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Demon Slayer Reacting To the Future

Chapter 23: Night Time 1

Notes:

Again, I am so sorry for not being active from a long time, I actually went on a trip and had a lot of projects. Plus this chapter was a little tricky to write due to all the emotional baggage.
I really hope I did justice with these characters.

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

 

 

Finally, it was break time. The last one. After this, they could retire themselves and call it a day.

They, again, entered the same hall, this time the hall room’s design remained the same as the previous time. Expect the fact that the number of tables had merged into one again. Beautifully carved wooden chairs surrounded the table.

The room was illuminated by beautiful chandeliers hanging across the room, emitting an elegant yellow hue. It was a little dim, only to be managed by the mysterious looking tubes emitting yellow scattered all across the room too.

All of them sat at the seats they found empty, only to form groups sometime after, discussing particularly…..nothing.

It was when a loud voice rang in the hall, surprising everyone.

“ I hope you guys know that this is the last break for today. After this, you will be allowed to call it a day and retire to your respective rooms. The rooms will be allotted to you as soon as you finish with your dinner and tell me to allot your rooms. They will be in a group of three or four. You will not be allowed to change your room partners as this arrangement is made for certain reasons. I hope the instructions are clear. Please order yourself dinner. Have a great meal.” The voice said, his voice strict and commanding, though it hid a soft undertone.

“ What is this ? Huh ? Who are you to fucking order us like this ?” Sanemi yelled to a large black thing attached at the entrance, only to be disappointed at the lack of response. 

“ I agree with Chituzunawa. You can’t order around The Great Inosuke.” Inosuke yelled as he huffed.

Sanemi, already angered by the Creator, was about to shout at Inosuke for ruining his name, when Tanjiro spoke up.

“ Don’t yell like this, Inosuke.” Tanjiro said, as he sighed. He was holding Inosuke back from throwing his sword at the big black box.

“ I think we should all calm down and have food. It has been quite a day, after all.” Kagaya said in a calm tone, smiling as he sat beside Amane.

His request was like command to all the slayers in the room as they kept quiet and sat back on the seats.

“ I agree.” Himejima’s deep voice rang around the hall.

Everyone ( except a few ), now ordered their food and was very much engrossed in eating it. There was a comfortable silence in the room, where the only sound was of munching and chewing. ( If we ignore a certain Flame Hashira’s UMAI. )

Kanae just stared at the food she ordered for herself, mentally preparing herself to give Shinobu a little talk. She was still debating over whether she should intervene in this or not. Maybe intervening will make Shinobu agitated. This is something she doesn't want but not giving her some insight on this will lead to her being further grasped around her anger. Shinobu’s act of pretending to be like her was killing her own personality. 

She wasn’t blind enough to know that Shinobu herself knows that Kanae has seen through her act. Her anxiousness makes it clear. At least to Kanae. So not talking to her about this feels like injustice towards her.

She made up her mind. She was going to talk to Shinobu today, itself. She hoped they could get somewhere private.

It was a nudge from Shinobu that broke her trail of thoughts. A nudge from Shinobu to tell her to eat her food. She half heartedly smiled and held the chopsticks to do as said, though she could tell that Shinobu was equally anxious about the situation.

Mitsuri, who was sitting beside Iguro, softly asked the latter if he would like to sit somewhere aloof. She was worried he felt uncomfortable as she knew he would not be able to take off his mask. 

Iguro, however, was touched by the concern. He just decided to nod as he moved along the end of the table. The place was a little far from the main crowd, and attracted less attention. It should be perfect for him.

He slowly took off the bandages from his face. Not all. Just enough to let him eat peacefully. He ordered the food he liked in a hushed voice, only to begin eating slowly once it appeared. 

It felt nice to see people respect his personal boundaries and not meddle with his business. Probably something he should thank Tomioka about, as he was the one who understood his problem the first. But was he gonna do that ? No. Not in a million years.

