Horitake held the mayor's arm, steadfastly preventing him from kneeling.
"Old man, you're too old for this! I appreciate your gratitude, but don't thank me this way—I'll lose years off my life!"
Even after over a decade in this world, Horitake couldn't get used to Japan's grand gestures of respect, all that kneeling at every turn. It unnerved him.
At his core, Horitake's soul hailed from a society of peace and equality, and he couldn't stomach such displays.
With Horitake's strength, the elderly mayor had no chance of kneeling.
But then, Shintaro's father added to the chaos.
Dropping his lantern, he knelt before Horitake in thanks.
"For saving my son, I'm endlessly grateful…"
His kneel triggered a chain reaction. Many townsfolk, mostly parents, followed suit, dropping to their knees in gratitude.
Horitake panicked—truly panicked.
In both his lives, he'd never faced such a situation.
He wanted to stop them, but if he let go, the mayor would kneel too.
What could he do?
With no choice, Horitake supported the mayor and reluctantly accepted the others' gestures.
"Alright, alright, everyone, get up! I accept your thanks, but please, no more of this. We're not in the Warring States period anymore—the Meiji era's long gone!"
The crowd rose, and the mayor ceased trying to kneel. Horitake finally released him.
Wiping sweat from his brow, he quipped,
"Facing a demon, I wasn't half this nervous. You lot are scarier than any demon."
His gaze settled on the homeless children, his tone serious.
"By the way, these kids—I hope you'll lend them a hand, maybe even take them in. They've got nowhere to go now. They're too pitiful."
In a sense, the townsfolk bore some responsibility for these children's orphanhood.
When Shikeji Ro devoured couples left and right, fear had driven the townsfolk to stand by, their so-called self-preservation nothing more than inaction.
Now, seeing these children, they felt deep guilt.
When Horitake raised the issue, the townsfolk responded eagerly, calling out to the children, showing as much kindness as they could, offering to take them in.
The children, scarred by prolonged psychological torment, were skittish, like startled rabbits, wary of the sudden warmth and goodwill.
At this critical moment, the mayor took charge, banging his cane on the ground and roaring,
"No chaos! You're scaring the kids! Stop it!
Listen to me!
We'll take in these children, but it can't be haphazard.
Their parents are gone, but they must have relatives, right?
I think it's best for relatives to take them in. Familiar faces are better than strangers, and blood ties matter.
Relatives, step forward and claim the children you know!
When their parents were eaten, you stayed silent. Now it's time to take responsibility!"
The spry old mayor swiftly devised the best solution, subtly chiding the townsfolk, who shifted uncomfortably.
Soon, relatives emerged from the crowd, sheepishly approaching their nephews or nieces to take them home.
That hint of guilt would ensure the children's quality of life after adoption.
Seeing familiar faces—uncles, aunts, cousins—the children's wariness eased, and they obediently followed the adults.
During the adoption process, Horitake whispered to the mayor,
"Looks like you've got the rest under control."
The mayor, sensing Horitake's intent to leave, tried to stop him.
"You're leaving already?"
"Yeah, the demon's gone. My work here is done."
"That won't do! Higashimacho hasn't properly thanked you! Please, stay a few days. We'll—"
Horitake cut him off, his tone sincere.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I can't.
The Demon Slayer Corps operates in the shadows, unrecognized by the government, slaying demons in secret, rarely known to others.
Being thanked by the whole town tonight is already high-profile for me. I can't make a bigger spectacle.
Besides, I have other missions, other demons to kill.
Higashimacho isn't the only place plagued by demons. I have to slay as many as I can, protect as many people as possible. I can't linger here."
With Horitake's firm words, the mayor couldn't insist, nodding reluctantly.
"If that's the case… then I wish you great fortune in your battles!"
"One more thing," Horitake added. "If Higashimacho faces another demon, seek out a nearby town with wisteria flowers or a family marked by them. They might connect you to the Demon Slayer Corps.
To deter demons, plant wisteria around and within the town. Demons despise wisteria and won't come near.
That said, wisteria's tricky to grow. Whether it takes root here depends on fate."
The mayor nodded repeatedly, deeply moved by Horitake's advice.
"I'll remember that. If you pass through Higashimacho again, please let us show our hospitality."
"There'll be a chance."
With that, Horitake slipped quietly from the crowd. A spark of electricity flickered, and he vanished from Higashimacho without a sound.
Soon, the dozen orphaned children were claimed.
Despite the many tragedies, every child found a home, a heartening conclusion.
The townsfolk instinctively searched for Horitake, only to realize, to their shock, that he was gone! He'd slipped away unnoticed!
A clamor arose as they looked around.
The mayor slammed his cane on the ground, silencing them.
"No need to search! He's already left!"
"What!? He's gone!?" The crowd buzzed, and Shintaro's father frowned.
"Mayor, how could you let him leave like that?"
The mayor shot him an exasperated look.
"You think he's like you, idling all day with nothing to do?
He's off to slay more demons! His responsibilities are immense!
That man is truly noble. If fate allows, we'll meet again.
Alright, everyone, go home!
Shintaro's dad, you stay and help me with the remaining matters!"
The townsfolk gradually dispersed.
By now, Horitake was far from Higashimacho. After running a distance along the main road, he paused, looking back toward the town.
He had a premonition that he might cross paths with Higashimacho again.
He only hoped his next visit wouldn't be to slay another demon.
Horitake's intuition was right. He would return to Higashimacho, but not for a demon—and not for a happy reason either.
That, however, was a story for much later.
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