Seeing the disciple who did not run away, Kokushibo was overjoyed. He trembled with his great victory. At this moment, he had washed away the disgrace of the eyeball monster.
There was value in defying the opposition of his lord, Kibutsuji Muzan, and striving to acquire mimicry. No matter how old one gets, it is a joyous thing when effort bears fruit. Well done, me.
Having been born into this world for hundreds of years, Kokushibo praised himself sincerely for the first time in his life.
Even if his first praise for himself was that, it was fine, Tsugikuni Michikatsu.
That's why Kokushibo thought it was regrettable. Hiding his six eyes and concealing the numbers engraved in his pupils, perfectly mimicking his past appearance, he let out a sigh of resignation.
"If it weren't for this situation…… I would have liked to cross swords at least once……"
Finally encountering his disciple, but now there was something more pressing rolling at his feet, which was unpleasant.
The culprit of the beast demon trying to crawl away with only its upper body. Stepping on its back lightly enough to break bones, Kokushibo looked at his disciple.
Trembling red eyes. White hair flowing out from under the hood. A face that had become a young man while retaining the appearance of childhood.
The cheeks devoid of color were clean, and there was no trace of the Demon Slayer Mark said to have manifested during the battle with Akaza. It seemed he didn't know how to manifest the Mark continuously, which was very regrettable. If the time, place, and situation had aligned, he could have taught him.
Using his vision to peek, his disciple's body was around seventeen or eighteen. The youthful body, combining sturdiness and flexibility with a high degree of completion, would reach its peak within a few years.
He wanted to check how sharp that technique was, but now there was no time.
Before that, there was something he wanted to ask this demon.
Stabbing his sword again into the torso regenerating up to the stomach area, Kokushibo grabbed the demon's disheveled hair.
"Stop the bleeding…… understand."
Leaving only that one word to his disciple, he silently kicked the ground. With the demon's overwhelming leg strength, Kokushibo's figure, which had gone far away, must have appeared like a phantom that vanished in the blink of an eye to his disciple.
Stopping his feet in a deep forest where human presence had sufficiently disappeared, Kokushibo threw the demon there.
Roughly flipping the demon, who unluckily landed face-first into the ground, with his toe, he stabs it with his sword into the ground so it cannot escape. It seems it pierced the heart, as the demon's back arched like a shrimp.
When he revealed the six eyes he had been hiding, a scream burst out.
"U, Upper Rank 1……!"
It wasn't unreasonable to tremble. Being the highest of the Upper Ranks, from the runaway demon's perspective, it must be the most fearsome existence after Kibutsuji Muzan.
Nevertheless, the demon did not give up. Forcing its head, which felt like it would burst with fear, to move, it tried to call the beasts it had released throughout the forest.
It didn't think it could win. It only hoped to buy some time to escape.
But──
"The hounds will not come."
A cold and ruthless voice crushes the demon's last hope.
"Upon discovery, I severed their limbs…… and rolled them away……"
What came to the demon's mind was the scene it witnessed just moments ago. The hellish landscape where the wolves it had carefully raised and turned into demons were helplessly incapacitated.
Even if cut by something other than a Nichirin Blade, it would not be a fatal wound to a demon. Normally, it could have regenerated and recovered. But at that time, even that was not allowed.
The cause was that ominous blade. Because it was cut by that sword forged from the flesh and blood of an Upper Rank, the regeneration of cells was inhibited.
A demon's strength is determined by the concentration of Kibutsuji Muzan's blood. And the Upper Rank 1 before its eyes was the existence with blood closest to Kibutsuji Muzan.
"Mercy……!"
With a pitifully trembling voice, the demon thought.
This couldn't be happening, it thought.
Having luckily escaped Kibutsuji Muzan's control and gained miraculous power by devouring white hair and red eyes, and even creating special blood that could turn beasts into demons, it was surely a being chosen by fate.
It believed that by eating more white-haired, red-eyed individuals to accumulate power and endlessly increase its beast subordinates, it could live without fear of the Demon Slayer Corps or Kibutsuji Muzan.
If it dies here, everything becomes meaningless.
