On the promised day when my hat repairs were completed, seeing my hat—with all its torn parts, faded and worn-out areas neatly fixed—the most excited was Takechiyo.
"I'm glad your hat is fixed! It's much cleaner than when we first met!"
"Yeah. I'm happy. I didn't expect it to be repaired this well."
"If Kōgetsu is happy, I'm happy too!"
Takechiyo, perched on my shoulder, spread his wings wide as if expressing joy.
Ah, so cute. The fluffy tips of his wings are healing. He's almost like a pure white angel.
"I should get Maeda-san a gift next time."
Walking under the clear sky, sticking to the shade as much as possible, I was on my way home. After going out on a mission last night and stopping by the sewing squad on the way back, it had been almost a dozen hours since I returned to my house.
With no special missions at the moment, I was thinking of diving into research until nightfall.
"Oh? Someone's in front of the house. A guest? A guest?"
As Takechiyo said, someone was standing in front of the mansion. A male slayer leaning against the door, looking up at the sky.
Seeing the black-and-white striped haori fluttering in the wind, I hurried over, and a white snake peeking out from his right shoulder glanced at me.
A beat later, the boy looked this way too and immediately furrowed his brows. To me, who had rushed over, he spat out in a voice that didn't hide his displeasure.
"You're late. How long were you planning to keep me waiting?"
"I don't remember making an appointment to meet, Iguro."
Iguro snorted instead of answering.
A faint smell of blood came from his arms, visible through his haori.
I disliked women. Because the women from my household came to mind.
Of course, I knew there was a world of difference in mindset between the women in the Demon Slayer Corps and the women from my family.
Even so, for some reason, the very existence of women made me uncomfortable and made me want to avoid them.
"Did you get hurt again?"
"Do you think I have any other reason to come here? If there is, I'd like to know."
Without waiting for Kōgetsu's permission, who had lowered his eyebrows worriedly, I quickly stepped inside the mansion.
I was uncomfortable with women. Perhaps because of that, the Butterfly Mansion, filled only with women, was even more uncomfortable.
New slayers who frequently get injured usually end up relying on the Butterfly Mansion at least once, but I had never set foot in that mansion. Not a single step, not even once.
Just thinking about a space with only women brought my hometown to mind, and my injured leg tensed up, making me run away—that was not long after I became a slayer.
"I wasted half a day. I couldn't move or train here, so Kaburamaru and I counted clouds to pass the time. What a useless way to spend time."
"So instead of waiting for me, it would've been faster to get examined at the Butterfly Mansion. Just steel yourself and go once. They're all good kids."
That day, when I didn't know how to treat myself and had no one else to rely on, Kōgetsu was the one who dragged me to this mansion and treated me.
When I found out that this guy, who had no special aura and was just mild-mannered, was one of the Hashira, it was literally the most surprised I'd ever been in my life.
His request to call him Kōgetsu instead of Tsuyuri because it wasn't familiar, and his smiling, carefree demeanor—there was no sign of Hashira-like dignity.
I admit that because he lacked so much presence, I mistakenly thought he was a regular slayer, leading to a tone with no respect for a Hashira, but I have no intention of fixing it.
Bowing to such a clueless guy is annoying, and above all, if I changed my attitude, Kōgetsu would definitely be sad.
"By the way, you're blaming only me, but Iguro, who suddenly showed up, is also at fault. If you'd at least let me know in advance, I would've come back sooner."
"How am I supposed to inform you about unexpected injuries from a sudden mission? Or did you plan to get hurt from the start? Quite the skill. Not envious at all."
Kōgetsu's treatment was quite skilled, perhaps due to his medical expertise. I don't know how it compares to the Butterfly Mansion since I've never been there, but I've never had trouble entrusting myself to Kōgetsu's hands.
So, whenever I get injured, big or small, I head to this Moon Hashira mansion instead of the Butterfly Mansion.
"Then, let me examine your wounds."
