[ Demon Slayer ] Atonement
Chapter 1
A burning pain spread across her cheek.
The young girl frowned in pain.
Within the endless darkness, she could once again feel her cheek burning, as though someone had struck her.
Yet she was here, unable to resist.
Staggering through the endless mist, the girl ran.
She kept running in one direction that seemed to have no end.
Suddenly, she lost her footing.
She only had time to take in a cold, shivering breath before falling.
Her entire body was swallowed by the darkness.
She could feel the wind rushing through her hair as she fell freely from an unknown height.
She could feel her body sinking into panic and fear.
Just when she thought the bottom she was falling toward was endless, what welcomed her instead was a pair of arms holding her tightly.
They were strangely warm.
Her body was enveloped by those strong arms, like a pair of protective wings that brought an inexplicable sense of security.
The voice lightly brushed against her ear before suddenly disappearing, as if it had never existed.
She continued to fall once more.
But this time, she landed so gently, as though a pair of wings had grown from her back.
Within the pitch-black space, she seemed to see a point of light.
She cautiously walked toward it, then stumbled into a run.
It felt as though a force from behind was pushing her forward, urging her to keep moving until she reached out and touched that lone point of light—the only one in this desolate place.
???
Ah! // Cries out and abruptly opens her eyes. //
As though she had not seen the light for a very long time, the dazzling sunlight forced her to squint in a daze.
Her arm felt as heavy as if weighed down by lead.
Slowly, she raised it to shield herself from the blinding light, gradually allowing her eyes to adjust before looking ahead.
The slow footsteps, accompanied by the scraping sound of an old, worn walking stick against the uneven ground, drew her attention.
Hayata Haru
Young girl... you're awake?
It was the voice of an elderly woman, carrying a warmth and gentleness she hadn't heard in what felt like ages.
Tilting her head, she saw an old woman entering the room, dressed in traditional robes.
In her hands was a handwoven basket brimming with fresh green medicinal herbs.
The old woman approached her and handed her a ceramic cup, its rim chipped from years of use.
Gentle, weathered hands slid behind her neck, carefully helping her sit up so she could lean against the wall.
Hayata Haru
I found you unconscious in the forest.
Hayata Haru
//Gently brushes her bangs aside//
Hayata Haru
How did a young girl like you end up wandering into such a dangerous forest? // Worried //
She tried to answer, but no words came.
Her throat felt painfully dry, her voice so hoarse that she couldn't force out a single proper sentence.
Hayata Haru
Drink some water first.
Hayata Haru
// Holds the cup out to her //
She gave a small nod and drank several mouthfuls in quick succession.
It wasn't until a violent fit of coughing overtook her that she finally stopped.
Taking a slow, heavy breath, she waited until her breathing steadied before speaking.
???
I... don't know either.
???
When I woke up, I was already here.
Hayata Haru
Then... do you remember where your home is?
???
My home is in Kyoto, on Kenga Street.
???
I live in the Haiya apartment complex.
???
May I ask... where exactly is this place, ma'am?
Only now did she have the chance to properly look around.
It was a fragile little wooden house with only a single room.
Its roof was thatched with straw, just like the houses she'd seen from the Sengoku period.
As for the old woman before her, she wore a faded kimono so old-fashioned that the only place the girl had ever seen one like it was in history textbooks or museum exhibits.
Hayata Haru
....??? // Confused //
Hayata Haru
An apartment complex?
Hayata Haru
And besides... I've never heard of a place called Kenga Street.
???
H-How can that be...? // Forces a smile //
The apartment complex where she lived was one of the most luxurious in Kyoto.
Perhaps even people across Japan dreamed of living there.
So how could there possibly be someone who had never even heard its name?
Hayata Haru
More importantly, how did you end up here?
Hayata Haru
Kyoto is at least several months away from this place—perhaps even a year's journey.
Hayata Haru
// Slightly worried //
???
That's impossible! // Panicked //
???
Then... where... where exactly is this place...? // Her face pales //
Hayata Haru
This is an autonomous district under the government in Aomori... during the Taishō era.
A strange sensation swept over her, as though she were trapped inside a dream.
...and awakened in an unfamiliar place, somewhere deep in the past.
Was the old woman standing before her simply crazy?
Or had age finally clouded her mind?
But why would anyone target her?
She had never made an enemy of anyone.
???
Ma'am... are you certain you're not mistaken?
???
This should be the Reiwa era... the year 2026, shouldn't it? // Urgently //
Hayata Haru
How could I be mistaken? // Shakes her head //
Hayata Haru
Don't let this frail old body fool you.
