Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

After Tanjiro became Urokodaki Sakonji's disciple, he explained his situation and shared his suspicion that his older brother might have become a demon.

When Tanjiro calmed down, he had already guessed that Kawanishi likely turned into a demon—otherwise, why would his brother abandon the family's corpses and flee?

So when Urokodaki Sakonji saw Kawanishi as a demon, he wasn't surprised. In fact, he felt a sense of as expected.

Kawanishi, however, was slightly taken aback. He slowly dispelled his demon form, returning to his human appearance, and asked the dangerous-looking elder, "And you are?"

Urokodaki replied calmly, "Urokodaki Sakonji, trainer for the Demon Slayer Corps—Tanjiro's master."

Tanjiro's master? It seems my brother found someone kind to guide him.

As for being a trainer for the Demon Slayer Corps… though Urokodaki didn't elaborate, just from the title, Kawanishi could infer his immense strength. No wonder he felt dangerous.

After a moment of hesitation, Kawanishi asked, "You know about me? Tanjiro must have told you. Did he… say anything else? Like what he thinks of me?"

He knew Tanjiro likely realized he'd become a demon. And though he trusted his brother's character, he still wanted to hear it confirmed.

Sensing Kawanishi's unease, Urokodaki's usually stoic face softened slightly.

He could tell how deeply Kawanishi cared for his family—just like Nezuko. They were nothing like demons who had abandoned all humanity.

Urokodaki said softly, "Tanjiro holds no prejudice against you. He believes you, like Nezuko, can overcome your demonic nature and come find him."

"From the looks of it now, you haven't let him down—you really have overcome your demonic instincts."

"In my life, I've encountered countless demons, slain many. But aside from Nezuko, you are the only other demon I've seen like this."

"If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it…"

From Urokodaki's keen senses, neither Kawanishi nor Nezuko emitted the usual chaotic, evil aura of demons. Instead, there was a unique scent that blended demon and human, distinct yet gentle—likely from not consuming humans.

As Urokodaki spoke, Kawanishi quietly listened. This seemingly fierce man wasn't as harsh as he appeared.

He had expected someone strict and severe, but Urokodaki didn't seem that way at all.

From his words, Kawanishi could also confirm that Nezuko hadn't consumed anyone yet—her scent revealed as much.

Urokodaki had expressed both trust and kindness toward the two demon siblings. Kawanishi understood that Tanjiro must have played a role in earning that trust.

Tanjiro… you've always had a way of inspiring those around you and gaining their trust.

Perhaps it's your kindness—your instinct to care for others, your sympathy for all living beings.

You've always looked at the world with compassion. It's what makes you so endearing.

But you will need to change, too. You may pity demons with tragic pasts—but you cannot spare them.

You'll be able to do it, I believe. Your gentle heart must strike like fire when you swing your blade.

Kawanishi knew his brother. Though Tanjiro seemed too gentle to hurt anyone, once he set his mind to something, his resolve became unshakable.

That determination already existed in your heart.

You want to avenge our family—you want to give people peaceful nights without the terror of demons.

But as your brother, I can't help but want to shield you. I don't want you to fight.

Perhaps selfishly, I wish to shoulder these burdens alone.

Still, I know Tanjiro won't accept that. He too desires to fight, to seek justice for our family.

With a quiet sigh, the closer Kawanishi drew to seeing Tanjiro, the more conflicted he became, unsure what to say when they finally met.

Shaking off those thoughts, Kawanishi said to Urokodaki, "Thank you for your trust. I promise I won't harm the innocent."

He returned Urokodaki's trust and respect. Kawanishi wasn't one to trust easily, but he did so now.

After all, not only was Urokodaki Tanjiro's master, he had clearly accepted Tanjiro as his disciple—otherwise, he wouldn't have taught him.

More than that, Nezuko, as a demon, was safe here under Urokodaki's protection. The sudden attack earlier had simply been caution.

And Kawanishi could sense Urokodaki's genuine sincerity—it wasn't like Shinobu, who said she trusted him while radiating pure hatred and rage.

Urokodaki spoke gravely, "I don't need promises. I want you to prove yourself through your actions."

You siblings are my hope. Hold onto your true selves—don't fall into darkness!

Kawanishi nodded solemnly, then asked, "Where is Tanjiro?"

"The house only holds Nezuko—I only smell the two of you."

Urokodaki was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Tanjiro's brother to share this extraordinary sense of smell.

In his lifetime, only himself, Tanjiro, and Kawanishi possessed this ability far beyond ordinary humans.

"To help Nezuko become human again, and to face demons head-on, Tanjiro is training hard. He's at the mountain's training grounds even now."

"He'll likely return to rest in about an hour."

Kawanishi calculated. It was already past 2 AM—while most people were fast asleep in warm beds, Tanjiro was still tirelessly training.

Little brother… you're growing stronger in your own way. I'm proud, yet I hate to see you struggle so.

Kawanishi said, "In that case, may I go inside and see Nezuko first?"

(End of Chapter)