Uzui was being feeded by his wives. He was having the time of his life according to Zenitsu. He felt jealous, only to soothe himself with baseless imaginations of his Nezuko Chan feeding him in the same way. Unconsciously his gaze turned towards Nezuko, cheeks turning into the shade of beautiful cherry pink.

Tanjiro noticed something funny with the way Zenitsu is blushing and practically vibrating with happiness at something he is thinking while giggling. Tanjiro side eyed Zenitsu, his face a little weird as he had no idea of what happened to his friend.

“ Nezuko, would you like to eat some of mine ?” Tanjiro said, softly as his hand offered Nezuko a bowl of fresh rice. Nezuko only smiled as she moved her chopsticks to grab a bite.

Inosuke gagged at the scene before him. He was about to comment something about the same when a loud squeal cut him off.

“ Oh my God !!!!! Tomioka San, you are smiling again. That is so cute.” Kanroji yelled intentionally. After she realized that the scream was embarrassingly loud, she quickly covered her face with her hands.

“ I agree. His smile is really pure.” Kanae smiled too.

“ Agreed….” Sanemi muttered, very audibly, with his face a little pink.

“ Yeah, he smiles a lot while eating this particular dish, I wonder why that is.  I pointed it out before too but I was ignored, considering how everyone bombarded you with compliments,  from what I remember.” Shinobu said with a default smile spread on her face.

“ I guess it is because Tsutako Ne–” Giyuu started to explain with his mouth full of food, only to choke on it as he broke into a fit of coughs.

“ Calm Down, Yuu’, Here, have some water.” Sabito said as he quickly got up and offered Giyuu some water.

‘ Did he say Tsutako ? That sounds like a girl’s name. Is he already in a relationship ? There, I lost my chance– WAIT ! WHAT CHANCE ? UGHHH….. JUST LEAVE IT.’ Sanemi thought as he suppressed the urge to slap himself.

“ Wait…Did you just say Tsutako ? Who is she ?” Kanroji squealed again.

“ Is she your girlfriend or something, Tomioka ?” Uzui smirked, side-eying Sanemi, who huffed and looked away as Giyuu’s eyes widened. Uzui intentionally asked this question to rile up Sanemi’s jealousy. It was fun.

“ It is so sweet.” Tanjiro smiled while swallowing the food in his mouth as he thought, ‘ I am happy Tomioka San has someone, he seemed really lonely in the screenings. Plus he always smells sad.’ 

Urokodaki, who knew the truth, just smiled behind his mask. He had already eaten his food at a corner, protecting his face from being seen, much like Iguro. It would be interesting to see their reactions after knowing the truth.

“ No, she–” Giyuu started as he was cut off by Sabito who immediately added, “ She is someone who knows ‘Yuu from childhood, she is his most special person. Right, ‘Yuu ?” Sabito asked with a smile. ( read, smirk directed towards a certain Wind Hashira )

Giyuu nodded, Tsutako Nee San was really the most special person to him, though he had other special people as well like Sabito, Urokodaki but she really stood out to him the most. But he understood that the others were not taking his and his older sister’s relation in the same context as him, so clarifying, according to him, was deemed necessary.

But there was a slight problem with it, everytime he tried to speak, someone would interrupt him. Mostly, it was mostly Sabito, who was explaining Tsutako’s importance in his life. Though whatever he said was true, he wasn’t really coming to the main point of them being siblings.

Now that was a point that further made him very uncomfortable, Sabito was giving out details of his and his sister’s most precious moments vaguely and talking about their relationship somewhat in depth. Where on one hand, those moments remind him of the happy times, they also remind him of the night he lost his sister. This also reminded him of his failures. This angered him. He doesn’t want anyone to know about HIS private life, other than the people he chooses to share it with.

This was now annoying the Stone Cold Tomioka Giyuu, as the volcano of his anger finally erupted he yelled, “ Sabito, enough explanation about my and Tsutako Nee San’s relationship.”

