it wasn't for his straight forwardness and the baffling things he did.

What could be used to describe him was: cryptid.

Tanjirou once again fed the raccoons that ran up to him. Several crows and sparrows that weren't Kasugai crows landed on his shoulders and lovingly nipped at his ears and hair. 

Several demon slayers were watching him in strange fascination.

"Wow," one of them muttered, "he's so lovely, even animals love him."

Kyoujorou was staring at him from a tree, eating his rice with slightly rushed movements, trying to get rid of the parched feeling in his throat from Tanjirou.

A butterfly landed in Tanjirou's crown braid. Tanjirou didn't notice. Instead, he was coaxing a small playful raccoon cub to let go of his sleeve. 

The rest of the demon slayers clutched their heart from the cuteness of Tanjirou playing with a baby animal.

Two more butterflies landed on his head, flapping gracefully.

He still didn't notice.

At this point, Kyoujorou was wondering if he was doing it on purpose but it seemed as if he legitimately didn't realize that more and more butterflies were landing on his head like it was a flower bed.

Eventually, when one of the birds attempted to eat one of the butterflies, he noticed and his eyes opened a little in surprise.

He shook his head gently as if he wanted to get them off but didn't want to hurt them.

They didn't move and he must've realized so he sighed and stopped attempting.

A Kasugai crow told him of a new mission and Tanjirou nodded with a blank expression.

He stood up from his crouched position, stroked the raccoons and the one dog that came and left with quick, silent steps.

With an easy maneuver, he passed the crowd that was watching him without expression and greeted Kyoujorou with a nod before he left.

Tanjirou ran away and came back in the morning, having taken thirteen cases in one night.

The rest of the Hashiras begrudgingly admitted that the Sun Pillar was one of the best.

Kyoujorou could only smile and stare at the blank faced omega prime. His core shivered slightly and almost dreamily, he wondered if he could put a child inside of him.

He shook his head to ward away his thoughts before he looked away.

It was much too early for that.

——————————————————————

Tanjirou flexed his hands, moving them from side to side thoughtfully.

Truly, this young body did wonders to his powers. While he wasn't in his absolute prime, the youth in his body made his power a lot easier to channel and use.

With a small smile, he sat down and brushed Nezuko's hair. 

Nezuko purred. He smiled and cooed softly. 

Being an omega prime was hard because his heats were stronger than omegas but what made them different was how they worked.

Instead of three or four days, it lasted a whole week. His pheromones were stronger and because of that, stronger alphas would also be attracted to the smell.

Another difference was that he retained his mind. He could choose his mate instead of being mated blindly by lustful alphas that couldn't do much other than mate him.

This way, he could choose the best alphas to have the best children with.

His heat was starting soon.

Tanjirou's eyes were half lidded in tiredness as he hugged Nezuko's cool body. The summer night was still with the chirping of cicadas, dying heat wafting through the windows.

Tanjirou closed his eyes. 

He had told Kagaya about how he was reborn and Kagaya had accepted it very easily. Tanjirou was not surprised because all of the Ubuyashikis that he knew were very compliant but also stern if he went over the bottom line.

As long as he assisted humanity in killing demons and saving humans, he was allowed to do a lot of things.

Tanjirou smiled as he nuzzled into Nezuko's hair. Nezuko made soft muffled noises and Tanjirou threw away the muzzle so her mouth could relax.

"Nezuko," he called, "do you like Rengoku-San better or Tomioka-San?"

"T-T-T-To-Tomioka!" She stuttered, smiling like she didn't mind. She understood him but only in the most basic ways.

Tanjirou smiled. "I will cure you, Nezuko."

" 'Kay!" 

Tanjirou stroked her hair again. "Tomorrow, we'll go defeat more demons, okay? I'll save you. I promise. I will cure you. I will make you human again."

He had to save at least one sibling of his, right?

Tanjirou ignored the tears coming from his eyes. 

The lump in his throat stung as his nose itched. His eyes burned with the pain of his sorrows and regrets. Nezuko turned in his arms and wiped away his tears with wide, confused eyes.

She couldn't understand why water was coming from his eyes but she knew that it wasn't good. She didn't like seeing him like that. 

Nezuko gave soft chirping noises and pressed his face to her shoulder so he could hide. 

Tanjirou clutched his sister and sobbed.

Even if he couldn't help the only sibling in his past life, even if he couldn't help his other younger siblings, he could at least save the only sibling he had left.

Tanjirou closed his eyes and then fell asleep.

He was helpless.

He was helpless to the strength of demons. He was helpless to the cycle of life. 

He couldn't save his brother. He couldn't save his friend Uta. He couldn't save his parents. He couldn't save his younger siblings. 

He could barely even save Nezuko.

He had to do something. 

This was his only goal in life. It was the only thing keeping him going. 

Tanjirou knew that he had to defeat Muzan before he died. Otherwise, the gift that was his rebirth would be useless.

In his sleep, his heart burned with the flames that grew with each breath he took into his lungs like each promise he wanted to keep.

——————————————————————

Extra: At the infinity train...

Zenitsu stared as Inosuke made a scene at the train station. 

"This thing is the master of the land, yeah.... it controls the land," muttered Inosuke as he shivered fearfully. "There's no mistaking its length and intimidating aura. It may be sleeping now but don't let your guard down!"

Zenitsu was staring at him in confusion before he said, "No, it's a steam engine, don't you know about it?"

"SHHH!! CALM DOWN!!" He said, shushing him frantically, as if he was scared of waking up the beast known as the steam engine.

"No," Zenitsu said in exasperation, "You calm down."

"I'LL GO ON THE ATTACK FIRST!"

Zenitsu turned to Tanjirou, as if to ask for assistance. 

Instead, Tanjirou raised his hand to stop Inosuke with a knowing look like he was very knowledgeable.

This would've been good if it wasn't for the words coming out of his mouth.

"It may be a guardian spirit of this land. So it may not be a good idea to suddenly attack it."

Zenitsu nearly gave himself a concussion with how hard he hit himself with his hand. "No, I'm telling you it's a steam engine. You know what a train is? It's a vehicle. It carries people."

He added in a exasperated voice, "You bumpkins."

Why did he think that Tanjirou would help him?

This boy was in the Sengoku period and then moved into the Taisho but lived on a mountain his entire life!!

Zenitsu wondered if he was the only normal one.

What he didn't know was that he was right.

Chapter Text

Sanemi stared coolly at the pieces of information offered by Shinobu.

"24," she said quietly. "24 demon exterminations in 7 hours. Tanjirou-Kun is quite strong, isn't he?"

The female alpha glanced at the omega outside, who had just recently slayed a large amount of demons just last night. The omega was sweetly coaxing a bird off of its nest as it's mother chirped and tweeted along with him. He was mourning soft words like, "Don't be scared, your mother is encouraging you. You can do it. Come one."

The sight was cute. Sanemi almost hated it.

He turned when he sensed eyes and tilted his head in question. Mitsuri smiled and waved. He responded with his own wave. His haori swished around his shapely thighs as he tried to convince the little bird off of its nest.

His wine red eyes looked intoxicating, bringing them deeper and deeper into the pools of insanity, leading them to madness as the beautiful omega gazed at them with eyes that were untainted despite how he brought people to depravity. 

His lips, cherry red and soft, looked ready to be bitten and licked. A pink tongue slid over the meaty lip, making it shiny with spit and Sanemi's stare grew deeper.

