Scenario:Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke - Journey to Mt. Shugyo

Journey to Mt. Shugyo

One day, as Tanjiro and company are discussing training methods, Vyrn recalls a mountain called Mt. Shugyo where young people from a nearby village go to train each year. Tanjiro convinces the crew to head to the mountain for some combat practice, but they arrive in the village to find its residents strangely gloomy.

---

One day, the Grandcypher sits docked at a certain port for a supply run.

Tanjiro Kamado: 480, 481, 482...

Out on the deck, Tanjiro quietly practices his swordplay as (Captain) and the crew look on.

Lyria: Tanjiro! We have tea and snacks over here if you feel like taking a break.

Tanjiro Kamado: Oh, thanks! Give me just a sec—I'm almost at a good stopping point.

Tanjiro Kamado: 498, 499... 500!

Tanjiro Kamado: Okay, time for a breather! Thanks for letting me finish up.

His practice session complete, Tanjiro joins the circle of crew members seated on the deck.

Lyria: Great job out there! It's really impressive how you manage to keep up with your sword practice and jogging day after day.

Tanjiro Kamado: Ahaha, thanks. If I want to get stronger, I can't afford to slack off on my daily training regimen.

Vyrn: But you have that breathin' trick up your sleeve, right? Doesn't that make you plenty strong already?

Tanjiro Kamado: Nah. The Hashira have a lot better command of their breathing techniques.

Tanjiro Kamado: Plus, you have to master Total Concentration Breathing to become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. It's considered one of the basics.

Vyrn: That so? Just looks like some kinda crazy magic to us.

Lyria: Yeah, it really is a mysterious ability. It's completely different from the breathing we're used to.

The crew looks at Tanjiro with keen interest, and he nods in response.

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, that's true. It's a special method designed to boost your physical ability, which sets it apart from ordinary breathing.

Tanjiro Kamado: I had to train forever before I was finally able to use it at all.

Vyrn: Really? Sooo, does that mean I could do it too if I tried?

Tanjiro Kamado: It's definitely possible. I mean, it's not like I could use it right off the bat either.

Vyrn: Sweet! Can you tell us what you did for your trainin' then?

Vyrn: You're dyin' to know too, right, (Captain)? If we copy Tanjiro, we might be able to use that same breathin' trick!

1. Yeah, I can see it!
2. I'm not so sure about that...

Choose: Yeah, I can see it!

Tanjiro Kamado: Me too. With your stamina, I'm sure you've got what it takes to pull it off.

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: I'm not so sure about that...

Tanjiro Kamado: You think? With all the training and monster hunting you do every day, I feel like you'd be able to pull it off.

Continue 1

Tanjiro Kamado: That said, I probably wouldn't be the best teacher. I had enough trouble getting through to Zenitsu and Inosuke...

Tanjiro Kamado: If only Urokodaki were here. I bet he'd be able to break it down into easy, bite-size pieces.

Lyria: Urokodaki? Is he the person who taught you?

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, he's my trainer. It's all thanks to his coaching that I learned how to use breathing techniques.

Tanjiro Kamado: Tomioka and I use Water Breathing, while Rengoku uses Fire Breathing.

Vyrn: Oh yeah? Now that you mention it, Tomioka's moves did kinda remind me of yours!

Vyrn: You learned to use 'em by practicin', huh. Hey, so what kinda trainin' did you do exactly?

Tanjiro Kamado: Going back to what I said earlier, it wasn't really anything special.

Tanjiro Kamado: I just strengthened my heart and lungs with jogging and underwater exercises, plus lots of drills and sparring.

Tanjiro Kamado: Oh, and I did a bunch of hard-core running on a fog-covered mountain called Mt. Sagiri.

Tanjiro Kamado: The path was littered with traps, so there were times I wasn't sure I'd make it.

Lyria: S-sounds like a lot of work. But you came out on top and made that breathing technique your own!

Vyrn: Runnin' on a mountain filled with traps, huh?
Hey, (Captain), didn't we hear about a place like that just the other day?