This was what stopped Sabito in the middle of his speech. He suddenly remembered how hard it must be for Giyuu to listen to all of this. His hand went to his mouth, as he hugged Giyuu and mumbled ‘ Sorrys’.

“ It is fine, ‘Bito. I just got overwhelmed.” Giyuu sighed, patting Sabito’s back, as he continued, “ Just make sure not to do it again.”

“ For sure.” Sabito smiled.

“ So, Tsutako as he mentioned is a very special person to me but not in the way you perceive. She is my older sister.” Giyuu clarified in his usual monotonous voice.

Sanemi, who was a little disturbed from hearing Tsutako’s name from Giyuu’s mouth, instantly calmed down.

“ Oh, you have a sister, Tomioka ? I never knew.” Kanae said, happily. 

“ I do.” Giyuu just nodded as he added.

“ Kyaaaa. I would love to meet her. You know I also have a younger brother.” Kanroji squealed as she did not notice the sudden stiffness in Giyuu’s posture.

Sabito noticed this change and was about to say something to the topic when someone else beat him to it.

“ Can we please stop talking about him all the time and get into some real discussion about the screenings we have witnessed ?” A soothing voice intervened, accompanied by a hiss of a certain snake.

Surprisingly enough, it was Obanai who noticed this shift and decided to subtly change the topic while not making it too obvious. The narcissist bastard could consider it as a payback. ( Even though he felt a tiny gratitude towards Giyuu, Obanai would never in hell admit that he felt okay with at least the other’s presence now. )

Giyuu silently thanked Obanai in his mind as they proceeded.

“ I think that the tone of your voice could be improved while talking about your comrade but your point is valid. We should sum up all that is done in the previous episodes.” Himejima said as his deep voice rang in the hall.

“ Fair enough. I would like all of us, even the non Hashira members to give their inputs this time around. It will help us gather more information.” Oyakata said, as the Hashiras nodded and everyone looked towards the Ubyashiki couple.

Suddenly the room structure changed, it was as if the Creator had understood the situation and shifted the table structure accordingly.

It had turned into a hall with the Ubyashiki couple sitting at the northern portion of the room with a rectangular table before them while the others had been sitting on one side the long rectangular tables, facing the Ubyashiki couple, divided into groups on the basis of occupation.

The current Hashiras and the former Hahsiras sat in the first row, as the Kamaboko squad ( Here, Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inouske, Zenitsu, Genya, Kanao, Senjuro, Sabito and Makamo ) sat in the second row with Uzui’s wives and Masachika.

“ I think it will be better for us to first revisit all of the things we have established so far so that the points from the previous discussion won’t be repeated and the first timers would get some clear basis.” Rengoku suggested after he politely raised his hand, as Shinobu began recollecting.

  So, we saw his face and heard his voice in the instance he had with Tanjiro. We got to know that his fake name is Tsukihiko and his wife's name is Rei. He probably lives in Asakusa, Tokyo. He wore an expensive suit, western clothing. So he probably pretends to be like a rich man. So with this information we can try to corner him, but there's a big chance he has realized this and probably already has a plan for it. That can be a chance. After we established this we continued for a while to analyze all the possibilities of the situation like Muzan killing the family or fleeing away without killing the family which has less chances but nevertheless is a possible outcome.” 

“ Very well, now let us get to the other details from the recent screenings.” Amane said as many raised their hands to have the opportunity to speak.

“ I would like to add that I know how he smells. So that can be an additional point to Kocho San’s recollection.” Tanjiro said as Oyakata motioned him to speak.

“ We certainly can Tanjiro but this skill is very limited to you as you have an exceptional smelling sense, very similar to Urokodaki San, though he doesn’t know how Muzan smells. So, we cannot use the smelling criterion as a general norm for cornering Muzan.” Kanae tried to explain with a smile.

“However, I believe that this can help us find him more accurately.” Oyakata added, as Tanjiro nodded and sat down.