The smell of alpha grew stronger.

Tanjirou didn't even realize his own seduction, and if he did, he was good at pretending he didn't notice the dark gazes he received. 

Kyoujorou was the one who went out and said with a smile, "My boy! How has your day been?"

"Peaceful. You?" Tanjirou answered politely. 

"It's been wonderful!"

Sanemi found himself clenching his fists as he gnashed his teeth together. Kyoujorou was an omega, but even he was helplessly pining after Tanjirou. In fact, he was more obvious about it. Omegas and omegas were usually seen only as an alpha's fantasies, but it was only rare, not impossible. An omega prime could even bear children for an omega with a 30% higher chance of having an alpha prime and a 65% chance of having more omega primes. 

Sanemi could smell the anger emitting from the rest of them. Tanjirou and Kyoujorou glanced at them silently before Kyoujorou put an arm around Tanjirou's waist. Tanjirou blinked but didn't move away. Tengen stood up and said, "Rengoku-Kun, let's continue our meeting. So can you let go of Tanjirou and come over?"

His tone was dangerous.

Kyoujorou smiled wickedly and carried Tanjirou over, placing down onto his lap as he said, "Sure. Carry on."

"Omega."   

Sanemi found himself snarling and Kyoujorou gave a jolt at the sound of his alpha tone before he sneered. Tanjirou was shaking, his eyes wide in horror at Sanemi's alpha tone and at his own body's reaction to it. Sanemi instantly regretted it as Tanjirou wiggled back to press his cheek against Kyoujorou.

"Really, Shinazugawa? How disgraceful of you to use an alpha tone on an omega prime."

Sanemi spluttered, trying to find some sort of explanation when Giyuu looked at Tanjirou and said in a gentle voice, "Tanjirou. Come over here."

His voice left no room for argument but was also phrased as a request. Tanjirou turned left and right in confusion and looked distressed, which was the equivalent of his eyes widening a little as his lips pursed. Shinobu opened her arms and said, "How about me, Tanjirou-Kun?"

Giyuu glared at Shinobu as she smiled. "He hasn't gone to me, no need to be jealous yet."

"Yet?"

"Oh my! Did that slip out?"

Kyoujorou glared. "He's sitting with me!"

Suddenly, Gyomei opened his arms and said, "Tanjirou-Kun."

Tanjirou dove into his arms and whimpered at the smell of furious alphas. Sanemi was cursing out that blind old man, wondering why Tanjirou went into his arms. Tanjirou was so small in his lap, curled up and pressed against Gyomei's huge thighs. He looked at them with confused eyed before he closed them and then ignored them for the rest of the night. 

It was a feeling close to jealousy that bubbled in his throat when he imagined Tanjirou being taken by someone else. But when he imagined Gyomei slamming his hips inside of writhing Tanjirou, he calmed slightly with the thought that Gyomei was reasonable enough to share.

Perhaps he should work a little harder and win his heart....

——————————————————————————

Shinobu was angry. The fact that demons were still out there made her hiss in anger. She hated demons. They were cruel, vicious, disgusting and they deserved to die painfully with her poison traveling through their bodies to slowly kill them from the inside. 

Her vicious thoughts were interrupted by the smell of Tanjirou. 

He smelt like home, and warmth, and heat, with the slight tang of water lilies and lotus wine. He glanced at her and then nodded his head. "Shinobu-San."

"Tanjirou-Kun! How are you?" She said pleasantly. He was exactly her type but she wasn't the kind of woman to harass an omega so she kept her hands to herself. 

His nose twitched and after awhile, he said slowly, "Fine. Today, Oyakata-Sama told me to start teaching the other Hashiras. Please inform the others that it is at eight today."

"I see. You'll be teaching us?" She asked, her eyes curving unknowingly to her. 

He nodded. Then gently, he picked up her hand and pressed her wrist against his neck. A small purr came from his throat before he said, "Please don't be angry. I can smell it."

His eyes bore holes into her as her breath caught and her lungs refused to work as the smell of both of their scents intermingling crept into her sensitive nose. Tanjirou was comforting her but it also made her aroused, seeing his innocent care unintentionally seducing her.

Shinobu chuckled and said, "I see. I will try not to make you notice."

Tanjirou's eyes closed. "I will defeat Muzan. Even if it kills me."

Shinobu smiled again. "I see. Thank you."

Tanjirou kept his scent gland against her wrist for another moment before he left, bowing politely before he left as suddenly as he arrived. Shinobu raised her hand and took a whiff. The smell of her wisteria and poisons mixing with Tanjirou's sun warmed water lilies and wine made it a dangerous but also flowery scent.

Shinobu cooed.

How cute.

————————————————————————

Genya was trying hard.

He tried acting like his brother to get stronger but it just made people scared and it made him sad. He wanted to be a strong demon slayer just like his Niichan and apologize. Unfortunately, Sanemi didn't even bother to even lend an ear, he directly told him off and probably would've crippled him if it would keep him off of demon slaying.

It made tears appear in his eyes thinking about it.

Genya was polishing his gun when a shadow fell over his head and a pleasant smell invaded his nose. He looked up and nearly shrieked. 

Kamado Tanjirou watched him silently, his eyes clear and lovely but stagnant like still waters. More beautiful than even the rumors told, he was as lovely as an immortal. Known as the strongest Hashira, Genya wondered what he did to offend him or make him seek Genya out. 

Genya wanted to hold his breath to not disturb the beautiful spirit across from him. Eventually, Tanjirou asked, "Can you use breaths?"

Genya hesitantly shook his head.

After a moment, Tanjirou said, "I see." Then he sat down and didn't move, his hands in his lap as he looked at the sky, watching the clouds move listlessly with the wind.

Genya looked around nervously, not daring to look at him in the face but also afraid to turn and go back to cleaning his gun with the Sun Pillar next to him. He glanced at Tanjirou again and was shocked to see that Tanjirou was staring at him. After a moment where Genya had to force down his first reaction to startle and jump, Tanjirou started to speak again.

His voice was clear and charming, soothing any weary person with its lingering strength and kindness. "Will you become my Tsuguko?"

Genya wondered if he was dreaming. Maybe that was why such a beautiful and pretty person was sitting across from him. 

"I-I'm sorry?"

Tanjirou looked at him silently and said, "Become my Tsuguko. I promise to take care of you."

"I-I know you will! I have no doubt that you will become a good teacher! But... but why me?" Genya asked hesitantly. He was worried. And scared. Tanjirou hummed but didn't answer. Instead, he stood up and said, "I will be finding other Tsugukos. You will not my last but when you agree, you will be my first. Please think about it. When you agree, come find me."

When. Not if.

Tanjirou was confident that he would join and Genya felt a flare of anger spark in his stomach and he snapped, "What makes you think I'll agree?"

Tanjirou turned and smiled slowly. His face seemed to almost be radiating light. "We'll see."

Only two days later, Genya tugged at Tanjirou's haori and said in a meek voice, "I'll be your Tsuguko."

Tanjirou beamed and said, "Mn."

——————————————————————

Inosuke was improving.

His lieutenant, Amado Jangoro, was such a good servant! Truly fit to be the servant of Lord Inosuke!

Inosuke tore apart another demon and heaved his bloody swords onto his shoulders. In glee, he ran back towards the mansion and was pleasantly surprised to see Tanjirou, Kanao and Zenitsu waiting for him.

