8. Mizunoto

After seven long days of survival, Hana and Tanjiro were finally back to the wisteria grove at the base of Mt. Fujikasane the place they had first entered. The glowing blossoms swayed gently above them, a soft contrast to the carnage they had endured.

Out of all the candidates, only five had survived. Hana and Tanjiro stood among them. Hana's heart ached for the one's who could not survive.

"I'm gonna die... I'm a gonner..." muttered the boy with yellow-orange hair, his voice dripping with melodrama. "Even if I'm alive now, I'll just end up dead later anyway..." he cried dramatically.

"Welcome back," the twins greeted, their voices flat and emotionless.

"Congratulations," said the white-haired one. "We are pleased to see you return safely," the black-haired one added.

"So? What am I supposed to do now? Where's my sword?" barked the rough-looking boy with the mohawk.

"First, you shall all be measured for uniforms," the twins explained. "Your rank will be Mizunoto, the lowest. There are ten ranks in all."

"Kinoe," the white-haired twin listed.

"Kinoto," the black-haired twin followed.

"Hinoe."

"Hinoto."

"Tsuchinoe."

"Tsuchinoto."

"Kanoe."

"Kanoto."

"Mizuno."

"And lastly, Mizunoto."

"Currently, you are the lowest rank," they finished in unison.

The mohawk boy scowled. "And what about swords?"

Hana's eyes narrowed, already annoyed by his attitude...

"Today, you will each select the ore for your Nichirin Blade," the white-haired twin answered.

"Your swords will be completed in ten to fifteen days," the black-haired twin added.

"You've got to be kidding me..." he muttered.

The twins clapped their hands. A sudden flurry of wings filled the air as crows descended, one for each new slayer.

One perched neatly on Hana's shoulder, its beady eyes shining.

"These Kasugai Crows will serve as your messengers" the white twin explained.

"Did you say crow?" the yellow-orange haired boy asked, confused. "But...Isn't this... a sparrow?"

"Who the hell cares about some stupid crow?!" the mohawk boy snapped. He grabbed the white-haired twin roughly by the head.

That was enough. Hana's gaze sharpened as she stepped forward, gripping his wrist and twisting it back. Her voice was low and dangerous.
"Let her go. Now. If you don't, I'll break your arm." She spat angrily.

The boy's eyes widened as he gulped and backed off with a hiss. "Tch. Whatever."

"Are you finished chatting." said the black-haired twin.

Straightening, Hana turned back to the pile of ore. "Which one should we choose?"

Tanjiro sniffed carefully, his nose guiding him. Hana let her instincts lead her hand until she found a piece faintly gleaming in the light. "This one," she murmured confidently. "This is mine."

---

The Final Selection had ended, Hana and Tanjiro limped home together. Their bodies ached, but the relief of survival carried them forward. Tanjiro stumbled with a grunt.

Hana caught him, slinging his arm over her shoulder. Step by step, they trudged along the dirt path until night fell.

"I was so naive, I couldn't even talk to that demon. All they did was attack me and try to kill me right away. I'm sorry, Nezuko I never got to ask them....how to turn a demon back into a human. I'm sorry."

At last, the familiar sight of Urokodaki's house appeared before them.

"Finally...We made it....we're back," Tanjiro sighed.

The door suddenly burst open.

"Nezuko!" Hana gasped.

There she was awake at last, standing in the doorway with wide, tear-filled eyes.

"Nezuko!" Tanjiro cried, rushing forward as tears streamed down his face.

Hana followed, her chest tightening with overwhelming relief.

After two years of relentless absence, and worries...their sister was finally back with them.