The real world.
Although Kyojuro Rengoku and Giyu Tomioka held Tanjiro's body firmly down, the pure destructive impulse that came from the Demon King still struggled wildly. He swung his arms unconsciously, each movement whipping up fierce winds that tore through the air, forcing the two gravely wounded Hashira to use every ounce of strength just to keep him restrained.
"Big Brother!"
Nezuko's heart-wrenching cries rang out again. She threw herself forward without hesitation and clung tightly to Tanjiro's arm, which was still mutating and attempting to grow bone spurs. Large, warm tears splashed onto Tanjiro's icy skin, as though trying to pass that human warmth back to him.
"Big Brother, it's time to go home... let's go home... our family's waiting for us..."
Her voice was quiet, yet it was like a key, trying to unlock the door to his memories that darkness had sealed shut.
"Tanjiro! You idiot! Wake the hell up!" Zenitsu scrambled over, tears and snot streaming down his face as he wrapped his arms around Tanjiro's other leg. "You said you'd protect me! If you turn into a demon, who's going to protect me?! You liar!"
His cries were incoherent, yet filled with the most genuine dependence and fear.
"Gonpachiro! I order you! Change back!" Inosuke rushed over too, his handsome face covered in wounds and tears. Using the last of his strength, he put his damaged mask back on his head, then pressed his forehead hard against Tanjiro's back. "I'm the strongest king of the mountains! You're my underling! You don't get to turn into this demonic thing without my permission!"
"Tanjiro! Have you forgotten? We promised we'd go eat the best rice balls once all this was over!" Kanao also struggled over, leaning against the wall. Her eyes could barely see anything anymore,