Kanao bowed her head in greeting as Tanjirou smiled softly and said, "Welcome back," and Zenitsu grabbed his wrist and shouted, "It's late! Our dinner is cold!"

Inosuke went inside and was lead to the sink where he had to wash his hands, forced by Aoi. He huffed and glared at her through his mask but she didn't notice. Instead of being intimidated by his manly and righteous glare, she turned around and ordered him to go sit!

The audacity! The nerve! The disrespect!

Inosuke had never been so offended but he still obediently listened. Nezuko was seated next to him and she took off his boar mask before putting it on. He didn't mind because Nezuko was his left hand commander. Zenitsu was his right, by the way.

Aoi piled tempura onto his plate and he ate it hungrily, shoving it into his mouth with the ferocity of a wild animal. Aoi cried out in dismay as crumbs got everywhere.

Nezuko was trying to eat too but completely forgot that she couldn't eat with the mask on. When Tanjirou removed it, she also forgot she had a muzzle on. Tanjirou laughed sweetly and removed it, saying, "Nezuko, eat carefully, okay?"

Nezuko nodded her head as she fumbled with her chopsticks. Kanao glanced at her, and after a moment, put some pieces of grilled eel on her rice. Nezuko turned and smiled, chirping with thanks.

Kanao nodded in a satisfied way and continued to eat.

Tanjirou wiped Naho's mouth and giggled as Sumi fed him a piece of eel. Kiyo wanted some attention too and dutifully pushed the tea cup towards him. Tanjirou looked very happy and lovingly rubbed their heads. "Just sit down. I can feed myself." He didn't sound unhappy though.

Zenitsu was bothering Aoi and Inosuke had to start shouting, "Right Hand Commander, Monetsu! Control yourself!"

"Says you!!!"

They started to squabble and eventually even Aoi joined in with a cry of anger and Tanjirou and Kanao shared an exasperated look together as Nezuko laughed loudly and clapped. The triplets tried to stop the fight to no avail.

When the night stilled again, all was peaceful as they took their last bath before they'd sleep. Inosuke was already asleep, forcing Zenitsu to carry him to their futons.

Aoi and Kanao tucked in the triplets before they both went to bed.

There were only two people left awake in this still night in Butterfly Estate. 

In the omega baths, Tanjirou was rubbing a cloth, forming suds. 

"Nezuko, want me to wash you?" Nezuko sat down and Tanjirou scrubbed at his sister's back, watching soapy suds form over ivory colored skin. He glanced at the other soaps and realized that as of now, he'd have to bath alone because he was an omega and omegas shouldn't be interacting with betas or alphas in a bath.

In fact, if others heard that Nezuko was with them, their thoughts wouldn't be pretty. Many didn’t trust alpha and omega siblings. Nezuko turned and then took the tub of water to dump over herself. 

With that, she jumped into the bath tub. Tanjirou covered his face as the water splashed onto him and smiled as Nezuko began to paddle throughout the length of the enormous, spring-like bath. He quickly washed up and joined her, setting cold feet into the hot water to test it first before he climbed in gently. He sighed as he sank into the warmth.

Tanjirou looked at his calloused hands and then at Nezuko, who was currently trying to flop like a fish. Her innocence and carefreeness made his determination stronger.

His fists clenched.

He promised that he would cure her. 

He would keep that promise. 

He had already gotten a few blood samples from twelve moons. All he needed was a few more.

He closed his eyes and stoked the blazing fire in his heart.

Chapter Text

Tanjirou found himself tired.

He was so damn tired. Even with this thought, he still sliced off the demon's head and gave a small prayer. The demon crumpled to dust and Tanjirou turned on his heels and then left. However, the smell of sake drifted to his nose and he followed it with a slightly dazed thought.

He stepped into a sake store. Silent, he inspected the place and his eyes spied a bottle on the lowest shelf, kept safe and hidden if it wasn't what he was looking for.

"Sir," he said, bringing the bottle to the cashier, "can I buy this?"

The store owner stared at the young omega prime, still lovely and gorgeous with a strange confidence that made people want to be closer to him.

"Uh... right, of course." The store owner was dumbfounded finding such a beautiful person in his store but nodded and took the bottle. Tanjirou paid and then paused, staring at the bottle.

He looked up again and said, "Can you tell me about this wine?"

"Ah! It's one of the rarer ones! Made from cherries and apple blossoms! It came straight from the West, where all of those white men go. It's been aging for a few years, so it's rather expensive!" The store owner was pleased with such a nice aesthetic to his eyes and was even more happy because someone finally found and bought the expensive wine. 

Tanjirou paused and then nodded.

The scent of this wine smelled absolutely delicious to him.

He hummed thoughtfully and said, “Thank you."

After a few moments, Tanjirou left the store with a bottle of wine. He opened the cap a little and took a sniff, pleased by his purchase.

He turned when he smelt the scent of blood on the air. Turning his head slightly, he looked up at the darkening sky and his eyes widened. People were already entering their homes, securing doors and gates to prepare the night. 

Worriedly, Tanjirou looked around in worry, before he decided to suck it up and unsheathe his sword. Trekking lightly on the ground, his vision allowed him to see around him. He hoped that perhaps this town would be safe, like many others that wouldn't need protection. 

There was something along the edges of the town that began to creep closer.

Tanjirou twitched. Then with a crackle, he burst through the sound barrier and flashed above the group of demons, his sword glowing with lightning. Sliding onto the ground, his blade sliced the demons in two before he sliced their necks, his expression blank as gore splattered over his robes. 

Without a second thought, he slayed the other demons. The Tanjirou inside of him made him raise his hands and bow peacefully, hoping that they would be granted a better reincarnation. 

A snap in the forest alerted him to another, stronger presence.

He turned and stared. Michikatsu peered at him with his demonic gaze.

"Aniue...." Tanjirou brightened and he resheathed his sword. Despite how they fought, Tanjirou never hated seeing his elder brother. His feet made an adorable tep tep tep noise as he walked over. "Aniue, it's good to see you. I'm sorry for fighting you the first time I saw you, I was shocked to see—"

"Shut it. Don't move closer." Michikatsu stared at Tanjirou with glaring eyes. All six of his eyes narrowed and Tanjirou stilled a little.

Tanjirou had hoped. It was the stupid part of him, after all. 

"Muzan wants you. You will have to come, Yoriichi."

"... you'll let your master mate with your omegan brother?" Tanjirou took a step back, looking meek and soft. His gentleness when faced with any of his siblings was obvious. 

Michikatsu hesitated. Tanjirou unsheathed his deadly sword in that second and slashed downward, water spinning in torrents around his blade as it struck Michikatsu's extended arm. 

Another katana was unsheathed and Tanjirou was forced back, dodging his head as Michikatsu attacked him. Their breathing forms were endless, never once stopping as they sliced and danced in an ethereal fight.

Although Tanjirou was one of the only slayers who could fight against Muzan, how was he to fight for hours on end? He hesitated at every turn to take off his brother's head for last time and eventually, Michikatsu's blade stabbed him in the stomach. 

Burning pain entered his senses before he immediately controlled his breath and stopped the blood, both heightened his senses and dulled the pain with his nerves. His control over his own body was impenetrable, but a small moment of distraction was an opening.

Michikatsu grabbed him by the neck and pressed him to the ground. Tanjirou choked, feeling the claws tighten around his throat as he kicked fruitlessly at the brick wall that was his older brother. His other hand threw his blade to Michikatsu's neck, where cold steel laid its sharp edge against his own throat. 

