The Anime Lad
Tanjiro sells charcoal in town and returns home to find his family attacked. His sister Nezuko survives, but sunlight and hunger now affect her differently. A swordsman arrives prepared to treat the problem efficiently. Tanjiro objects with an axe and no relevant training. His unusually strong sense of smell remains helpful. His manners survive the disagreement.
Gigguku
Tanjiro carries Nezuko through deep snow while the whole mountain seems to tilt against him. Then a swordsman blocks the path and every movement becomes razor clear. What gets me is Tanjiro's stubborn kindness. He is terrified and completely untrained. He still searches for the one action that protects his sister. Even the first desperate axe throw tells you how quickly he thinks!
Father's Basement
A kind boy taking up a sword after family tragedy is familiar material. The opening distinguishes him through practical attention. Tanjiro reads tracks and changes in scent before he understands the supernatural danger. His first confrontation is messy because he has no formal technique. That lack of polish makes his improvisation more convincing than instant competence would.