"It's too late; I already did minimal first aid myself."
"Yikes, this is worse than doing nothing at all."
"Shut up. Don't expect too much from a novice."
The Moon Hashira mansion has no examination room. So, where I sit is a round chair in the research lab.
Kaburamaru, who came down from my neck, is playing nicely with Kōgetsu's Kasugai Crow, Takechiyo, on the adjacent research table.
I wondered if white and red beings get along well—just as I turned my gaze, disinfectant seeped into the wound torn by a demon's claw.
"The wound is pretty deep. You must have bled a lot, right? Did you eat properly? You need to replenish your blood so you don't collapse."
"If you mean meals, I had one the night before last."
"Idiot, you need to eat every day! Eat rice!"
"Hmph, unlike you, my body is efficient."
"Oh, is that so? Being short must give you better fuel efficiency, huh?"
"You bastard!"
I get that he's putting me down, but I don't understand what 'fuel efficiency' means. I should look it up in a dictionary when I get back.
Having spent most of my boyhood in prison, I know almost nothing. My relatives spoke to me as if catering to my whims, so I have no trouble speaking, but I grew up without gaining knowledge beyond what those women knew. I first touched books only after coming outside.
That's when I started to feel the charm of haiku and senryu. Touching beautiful things allowed me to forget, even just a little, the ugliness stained in my blood.
That must be why.
The reason I come here is probably because of Tsuyuri Kōgetsu—that name is beautiful.
A clear full moon peeking through the rainy season clouds. Fitting that vivid scene, this man's appearance is gentle, his demeanor mild, and he is a kind being, almost out of place in the Demon Slayer Corps, filled with hatred and anger toward demons.
The wound being stitched up, stitch by stitch, like sewing. Watching Kōgetsu's smooth hand movements with the needle was also pleasant.
Seeing the treatment flow seamlessly, it somehow feels like watching candy crafting. Even though they're entirely different things, the skill of a master always captivates people's eyes.
"There, done. From now on, go to the Butterfly Mansion properly. It's much better equipped there."
"Wherever I go is up to me. No reason to take orders."
"Yeah, yeah. Oh, if you can't eat, do you at least want some tea before you go? I'll brew your usual."
"Weak. Lukewarm, please. Kaburamaru will drink too, so absolutely not hot."
At my order, Kōgetsu answered insincerely, "Yeah, yeah," and disappeared into the kitchen.
Perhaps feeling sorry for me since I hardly eat, he often serves me nutritious tea. When I first tasted it, I thought it had a strange taste, not sure if it was delicious or not, but now that I'm used to it, I'm quite addicted.
...Go to the Butterfly Mansion, huh.
Kōgetsu's words were very reasonable. Unlike the Butterfly Mansion, which always has someone on duty to treat injured slayers, the Moon Hashira mansion is often empty.
Until now, I've been lucky to find him home when I came, but there's no guarantee it'll continue like that.
I inhale the bitter aroma of medicinal herbs wafting through the research lab deep into my nose. It's a unique smell that divides opinions, but it's much better than the greasy smell of meals. At least, I like it.
I know it myself. That I can't stay like this forever.
But still, I need a little more time to build up courage.
I want to lean on this place until I can forget the smell of that prison.
—However, situations always change rapidly.
"Iguro. Starting tomorrow, I'll be at the Butterfly Mansion for a while."
What happened in the few minutes it took to bring the tea?
That statement was spat out before I could even bring the teacup to my lips.
To me, who widened my eyes, Kōgetsu raised an index finger and said, "About that."
"Kuze-san retired, and the tsuguko, Kanae-chan, became the Hashira, right?"
Even if he says that, personnel changes within the Demon Slayer Corps are distant talk to me. Reciting unfamiliar names won't make faces come to mind.
I have no friends besides Kaburamaru, and because of my high-handed attitude and persistent way of speaking, I have no comrades I can talk to comfortably.
