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“Sanemi,” his mother spoke softly, her hand brushing through his pale hair. “You don't have to go. We have everything we need.”
Sanemi smiled, “I want to pick up a few things. And maybe I can earn some extra money while I'm out. Don't worry, I'll be back soon.”
“Aniki," Shuya whined, tugging at his sleeve. “Please, can I come too? I promise to help.”
“Maybe another time,” Sanemi said, patting Shuya's head gently as his younger siblings gathered around him.
“Please, let us come,” Tekio pleaded, wrapping her arms around his leg.
Sumi peeked out from behind their mother. “Yeah, I want to go with Nemi,” she said, reaching for her older brother.
“You can't,” their mother said firmly, lifting Sumi up.”Your brother is going to work. He'll spend time with you when he gets back.”
Shuya's eyes lit up. “Will you read me a story?” he asked eagerly, receiving a nod in response. “You're the best. Hiroshi came to play with me!” With that, he ran inside with the two girls, laughter filling the air.
Hiroshi looked up at Sanemi. “Aniki, I'll watch over Shuya so he doesn't cause any trouble.”
Sanemi chuckled. “I know you will. You always do.” With that, Hiroshi followed the others into the house, their laughter echoing in the open space.
Shizu hugged her son. “I'm afraid you'll need a haircut soon. Your hair is getting quite long.”
Sanemi laughed. “I should. Where's Genya?”
“Always looking out for others. I'm so proud you're my son,” Shizu said warmly. “He wanted to take a walk. He's got Koto with him; she wouldn't stop crying.”
Nodding, Sanemi hugged his mother one last time before waving goodbye. As he walked away, memories of their late father flashed through his mind. Since his father's passing, their mother had worked tirelessly, and Sanemi had taken on odd jobs around the nearby village to help make ends meet. Now, he had a steady job selling food, and their mother's smile had returned.
“Ni-chan,” a voice brought a smile to Sanemi's face. Genya, just five years younger and closest to his age, approached quietly, the youngest sibling sleeping peacefully on his back. “Heading to work?”
Sanemi nodded, looking at Koto with affection. “Always. I've been working since I was fifteen.”
Genya's voice softened. “Just... be safe out there.”
Sanemi smirked. “When am I not?” He ruffled Koto's hair gently and laughed. “Go on home, Genya. Mom worries enough with you disappearing all the time. If anything happens, protect them. Stay safe.” With that, he started off.
“Love you, Nii-chan,” Genya called after him, disappearing into the trees toward their hidden home.
“Love you too,” Sanemi murmured, unsure if Genya heard.
Descending the mountain, Sanemi walked through the village. Every villager greeted him warmly; his reputation for helping out—fixing doors, carrying loads, anything—had earned him respect and support. They'd mend clothes, offer flowers to his mother, coal for warmth, and extra food. All he wanted after work was sleep; the sun had set, and the winter wind chilled him to the bone as he trudged home. Legs weakening, darkness crept over him until he collapsed.
“Shinazugawa,” a villager called out. “Come inside.”
He tried to respond but his body refused. Darkness closed in, and he fell, promising himself he'd get back up.
~~~
The smell of food roused him from sleep. Groggily, Sanemi sat up, realizing he hadn't made it out of the village. He glared at the man with his back turned to him. Standing up, Sanemi saw that daylight filled the house—he had slept through the entire night. His mother was going to kill him; he had promised to return.
“A good suggestion would be not to stay out after dark,” A voice said, sending a chill down his spine. “Especially at night. You never know when a demon might attack.”
Sanemi laughed, looking at the older man. “Demons don't exist.”
“You'd be surprised, young Shinazugawa,” the man replied, turning to face him. “They come out at night. They hurt anyone they can, and many people don't know about them because there are those who protect us from these horrid creatures.”
Sanemi, now eighteen, listened skeptically. “Demons are dangerous? You have to do anything to survive against them? They turn humans into demons? I'll make sure to run.”