Michikatsu and Tanjirou stared at each other in a stand still. 

Alpha, omega.

Demon, slayer.

 Once human, still human.

Both were brothers. 

Tanjirou stared at his brother with a blank face, his gentle expression completely erased as Michikatsu began to seethe. "You...! It's always you! Why does the heavens only grant you what you want?"

"What I want?"

"You take everything away from me! You stand against me in everything!" He roared, his eyes narrowing to slits in his rage. When his hands tightened, Tanjirou pressed the blade closer in warning. Michikatsu only slightly relaxed his grip but still pressed on. "You're always so annoying! Everything I have is given to you!"

Tanjirou sighed softly. "Is that so?"

His dismissiveness enraged Michikatsu into a frenzy. "Don't deny it! You took mother, you took my fame, you took my power and my talent and you even took me away from my family! From our home! From our life before you and your demons killed my men! You're the unlucky star in my life!"

Tanjirou was quiet. He did not deny anything, even if it was wrong. He merely looked up at his brother and said softly, "You cannot betray the Demon Slayer Corporations like this. You must stop your killing."

"Don't order me around, omega!" He spat the last word like it was a curse. "Don't you dare assume you have power over me!"

Tanjirou was quiet again. Then he said, "Aniue, won't you come back with me? I'll introduce our sister to you. She's like you. She is a demon."

Michikatsu snarled and bared his teeth. "Who says it's our sister? Your disgusting soul took over someone else's body, how dare you imply that whatever family you stole is yours. If you want me to come back, why don't you kill me? You were so determined to the last time I saw you."

"I've grown weary of trying to kill you, Aniue." Tanjirou lifted his wine red eyes and said, "Aniue, we can be like old times. You can be the number one samurai and I can be your second."

"There was never a number one spot for me! It was always you, you detestable vermin!" Michikatsu screamed and his nails cut Tanjirou's neck just slightly, casting out blood on the floor. At the same time, Tanjirou's blade heated red and he sliced Michikatsu's neck, reaching his spine. 

"Aniue."

Tanjirou tried again. 

Michikatsu froze at the blood under his nails and finally, finally, looked at Tanjirou, who.... was smiling? A serene smile crossed his face as he repeated, "Aniue. Haven't you done enough?" in that horribly sweet voice of his and Michikatsu released him and wept. 

He wept for all of the years he wasted running after his younger brother who never desired to be chased. 

He wept for the family he left behind for his own greed of power.

He wept for the others he caused the deaths of, for the ones he betrayed for power, for the ones he killed, and the ones he was never able to save.

He wept for all of the hatred and the bitterness inside of him.

He wept for himself.

Tanjirou pressed his older brother to his stomach and let him cry shuddering breaths and wet gasps. He stroked his hair and stared at the sky in thought, where the sun began to slowly lighten the clouds. 

"We'll have to get you to safety, Aniue."

———————————————————————————————

Tanjirou opened the door, pausing at the door step. "Aniue?" 

A flesh knife was thrown in his direction. He didn't move and the knife bounced harmlessly off of his rock hard skull. 

"You fucking— why is your head so hard?!!!"

Tanjirou didn't mind and said, "Here, Aniue. I've got you some blood cakes and curdled pig blood." He bent over and fished for it in his bag after dropping a large box onto the floor. He handed the blood cakes over and silently lifted the bags of food to the stove. "You will have to wait for food. In the meantime, Nezuko will take care of you."

"Nezuk—??!" 

The box opened and Nezuko leaned over, peering at Michikatsu with wide pink eyes before she darted under the blanket, quick as a flash.

Michikatsu growled and received a more adorable snarl in return. Nezuko glared at the enormous demon but eventually decided that anybody her own brother trusted, she would too, and laid over Michikatsu's large knees, looking like a very long cat. 

Michikatsu chewed on the blood cakes, feeling as though he had been eating delicacies one moment for the next to be given dog food. It tasted terrible but Tanjirou had refused to let him feast on humans and begrudgingly, he agreed. 

He could've started another fight and possibly would've won, but the fight in him seemed to fade when he saw Tanjirou's unwavering gaze.

This idiot loved him too much to fight him for a fourth time.

Hmph! Michikatsu decided to be the elder brother for once and not pick a fight with his youngest sibling. 

Nezuko rolled around on his knees and after a long time, Tanjirou picked up the edge of the blanket and looked inside. Two demons were huddled together, looking immensely bored but also too scared to leave their dark haven. 

The sight was strange to see but Tanjirou saw them and then relaxed before lowering the blanket. There was scuffling before Tanjirou said, "The sun is gone. I closed the windows."

Nezuko leaned out and scuffled over to Tanjirou. Michikatsu followed soon after, letting the blanket fall from his head. Bowls of steaming soup sat on the table, topped with curdled blood in his bowl and he began to uneasily eat it. It tasted as bad as he remembered but seeing Tanjirou across from him somehow made it taste better.

His little brother was both here and not here.

He didn't know why, but not seeing his identical face clad in an expressionless mask was a lot better. At least across from him, it didn't look like his face and it did too, at the same time. It was comfortably familiar and comfortingly unfamiliar at the same time.

Tanjirou looked up. "Is that enough blood for you? Tamayo-san mentioned that she survived quite some time with only animal blood."

Michikatsu looked up from his noodles and said, "Beta, alpha, or omega?"

"Beta," he replied. 

Michikatsu narrowed his eyes and then said, "I see."

He scooped a heaping of curdled blood in his mouth and then snarled, "Don't mess around too much, you're still a young omega prime."

There was silence as Michikatsu continued to scarf down his food. Tanjirou was giving him an unamused look but was silent.

The sound of chopsticks clinking against bowls was the only sound in the room before Tanjirou said, "I will be going into heat soon."

Michikatsu spat out his soup.

————————————————————————————

Giyuu stared down at his take-out bowl of simmered salmon, of course not without daikon. He hadn't seen Tanjirou in some days and got worried.

Despite how Tanjirou was naturally powerful as both a demon slayer in his own right and Yoriichi's reincarnation, it still stressed him out thinking of how Tanjirou hadn't shown up at headquarters for quite some time. 

.... salmon is good, right? Did omegas like salmon? Did it matter?

Giyuu knocked on the door of Tanjirou’s house, given to all pillars, though Tanjirou was an unofficial one. It was eerily silent. Giyuu panicked and the first thought in his brain was to simply fight his way through. He slammed down the door and marched inside with a singleminded determination to find Tanjirou and was instead met with the sight of Tanjirou lying on the floor, face first.

The candles were turned off and the windows were covered and the sight of Tanjirou on the floor motionlessly made for the worst image. 

Is... he dead?!

Giyuu raced forward and gave him a poke with the back of his sword. Tanjirou rolled over and peered at him with unsurprised eyes. "Giyuu-san? Is there something you need?" He said in a hushed voice. 

Unknowingly, Giyuu lowered his voice to a whisper too and said, "Are you alright? Why are you on the floor?"

"Nezuko and I are playing a game with our brother." Then he put a finger to his lips and quickly covered up Giyuu with his body, grabbing a blanket from nearby to drape over them.

There was something not human scented on the blanket but before Giyuu could get a closer smell, Tanjirou's scent gland was pushed against his nose as the omega prime leaned over to peer at the food. 

"For me?" He asked. 

Giyuu flushed, feeling vaguely embarrassed by their position before he nodded, almost wanting to kill him self when it made his nose press against Tanjirou's scent gland.

