Mr. Cheng Mo was pulled from that brief but heavy memory, the noodles in his bowl already finished.
The last bit of soup also settled into his stomach, bringing warmth.
He raised his eyes, his gaze once again falling on the three people before him.
Tanjirou's eyes were full of nervousness and anticipation, his hands unconsciously clutching the hem of his clothes.
Kyoujurou Rengoku still stood with his back straight, a dazzlingly bright smile on his face, but a closer look would reveal a hint of imperceptible waiting in his eyes.
Himura Ruri, sitting in the wheelchair, had her head slightly bowed, her fingers twisting the edge of her blanket, her cheeks flushed with a faint blush, as if she didn't dare to look directly at him, yet couldn't help but secretly glance up to gauge his reaction.
These three pairs of eyes clearly reflected their pure and straightforward intentions.
They were completely different from the indifferent, mocking, or falsely benevolent faces he remembered.
He remained silent, then, the corners of his lips slowly, somewhat unskillfully, curved upwards into a distinct arc.
It wasn't his usual indifferent expression, born of politeness or calculation, but a truly heartfelt, gentle, even soft smile.
This smile softened the sternness in his brows and eyes, making his entire face seem suddenly illuminated by sunlight, appearing exceptionally genuine, and even... somewhat dazzling.
"...It was delicious," his voice was softer than usual, and he repeated earnestly, "Thank you all."
The impact of this smile and these words left the three people opposite him momentarily stunned.
Kyoujurou Rengoku was the first to react.
He coughed abruptly, seemingly startled by this overly "gentle" Mr. Cheng Mo, and quickly exclaimed loudly, "Mhm, it's great that Mr. Cheng Mo is satisfied, truly wonderful!"
Tanjirou, on the other hand, suddenly sniffed, and his keen eyes instantly lit up.
He clearly smelled that the 'sense of distance' and icy aura that always vaguely surrounded his teacher, isolating everyone, had largely dissipated at this moment.
In its place was a calmer, more grounded, and even subtly gentle aura.
His hanging heart finally settled.
A huge surge of joy and satisfaction filled him, making him happily blurt out, "If Teacher likes it, we can make this often from now on!"
Beside them, Himura Ruri's cheeks were also slightly flushed by Mr. Cheng Mo's rare smile.
Hearing Tanjirou's words, the girl couldn't help but softly remind him, "Brother Tanjirou... no matter how delicious something is, you'll get tired of eating it all the time..."
Mr. Cheng Mo quietly watched the natural interactions and concern displayed by the three of them because of this bowl of noodles.
This was the second time he had so clearly felt the "reality" and... "warmth" of this world.
The first time was the unreserved, strict yet caring guidance of the former Sound Pillar, Kuwajima Jigorō.
And this time, it was a more everyday, more mundane, yet therefore more heartfelt concern.
More concrete, more... tangible... Meanwhile, in a distorted and silent space somewhere in the Infinity Castle.
Light and shadow shifted eerily, and a figure quietly materialized.
It was a beautiful woman dressed in a complex and gorgeous black tomesode kimono.
Her posture was tall and elegant, her ink-black hair cascaded like a waterfall, her skin was so pale it was almost transparent, and her features were as exquisite as a doll's.
Yet, in the depths of her plum-red eyes, an icy indifference from endless eons was precipitation.
Kibutsuji Muzan, at this moment, appeared in a female form.
She slightly furrowed her finely drawn brows, sensing meticulously through the curse embedded in the blood of all demons.
A particular "point" caught her attention.
The swordsman, Himura Senichi, whom she had personally transformed into a demon and who should have become an excellent experimental subject.
"He... didn't die?" Muzan's voice was low and beautiful, yet carried a hint of surprise and displeasure. "That Mr. Cheng Mo... he actually didn't destroy him?"
She could vaguely sense Himura Senichi's existence, but his consciousness was chaotic, his will to resist was unusually strong, and there was a repulsive, strange energy with a paralyzing effect.
That was Mr. Cheng Mo's Lightning Release Chakra!
These interferences prevented her from accurately pinpointing his exact location and made it difficult to clearly perceive his detailed state.
"Annoying..."
A hint of irritation flashed in Muzan's eyes.
Such a precious subject, containing a bloodline with special resistance, she would never allow him to remain at large.
Especially not in the hands of that Mr. Cheng Mo, who had repeatedly thwarted her plans!
She slightly raised her hand.
Boom-clang~
A strange biwa sound rang out of nowhere.
The space rippled slightly, and a figure respectfully prostrated itself below.
He was tall and thin, dressed in tattered monk's robes, with long black hair and a beard, and his face was covered in bizarre black markings.
The man slowly raised his head, the iris of his left eye engraved with the character "Lower Moon Two."
Lower Moon Two — Rokuro.
As soon as Rokuro appeared, he was first puzzled by the identity of the noble woman before him.
But in the next second, the absolute fear and reverence stemming from the depths of his blood instantly made him understand.
This was Lord Muzan!
He immediately bowed his head even lower, his body trembling slightly, and saluted with utmost respect, "Lord Muzan! How may I be of service?"
Muzan lowered her gaze, looking down at Rokuro with her cold and beautiful face.
She directly transmitted the vague sensory fragments and information she had pieced together about Himura Senichi through the blood curse.
"I have a mission for you," her voice was devoid of emotion.
"Go find the whereabouts of this demon and ascertain his current specific location and environment. Remember, there are very dangerous individuals present there. You only need to investigate and gather useful information. You must not act rashly or alert the enemy."
As she spoke, a wisp of dark red blood, imbued with powerful energy, seeped from Muzan's fingertip and slowly flew towards Rokuro.
"These blood, I bestow upon you, to help you better complete your mission."
Feeling the pure and powerful blood merge into his own body, and receiving the important mission personally entrusted by Lord Muzan.
Rokuro trembled with excitement, almost unable to contain himself!
What immense favor and trust this was!
He slammed his head to the ground, his voice trembling with excitement, "Yes! I humbly obey your command! Lord Muzan! Rokuro will surely do his utmost to perfectly complete your entrustment and will never disappoint you!"
Muzan looked at his excited demeanor and spoke again, her tone seemingly carrying a hint of "concern" as a reminder, "You must be cautious. Among the Twelve Kizuki, only you and Gyokko are skilled at reconnaissance. Nakime must maintain the Infinity Castle and cannot be moved lightly. I do not wish to lose your useful 'eyes'."
These seemingly caring words made Rokuro even more moved beyond measure, feeling that it was an immense honor to die for such a "considerate" Lord Muzan!
He repeatedly pledged his loyalty again, vowing to be careful and cautious.
"Go," Muzan said faintly.
Rokuro bowed respectfully again, his figure slowly merging into the shadows of the Infinity Castle, disappearing from sight.
In the vast, eerie space, only Muzan remained standing alone.
She gazed in the direction where Rokuro had vanished, her exquisite yet cold face devoid of any expression.
Only in her plum-red eyes, an obscure, unfathomable calculation and indifference settled.