Kanae and Shinobu came from a family of pharmacists and were skilled in medicine.
After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, they founded the Butterfly Mansion. Besides hunting demons, they treated injured Demon Slayers.
The Butterfly Mansion was now the most important medical facility in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Kanae was the owner, and Shinobu helped her treat the injured. A girl named Aoi Kanzaki worked as a nurse.
Not long ago, Kanae and Shinobu had taken in a little girl named Kanao Tsuyuri, who also lived at the Butterfly Mansion.
There were also some "Hidden" helping.
The "Hidden" were a special group in the Demon Slayer Corps, made up of members without fighting talent. They handled cleanup after battles and provided other support.
Aoki already knew this, but he listened carefully to Kanae's explanation. He said, "Then I'll be staying here for a while."
According to his agreement with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, he would stay at the Butterfly Mansion and wait for information from the Demon Slayer Corps.
"You saved my life, Mr. Aomura. You're welcome to stay!"
Kanae smiled and waved to Shinobu and the others, who were walking over.
"This is my sister, Shinobu. You've met her. And..."
Kanae introduced Aoki to the main members of the Butterfly Mansion.
Aoi was busy and left after saying hello.
Kanao smiled and listened quietly, like a delicate doll without a will of her own.
Shinobu, who knew some things, asked about Aoki's meeting with Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
Hearing the results of their spar, Shinobu exclaimed, "What? You five lost?"
"Not just lost, we lost badly!" Kanae said honestly.
Shinobu looked at Aoki, shocked.
She knew Mr. Aomura was strong, but she hadn't fully understood it.
Connecting it to the Pillars she knew gave her a clear idea.
It was a huge shock.
Suddenly, Shinobu stood up, looking intently at Aoki. "Mr. Aomura, can I experience your power too?"
"Shinobu!" Kanae said softly.
"It's okay. I'm happy to fight strong people! Not just today, but anytime I'm staying here, you can come find me if you want to spar."
Aoki looked at Kanae. "Miss Kanae, that includes you and the other Pillars. You're welcome to challenge me anytime!"
Kanae's eyes lit up. "Really? Mr. Aomura, wouldn't that be too much trouble?"
"It's okay!" Aoki nodded.
Unlike demons, who relied on Blood Demon Arts and instinct, the Pillars' techniques were refined and skillful.
Sparring with them would help him improve his fighting style.
"Then I thank you on behalf of the Demon Slayer Corps, Mr. Aomura!" Kanae said seriously.
Fighting a strong person like Aoki without risking their lives was a valuable opportunity.
It would also help the Pillars adapt to the Upper Moons' strength, giving them a better chance of survival in the future.
Cool moonlight shone down.
In the open space in the middle of the Butterfly Mansion, Aoki and Shinobu faced each other.
Kanae and Kanao stood at the door, watching them.
"Mr. Aomura, are you sure I don't need to use poison?" Shinobu looked serious.
"It's okay. Go ahead!" Aoki said.
"Then I won't be polite!"
A flame seemed to ignite in Shinobu's eyes. "Bee Sting Dance, True Flutter!"
Her special sword became a black flash, stabbing at Aoki's face. The tip shone pale blue.
She was very fast, and this technique was unexpected. No demon had dodged it since she mastered it.
But Aoki just tilted his head slightly.
The blade brushed past his face. He stepped forward and pushed lightly.
Bang!
Shinobu flew away, sliding on the ground before stopping. She looked up at Aoki, her face serious.
"That again!"
Kanae watched Aoki intently.
During the previous fight, she had felt Aoki could accurately predict their techniques, even seeing through them as they moved.
As an observer, the feeling was stronger.
"Continue!" Aoki waved.
Shinobu took a deep breath. He was strong, but she wouldn't give up.
"Centipede Dance, Hundred-Legged Zigzag."
Thump thump thump!
Shinobu jumped forward. Each landing made the ground explode, the drumming sound echoing in the yard with a terrifying force.
But in the Transparent World, all her movements were clear.
Clang clang clang!
They fought quickly. Their figures blurred in the night.
With a thud, a huge force came, and Shinobu lost her grip. Her sword flew away.
"Oh no!"
She thought, then her pupils shrank.
A fist appeared, growing quickly, filling her vision.
No!
I'll die!
I'm definitely going to die!
Quick! Think of a way to block or dodge!
No! There's no way!
Shinobu closed her eyes instinctively.
Boom!
A strong wind blew past, ruffling her hair.
Shinobu opened her eyes, confused. She looked at the fist in front of her nose, and memories flooded back.
She had almost forgotten this was just a spar.
Aoki pulled back his fist.
"Let's stop here!"
Shinobu stared at him blankly.
She wasn't surprised she had lost.
Five Pillars couldn't beat Mr. Aomura. How could she win alone?
But she hadn't expected to lose so badly.
"No wonder he said I didn't need to use poison," Shinobu thought, looking complex.
She hadn't been able to hurt him at all, not even a chance to inject poison.
Aoki said, "You're a bit weak, but your speed is good, especially your thrusts. They're faster than some Pillars."
Because she was small, Shinobu's wrist strength was weak. She wasn't good at swinging, but her downward and thrusting force was strong.
With poison, her fighting power was excellent.
She was a representative of weak strength, strong fighting power.
"Thank you!"
Shinobu still looked serious. She silently picked up her sword, her back looking a little sad and lonely.
"Did I go too far?" Aoki touched his chin.
Shinobu was only 14, with a young face.
He felt like he was bullying a child.
"Don't worry, Mr. Aomura. Shinobu is always like this," Kanae said.
Aoki turned his attention back. "Miss Kanae, do you want to try?"
"Yes!" Kanae agreed readily.
Soon, the fight started again in the Butterfly Mansion's courtyard.
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