The moment Tamayo saw Iguro Obanai, she froze briefly.
But Iguro regained his senses first. He forced himself upright, staggering back several steps to put distance between them.
"You… you're a demon, aren't you?"
Even in his weakened state, he could clearly sense the demonic aura surrounding Tamayo.
"Yes, I am a demon," Tamayo replied calmly. "But I mean you no harm. Do you need help?"
With years of medical practice behind her, she could immediately tell how dire his condition was.
At this rate, he would lose consciousness within minutes and die soon after.
"Help from a demon?"
Iguro let out a cold, bitter laugh.
A former member of the Demon Slayer Corps, hunted by the very organization he once served, now being offered help by a demon.
What a twisted world.
"No need. Stay away from me. Or I'll cut you down. And don't ask about my identity."
He pulled Kaburamaru back firmly.
Tamayo's hand lingered awkwardly in midair before she slowly lowered it.
Just as she thought he would retreat deeper into the shadows and fade away—
Heavy footsteps echoed down the street.
Iguro stiffened, pressing his back against the wall. His sharp eyes flicked toward the source.
"It seems Iguro Obanai's trail ends here."
The calm voice of the Water Hashira, Giyu Tomioka, drifted through the night.
Beside him stood the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro, scanning the surroundings with blazing intensity.
"There!"
Rengoku's eyes sharpened as he pointed toward the alley and rushed forward.
Kaburamaru hissed in warning.
Iguro forced his numb legs to move.
"Over here!"
Rengoku's voice boomed through the streets.
Tamayo quickly assessed the situation. "You're being hunted by the Demon Slayer Corps. Is it because of the snake?"
Iguro ignored her.
But Kaburamaru did not.
The serpent slithered toward Tamayo, coiling gently around her wrist and flicking its tongue.
Tamayo understood.
"Follow me."
She moved swiftly through the maze-like alleys. Familiar with every twist and turn of the city, she easily outmaneuvered the pursuing Hashira.
"Where did he go?!" Rengoku shouted.
"Keep it down," Giyu muttered.
But it was too late.
A nearby window burst open.
"What's all that shouting at this hour?!"
An elderly woman leaned out, glaring furiously.
"Sorry!" Rengoku replied at full volume.
"Be quiet!"
Soon, more windows opened. Eggs, rotten vegetables, and buckets of water flew through the air.
The Water Hashira found himself unintentionally baptized in kitchen refuse.
Meanwhile, Tamayo slipped away unnoticed.
Within minutes, she guided Iguro to her clinic.
By then, he had collapsed entirely.
—
Inside the clinic.
"Lady Tamayo, who is this man?"
Yushiro stared as Tamayo supported the unconscious Iguro.
"No time for questions. Help me get him inside. We must stabilize him immediately."
"Yes, Lady Tamayo!"
They carried him into the treatment room.
With Yushiro's Blood Demon Art concealing the location, the two Hashira would have difficulty tracking them here.
For now, Iguro Obanai was safe.
—
Butterfly Mansion.
The orange glow of sunset bathed the courtyard.
Four days had passed.
Under Ryuya's guidance, Shinobu Kocho had made rapid progress.
During that time, she refined her movements and breathing patterns, gradually shaping what would become Insect Breathing.
Sometimes, all it took was the right catalyst.
For Shinobu, Ryuya had been that catalyst.
"Sister Shinobu truly is talented."
Ryuya sat on a stone stool, calmly sipping wisteria tea.
Shinobu immediately stopped practicing and narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
"Are you planning something again?"
Her tone was cautious.
Ryuya tilted his head slightly. "Why would you assume that?"
"Because every time you praise me, something strange follows."
He chuckled softly.
"You've successfully structured the fundamentals of Insect Breathing. Your footwork, your thrusting angles, your poison application. All of it aligns."
Shinobu folded her arms, still wary.
"And?"
"And nothing. I'm acknowledging your effort."
She stared at him.
For several seconds.
"…You're not teasing me?"
"Not this time."
Shinobu hesitated, then relaxed slightly.
Her blade gleamed in the fading light.
"Ryuya."
"Hmm?"
"If one day… I really can kill demons in my own way…"
"You will."
His answer came without hesitation.
She blinked.
For once, there was no mockery in his expression.
Only certainty.
Shinobu quickly turned away to hide the faint warmth rising to her cheeks.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I'm not doing this for you."
"Of course not," he replied lightly. "You're doing it to cut off my head someday."
She shot him a glare.
"That's right."
And for the first time in days, her smile carried no doubt.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Demon Slayer: Son of Muzan (Completed) is now on Patreon!
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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