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Advance chapter in PATREON

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After bidding farewell to Tamayo and Yushiro, Sam Miller and Makomo resumed their journey.

But this time, Sam's focus wasn't solely on killing demons.

He had a new objective — to find Tanjuro Kamado, the hidden master who once possessed extraordinary abilities.

Of course, Sam reassured himself that his interest had nothing to do with Tanjuro's daughter, Nezuko Kamado.

...Well, maybe a little bit.

After all, anyone who's seen Demon Slayer couldn't forget Nezuko — a girl both adorable and strong.

With her ability to grow from a sweet little sister into a powerful demon, Nezuko's charm was hard to ignore.

Of course, for now, she was still just a little girl.

"'Mu', is Tanjuro Kamado really the powerful expert you mentioned?" Makomo asked curiously.

Sam had shared his plan to find Tanjuro, which naturally piqued Makomo's curiosity.

"Yes," Sam nodded.

Though Demon Slayer didn't provide much detail about Tanjuro, there was one thing Sam knew for certain — Tanjuro Kamado was the only ordinary person outside the Demon Slayer Corps known to have mastered the Transparent World.

Even more impressive, Sam suspected that Tanjuro had also awakened the Demon Slayer Mark, judging by the distinctive mark on his forehead.

"Then I'll make sure to learn from him when we find him!" Makomo grinned.

Despite her excitement, she couldn't help but feel curious about the Kamado family.

For a family with such powerful abilities... why choose a humble life as charcoal sellers?

Snow began to fall, dusting the mountains in a soft white blanket.

Winter had arrived.

For Tanjiro Kamado, the eldest son of the Kamado family, this weather was a blessing.

In snowy conditions, charcoal sold better — which meant a little more food for his family.

Ever since his father's health had worsened, the burden of supporting the family had fallen on Tanjiro's shoulders.

But Tanjiro didn't mind. As the eldest, it was his duty to take care of everyone.

"I just hope Father gets better soon..." Tanjiro prayed silently.

He clutched his empty basket as he walked along the rugged mountain path.

The trip to town had been successful — all his charcoal had sold.

"I'd better hurry home before it gets dark," Tanjiro muttered, his breath forming puffs in the cold air.

Meanwhile, back at the Kamado home...

Inside their small house, the warm glow of a fire flickered.

Despite feeling exhausted, Kie Kamado sat quietly by the hearth, holding her youngest child in her arms.

The other children played nearby, their laughter filling the room.

Despite her fatigue, Kie smiled.

"Mom, when will big brother be home?" little Takeo asked, clinging to his mother's side.

"He should be home soon," Kie answered gently.

But when she glanced outside at the heavy snow, her smile faltered.

This was Tanjiro's first time selling charcoal alone — naturally, she was worried.

"Takeo, don't bother Mom too much," Nezuko Kamado said kindly, pulling her little brother away.

"Big brother will be home soon — and he'll bring back something delicious for you."

"Yay! I want lots of treats!" Takeo cheered, his excitement lifting the room's mood.

Nezuko smiled and gently patted her brother's head.

As the eldest daughter, she had always been mature for her age — helping her mother and caring for her younger siblings came naturally to her.

But as her gaze drifted to her father's frail figure resting on the bed, Nezuko's smile faded.

Her father's health was deteriorating...

"Please... get better soon..." Nezuko prayed silently.

Knock, knock, knock...

The sound of knocking startled Kie.

Hoping it was Tanjiro, she rushed to open the door.

But instead of her son, a man in a black Western suit and white hat stood at the threshold.

The man's pale face wore a warm smile.

"Pardon my intrusion," the man said politely. "I was passing through and got caught in the snow. Would you be willing to share some hot water so I can warm myself?"

His tone was gentle — almost charming.

"Of course," Kie replied with a kind smile. "You don't have to be so formal — we're always willing to help those in need."

In her heart, she hoped that if Tanjiro ever found himself stranded like this, someone would be kind enough to help him, too.

"Please, come inside. It's cold out there," Kie added warmly.

"Thank you," the man said softly.

As Kibutsuji Muzan stepped inside, a faint crimson glow flickered in his otherwise calm eyes.

His gaze scanned the room — lingering on each of the children.

Takeo... Shigeru... Rokuta...

Then his gaze locked onto Nezuko Kamado, and his lips curled slightly.

Finally, Muzan's attention shifted to the man lying sick in bed — Tanjuro Kamado.

Though frail and clearly ill, Muzan could sense something within him — a powerful presence.

And the distinct mark on Tanjuro's forehead...

"A Demon Slayer Mark...?" Muzan's thoughts darkened.

"It seems your husband's not doing well," Muzan said casually.

Kie's expression softened with sadness.

"Yes... Tanjuro's health has been poor for a long time, and it's only getting worse."

She handed Muzan a cup of warm water.

"But I'm sure he'll get better," she added with a hopeful smile.

"Actually..." Muzan reached into his pocket. "I happen to have some medicinal supplements with me — they may help your husband recover faster."

"Oh, I couldn't possibly..." Kie began, shaking her head.

"Please," Muzan interrupted with a smile. "You've been so kind — consider this my way of returning the favor."

Kie hesitated... but looking at her husband's weakened state, she finally nodded.

"Thank you so much," she said sincerely.

"You're very welcome," Muzan said softly — his crimson eyes glinting with sinister intent.

The predator had entered their home.