2 Vol. II Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

"Sensei?"

Genya, laden with packages, was surprised to find Haruto at the doorway.

Yushiro, holding disinfectant and medical supplies, shot him a venomous glare before stomping into the house without so much as a greeting.

Haruto chuckled at the sight of Yushiro's small, retreating figure before turning to Genya.

"What did you buy?"

"I passed by a bakery and got some fresh pepper meat buns straight out of the oven," Genya said, fishing out a warm oil-paper package from his haul. "They smell amazing! Try one while it's hot, Sensei."

"And that?"

"Oh, this?" Genya scratched his head awkwardly. "These are hagi mochi... my brother's favorite."

"Ah, I see."

Haruto took a bite of the pepper bun. The spicy pepper combined with the rich, savory meat juices exploded in his mouth, making him nod in satisfaction.

"Not bad. Now, take the hagi mochi to your brother first. After that, come with me—I've got a place to show you."

The destination was Mount Unitori, which Haruto had left three months ago. Two months back, he'd sent an old Nichirin Blade to that Kamado kid. He wondered if the boy had been training seriously.

If even a supporting character like him was working himself to death, the protagonist had no excuse to slack off.

"Is he your new protégé, Sensei?" Genya asked as they walked along the mountain path.

"Not exactly. He hasn't agreed yet—just like your proud brother." Haruto shook his head, sighing. "I only passed on a breathing technique. This is the first time I'll be formally guiding him."

Since Genya couldn't practice breathing techniques himself, the idea of Haruto having "another student" didn't bother him. The legacy of Star Breathing was too remarkable not to pass down.

"What do you need me to do?" Genya asked as the wooden cabin came into view. "Should I invite him to spar?"

"Oh no, no," Haruto said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Tanjiro's too kind-hearted. He'd never agree to a fight outright. Try imitating your brother—glare at him, flex those veins on your forehead. Look as menacing as you can."

Genya furrowed his brows, tensing his face as he recalled Sanemi's enraged expressions. Aside from his younger age and rooster-like hairstyle, he was nearly the spitting image of his brother.

"Perfect! Just like that," Haruto laughed, clapping him on the shoulder. "Go scare him a little. If he's slacking off, don't hold back."

With Haruto's encouragement, Genya marched toward the cabin, brimming with over-the-top bravado.

[Fan Comments:]
"Haruto's like Whitebeard—he keeps showing up to put Tanjiro through hellish training."
"Call him Haruto-sama when he's training the protagonist!"
"Classic Haruto wisdom: 'No slacking on my watch!'"

Genya stormed up to the cabin, expecting to find a red-haired boy with a scar on his forehead outside. Instead, there were only a few kids playing near the door. When they saw him, they retreated in fear, shouting, "Sister!"

Nezuko emerged from the house, carrying a baby on her back. Shielding the younger children behind her, she glared at Genya with suspicion. "Who are you?"

A... girl?

Genya's attempt to look intimidating faltered. He'd never been good at dealing with girls. Facing Nezuko's calm, unwavering gaze, his forced grin became awkward.

Haruto burst into laughter, clutching his sides. He knew all too well about Genya's fear of women. Whether it was Shinobu or Kanae, Genya always came across as standoffish—not out of arrogance, but sheer cluelessness about how to interact with them.

"I'm looking for Kamado Tanjiro," Genya said, trying to sound gruff. "Where is he?" His hands, hidden behind his back, fidgeted nervously.

"He's not here right now," Nezuko replied, her voice firm.

"You're lying!"

"Why would I lie? My brother's out!"

"Liar! I know he's here—tell him to come out and fight me!"

"What are you even talking about?"

"Just! Bring! Him! Out!"

From a distance, Haruto heard the sound of something igniting. Oh, it was just Tanjiro's fiery determination sparking to life.

Tanjiro, with an empty basket slung over his back, was coming up the mountain path, his steps light and cheerful. He seemed oblivious to the chaos up ahead as he muttered to himself, "Today was another sellout. Just a bit more, and I can repay Haruto-san... Tanjiro, keep it up! You'll make your family proud!"

Seeing Haruto under the shade of a tree, Tanjiro's crimson eyes lit up. He ran over, calling out,

"Spring greetings, Haruto-san! What are you—" His cheerful expression froze.

"Tanjiro," Haruto said with a forced grin. "Spring greetings... So, why are you coming from the mountain base?"

"I went down early to sell yesterday's charcoal. The weather's still cool, so it fetches a good price."

Tanjiro's explanation trailed off as he spotted the commotion near his home.

A wild, rooster-headed youth was yelling at Nezuko, who was glaring back fiercely. Tanjiro's brows furrowed, flames of righteous fury igniting in his eyes. Dropping his basket, he sprinted toward the scene.

"No one insults my family!"

Leaping forward, he aimed a tackle at Genya, who dodged effortlessly.

"Too slow!" Genya's frustration found an outlet as he retaliated with an elbow to Tanjiro's back. "What makes you worthy of Haruto-sensei's guidance? Show me!"

Tanjiro hit the ground but quickly pushed himself up, his eyes blazing with resolve.

"Stay away from my family!" he roared, launching himself into the air.

Genya saw it too late: Tanjiro's gleaming forehead, aimed directly at him.

"Headbutt!"