When Kazuma Dojima gripped his Nichirin Sword and hurried over with a few swordsmen who were still capable of moving, he froze at the sight before him.
All the wounded had been properly bandaged and treated.
Yukiziri Sashiko was softly comforting the frightened civilians, while Kuguruma Natsunishi crouched nearby, meticulously tying a bandage for a wounded man.
The tight string in Dojima's heart finally went slack.
As expected.
What that demon had said earlier was nothing more than a slander against the Tsuguko.
He had seen with his own eyes how Kuguruma Natsunishi fought with unfathomable martial arts, head-on crushing the demon that had plunged him into a bitter struggle and even shaken his resolve. He had also heard the demon claim that Kuguruma Natsunishi was just like it—a "murderous ghost who disregards life."
Yet at this moment, this Tsuguko, whom he had secretly speculated about, was crouching silently on the ground, cleaning a scraped knee for a shivering child.
His technique wasn't exactly gentle, but it was exceptionally experienced and familiar. It was even more meticulous and steady than the doctors Dojima had seen in the Wisteria Houses in the past.
How ridiculous.
How could a person who truly disregarded life stoop down to do something like this immediately after a fierce battle?
He had almost believed the demon's attempt to sow discord...
It truly was ridiculous!
Dojima came to a stop beside Kuguruma Natsunishi. He waited until Kuguruma Natsunishi finished bandaging the child before speaking in a low, heavy voice.
"Tsuguko-dama."
Kuguruma Natsunishi looked up.
Dojima looked him straight in the eye and then gave a deep bow.
"I am deeply sorry, Lord Tsuguko. Not long ago, because of that demon's words, I harbored doubts about you."
"I solemnly apologize for my previous baseless speculations."
"You are by no means some cold-blooded, heartless murderer."
"In comparison, I, Kazuma Dojima—the one who did not immediately defend you—am the one who truly wasn't man enough."
He kept his head lowered, speaking loudly and with great solemnity.
For a moment, the surroundings fell silent.
Sashiko, Kondo, and even the civilians peeked over. A hint of worry flickered in the young girl's eyes as her gaze drifted between the two.
Did some kind of argument happen between Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun and Mr. Dojima earlier?
Dojima continued.
"Thank you for the rescue today, and... for everything you have done."
"Lord Tsuguko, you are a truly excellent swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps."
Kuguruma Natsunishi blinked.
Was I really this noble and upright in the eyes of these NPCs?
It's actually getting a bit embarrassing.
He waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. Anyone else would have had second thoughts."
He was still somewhat poor at handling such overly solemn occasions.
Dojima straightened up and nodded. Although he said nothing more, the suspicion in his eyes regarding Kuguruma Natsunishi had vanished, replaced by a respectful recognition.
Then, he turned to direct the members who could still move. Together, they began to move the wounded and civilians to a safer, more open area.
Kuguruma Natsunishi continued to grind his proficiency points on the other wounded people who were brought over, occasionally exchanging a few words with Sashiko, who had come over to help as an assistant.
"Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun's way of treating wounds is so impressive. You must have practiced specifically, right?"
"Kondo-kun, this is actually the second time you've run into Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun!"
"Sir, please don't worry. If Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun says it's okay, then it's definitely okay!"
A short while later, when the members of the Kakushi arrived silently, they were met with over a dozen civilians and swordsmen who had already been properly cared for. Even the scraped knee of a child had been neatly bandaged.
This technique...
One Kakushi member looked toward the few Demon Slayer swordsmen still standing in the crowd, and his gaze quickly landed on Kuguruma Natsunishi.
As expected, it was this gentleman again.
Among the Kakushi, word had already begun to spread. Every time this swordsman went on a mission, the ordinary people caught up in the demon incident would receive medical attention immediately.
He was rumored to be a man who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside.
Once the Kakushi had taken over the scene, the leading member approached the trio of Kuguruma Natsunishi, Sashiko, and Dojima.
He bowed and said, "Thank you for your hard work, my lords."
"We will transport the wounded immediately to the nearest Wisteria House for emergency treatment and to stabilize their emotions."