Hayata Haru
My mind is as sharp as ever.
Hayata Haru
Even if old age makes me forgetful one day, I wouldn't forget what era we're living in.
The young girl fell silent.
After carefully scanning the room once more, she hesitated for a long moment before quietly asking.
???
...Are there demons in this world?
Chapter 2
Hayata Haru
Shizu, let’s head back.
Hayata Shizu was the very girl from that abyss of darkness.
She had accepted her fate of being transported to this unfamiliar land.
The elderly woman in traditional attire from that day was named Yamagata Haru.
Haru had taken Shizu in, treating her like her own granddaughter and teaching her everything she knew.
Nearly two years had passed since Shizu arrived.
This place was a remote countryside, far from the bustling cities—quiet, peaceful, and serene.
Day after day, aside from learning medical arts from Haru, Shizu spent her time practicing swordsmanship.
She never knew why Haru possessed a sword, but the old woman had given it to her and taught her many sword techniques.
Yamagata Shizu
Yes, I’ll be right in!
She bowed slightly, finished gathering the last of the green herbs beneath the ancient tree, placed them into the basket on her back, and cheerfully returned to the house.
Hayata Haru
Having you here has helped this old woman with so many chores.
Hayata Haru
// Gentle smile //
Yamagata Shizu
I’m the one who should be thanking you for taking in a stranger like me.
The two of them sat together inside the small house, sharing lunch.
When afternoon came, Haru headed down the mountain to treat patients as usual, while Shizu continued her sword training.
Shizu swung her blade, thoughts swirling in her mind.
Haru had never told her the names of these techniques; she simply called them the First Form, Second Form, or Third Form.
Each strike was profound and fierce—one could say it was a priceless sword style.
Yet in Haru’s eyes and words, Shizu sensed a deep weariness and rejection toward this sword art.
She wondered, gazing at the silver blade in her hand.
Shizu practiced until dusk, until the sun disappeared behind the distant mountains.
She stood on the porch waiting, but Haru still had not returned.
A powerful sense of unease enveloped her.
She grabbed her sword, slung it at her side, took the firefly lantern, and decided to head down the mountain to search for her.
The ancient forest at night was pitch black.
Without the lantern in her hand, she wouldn’t even be able to see her own fingers.
The deeper she went, the more Yamagata Shizu caught the faint scent of fresh blood.
Her heart raced, and her steps quickened
Yamagata Shizu
Grandma Haru, where are you?
Yamagata Shizu
Where are you?!
Yamagata Shizu
Can you hear me?!
Yamagata Shizu
It’s me—Shizu!!
She called out loudly, unconcerned that it might attract wild beasts.
She ran faster, shouting as she went, but heard no reply from Haru—not even the slightest sound.
The nighttime forest was eerily silent, chilling to the bone.
Shizu kept calling until her throat burned with pain.
The firefly lantern slipped from her hand and fell to the ground, releasing most of its glowing insects.
In the faint, ethereal light, she saw blood—blood staining the tree trunks, mixing with the scent of wood into something acrid and piercing.
And there was Haru, lying in a pool of blood, breathing faintly.
Yamagata Shizu
GRANDMA HARU!!!
Yamagata Shizu
// Face deathly pale, rushing to her side //
Her eyes were dim and unfocused.
She could only rely on the voice to call out to this granddaughter who shared no blood with her.
Yamagata Shizu
Grandma, hold on!
Yamagata Shizu
I… I’ll treat your wounds…
Shizu’s hands trembled as she pressed down on the wound, desperately trying to stem the endless flow of blood.
A gust of wind passed by.
Shizu shivered as a cold breath brushed against her vulnerable neck.
???
Haru, is this the descendant of your house?
The icy voice of a man from behind her made her feel true terror for the first time—the fear of death drawing near.
Hayata Haru
You… will face… retribution…
Haru, weakened and lying in her arms, pointed behind Shizu.
Her blood-stained hand rose feebly before falling heavily.
Yamagata Shizu
G-GRANDMA… GRANDMA HARU!!!
Shizu panicked, shouting loudly, ignoring the fact that Muzan—the Demon King—was right behind her.
Yamagata Shizu
Grandma… Ack…!
Shizu drew in a sharp, cold breath as her body was suddenly lifted into the air.
Haru’s body slumped to the ground, while Muzan seized Shizu by the throat and hoisted her high.
Shizu clutched at his hand; his fingers tightened around her carotid artery, the pain so intense she could barely breathe.
Her face turned deathly white as she struggled desperately.
