The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 02 - 1st Season

The opening of Tanjiro's eyes revealed a new world to him, one he was not very familiar with the lands in Japan. As soon as he emerged in those lands, Tanjiro noticed that his body was different from the usual - stronger, faster. He felt his muscles stiffened, his sense of smell sharper than ever, and his vision also seemed... different?

Tanjiro hadn't expected to be able to see the Transparent World so soon upon his return, let alone with such ease. In his thoughts, he thanked the efforts of the goddess Amaterasu for blessing him with such gifts.

"Alright," Tanjiro wondered aloud, "Hinokami-sama told me to wait wherever I was, but... where am I?" He looked around, realizing he was in the middle of a forest near a relatively large city.

As he gazed at the city beyond the trees, he caught a strong scent of blood and malevolence, the typical odor emitted by a demon. Not having his Nichirin with him, he ran into the city to escape the demon's clutches - not that he was afraid; he simply couldn't fight at that moment.

Feeling somewhat calmer, Tanjiro walked through the city for some time. Unlike smaller towns where children filled the streets seeking fun and games, this city was bustling with adults - going to or returning from work, or simply taking a short stroll to clear their minds. Either way, the atmosphere was pleasant, and Tanjiro felt relaxed being in such a place.

Since it was still daytime, what harm could there be in exploring a little?

As night fell, Tanjiro completely changed his demeanor. In such a bustling and well-lit city, a demon could easily hide among all the people walking the streets - even at such a late hour. Tanjiro was aware of this, so he remained vigilant, keen to detect any scent that wasn't human.  He began walking among the crowd.

He wasn't sleepy, nor did he want to sleep. Anxious for the arrival of the one who would find him, he chose to wait patiently in the streets where he felt somewhat calmer. He even got a little distracted by scenes of families happily walking by, reminding him of his own family. But then, a smell of death and horror gripped his heart.

For a moment, Tanjiro felt his heart stop. Just sensing that same odor filled his soul with deep hatred, for it was the scent exuded by the Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji.

"Muzan is nearby, I can feel it! But where?" Tanjiro wondered as he hurriedly searched for the source of the odor, almost desperate. Then another scent surprised him. Unlike Muzan's nauseating odor, this one was calm and lacked much malice. Moreover, it belonged to someone Tanjiro respected and knew well, someone he held in high regard.

"Miss Tamayo!" Tanjiro exclaimed joyfully, momentarily forgetting that he had sensed Muzan's odor in the same place.

Cautiously, young Kamado advanced through the streets, always staying hidden to avoid being seen. Finally, he found them. Muzan Kibutsuji, accompanied by Miss Tamayo, walked down a street calmly and peacefully. He didn't resemble the horrendous, bloodthirsty creature he truly was.

A little farther ahead, Tanjiro saw someone approaching Muzan. As the person drew near, Muzan seemed to mock them. The man had a simple appearance, wearing a red haori and carrying a katana - apparently a demon slayer. However, Tanjiro sensed something was off about him. That man was much stronger than he appeared.

Muzan made his move, and what followed happened too quickly for both the Demon King and Tanjiro with his Transparent World activated. In a single motion, with multiple simultaneous slashes, Muzan was utterly humiliated due to the surreal difference in power. Tamayo, who had been with Muzan, widened her eyes as she saw the feared Demon King now lying on the ground, dozens of wounds that inexplicably wouldn't heal. But what surprised Tanjiro the most...

...was seeing that man wield the Hinokami Kagura with such natural ease. It was then that Tanjiro realized who that man was - and he felt that he should wait for him.

— Yoriichi Tsuginuki, I never thought I'd see you in person... - Tanjiro whispered so no one else could hear. But he noticed that Tamayo had caught his words; her gaze shifted directly to Tanjiro when he spoke.

However, the demon doctor did nothing but return her attention to the battle or humiliation unfolding before her.

Yoriichi seemed enraged, ready to attack again when, in an act of desperation, Muzan exploded into eighteen hundred pieces, with only fifteen hundred of them destroyed by Yoriichi. Completely traumatized by what he had just witnessed, Muzan fled as far away as possible, leaving Tamayo behind. She seemed saddened by being left behind, realizing what had transpired.

Yoriichi was still conversing with Tamayo when Tanjiro decided to approach. The hunter shifted his gaze to the young Kamado, surprised to see the demon slayer mark on his forehead, which was remarkably similar to his own. Moreover, with red eyes and hair, Yoriichi felt as if he were looking at a younger version of himself.