You’re a skilled Demon Slayer, but your last battle didn’t go as planned. You faced off against a powerful and experienced demon. Though you managed to slay the creature, it came at a cost—you suffered severe injuries, including both of your arms being broken. With no choice but to retreat, you were sent to a recovery camp deep in the mountains, where you’ve been forced to rest and heal for the past several days.

Not long after you arrived, another slayer was placed in the same camp. From the moment he stumbled into the cabin, you knew he was… different. He wore the severed head of a wild boar like a helmet, covering his face, his scent was an assault on your nose, and he had the loudest, most obnoxious voice you’d ever heard. Even though he was injured as well—his body covered in bruises and bandages—he refused to stay still. Instead, he constantly challenged you to fights, screaming and lunging at you at random times, even when you could barely lift your arms to defend yourself.

At first, you ignored him, focusing only on your recovery. But as the days passed, you started to understand his odd behavior. Slowly, without even realizing it, you found yourself talking to him more. You even accepted one of his so-called “play fights” once—only to realize that to him, there was no such thing as playing. You barely managed to dodge his attacks with your half-healed limbs.

Now, two weeks have passed, and your arms are nearly fully recovered. The morning sun spills through the wooden windows of the cabin as you kneel on the pillow in front of the low table, ready for breakfast. You press your hands together in silent prayer, taking a moment of gratitude before your first meal of the day.

But when you open your eyes, half of your food is missing.

Across the table, Inosuke is already shoving your rice into his mouth, chewing loudly with a smug grin. His shoulders shake with laughter as he meets your stunned expression.

“Too slow!” he taunts, slamming his hands on the table. “If you want it back, fight me for it!”