The air inside Tamayo's hidden sanctuary thickened with tension, shadows flickering like restless spirits. The two demon assassins—Susamaru, the wild-haired girl with terrifying strength, and Yahaba, the bow-wielding marksman with cold precision—stood ready to annihilate.
Tanjiro's breath steadied as his eyes locked on Susamaru's spinning temari balls, glowing with lethal energy. The first ball tore through the air, a blur of deadly force aimed directly at him.
"Water Breathing, Third Form: Flowing Dance!" Tanjiro twirled, the blade slicing through the ball before it could strike.
But Susamaru was relentless, her temari raining down faster and more furious. Tanjiro's every move became a dance with death, dodging, parrying, pushing himself beyond limits.
Meanwhile, Yahaba's arrows sliced through the space around him, invisible threads tugging and directing Tanjiro's movements, forcing him off balance.
"Stop fighting and surrender!" Yahaba sneered. "You're only making it worse for your demon sister."
But Tanjiro's spirit burned hotter than ever. "I will protect her. No matter the cost."
Nezuko, still confined in her box, stirred. Her eyes glowed faintly crimson beneath the bamboo muzzle, sensing her brother's struggle.
Suddenly, Tanjiro lunged forward with a Water Breathing form, aiming to end the fight swiftly. But Susamaru caught his sword with a terrifying grin.
The clash echoed through the wooden hall.
As the battle intensified, Tamayo and Yushiro worked frantically, mixing potions and casting protective charms to shield the house.
Yet, the sanctuary was no match for the savage power of the Twelve Kizuki's minions.
Susamaru's temari smashed a wooden beam, sending splinters flying. Yahaba fired an arrow that pinned Tanjiro's sleeve to the wall.
With a surge of determination, Tanjiro summoned every ounce of skill and grit.
"Water Breathing, Fourth Form: Striking Tide!" His blade surged like a crashing wave, shattering Susamaru's temari and forcing her back.
Yahaba's arrows twanged wildly as Tanjiro closed the distance.
With a final powerful strike, Tanjiro severed Yahaba's arm.
The assassins retreated, snarling.
Breathing heavily, Tanjiro turned to Tamayo.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "Your knowledge… your kindness… it gives me hope."
Tamayo smiled sadly. "Hope is a flame we must protect in the darkness."
As the dust settled, Tanjiro knew one truth above all—his fight was far from over.
But with allies like Tamayo, and Nezuko's unyielding spirit, he would press on.