“ Does this meeting only cater to information or we can ask some things which have been confusing or bugging us ?” Zenitsu asked in a hushed tone when given an opportunity to speak.

“ We can certainly ask the ‘some things’ you suggest.” Rengoku smiled.

“ But it better not be stupid.” Sanemi said as he groaned a bit.

“ And unflashy.” Uzui chimed in with a shit eating grin.

“ I just wanted to ask what this screen is ? How are we able to watch ourselves on it ? It does not make any sense. I mean how are we able to see things moving like this on a screen. Plus the effects added by the Creator. What are those effects anyway ?” Zenitsu yapped until he realized he did and shut up. 

“ This is a fairly smart question from a stupid like you.” Inosuke snickered as Zenitsu hit his arm. Before Inosuke could say or do anything, he was stopped by Tanjiro, who tackled him and Genya, who stood up and sat in between them. 

‘ And I am stuck in between these two loud idiots again….’ Genya sighed as he thought.

“ And what about my life ? How does it know everything about my life and the pasts of demons ? They even mentioned that the pasts of Hashiras will be shown by subtly hinting it to Himejima San.” Tanjiro added to Zenitsu’s question.

“ Well, the answers to your questions are surprisingly unknown to all of us.” Himejima said as he rolled the beads of rosary in his hands.

“ Indeed, it is actually a shock that we all did not think of it in the first place.” Shinobu said.

“ I think it is because we were shocked about meeting some of our….special ones and magically appearing here.” Urokodaki tried to reason their ignorance.

“ That is correct. Till the time all of us came out of that shock, we were already so engrossed in the story that we forgot about it.” Makio added.

‘ Story ? That is my LIFE.’ Tanjiro thought as he nervously laughed mentally.

“ What if all of these are also magic like the one that pulled us here? The screen and all ?” Kanroji said, her hands moving involuntarily as she explained her point.

“ That is the most probable solution.” Obanai supported Kanroji’s theory.

“ But Tanjiro’s question still remains unanswered.” Giyuu said as he crossed his arms.

“ Maybe we can ask the answers from Creator San himself.” Hinatsuru suggested a way to get more precise answers.

“ Yes, that would be better than us making assumptions.” Masachika said.

“ So, I think you want me to answer something. Can you please repeat the questions ?” The Creator said as if he sensed the sudden need for answers.

“ We wanted to ask what are these strange black screens that show us the ‘episodes’ and those effects used for our breathing styles. We also wanted to know about how you know about our lives. Not only our lives but also the pasts of demons.” Uzui combined all the doubts into a simple question.

“ And why are you showing this ? Do you not know that by showing all of this you are clearly invading our privacy ?” Shinobu said, a vein popping on her forehead but a smile remained on her face.

“ To answer your question first, Uzui San, this black screen used for screening is not any magic as from what I heard, Kanroji San suggested but instead is future technology. Technology that has been created by man and exists about a century later from now. And about the second part, I would rather not comment on my sources as they wish to be confidential.” The Creator answered in a stern tone, that was void of any emotions.

“ And now to answer your question, Kocho San, it is just something I deem necessary for making some changes in the future. All of the people present in the room are an integral part of Kamado Kun’s life. All of you, in one way or another, are the driving factors of his life and his journey. Even if just one person of you has enough willpower to remember all of this, that person will be able to plan better and save many, and I mean many people from losing their lives further on.” The Creator answered, his voice felt heavy and kind of angry.

Everyone was as if unable to speak at that moment. The information and the choice of words were peculiar. It seemed so commanding that it might just force the strongest man to kneel before it.

Soon enough, all of them recovered and discussed some more crucial factors of the screenings. 

“ So, we saw some more things that I think should be discussed in the meeting. That being that Tanjiro created a whole new breathing during a battle based on a dance passed down from generations in his family. The major part is that it seemed very strong, and that it is most probably derived from Flame breathing but Rengoku San has no idea of any dance called Hinokami Kagura.” Himejima said, in a very calm voice. Once he finished, he motioned for others to give their inputs on the same.