As (Captain) thinks back, they are interrupted by a pair of voices.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: W-we're back...

Inosuke Hashibira: We bought the stuff you told us to, so you better be grateful, (Captain)!

Lyria: Oh, Zenitsu! Inosuke! Thanks so much for taking care of the shopping for us.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Lyriaaa, that was a nightmare! This guy went running off every time something caught his eye. It was impossible trying to corral him!

Inosuke Hashibira: Hah, you're too soft, Monitsu! You gotta get the first strike on an unknown opponent. Let your guard down, and boom! You're dead!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: But you were trying to land the first blow on things like clothes and fruit! Pretty sure that stuff's not gonna attack you!

Inosuke Hashibira: Oh, you guys are eatin', huh? Lemme in on some of that action!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hey, I was talking to you!
Argh, forget it. Guess I'll have some too!

With the help of the boisterous pair, most of the remaining snacks are quickly devoured.

Eventually, Tanjiro brings the topic back to the previous conversation.

Tanjiro Kamado: By the way, did you remember any more about that place like Mt. Sagiri you mentioned earlier?

Vyrn: Yeah, I figured it out! Some merchant guy we did a job for told us about it.

Lyria: Hmm... Oh yeah! He talked about an island with a mountain named Mt. Shugyo, right?

Vyrn: That's the one! He said he heard about it from a village there.

Vyrn: According to him, the kids of the village train on a foggy mountain called Mt. Shugyo every year.

Hearing Vyrn's description, (Captain) begins to vaguely recall the conversation.

The children of the village improve their stamina and agility by overcoming traps set up on the mountain.

Those who complete their training go on to protect the village, helping it to remain prosperous and free from monster attacks.

Tanjiro Kamado: Wow, that does sound a lot like Mt. Sagiri! I'd love to go there and train with you guys.

Tanjiro Kamado: I've been thinking we could use some combat practice together to beef up our fighting power.

Saying this, Tanjiro turns to look at Zenitsu and Inosuke, his eyes burning with determination.

The two grimace in unison at his fiery gaze.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Huh? Hang on... Are you seriously expecting us to keep training when we don't even know where we are?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: You're amazing in more ways than one, Tanjiro. No matter what happens, you never change. Just like the Hashira.

Inosuke Hashibira: Does "combat practice" mean I'd have to listen to your orders?

Inosuke Hashibira: If so, you can kiss that idea goodbye! As the boss, I don't take orders—I give 'em!

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, I figured you'd say no...

Zenitsu & Inosuke: Not happening!

As the pair shake their heads vehemently, Tanjiro puts his hand to his chin in thought.

Tanjiro Kamado: (We're nowhere close to being as strong as the Hashira. But if the three of us work together, we might be able to find a way out of this.)

Tanjiro Kamado: (As long as we're stuck in this strange world, I'd like to practice fighting together whenever we can...)

Tanjiro Kamado: Zenitsu.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Wh-what? I'm not stopping you or anything. If you want to go alone, then be my guest!

Tanjiro Kamado: No, there's no point if you don't come too.

Tanjiro Kamado: You're kind, and a good person. I trust you, and that's why I want you fighting by my side here in this world.

Tanjiro Kamado: By training together, I'm hoping you can learn to relax and know I've got your back in battle.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: You... trust me?

Next, Tanjiro turns his attention to Inosuke.

Tanjiro Kamado: Inosuke, you have fantastic instincts when it comes to the mountains.

Tanjiro Kamado: I know I can count on you when traveling into unfamiliar ranges. Please, won't you come with me?

Inosuke Hashibira: You... can count on me?

The two blink in surprise at Tanjiro's words. After a moment's pause, they raise their voices together.

Zenitsu & Inosuke: All right! Let's go!

Lyria: That was incredible, Tanjiro! Look how gung ho they are now!

Vyrn: Hey, is it okay if we tag along? I wanna try trainin' with you guys too!

Tanjiro Kamado: Sure! I was actually kind of hoping (Captain) would join in from the beginning.

