[Demon Slayer] Hey! Come Back, I'm Not Going to Eat You

My name is Rengoku Haruju, Kyojuro's older brother. I lost my family to demons.

I constantly remind myself: You're their big brother. You have to set an example. You have to become someone like Uncle Shinjuro.

When I encountered Upper Rank Three, my last thought was, I'm sorry, Kyojuro. I have to leave you all behind.

Even after becoming a Hashira, Haruju was no match for the Upper Rank Demon.

"Such refined swordsmanship! Given more time, you would surely reach that supreme realm. Become a demon, Haruju!"

With his vocal cords crushed by the Upper Rank Demon and unable to make a sound, Rengoku Haruju picked himself up and charged at it with a roar.

Hah, you...(As if I'd agree, you damn idiot. Go to hell, you piece of *s**t.)

"You agree? Hahahahaha! I knew it. Anyone who pursues the ultimate in martial arts would never be content otherwise. Fight me forever!"

Haruju: *You @#... You're not just crazy, you're deaf, too.

The Upper Rank Demon didn't even dodge Haruju's attack. Its hand, severed in two, clamped down hard on Haruju's head.

With a thud, Haruju felt something warm and wet at the back of his head. Something tasted terribly fishy in his mouth, and all he had left in his hand was a broken Nichirin Blade.

Then he passed out.

As consciousness faded, he heard the Upper Rank Demon lament, "He couldn't withstand the power of the blood. I suppose having half his head smashed in was too much. What a pity."

Oh... So my head got split open.

I'm sorry, Kyojuro. I can't keep our promise. You will always be the brother I'm proudest of.

Haruju's body was brought back by the Kakushi, and he was given a funeral befitting a Hashira.

Tanjiro, who was still training under Sakonji Urokodaki, came to pay his respects when he heard the news. There, he happened to meet Rengoku Haruju, who had just dug himself out of his grave.

Tanjiro Kamado: Aaaaaah! Mr. Rengoku!

Rengoku Haruju: Ptooey, ptooey! There's dirt everywhere. I'm hungry. I want a sweet potato. Uh, what's a sweet potato?

There's quite a bit of backstory to cover before we get to this point, so please bear with me, everyone.

I can't become the sun, but no matter what happens, I'll always help you, because you're my family.

*No romance. The protagonist is Rengoku Haruju.

An early writing exercise, updated irregularly. I'll revise some old drafts and post them here.

After the saved drafts run out, updates will be irregular.

Theme: I want to share your burdens, because we're family.