“ I think it is just that the dance was created many years ago and maybe some demon slayer, who used Flame Breathing, taught it to Tanjiro’s ancestor, and they converted it into a dance.” Urokodaki suggested.

“ That seems the most probable outcome.” Shinobu agreed.

“ The main question would be if Tanjiro can perform the breathing style right now.” Kanroji said, her eyes squinting in curiosity.

“Try to remember the dance and manage your sword movements accordingly.Maybe then you can do it.” Obanai suggested.

Tanjiro nodded and stood up. He took his sword by the hilt and concentrated on the memories of his father doing the dance. Once he felt he was ready, Tanjiro lifted the sword and thrusted it into the air, with a yell, “ HINOKAMI KAGURA.”

To everyone’s surprise, nothing happened.

“ Looks like one of the major factors in unlocking this breathing is the mixture of all heaving emotions. In that situation, Tanjiro experienced the pressure of a battle, anger about how Rui hurt Nezuko, the fear of losing a loved one or losing his own life, tension for leaving Inosuke in the battle with the father demon.” Rengoku sighed.

“ It was a good attempt, Tanjiro, but as Rengoku San suggested, some things are unlocked only when certain conditions are met.” Suma said.

“ Is she ok ? Such serious talk is really unusual for her.” Makio muttered under her breath.

“ Now, coming to Nezuko’s Blood Demon Art. It is really interesting to note that her blood demon art is that of Flames. That is quite similar to Tanjiro’s new Breathing Style. Also, the fact that it does not burn humans but the blood demon art of another demon.” Shinobu said.

“ I think it is shocking that she has a blood demon art in the first place.” Masachika said.

“ Why so ?” Genay asked as he ran all the facts known about Nezuko in his head.

“ It is because she relies on sleep, instead of human flesh, that means her energy levels are lower than normal demons, but still somehow her body has enough energy to cast blood demon art, all while she was tangled in threads and bleeding profusely. That also means that her body was working to heal her wounds too.” Urokodaki said. 

Tanjiro and Zenitsu along with Genya were shocked at the revelation while Nezuo just ducked her head.

“ I think her blood demon art is a sign of her being different from the other demons.” Giyuu said, defending Nezuko’s sanity.

“ I still do not believe her.” Sanemi and Iguro said at once, providing no explanation for the same.

“ Guess all this is still ot enough.” Makomo said.

They discussed this subject a bit more before Oyakata decided that it was time for everybody to call it a day.

“ Let us disperse into our rooms and have some rest.” Oyakata said as he formally ended the meeting.

“ I request Creator San to please allot us the rooms as you previously mentioned you would.” Amane said as a deep voice rang around the room.

“Before allotting the rooms, I repeat the orders that you will not be allowed to change your room partners as this arrangement is made for certain reasons. I hope the instructions are clear. The rooms will be upstairs, you can find the stairs after entering the pathway in the south of the room. And as soon as you hear your names, please disperse to your rooms. I hope this much is clear ?” 

“ It certainly is.” Masachika smiled.

“ I hope I get a room with Nezuko.” Tanjiro sighed.

‘ I hope the room isn’t with Genya or any other brat.’ Sanemi thought.

‘ I would hope that I get a single room but with the orders given to us that seems impossible. I will just sneak out and sleep here.’ Iguro thought.

“ Room no.1 is for the Ubyashiki’ Kagaya and Ubyashiki Amane.” As soon as this was heard, the Ubyashiki couple bid their goodbyes and went to the south of the hall.

“ Room no. 2 is for the Kocho Kanae, Kocho Shinobu and Kanroji Mitsuri.” Hearing this, the mentioned ones quietly dispersed to their rooms as Kanao felt a bit awkward.

“ Room no.3 is Kamado Nezuko, Makomo and Tsuyuri Kanao and Kanzaki Aoi.” Nezuko hugged her brother while Makomo bid a goodbye to the fox squad as they too left.