Tanjirou did not seem to notice. Instead, he opened the lid and hummed thoughtfully. 

Giyuu licked his lips at the aromatic scent invading his senses and stuttered, "I-I never knew you had a brother."

"Mm. I haven't seen him in a long time."

A scuffle outside of the blanket made Giyuu peek out and saw Nezuko. Nezuko glanced at him, figured something out with his gaze, and crawled into a closet before shutting the door silently. Footsteps echoed around the house and Giyuu caught the smell of demon before there was a roar and a squeak.

He wanted to move at that very moment but Tanjirou pressed him down with a quiet 'shhhh'. His body pressed against Giyuu's own made him freeze and silently refuse to move again. 

"Come, you defective demon! I will show you real terror!" A horribly demonic voice shouted. Then there was silence. 

That is, until there were small squeals of laughter. Giyuu had to strain to listen to check if his hearing was wrong. Nezuko was being tickled viciously and the sounds of her fruitlessly kicking were barely heard over her loud laughter. 

Eventually, there was a few more giggling squeaks before the blanket above them was ripped off with a triumphant cry. "Hmph, this game of hide-and-seek is no match for—....." his voice suddenly died.

Giyuu looked up and was met with the bright golden words of 'one' and suddenly felt a little more than worried when a foot lifted and stomped down on the spot where he was seconds ago.

"Aniue, you found me." Came Tanjirou's softly delighted voice before the actual Upper Moon One hissed, "Who is this alpha filth who dares touch you? I'll skewer him."

"Oh, he's Giyuu and he brought me some food—"

Giyuu unfortunately had to leave from under Tanjirou's legs and grab his sword, prepared to fight to the death with this Upper Moon as Tanjirou didn't seem to notice, too distracted with chattering how Giyuu was thoughtful enough to bring fish over. If there wasn't a demon in the house he had to fight, he would've blushed and probably stuttered some sort of reply.

Clashing swords met in the middle with a bang of sparks as Tanjirou finally looked at them with the realization of them fighting. 

He watched for a moment with a blank expression before he said, "Aniue? Giyuu-san?"

They ignored them in the desperation of a fight. 

He paused and then tried again.

Still nothing, only a muffled curse as Michikatsu almost destroyed the floor mats. He skidded to a halt and almost sliced Giyuu's head off if it wasn't for his 11th form. He moved quickly and then gave several more elegant swings with his sword at the demon, who bared his teeth in an agitated way.

Then, Tanjirou went in between them and swung his head backwards. There was an audible cracking noise as the Upper Moon demon cursed and clutched his nose before it began visibly healing. Giyuu had to stop himself from gaping like an idiot.

Tanjirou rubbed his head, unharmed and said, "Aniue, I think you need to calm down."

"Calm down?! He was groping an unmated omega prime, specifically, my brother!"

"Aniue, I am already old enough to dictate who will become my mates." Tanjirou then wordlessly helped him before he turned with a small smile.

"Would you like to stay for dinner?" He asked Giyuu who was gaping like an idiot. 

Nezuko chirruped behind them.

Chapter Text

Giyuu shook his head as he glanced at Kokushibou, who snarled at him. "I-I'm afraid that I have to go... I just wanted to drop off food."

He scuttled out the door, feeling deeply alarmed but not showing it on his face.

Inside the house, Tanjirou looked dejectedly at the floor. Then he turned to glare at Kokushibou. Nezuko joined him and they both squinted angrily at him.

"Look what you've done!" Tanjirou threw his hands in the air with a huff.

"What!" Kokushibou scrunched up his nose. "You got a crush on him or something?"

"...."

"Oh heavens, you do!"

————

"You're going to a brothel?" Kokushibou asked. "What for?"

"I am to infiltrate and find the demon who's picking off the courtesans."

Kokushibou scoffed. "It's Daki and Gyutaro, both siblings and Upper Moon 6. Douma turned them for Muzan. Do you want me to get rid of them for you?" His other eyes, the four that sat above and below his normal pair, opened with horrifying intensity. Despite that, he looked sad and disappointed in himself. 

Tanjirou sighed, lifting a brush and a piece of paper. He gave them to his brother and said, "Draw them for me."

Kokushibou stared at the brush given to him and then puffed a breath from his nose, taking it. Nezuko had long since sat in his lap, delighted by the large space, but was now staring at him as he drew. 

When he finished, he presented it to Tanjirou, who stared at it blankly. 

".... I see."

Kokushibou growled and looked back at his drawing. It was two people, one with squiggly hair and a simple face with eyelashed eyes and another person with the word 'ugly' written on the side. It was, in short, nearly useless. Not that it was ugly, it was just.... childish.

".... aniki, I think your drawing is amazing."

"I didn't ask."

"Aniki, I didn't lie."

"Unfortunately, I know that too." Kokushibou sighed and stroked Nezuko's head, who nuzzled the corner of his arm. "You know what? Just go. I'll hold down the fort here."

"Are you sure? I—"

"I can take care of myself—" Tanjirou interrupted him.

"— 'm not sure an old man like you will remember to feed yourself."

Kokushibou stared at him with a long, blank look. "Where did you get that sass."

"I have no idea what you mean," Tanjirou smiled. 

"It was Yushiro, wasn't it. Or was it that Inosuke? I'll pummel them both." Kokushibou deadpanned. 

Tanjirou shook his head and kissed both Nezuko's and Kokushibou's head. The older demon shut up immediately from the shock. Tanjirou smiled gently. "I'll see you too later. Thank you for the information, aniki. I'll be sure to get it to Tengen." He picked up Nezuko, placing her gently in the box.

Then he left.

Kokushibou laid on the floor before he gasped. "Wait a minute!! He's going into the red district with that perverted pillar with three wives?!!"

————

Tanjirou stared at the bracelets on his hands. He looked at Tengen and the two beside him. Standing there, waiting for brothel owners to collect them, it was so incredibly awkward. Inosuke and Zenitsu were arguing in hushed tones and they glared at Tengen every now and then, who ignored it.

Tanjirou sighed and scratched his cheek, lifting a finger away to look at the powder collected under his nails. 

Glancing at Tengen, who didn't look at him, he wiped his face away hurriedly with his sleeve and gestured at Inosuke and Zenitsu to help. Together, they all wiped away the makeup with their sleeves.

When Tengen looked up, they stared at him innocently, as if they didn't move at all.

He groaned. "You three! Why did you erase my flamboyant skills? It made you look so flamboyant!"

Tanjirou didn't speak but Inosuke started swinging, shouting about something before a woman came in and immediately chose Inosuke for his beautiful face. 

She glanced at Tanjirou with wide eyes and made a move to grab at him. Tengen smiled and stopped her. In the end, they were somehow bought into the three suspicious houses. 

He was put into the Tokito house. There, he served Koinatsu, who was kind and gentle. He faked his status and pretended to be a regular omega. The madam of the brothel house had wanted him to serve others, but he had politely refused.

"I'm waiting for my true love."

She stared at him like he was stupid and pitiful.

She sighed. ".... okay, what do you look for in a man?"

"I would like them to be able to protect my children even with their life." Tanjirou responded back.

Koinatsu and her attendants all looked at him with interest. The brothel owner waved a hand. "Elaborate further."

