39 Calm before the storm. (2)

Tomioka continued walking, unsure of his exact location as the path he had been guided to was now fully covered in snow due to the weather. However, he pushed forward, determined to find his destination.

After a while, a loud noise reached his ears, coming from a short distance away. From the rhythm and sound, he guessed someone was chopping wood. Tomioka decided not to make the same mistake as before, startling the villagers.

As he approached the sound, a small home came into view, smoke curling from its chimney. Beside the house, a boy struggled with an axe, trying to chop through the thick wood. Tomioka's eyes widened for a brief moment before returning to their usual calm. The boy looked strikingly similar to Tanjiro, though he quickly realized it wasn't him.

Tomioka stepped out from between the trees, making his presence known as his feet crunched on the snow. The boy turned toward the noise, startled, and saw an unfamiliar man stepping forward.

Clutching the axe with both hands and shooting a wary expression towards Tomioka. The young boy faced Tomioka "Who are you?" he demanded. 'If onee-san isn't here, I'm the man of the house!' he thought.

Tomioka regarded him silently for a few moments. There was no doubt about it—this boy was related to Tanjiro. They shared the same red hair and eyes.

"I mean no harm," Tomioka said calmly, but the boy remained on guard. "You must be Tanjiro's brother," Tomioka added. His words took the boy by surprise.

"You know my brother?" he asked, lowering the axe slightly.

Tomioka nodded. "Yes. Could you call him? I wish to speak with him."

The boy hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. He almost blurted out the truth, that Tanjiro wasn't home yet, but quickly caught himself. If this man was dangerous, telling him Tanjiro wouldn't return until later tonight could put his family at risk. "He'll be back any moment now," the boy lied, trying to sound confident. But before he could continue, a warm hand gently patted his head.

"There, there" Behind him, a young girl appeared, carrying a small child with her. She smiled at the boy, who looked up at her. "Nezuko-nee-san!" he called out.

Nezuko smiled at her younger brother. "Takeo, it's getting pretty cold. You should stop chopping wood for today," she said in a gentle tone. Then she turned her attention to Tomioka, surprised to see the stranger standing in front of their home.

"I overheard your conversation," Nezuko said, her voice soft and kind. "I'm sorry, mister, but Tanjiro won't be back until later tonight." She let out the truth.

Takeo, still holding the axe, panicked and looked at his sister, agitated that she had told the truth so easily. However, Nezuko's serene expression reassured him. She could sense that the man before them had no ill intentions. When he mentioned Tanjiro's name, there was a certain respect and affection in his voice, in her eyes her brother and the stranger were most likely friends.

Tomioka closed his eyes for a moment, deep in thought. When he opened them again, his tone was resolute. "Then I'll wait for him." His statement left no room for negotiation. He leaned his back against a nearby tree, standing still like a statue.

Takeo eyed Tomioka warily, but Nezuko giggled softly. "Then, mister, would you like to wait inside? The weather can get pretty harsh before my brother returns," she offered with a kind and innocent expression, though her little brother was still clearly upset by the situation.

Tomioka looked at her for a moment before shaking his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll remain here," he replied blankly. The idea of entering the Kamado family home as a stranger to them made him uncomfortable.

Though Nezuko's offer was made out of genuine goodwill, Tomioka understood that his presence in their home could make them uneasy. It was easier for him to remain outside, where he could stay alert for any presence, whether it be Tanjiro or the demon.

Tomioka had no idea what kind of demon might show up tonight. In his past life he hadn't asked Tanjiro about the specifics of his family's death out of respect, after all how could a friend casually ask another about the brutal murder of their family? Such question would only bring back bad memories that most would try to forget. At least that's how Tomioka saw things

The only thing he remembered clearly was that the Kamado family had been slaughtered because he arrived too late. This time, such a tragedy wouldn't happen. He was here, and the Kamado family was safe... He would wait for the demon to arrive and slay it before it could harm anyone.

After that, Tomioka planned to pursue Tanjiro and encourage him to join the Demon Slayer Corps. Tanjiro wouldn't have to worry about his family, his strength and talent was enough to secure them a stabile life, And if that wasn't enaugh, Tomioka's authority and value as a Hashira would more than suffice to ensure they were taken care of.

After all, it was the same with his own family. Although he rarely mentioned it, whenever he sent letters, he also sent some of his earnings along with gifts.

Tomioka's thoughts rushed back to Tanjiro, the boy's potential and talent were undeniable. In his previous life, Tanjiro had risen to the level of a Hashira in such a short time that even Tomioka was astonished. Now, he would have to make sure Tanjiro followed that same path, but without the burden of losing his family.

"Then, please take care of yourself," Nezuko said kindly as she took her brother's hand. "We'll head inside now, mister," she continued. With that, Nezuko and her two younger brothers returned to their home, disappearing inside their home under Tomioka's watchful gaze.

Tomioka sighed and looked up at the sky. Tanjiro had a beautiful family. Though he hadn't met all of them, he could tell they were good people. Their bond had reminded him of his own family, and unconsciously, he smiled. 'Tanjiro, I won't let the past repeat itself."

Luckily, the snow had stopped for now, and though the cold lingered in the air, Tomioka barely noticed it. He closed his eyes and waited for any change nearby".