He decided to leave, thinking the man had lost his mind. Known in the village for his kind soul and respected as the oldest man, the elder's warning seemed outlandish. Climbing up the snow-covered path was difficult; the deep snow extended his journey. Normally, this wouldn't be a problem for Sanemi, but today the snow was too deep.
Relief washed over him as his home came into view. He rushed towards it, shouting, “I’m home!” But his voice caught in his throat when he saw Genya face down in the snow, clutching Koto, the youngest, whose head peeked out from Genya's grasp. Blood covered them both, staining the white ground red. Dread filled Sanemi as he saw the front door, broken open, and the house soaked in blood. The walls and ceiling were splattered, and his family lay in pieces, their limbs severed, their faces drained of colour.
He was too late. They were all dead. Mum. Genya. Sumi. Tekio. Hiroshi. Shuya. Koto. They lay together, cold to the touch. Tears blurred his vision as he approached Genya, who still held Koto. He touched their's face—cold, with no pulse, just like the others. But Genya's body was barely warm, with a weak pulse.
Grabbing the axe lodged in a nearby log, Sanemi gently unwrapped Koto from Genya's grasp, then lifted his barely-alive brother onto his back. He rushed down the mountain, desperate to get Genya to a doctor.
Who would do this? A bear? No. Why him? Why his family? They were innocent. None of them had done anything. Why is this happening?
Sanemi's determination was unwavering: he needed to protect Genya. Genya had to survive, and Sanemi would ensure it.
He ran, his breath growing quickened as the cold air stung his lungs, slowing his pace. Pushing forward, he suddenly felt a hand grip his white hair, Genya.
“Genya, stop,” Sanemi shouted, his voice raw with urgency. “You're fine. I’ll protect you.” His younger brother grunted, his grip tightening painfully as he dragged Sanemi closer to the cliff's edge. Panic surged through Sanemi as he struggled to free himself, but Genya's hold was relentless, his strength unnaturally amplified.
“Genya, please!” Sanemi's desperation grew as he felt his brother's grip tighten, his fingers like iron bands around Sanemi's arms. Genya's eyes were wild, unseeing, driven by some unseen force. Sanemi's heart pounded in his chest as he fought to stay upright, but Genya's strength was too much. With a final, forceful yank, Genya unwrapped his legs, and they both plunged over the edge.
The world turned upside down as they tumbled through the air, the cold wind whipping past them. Sanemi's scream echoed through the night, a cry of fear and desperation that was swallowed by the howling wind. They crashed into the snow below, the impact jarring every bone in Sanemi's body. He gasped for breath, the cold seeping into his very core.
Dazed, Sanemi pushed himself up on trembling arms, his vision blurred by pain and tears. He saw Genya standing there, head lowered, his entire frame radiating an eerie, otherworldly aura. His shirt hung in shreds, revealing the raw, bleeding wounds beneath, and his feet were bare, skin raw and blue from the cold.
“Genya, you shouldn't be standing. You're bleeding out. I can't lose you,” Sanemi said, voice cracking with emotion. He took a cautious step forward, but before he could reach him, Genya lunged.
Sanemi barely had time to react as Genya's claws slashed through the air, his eyes now pitch black and devoid of humanity. His hair, tipped with an unnatural yellow, framed a face that was twisted with rage and pain. Dark, pulsing veins spread across his skin, giving him a monstrous appearance.
Desperation fueled Sanemi's movements as he grabbed the axe lying nearby, shoving the wooden handle into Genya's mouth to prevent him from biting. Genya's growls deepened, echoing with a primal ferocity that sent chills down Sanemi's spine. His strength was overwhelming, and Sanemi struggled to hold him off.
“Genya,” Sanemi's voice trembled, tears streaming down his face. “It's your Nii-chan. Snap out of it.” But Genya's assault didn't cease; he continued to push, his claws digging furrows into the frozen ground.