Yamagata Shizu
L-Let… me go… // Weakly //
Muzan stared at her, his eyes piercing deep into her being as if he could see her very organs.
Those emotionless, dry eyes of a demon gleamed in the darkness.
Kibutsuji Muzan
Haru won't die.
Kibutsuji Muzan
I will turn her into a demon.
Kibutsuji Muzan
That woman dared to point her sword at me thirty years ago.
Kibutsuji Muzan
She looked at me with those inferior eyes filled with hatred.
Kibutsuji Muzan
I will give her the life she has always despised
Kibutsuji Muzan
To live as a demon who can only cower from the sun.
His voice was deep, frigid, and utterly devoid of emotion.
Shizu struggled in agony, barely able to breathe, yet her concern for Haru burned even stronger.
Dawn was approaching, and Haru’s body, now receiving Muzan’s blood, was beginning to change.
She thrashed wildly, managing to draw the sword at her hip and slash out.
The strike succeeded—Muzan released her and flung her aside.
Kibutsuji Muzan
Haru dared to pass on her swordsmanship to you?
Kibutsuji Muzan
It seems tonight, I will have to kill you.
Kibutsuji Muzan
// Narrowing his eyes, murderous intent radiating //
Shizu clutched her throat, which bore the imprint of Muzan’s grip.
Coughing violently, she staggered to her feet.
Though her face showed fear, she had regained some calm and rationality.
Yamagata Shizu
Muzan. Kibutsuji Muzan.
Yamagata Shizu
I thought that if I just lived quietly in one place, I could live a peaceful life.
Yamagata Shizu
But it seems I was wrong.
She smiled bitterly, already assuming a ready stance with her hand resting on the hilt of her sword.
Kibutsuji Muzan
You know me?
Kibutsuji Muzan
Did Haru tell you?
Kibutsuji Muzan
// Raising an eyebrow //
Yamagata Shizu
// Shakes her head //
Yamagata Shizu
I know you.
Yamagata Shizu
I know you very well.
Yamagata Shizu
But I also wish I knew nothing at all.
Ignoring the standing Muzan, Shizu calmly walked to her woven basket that had tumbled aside.
She reached in and pulled out a length of rope.
With a grief-stricken expression, she approached Haru and began binding her.
With every loop, she whispered apologies, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Haru, now being bound to the large tree, thrashed violently as the demon transformation took hold, but Shizu could only watch helplessly.
Muzan allowed her to tie Haru up, silently observing the young woman before him.
This human girl, seemingly only fourteen or fifteen, carried an aura that didn't match her age.
She turned around, tears still falling, her dark eyes shining fiercely in the night, brimming with hatred.
Yamagata Shizu
Kibutsuji Muzan, I'm Yamagata Shizu.
Yamagata Shizu
Beneath this moonlight, I curse you today
Yamagata Shizu
I curse the first demon of humanity to die in the most painful loneliness.
Yamagata Shizu
To die because of love—for the humanity you have always scorned.
Yamagata Shizu
Demon King, you will die in the solitude and agony of a love that will never be reciprocated.
Yamagata Shizu
You will suffer and regret what you have done this day.
Yamagata Shizu bowed low, gripping the hilt of her sword and drawing a deep breath.
Yamagata Shizu
“Yamagata Sword Style — First Form.”
Yamagata Shizu
“Chaotic Rain.”
Muzan waved his hand. Shizu’s sword strikes came like a storm, each one sharp and aimed straight at the Demon King’s throat.
Just as the blade was about to reach him, Muzan raised his hand in a light flick.
The terrifying force slammed into her fragile body, sending her flying sideways and crashing hard into a tree.
Shizu’s sword strikes came like a storm, each one sharp and aimed straight at the Demon King’s throat.
Just as the blade was about to reach him, Muzan raised his hand in a light flick.
The terrifying force slammed into her fragile body, sending her flying sideways and crashing hard into a tree.
Yamagata Shizu
Kya! Cough!!!
She screamed as her lungs felt crushed in agony, coughing up a mouthful of blood.
Muzan snorted coldly, looking down at her with contempt, as if she were nothing more than a filthy insect.
Kibutsuji Muzan
You don’t know your own limits.
She lifted her head and smiled coldly.
Twisting her body, she used the momentum to flee.
Muzan glanced at Haru, who was growling and struggling, but paid her no mind and immediately gave chase.
In mid-air came the sound of a biwa being plucked.
A demon descended—Yahaba.
Trembling before Muzan, he respectfully answered and hurried toward Haru.
Shizu ran while regulating her breathing.
Her lungs burned from the earlier impact, but she forced her battered body to keep moving.