"With mission handovers and such, it seems Kanae-chan will be away from the mansion for a while. So, they're short-handed. Shinobu-chan's crow just contacted me, asking for a little help."
"Until when?"
"About half a month. So, if you get hurt next time, come to the Butterfly Mansion, Iguro. Self-treatment is prohibited."
"Hmph, how I handle my body is up to me."
"With that kind of treatment, the wound will just fester. If your arm rots and you can't fight, that'll be a problem, right? Come to the Butterfly Mansion properly. Understood?"
With his firm tone, I couldn't say anything.
Even though we're the same age, Kōgetsu sometimes acts like someone much older. Maybe it's the height difference.
"...Thanks for your help. Kaburamaru, let's go."
Unable to say anything and unable to nod to Kōgetsu's words, I left the Moon Hashira mansion as if running away.
On the way back, Kaburamaru, coiled around my neck, watched me with worried eyes. Only Kaburamaru knows my past and my heart. Stroking my friend's small head with my finger, I let out a big sigh.
"Half a month... hmm, half a month."
Thinking inversely, if I don't get hurt during that time, it's fine. Even if I get hurt, if it's just a scratch that doesn't need treatment, I won't have to go to a place like the Butterfly Mansion.
Half a month will pass in no time, in no time.
That's what I told myself, but a few days later.
Severely injured on a mission, I had no choice but to be taken to the Butterfly Mansion—and there, I saw love.
·
·
·
The moment that woman stood by my bedside as I lay in bed, a violent headache surged through my head.
So, I realized. Ah, is this love?
"Let me confirm your name. You are Iguro Obanai, correct?"
If a violet took human form, it would surely become this girl.
Introducing herself as Kochou Shinobu, she was as delicate as a flower blooming in the field.
"I heard you have a sprained ankle, lacerations, and are also affected by a demon's blood art poison."
Looking up from the medical chart, she smiled softly.
"I'll prescribe an antidote, so please take it after every meal without forgetting."
As her eyes, like condensed wisteria flowers, gently softened, the headache intensified just as much.
"Other than that, is there anything bothering you or any questions?"
"...Not particularly."
"Is that so? Then, I have one thing I'd like to ask."
Kochou Shinobu continued gently, smiling as she cautiously said.
"Are you okay? A snake has been biting your head since a while ago."
"It's not a snake. He has a fine name, Kaburamaru. Call him that properly."
"Kaburamaru-kun... is it?"
As Kochou repeated the name curiously, the force of the fangs embedded in my head grew stronger. Kaburamaru thrashed while biting my head, and the corner of Kochou's lips twitched and convulsed.
"Not just you, but is Kaburamaru-kun okay too? He seems to be in a lot of pain."
Certainly, to others, Kaburamaru now would look like he's writhing in pain. But I, leaning my head on the pillow, shook my head side to side.
No problem. If I say it's not, then it's not.
The reason Kaburamaru's heart is pounding like a small bird's claw is not because of pain at all. But this could be called a kind of illness.
"Are you really okay? You're bleeding."
"Kaburamaru is just confused and panicking because it's his first time experiencing this. Don't worry. He'll calm down soon. The wound isn't deep, so it'll stop bleeding quickly."
"I, I see. Now that you mention it, this is your first time using the Butterfly Mansion, right? He might have been surprised to come to an unfamiliar place."
Leaving with a promise to bring the medicine later, Kochou hurriedly left the room.
As she disappeared, Kaburamaru immediately pulled out his fangs and regained composure. No, not completely calmed down—he thrashed and wriggled, tapping my chest with his tail.
"Did you like her?"
Kaburamaru, being a snake, doesn't affirm or deny. Perhaps he feels sorry for me, who still hasn't shaken off the deep fear and disgust toward women.
Kaburamaru, who until a moment ago was radiating a peach-colored aura as if lying, coiled around my arm with an uneasy gesture.
He sticks out his forked tongue and watches me, but what person in the world wouldn't be happy for a friend who has sprouted love?