“Genya,” Sanemi's plea turned to a desperate sob. “Please, stop.”
The weight of the situation crushed Sanemi's heart. He could feel Genya's inhuman strength increasing, the boy he once knew slipping further away. Sanemi's mind raced with memories of their shared childhood, the bond they had forged through hardship and love.
“Genya, I won't give up on you,” Sanemi cried out, his voice breaking under the strain. “I promised to protect you, and I will. Fight it, Genya. Fight!”
For a fleeting moment, something flickered in Genya's dark eyes, a brief spark of recognition. Sanemi clung to that hope, using every ounce of his strength to keep the axe handle in place, to prevent Genya from causing more harm.
“Remember who you are, Genya. Remember our family. Remember me,” Sanemi added, his voice a desperate whisper. “You can fight this.”
With a final, desperate push, Sanemi rolled them both into the deeper snow, hoping the shock of the cold might bring Genya back to his senses. He held his breath, praying for a miracle as snowflakes fell around them, each one a fragile symbol of hope in the frozen night.
“Genya, no.” Demons. That's what he said. Demons exist. Genya... a demon? But how? In the night... they suffered. His family... slaughtered
“GENYA!” Sanemi yelled desperately. “SNAP OUT OF IT! Don’t lose the fight. You’re stronger than that!” Genya, his last remaining family member, seemed lost in the grip of something beyond his control. Tears streamed down Sanemi's face as he pleaded, hoping to reach his baby brother buried deep within.
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed closer, and Sanemi tensed, ready to defend against any threat. Suddenly, something struck Genya’s hair, and he felt himself propelled backward, pain shooting through his spine as Genya's head collided with his chest. Groaning from the impact, Sanemi struggled to regain his bearings, only to see a man with pink hair and a sword in hand, glaring at them fiercely.
Sanemi instinctively wrapped his arms protectively around Genya, shielding him from the man's intense gaze. The stranger's eyes, cold and gray-purple, showed no mercy. Why was he attacking them? Sanemi stood his ground, his own eyes narrowing with determination as he prepared for whatever threat this man posed.
“Let go of the fucking demon,” he screamed. “It will kill you.”
“He's my little brother!” Sanemi cried out, his voice thick with anguish. "He was hurt while I was away." Genya snarled, his arms reaching out menacingly toward the man with hexagon patterns on his kimono, his face contorting with disgust.
In an instant, Genya lunged forward with explosive rage. Sanemi's entire body surged with fury. He wouldn't let anyone harm his gentle, caring brother—someone who always looked out for others.
Before he could reach them, Genya's arms were restrained behind his back, the man's grip firm and unyielding. “You call this thing your brother?” the man sneered, tightening his hold as Genya struggled and snarled, desperate to break free.
“Genya would never hurt anyone. He wouldn't eat humans. ”
Sanemi shouted as the man stabbed the boy in his chest. Blood poured as he ripped the sword out of the chest.
“Demons are demons.” His voice was sharp as he pointed the sword at Sanemi. “When your words prove to be wrong, you will feel like the weakling you are. My job is to kill any demons.”
~~~
In that moment, Sabito saw the white-haired man sprinting towards him, fists clenched. The man grabbed a tree branch and hurled it, but Sabito effortlessly deflected the makeshift weapon with his swords. The other moved swiftly, darting behind the cover of trees, the demon attempting to escape the grip against the hold as the white male made a run for it.
Branches and rocks continued to rain down around Sabito as he pursued, each step growing closer to hitting its mark. Yet, Sabito knew these attacks were futile. He had seen this scenario play out countless times before. “A demon won't hurt anyone, they're my sibling,” he thought to himself, frustrated by the absurdity of it all.
As the man closed in, Sabito anticipated his next move. With precise timing, he swung his sword, the handle connecting solidly with the man's head. The blow sent him sprawling, face-first into the ground.
