Every day, Naoto will go to Kagaya house at night to finish all of his preparation and to guard Kagaya in case Muzan suddenly appears. In the morning he will go back to butterfly estate to rest before going out again at night.
Finally, the fifth day comes, today Muzan is predicted will appear. Naoto feel a very heavy pressure, today everything will be settled once and for all. He rest as much as he can and meditate to sharpen his mind.
In the mountain.
There are only four swordsmen left who train under Gyomei. They are Inosuke, Tanjirou, Zenitsu, and Genya.
Inside a small hut, Genya, Tanjirou, and Inosuke is having dinner earlier.
Genya stared at his food with a dispirited face.
"Himejima-san is a pretty good person in his own right. Despite the fact he said that he won't make me into his successors because of having no talents, he figured out I was eating demons. So he make me into his disciple. But, Naoto-san said he will make me into his successors, and he is fine with me training under Himejima-san since Naoto-san master is also a rock breathing user. According to him, it's a good chance for me to increase my physical power since rock breathing training use more raw power."
Tanjirou and Inosuke look surprised.
"What? Really!? Good for you Genya!"
"Dammit! I'm so envious! Why won't that Naoto bastard choose me!? I'm also his disciple!"
Tanjirou sweat dropped seeing Inosuke throwing tantrum.
"Um, no, he only teaches you how to read and write."
"He teaches me how to fight!"
"No, he didn't. You keep picking a fight with him, and you keep getting beaten just like how you challenge Himejima-san a few days ago."
Genya put the bowl down.
"He also had Kochou-san to check my condition, but every time I see her, she always put on a disgusted face and scold me."
"I'm sure Shinobu-san is worried about your body too Genya."
Genya sulked.
"Maybe?"
Tanjirou look at Genya with concern.
"Why don't you have any spirit? You can become a pillar in the future you know."
"Well I'm happy, but I keep thinking is this right."
"What do you mean?"
"I heard from Himejima-san despite Naoto-san being breathless, he manages to create his own style. He is a natural phenomenon that can't understand. And he is talented in battle although he can't use breath. So I keep wondering will I ever reach the place Naoto-san stand right now. I don't want to be a pillar only in name."
Tanjirou cheered him on.
"Don't worry Genya! If nii-san said you can do it, I'm sure you can! He is not someone who likes to spout non-sense! Righ I want to see Giyuu-san right now, do you want to come?"
"Giyuu-san? The water pillar?"
"Yes."
"I'm sorry but I will stay here, I haven't finished pushing the boulder yet. But why?"
Inosuke suddenly said high and mighty.
"You haven't finished pushing the boulder? I already done pushing it all over the town yesterday!"
"Well, I can't use breath after all."
Inosuke said mockingly with his mouth full of food.
"You can't use breath!? Hah! Shrimp!"
Vein appeared on Genya face.
"What did you say!?"
Both of them began to punch each other and brawled on the floor. Tanjirou looks troubled. He quickly sits on the top of Inosuke so he can't get up since he knows he can't reason with Inosuke using the word. Inosuke struggled angrily, but Tanjirou ignored it.
"If we went together, I want to talk about your brother the wind pillar."
Genya looks dumbfounded.
"..."
"He got really mad about you joining the demon hunters. But I didn't smell a tinge of hatred in him. So you don't need to be afraid of him. If you want to say something, go ahead. It should be fine. Because Sanemi-san has loved you all this time Genya."
"How can you say so?"
Tanjirou smiled softly, Naoto kind face appear in his mind.
"Because... he is the same as nii-san."
"Eh?"
"You see, I still remember when I meet nii-san after a long time. When he saw me become a demon hunter, I can smell a very thick smell of sadness and regret. He never says anything about me becoming a demon hunter, but I can see it in his eyes. He really wants me to stop working as hunters. Instead of forcing me to quit, he has been saving my life every time I fought an upper moon. Just like last time, every time I think I will die, it's nii-san who come to save me."
