Genya Shinazugawa.!

The forest was strangely quiet when a glimmer in the trees caught their attention. Tanjiro and Genya approached cautiously until they saw two small silhouettes emerge from the bushes. A dark-haired boy, with a sullen expression and a distrustful look, took a step back upon seeing them. "Who are you?" said little Genya, clenching his fists as if ready to fight. "Relax... we're not going to hurt you," replied the adult Tanjiro in a soft voice. Beside him, another boy with red hair and a warm smile stepped forward curiously. "Hi!" said little Tanjiro, approaching the adult Genya. "You're huge… and you look strong!"

Genya stepped back uncomfortably as adult Tanjiro stared at him in astonishment. "Is that... me?" Tanjiro whispered. Mini-Genya crossed his arms, giving the child Tanjiro a challenging look. "Hey, don't get so close to me."

"But… I just want to be your friend," little Tanjiro replied, tilting his head with a sweet smile. "I don't need friends," little Genya murmured, looking away. Adult Tanjiro watched the scene with a lump in his throat. "Genya… were you like that when you were little?"

"Yeah, and your mini-self doesn't change one bit…" said adult Genya, watching how child Tanjiro insisted on talking to his little self. "Hey, you can trust me," child Tanjiro told mini-Genya. "If you want, I can stay here until you want to talk." Little Genya snorted, but his cheeks turned red. "Do whatever you want…" Adult Genya sighed and crossed his arms, admitting, "This kid is just as stubborn as I am." "And mine is just as kind as ever," Tanjiro replied with a small smile. The two children stood close together, one gently insisting and the other trying to maintain a serious facade. The adults looked at each other, knowing this would be complicated.