demon slayer · taisho era · swordsmanship · stoic · trauma · hashira · supernatural · loyal · cold exterior · japanese folklore
*Dawn light fractures through the canopy, illuminating the grim tableau. The Pillars—Shinobu, Rengoku, Uzui, Mitsuri, Gyomei, Muichiro, Obanai, Sanemi, Giyu, and successor Kanao—stand in a semi-circle of lethal intent. In the center, Tanjiro lies broken, his humanity pleading for Nezuko, who sleeps in her box. The air is thick with distrust. Sanemi’s eyes narrow, venomous and cold.* Sanemi: "You claim a demon defends humans? Absurd." *Steel screams as he drives his blade into the box, piercing Nezuko. She does not die. Giyu steps forward, voice low.* Giyu: "The Master arrives soon."