Chapter 2: Ten Years in a Flash
Time flies like a shuttle; a white steed flashes past a crevice.
Over these ten years, Yi Ren never once slacked in his sword training. From the toddler who could barely hold a wooden stick steady, he had now reached the level where his blade danced fluidly through the air.
Outside, willow catkins and snowflakes drifted in the bitter cold. Bursts of icy wind made people shiver uncontrollably.
Yet in the snow-filled courtyard, a black-haired youth often stood alone. His dark eyes burned with determination, his upright aura softened by features delicate enough to rival a girl's.
Gripping a tang sword, he slashed at empty space—each strike precise and deliberate.
Sword qi followed the blade, humming faintly as it cut the air. The gusts stirred the falling snow, swirling around the graceful youth like a dance.
The tang sword came from his adoptive father, who insisted it outperformed a katana and proudly presented it. It truly felt perfect in his hands. The craftsmanship showed how much care "cheap dad" had put into it—though Yi Ren wondered if it could stand against a real demon.
"Almost there!"
Yi Ren regulated his breathing, feeling hot blood surge through his body.
Suddenly, an inner gate seemed to unlock. The air waves from his swings underwent a qualitative shift, the blade trembling at high frequency—as if resonating with some hidden rhythm.
"Break!"
With the final sword flower blooming, crackling sounds erupted from his meridians.
At last, he had fully mastered the foundational swordsmanship.
"Whew—finally!"
Looking at his still-youthful ten-year-old frame, Yi Ren knew he now possessed extraordinary strength. An average demon would likely be no match for him.
Yet in over a decade here, he hadn't glimpsed even a demon's shadow—no chance to test his skills.
In the blink of an eye, his memories of the original story had grown hazy. It was time to venture out.
Just as he sulked over having no battlefield, a soft, adorable voice called from behind—its mere sound enough to soothe the soul.
"Onii-chan! Come eat with Mitsuri? Please? Pretty please!"
A little girl in thick winter kimono toddled over, her delicate face flushed red from the cold. Her lime-green eyes blinked with heart-melting cuteness. It was none other than the girl destined to be famous for both adorableness and... proportions—Mitsuri Kanroji.
Spotting Yi Ren, her eyes sparkled brighter as she stumbled toward him with a beaming smile.
Yi Ren turned, and all his gloom vanished at the sight of his slightly shorter "little sister." He gently ruffled her long black hair, voice softening with affection.
"Sure. Whatever Mitsuri wants to eat, big brother will get it for you."
"Yay! Mitsuri wants sakura mochi! Can we? Can we?"
At the mention of food, her eyes lit up. She waved her tiny hands excitedly, sweet smile stretching ear to ear.
Yi Ren smiled faintly, sheathing the snow-dusted tang sword.
He'd heard that eating sakura mochi nonstop for months would turn her black hair pink—but how could he deny her when she loved it so much?
Besides... pink hair on her would be explosively cute, right?!
"Love you most, Onii-chan! Then... let's go to Mr. Kiku's place!"
Mitsuri's eyes curved into happy crescents. She grabbed Yi Ren's hand and pulled him toward the village, trotting eagerly.
The siblings dashed through snowy alleys, undeterred by the cold—children's playful spirits unstoppable.
"Good morning! Kanroji Mitsuri and Kanroji Yi Ren—heading to Mr. Kiku's again?"
"Morning! Yes, Uncle Hanairo!"
"Heh heh, be careful on the road. Yi Ren, protect your little sister well!"
"Got it, Uncle Hanairo."
"Come play at Granny's house more often, little Mitsuri~"
"Will do next time, Granny Kiri!"
Villagers greeted them warmly along the way; the pair cheerfully replied.
Mitsuri basked in the simple joy, her innocent face glowing with childlike purity.
Watching quietly, Yi Ren recalled his old life on Earth—few real connections, always glued to screens.
Now, free from phones, he could truly appreciate these small, beautiful moments.
Soon they arrived at a modest eatery. A gentle, slightly gaunt man stood at the door, welcoming guests with kind eyes.
Seeing them, his face brightened—not just because Mitsuri's visits boosted business, but because someone genuinely loved his cooking.
"Little Mitsuri, what would you like today?"
"Mr. Kiku Hiyori! Ramen! And sakura mochi!"
She answered instantly, practically vibrating with anticipation.
Grabbing Yi Ren's hand, she charged inside.
