The streets of Hakumai were alive.
As Ushimaru, Mamoru, and Onimaru stepped through the gates, they were greeted not by the stillness of a daimyo's domain, but by the thunderous cheer of drums and flutes. Lanterns of crimson and gold swayed above the streets, casting warm light on laughing faces. Vendors shouted their wares—grilled fish skewers crackled on hot coals, steam rose from bowls of udon, and trays of sakuramochi and candied chestnuts glistened under the lantern glow.
Children ran past carrying paper lanterns shaped like foxes, while dancers in maple-patterned yukata twirled through the crowds. The air itself felt different here—not as heavy as Ringo's, but light, warm, filled with joy.
Mamoru's mouth parted in wonder, his small hand tugging at his father's sleeve. "Father… is this all for us?"
Ushimaru chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Mamoru. This is Hakumai's festival. I had no idea they were holding one today." His lips curved into a rare smile, softened by the atmosphere. "But perhaps fate has gifted us with this sight."
Mamoru grinned so wide his cheeks hurt. Even Onimaru barked happily, wagging his tail at the smell of roasting meat. The boy felt laughter bubbling in his chest, and for the first time, Ringo's snows seemed far away.
They began making their way through the crowd, the infectious energy drawing smiles even from Ushimaru's stoic face. He was not a man of festivals, but today, seeing his son's joy, he allowed himself to enjoy it.
It was then that they noticed a familiar face among the festival-goers.
"Lord Ushimaru!"
A broad-shouldered man with a strong but kind expression waved at them. His long black hair was tied neatly, and at his side walked a woman carrying a bundled infant. By his other hand was a young girl with light pink hair tipped with green, her cheeks puffed out as she happily munched on a sakuramochi.
"Kotetsu," Ushimaru said warmly, recognizing Mamoru's teacher. "What a surprise."
Mamoru's eyes lit up as he spotted the man who had been teaching him how to read and write. "Sensei!" he cried, running up eagerly.
Kotetsu Kanroji grinned, resting a hand on Mamoru's head. "Mamoru! Look at you, already looking stronger since the last lesson." He gestured beside him. "Come, let me introduce you to my family. This is my wife," he nodded to the gentle-looking woman with the baby, "and this cute glutton over here is my daughter, Mitsuri."
The little girl blinked up at Mamoru, her lips still sticky with sweet rice.
Mamoru's face brightened. "So you're Mitsuri! Your father always talks about you during our lessons."
Mitsuri gasped, her cheeks turning pinker than her hair. "He talks about me? Well—he talks about you too! He always says you're very smart and strong , even if you frown a lot when you write your kanji."
Mamoru laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head. "It's hard sometimes…"
Watching the two children's exchange brought a quiet smile to both fathers. Kotetsu crouched beside his daughter. "Mitsuri, why don't you show Mamoru around Hakumai? Take him to see the stalls and the port. It's not every day he gets to enjoy a festival."
Mamoru's eyes shot toward Ushimaru, silently asking permission.
Ushimaru regarded him for a long moment, then nodded. "Go, Mamoru. But behave. Be respectful. And listen to Mitsuri."
"Yes, Father!" Mamoru bowed, his excitement barely contained.
Before he could say more, Mitsuri had already seized his hand. "Come on! You have to see the port—it looks so pretty when the lanterns reflect on the water!"
And with that, she pulled him into the crowd. Ushimaru watched them go, a faint smile lingering before he turned his gaze toward Yasuie's castle in the distance. He had his own matters to attend to.
---
For Mamoru, the festival became a blur of wonders.
Mitsuri dragged him from stall to stall, her boundless energy carrying him along. They tried grilled squid dipped in soy sauce, candied chestnuts, and rice dumplings sprinkled with sweet powder
Mamoru and Onimaru stared at Misturi in shock, how could she eat like this and still remain the same , where was all the food going .
Mamoru laughed so hard when Mitsuri got sauce smeared on her nose that he almost dropped his skewer. She pouted, then smeared some onto his cheek in revenge.
"You look funny now too!" she giggled, and Mamoru couldn't help but laugh with her.
Onimaru trotted happily behind them, earning scraps from kind vendors charmed by his foxlike loyalty. The children's laughter mingled with the music of drums and flutes, the sound of a friendship quietly being forged.
Eventually, Mitsuri tugged Mamoru toward a path lined with maple trees, their crimson leaves swaying like banners. "This way! The port is just ahead. You can see all the ships!"
The maple grove opened up to a breathtaking sight—the vast blue of the port stretched before them, lanterns floating on the water like stars fallen from the sky.
Mamoru froze, awestruck. "It's… beautiful."
Mitsuri beamed at his expression. "I told you!"
As they wandered closer to the docks, they noticed a family walking along the same path.
The father was tall and broad, his hair a striking yellow streaked with fiery red tips that glowed in the lantern light. His presence radiated confidence, his laughter booming as he carried festival snacks in both hands. Beside him walked his wife, graceful and strong, with long black hair and piercing red eyes that softened when she glanced at her children.
In her arms she carried a baby swaddled in blankets, while their young son ran ahead, his short yellow hair already tipped faintly with red, mirroring his father's flame-like mane.
The family was impossible to miss—the Rengoku clan. They were among the prominent families of wano that specialized in the art of Swordsmanship like the Shimotsuki family .
Mamoru slowed, his eyes drawn to them instinctively. Something about the boy—his unshakable grin, his lively energy —made Mamoru's chest tighten with excitement.
Mitsuri followed his gaze. " its Kyojuro ?" she said excitedly
Mamoru asked still staring. "You know them ?"
The boy with the fiery hair noticed them and grinned wide, running up boldly. "Hey! Misturi !"
Before Mamoru could answer, Mitsuri puffed her cheeks. "Kyojuro meet my friend Mamoru "
Kyojuro extended his hand to Mamoru and yelled out with passion " I am Kyojuro Rengoku , Nice to meet you !!!!"
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Im editing the chapters at this moment so ill release as I go , ill release 10 more chapters then the next 10 will be on my patreon .
Ill also try to release more chapters for Demon slayer:3 sword style
As always thank you for the support, send those powers stones if you have