"..."
"Once I asked Shinobu-san why Sanemi-san and nii-san always fight with each other, yet they call each other by their first name. Shinobu-san said that's just how both of them show care to each other, both of them are like two sides of the same coin. Both of them are showing their love in their own way Genya."
Genya look at Tanjirou silently, he didn't know what to say, his feelings is very complicated right now. He is still unsure whether what Tanjirou said is true or not.
Tanjirou smiled bitterly.
"Although there is a time when Sanemi-san and Nii-san tried to kill each other..."
"Wait what!?"
"Ah, it's a very long story but back then nii-san tried to shot Sanemi-san head with his gun, luckily Shinobu-san and Giyuu-san is there to stop him in time. Ahahaha..."
"Oi, oi, you serious?"
...
When Tanjirou head out from the house, he saw Zenitsu is sitting on the top of a boulder. He's sitting with his back on Tanjirou so Tanjirou can't see what kind of expression he made.
"Oh Zenitsu, you are here. Did you move the boulder?"
"No, not yet."
For some reason, Zenitsu voice sounds a bit cold. The usual cheerful air can't be felt.
"Oh, okay. I'm going to the next training, you gonna be okay? You haven't talked for a while Zenitsu, and I'm worried."
"Oh, okay. Good luck. I have just come to terms with what I should do. No, what I have to do."
Tanjirou look very concerned, Zenitsu didn't behave like he usually would.
"Did something happen? Is there anything I can do?"
"Tanjirou, you do what you need to do."
"But, but... I'm worried."
Tanjirou start fidgeting, he keeps looking at Zenitsu worriedly.
Without turning his face to Tanjirou, Zenitsu continues to say.
"You're really a nice guy. Thanks, but... this is something I really have to do."
Zenitsu face is very serious, even his eyes are sharper than before.
...
Naoto is preparing to go to the Ubuyashiki estate early today, he needs to re-check everything so the plan can go well. He is carrying his leather backpack and wooden suitcase. Just when Naoto about to leave the butterfly estate, Shinobu suddenly comes running to him with a big bento box.
"Wait, Nao. You forgot your dinner."
Naoto turns around with a smile and takes the box from Shinobu hands.
"Thank you as always Shinobu."
"No, no, no, no need to thank me~, you won't go with Kiki today?"
"Mm, no, I just have something to do at Oyakata-sama place. I want to walk slowly today. Besides I also want to visit Giyuu."
"You will visit Tomioka-san? Wait here."
Shinobu hurriedly run back to the house, leaving Naoto confused. Not long Shinobu is back with a small box and she gives it to Naoto.
"What is this?"
"Salmon for Tomioka-san, I made some for you as well~"
"Oh okay, I will give it to him."
Shinobu made a small fist and punch the air with a huge smile.
"Then fight on!"
Naoto grinned.
"Ouh! See you later."
"Have a safe trip~."
Naoto start to walk away, Shinobu watch his back in concern. Today Naoto looks very serious, and there is a tense air around him. He never jokes with Shinobu like always, she found it weird.
...
Naoto is looking for Giyuu in the bamboo forest. Suddenly he feels someone is fighting, Naoto walks toward that direction and saw Giyuu is dueling against Sanemi.
Both of their movement is very fast, but for the trained soldier like Naoto, following their movement is not a problem. In the middle of exchanging blows, suddenly both of their wooden swords snapped.
Sanemi smiled sinisterly and cracked his fist.
"Okay, time to pummel each other to death with fist."
Tanjirou suddenly popped out from the bushes and shout in panic.
"Wait! Wait! Wait!"
Tanjirou stand in front of Giyuu and shield him, Naoto also hurriedly run beside Giyuu.
"Please wait a minute! You can't go on and killing each other!"
"That's right! That's right! Sanemi you bully! Yankee with aging hair!"
A vein popped out from Sanemi face, he shouts angrily.