"...I should start going to the Butterfly Mansion properly now. I'm starting to feel ashamed of burdening Kōgetsu too."
Giving a plausible excuse, joy immediately bloomed in Kaburamaru's small eyes. His cold scales seemed to oddly hold warmth.
Is this the fever of love? Even if I try to confirm, I don't know. I can't know. For the rest of my life, I'll probably never harbor feelings like Kaburamaru.
Thinking that, the temperature of the scales touching my skin felt a bit lonely.
Love is a feeling distant from me.
I have neither the courage to love someone nor the qualification to be loved.
Hearing that Iguro had been taken to the Butterfly Mansion, I felt incredibly anxious inside.
"Kaburamaru told me~ Iguro~ he's really uncomfortable with women. So, he really avoids the Butterfly Mansion~"
That was right after Takechiyo informed me in a small voice. So, when I heard that Shinobu-chan went to examine Iguro after he regained consciousness, I thought the color drained from my face.
"For some reason, a snake was biting his head, but other than that, it was normal."
"Eh, really normal? Seriously? I can bet my best-quality musk?"
"Really. Anyway, you're so suspicious."
Shinobu-chan, who returned to the lounge after examining the slayers, had a face three times more sulky than usual.
"I kept smiling, and my face stiffened up. The corners of my mouth still feel twitchy."
She let out a deep, tired sigh with her hand on her cheek.
To keep injured slayers from feeling uneasy by always wearing a gentle face, as Kanae-chan said, Shinobu-chan's facial muscles have been overworked for days.
Taking her older sister as an example, she treated the slayers with a smile that made it clear at a glance.
"You're working hard. Kanae-chan would definitely praise you."
"This much is only natural. While my sister is away, I'm acting head of this mansion."
She turned her head away snobbishly, but it's just to hide simple embarrassment.
Whether it's because of the three young girls she's newly taken in besides Aoi-chan and Kanao-chan, or because she's thirteen years old, Shinobu-chan has been especially sisterly lately.
Somehow, it makes me nostalgic. Remembering Ume, who realized her sister's mindset after becoming close with Kagaya's daughter, warmed a corner of my heart.
"Excuse me. Shinobu-sama, Moon Hashira-sama, another injured slayer has been brought in."
Entering the room like that was Aoi-chan. She must have checked the pulse and temperature first, as she held a medical chart to her chest.
Aoi-chan is really a capable girl. Not only taking care of convalescing slayers, but she also handles the Butterfly Mansion's miscellaneous tasks, and if it weren't for her, the Butterfly Mansion wouldn't run this smoothly.
"Since the bed next to Iguro-san was empty, I guided them there for now."
"Got it. Then I'll go examine them. Aoi-chan, take a break too. You've been working since early morning."
"No, I can't rest. I have to do rehabilitation training with Kanao now, and there's still laundry left."
In a firm tone with no room for error, Aoi-chan said that, handed me the medical chart, and left with a "Then excuse me." Every movement was very brisk.
It would be fine if she rested a little. She was always a diligent girl, but lately, she's become even more stubborn.
"Sorry. I'll tell Aoi to rest properly later, so don't worry about it."
Shinobu-chan frowned and said that, then followed Aoi-chan out of the room.
—Aoi-chan became like that after passing the Final Selection.
Aspiring to become a slayer, she set foot on Mt. Fujikasane last month, but she never overcame her fear of demons.
After spending seven days only running away without swinging her sword, she returned.
No one in the Butterfly Mansion blamed the girl who trembled, saying demons were scary, or Aoi-chan, who, despite being equipped with a uniform and sword, couldn't go on missions with a pale face.
The only one who didn't forgive Aoi-chan was Aoi-chan herself.
She was more talented, diligent, hardworking, and responsible than anyone.
Perhaps because of that personality. She looks only at what she couldn't do rather than what she could, and refuses to face herself as if punishing herself. That's why she wears a nurse's uniform over her slayer uniform.
