Good Evening, Rengoku (こんばんは
Summary[]
Inosuke nervously trembles as he remarks that the "Lord of the Land" lies before them. "It's so long and overwhelming, it's gotta be!", as he anxiously warns his friends that it is asleep. Zenitsu informs him it is simply a steam train but Inosuke warns him to be silent as he prepares to attack it. Tanjiro instead chimes in that it may perhaps be the land's "Guardian deity", cautioning him from attacking it, but Zenitsu irritably repeats that it is merely a steam train, annoyed by his countrymen's lack of knowledge. Tanjiro is surprised to know as his crow had mentioned a train is part of their mission, only to be interrupted by Inosuke head-butting the train carriage. Station police arrive at the commotion and are shocked to see them wielding katanas, causing Zenitsu to panic and grab Inosuke as he tells everyone to run.
Safe behind cover, Zenitsu explains that the Japanese government does not recognize the Demon Slayer Corps; as such, they cannot openly carry their weapons as they won't be believed if they explain demons exist. Tanjiro is dismayed to hear that their efforts aren't recognized, and although Zenitsu feels the same way, he instructs them to hide their katanas for safety, though he is annoyed by Inosuke's weak attempt at concealing his. Tanjiro informs them that the Mugen train is where they must meet Kyojuro, as he is already on board. Seeing as Tanjiro intends to talk to him, Zenitsu leaves to buy their tickets.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu meets the Flame Hashira.
Inside the train, Inosuke is aghast to realize they are inside its 'stomach', continuing to irritate Zenitsu. He asks Tanjiro if Kyojuro is indeed a Hashira and whether he knows what he looks like. As Tanjiro answers that he has a strange hair color and notable scent, they suddenly hear someone loudly exclaiming "Delicious!". They follow the sound and see Kyojuro himself in the middle of savouring bento boxes, continuing the exclamation aloud. Zenitsu notes that the Flame Hashira seems to merely be a glutton eating; Tanjiro attempts to get his attention but is yelled the word delicious as a response.
After he finishes eating, Tanjiro asks about his Hinokami Kagura, but like Shinobu, Kyojuro does not know about the style; he instead commends his father for using it in combat and does not elaborate. When he asks for more information, Tanjiro is merely asked to become his Tsuguko; Inosuke continues to bang on the windows as Zenitsu calmly watches people's reactions to it. Kyojuro then explains that Flame Breathing has a long history as in all ages, a Flame Hashira has always served over the years.
Kyojuro explains the five fundamental Breathing Styles.
He also explains the five basic Breathing Styles – Flame, Water, Wind, Stone, and Thunder – by which all styles extend from, such as Mist Breathing descending from Wind Breathing. When he asks "Mizoguchi" about his sword color, he learns that Tanjiro's blade is black and mentions being unaware of the Hashira that would wield a black blade, as such wielders purportedly do not master a style. However, to assuage his concerns, Kyojuro offers to train him at his place, something that Tanjiro is appreciative of. "What a considerate guy..."
Inosuke sticks his body out the window and claims he wants to race the train, much to Zenitsu's growing annoyance; Kyojuro warns him not to and to remain vigilant about the demon, surprising Tanjiro and Zenitsu. The latter is horrified as he believed they were travelling to the sight of the demon, to which the Hashira explains that over 40 people have disappeared on the train, including the Demon Slayers sent to investigate it, hence his investigation. However, this does not give Zenitsu comfort, claiming he will disembark as a conductor appears to inspect their tickets.
Kyojuro prepares to fight.
As he punches them, Tanjiro suddenly detects a terrible scent; the conductor tells them to enjoy their trip in a droning, lowly manner, and Kyojuro stands to unveil his blade, asking him to ignore it during this time of emergency. An immense demon suddenly appears in the carriage with them, startling the passengers. Kyojuro realizes it hid itself with its Blood Demon Art, before warning it from attacking. "If you bare your fangs at innocent people, my bright red Flame blade will burn you to the bone!" The demon angrily roars and charges at the Hashira, who responds with Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire to behead it instantly.
Amazed by the display of power, Tanjiro asks the Hashira to make him a Tsuguko, followed by Zenitsu and Inosuke asking of the same, calling him "big brother Rengoku". Kyojuro happily offers to train and look after them all. As the four begin to fall asleep for the night, Lower Rank One continues to stand atop the train, pleased by their slumber. "Nothing will make me happier than to die as I dream!"
Characters in Order of Appearance[]
Events[]
- The group finds Kyojuro Rengoku on the train.
- Tanjiro asks Kyojuro about his Hinokami Kagura, only to learn he too does not know.
- Kyojuro defeats the suspected Train Demon.
- The group falls asleep on the train while Enmu emerges.