“YOU FOOL!” Sabito screamed in frustration. “You can't protect your so-called sibling.”
The demon ceased its struggle momentarily, watching as the 'brother' growled on the ground. Dealing with this one was proving more troublesome than the usual demons. Suddenly, Sabito saw the axe swinging towards his face. He narrowly dodged it, the blade burying itself into a tree trunk behind him. How had the man managed to catch him off guard like that? Sabito realized the distraction with the tree branches had been deliberate, setting him up for the unexpected strike from the sword hilt.
As the demon continued to pull at his limbs, Sabito was kicked back across the snow. The white-haired demon swiftly seized the man and dragged him to safety.
Sabito was stunned. How was the demon protecting his brother? He had just been transformed into a demon; he shouldn't care about the man being his brother. The demon should have been ravenous, ready to attack any human in its path. “It's my fault,” Sabito thought. “I should have kept them safe.”
The demon lunged forward again, claws extended, but its movements were clumsy and uncoordinated, making it easy for Sabito to evade. With practiced skill, Sabito retrieved his sword and prepared to strike, but the demon unexpectedly grabbed him by the throat.
“GENYA.” The demon snapped towards the voice. “Don't hurt him.”
The demon glared fiercely before huffing and stalking towards his brother. Sabito reacted swiftly, delivering a precise strike to the side of the demon's neck, rendering both unconscious. He knew he would face consequences for not fulfilling his duty to kill demons, but something about sparing these two felt different to him. Placing a bamboo gag in the demon's mouth, he waited for them to awaken.
Sabito wrestled with his own decision. He had always adhered strictly to his role as a demon slayer, dispatching demons without hesitation. Yet, this time, he chose mercy.
“Hey, you,” the white haired male finally woke up and spoke, looking up at Sabito. “What the hell are you?”
Sabito's gaze hardened. “I'm a demon slayer. If you want your brother to survive, keep him out of sunlight. Demons perish in daylight.”
The man persisted, his arms protectively wrapped around his unconscious brother. “And if we're attacked again, like you just did?”
“I don't care,” Sabito retorted sharply. “Consider yourselves fortunate I spared you. If others come after you and your 'brother,' their descion is of no concern to me.”
Furious, the man rose to his feet, clutching his kimono tightly. “Have you never cared about anyone? I lost my entire family! I need to restore him back to human!”
Sabito's resolve wavered briefly as he considered the man's words, his expression softening just slightly.
I did lose someone.
Sabito closed his eyes, knowing the man had the potential to become a demon slayer, but Urokodaki would never train another apprentice.
“Go to this place…” Sabito grabbed a pen and swiftly scribbled an address, pulling the man's hand towards him. “I'll arrange for someone to train you. His name is Masachika Kumeno. He's a skilled demon slayer and will teach you what you need to know.”
As Sabito walked away, he heard the man begin to ask questions, but he chose to ignore them. His priority now was to warn the master.
~~~
Sanemi was furious. The bastard had abandoned them, leaving them stranded without any idea of their location. It didn’t matter, though; his priority was protecting Genya from the sun. That was all that mattered.
“I will hunt down every demon until I find the one responsible.”
After burying their family, Genya stood beside him, his expression bleak and empty. Rage coursed through Sanemi as he rose and walked, with Genya trailing behind. He vowed to exterminate every last demon; he would never allow such vile creatures to hurt anyone again. Masachika Kumeno could go to hell—Sanemi didn’t need him. As he glanced at his brother, now shorter than him again, Sanemi’s resolve hardened.
He gathered every weapon he could find: chains, axes, knives, hammers, and more. Violence was the only way to protect his brother, and he would do whatever it took.
For the next week, this became his routine. Each night, he used his arsenal to attack demons, binding them in thick chains and hanging them from trees to let the sunlight turn them to ashes. All the while, Genya stood by, lifeless and unresponsive, as if he weren't even there. During the day, they hid in a cave, safe from the sun.
His blood.