Tanjiro Kamado: Since we're going to be traveling together, I'd like to get to where we can fight side by side.

(Captain) nods emphatically in response.

1. I'll be our monster radar!
2. Let's get stronger together!

Choose: I'll be our monster radar!

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, sounds good. You have more monster-fighting experience than the rest of us, after all.

Go to "Continue 2"

Choose: Let's get stronger together!

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah. We'll ace our training and hone our skills—together!

Continue 2

Enthusiasm running high, (Captain) and company set sail for the island in the merchant's story.

But when they arrive at the village near the base of the mountain, things don't quite seem to match his description.

Villager 1: Oh, are you travelers? Apologies, but we're not really in a place to give a rousing welcome right now...

Villager 2: Sorry we can't offer much hospitality. Hard to find the motivation when you don't even know if you'll live to see tomorrow...

Tanjiro Kamado: Huh, I wonder what's wrong? The villagers seem kind of down...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Down? That's the understatement of the year! Seriously, what's with all the doom and gloom in the air?

Inosuke Hashibira: The heck? Wasn't this village supposed to be full of tough-lookin' guys?

(Captain) and company are surprised by the oddly somber mood looming over the village, shattering their expectations.

Hoping to unravel the mystery, they make their way to speak to the elder who leads the village.

Journey to Mt. Shugyo: Scene 2

According to the village chief, the villagers had been attacked by ferocious snake monsters on Mt. Shugyo. Tanjiro and company ascend the mountain to defeat the beasts, easily overcoming every trap along their way. But when they arrive at the end of the training path, a thick fog rolls in, bringing with it a swarm of enormous serpents.

---

Tanjiro and the others have journeyed to a training spot named Mt. Shugyo for some joint combat practice.

But after arriving at the nearby village to find its residents strangely gloomy, they decide to pay a visit to the home of the village chief.

Village Chief: I see. So you all traveled to our humble village in hopes of climbing Mt. Shugyo...

Village Chief: Unfortunately, I'm afraid I can't give you permission to do so. For your own sakes.

Tanjiro Kamado: Why's that? Does it have anything to do with how the villagers are acting?

Tanjiro Kamado: My nose tells me they're all terrified. Did something happen on the mountain?

Vyrn: We're not just any ol' crew, y'know! If you've got troubles, you can lay 'em on us!

Village Chief: Hm, it sounds like you've inferred a lot already. Very well. I suppose it's only appropriate to address your concerns.

Village Chief: You see, monsters far more deadly than any we've seen before have appeared this year on the mountain.

According to the village chief, the monsters attacked all those who ventured up the mountain, young trainees and elderly chaperones alike.

Although they managed to escape with their lives, a number were gravely injured, and morale in the village was low as a result.

Assuming the monsters would be coming for the village itself next, the people were living in constant fear for their safety.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: So that's why everybody seemed so scared. It all makes sense.

Lyria: Yeah. With no one left to protect the village, I don't blame them for being afraid...

Tanjiro Kamado: I think I've got the gist of it. But don't worry—we'll go take care of those monsters for you!

Village Chief: Wh-what? Do you really mean that?

The village chief's jaw drops at Tanjiro's sudden declaration, as do those of (Captain) and the others.

After the crew has formally accepted the contract and departed, Tanjiro bows his head to the others.

Tanjiro Kamado: Sorry for offering without getting your okay first.

Tanjiro Kamado: I know I'm not a monster hunter, but I just couldn't help wanting to save those poor people fearing for their lives.

Vyrn: It's all good. We were worried about the villagers too, and it looks like we'll be gettin' a reward to boot!

Vyrn: Either way, I'm pretty sure (Captain) would've jumped in to help if you hadn't.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Honestly I'd prefer to sit this one out...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: But at this point, not doing anything would just leave a bad taste in my mouth. So count me in.

Inosuke Hashibira: I'm good with it too. I mean, that old fart who gave us the job seemed like he was pretty tough in his day.

