The journey back to Mount Sagiri was quiet, the early morning sun casting golden rays across the forest. The mission at Misty Ridge had left both you and Tanjiro exhausted but resolute. The world had no shortage of demons, and the thought weighed heavily on your minds.

Nezuko stirred in her box as you approached Urokodaki's home. Once inside, she climbed out, her sleepy eyes brightening as she saw her brother and you. She reached for Tanjiro's hand first, then yours, her expression warm yet questioning.

"She seems happy to see us," you said, smiling as she tugged at your sleeve.

Tanjiro crouched down to her level, his voice gentle. "Nezuko, we're home. The mission went well. We're okay."

But Nezuko didn't smile in response. Instead, she reached out, her hand brushing against the scratches on Tanjiro's face. Her brow furrowed, her silent concern speaking louder than words.

"She's worried about us," you realized, your heart aching at her protective nature. "Even though she can't say it, she feels it."

Nezuko looked at you next, her eyes filled with the same concern. She touched your arm, her fingers tracing a faint cut you had gotten during the battle.

"We're okay, Nezuko," you said softly, placing your hand over hers. "Really, we are. You don't have to worry about us."

But Nezuko shook her head, her expression firm. She gestured toward herself, her actions clear: she wanted to help.

"She wants to fight with us," Tanjiro said, understanding her unspoken words.

You frowned, conflicted. "Nezuko, it's too dangerous. You're strong, but—"

Nezuko's eyes met yours, filled with quiet determination. She tapped her chest, then gestured toward both you and Tanjiro, her way of saying she wanted to protect you just as much as you wanted to protect her.

Urokodaki entered the room then, his gaze thoughtful as he observed the interaction. "Nezuko has a strong will," he said. "Her desire to protect you comes from the bond you all share. But as her protectors, you must weigh the risks. Her strength is undeniable, but so are the dangers."

Tanjiro looked at Nezuko, his hand resting on her shoulder. "Nezuko, you've already done so much. You're always with us, always supporting us. That means more than you know."

Nezuko tilted her head, her gaze softening, though the determination didn't fade entirely.

You knelt beside her, your voice gentle. "You're our strength, Nezuko. Even when you're not fighting, just having you with us gives us courage."

Later that evening, as you prepared to rest, a crow descended through the open window, its familiar call signaling another mission.

"Kamado siblings! Another mission awaits! A farming village to the west has been overrun by demons. Multiple attacks reported. Investigate and eliminate the threat immediately!"

The message left no room for delay. You and Tanjiro exchanged a glance, both knowing what needed to be done.

"We'll leave at dawn," Tanjiro said, his voice steady.

Nezuko watched you both, her expression unreadable. Then, she walked over to her box, climbing in without protest. It was her way of saying she understood the risks and trusted you to handle them.

The next morning, as the sun rose over the sakura trees, you set out once more. Nezuko's presence in the box was a quiet reminder of the bond you shared, her silent strength a constant source of comfort.

"We'll be back soon, Nezuko," you said softly, touching the box before following Tanjiro down the mountain path.

As the forest gave way to open fields, the mission loomed ahead, its weight heavy but bearable. Together, with Nezuko always in your hearts, you faced the unknown once more.