She knew that if she slowed even a single step, Muzan’s blood-soaked arm would pierce through her heaving chest.
Yamagata Shizu
Someone… help…
Kibutsuji Muzan
You think you can escape? // Sneering //
Yamagata Shizu
You haven’t… tried yet… how do you know it’s impossible… // Taunting //
Muzan narrowed his eyes, raising his hand, ready to pierce her rising and falling chest.
Kibutsuji Muzan
Foolish human.
???
You bastard, stop right there…!
Behind her came the sound of a sword scraping against the ground and a sharp cutting noise.
Muzan’s arm was severed right before his eyes.
Muzan was stunned, unable to believe his own eyes.
For several centuries, no one had been able to wound him—except that monster.
Muzan glared and saw a hazy figure, like a spirit in the mist.
Yet even if that silhouette turned to ash, Muzan would never mistake it.
It was the true monster, one even greater than himself.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi
Muzan, I won't let you destroy what I have worked for.
Kibutsuji Muzan
You’re not dead?!
Muzan roared in fury, his growl sounding more like a statement than a question.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi
I have died.
Tsugikuni Yoriichi
But I will protect my descendant from you, Muzan.
With no pursuit from Muzan, Shizu quickly shook off her tail and escaped the forest.
The sun had begun to rise over the distant mountains.
As if a great weight had been lifted, Shizu staggered onward until she reached the nearest village at the foot of the mountain, where she finally collapsed.
Yamagata Shizu
* I… made it… *
Chapter 3
When Shizu regained consciousness, waves of pain radiated from every muscle fiber straight to her brain, making her groan in a dizzy haze.
During the chase by Muzan, she had pushed her body to its absolute limit to escape.
She still didn’t understand why he had stopped, giving her the chance to flee.
???
You’ve been unconscious for two whole days.
Yamagata Shizu
// She murmured, her voice slightly hoarse //
The masked man handed her the wooden bowl.
Shizu accepted it with both hands, slowly drinking every drop before letting out a heavy, troubled sigh.
???
Are you from the Demon Slayer Corps?
???
I saw you carrying a Nichirin Sword.
Yamagata Shizu
// Startled //
Yamagata Shizu
This sword was passed down to me by my master.
Yamagata Shizu
She never mentioned its origin or spoke of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Yamagata Shizu
She was turned into a demon.
Yamagata Shizu
I tied her to a tree so the sunlight could burn her away
Her voice grew thick and choked with emotion, trailing off into quiet sorrow.
The man fell silent, as if recalling some tragic memory of his own, before finally letting out a long sigh.
He placed a hand on her shoulder and patted it gently—an act of comfort, like an elder soothing a younger generation.
Urokodaki Sakonji
I'm Urokodaki Sakonji.
Yamagata Shizu
Thank you, senior, for saving my life.
Yamagata Shizu
I'm Yamagata Shizu.
Yamagata Shizu
// Pressed her hands together respectfully //
Urokodaki Sakonji
// Nods //
Urokodaki Sakonji
So, what do you plan to do from now on?
Urokodaki Sakonji
Would you like to join the Demon Slayer Corps?
Yamagata Shizu
Thank you for your concern, senior.
Yamagata Shizu
I don’t have any clear plans yet.
Yamagata Shizu
I may wander for a while.
Yamagata Shizu
When the time is right, I will head to the Demon Slayer Corps.
Deep in her heart, she already had her own calculations.
Shizu nodded gratefully, a spark of excitement flickering within her.
After all, she had finally confirmed exactly where she was.
Kimetsu no Yaiba—a massively popular manga in recent years, and an anime that the former Natsumin (now Yamagata Shizu) had followed with passionate obsession.
As a reader, she naturally knew the story’s plot.
That was why, when facing Muzan, she had boldly cursed him.
If not, at least it might have caught him off guard long enough for her to escape.
While recovering at Urokodaki’s home, Shizu also trained with him.
Every bit of additional sword skill might one day save her fragile life.
Urokodaki Sakonji
The Final Selection will be held soon.
Urokodaki Sakonji
With your current level, you could try your strength there.
Yamagata Shizu
I will consider it.
Yamagata Shizu
Thank you, sir. // Bowed deeply //
After bidding farewell to Urokodaki, Shizu began her journey.
Her destination was the Kamado household.
If possible, she wanted to try protecting this family.
Fortunately, the Kamado family, who sold charcoal, was quite well-known.
Thanks to their kind and honest nature, most villagers at the foot of the mountain knew and cherished them.
Because of this, Shizu didn't have much difficulty finding their home.