“ Room no. 4 is for Uzui Tengen, Uzui Suma, Uzui Hinatsuru, Uzui Makio.” Hearing this, Uzui made a quick remark of ‘you could have just said the Uzui’s.’ and all of them wished the others a flashy night as they too disappeared in the pathway.

“ Room no. 5 is for Iguro Obanai.” Iguro did not get up hearing his name, waiting for the other names when the voice repeated the same again.

“ Am I alone in the room ?” Iguro asked, a little happy.

“ Yes, I thought you would be uncomfortable.” The voice rang again as Iguro quietly went to his room, silently thanking the Creator.

“ Room no. 6 is Kamado Tanjiro, Agatsuma Zenitsu and Hashibira Inosuke.” They quickly went to their respective rooms.

“ Room no. 7 is for Shinazugawa Sanemi, Shinazugawa Genya, and Kumeno Masachika.” Hearing this, Sanemi was about to yell but was cut off by the voice saying, “ I thought I clearly said no arguments related to the room allotments.” 

Sanemi just huffed as all of them went to their respective rooms.

“ Room no. 8 is for Rengoku Kyojuro, Rengoku Shinjuro, and Rengoku Senjuro.” All of them quickly dispersed to their respective rooms.

“ Room no. 9 is for Tokito Muichiro and Himejima Gyomei.” They both quickly retired themselves too.

“ Lastly, Room no. 10 is for Tomioka Giyuu, Sabito and Sakonji Urokodaki.” They too left for their rooms.

In Room No. 1,

“ How do you think our children are ?” Amane asked out the blue.

“ I think they are fine. I am sure, after all, they are capable.” Oyakata replied as he smiled and reassured his wife.

“ I hope so too.” Amane smiled, as she continued, “ Do you think they will notice our absence ?” 

“ I think that time is frozen for the outside world or that time flows differently here. Something like weeks in this room or hall are equal seconds of our world.” Oyakata explained, only to see Amane sleeping .

He softly smiled once again as he too drifted to sleep.

In Room no. 2,

In the room, Kanroji had already retired herself to sleep as the Kocho sisters were wide awake.

“ Shinobu.” Kanae sweetly called out while she sat on the bed in lotus position.

Shinobu, who was in the other corner of the room, when heard Kanae’s voice turned towards her to see Kanae motioning her to come to the other side.

Shinobu quietly obliged, internally getting herself ready for the talk as she kept her head in Kanae’s lap, who wordlessly stroked her now open hair, soothingly.

“ So, you know what I am going to talk about, right ?” Kanae asked as Shinobu nodded, not trusting her own voice.

“ I am sure, you also know that this behavior isn’t healthy, right ?” Kanae said as Shinobu nodded again.

“ If you know this, then why are you molding yourself into something you truly aren’t ? Why are you hiding yourself from the world by putting a mask of me ?” Kanae said, her voice still so soft that Shinobu almost melted. No word came out of Shinobu’s mouth, it was like she had gone mute.

“I don’t know.” was what she softly muttered. In the lap of her sister, all the plans she had were forgotten, all that she had planned to say was forgotten the minute she lay in Kanae’s lap.

“ You can talk to me about it, Shinobu.” Kanae said as she softly smiled.

“ It is just that you used to say that my smile makes you happy. I wanted to have that smile, and hide my anger. I behaved like you to complete your dream even though I loathe demons.” Shinobu said just as softly, as she shut her eyes tightly. 

“ Well, when I said I loved your smile, it was your genuine cute smile, the smile that held a child like innocence in it, not this smile. This strained smile that is forced to act as a mask for your anger and hatred. And my dream should never be yours, just because I died. You can of course follow my dream but when you yourself feel like following it. No like this, when you actually hate demons.” Kanae said as she continued, “ And your hate towards demons is completely justified. And you have reasons for your actions. So, I request you to be your real self and what you are pretending to be.” 