"I will prostrate myself and apologize for my rudeness until now! I will enter under Lord Kibutsuji's command! I will follow any order you give! So please, spare my life……!"
Kokushibo did not respond to the demon's plea for its life. He only glared with his six eyes and gagged the mouth that was noisily chattering with a gag of terror.
"You dug up a grave."
A low voice resonates.
"Charred bones."
A rumble like a beast growling.
"A rotting neck."
Six bloodshot eyes flash ominously.
"White hair and red eyes."
Spreading an indescribable killing intent, he draws his sword.
"A displeasing enumeration. It gives me chills."
The sword tip that was stuck in the demon's heart until a moment ago now points at its neck.
"Answer. Which grave did you dig up."
The demon instinctively understood that missing the answer meant only death. But it had no courage to evade with lies, and trembling in fear, it stuttered and shouted.
"It, it's nothing much! It was an unclaimed person's, not even worthy of being called a grave with no offerings! It couldn't possibly be what you're thinking……! It must have been some disreputable human not even allowed in a cemetery! Just left alone near a bamboo forest──"
Kokushibo needed no further words.
"Is that so."
The blade of anger cut through even the scream that split the night.
・
・
・
Receiving the report that the source of the troublesome beast demons had been caught, Kibutsuji Muzan was greatly pleased.
Truly Kokushibo. He is a man who does things well. I must immediately analyze and research that demon's blood and then dispose of it.
With one thorn removed, Kibutsuji Muzan was in a good mood, which is why he looked at what Kokushibo was holding upon returning to the Infinity Castle five more times.
"Kokushibo."
"Yes."
"Who told you to bring back a lump of meat."
A palm-sized red larva wriggling on the tatami.
This is said to be the culprit of the series of beast demons. According to Kokushibo's words, that is.
Wondering if it was originally a demon of this form, but no. It was the result of Kokushibo chopping it up. He honestly confessed it himself, like a fool. He is a man who cannot lie.
But unfortunately, Kibutsuji Muzan did not possess any mercy that forgives sins by valuing honesty as a virtue. As a lump of meat like this, it doesn't even meet the quantity needed for analysis or research. Muzan hated situations not going his way more than anything in the world.
But why did this usually calm and cold man do such a thing? Drawn by interest, when asked, Kokushibo answered like this.
"Because it blabbered about digging up a grave……"
"A grave?"
"Yes……"
"Whose was it?"
"My disciple's……"
"Hah?"
"Shabana's……"
"Hah???"
"It said it chewed the bones, ate the neck……"
"Kokushibo."
"Yes."
"I forgive you. Chop it a bit more thoroughly, into finer pieces──"
"As you command."
That was the immediate answer before the words even finished. He had already grabbed the larva before answering. More than grabbing, it was almost crushing it.
Squeezed by the trained, strong hand (strength A+++), the larva flopped like a fish. It was a desperate resistance, as if screaming that it would die if chopped any finer.
But sometimes, even if the volume is reduced by half, it can surprisingly survive.
The prediction of Kibutsuji Muzan, an experiencer of flesh/1800, was not wrong.
＊
Why, why is Master…
My mind was filled with questions. My body trembled with fear that rose to the marrow, enough to make me want to scream.
I wanted to suspect it was a demon's Blood Demon Art. I wanted to believe that Master was a fake. But the Moon Breathing that hand unfolded was undoubtedly real, and that demon was unmistakably Michikatsu.
Cold sweat didn't stop, my heart beat annoyingly loudly, and my insides convulsed as if I would vomit. Even in such a mental state, I could keep my composure because Lord Rengoku, who was seriously injured, was by my side.
Right now, this person's treatment and rescue were the priority. Thanks to that, I could somehow move.
After Master left, I quickly dealt the final blows to the wolf demons rolling on the ground and treated Lord Rengoku.
Lord Rengoku, who had been watching my conversation with Master, seemed to want to say something, but perhaps he was holding onto consciousness with only his willpower, as he soon fainted after swallowing a painkiller that would have little effect.
I was a bit relieved. Because I had no confidence in giving a proper answer to any question right now.