Tanjirou looked at the floor. Truthfully, he had no preference. His life as Yorichii would have even more boring and lonely than normal, if it wasn't for his best friends, Sumiyoshi, Suyako, and Uta. His life as Tanjirou, however, made him crave someone who could protect him with undying loyalty, someone who was inherently kind and gentle with kids.... 

Tanjirou flushed. His genes allowed him to birth as much pups as he wanted, and he.... wanted quite a lot...

He would happily continue Sumiyoshi's bloodline and truth be told, the Kamado family had such fertile genetics. He was a little curious. 

"I-I want a person who can give me as much pups as I want..." His face grew hotter than his sword when he did his breathing style. 

Too flustered to speak, he sputtered for a few minutes before the brothel lady took pity on him again and said, "It's fine. You can serve Koinatsu, alright? But if someone wants to pay for you, you will have to serve them, understand? Can you sing?"

Tanjirou shook his head.

"Paint?"

Tanjirou tilted his head. 

"Play an instrument?"

Tanjirou shook his head again.

"Sew? Arrange flowers? Write poetry? Can you even do anything?"

"I... I can dance. I danced the Kagura every year."

Her eyes lit up and she said, "Brilliant! You will dance for us!"

Tanjirou bowed his head silently and then scuttled back behind Koinatsu, who smiled at him kindly. Later, she brought all of her attendants close to her breast and said softly, "I will take care of all of you while I still can."

Tanjirou closed his eyes and prayed for her happy marriage.

Later that night, he was bought.

————

His mask fluttered in front of him as he lifted his tool and began to dance. His nose took shallow breaths, allowing him to filter the smells.

A demon sat in front of him, thinking they were hidden because of his veiled sight. 

Tanjirou ignored it and continued dancing, using the useless movements that made the Hinokami Kagura look more showy, more sensual. As his body moved without thinking through each form, tears sparked in his eyes again.

How blessed was he, to know that Sumiyoshi continued to take care of his earrings, his legacy, his Hi no Kokyu?

He would never be able to thank his friend enough. 

When he finished, he bowed. 

"Lovely," the demon purred, clapping enthusiastically. His scent thickened with lust and Tanjirou knew.

Muzan found him. 

Still, he said nothing, only slipping off his outer layer, draping it across the floor. A sharp inhale of breath spiked in the room. Tanjirou felt the rage in him burn at the hints of arousal wafting through the air.

How dare he murder his family and then lust after him. 

How dare he turn his beloved siblings into demons.

How dare he think that he could control and torture the ones around him like they were insects.

Tanjirou slid out the needle for blood, clasping it smoothly between his fingers. His wrist twisted as he started another dance, this time, an improvised one. His hands twisted and he was a flower flying through the breeze, waiting for hands to pluck him and keep him close.

It was fortunate that his body was designed to seduce a worthy alpha.

Tanjirou never knew hate as Yorichii, but as Tanjirou, he found himself emotional and feeling. 

This emotion spread to his dancing until his petals had sharpened into blades and he was a thorny rose, daring for anybody worthy to come and take him. 

Through the glimpses he got out of his veil, he was in a room alone with Muzan. 

His needle glinted ominously in the air. Without warning, he threw it out and it struck Muzan in the neck, immediately extracting his precious blood. Tanjirou moved quickly, throwing several more before he threw himself at Muzan and straddled him.

Muzan snarled, flashing sharp teeth before Tanjirou pressed his mouth to his neck. Muzan froze and Tanjirou continued moving, kissing his way down his chest, parting his suit. 

His heart pounded in his throat and he felt sick to his stomach as he forced his scent to permeate the room until even he felt sick with his own scent. 

He wanted to gag but he persisted, silently extracting the spare needles. 

Muzan healed fast, so he wouldn't know about them if he worked quickly. 

He sat up, slipping the needles back into his sleeves.

"I'm sorry for being so bold... I'm usually less enthusiastic but I think my heat is approaching soon...." he lilted softly.

Thankfully, his face was hidden by his mask. 

Muzan laughed, strained with heaviness. His erection poked against Tanjirou, who didn't move. "It's no problem. Would you like me to help you during your heat?" His voice was pitched with excitement. Tanjirou finally let his emotions of disgust and revulsion go through his scent.

"Ah, erm. I think I'm fine."

He stood up, wanting to cut off the skin that touched Muzan's but then his hand was grabbed. 

"Why'd you reject me." Muzan demanded.

Tanjirou tugged at his hand. "Please let go. Let go, or I'll call for someone to come!"

His nails cut into Tanjirou's delicate wrists. "Tell me. Do you know who I am or do you just spread your legs for any alpha but refuse me?"

"I don't know who you are!" 

"Lies!" Muzan roared. "If you dare call for help, I'll kill everyone here and make you suffer!" He pulled him roughly but Tanjirou held fast and twisted, pulling Muzan with his own momentum onto his stomach. 

Tanjirou took out the sword kept under his kimono and quickly struck, fast as lightning. His prowess with a sword would never be beaten by Muzan, but the man always forgot how strong he was, first with his lack of malice but now with his omegan status. 

He flew through his breathing styles like an arrow, quickly cutting up all of Muzan's hearts. Muzan screamed with rage and horror before he jumped out of the window, landing onto the shadowed platform on the ground, shivering and panting with pain.

Tanjirou stepped onto the window pane, unintentionally looking down at Muzan with the gaze of a beautiful god looking in disgust at a mere mortal. His expression was condescending and cold. In the sunlight, his red hair looked like flames, contrasting with his expression.

"Muzan, you're running away like a coward again, aren't you?" 

The people milling around stared at the beautiful omega who stood by the window, looking down at someone with an unmistakably enraged expression.

It was still bright outside, even with the clouds shielding the sun. Muzan, shaking terribly, ran away, leaving Tanjirou to stare after him with thinly veiled rage. 

When he confirmed his leave, he went back inside. The night ended without much trouble, though Tanjirou found himself anxiously traveling around the floors as if he was a guard dog. Koinatsu had to sacrifice her beauty sleep to pull him back to the futons. 

Properly chastised, Tanjirou fell into an uneasy sleep.

In the morning, he leapt up to the roof and soon met up with Inosuke. 

While Inosuke was loudly discussing the demon in his house, Tengen spoke up. "Zenitsu's not coming."

"What do you mean?" Tanjirou tilted his head. Tengen reached out and scented him softly. Tanjirou sighed and lowered his head so he could be allowed further access.

"I put you in terrible danger. I was too eager to save my wives and I made a grave mental error. Zenitsu's whereabouts are currently unknown. He stopped contacting me last night. Inosuke, you should leave. If there's an Upper Moon here, you can't deal with them." His breath huffed against Tanjirou's skin. 

He paused when he turned to look at Tanjirou. His hand was still gently rubbing at the corner of his eye. Tanjirou stared at him softly, gentleness in his eyes before he closed his eyes and said, "We will stay. I choose to believe Zenitsu and your wives are alive. We will act with that in mind and we will save them for sure. They're passages in each building, we know that because the demon here have to be discreet or they'd get caught."

Tengen grit his teeth. "Are you even listening?! I said leave! I'll handle this!"

Tanjirou grabbed his face, squishing his cheeks. "I met Muzan yesterday."

Both Inosuke and Tengen choked. "What?!"

"I wasn't able to kill him. Our battles take too much space and we were around too many people. You need me, Tengen, if there are Upper Moons. There isn't one, there's two, one named Daki and another named Gyutaro, both Upper Moon 6." Tanjirou stared into Tengen's eyes unblinkingly. "Let us stay so we can help you and get back Zenitsu and your wives."

