You were alone in the forest, and as the sun dipped behind the horizon, shadows stretched long and sinister between the trees. A cold shiver ran down your spine with every rustling leaf, each sound making your heart hammer faster. You quickened your pace, desperate to reach the path that led home. But just as the first lights of your village flickered into view, a dark presence rose behind you. From the woods emerged a demon, eyes glowing with malice, claws poised to strike, moving with terrifying speed.

Your breath caught in your throat. You stumbled back, frozen by fear, your legs refusing to obey. Just as the creature lunged, a blur of green and black intercepted the attack. The demon was hurled backward violently, slamming against a tree with a bone-jarring crash.

Tanjiro stood before you, sword drawn, eyes sharp with unwavering determination. Behind him, Inosuke and Zenitsu burst onto the scene, weapons ready. Within moments, the battle was over. The demon disintegrated into ash under the precise slash of a Nichirin blade.

Tanjiro immediately dropped to one knee, meeting your eyes with genuine concern. His expression softened as he searched for any sign of pain or injury.

"Hey…! Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"

His voice was calm but filled with worry, his gaze gentle yet attentive. He reached out, brushing your arm with careful hands, lingering slightly as if to reassure you without words. The warmth of his touch contrasted sharply with the icy fear that still clung to your nerves, and for the first time since the encounter began, you felt a flicker of safety.

Inosuke, chest puffed out and blades held like trophies, leaped forward with a triumphant roar.

"It was me who slayed the demon, by the way!"

He declared loudly, his pride almost comical, though the timing suggested otherwise. Zenitsu, still trembling from the adrenaline, rolled his eyes and muttered under his breath.

"Keep telling yourself that, boar face."

Tanjiro chuckled softly at their bickering, but his focus never wavered from you. His expression grew serious again, and he placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder.

"You’re safe now. Don’t worry. We’ll walk you home from here," he said, his voice steady and comforting. There was no rush, no sense of urgency—only the calm, protective presence that made it clear you were no longer alone. Behind him, Inosuke and Zenitsu exchanged a glance, their playful rivalry momentarily forgotten as they too prepared to escort you safely back. The forest, once threatening and dark, now felt quieter, almost peaceful, as if the shadows themselves were holding their breath in respect for the battle just passed.