Demon Slayer: Dragon Hashira#40/41: Kaidō's Dream, Reika's Birthday.

"Um, Kaidō?" Zenitsu spoke up quietly. "Your sister Retsuki... she lives with you at your house, right?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"THAT'S THE PROBLEM!" Zenitsu exploded. "That means you see her every day! You can talk to her whenever you want! You get to be around her constantly! Why can't she just live at the Butterfly Mansion??"

Kaidō immediately understood. Zenitsu had developed a crush on Retsuki. 'Wait, doesn't he like Nezuko? Did he move on? ...No, knowing his personality, he probably just loves all cute girls.'

A slow, mischievous smile spread across Kaidō's face. His small fangs glinted. The expression was downright sinister.

Tanjiro recognized that look instantly. 'Something terrible is about to happen.'

He mentally began praying for Zenitsu's soul.

"Zenitsu." Kaidō's smile widened. "I think I need to speak with the Butterfly Mansion staff. Maybe I should take over your training personally. Don't worry—I'll take very good care of you."

"N-n-no! That's not necessary, Kaidō!" Zenitsu scrambled behind Tanjiro. "I was just concerned about Retsuki-chan walking home alone at night! That's all! Safety reasons! Haha!"

"Oh? Is that so? I see now!"

After finishing their bento boxes, two female attendants collected the empty containers. Kyojuro and Tanjiro continued their conversation.

"However, I don't know anything about this 'Hinokami Kagura Dance.' This is my first time hearing of it. Using a dance your father performed in combat is impressive! But that's as far as I can help you!"

"Please wait! Isn't there anything more you can—"

"Become my Tsuguko! I'll take you under my wing!"

"Wait, where are you even looking??"

Watching this exchange, Kaidō couldn't help but smile. 'Rengoku really does love looking after people.'

"Tanjiro," Kaidō interjected. "All Breathing styles are derived from the original Breathing technique. Flame, Thunder, Water, Wind, Stone. For example, Mist Breathing is a branch that evolved from Wind Breathing."

"Huh? Then which branch does your Breathing come from, Kaidō?"

"Mine doesn't belong to any branch. I created it myself."

Kyojuro leaned forward with interest. "Young Kamado, what color is your blade?"

"My sword is black."

"A black blade! That's troublesome! I've never seen a black blade swordsman become a Hashira!" Kyojuro's enthusiasm didn't waver. "Become my Tsuguko! Come train at my estate—I'll whip you into shape! Don't worry! Hahaha!"

Though Kyojuro's words sometimes seemed scattered, Tanjiro could sense something powerful beneath them—an overwhelming aura of justice radiating from the Flame Hashira.

'He really loves taking care of people,' Tanjiro thought warmly.

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"We're moving! Wahaha! So fast! Amazing! I'm gonna jump out and race it!" Inosuke bounced excitedly toward the window.

"Get down from there, you idiot! That's dangerous! There's a limit to stupidity!" Zenitsu grabbed Inosuke's collar, yanking him back.

"Indeed, it's dangerous," Kyojuro agreed seriously. "We don't know when the demon will appear. This train has had over forty people go missing in a short time. The demon slayers sent to investigate lost all contact!"

"AHHH! NO! There's a demon on this train?? I want to get off! Let me off!" Zenitsu's panic reached new heights.

A train conductor approached their group. The moment Kaidō saw him, understanding clicked into place. 'The battle's about to begin.'

He removed his fox mask, placed a pill inside a hidden compartment, then secured it back over his face.

"Please... show me... your tickets..." The conductor's voice was lifeless, mechanical.

Kyojuro and the others presented their tickets.

"Inspection... complete..."

'What's this awful smell?' Tanjiro's nose wrinkled.

Suddenly, a two-headed demon materialized before them, fangs bared in a grotesque grin.

Kyojuro immediately positioned himself between the demon and the group. "Conductor-san, this area is dangerous! Please step back immediately! This is an emergency—I ask that you don't question why we're armed."

He drew his Nichirin blade, flames seeming to dance along its edge. "A Blood Demon Art capable of concealing such a massive body? Even its presence is nearly undetectable!"

His voice hardened. "But if you dare harm innocent people, my crimson blade will burn your demon bones to ash!"

"ROARRR!!" The demon lunged.

"Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire."

Kyojuro exploded forward like a living inferno, closing the distance in a heartbeat. His blade flashed—two heads tumbled.

FWOOSH.

The demon disintegrated into ash.

"Rengoku is amazing! Please take me as your student!" Tanjiro shouted enthusiastically.

"Me too, Rengoku!" Zenitsu and Inosuke chorused.

"Very well! I'll look after all three of you! I'll train you into exceptional swordsmen! Hahaha!"

"Rengoku!"