He had once been told his gaze was unsettling, as if he was looking inside of someone. They weren't wrong, but it had only hurt a little. He couldn't turn off his sight. But when he looked into Tengen's eyes, all he could see was the Hashira's fast paced heart and flushed cheeks. 

He tilted his head again. "Are you alright?"

Tengen blushed brightly. "You're beautiful."

Before Tanjirou could react, Inosuke growled and hugged Tanjirou from behind. "Hey!! Don't ignore me!!"

Tengen left, flustered, leaving Tanjirou and Inosuke alone to make the plan. 

————

"Koinatsu-san."

She turned, staring at the sight of Tanjirou in his demon slayer uniform. Nezuko was tucked safely in the box. ".... you're not omega."

"No," he said softly. "I'm an omega prime."

She nodded. "I know. I had always wondered why you lied."

He froze and stared at her. She knew? Truthfully, he hadn't expected anyone to find out.

She smiled. "What are you here for?"

He recovered quickly. "Forgive me for being impolite. I will be leaving the Tokito House. I owe the master and the others for all the care they've provided for me, so could you give this payment to them?" He slid her an envelope of money and she took it with gentle hands. 

"You have your circumstances, don't you? You were worried about Suma-chan, right?"

"Yes! I really was, that wasn't a lie," he stressed, suddenly bothered by the fact that she might think he was lying. If it was anyone else or before he was Tanjirou, he wouldn't have cared. "I will save those who have disappeared."

Koinatsu reached over and stroked Tanjirou's long hair. "Come here. I will make your hair."

Tanjirou hesitated before he moved, seating himself before the oiran of the Tokito House. He clutched the box that held Nezuko tightly. Koinatsu took a comb and gently removed the tangles in his hair. 

Tanjirou was not vain, but he took care of his skin and body to make an example for Nezuko. When she would be older, he would be happy to see her wed.

Since he had been running, dancing, and working quite often, he hadn't had time to wash his hair or even style it. Koinatsu's hands were steady and soon, his hair was pinned up and neat again. "Thank you," she said as she tucked another lock of hair into the up-do. "I'm a little relieved now. You know that I'm leaving tomorrow. I worry for everyone I'm leaving behind. Even though there were a lot of unsettling incidents around, I had no means to investigate them..."

"That's natural, so please don't worry about it. Just smile!" Tanjirou's lips stretched into a smile as he turned, hoping she'd return it too.

She did. Tanjirou never knew that omegas could bond so easily, but it was perhaps a survival mechanism to find others just like him. There was safety in numbers, after all. 

She smiled and then said, "I didn't know you long, but I'm sad to hear you leave. I'm sad to be leaving too, even if I am lucky. I hope to see you again."

Tanjirou turned fully, staring into her eyes before he bowed his head. He left and waited, his nose twitching.

He hated to deceive her by pretending to leave, but something told him she was going to be attacked. 

There was suddenly Koinatsu's voice. "Did you forget something?" She asked kindly before fear filled her lily-like scent. 

"Yep. I'm going to eat you now so I don't forget. After all, it is your last night. Right, Koinatsu?"

Tanjirou leapt back into the room, kicking the demon in the face. Looking at her, she might've been Daki from his aniki's drawing. But where was Gyutaro....?

She growled. "Who the hell are you?! How dare you kick my beautiful face?!"

"I am Kamado Tanjirou, the Sun Pillar!" He brandished his sword. "Where's your brother?!"

She startled. "H-How—" she snapped out of it. "You won't find him!" She reached out and grabbed his hair, pulling. 

"How dare you claim yourself as a pillar! You're barely over my age!" She preened at her own youth, her claws digging into the hairstyle Koinatsu put on him. 

Growling, Tanjirou readied his sword. 

'Hi no Kokyu: Clear Blue Sky!'

Unfortunately, he had to cut off his hair too, leaving his long, wine colored hair on the floor as he cut off Daki's arm.

Daki roared and glared at him, baring her teeth as her hand began to heal. Behind Tanjirou, Koinatsu whimpered. 

Daki stared at him a little longer before her eyes widened in horror. "Y-You're the one who can kill him!" She shook like a leaf before she bolted, screaming, "No, no, no, no, no no no nonononONONONONOOOOO!!!"

Tanjirou flew after her, identifying her easily amongst the waking geishas and prostitutes. 

"Everyone, please step away from them! Warabihime is a criminal and can kill you!!" Koinatsu ran out of her room and screamed. There were startled shouts of people getting out of the way and Daki turned, growling at Tanjirou.

"Stupid!! You ruin everything!! I could've eaten a Pillar today!! I hate you!!!"

Tanjirou looked at her serenely. "You're only a child, hate is a strong word."

"Hate!! I hate you!!!"

They stopped in the middle of the street and Daki turned, making desperate attempts to fight back, her sashes flying everywhere. Tanjirou spent more time fighting back the sashes than actually killing her, but he took his time, content to let this play out. 

Because of her panic, she didn't attempt to attack anyone, only him with her sash. 

He took a shallow inhale and then dodged the pieces of fabric flying through the air and coming back to her. Her black hair turned silver and her ferocity increased. 

Tanjirou flinched when a man came out of the store and started shouting. "Hey, what are you doing there!!!"

Tanjirou thought Koinatsu had made sure everyone had stayed out of the way, but now looking around, he realized that they had strayed far from the Tokito House. 

"Don't go arguing in front of other peoples' stores!"

".... How annoying." Daki hissed. 

Tanjirou tensed and unsheathed his sword, quickly catching all of her attacks before they struck the houses. The man was still standing in the middle of the road and before Tanjirou could cut the sash, it struck him across the chest.

Tanjirou gasped, before he quickly took control of his breathing. He skidded to a halt, blood briefly splattering across the floor before it stopped. With the amount, it looked like he was about to die.

"I-I—" Having expected some childish brawl and not a deadly fight, the beta gaped at the violence. Both of them were so fast, after images still stayed, showing how Tanjirou protected everyone around them and took a hit for the man. Even then, the man was still cut, a deep one on his arm, almost cutting it in half if Tanjirou hadn't taken most of it. 

Tanjirou inhaled more scents. Fear, pain, horror, confusion all bled into the air, as well as blood. He turned his head briefly. There was a beautiful lady, clutching her severed hand, sobbing as her friend tried to staunch the bleeding. 

He hated demons. 

Tanjirou said, "Calm down. You... You'll be okay.... just bind your arm with a cord." He quickly hand the man a long bandage to wrap around the cut before he said to Daki, "Wait. Unforgivable. How dare you do this."

More blood splattered to the floor from his loss of concentration in his fury. The man looked at him in horror, as did everyone else. 

His voice was like thunder, low but monstrous with rage. 

Daki sneered, triumphant. "Huh? You're still talking? I've had enough of your plain existence. The lives of grotesque humans have no value whatsoever. You can all have fun rotting in hell."

She continued to walk away, almost skipping a step from hurting the supposed 'Strongest Pillar'.

She stopped when her legs were cut off from under her. She tumbled to a fall, getting a mouthful of dirt from the roof.

She turned and met the gleaming eyes of a predator far stronger than her.

————

"Lives that have been lost will never come back. They won't ever return."

The human in front of her should've been strong, but he betrayed her expectations. It must've all been rumors. However, why was he still walking and talking? His blood even stopped dripping from his wounds. 