By the time she climbed the mountain, the sky had already darkened into twilight.
She heard the cheerful sounds of children playing growing closer, along with the gentle, warm voice of a woman.
As she drew nearer, the voices became clearer.
???
Ara… Do we have a guest?
Shizu pressed her lips together and approached.
She bowed her head in greeting.
Yamagata Shizu
Hello, ma’am.
Yamagata Shizu
I'm Yamagata Shizu.
Yamagata Shizu
I came from the south.
The woman in her thirties smiled softly and kindly.
Shizu scratched her head.
She had thought of a reason on the way, but she hadn’t expected to find the Kamado house so easily.
Her prepared excuse was still half-baked, yet here she was, standing at their doorstep.
The woman noticed Shizu’s slightly disheveled appearance, the long sword at her hip, and her awkward yet gentle expression.
Her wariness eased a little.
???
Hubby, we have a guest.
A man’s voice answered faintly from inside, clearly weakened.
Shizu tensed unconsciously, straightening her posture.
After a long moment, a man in his thirties appeared, a haori draped loosely over his shoulders.
His face showed signs of heavy illness, yet his gentle features made one instinctively lower their guard and feel drawn to him.
???
Have we… met before, young girl?
Yamagata Shizu
I’m from the Tsugikuni… that is…
Shizu stammered, hastily using the Tsugikuni name as a shield.
The man was momentarily stunned upon hearing a family name long absent from the world.
A look of gentle nostalgia and regret crossed his face before he smiled softly.
???
Then you are a guest of the Kamado family.
She hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly.
She breathed a quiet sigh of relief and followed the couple into the wooden house.
Inside, she could clearly see and hear the lively, playful voices of the children.
???
Our children can be quite mischievous.
Yamagata Shizu
Not at all.
Yamagata Shizu
They’re all very adorable. // A bit shyly //
???
Kie, could you prepare dinner?
The woman named Kie nodded and, together with their eldest daughter, began preparing the meal.
Shizu glanced over and vaguely guessed that the girl was Nezuko.
The younger children had gone outside to play while waiting for their eldest brother.
Inside the house, only Shizu and the man remained.
She sat in a half-kneeling position, feeling nervous.
It was understandable—aside from Muzan and Urokodaki, she had not yet interacted with any other canon characters.
Now that she was here, she would inevitably become part of the story.
The realization made Shizu incredibly tense.
???
There’s no need to be so nervous.
???
Treat this place as your own home.
Kamado Tanjuro
I'm Kamado Tanjuro.
Kamado Tanjuro
To be honest, this is the first time I’ve met someone from the Tsugikuni family.
Kamado Tanjuro
I only heard about them from my father’s stories.
Yamagata Shizu
Y-Yes, it’s fine!
Yamagata Shizu
I-I'm Yamagata Shizu.
Yamagata Shizu
Truthfully, my connection to the Tsugikuni family is very slight.
Yamagata Shizu
I can’t really be considered part of them.
Shizu scratched her head, awkwardly covering up her clumsy lie.
From outside came the sound of hurried footsteps.
A child in a simple kimono leaped inside and tumbled into Tanjuro’s somewhat thin arms.
The child’s voice rang out, young and full of excitement.
Kamado Tanjuro
Yeah, have you finished your training?
Kamado Tanjuro
// Smiling as he gently rubbed the child’s head //
The boy beamed, his innocent face filled with anticipation for praise.
His eyes sparkled brightly.
After happily receiving his father’s encouraging pat, he turned and noticed Shizu sitting there.
Though he was around six or seven years old—not particularly small—there was an endearing innocence about him that made people instinctively adore him.
Kamado Tanjirou
Hello, big sister.
Kamado Tanjirou
I’m Kamado Tanjiro.
He stretched out his small hand toward Shizu.
Shizu froze for a moment.
Looking at the child’s small palm—already calloused from training and hard work—she saw him smiling so brightly and happily.
Even to a stranger like her, that incredibly warm smile was enough to melt the heart.
Yamagata Shizu
I’m Yamagata Shizu.
Yamagata Shizu
It’s nice to meet you. // Smiling gently //
Suddenly, Kie’s voice called from the kitchen.
Kamado Kie
Yamagata, if you don’t mind...
Kamado Kie
You’re welcome to stay with us as a guest for a few days.
She walked out slowly with Nezuko, carrying fragrant dishes.
Shizu scratched her head shyly.
Being a freeloader made her feel a bit uncomfortable.
Yamagata Shizu
T-Then I’ll be imposing on you. // Face slightly flushed //
And so the story slowly moved forward, counting down to the day of destiny.
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