Inosuke Hashibira: He's the top dog around this place, right? So if I beat an enemy that's too much for him, that'll make me the strongest!

Tanjiro Kamado: Thanks, you guys. In that case, let's start by talking to the villagers a little more. Then it's mountain climbing time!

Village Youth 1: You want to know about those monsters? Ugh, I wish I could wipe them from my memory... Basically, they were terrifying.

Village Youth 1: They were enormous, snake-like monsters... Big and long as a winding road. Just remembering is freaking me out...

Village Youth 2: They came out of the fog that rolled in at nightfall. We were exhausted from training, so we didn't stand a chance...

Tanjiro Kamado: Hmm, got it.

Tanjiro Kamado: Thanks for the info. That's sure to help us take them down!

Village Youth 3: You're going after those things? A bunch of kids like you don't stand a snowball's chance against such huge monsters...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Don't you worry! We'll defeat the monsters and protect you, milady. And the village too, while we're at it!

Inosuke Hashibira: Hey. Is it just me, or is Monitsu the only one with his priorities out of whack?

Tanjiro Kamado: Well, at least he's motivated.
Okay, let's move out!

As the villagers wish them well, (Captain) and company set out to begin their ascent of Mt. Shugyo.

Lyria: There are traps along the trail for training purposes, right? We'd better watch our step...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Tanjiro, Inosuke, and I will lead the way! Lyria, you should stick behind us, okay?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: We won't let you or Nezuko get hurt!

At Zenitsu's urging, the trio move to the front of the pack as they continue their way up the mountain.

They encounter a number of traps along their way, but each time a member of the party is able to detect and avoid them.

Inosuke Hashibira: Hah, these traps are a joke. This mountain deserves better.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Training was suspended this year, so I guess they didn't set many up.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hey! I hear a rope to our left!

Inosuke Hashibira: Hyah!

Vyrn: Whoa, you guys've totally got this covered! There's nothin' for us to do.

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, if the rest of the traps are like this, I think the three of us should be able to manage.

Tanjiro Kamado: I can smell the ones set up by people to some extent.

Tanjiro Kamado: But sometimes the scent blends in with the mountain and I can't detect it. When that happens, Zenitsu lets us know if he hears anything strange.

Tanjiro Kamado: And then there's Inosuke—nobody knows mountains like him. He and Zenitsu are both super reliable in their own way.

Lyria: You're amazing too, Tanjiro! With everyone working together, we should be able to stay out of danger.

Tanjiro smiles in response to Lyria's words.

Tanjiro Kamado: I think so too. That's why I wanted us to all join forces and train on this mountain.

Tanjiro Kamado: We're counting on you too, (Captain). It'd be great if you could let us know if you sense any monsters.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: And if we do run into monsters, you've gotta save me. Seriously. My life's in your hands, okay?

Vyrn: Haha, savin' people is (Captain)'s specialty! You got nothin' to worry about!

Inosuke Hashibira: What're you guys draggin' your feet for? The sun's gonna go down!

Inosuke Hashibira: Ahahaha! Time to play follow the leader—me!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hey, hang on! We're actually checking for traps as we go along, unlike some people!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Sheesh. How can he run all over the place when we're surrounded by so many creepy sounds?

After a bit more climbing, they finally reach the end of the mountain trail.

Tanjiro Kamado: Looks like this is where the training path ends.

Vyrn: Already? We didn't find any huge snakes or crazy powerful monsters though...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Monsters are just living creatures, right? Maybe they migrated to a different place. If they're gone, we might as well head back.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Something's off about this forest. I can hear wild animals, but all the breathing's coming from one spot...

Tanjiro Kamado: Hmm. Well, the sun's about to set anyway, so maybe we'd better make our way back down.

Tanjiro Kamado: I'm picking up some sort of damp smell too. It might be about to rain—

At that moment, a thick fog begins to roll in, as though triggered by Tanjiro's words.

Vyrn: Huh? Where'd this fog come from all of a sudden?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Dense fog, nightfall... This is exactly what that guy said it was like when those monsters showed up...