As Kanae completed, she hugged Shinobu, who smiled as she hugged Kanae back just as tightly.

In Room no. 7,

All of them entered the room in silence. The tension between both the brothers was so heavy that Masachika doubted even a sword could cut through it.

All of them sat on the beds, as they stared at the ceiling with their mouths shut. The only sound in the room was heavy breathing. 

Masachika soon realized that this was the time both the brothers talked. He silently poked a finger on Sanemi’s shoulder.

“ You should talk to him. Remember our conversation during the previous break.” Masachika whispered to Sanemi, who pretended not to hear it while Genya just frowned with his smol eyebrows.

“ I know you can hear me, idiot. Just speak up to him before I make you.” Masachika finally snapped as Sanemi, who was lying on the bed, shot up.

“ So, I am heading out and I don’t want to see you two without shouting up all the shit.” Masachika said as he headed out of the room.

“ I-I wanted to apologize to you for my actions.” Genya stuttered out in a very unstable voice. 

“ What actions ?” Sanemi said, monotonously, pretending to be unaware but inside he was just as nervous as Genya.

“ F-For misunderstanding you and accusing you wrongly. I am sorry for causing you so much pain that you left home after her death.” Genay explained, desperate for his brother’s forgiveness.

“ I could care less about it.” Sanemi siad as he looked the other side, refusing to meet his gaze with Genya.

“ I KNOW YOU DON’T ‘CARE LESS.’ I know you don’t care less.” Genya suddenly shouted only for the next sentence to come out of his mouth as a whimper.

“ I remember your face when I called you a ‘murderer’. The dead look in your eyes when I accused you. I KNOW YOU FEEL GUILTY AND PAINED.” Genya said as tears pooled out of his eyes, his voice reaching the max volume for proving his point.

“ I-I.” Sanemi was not able to form words. 

He still remembers how numb he felt when he realized that the demon that murdered his siblings, and the monster he killed was his own mother. How numb he felt when Genya came out crying as he hugged their mother’s corpse, calling Sanemi a murderer. Those screams and cries still sometimes echo in his mind. 

Sanemi suddenly snapped out of these thoughts when he felt someone hug him from behind as his shoulder suddenly felt wet. This brought him to reality as he now took notice of Genya hugging him tightly and muttering “I am sorry" continuously.

Sanemi just suddenly could not take it anymore. He could not keep up that angry facade of his in front of his brother anymore as he let go of this and hugged Genya back, twice as hard. Some tears pooled out of his own eyes as the brothers just hugged in silence. 

Genya smiled through tears as he realized Sanemi finally gave his apology a silent acceptance. What he did not know was that Sanemi was smiling in a similar way.

Both the boys felt air wrap around them in a way that it felt like a warm embrace. A warmth of when they used to hug their mother. 

Masachika smiled as he peeked in through the gap of the door and wall.

THE NEXT MORNING.

Everyone woke up with a fresh mood. All of them are very happy from spending time with their loved ones or solving some major disputes.

“ I hope all of you are refreshed and had a good sleep” The voice rang in the hallways, startling everyone in the room.

“ We did, thank you for the comfort.” Oyakata said as he smiled.

“ That is my duty. I hope all of you understood the reason I allotted specific rooms rather than letting you choose instead.” The voice asked again, subtly targeting Sanemi, who groaned but nodded.

“ You guys have exactly 1 hour before the next screening. Please have your breakfast.” 

All of them now scattered around the room in their own places, forming groups to talk as soon, the 1 hour passed.

“ I hope all of you are done with the breakfast and are ready to move to the reaction hall for the screening.” 

As soon as they heard this, all the people nodded as they headed towards the reaction hall.

After 10 minutes when they all settled, the screen lit up.

Notes:

Did you watch the new season of Demon Slayer ? It was so amazing. The backstory of Himejima was really painful. And Kanroji's training, Muichiro plus the ohagi scene. It was tooo cute.