Carrying Lord Rengoku on my back, I exited the forest. Outside, where I arrived limping on my injured leg, were people lined up wearing familiar uniforms. Demon Slayers and Kakushi.
I was relieved that reinforcements had arrived, but it bothered me that they all had uniformly grim expressions.
"Urokodaki, hand Lord Rengoku over here."
"……Thank you. Please take care of him."
Following the instruction, I laid Lord Rengoku on a stretcher. At that moment, the Kakushi looked at me with very frightened eyes.
Why? Is it because my hood is torn and I have no mask?
But rumors about my appearance had already spread widely since the horse demon incident. It felt belated now.
One step, two steps, three steps. The moment I was seeing off the hastily moving stretcher, it happened.
"Do not resist, raise both hands and stay quiet."
Red, blue, green, white, yellow, gray.
Colorful blades pointed at me from all directions.
"Urokodaki Rei. You are suspected of colluding with demons."
Ah, I see.
So that's how it is.
＊
This guy himself had committed no crime.
"For that reason, I will be expelled from the Demon Slayer Corps. Thank you for everything until now, Goto!"
"Thank you for everything! ……That's not it, you idiot!!"
When I hit his head with gusto, Rei shouted, "Stop it! I already got hit by Kuwajima and Urokodaki earlier!"
Without the usual black fox mask, only with his hood pulled down low, his complaining face was fully visible.
He was so much like usual that it was disheartening. Too much like usual, as if we could have the same conversation tomorrow…… that's why it felt lonelier and sadder. And that made me angry.
"Why are you the one being expelled……!"
"Huh? Haven't you heard the rumors? What's wrong, Goto, you're falling behind~!"
"I heard it loud and clear, you idiot!"
The trigger was the previous wolf demon extermination.
The demon that appeared there used the same Moon Breathing as Rei. And a certain Demon Slayer witnessed Rei calling that demon "Master."
It was outrageous that a member of the Demon Slayer Corps had ties with a demon. Rei was immediately restrained and dragged around for trials for several days.
Despite having deep injuries on his legs and arms, he wasn't even given proper time for treatment, so this guy is still limping.
"……You did nothing wrong."
"Ooh~ Not many people say that. I'm glad."
The fact that his breathing technique master was a demon naturally caused a big stir.
He was despised as horrific, cursed as a traitor, suspected of being a demon's pawn, and shouted at to commit seppuku immediately.
The only ones who defended Rei were Lord Myouju and Lord Suuju. If he hadn't collapsed in the recuperation facility, Lord Rengoku would have defended him the same way.
Lord Myouju and Lord Suuju desperately tried to overturn the seppuku verdict, saying Rei had no guilt since he learned the breathing without knowing the master was a demon.
Yes, at first, the atmosphere leaned towards seppuku. After Rei's white-haired, red-eyed appearance was revealed, many viewed him ominously, and his reputation was not good.
Adding to that, bad rumors of being a demon's pawn or a traitor, it was understandable that the Demon Slayers' opinions leaned that way.
The fact that it ended with expulsion was largely due to the efforts of the two Pillars.
"……Did you say goodbye to Lord Myouju and Lord Suuju?"
"Yes. I just finished."
"……What about Lord Rengoku and Shōjuro?"
"Ahh…… Ahaha."
"Don't mind what the second son said, go say goodbye. I'll go with you."
When I pushed Rei's back as he tried to laugh it off vaguely, he hesitated a bit, then as if resolving himself, he bowed his head quietly and said, "Please."
The leader of the beast demons seemed obsessed with white hair and red eyes. He had been eyeing Rei since the horse demon incident, and to lure Rei, he caused another commotion.
The demon itself confessed as such when facing Rei, according to the testimony of a Demon Slayer who witnessed the whole incident.
If he had the leisure to peek, he should have helped immediately, why isn't such a negligent guy being tried? I can't understand it at all.
Who the hell is he really? Please let me hit him just once. Maeda was furious, saying, "I'll tear his uniform provocatively! Like a spring picture! Like a spring picture!!!"
Although Maeda, who sent shameless uniforms to women and got broken by Rei each time, didn't hate Rei. It was because Rei helped him when he was mocked for being a man in charge of sewing.