Tanjiro Kamado: I get it. When the sun sets, the temperature on the mountaintop drops suddenly, creating fog.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: This is no time for a weather report! I'm hearing a really weird noise!

Lyria: A-a weird noise? What kind of noise?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: It sounds like slithering... Maybe it's a snake? But I've never heard a snake make such a loud sound...

Inosuke Hashibira: ...!
Found 'em! Over there!

Inosuke lets out a sudden holler and begins slashing through the brush, only to stumble upon a terrifying sight.

Serpent Swarm: ...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Gyaaaaah! Th-they're heeere!

A massive number of enormous snakes all raise their heads in unison to glare at (Captain) and the others.

Though caught off guard, the group scrambles to prepare for battle against the serpent swarm.

Journey to Mt. Shugyo: Scene 3

Tanjiro and company work together to locate and defeat the giant snakes, much to the delight of the village. Their spirits renewed, the villagers holds a feast the following day to thank the crew. As Tanjiro watches the festivities from a distance, he hopes aloud that Nezuko will be able to share in their joy someday soon.

---

Serpent Swarm: ...!

Still reeling from the sudden snake attack, (Captain) and company draw their weapons, prepared to fight.

Inosuke Hashibira: Let's do this thing! If you snakes wanna die, then bring it on!

Tanjiro Kamado: Inosuke! Don't stray too far, or we'll lose each other in the fog!

Inosuke Hashibira: Huh? Shut up and follow me, Gonpachiro!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Eeeeek! I can't do this! If I try to fight, I'll diiie!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Why are there so many snakes? Actually, is that even what they are? Snakes aren't supposed to be this big!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: How'd we end up in this mess? We should've never taken on that monster-hunting job!

Tanjiro Kamado: Zenitsu, there's no point trying to run! Our retreat's blocked, so we have no choice but to clear a path forward!

Vyrn: Easy for you to say, but they just keep comin'! I think we're in serious trouble here!

Cutting down one of the giant serpents, (Captain) nods at Tanjiro.

1. They move like a pack.
2. We have to break through...

Choose: They move like a pack.

Tanjiro Kamado: We won't get anywhere like this, no matter how many we take down. We need to beat the boss that's commanding them...

Go to "Continue 1"

Choose: We have to break through...

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah. With a group this big, trying to take down all of them would be a death wish.

Tanjiro Kamado: They act like a pack, so there must be a boss somewhere commanding them. If we can beat it, we might have a chance...

Continue 1

Tanjiro Kamado: Inosuke, I need to ask you something!

Inosuke Hashibira: Huh? What do you want, Gonpachiro?

Tanjiro Kamado: You know a lot about mountain wildlife, right?

Tanjiro Kamado: So here's my question—when a snake hunts in the fog, where do you think it lures its prey?

Inosuke cocks his head to one side in thought, even as he continues to swing his blades.

Inosuke Hashibira: A regular snake would make its turf in tall grass or a small space... or someplace by the water.

Inosuke Hashibira: But I've never seen a huge snake like this in the mountains, so who knows!

Vyrn: Hmm... A snake this big would probably go for the water. Not like it's gonna fit anywhere small, right?

Lyria: Now that you mention it, when we fought a giant snake monster before, it had its nest by a lake!

Tanjiro Kamado: Roger that. Thanks.

Tanjiro Kamado: Zenitsu! Come down here a sec!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Huh? Why me?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Wait—are you planning to offer me as a sacrifice because I'm useless or something?

Tanjiro Kamado: No, I just need your sense of hearing! I want to know if you can pick up any water around here, like a pond or lake...

Inosuke Hashibira: Ooh, I get it! We're gonna pay a visit to the big boss and beat the crud out of it!

Tanjiro Kamado: Right. The other victims probably wore themselves out fighting in the fog, only to be done in by the boss.

Tanjiro Kamado: So we're going to use Zenitsu's ear to head for the boss's lair before it draws us there itself. Then we'll take it down!

Inosuke Hashibira: Well, whaddya know. I was gonna say the same thing!