"If the injuries exceed the capabilities of local doctors—for example, if they involve residual effects of a Blood Demon Art—we will immediately report to headquarters and request a physician from the Butterfly Mansion for a consultation."
Having said that, he nodded toward the swordsmen with significant injuries.
"Please rest and recover in peace."
"Additionally, once the scene is cleared and the information recording is complete, we will need the three of you to submit an after-action report... an oral one will suffice."
"May I ask which of you we should contact later?"
Kuguruma Natsunishi cast his gaze toward Dojima without the slightest hesitation.
You're the one in charge of this operation, aren't you? The highest-ranking hot-blooded man?
Dojima: "..."
He could already see Kuguruma Natsunishi's thoughts through his eyes and could only take a helpless step forward.
"Contact me."
The swordsman nodded to the Kakushi. "Kazuma Dojima, Rank Kanoe."
Sashiko covered her mouth and let out a light giggle.
The crisis was over, and the tense atmosphere finally relaxed. Watching the numerous Kakushi members becoming increasingly busy, Sashiko seemed to suddenly remember something.
She tilted her head and looked at Kuguruma Natsunishi.
"Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun, did you forget something?"
Kuguruma Natsunishi became alert.
As expected, did the debt collector finally remember?
He let out a sigh and nodded. "It's the BBQ, right?"
A trace of mischief played at the corners of the girl's lips, while the light in her eyes gradually grew brighter. After letting out an imperceptible sigh of relief, she continued to smile.
"Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun! We agreed on this before—we were going to have BBQ together to celebrate after the Final Selection was over!"
"In the end, you only remembered it now."
"People who back out on their debts won't grow tall, you know!"
Kuguruma Natsunishi scratched his head, attempting to defend himself.
"I didn't forget, it's just... just that I haven't found a good opportunity. Oh right, there are also two bowls of udon, right?"
Yukiziri Sashiko acted as if she didn't hear that it was a weak excuse. Instead, she bloomed into a brilliant smile filled with anticipation.
"I believe what you said, Kuguruma Natsunishi-kun."
Kuguruma Natsunishi: "..."
Hey, hey, hey, if you act like this, my conscience is going to hurt.
He cleared his throat and said, "How about we go eat BBQ today? We can treat it as a reward for completing this mission."
Sashiko nodded eagerly. Her voice was light and brisk: "I know a really good BBQ place!"
"It's in Shohoku, Kanagawa. If we rush over now, we might even make it before the owner closes up tomorrow."
Kuguruma Natsunishi nodded. He turned back and asked Kazuma Dojima, who was standing to the side: "Want to come along? My treat today."
They were teammates who had fought side-by-side in this mission, after all. He naturally wouldn't leave him out of a victory dinner.
Dojima was about to agree when he saw Sashiko turn around and flash him a polite yet distant smile.
"Is Mr. Dojima coming... along... too?"
You're basically saying "Please, whatever you do, don't come"...
Dojima changed his mind instantly and shook his head somewhat stiffly.
He said very tactfully, "I still have a mission report to organize as soon as possible... Yes, exactly."
"I won't disturb the two of you. Please, enjoy yourselves."
Kondo, who was resting against a corner of the wall, blinked and started to speak: "Can you take me—"
He had been too heavily injured last time and missed that midnight snack. Since he could move around this time, he should surely be able to get a good meal, right?
Halfway through his sentence, however, he was interrupted by a light kick from Dojima.
Kondo looked up to see the Rank Kanoe swordsman looking at him with an expression reserved for idiots.
Turning back, Sashiko and Kuguruma Natsunishi were already walking side-by-side toward the factory exit, softly discussing how tender the meat at that shop was and how special the dipping sauce was.
The atmosphere was truly harmonious.
Kondo thought this to himself as he watched their retreating figures. In the end, he just scratched his head and laughed with a mix of helplessness and envy.
Kuguruma-senpai really is a popular person.
He then stood up and walked toward the crowd with Dojima.
Might as well help the Kakushi carry a few stretchers first.