Sanemi’s blood seemed to disorient the demons, making them easier to capture. Though he wasn’t entirely sure why, he used this advantage to hunt them down relentlessly.
At one point, while Sanemi went to buy food and water, he returned to find a giant hole dug in the ground. Pitch-black eyes looked up at him as a huff escaped Genya’s lips. It was adorable. Moments like this made Sanemi feel like nothing had changed; his younger brother still huffed and puffed whenever something didn’t suit him.
That night, however, the demon was stronger than usual. Its sharp nails slashed across Sanemi’s face, leaving a scar from his cheek to his nose, just like Genya. Blood gushed out as the demon continued its assault.
No, no, no.
Pinned to the ground, Sanemi watched in horror as the demon brought its gaping maw closer, its breath reeking of decay. Just as the creature’s teeth were about to sink into his flesh, it was violently yanked away. In an instant, Genya, now sporting yellow hair and a significantly taller frame, stood where the demon had been. Sanemi's mind raced, trying to process the impossible transformation.
The air filled with feral growls as Genya and the demon clashed. Despite his confusion, Sanemi couldn't tear his eyes away. Genya moved with a speed and strength that seemed almost supernatural. In a sudden burst of power, Genya hurled the demon to the ground with a bone-shattering thud. Seizing the opportunity, Sanemi sprang into action. He swung his axe with all his might, hacking into the demon’s arms and legs with brutal precision, rendering it helpless.
Without missing a beat, Sanemi grabbed the thick chains he had prepared. He wound them tightly around the demon’s limbs and torso, pulling them so taut that they cut into the creature’s flesh. Blood oozed from the wounds, but Sanemi didn't relent. Genya, displaying his newfound agility, leapt into the air and expertly secured the chains to the highest branch of a nearby tree. The demon dangled helplessly, its body swaying as it struggled in vain against its bindings.
The brothers stood back, panting from the exertion. Sanemi’s eyes were fixed on Genya, who now shrunk back to his usual size, his hair reverting to its natural color.
Sanemi immediately rushed to his brother as Genya shrunk back to normal, his hair returning to its usual color.
“Genya,” Sanemi said, “You saved me. You’re great, thank you.” He softly ran his hand through Genya’s Mohawk. He saw the way his brother’s dark eyes gleamed as they closed in contentment at the praise.
Suddenly, the sound of clapping filled the emptiness of the woods. Sanemi grabbed his axe and rushed toward the sound, swinging the weapon.
“Whoa, whoa,” a man said, wearing a uniform similar to the pink bastard’s. Sanemi stopped, confused.
“Don’t worry,” Kumeno Masachika said with a smile as he looked at the two brothers. “I’m here to train you. I assume you know Sabito? He mentioned an address but added, ‘The white-haired man seems stubborn, so please make your way over there.’”
That son of a…
Sanemi narrowed his eyes and tightened his grip on the axe. Genya moved to his side, tilting his head curiously at the newcomer.
“Aww,” Kumeno said, looking down at Genya with an expression of awe. “He’s a demon but looks like a little human. Oh, what’s your name, little one?”
Sanemi chuckled darkly. “Are you blind? He can’t speak. His name is Shinazugawa Genya, and he’s my little brother.”
Kumeno’s eyes widened as he glanced at the demon dripping blood from the tree. Pure shock registered on his face as he turned back to Sanemi. “You did that?” When Sanemi nodded, Kumeno continued, “Well, that throws strength and combat out the window. We’ll focus on breathing techniques and concentration.”
Sanemi was incredulous. “What? I know how to do both.”
Kumeno looked at Genya, who stared blankly. “No, you don’t. Wind breathing. How old are you again? And your name—it’s rude not to introduce yourself.”
Sanemi rolled his eyes. “Shinazugawa Sanemi, and I’m eighteen.”
Kumeno smiled and turned back. “Amazing, that means we’re the same age. Well, it’s almost sunrise, so we should hide your brother. I’ll find something to cover him. We don’t want to waste daylight.”
