Seeing Ryuji's patrol, the {Hidden} division members wondered what he was looking for.
Shinobu, sitting by a bonfire, also noticed Ryuji. She considered asking him what he was doing, but fearing rejection, she decided against it.
Ryuji soon approached Shinobu's area and spotted her by the bonfire.
He didn't approach but glanced to the side, noticing another girl with long, straight bangs.
Ryuji stopped, his gaze fixed on her.
He didn't recognize her but had seen her before—the only female participant in the final selection.
He'd even asked Tanjiro to invite her to join their team, but she'd refused.
Seeing her again surprised him. To survive as a Demon Slayer, she must be skilled.
Her presence beside Shinobu indicated a close relationship.
Ryuji's keen observation quickly noticed matching butterfly hair ornaments on both Shinobu and the girl.
This confirmed his suspicions.
Seeing Ryuji staring intently at her adopted daughter, Kanao Tsuyuri, Shinobu assumed he had designs on Kanao and couldn't tolerate it. She approached him, stopping directly in front of him.
Shinobu, barely reaching 1.5 meters, had to look up to see Ryuji's face.
Noticing Shinobu, Ryuji shifted his attention to her. "Something?"
Despite his earlier prank, Shinobu showed no displeasure, maintaining her smile. "I should be asking you that. What are you doing sneaking around? I've been watching you~"
—"You've been looking around, are you checking out the pretty girls? I saw you staring at Kanao! Do you have a crush on her?"
Shinobu asked directly, without hesitation.
"Kanao?!" Ryuji was surprised. Hearing Shinobu say the girl's name confirmed his guess.
"So that's her name? I was right, you two are close," Ryuji said with a faint smile.
"She's my adopted daughter, my successor," Shinobu replied.
"I see," Ryuji understood. A successor chosen by a Hashira; Kanao must be incredibly strong.
"I've answered your questions. Now it's your turn! What were you doing sneaking around?" Shinobu pressed, feeling he should reciprocate.
"Looking for someone," Ryuji replied, leaving Shinobu exasperated.
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