Inosuke Hashibira: Hey, Monitsu! Get your butt down here! Otherwise I'm gonna chop down that tree and send you crashin' to the ground with it!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Whatever happened to asking nicely? Okay, stop! I'm coming down!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: So what exactly did you want me to do again? Listen for water nearby?

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, we're going to be relying on your ear moving forward. You'll have to lead the way to the waterside.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: L-lead the way? I can't do that! I'll be the first to die when we run into the boss!

Tanjiro Kamado: Not to worry! Inosuke, (Captain), and I will form a circle around you as we go.

Tanjiro Kamado: We'll protect you from any and all attacks, so you can focus on listening.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: W-well, I guess that sounds doable... But if the boss looks tough, I'll be hiding in the back, just so you know!

Spurred on by Tanjiro's words, (Captain) and company speed through the forest, using Zenitsu's acute hearing to guide them.

At long last, the trees become less sparse, and they find themselves in an area resembling a marshland.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Uh, guys? I'm hearing a really freaky sound...

Tanjiro Kamado: All right, I bet the leader of the pack's around here somewhere. If we can beat it—

Serpent Boss: ...

As they peer into the depths of the swamp, they see a shadow larger than any monster they've encountered thus far.

Inosuke Hashibira: Oh, come on. That's just too big.

Tanjiro Kamado: Don't worry. If we all fight together, we can definitely take it down!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: N-no, no, no! There's no way! No way, I tell you! I'm out!

Tanjiro Kamado: Wait, Zenitsu! If you run off on your own—

Serpent Boss: Hisssss!

Vyrn: Whoa! Look out, Tanjiro!

The second Tanjiro looks away, the monster lunges at him, giant fangs bared.

Nezuko Kamado: ...!

But Nezuko springs out of her box at the last moment, stopping its attack with a swift kick.

Tanjiro Kamado: Nezuko! Thanks, you saved me.

Tanjiro Kamado: I'm okay now. I'll take care of this thing, so you should go ahead and hide in your box.

Once Nezuko is safely in her box, Tanjiro lifts it onto his back, turning to point his sword at the massive serpent.

Tanjiro Kamado: Let's attack all at once and take it down in one go! Inosuke, (Captain), you ready?

Inosuke Hashibira: Huh? Don't order me around! I'm the one givin' the commands here!

Tanjiro Kamado: Okay, you can handle it then!

Inosuke Hashibira: All right, here goes!

Inosuke Hashibira: Beast Breathing Third Fang... Devour!

Tanjiro Kamado: Water Breathing Fourth Form... Striking Tide!

(Captain) takes a deep breath in time with the others.

(Captain): ...!

The captain's sword then swings down, positioned perfectly between the attacks hurtling toward the serpent.

Meanwhile, Zenitsu makes a mad dash away from the battlefield toward the mountain trail.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Nope, nope, nope! I'm not cut out for stuff like that!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: I mean, I get Tanjiro's logic when he says defeating that thing's our only hope!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: But they're out of their minds if they actually think they can beat that massive snake!

Lacking the resolve to abandon his friends and descend the mountain, Zenitsu instead glances restlessly around the area.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Going down the mountain alone would be too risky, so I'd better find a place to hide...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Oh! Like at the top of that tree—

Serpent Swarm: ...!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: No way! They're up there too? Okay, you've made your point! You're not gonna let me get away, are you?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Nooooo! I don't wanna die all alone in some weird, alternate world!

Overwhelmed by fear, Zenitsu passes out, and the surrounding serpents slither closer.

Just as one of the snakes is about to sink its fangs into his neck, there is a sudden flash of movement.

Serpent Swarm: ...!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: (That's right... I can't die here...)

Zenitsu Agatsuma: (And if these things find Tanjiro and the others...)

Serpent Swarm: Hisssss!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Thunder Breathing First Form...

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Thunderclap and Flash!

Serpent Boss: ...!

Inosuke Hashibira: Woohoo! Kneel before my mighty blades!