Many were saying that this incident happened because of Rei with white hair and red eyes.
Perhaps influenced by such words. When Rei went to visit Lord Rengoku, Rengoku's second son blamed Rei while crying.
It might have been because his father was in critical condition, unconscious, and he was distraught. The second son seemed a bit weaker mentally compared to the eldest, Shōjuro.
Moreover, I heard Lord Rengoku was in a coma for a while, so the family must have been anxious. Fortunately, he regained consciousness yesterday.
As if still bothered by being blamed by the second son, upon entering the recuperation mansion's entrance, Rei hesitated in his steps.
I was about to roll up my sleeves to drag him in, annoyed at him acting timid at seventeen, when──
"Rei."
Looking towards the voice, it was Shōjuro. He must have been on his way back from visiting his father. Shōjuro, who peeked his face from the end of the corridor, ran over as soon as he saw Rei.
"Rei, Shinjuro is sorry."
"No. ……Is Lord Rengoku awake?"
"Yes, he's talking with Shinjuro now."
"……Ah, I see. Well, then it can't be helped. I'll just……"
"Don't worry. You came to say goodbye, right?"
Grabbing Rei's arm, Shōjuro headed for the sickroom. No questions asked. Ruthlessly forcing him to go in. I really like this about him.
In the sickroom were Lord Rengoku's wife and the second son. An awkward atmosphere flowed for a moment. I was anxious about what the second son might say to Rei, but unexpectedly, he left the room without a word.
Even when Shōjuro scolded, "Shinjuro." he didn't look back.
The child's face, seen in passing, was stiff. It was a face that reflected he was sorry and regretting, but couldn't apologize now.
"……I'm sorry, but I have something to discuss alone with Rei. Could you please leave us for a moment?"
Following Lord Rengoku's words as he sat up in bed, everyone left the room. Not only Shōjuro but also Lord Rengoku's wife had no resistance to leaving Rei, suspected of colluding with demons, alone with the severely injured Lord Rengoku.
I was relieved by that fact. I was grateful for their hearts that properly trusted Rei.
While waiting for Rei's farewell to end, thinking of taking a walk, I caught sight of the second son bowing his head deeply at the end of the corridor. His face was biting his lip hard and frowning intensely.
……If you want to apologize, do it quickly. Aren't your interpersonal skills too poor? You'll suffer when you grow up like that.
"That guy, he's not really angry."
I spoke to him out of mere meddling. Rei is leaving today, so if you don't apologize now, there won't be a chance.
"But he was hurt, so apologize to him."
"……Shut up."
……Should I punch him once?
Hey, Shōjuro. Your brother is not honest at all.
He seems to have a stubborn personality that becomes more obstinate when others point it out. In the end, the second son ran off to the other end of the corridor.
"Say what you want to say when you can! Because there comes a moment when you want to but can't!"
I shouted that, but the second son's back didn't turn around.
I don't care now. You might regret it later. If you don't apologize, Rei will continue to live hurt, so you just keep regretting.
＊
I saw my ancestor's memory. Even when I said that, Rei did not laugh.
Without a single word, saying nothing, he looked at me with red eyes. The more I looked, the more he overlapped with that child I saw in my ancestor's memory.
Rei called that demon, who slaughtered the beast demons, Master.
That demon smiled and called Rei Young Moon.
"I saw that man's face in my memory. I also know a bit about what kind of person he was."
I told the story. What kind of person that man was, glimpsed from my ancestor's memory.
A kind older brother who abandoned his family, abandoned his status, and chose to become a demon hunter for his younger brother.
A sincere hard worker who constantly strove and never neglected effort.
A noble personality with kindness and strength where they should be.
A Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps who could not have any weakness like falling to become a demon.
But losing the disciple he considered his successor before his eyes and being trapped in the shackles of lifespan himself, floundering in despair, he eventually had his hand grabbed by Kibutsuji Muzan.
"……Looking back, the wish my ancestor harbored was no different from cursing him."
He only wanted to show the beauty of the moon to a man who did not look back at himself. Just that trivial wish.