Kaidō remained seated, completely motionless. He knew the truth—this was merely an illusion crafted by Lower Rank One, Enmu.

'Let's see what kind of dream he's prepared for me.'

The Mugen Train continued its journey through the night, its passengers trapped in slumber.

Atop the locomotive stood a demon—Enmu, Lower Rank One.

"Dying in a dream... how blissful!"

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Inside the Train Carriage

"These are the targets. Do exactly as that gentleman instructed—tie the ropes to their wrists."

Four children entered the carriage—two boys, two girls. They carried special ropes in their hands.

Following Enmu's instructions, they bound the ropes to Kyojuro and the others, preparing to enter their dreams and destroy their spiritual cores.

Complete this task, and they'd be granted beautiful dreams where they could reunite with their families.

"Wait, there's an extra person here. What about the masked guy?"

"I'll handle him. You two take the others," said a girl wearing an orange-yellow kimono decorated with flower patterns.

"But—"

"No buts! I don't care if you have tuberculosis or whatever! If you don't complete the gentleman's task, you can forget about your sweet dreams!"

"Fine. We'll do it your way."

After tying the ropes, all four began counting down, diving into their targets' dreams.

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Kaidō's Dream

"Where... am I?"

Kaidō's eyes opened. He stood in a small pavilion overlooking an artificial lake. Elderly women performed synchronized dances nearby. The scene felt achingly familiar.

"This is... my old apartment complex." He looked down at the cake box in his hands. Memory flooded back.

"If I remember correctly, today is my adopted sister's eighteenth birthday. I can't believe this is the dream he chose."

The sun was setting in the distance, painting the sky in shades of orange and gold. He sighed softly, then headed toward home.

...

Meanwhile, the young girl who'd entered Kaidō's dream—Kome—stared around in terror.

"What kind of dream is this??"

HONK!

"AHHH!!" She screamed as a car horn blared, collapsing onto the pavement.

"Whose child is this?? Running into traffic like that!" The driver shouted irritably before driving away.

"Little girl, are you alright? Why were you crossing alone? Where are your parents?" A mother and daughter helped Kome to her feet, voices filled with concern.

"I... I don't have any family."

"Oh, you poor thing."

"Mom, let's take her home with us. It's not safe to leave her here alone. I'm sure Brother would agree."

The mother and daughter Kome had encountered were Kaidō's mother and adopted sister.

"Alright. What's your name, dear?"

"I'm Kome."

"Hello, Kome! I'm Reika, and this is my mother."

"Thank you both, but I still have things to do, I—"

"Don't worry about it! Today's my birthday—you can celebrate with me! Besides, my annoying brother will definitely agree!" Reika took Kome's hand with a bright smile.

"...Okay."

<><><><><><><><>

At Home

"Mom! Reika! I'm back!"

"Big brother, we're home!"

Kaidō noticed the small girl following his mother and sister.

He recognized her immediately: the girl who was supposed to enter Inosuke's dream.

'Why is she in my dream instead? She should be with Inosuke...'

"It's you," Kaidō said, looking at the girl behind his family.

"Big brother, you know her?" Reika asked curiously.

"We're acquaintances. Since she's here, she's our guest. I've already prepared plenty of food—come sit down and help celebrate my sister's birthday!"

The moment Kome saw Kaidō, an overwhelming pressure washed over her. But to complete Enmu's task, she forced herself to endure it.

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That Evening

After dinner, night had fallen. Outside, the streets blazed with light—streetlamps and storefront signs illuminating the entire neighborhood.

Kaidō brought out the cake and placed it on the table, lighting the candles.

"Reika, make a wish!"

"Okay!" Reika pressed her palms together, closed her eyes, and wished silently before blowing out the candles.

"What did you wish for? Can you tell your big brother?"

"Nope~! Not telling you, dummy! Hehe!"

"Alright, you two! Honestly, you're like an old married couple with all this bickering. Time to cut the cake!" Their mother smiled fondly at the playful exchange.

"Yes, Mom!" they replied in unison.

"Here, Reika—the biggest piece for our birthday girl. This one's for Mom. Kome, this one's yours. And I'll take this tiny slice!"

"Thank you, big brother!"

Kome accepted the cake slice, murmuring her thanks.

"Go ahead and eat, Kome! My brother ordered this from a special bakery—it's delicious!" Reika encouraged.

Kome took a bite. The sweetness melted on her tongue. But watching this warm, loving family before her, tears suddenly streamed down her cheeks.

"What's wrong, child? Are you feeling unwell?" Kaidō's mother asked with immediate concern.

"I... I miss my family..." Kome sobbed.

"You poor thing! You must have suffered so much!" His mother pulled Kome into a gentle embrace.

—————————

After finishing the cake and cleaning up, Reika helped their mother wash dishes in the kitchen.