Tanjiro Kamado: Inosuke, don't approach it until you're sure it's down for the count!

Tanjiro Kamado: It's not a demon, so there's a chance cutting off its head might not kill it.

Inosuke Hashibira: Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll give it a little poke with my sword before gettin' too close, all right?

Vyrn: Whew, looks like we made it out in one piece. What a relief...

Lyria: You said it!
That was amazing, (Captain)! The three of you were completely in sync!

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah. We were only able to defeat it because we worked together. Don't you think, (Captain)?

The captain nods at Tanjiro with a satisfied smile.

1. It's thanks to your advice.
2. It's thanks to Inosuke's leadership.

Choose: It's thanks to your advice.

Tanjiro Kamado: Nah, I couldn't have done it without you guys. You and Inosuke are strong, and that lets me fight with confidence.

Tanjiro Kamado: That being said, I can't believe we were able to pull off a joint attack after such a short time together.

Tanjiro Kamado: Wait, I get it. Maybe it's the effect of Mt. Shugyo...

Vyrn: Hey... Am I crazy, or is it weird the way Tanjiro accepts stuff?

Go to "Continue 2"

Choose: It's thanks to Inosuke's leadership.

Inosuke Hashibira: Hahaha! You bet it is! There's no enemy out there my swords can't slice to ribbons!

Inosuke Hashibira: All right, whaddya say we take this oversized garden snake's head as a trophy? Betcha it'd go good in a stew.

Vyrn: Uhh, somethin' tells me the villagers aren't gonna be interested in eatin' that thing...

Continue 2

Lyria: I'm so glad everyone's oka—

Lyria: Wait, what about Zenitsu!

Inosuke Hashibira: Huh. Now that you mention it, Monitsu's not around, is he? I know he hightailed it before the battle, but I dunno where.

Tanjiro Kamado: Sniff, sniff... I don't smell any blood aside from snake blood, so I think he's okay...

Tanjiro Kamado: But let's go look for him!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Nh...

As the group heads back down the mountain path, they come across an unconscious Zenitsu surrounded by a sea of snake carcasses.

Lyria: Oh, there he is!
Zenitsu, are you okay?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Nh... Mm... Hm?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Aah! It's gonna eat meee!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Wait, huh? Lyria? You guys?

Vyrn: You okay? Doesn't look like you've got any serious injuries, at least.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Oh, yeah. I'm fine, I think. Thank goodness I managed to not die someho—

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Whoa, yipes! What's with all the dead snakes lying around? Talk about creepy!

Tanjiro Kamado: Looks like they were killed with a blade of some sort. Did you stop the snakes in their tracks here for us, Zenitsu?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Huh? Do you seriously think I could do something like that? No way.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Guess some traps around here activated and, uh... just happened to take them all out. Yeah, that's gotta be it.

Vyrn: That seems a little too convenient... Oh well, the important thing is you're okay.

Inosuke Hashibira: Yeah, case closed! Nothin' more for us to do on this gloomy mountain!

Inosuke Hashibira: We gotta hurry back so the villagers can tell me how awesome I am! C'mon, let's gooo!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hey, come back, you idiot! There are still traps on the path, so don't go stomping off like that!

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, Inosuke! We're coming, so hold up!

Lyria: Oh no, wait! We need to hurry too, or we'll be left behind!

With Inosuke at the head of the pack, (Captain) and company scurry down the mountain.

When they arrive to tell the villagers the monstrous serpents have been vanquished, they are met with a chorus of cheers.

Village Chief: Oh, I don't know how we can ever repay you.

Tanjiro Kamado: Don't worry about it. It turned out to be good training for us, and now everybody's safe and sound.

Village Youth 1: I can't believe a bunch of kids like you actually managed to defeat those massive monsters...

Village Youth 1: Argh! We can't let you beat us!

Village Youth 2: Yeah! The next time a powerful monster shows up, we'll be the ones to protect the village!

Village Youth 2: Chief! Next year you gotta make the training three times harder... No, ten times!

