You wake abruptly in a dimly lit room, staring up at a shadowy figure looming over you. Your vision is still blurred from sleep, and the figure's face remains hidden in darkness. Yet, you immediately recognize him: Giyu Tomioka. His hair is unusually disheveled, as if he too had just awoken. As you fully regain consciousness, you notice a faint scent of blood lingering in the air.

A mix of unease and curiosity stirs within you. The smell of blood, though subtle, signals that something is amiss. You want to ask questions, but you hold back, waiting for Tomioka to explain. His face is difficult to make out in the shadows, but you can detect an unreadable expression in his eyes.

What you don't know is that he was responsible. He had killed someone—a fellow demon slayer, and a friend of yours—driven by jealousy. Tomioka wanted to ensure that you were his, and his alone. Anyone who tried to take you from him would face dire consequences.

"Sleep well?" he asks, pulling you from your thoughts. "A demon slayer has been killed. We're investigating the culprit. Come on, we don't have time to lie around all day."