"Living, breathing creatures do not go the way of demons." His eyes had memories inside of them. 

"Why do you take them?" He continued, "Why do you trample on people's lives?"

And suddenly, her ears rang with the memories of someone else, of two voices overlapping. A taller man, one with an equally beautiful face and the same graceful demeanor, overlapped with the man in front of her.

"What's so fun about it? What's so enjoyable? What do you think lives are?"

Who was he? Dunno him.

"Why don't you know? How could you forget? You were human too, once. You must've struggled with pain and suffering and shed tears." 

Expelling the thoughts from her head, she smashed the roof, partly to cut off his annoying speech and partly to distract her own memories. What the hell? Why were Muzan's cells' memories coming to her? It was annoying and distracting.

She did have memories of her past life, but she told the annoyingly beautiful man that she didn't. She tried to hint that beautiful, strong demons could do anything, even kill a little weakling like him, but he just stared at her with such a blank look, it was as if he was looking inside of her.

"What the hell are you looking at?!"

"Being a demon does not mean you stop your suffering. Instead, it makes you selfish. You're a selfish little girl who hurts others because you were hurting in your life as human." He spat it out and Daki flinched hard before righteous fury entered her again.

This man!!!

How dare he!!! 

She flung her sashes at him, knowing that they were stronger now. She would win....! He cut through them without even flinching or moving, merely waving his word. He was more lovely than her, even bloody and his hair choppy and smoothed back from his impromptu haircut and she hated it.

"You're a spoiled little brat," he announced. 

Embarrassment flooded Daki's face and veins. She had never been treated in such a way!!

Before she could attack again, another demon immediately kicked off her head.

This was it! This was the demon her Muzan had spoken about! How could they all treat her like this?! She was so beautiful, why were their feet trampling on her?

She immediately fought with the lowly demon girl, but somehow, her regeneration speed and healing exceeded Daki's. She had never been so humiliated and embarrassed. How could some half-assed girl like her beat Daki? How could a pillar prettier than her almost kill her?

She really, really, wanted her brother.

Then she burnt her!! The demon brat set her on fire!

She hated fire! Hated it! She hated it just as much as she hated that Sun Pillar!

Then her head was cut off and that Sound Pillar said she was weak!

Daki burst into tears and called for her brother. He gently put on her head and started protecting her. She didn't forget to remind him to go after the demon brat. Still, she rubbed her teary eyes and knew that she would be protected. 

That was, until that Sun Pillar came in, severed her brother's arms in one blow and said, "I will evacuate the citizens. Nezuko will stay here and help you. She can understand you, so don't act like she's stupid, got that?" His tone was now commanding and the other Pillar nodded, though confused.

"Wait, what happened to your hair?! We need you! You can defeat these two instantly!"

The Sun Pillar huffed. "All four of you need to get stronger. If we are to kill Muzan, I wouldn't want to be held back." His voice was very cold.

The other Pillar straightened almost comically fast, and nodded quickly, intimidated. "Yes, sir!"

Daki and Gyutaro were defeated sometime later. 

Gyutaro's poisons were useless against the girl's powers, especially since she was already working with the Sound Pillar. Daki hated how it was her fault that they had lost. It was because she was weak, and her brother had to focus on both her and himself. 

Daki was weak, and soon, she would be alone.

————

Tanjirou came to a rest beside the two demon heads. They were screaming at each other. 

"The demon brat was still alive, so I wanted to finish her off first!! I mean, you didn't even do jack shit, so YOU finish the damn pillar off!!" Gyutaro screamed. 

Daki hissed. "Then you could've manipulated me to do that! And yet you didn't do anything! You let your guard down!!"

"Oh, just shut up!! You have that Upper Moon title, even if it's just a joke! At least try to beat two wounded underlings on your own, dumbass!!"

There was a moment of silence filled with their labored breathing before Daki screamed back, "There's no way an unsightly thing like you could ever be my sibling!!"

She continued to scream insults at him as Gyutaro stared at her with wide eyes. Then it was Gyutaro's turn to tear into her. As Daki began to tear up, Tanjirou stepped forward after putting Nezuko back into her box. 

"Things would've been great if only you weren't bor—"

"That's a lie." Tanjirou said, carefully covering his mouth. "You honestly don't think that. It's all a lie. Just try to get along. All you siblings have left in this world are each other. Nobody's going to forgive you for what you've done." 

Tanjirou swallowed the lump in his throat. It reminded him of when Kokushibou turned into a demon. Everyone but the Ubayashiki head and the Rengoku head lost faith in him. 

He and Kokushibou should've made up and talked about his insecurities sooner. 

"You're hated and despised by all the people you've killed, and now they're disparaging you. No person can be your ally. That's why the two of you shouldn't be cursing at each other right now."

Daki screamed. "You're so annoying!! Don't lecture us!! Go away, shitty brat! Go somewhere else!! This sucks! This sucks! Do something, onii-chan!! I don't wanna die!!!" She sobbed and cried out one last time, "Onii...." before she faded.

Gyutaro screamed for her. "Ume!!"

Nezuko crawled out of her box. She and Tanjirou cradled their remains until they faded into the light.

Tanjirou held his sister close, thanking the gods that he still had a sister and a brother, one sibling from each of his lives. He thanked the gods for being able to have a second chance to right his wrongs, to find Muzan and kill him for what he had done to his family.

No, his families.

He slumped against Nezuko.

"Er... Tanjirou-san... are you alright now?" 

Tanjirou nodded, putting Nezuko back in to sleep. He looked up at Tengen's face, which was set in a nervous expression. "I'm fine." He said softly, before he was helped up by Tengen.

Truthfully, he had left because his pre-heat symptoms were getting worse and as each day passed, his worry had gotten worse. Spending time with virile alphas like Tengen made it worse. He could only hope that the medicine he had gotten from Koinatsu would prolong them. 

Tengen looked at him and then turned back to stare at his three wives before he said, "You know, I'm not actually married to them. It's just that they were going to be married to this one dick from my clan, so I got worried for them and volunteered to be their fake husband." He glanced at Tanjirou, as if he was waiting for a certain reaction. "So... we're not actually in love, though I do consider them my pack."

Tanjirou smirked at Tengen, "Is that so?" His hand gently danced down Tengen's chest. Tengen flushed and nodded vigorously.

Tanjirou pulled away and said teasingly, "That's interesting." Then before he walked away, he summoned Chachamaru and bent over to hand him the multiple needles of Muzan's and the Upper Moon 6's blood, ignoring the laughter from Tengen's 'fake' wives and Tengen's choke. 

"Get this to Tamayo-san safely, okay? Please ask her to give me more." He said as he scratched Chachamaru's ears. Chachamaru purred and circled his legs several times before he disappeared again. 

He stood up again and smiled. "I'll go to Ubayashiki personally for the report. Please, don't wait for me and get some medical help, okay?"

Tengen nodded, saying almost self consciously, "Your hair looks flamboyant." Tanjirou laughed and leaned up to kiss his cheek before he turned and left.

Maybe he should start getting closer to the other Pillars too....

————

Kokushibou found himself in the Dimensional Infinity Fortress.

He carefully rid all of his thoughts on how proud he was of Tanjirou and Nezuko and glared coolly at Douma and several of the other demons who popped up. Muzan had begun frantically creating more demons lately, but they all knew it was useless. There was no point in creating humans that would just die or get cured.

He should've wrote a note to Tanjirou....