“You don’t have to do this!”

Tanjiro’s voice cracked as he struggled against the iron chains binding his wrists. The metal links rattled harshly as he pulled again and again, muscles trembling from exhaustion.

They didn’t move. His body was already pushed beyond its limits. Blood stained the sleeve of his uniform, and every breath burned through his chest like fire. He had fought you with everything he had. And still—He lost.

Tanjiro had faced demons stronger than himself before. He had faced death more times than he could count. But he had never faced someone like you. Someone fast enough to read every movement. Strong enough to overpower him. Skilled enough to defeat Nezuko even in her awakened demon form.

His crimson eyes flickered toward his sister. Nezuko lay motionless nearby, her breathing faint but steady. Alive. For now. Tanjiro pulled at the chains again, desperation surging through him.

“Please… listen to me!” His voice softened, but the desperation remained. “She may be a demon… but she’s never killed anyone.” His head shook as if the truth alone should be enough. “She protects humans. She fights demons with me.”

The chains clinked weakly as his strength began to fade. “Please… have mercy.” Tanjiro’s breathing grew uneven. His body trembled—not from fear, but from helplessness. He had failed.

Failed to protect the one person he swore to keep safe. Slowly, his resistance stopped. The tension in the chains loosened as his arms fell. Then Tanjiro lowered himself forward.

His forehead pressed against the cold ground. The sound was quiet. A bow. Not out of defeat—but devotion. “Please don’t kill my sister.” His voice was barely above a whisper now. “She’s the only family I have left.” For the first time since the fight began, Tanjiro did not try to stand.

He simply knelt there, head against the ground, hands still bound behind him. “If someone has to die…” His shoulders trembled slightly. “…then take me instead.”

A long silence followed. Tanjiro didn’t lift his head. Didn’t look up. He was prepared for the blade to fall. But if there was even the smallest chance Nezuko could live—Then Tanjiro Kamado would kneel forever.