Chapter 133 Let Me Protect You
Chapter 133 Let Me Protect You
The moment the words "Blood Demon Art" were uttered from Tanjiro's lips, an invisible wave of energy suddenly surged around him, and his entire being began to undergo a dramatic transformation.
The warm, rough linen clothes he was wearing disappeared at a visible speed, replaced by a crisp and neat Demon Slayer Corps uniform bearing the mark of his master's approval.
His black clothes clung to his body, and his Nichirin Blade hung steadily at his waist, every pattern of which was so familiar it was etched into his very bones.
In the eyes of Nezuko and her younger siblings, Tanjiro was no longer the gentle and honest charcoal-selling boy he once was.
His right hand gripped a gleaming, cold-looking Nichirin Blade tightly, its blade gleaming with a chilling light that seemed capable of slaying demons.
On the right side of the forehead, eerie and fiery flame patterns slowly emerged.
Those once clear and gentle eyes were now completely transformed into a deep, blood-red color.
"elder brother……"
Nezuko instinctively took a half step back, her voice filled with barely suppressed fear and confusion, and softly called out to Tanjiro.
Behind him, Takeo, Rokuta, Hanako, and Shigeru turned pale with fright and hid behind Mizuko, only their terrified eyes staring intently at their unfamiliar and frightening older brother.
They couldn't understand why their usually gentle and reliable older brother had become like this.
Looking at the fear and alienation in his family's eyes, he then looked down at the cold, sharp Nichirin Blade in his hand.
Tanjiro felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing his heart tightly, and extremely complex emotions instantly filled his entire body.
How much he cherished this beautiful dream, how much he wanted to stay forever in this warm place where there was no death, no fighting, no ghosts.
He longed to play with his younger siblings and live a peaceful life by his mother's side; he couldn't even count how many times he wanted to.
But at that very moment, the memories that had been forcibly suppressed by the illusion returned with a bang, completely engulfing him like a tidal wave.
The horrific scene of his family members dying tragically in the snow, Muzan's cold and cruel smile, and the image of himself curled up in a wooden box after becoming a demon.
The hardships Nezuko endures as she slays demons, the bonds she shares with her companions, and the perilous situation Nezuko faces in reality...
Scenes flashed vividly through my mind, sharp and real, piercing through this gentle facade.
Even with a thousand regrets and lingering feelings in his heart, Tanjiro gritted his teeth, hot tears welling up in his blood-red eyes, his voice choked with sobs yet incredibly firm.
"I'm sorry, Nezuko, I'm sorry, Takeo, Rokuta, Hanako, Shigeru... I... I have to go!"
Tears welled up in her bloodshot eyes, threatening to spill over.
But he knew he had to leave this warm dream and face the cruel but real reality.
Because in the real world, the real Nezuko is still alive.
His younger sister, who resolutely took up the Nichirin Blade and became a strong swordsman for him, is still in danger on the Mugen Train, waiting for him to protect her.
He can't be so selfish as to abandon his sister, who is working so hard in reality, just for his own selfish comfort.
"Brother...where are you going?!"
Seeing this, Nezuko immediately rushed forward and grabbed Tanjiro's sleeve tightly. Her little face was filled with anxiety and helplessness, and tears were already welling up in her eyes.
"Did we upset our brother? Or did we... make him too tired, which is why he wants to leave us..."
A sentence filled with guilt and unease gently entered Tanjiro's ears, instantly striking the softest spot in his heart.
Even with the strongest will, one cannot help but waver slightly at this moment, feeling a dense, throbbing pain in one's heart.
"No, no, how could that be, Midouzi!"
Tanjiro quickly took several deep breaths, desperately suppressing his surging emotions, and slowly turned around.
Even though his eyes were scarlet demon pupils, his gaze towards Mizuko was still so gentle it could melt your heart.
He spoke softly, each word earnest and reluctant.
"Niedouzi, this place is really wonderful, so wonderful that I never want to leave. You are still the most reliable eldest daughter in the family, taking care of your younger siblings in place of our mother and me. Seeing you so peaceful and happy is more than enough for me..."
Nezuko opened her mouth, wanting to say something more to persuade her to stay, but Tanjiro raised his hand first, gently covering her tightly gripping hand with his warm palm.
The warmth of his palm was real and comforting, carrying with it a final tenderness and farewell.
"But this place isn't real after all."
Tanjiro's voice rang out softly, carrying a clear and resolute tone.
"Nezuko, in reality, you gave up a peaceful life for me, picked up the Nichirin Blade, and became a strong and independent female swordsman. But now, you are in danger outside and need me to protect you. I can't abandon you and leave you to face those terrible demons alone."
He paused, looking into Midouzi's tearful eyes, and the last trace of lingering affection in his heart transformed into a determination to protect her, and he said softly.
"So... Nezuko, let me protect you in the real world."
The moment those words were spoken, Tanjiro gently but firmly pushed away Nezuko's hand that was holding him, and without looking back, he turned and ran towards the snow-covered forest at the edge of the dream.
White snowflakes splashed at his feet. Behind him was a warm little house and his family, while in front of him lay a cold and cruel reality and his mission. He did not hesitate for a moment.
Nizuko stood there blankly, watching Tanjiro's receding figure, her little hand frozen in mid-air, tears finally sliding down her cheeks.
Even though it was just a dreamlike image, even without any real memories, at this moment, she still made the exact same choice as in reality.
There were no cries, no obstructions, no desperate attempts to keep them.
She simply raised her hand gently, pointing in the direction Tanjiro had gone, and whispered softly in a voice only she could hear:
"Brother, be careful..."
The words faded into the wind of the dream, and Tanjiro's figure disappeared completely into the depths of the snowy forest.
As Tanjiro ran, he felt himself getting closer and closer to that familiar flame.
At the same time, the unique scent of ghosts slowly appeared in his nasal cavity.
[It really is Blood Demon Art! I have to get out of here! I have to get out of here! Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Rengoku-sensei, you all have to be safe!]
Just as Tanjiro was running wildly through the snow in his dream, he suddenly caught a glimpse of a thin figure out of the corner of his eye.
Tanjiro suddenly stopped and stared in disbelief at the snow-covered ground beside him.
That figure seemed to have been standing there quietly all along, as if it had been waiting for me for a long time.
But then, that familiar, gaunt figure appeared.
Tanjiro called out in a trembling voice, his words coming out in broken sentences.
"Father... Father!"
(Hello, friends, my Douyin name is the same as my pen name, animated short dramas. It really is something that requires a lot of effort to learn!)
(You may not see short dramas in the short term, but I will use AI software to create short videos from some of the highlights.)
(Please bear with this; I will study hard!)
svetikya