"Huh!? Shut up, you twerp! You ain't supposed to get anywhere near me and you dare peeked on us!? And this is my real hair color you punk! Besides, where have you been all the past five days?! I bet you're having fun playing around every day!"
A vein appeared on Naoto's face, he looks really pissed.
"Old man, don't you know how hard I need to train all of those amateurs, it's your fault for not train them better. It's must be nice that you only need to train all of those wastrels and train with each other, here I'm not only training all of that incompetent cretin but I also bust my butt off to finish all tasks given by Oyakata-sama you piece of shit. And a few days ago I got attacked by three upper moon. My hands are very full right now, it must be nice to do your activity leisurely without any worries eh? No, forget it, let us pummel each other to death."
Tanjirou hurriedly stop them.
"Wait! Don't fight! Can't we all just share the same ohagi or something? I'll make them enough to fill your tummies so..."
Naoto covers his mouth and let out a laugh.
"Puft, puhaha..."
Giyuu sweat dropped seeing Naoto suddenly laugh, he just got mad a while ago. His mood changes too fast.
Sanemi smiled angrily at Tanjirou.
"Oh? Making fun of me now huh? Both of you really pissed me off..."
Tanjirou feel flustered.
"What!? No, no! I'm serious! You like Ohagi don't you Sanemi-san? When I was training at your place I smell a slight fragrance of mochi flour the whole time. Every time I come back I smelled matcha and ohagi so..."
A lot of veins appeared on Sanemi head, his body trembled greatly in anger.
Giyuu look at Sanemi with an expressionless face.
"Shinazugawa... you like ohagi?"
Naoto keep laughing from the side.
Tanjirou continues saying.
"Ohagi is delicious, do you like crushed or coarse red beans? I love my grandmas ohagi and-"
Before Tanjirou can finish his word, Sanemi gritted his teeth and punch Tanjirou in the chin. Tanjirou body flies to the sky and fall down on the ground, making him faint on the spot.
Naoto panicked and hugged Tanjirou.
"Tanjirou!? Tanjirouuu!!! Don't die! Wake up! Sanemi you heartless dogshit! How dare you do this to Tanjirou!"
Sanemi turns around and walk away in anger.
"Shut up and go die you piece of trash!"
"Huh!? Rot in hell, you birdbrain!"
"Eat shit pig!"
Giyuu used his own Haori as a pillow to support Tanjirou head, while both of them keep insulting each other until Sanemi disappear from the bamboo forest.
"Humph! That punk, I swear I will kick his ass one day."
"Although we have another immature kid here."
A vein appeared on Naoto's head.
"Bastard, are you talking about me!? I thought you always have my back!"
"Only in important situation."
Both of them sat beside the unconscious Tanjirou. Naoto takes out the box given by Shinobu and give it to Giyuu.
"How is Tanjirou?"
"He's fine, he should wake up any moment."
Giyuu opened the box, his eyes shined in happiness the moment he saw the content. Giyuu started grinning from ear to ear.
They began to each the meat happily with a big smile.
"Tasty right?"
"Mm, very good."
"Thank Shinobu okay? She is the one who made it. In fact, all the salmon I bring to you is made by her."
"Kochou did? I understand, I will thank her next time I meet her."
Giyuu look at Naoto's appearance from head to toe.
"You are fully equipped today, are you going somewhere?"
"Yes, I got some task to complete tonight."
"I see, how is the swordsman training going in your place?"
"Disaster, after two weeks there is not too much progress. So I close the training five days ago, it's a waste of time and I got a lot of things to do."
"Hmmm... I heard you got attacked by three upper moon?"
"Yeah, damn all of them are very strong like a monster. I'm lucky only to suffer light cut."
Giyuu look at Naoto weirdly, if they are monster then what is he? He just fend off three upper moon by himself.
They finish their salmon. Naoto is still smiling but his voice is quite serious.
"Hey, Giyuu..."
"Hm?"
"Can I ask something from you? No, it's a request."
"What is this? Suddenly being formal like this really creeping me out."
