Kyoto's winter air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of cedar and incense through the vast halls of the imperial estate. Inside, the chambers were alive with hushed murmurs and soft footsteps.
Lady Akemi, elegant and serene, knelt beside the swaddled newborn in her arms. Her crimson-lined kimono brushed the polished floor as she gazed down at her child.
"Hiroaki… welcome," she whispered, brushing a strand of deep crimson hair from his tiny face. The infant's eyes — blood-red, calm, and unnervingly aware — blinked at her.
The midwife leaned closer, holding the baby carefully. "Such eyes… and such hair, my lady. Truly… remarkable."
Lady Akemi smiled faintly, her fingers tracing the infant's tiny hand. "He is… different, yes. But he is ours."
Hiroaki let out a soft hum, neither crying nor fussing, but alert to every sound, every movement. His fists flexed instinctively, and the soft glow of awareness seemed to radiate from his crimson gaze. Even as the attendants whispered among themselves, Hiroaki's attention seemed elsewhere, quietly observing, quietly noting, quietly… calculating.
For now, he was just a newborn — swaddled in silk, cradled in his mother's arms, innocent in appearance but already aware in ways no ordinary infant could comprehend.
Lady Akemi leaned closer, brushing a kiss across his forehead. "Grow strong, my son. And remember… even the world may not yet understand you."
The room was silent for a moment, save for the crackle of the fireplace. Then, a voice — calm, precise, and oddly familiar — echoed in Hiroaki's mind.
[System Activated: Welcome, User Hiroaki.]
[World: Demon Slayer Era]
[Level: Beginner]
[Special Traits Detected: Inhuman Strength, Extreme Intelligence, Crimson Attributes.]
Hiroaki's crimson eyes blinked slowly. He hummed softly, a mischievous little smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Ah… so I'm really here. My favorite kind of situation — reborn in a world I know. Time to see what fun I can have.
Even in this fragile newborn form, his mind raced. Demon Slayer world, huh? Strong guys, swords, monsters… and maybe… interesting girls. Heh. This could be fun.
He flexed his tiny fists, testing his strength. Okay, not too bad for a newborn. Let's see how fast I can grow without making a scene… or maybe I'll make a little scene anyway. Why not? Life's boring otherwise.
Hiroaki's first thought in his new life wasn't fear, or confusion, or awe. It was curiosity, tinged with a mischievous excitement only a transmigrator could feel. A new body, a new world, and all the possibilities it held.
Interesting… very interesting indeed.
And thus began the life of Hiroaki, the Crimson Prodigy, reborn, fully aware, and ready to have a little fun while quietly plotting his path to greatness.