The morning sun bathed the land in golden light.
Yohan carried a small cloth bundle over his shoulder—inside was everything he owned. Having only stayed in the town for a short while, he had little attachment to it. His journey wasn't just about triggering missions; he also intended to explore the world.
From the neighboring streets, he had learned that this was the Taisho Era, but he had no idea where the story had progressed to.
However, he could still hear rumors about demon attacks. That meant Kibutsuji Muzan was still alive.
Which meant he still had a chance to enter the stage of this world.
Seated in a hired carriage, Yohan watched the vast fields stretch endlessly on both sides of the road. He had decided that his first destination would be Tokyo.
There were two reasons for this. First, his town was not far from Honjo District, Tokyo Prefecture. Second, he figured the chances of encountering the Demon Slayer Corps were much higher in a big city. After all, Demon Slayers needed to eat, and so did demons.
…
"Sir, we'll be stopping at this village for the night. We'll continue our journey at sunrise. I suggest you rest early."
The coachman wiped the sweat from his brow and bowed slightly as he spoke.
Yohan nodded. He understood that people who worked outdoors all year round tended to trust folk rumors—and the coachman was genuinely advising him to stay safe.
Stepping into the inn, Yohan noticed that the first floor doubled as a restaurant. The rich aroma of food filled the air.
Just as he was about to place an order, a loud crash came from his right.
"I'm really sorry!"
A man rushed out of the inn in a panic.
"Don't mind that, sir. Nothing serious happened," a waiter reassured him, sounding utterly unfazed by the scene.
"And that was...?" Yohan asked, curious.
"Just another failed matchmaking attempt. If you look over there, you'll understand."
The waiter smirked knowingly, clearly used to these situations—and clearly aware that travelers like Yohan were bound to be curious.
Yohan turned to the table in question.
Sitting there was a girl with three long, pink braids with grass-green tips. Her head was bowed, tears streaming down her face as she shoveled food into her mouth at an astonishing speed.
Kanroji Mitsuri.
That iconic pink-and-green braid—it was definitely her.
Was he really this lucky? He had only just left town, and he had already encountered a major character?
Stepping forward, Yohan was about to confirm his suspicions. But before he could say anything, the girl—who had somehow sensed someone approaching—spoke between bites, her voice filled with tears.
"S-Sorry… please wait a moment… I'm not done eating yet…"
Instead of responding, Yohan simply pulled out the chair across from her and sat down.
Mitsuri stiffened.
Could it be?
Had that man changed his mind?
For a brief moment, she dared to hope. Slowly, she lifted her head—only to find herself staring into an unfamiliar face.
"Uh… hello? Who are you?"
Mitsuri's large, light-green eyes blinked at him in confusion, the faint beauty mark under each eye only making her expression more endearing.
Yohan had no doubts now. It was her.
At this realization, he grinned. Today was truly his lucky day.
"Nice to meet you, Kanroji Mitsuri. My name is Yohan. I'm on my way to Tokyo Prefecture." He paused before adding with a warm smile, "I overheard people talking about your matchmaking failure just now. I was a little curious, so I thought I'd say hello."
Mitsuri had expected mockery, not such a gentle voice. There was no trace of the usual judgment or odd looks she always received from people.
Summoning her courage, she replied, "Hello… I'm Kanroji Mitsuri. And yes, I… just failed another matchmaking attempt."
Her voice grew quieter as she continued, "I guess… it's because of my strange hair color. Or maybe my appetite…"
Her tone was heavy with self-doubt. The way people looked at her had gradually shaped her own perception of herself.
Yohan could see it clearly—she was insecure. Even in the modern world, people who stood out weren't always celebrated. And in this era? It was even worse.
…
[Random Mission Generated]
Mission Objective: Help Kanroji Mitsuri regain her confidence.
Mission Reward: Skill – Vital Energy Art (The more severe the injury, the higher the healing efficiency).
…
Yohan's eyes lit up at the reward.
Of course, even if there wasn't a reward, he would have helped her regardless. But since the system was offering one—why not take both?
Decision made, he took action immediately.
"Kanroji Mitsuri, I want to tell you something." Yohan's voice was calm yet firm. "You are incredibly adorable. So don't dwell on that failed matchmaking attempt."
Mitsuri's eyes widened.
"You're looking for a partner, right?"
She nodded slowly, unsure where this was going.
"Then how about getting to know me instead?" Yohan grinned. "Because I really like you."
Direct.
Unfiltered.
Honest.
He had no intention of hiding his admiration. Sometimes, people needed clear, straightforward support—not vague encouragement.
And besides, why would he walk away after helping her regain confidence? He liked Mitsuri's character—so he wanted both the mission reward and the girl.
Mitsuri completely froze.
She had lost count of how many failed matchmaking attempts she had endured. She had always known her family wasn't pressuring her—but she had overheard their worries about food.
She knew her endless appetite was a burden.
And after that time when she ate too many sakura mochi—causing her hair to change color—her matchmaking failures only multiplied.
Today…
For the first time, someone had told her, "I like you."
Her cheeks turned bright red. Sweat trickled down her forehead. Under the table, her long legs pressed together nervously.
"…Are you serious? You're not just joking?"
Her voice was barely a whisper.
Looking at the uncertain girl in front of him, Yohan thought of the lively, confident Mitsuri from the anime. What had she gone through to become that person?
But this wasn't a show—this was real life.
"Of course I'm serious," Yohan answered without hesitation. "No matter how many times you ask me, my answer will be the same."
"I like you."
His voice was steady. Unwavering.
Mitsuri could feel it—the genuine certainty in his words.
The tightness in her chest eased.
The pain of another failed matchmaking attempt started to fade away.
A soft giggle escaped her lips.
She was blushing furiously, her expression dazed—as if lost in thought.
Watching her reaction, Yohan couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph.
This mission… was already going well.