"Hahaha... I guess so..."
"Let me hear it first."
Naoto becomes quiet for a second, it's a bit hard to request something like to Giyuu.
"If... only if... if I'm not here anymore... can I ask you to watch over Tanjirou, Nezuko, and Shinobu?"
Giyuu widens his eyes, he looks at Naoto weirdly. He knows what kind of person Naoto is, he is optimistic and never give up easily. But for him to say something like this is out of Giyuu logic.
"Why... did you ask something like that?"
Naoto smiled bitterly.
"The day we war against the demon is getting close. In war, people always die and I don't know if I can make it out alive. It's a bit embarrassing because I already make a promise with Shinobu, but nobody knows what kind of future held in the house for us. It can be happiness... or sadness. Or maybe both? I don't know..."
Back then Naoto already said to Shinobu that they will watch the fireworks together again, but deep inside his heart, Naoto knows it won't be that easy. Death is everywhere, if you take a wrong step it can be the end of your life.
"You intend to die?"
"Stupid~. Not at all. Like I said before, nobody knows if I can make it out alive or not."
"Are you forgetting that I'm also a pillar? My chance to die is as high as yours in the upcoming war."
"Of course I know that silly, I just want some insurance here. It's better than nothing."
"You are requesting something so important to me... Why?"
"You are the only one I can trust. I'm not telling you to dedicate your life to them, I only want you to watch over them. Besides, you are my best friends after all. You also Tanjirou senior, so that makes you his big bro as well."
"And maybe... I already got infected by Tanjurou-san irresponsible behavior..."
Naoto grinned, and Giyuu smiled a little.
"Okay, but don't you just go and die off because I say I will do it okay?"
"Mm~ thank you my Giyuu, I love you~."
"...Disgusting..."
Suddenly, Tanjirou opened his eyes and sit on the ground with a panicked face.
"Huh? Eh? Giyuu-san? Nii-san? Where is Sanemi-san?"
Naoto greeted Tanjirou.
"Morning sleepyhead, how is your sleep?"
Giyuu explains.
"Shinazugawa stormed off somewhere else after he and Nao mock each other."
Tanjirou sweatdropped.
"Oh, okay... nii-san and Sanemi-san is like dog and cat... But why were you two fighting Giyuu-san?"
"It's not a fight, it's a part of pillar training. Every pillar takes part in each other training."
"Oh I see, so that's why you were using wooden swords. Sorry for getting in your way."
"No, that's not true. I couldn't have a good talk with him and he was mad the whole time. But I'm glad I figured out what he likes."
Naoto's mouth twitched hearing what Giyuu said.
"Unlike me, you don't know what makes him mad. You natural airhead."
Giyuu ignored what Naoto said and smile.
"Next time I will sneak ohagi into a bag and give it to Shinazugawa when I see him."
Tanjirou smiled happily.
"Oh, that's a good idea!"
Giyuu nodded and smile with a satisfied face because he feels his plan is perfect.
"I think we can get along with each other I do that."
Tanjirou clenched his fist with a lot of spirit.
"I'll do that too."
Naoto sweat dropped seeing the two of them have the same wavelength like this.
"No, seriously stop it! It's harassment! Even I will feel bad for Sanemi you two airhead morons!"
Both of them look at Naoto in displease.
"What is this Nao? You just defend Shinazugawa. Could it be both of you actually friends?"
"N-no, I'm n-"
"It's not fair if you are the only one who is close with Sanemi-san, nii-san."
Naoto's eyes twitched in irritation.
"Forget it, I need to go now. Time to get back to work."
He stand up and pick up the suitcase and backpack.
"Are you going somewhere nii-san?"
"Yes, it's work. Later both of you."
Naoto starts to walk away, leaving Tanjirou and Giyuu. Tanjirou look at Naoto weirdly.
"Strange, nii-san smells very tense right now. Did something happen?"
Naoto looks very serious right now, because tonight, Muzan will come.