As Sanemi walked back to their hideout, he couldn’t help but wonder about Kumeno. Why didn’t he try to attack them like that peach-haired idiot did? He noticed how Kumeno smiled at Genya, who clung to his brother’s hand. Genya crawled back into his hole, his eyes filled with helplessness and misery. Within minutes, Kumeno returned with a wooden box.
“It’s a very light box, and it’s sunproof,” he grinned. “Meaning it’s safe for travel during the day!”
“How did you—” Sanemi began, but Kumeno cut him off, moving away.
“Now get him inside it so we can go,” Kumeno called from outside, making Sanemi groan.
The older Shinazugawa opened the box and looked at Genya. “Genya, any chance you can become smaller?” He was met with wide eyes. “Small. To fit in here.” Silence.
This is hopeless.
Sanemi sighed, feeling the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He glanced at Kumeno, who seemed unfazed and ready for action. Sanemi knew they had to trust this new ally, even if his methods and presence were still a mystery.
“Are you hungry? Do you need water?” Sanemi asked gently.
“Ch... icha-ni,” Genya stammered.
Sanemi grinned. “Oh, you’re trying to say Nii-chan?”
Kumeno gave a nod of approval. “We need to move quickly. The sun will be up soon, and we can’t afford to be exposed.”
Sanemi nodded, determination etched into his features. With Genya safe in the sunproof box on his back, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
"I'm glad," Kumeno said as they walked through the early dawn light. "You have the physical strength to hunt demons, but now it's time to teach you Wind Breathing. I think you’ll learn it quickly. Unfortunately, I’m not a certified trainer. I learned from an ex-Hashira, but I was his student."
Sanemi was about to ask more when Kumeno continued, cutting him off. "So, I know pretty much all his techniques and tricks. I won't go easy on you. The Hashira himself asked me to train you since I'm the closest in rank. So, Shinazugawa, I'm your trainer now. Run as fast as you can and follow me."
With that, Kumeno shot off, leaving Sanemi to sprint after him. Sanemi pushed himself hard, nearly catching up as they ran through the forest. Eventually, they arrived at an open clearing with a small house on the side. Sanemi carefully placed the wooden box on the ground while Kumeno spread a blanket and coaxed Genya to sleep, scribbling a note and attaching it to a crow before sending it off.
"You have Marechi blood," Kumeno said, his black hair flowing in the wind. "It's extremely rare and highly intoxicating to demons. You can use it in battles, but it's risky." He observed Sanemi intently before tossing a wooden sword in his direction and grabbing one for himself.
"Now, Wind Breathing..." Kumeno began, positioning himself in a ready stance. "Wind Breathing techniques rely on swift, fluid movements and precise control of your breath. The goal is to harness the power of the wind, making your attacks faster and more powerful. Follow my lead."
Sanemi nodded, gripping the wooden sword tightly. Kumeno demonstrated the first form, his movements sharp and deliberate. Sanemi mimicked him, feeling the rush of air as he swung the sword. Kumeno corrected his posture and grip, emphasizing the importance of breathing rhythm and focus.
As they trained, the sun rose higher, casting a warm glow over the clearing. Sweat dripped down Sanemi’s face, but he didn’t waver. Kumeno pushed him relentlessly, driving him to perfect each movement. The morning passed in a blur of sword swings and breathing exercises.
By the time they took a break, Sanemi’s muscles ached, but he felt a sense of accomplishment. Kumeno nodded approvingly. “You’re a quick learner. With dedication, you’ll master Wind Breathing in no time. Remember, it’s not just about strength; it’s about precision and control. Keep practising, and you’ll become a formidable demon slayer.”
Sanemi looked at Genya, sleeping peacefully on the blanket. His resolve hardened. He would master Wind Breathing, not just for himself, but to protect his brother and ensure no demon could ever harm them again.