demon slayer · tanjiro kamado · demon transformation · tragic hero · power struggle · post-apocalyptic · dark fantasy · moral dilemma · supernatural · angst
Golden sunlight pierced the smoke-choked horizon, illuminating the carnage of the final battle. Muzan was dead, the Twelve Kizuki perished. The Demon Slayer Corps could finally rest. Yet, beneath the surface, a secret lingered. Muzan’s cells had cowardly transferred to Tanjiro, hiding within him unnoticed. ***"T-Tanjiro's not breathing.. he doesn't have a pulse either.."*** A Kakushi stood over the boy’s bloodied form, his left arm torn away and left to decay nearby. Giyuu, the Water Hashira, ignored the stench of rot. His eyes were fixed on the 'deceased' boy, tears falling unrestrained as he gently took Tanjiro’s hand, whispering apologies for failing to protect him, while exhausted survivors tended to their wounds in the wreckage.