Chapter 6: A Heart of Fire
The young man's name was Tankichi Kamado, one of the many lives saved by Yoriichi Tsugikuni. He and his wife, Akemiko, lived quietly in a small mountain village, making their livelihood by selling charcoal.
Some time ago, Yoriichi had passed through these parts and rescued Tankichi from a demon's deadly attack. Around that same time, Akemiko had given birth to their child. Yoriichi helped them find a midwife and became a beloved benefactor to their little family.
Watching them, Akira couldn't help but think of the brothers he had met just days earlier. He wondered how they fared now.
"We are truly sorry to trouble you," Yoriichi said politely.
Tankichi and Akemiko exchanged glances, flushed with gratitude.
"Please, don't say that," Tankichi replied sincerely. "Consider this your home. You are welcome here for as long as you wish."
Akemiko poured steaming tea for Akira, Yoriichi, and Akito, her smile warm and genuine. "We don't often get visitors up here. It's a joy to have company—it makes the house feel alive."
Akira took a sip and smiled. "It's delicious."
"Thank you," Akemiko said, pleased by the praise.
In the short time they'd spent together, Akira sensed the Kamados' kindness ran deep. Their hospitality wasn't mere politeness—it was heartfelt. No wonder Master Yoriichi had brought them here to rest.
"What a cute child!" Akemiko exclaimed, eyes sparkling as she reached out to touch Akito's round, mushroom-shaped hair.
Akira straightened, pride swelling in his chest. "This is my little brother, Akito."
It almost felt like the praise for Akito was praise for himself.
"Oh!" Akemiko laughed, widening her eyes playfully. "No wonder he's so handsome—he has a big brother who's even more handsome!"
Akira's cheeks flushed as he chuckled at the teasing.
Akito gave him a mock glare. Brother… shameless as always.
Then Akemiko added, "Yoriichi told me that while Akira goes out fighting demons, Akito stays home. That means Akito must be an excellent cook! Otherwise, Akira wouldn't be in such good shape. Exercise helps, of course, but good nutrition is key."
"Absolutely!" Akito said, puffing up with pride.
Tankichi glanced at Yoriichi, hesitating. "Master Yoriichi, are you sure it's safe for you to stay here? Won't the Demon Slayer Corps come looking?"
Yoriichi paused, his fingers wrapped around his teacup. "I have left the Corps."
"Oh!" Tankichi bowed quickly. "Forgive me—I didn't mean to pry."
"It's all right," Yoriichi replied calmly.
He glanced at Akira and Akito, who still smiled and joked with Akemiko. "Even if I am no longer part of the Corps, that does not stop me from doing what must be done."
So Akira and Akito remained with the Kamado family.
By day, Tankichi descended the mountain to sell charcoal. Yoriichi hunted wild game in the nearby forest. Despite the lingering pain, Akira pushed himself through daily rehabilitation training. But after two months, his hands showed no sign of improvement—in fact, they felt weaker.
Standing before a wooden training post, Akira stared at his trembling wrists and forced a bitter smile.
He couldn't swing a sword anymore. Couldn't lift even the lightest weight.
"Brother, it's time to eat!"
Smoke curled lazily from the chimney as Akito's voice called through the crisp mountain air.
Akira glanced once more at his useless hands, then turned away as if nothing were wrong.
"Delicious! Amazing!" Tankichi praised as he ate.
"Who would have thought someone so young could cook so well?" Akemiko smiled. "You're making me feel like I'm slacking!"
"Hehe, not at all," Akito said shyly.
Suddenly, Akira broke his silence. "Master."
Yoriichi looked up from his meal. "What is it?"
Akira glanced toward the Kamados, then back at Yoriichi. "Akito and I—we're leaving."
"Huh?"
Akemiko tilted her head in surprise. Tankichi froze mid-bite.
"Is something wrong? Are you uncomfortable here?" Tankichi asked.
"No," Akira answered firmly. "Quite the opposite. Akito and I have always lived alone, depending only on each other. But these past months... this place has truly felt like home."
He took a deep breath. "But now, we have a reason to leave."
"I see," Tankichi said quietly. "Then I won't stand in your way."
Akemiko embraced Akira and Akito tightly. "You're always welcome here—whenever, wherever. This will always be your home."
"Thank you, Sister Akemiko," Akira said.
He removed a pair of earrings and held them out gently. "I have no gift worthy of your kindness, but these were given to me by my master. They mean a great deal."
He placed them in her palm. "Thank you for taking care of Akito and me. Please accept them."
"No, they're far too precious—" Akemiko protested, waving her hands.
"Please," Akira smiled softly, "if one day I forget your face, these earrings will help me remember."
Akemiko looked down at the delicate earrings, then closed her fingers carefully around them.
Akito sat quietly nearby, watching his brother. Though the decision had come suddenly, Akito didn't question it—for wherever Akira went, he would follow. His brother's choice was his own.
"Master, we're leaving!"
Standing at the doorway, Akira turned and waved one last time. He laughed lightly. "Master, promise me—you must defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!"
"Akira!" Yoriichi called firmly. "I did not accept you as my disciple because of your talent alone. I saw in you a heart that burns brighter than the sun. No matter what life throws at you, never let that fire die."
Akira stood silently for a moment, then squeezed Akito's hand. "I understand, Master."
Yoriichi watched the two brothers disappear down the mountain path.
"Brother… do you think I will blame you?" Akito asked quietly.
Akira shook his head. "No. You understand me."
Akito looked at Akira's trembling hands. "The world is vast. There must be a doctor out there who can heal you."
"Yes," Akira said, eyes blazing with resolve.
His promise to Yoriichi was also a vow to himself.
He would survive.
He would grow stronger.
And one day, he would kill Muzan Kibutsuji.