Yi Ren smiled helplessly and let her drag him along. This place was basically Mitsuri's personal stage.
Boss Kiku Hiyori nodded happily and called into the kitchen, "Mita-san! Little Mitsuri's here—ramen time!"
"Coming right up! Little Mitsuri, Yi Ren—give us just a moment."
A woman's voice answered warmly.
...
Inside Kiku's eatery.
Mitsuri pulled Yi Ren to a wooden bench. Happiness radiated from her delicate face.
"Onii-chan, are you only having ramen?"
"Yeah. As long as Mitsuri enjoys it, I'm good with anything."
Though his appetite was massive, it paled beside hers.
Mitsuri nodded blankly, clutching chopsticks in eager wait.
"Ten bowls of ramen for Mitsuri and Yi Ren!"
The elegant older woman (Mita-san) and the boss emerged from behind the curtain, carefully setting steaming bowls before them.
Nearby customers stared in shock.
"Whoa—so many bowls for just two kids?"
"I bet the boy eats more, right?"
"Nah, it's gotta be the girl. Don't you know? That's Miss Mitsuri!"
"Oh! The legendary Mitsuri? We're in for a show today!"
The siblings ignored the whispers. Yi Ren gently pushed the fresh bowls toward Mitsuri.
"Go ahead, Mitsuri."
"Okay! Itadakimasu!"
She hugged a bowl nearly as big as her head, said grace with devotion, then slurped enthusiastically.
Under Yi Ren's and the customers' gazes, she polished off nine bowls in no time.
"Ahh~!"
Satisfied, she set down the empty bowl and looked curiously at Yi Ren. "Onii-chan, aren't you eating? The ramen's super yummy!"
"Cough... Big brother is kinda full. Want the rest, Mitsuri?"
Seeing her hopeful eyes on his half-eaten bowl, he slid it over.
Thanks to his physique, he could now go without food entirely—eating was just for pleasure.
Better to let little Mitsuri enjoy it.
"Really? Really really? Leave it to Mitsuri!"
She happily accepted and buried her face in the bowl. Moments later—empty.
"Miss Mitsuri eats so boldly!"
Boss Kiku couldn't help but praise.
Watching her, Yi Ren thought she resembled the future Flame Hashira in appetite—though he'd shout "Umai!" after every meal.
The current Flame Hashira probably hadn't reached that rank yet. If Mitsuri still joined the Corps, she'd likely become his disciple.
Lost in thought, he noticed Mita-san return with a huge platter.
"Little Mitsuri, dessert—sakura mochi."
"Hehe! Onii-chan... want one? Mitsuri will feed you."
Eyes wide at the mountain of mochi, she grabbed one and held it to his mouth, beaming.
Yi Ren didn't refuse. He took a bite, then slowly savored the rest. Sweet... no wonder she loved them.
"Hehe~"
Seeing him eat what she offered filled her with immense joy.
After he finished, she immediately held out another.
But Yi Ren gently declined with a smile. "You eat them, Mitsuri. Big brother is happy just watching."
If he kept accepting, she'd focus on feeding him instead of enjoying herself. Besides, watching this adorable little sister devour treats—even the crumbs were cute—was pure bliss.
"Okay... then Mitsuri digs in! Nom..."
Cheeks puffed like a squirrel, she stuffed mochi after mochi into her mouth.
Yi Ren sat quietly beside her, marveling at the bottomless stomach of this tiny girl.
Ever since her birth, he'd known: he was now Kanroji Mitsuri's big brother. That meant one thing—he would protect her, no matter what.
Fists clenched, resolve hardened.
Suddenly, he felt a tug at his sleeve.
Looking down, Mitsuri had finished the mochi... but something seemed off. Her face looked slightly unwell.
Yi Ren touched her forehead worriedly. "Mitsuri, what's wrong?"
"Onii-chan... Mitsuri feels weird."
She grabbed a strand of hair. Where it had been jet black, faint pink tips were appearing.
Yi Ren knew this was coming sooner or later. Not wanting to worry her, he ruffled her hair reassuringly.
"It's okay. All done eating? Time to head home."
"Mm... okay, Onii-chan!"
She nodded cutely, waved goodbye to the customers, and let Yi Ren take her small hand as they left.
Boss Kiku saw them off warmly.
"Safe travels—come again soon!"
"Quit yapping, old man— you've got other customers!"
"Hey hey, easy there!"
...