『Tanjiro』: Thank you so much!
Tanjiro knew Carl was helping him.
If he were alone, bringing his sister along while being hunted by the Demon Slayer Corps… escaping would be nearly impossible.
But with Carl's help, there was nothing to fear.
Carl's strength was overwhelming — he had effortlessly slain one of the Twelve Kizuki, and just moments ago, he'd knocked that girl unconscious without breaking a sweat.
And thanks to the chat group, Tanjiro already knew Carl wasn't just strong — he was incomprehensibly strong.
In this world, almost no one could compare to Carl.
With him around, leaving Mount Natagumo would be child's play.
So, Tanjiro's gratitude came from the heart.
『Carl』: Don't mention it. Let's go.
『Tanjiro』: Right!
Tanjiro nodded, taking Nezuko by the hand as they began heading down the mountain.
Meanwhile
『Shinobu Kocho』: You really think you can catch up to me at that speed?
『Giyu Tomioka』: ...
Giyu said nothing.
『Shinobu Kocho』: You can try to stop me if you like…
But don't forget — there's still another person involved.
『Giyu Tomioka』: ...
Again, no response.
He simply accelerated, closing the distance in an instant.
Although Shinobu was one of the Hashira, her physical strength was far from ideal — she couldn't even sever a demon's head.
Her true strength lay not in swordsmanship or brute force, but in poison — the toxins she devised were capable of killing demons outright.
But in terms of sheer physical prowess, she couldn't compare to Giyu Tomioka — one of the strongest among the nine Hashira.
Within moments, Giyu had caught up to her and subdued her with ease.
『Shinobu Kocho』: Giyu.
She looked up at him calmly.
『Shinobu Kocho』: Are you even listening, Giyu?
I attacked you because you were protecting a demon — that's not against the rules.
But you… you're the one breaking them.
You're obstructing demon slaying.
Why? Why are you doing this?
『Shinobu Kocho』: This is your final warning.
『Giyu Tomioka』: …It was… two years ago, I think.
『Shinobu Kocho』: Please, don't start a long story now. Are you picking a fight with me?
You're not still holding a grudge over me saying everyone hates you, are you?
『Giyu Tomioka』: ...
Giyu frowned slightly.
At that moment, the sole of Shinobu's sandal flicked open — a hidden blade snapping into place.
She kicked upward at Giyu, but before either could follow through—
A cawing voice echoed through the trees.
[Caw! Caw! Transmission! Transmission!]
[Headquarters orders — capture Kamado Tanjiro and Nezuko!]
[Bring them both back alive!]
[Kamado Tanjiro, wears a checkered haori, scar on his forehead.]
[Girl Nezuko is a demon, bamboo muzzle in her mouth.]
Hearing the order, Giyu froze.
Even if he wanted to protect the siblings, he couldn't openly defy a direct command from Headquarters.
Reluctantly, he released Shinobu's arm and lowered his blade.
She too ceased her attack, sheathing her sword.
Without another word, the two set off together into the forest — heading in the direction Tanjiro had fled.
[Transmission! Transmission!]
[Headquarters orders — capture Kamado Tanjiro and Nezuko!]
The repeated cries of the crows echoed through the mountains.
While Tanjiro and Nezuko fled through the dense forest, they too heard the cawing.
『Tanjiro』: …
He froze in place, his expression darkening.
The crow's message made his heart sink.
In the Demon Slayer Corps, these Kasugai crows were the main means of communication.
If even they were spreading this command, it meant Headquarters had officially branded him and his sister as fugitives.
This… was bad.
Tanjiro knew all too well that the Corps had countless skilled swordsmen.
Their ranks went from Kinoe, Hinoto, Kanoto, Tsuchinoe, down to Kono — and even as a low-ranked slayer, Tanjiro had no illusions of being unbeatable.
Now that Headquarters had ordered his arrest, danger was closing in from every direction.
Even if he escaped Mount Natagumo, there would be eyes on him everywhere.
But if he didn't run… what would happen to Nezuko?
She was a demon.
If they reached Headquarters, she might be executed on the spot.
Tanjiro clenched his fists. He was torn — should he surrender and explain himself, or keep running?
『Carl』: Hah… what a mess you've gotten yourself into.
Carl watched, amused.
Tanjiro and Nezuko were now officially fugitives — hunted by their own allies.
Tanjiro turned toward Carl, an idea suddenly sparking in his mind.
『Tanjiro』: Carl-san! Could I ask you for a favor?
Would you… protect Nezuko for a while?
『Carl』: Hm? And what about you?
『Tanjiro』: I want to return to Headquarters — and explain everything myself.
『Carl』: Oh? In that case, let's go together.
『Tanjiro』: T–Together?!
Tanjiro blinked, startled.
He hadn't expected that answer.
『Tanjiro』: But… the Headquarters will be full of strong swordsmen. It might be dangerous for Nezuko
『Carl』: You're worried something might happen?
『Tanjiro』: …Yes.
『Carl』: Relax.
Carl chuckled softly.
『Carl』: As long as I'm there, no one will harm you — or your sister.
『Tanjiro』: …All right then. Thank you, Carl-san!
Tanjiro bowed deeply.
Even though he still feared what might happen, he knew that endless running wasn't a solution either.
With Carl by their side, he felt at least a glimmer of hope.
『Carl』: No need for thanks.
He nodded, and the group turned back toward the mountain's heart — toward the very Headquarters that sought to arrest them.
But they hadn't gone far when two figures appeared on the path ahead.
Both wore strange uniforms and cloth masks that hid their faces, leaving only their eyes visible.
『Tanjiro』: These are…
He recognized them immediately — the Kakushi, the Demon Slayer Corps' support division.
They were responsible for cleanup and rescue after battles — non-combatants with no swordsmanship ability.
Worried Carl might mistake them for enemies, Tanjiro quickly called out:
『Tanjiro』: Carl-san, they're not fighters — please don't hurt them!
『Carl』: Hm. Don't worry.
Just then, one of the Kakushi pointed in alarm.
『Kakushi A』: The boy with the scar on his forehead—! And the girl with the bamboo muzzle!
『Kakushi B』: It's them! Headquarters ordered their capture! They're dangerous!
『Kakushi A』: Should we call for backup?
『Kakushi B』: Definitely!
After a brief, panicked exchange, the two turned tail and ran to report what they'd seen.
『Carl』: …Heh. That'll make things interesting.
『Tanjiro』: (nervously) …
The tension in his chest only grew heavier as they continued forward.