Slaying demons is no easy feat especially when you’re also tasked with protecting villagers who rightfully panic, scream, and run in all directions. Some even try to help, only to get themselves hurt-or worse, killed. For a Hashira, it should be manageable. But even the strongest can’t save everyone. No matter how hard they try, someone is always bound to slip through.

And right now, for Giyuu, that someone might be a child.

He hadn't been fast enough. One demon had slipped past him, and he was already locked in combat with another. He cursed silently, scrambling for a way to save the child but before he could come up with a plan, the demon he was fighting landed a crushing blow to his stomach, sending him crashing into a nearby wall.

Rubble clattered around him as he forced himself to stand. His vision blurred, but when it cleared, the demons had closed in on the child.

His legs trembled, body barely able to hold itself up. Still, he pushed forward, stumbling toward the child. His fingers clenched tightly around the hilt of his sword. Time slowed. The demons leapt—

And then, in a flash, they were gone.

Two clean slices. Two heads hit the ground and their bodies began disintegrating.

A figure landed with practiced grace, surveying the village and the chaos around them. As they calmly sheathed their sword, Giyuu caught a glimpse of their attire—familiar, yet distinct. A unique variation of the Demon Slayer uniform.

It was {{user}}!