Believing that the words of a disciple using the same Moon Breathing would reach his heart, entrusting that wish to the young child── everything became twisted.
"For his disciple, to make the beautiful moon never cease…… he abandoned being human"
Rei's trembling gradually increased. The paleness of his bloodless cheeks was pitiful beyond words.
The fact that the master who taught him Moon Breathing was a demon. How much despair must be overflowing in this child's heart right now.
It wasn't unreasonable not to know. If not for the heteromorphic sword, that demon's appearance was infinitely close to human.
Why a demon would teach swordsmanship to a human is unknown. Was it a whim? Or was his heart moved by a boy resembling his disciple?
Surely, to Rei, that man was a good master. I recall Urokodaki once saying that Rei, who uses Moon Breathing, gives off a dazzling scent. I'm not as sensitive to smells as Urokodaki, but I could understand the meaning.
Always, Rei's blade shone with reverence towards his master.
"Do you like him?"
There was no answer. Only a nod, and his head bowed. He seemed to be crying.
"I see."
No matter the reason, a demon that eats people cannot be forgiven.
But to cut him down just because he is a demon, that man's life was too miserable.
"Then, you be the one to cut his neck."
Knowing it was a cruel wish, I had no choice but to entrust it like that.
The curse that began with my ancestor. Originally, I should have handled it.
But that won't do. Flame Breathing won't do. If the same moon does not watch over his end, that swordsman will not rest peacefully.
I couldn't help but feel that way.
"……Yes."
Even to such a selfish wish, Rei nodded. This time, he answered properly.
His voice was indeed crying.
＊
The evening cloudy sky was already no different from night. Before night fell, Rei had to leave the Demon Slayer Corps, and there was one thing I definitely wanted to ask.
"Rei, where is your hometown?"
A question that had been on my mind for several days.
"Even if I tell you, you won't know."
With that premise, the place name Rei mentioned was the name of a village I had visited on a mission not long ago.
"……Are you planning to return there?"
"I won't return. I'd only be a burden at home. See, I have white hair and red eyes. I might be targeted by demons."
Pulling his hood deep to hide his red eyes, Rei smiled lonely. The usual black fox mask seemed to have broken again during the last mission. Urokodaki tried to give him a new one, but Rei didn't accept it.
Urokodaki, who picked Rei up, was also receiving cold looks now. So Rei declined all the things he had prepared out of goodwill.
All Rei had now was the Nichirin Blade at his waist and a cloth bundle on his back. When I asked what was in the bundle, he said it was his mother's research notes.
"……Your family must surely be worried."
"It's been six years, so they've probably given up by now."
Calling out to him who laughed it off lightly, I spoke with conviction.
"Ayaki Rei."
I called him by his original name that he had discarded.
"Your family did not give up on you for a single day in the past six years."
Red eyes looked at me. Eyes widened in surprise, looking boyish, reminding me of the day we first met.
"I went to your hometown on a mission. I met a man searching for his nephew. Your uncle has been looking for you every night, he said."
"……On a mission?"
"A demon appeared in a nearby village. It hasn't been caught yet, though."
Probably.
That mission has already left my hands, and I can't know the details, but I haven't heard news of it being exterminated.
My father, seriously injured, retired from the Pillar position, and now I am the Flame Hashira. As I inherited the area my father was in charge of, all the missions I was handling were passed to other Demon Slayers. The matter of Rei's hometown was the same. I don't even know who is handling it now.
"……If there's a demon, even more I can't return."
A weak voice. I got unnecessarily angry at Rei's back, hunched over with his head bowed, and hit his back with all my might. Startled, Rei straightened his back.
"Is that Nichirin Blade a decoration? If it's a demon, cut it down. You just have to protect your family."
Rei's lips, which had been gaping blankly, tightened firmly.
Even when I removed my hand from his back, he no longer bowed his head. Good, that's enough. You stand straight.
"Go back, Ayaki Rei."
"……Yes."
Beyond the cloudy sky, the night's energy grew thick. The time for parting approached.
Instead of farewell words, we exchanged a brief hug. After that, there were no words. With our backs to each other, neither of us looked back even once.
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