"Hahaha!"
"Yohan is absolutely right."
"Kanroji, we will put an end to the demons."
"Never underestimate our resolve!"
Rengoku Kyojuro burst into hearty laughter.
"Yes!"
"I understand now!"
At that moment, Kanroji Mitsuri felt a renewed determination to become stronger.
Perhaps in the future, this girl—who was destined to become the Love Hashira—would one day shine with a brilliance all her own.
"Alright, for now, let's go over the latest intelligence."
With a grand sweep of his arm, Rengoku led Yohan and Kanroji into the house.
Inside, two intelligence officers were already waiting for them.
The moment Rengoku entered, they immediately stepped forward and presented their findings.
"Rengoku-sama, here is the latest report on demon activity in the Tokyo Prefecture area."
"From our investigations, it appears the demons are searching for someone."
"Please review our analysis, sir."
Rengoku unfurled the black scroll they handed him and scanned its contents.
An increase in attacks on young men and women?
So that means…
His gaze shifted toward Yohan and Kanroji, his expression turning slightly strange.
Without a word, he handed them the scroll.
Yohan and Kanroji read through it, and sure enough—
The demons were after them!
Rolling the scroll back up, Yohan turned to Rengoku. "Rengoku, now that we've confirmed the demons are hunting us, I have a favor to ask."
"Speak." Rengoku could tell Yohan was about to make an important decision.
"I want Kanroji Mitsuri to stay here with you."
Rengoku frowned. "And you plan to—"
"Yes. I'm going out to find the demons."
"They're searching for me so desperately—if I make myself an easy target, they'll definitely appear."
"Yohan, you—!"
Kanroji, who had been quietly listening, finally grasped Yohan's plan.
He wanted Rengoku to protect her while he went out to lure the demons into battle.
Was she really… just a burden to him?
But just as that thought surfaced, Yohan's hand suddenly reached out and held hers.
The warmth of his palm against hers sent a quiet reassurance through her heart.
Kanroji understood.
"Alright, Yohan. I'll take care of myself—please fight without worries."
She made a silent vow to herself.
This time—just this once—I'll let him protect me.
But in the future, I swear I will become strong enough to stand by his side.
Rengoku frowned, clearly disapproving of Yohan's plan.
"Yohan, I know you've successfully slain a Lower Moon before."
"But you must realize—this time, the demons won't come for you so easily."
"I admire your resolve."
"But if you want my approval—"
"Then prove it to me!"
As his words fell, Rengoku gripped the hilt of his sword. A blazing aura erupted from his body, filling the courtyard with an overwhelming heat.
…
Somewhere outside town.
Deep within a forest shrouded in darkness, a demon knelt before a man clad in a short, deep crimson jacket. The man's short, pinkish-red hair gave him an almost delicate appearance, but the chilling aura around him left no doubt—this was no ordinary demon.
The demon lowered his head and reported,
"Akaza-sama, based on our investigations, this town is highly likely one of their hiding places."
Akaza's clenched fists suddenly stilled.
"So… that means a powerful warrior might be inside?"
His golden eyes gleamed with excitement as he gazed at the distant town.
A fight.
There would be another fight.
A crimson light flickered in his irises.
…
Meanwhile, the letter that Rengoku had sent via Kasugai crow had finally reached Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
"I see…"
"They actually managed to kill Lower Rank Three."
"These two—Yohan and Kanroji Mitsuri—they're clearly not ordinary people."
"But good… this means there's one less Lower Moon to worry about."
Having read Rengoku's report, Ubuyashiki quickly deduced the demons' objective.
It had to be these two.
Muzan Kibutsuji must be enraged that a Lower Moon was slain by someone outside the Demon Slayer Corps.
How wonderful. Truly wonderful.
But knowing Muzan's nature, there was no way he would let this go unpunished.
"Someone, tell me—are there any Hashira currently near Tokyo Prefecture?"
"Master, only the Flower Hashira is currently on a mission in that area."
"Send a message to Kanae. Tell her to head to Rengoku's location immediately."
As wisteria petals danced through the air, Ubuyashiki's thoughts drifted.
Hopefully, she'll make it in time.
Muzan Kibutsuji…
Muzan Kibutsuji…
The mission of the Ubuyashiki family—
I swear, I will see it fulfilled in my lifetime.
…
The autumn wind blew cold.
In the town.
Within the courtyard of the old manor.
Rengoku Kyojuro stood on one side of the yard, unmoving.
Yet the sheer presence he exuded made the air feel like the height of summer.
At this moment, he no longer radiated the gentle warmth of a morning sun.
Now, he was the blazing midday inferno.
On the opposite side, Yohan flexed his arms.
The battle—
Was about to begin.