Overall, during this period of interacting with Yoriichi, the thick-skinned Ieyasu didn't notice much.
However, Sayo, being more perceptive, gradually began to notice that something about Yoriichi felt… off.
When she first met him, she only felt that Yoriichi's temperament seemed out of place with the surrounding environment—like he belonged to a completely different world.
But now, Sayo began to realize that some of Yoriichi's understanding of things also clashed with what she and Ieyasu knew. In certain matters, there were obvious differences in their perceptions.
"My hometown is Asakusa, in Tokyo."
"Though after I grew older, I didn't stay in Asakusa anymore."
After hearing Sayo's question, Yoriichi smiled faintly.
Up to this point, although he occasionally felt their conversations stall awkwardly, he hadn't noticed anything particularly strange.
After all, the world was wide.
Yoriichi knew that his homeland, Japan, was merely a small island nation in the grand scheme of things.
As for why he had revived and appeared in this prosperous city called the Imperial Capital, and why his aged body had returned to its peak condition—
These were things beyond his understanding.
So Yoriichi simply set them aside instead of dwelling on them.
Unlike modern people, Yoriichi who came from Japan's Sengoku period, did not possess a strong curiosity for uncovering every mystery.
If his wife had not been killed by a demon, perhaps Yoriichi would never have become the legendary figure of the Demon Slayer world. He might have simply lived out his life as an ordinary person among countless others.
"Tokyo… Asakusa…"
"I've never heard of those places."
Sayo thought carefully.
There was no well-known region named Tokyo within the Empire's territory.
From this, Sayo roughly concluded that Yoriichi likely came from a very small and remote place.
"Mr. Yoriichi, you seem pretty strong, right?"
"Since we don't have anything to do right now, how about sparring with me?"
Before Sayo could continue, Ieyasu suddenly became restless.
With a light push, he jumped up from the ground, glancing at the Nichirin Blade at Yoriichi's waist with anticipation.
"Let me see your strength, Mr. Yoriichi."
"I'm curious just how strong someone who hunts 'demons' really is."
In truth, Ieyasu had been itching for this from earlier.
He couldn't find an actual demon, but since Yoriichi claimed to be a demon hunter, his strength must be considerable.
Ieyasu wanted to see just how powerful he really was.
After all, creatures like "demons" sounded like at least Special-Class Danger Beasts.
"Ieyasu!"
"Why are you suddenly trying to spar with Mr. Yoriichi?"
Sayo rolled her eyes at the suddenly energized Ieyasu.
"We haven't eaten all day, don't waste your strength."
"And we don't even know if Tatsumi will arrive tomorrow."
At this point, Sayo's expression turned slightly worried.
She wasn't particularly concerned about food or lodging. If necessary, they could find temporary work the next day just to get by.
What she worried about most was Tatsumi.
Under normal circumstances, Tatsumi should have arrived today.
Although he was the strongest among them, Sayo still couldn't help but worry.
What if something had happened?
"Tatsumi will definitely make it tomorrow."
"It's just a bunch of bandits anyways, nothing to sweat about."
"If he doesn't arrive, we'll just find temporary work."
Compared to Sayo's concern, Ieyasu remained carefree.
In his view, Tatsumi's strength was absolutely reliable. Someone capable of soloing powerful First-Class Danger Beasts wouldn't run into trouble so easily.
They had only gotten separated because it was nighttime and the situation was chaotic.
They had already agreed to regroup at the Imperial Capital.
...
Looking at Yoriichi, Ieyasu's eyes burned with fighting spirit.
"Mr. Yoriichi, since you've traveled all the way to the Imperial Capital, you must be strong."
"Come on, let's try."
After saying this, Ieyasu didn't wait for Yoriichi's response.
He drew the short sword from his waist and stood still, waiting for Yoriichi to accept.
Yoriichi fell silent.
He didn't respond immediately.
When he was young, Yoriichi had once defeated an experienced swordsman using only a few swordsmanship principles—despite his young body.
But from that moment on, he never again told anyone that he wanted to become a swordsman.
Because for Yoriichi—
The act of striking others felt deeply uncomfortable.
"Mr. Ieyasu…"
Yoriichi paused, looking at the short sword in Ieyasu's hand.
"May I ask… why you wield a sword?"
"What is it that makes you pick up your blade and swing it?"
"Of course it's to become stronger!"
"Only by becoming stronger can I make something of myself—so I can help improve our hometown with Sayo and that guy Tatsumi!"
Ieyasu's answer was straightforward.
Simple, yet sincere.
He didn't wield a sword to harm others—
He wielded it to protect what he cared about.
Hearing this, Yoriichi smiled gently.
He stood up slowly and drew the Nichirin Blade that had accompanied him throughout his long life.
Then, with a serious expression, he said:
"Then, Mr. Ieyasu…"
"Let us begin."