Aoi-chan, who couldn't forgive herself for not becoming a slayer, couldn't allow herself to take off the uniform and return to being an ordinary girl.
'I hope she doesn't overdo it.'
I like hardworking kids, but it's painful to see kids push themselves. Remembering Aoi-chan with faint dark circles under her eyes, as if she hadn't slept properly, made my heart heavy.
'I hope Shinobu-chan persuades her well.'
Feeling frustrated by my own helplessness, I lowered my gaze to the medical chart in my hand. And the moment I saw the name written there, I widened my eyes.
·
·
·
"So, when can I be discharged!!!"
"Can you lower your voice a bit? Others are resting too. Looking at the progress, it'll probably take about two weeks until discharge."
"Was my voice loud! Sorry about that!!"
"Yeah, not a bit lower in volume. Having energy is good, but it's bad for the wounds too, so let's talk at a whisper level. Do you know how to whisper? Have you ever done it?"
"I often did it with my little brother when I was young!!"
"Then, when talking with me, please keep it at that volume."
"Mhm!! ………"
"Why did you suddenly go quiet?"
"If you don't bring your ear close, you can't whisper!!"
"Does your volume dial only have 1 and 100?!"
Unable to bear it, I shouted, and from the next bed, Iguro flew a perfectly reasonable retort: "You're the loudest one here."
Even though he came to the Butterfly Mansion, filled only with women, Iguro maintained a disappointingly unchanged sharpness. He even declared, "From now on, I'll use the Butterfly Mansion." The one who hated it so much.
Wondering what changed in his feelings, it seems Kaburamaru has completely fallen for Shinobu-chan. He decided to use the Butterfly Mansion to let him meet her even a little more.
Willing to go all out for his only friend. That's Iguro Obanai (age 16).
Fitting for a Snake Breathing user, shedding things is a piece of cake, huh.
For reference, I didn't hear directly from Iguro that Kaburamaru likes Shinobu-chan.
But judging from his statement, "By the way, Kōgetsu. You seem close to Kochou Shinobu. What's your relationship? Depending on your answer, I won't let it slide, Kaburamaru," it must be true.
Shinobu-chan and I are friends who lend each other research labs. I already have someone in my heart. And what Shinobu-chan likes is ginger preserves and ghost stories. The recent boom is stories that are scary when you understand the meaning.
"Originally, there's only me and you guys in this room. You don't have to lower your voice; I don't mind. If I don't mind, no one minds. Rather, whispering and having secret talks right in front of me is more unpleasant."
Gratefully accepting Iguro's words, I gave up on lowering the other's voice. Sitting astride a round chair for hospital visits, I shift my gaze to the name written in the top left of the medical chart.
"Then, let me confirm your name. Rengoku Kyojuro?"
"That's right! I am Rengoku Kyojuro!!"
Right.
Answering with intense eyes, he is Rengoku household's Kyojuro. A cheerful man who inherited the deep-rooted Rengoku DNA from the Sengoku period with all his might.
The son of Rengoku Shinjuro, meaning he's Shōjuro's nephew. Age 15. Hmm, a year younger than me.
"Fractures, bruises, and the demon's blood art hasn't completely worn off yet, right?"
"Yes, a dizzying sensation as if heaven and earth are reversing is sweeping over me!!"
"And you can still be this energetic in that state. Here, then, your medicine~ Please be sure to take it after meals."
"...Is it bitter?!"
He dislikes bitter things. Ah, this is definitely Shinjuro's bloodline.
I really miss it so much I can't stand it. My chest creaks as if I'll cry.
"I'll make it as non-bitter as possible, so please bear with it and drink it. Any other concerns?"
"Hmm, what about meals!!"
"No problem, okay."
The Rengoku family genes, which until now were only nostalgic and grateful, now were just painful.
Someone please praise me for responding normally without losing my composure.
I couldn't look directly at his similar face, the same eyes as my comrade I killed, coward that I am.
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