Village Chief: Ohoho, that's the spirit. You know, it's been a while since I joined in. Maybe I'll climb the mountain and set up some traps myself!

Vyrn: Haha! Looks like the villagers are back in action, huh?

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah, they'll be okay now. In fact, I have a feeling they're going to keep getting stronger from here on out.

Inosuke Hashibira: Hah, sounds good to me! Doesn't matter how strong they get—I'll take 'em all out!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Hey, quit treating them like the enemy!
But I guess all's well that ends well... right?

The following day, the villagers prepare to hold a feast for the crew to express their gratitude.

Villager 1: H-hey, you! You're a guest. You don't need to help out!

Tanjiro Kamado: No worries, I get antsy just standing around anyway! If there's anything I can do, just say the word!

Tanjiro Kamado: Oh, how about I tend to the fire? I'm the son of a charcoal-maker, so you can count on me!

Villager 1: No, no, it's fine! For such a kind-hearted lad, you sure are stubborn!

Villager 2: Ahaha, nothing wrong with that! If you insist, then we'll take you up on your offer.

Villager 2: Soon as the youngsters get back from fishing, we'll start throwing their catches on the fire. So show us what you've got.

Tanjiro Kamado: Sure thing! Leave it to me!

Lyria: Wow, that's beautiful. You're really good at making flower crowns, Zenitsu!

Village Youth 3: He certainly is. I bet they'd look lovely as seat decorations for the feast. Would you mind making some more?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Ehehe, I'd be happy to! The flowers in this village are so pretty, it's hard not to get carried away.

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Oh, I should make one for Nezuko too! I just know she'll love it!

Inosuke Hashibira: Ahahaha, look out! Comin' through!

Village Youth 1: Dang it! How's that boar-headed kid so good at fishing?

Village Youth 2: We can't let him show us up! After him!

Inosuke Hashibira: Hah, too slow! Try to keep up, lackeys!

Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke make the most of their own unique skills to assist with the feast.

Meanwhile (Captain) and Vyrn do their part to help out too, all the while watching the others with admiration.

Vyrn: Y'know, at first glance, those guys seem like they're all over the place. But, well...

1. They complement each other.
2. They get along really well.

Choose: They complement each other.

Vyrn: You said it! I kinda get why Tanjiro said he wanted to team up with 'em.

Vyrn: Betcha one day they'll be as in sync as we are! Right, partner?

Go to "Continue 3"

Choose: They get along really well.

Vyrn: Yeah, maybe bein' so different makes 'em a force to be reckoned with together!

Vyrn: If they keep up the combat practice, they're sure to get way stronger!

Continue 3

A short while later, the small village is filled with the shouts and laughter of cheerful feastgoers.

Lyria: Munch, munch...

Lyria: Wow! This fish is delicious!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Ehehe. Glad to hear it, Lyria! Want me to fetch you some more? Eat as much as you like!

Zenitsu Agatsuma: Oh, you brought her a plate too, (Captain)?

Zenitsu Agatsuma: I totally get it. That smile on her face when she's munching away is enough to make you all warm and fuzzy inside.

Vyrn: Hnnnnngh!

Vyrn: Huff, puff... Inosuke! Am I breathin' right yet?

Inosuke Hashibira: Nope, not even close! You gotta use your whole body like, uh, blammo!

Vyrn: Got it!

Vyrn: Hurrrrrgh!

Tanjiro watches fondly from a short distance, with Nezuko nestled away in the box on his back.

Tanjiro Kamado: Zenitsu, Inosuke, (Captain)... and all the villagers too. I'm glad everybody seems to be enjoying themselves.

Tanjiro Kamado: Even if this isn't our world, it makes me happy to see people living their lives with smiles on their faces.

Tanjiro Kamado: Yeah. I hope you'll be able to join them soon too, Nezuko.

Nezuko raps quietly on the inside of the door, as if in answer to Tanjiro's words.

Smiling softly at the sound, Tanjiro takes one of Zenitsu's flower crowns and places it gently on top of her box.