"Kome, come with me. There's somewhere I want to show you." Kaidō gestured toward the hallway.

"Y-yes..." Kome stood and followed him toward the entrance.

Hearing movement, Reika rushed out from the kitchen. "Big brother!"

"What is it, Reika?"

"Nothing... it's just..." Tears welled in her eyes. "Will you come back?"

Kaidō pulled his sister into a warm hug. "Yes. I don't know what you've figured out, but I will return. I haven't fulfilled my promise to you yet."

"I believe you." She sniffled. "You wanted to know my wish, right? I'll tell you secretly!"

She whispered into his ear. Kaidō smiled gently.

"I'll make that wish come true."

"I'll wait for you!"

He took Kome's hand and led her toward the rooftop. Behind them, Reika waved goodbye.

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The Rooftop

Kaidō opened the door.

Kome gasped at what lay beyond.

An endless sea of flowers stretched to the horizon. A single tree stood in the distance, a vine swing hanging from its branches.

A warm breeze swept across the field. Kome felt its gentle touch—and for the first time in so long, her heart began to calm.

Kaidō guided her to the swing and began pushing gently from behind.

"Why... why are you leaving?" Kome finally asked the question burning inside her. "Isn't this dream beautiful?"

"Dreams can be beautiful or terrible. But dreams are just dreams. When you wake up, reality remains unchanged." His voice was kind but firm. "Short-term pain is better than prolonged suffering. Leaving now means we can reunite properly later."

"But in the dream, you can have everything you want! You can be with your family!" Kome protested.

"If you live in a dream forever, what makes you different from the dead?" Kaidō's words struck deep. "What about the future your deceased loved ones entrusted to you? How will you carry that forward?"

The question resonated through Kome's soul.

She swung back and forth, gazing at the boundless flower field. Slowly, understanding bloomed within her.

But remembering the warm scene with Kaidō's family earlier made tears flow again.

"Sob..."

"It's okay to cry. Sometimes crying helps." Kaidō embraced her from behind, stroking her head soothingly, letting her release her pain.

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Back in the Train Carriage

Nezuko tumbled out of her wooden box, confused by the scene before her.

She tried shaking Tanjiro awake—no response. After a moment of thought, she headbutted his forehead.

BONK!

"...Ow!" It took several seconds before Nezuko realized her own head was bleeding.

Tears welled up. She began crying—and her blood ignited with flames, engulfing both herself and Tanjiro.

"AHHHHH!! Huff... huff..." Tanjiro bolted upright, gasping.

"!!" Nezuko jumped back, startled by his scream.

"I'm... I'm alive??" He clutched his throat. The sensation of death had felt completely real.

"Nezuko! Are you okay... what's this?" He noticed the burned rope on his wrist, smelling demon essence on it.

"The tickets... of course. The tickets also carry the demon's scent. We were hypnotized when they were checked. Such powerful Blood Demon Art from just a faint smell!"

"Kaidō! Rengoku! Zenitsu! Inosuke! Wake up! Who are these kids? Why are they tied with ropes?"

As Tanjiro moved to cut the ropes with his blade, instinct screamed at him to stop.

"Right! Nezuko, please burn all these ropes!"

"Mm-hmm!" Nezuko's flames consumed the bindings.

"Zenitsu! Inosuke! Wake up!"

"Hehehe~ Nezuko-chan! Kaidō-chan! Hehe, so soft," Zenitsu drooled in his sleep, clearly having pleasant dreams.

"Mm-mm!" Nezuko looked up at Tanjiro proudly, seeking praise.

"Good girl! Thank you, Nezuko!"

Suddenly, killing intent erupted from behind. Tanjiro spun, shielding Nezuko as he dodged.

"Don't interfere with my dreams! This is your fault! Why did you wake me up??" A girl in a green kimono brandished a sharp awl, eyes burning with fury.

'What? She's doing this willingly??' Tanjiro realized with shock.

Another boy stood up, gripping his own awl menacingly.

"Wake up and help already! I don't care about your tuberculosis or whatever! If you don't get moving, I'll tell that gentleman and you'll lose your dreams forever!"

"Kome! Wake up right now! Don't you want to see your family again??"

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In Kaidō's Dream

"Thank you... for letting me feel the warmth of family one more time." Sitting on the swing, embraced by Kaidō's warmth, Kome felt no regrets.

"Then it's time we both woke up. I have a battle to fight. I have something very important left to finish. I must protect them."

"Before you go... can you tell me your name?"

"Kaidō. We probably won't meet again after this. But I hope you'll live happily from now on!"

"Thank you, Kaidō-niisan!"

Watching the scene fade, Kaidō activated Demonic Eye, bringing Kome with him as they left the dream together.

[Ding! Preserving moment in time... Preservation complete.]