Chapter 25: First Meeting with Kochō Kanae
Ryuji? Ryuji?
Gyomei's voice dragged him back from his wild thoughts.
Huh? Oh, I'm here.
Your heart… it's racing.
Gyomei set down his chopsticks, blind eyes seeming to pierce the soul: "Did something come to mind?"
Nothing…
Ryuji forced a smile: "Just thinking we'd better deal with this so-called man-killer."
Mm.
Gyomei said no more. He sensed Ryuji was holding something back, but… everyone has secrets; they're spoken when the time is right.
After finishing their ramen and saying goodbye to the Bearded Uncle, the two began their investigation.
Big Brother, we can't carry this stuff out—if the police search the cart we're finished…
Ryuji eyed the meteor hammer and broadaxe in the crate with resignation. They'd stowed them before entering town; the carrying pole was nicknamed Little Purple.
Sorry.
Gyomei murmured an apology.
No problem. Here, Brother Himejima, take this.
Ryuji handed over Little Purple: "We'll pose as peddlers; leave your blade at the inn."
Well…
Gyomei accepted the pole, tested its weight, and nodded. "namu amida butsu, good plan."
So the two disguised themselves as peddlers, weaving through the town's alleys while hawking wares and quietly gathering information.
To make the act believable and mingle faster, Ryuji decided to buy some newly fashionable cigarettes as conversation starters.
After all, smokes and booze open doors, and fortune follows.
Come again, honored customer.
Ryuji waved with a grin: "Wishing you booming business."
The moment he stepped out of the tobacco shop a figure froze him in place.
A girl in an elegant kimono, gentle as water.
Long black hair pinned with a delicate butterfly ornament, lips curved in a faint perpetual smile.
Kochō Kanae!
The future Flower Hashira!
Ryuji's heart skipped a beat.
His feelings were mixed; Kanae had met Doma only after becoming Hashira, then died.
Which meant that right now—before joining the Demon Slayer Corps—she wouldn't encounter Doma at all.
So this man-killer wasn't Doma.
"Forget it; keep training before facing the Twelve Kizuki," Ryuji murmured, shaking his head.
He stole another glance at Kanae. Stunning… Then it hit him: Himejima Gyomei, Kochō Kanae—Kanae's parents!
That's right!
A demon had murdered Kanae's parents, shattering the family.
Only she and her little sister Shinobu Kocho survived, pushing them onto the path of demon slaying.
And it was Brother Himejima who saved them and set them on that road.
Could it be happening now?
Ryuji's pupils shrank; he had to follow. If nothing happened, fine—but if it did, he'd never let that tragedy repeat!
Besides, the Kochou family were medical geniuses!
Saving them would skyrocket the Demon Slayer Corps' medical prowess.
If Shinobu, just a girl, could help Lady Tamayo craft a demon-to-human drug, imagine adding her parents and Kanae—poor Muzan.
Ryuji already pitied Muzan.
Without hesitation he set off behind her.
After two steps his mouth twitched—damn, I feel like some stalker… He shook the thought away.
Kanae hummed a new tune, heading home to play it for Shinobu.
Hmm?
From the corner of her eye she noticed him—strange man, seems to be… following me?
Her heart tightened; tales of the man-killer flashed through her mind.
But doesn't the killer only strike at night?
She casually glanced up: dusk painted the clouds red, the alley already dim.
Drawing a steady breath, she quickened her pace and subtly tested the tail.
Soon sure: he was stalking her!
Panic bottled, she resolved: can't lead him home—run, toward crowds!
Only there could she cry for help.
She sped toward the still-open market.
Ryuji frowned—market? Maybe she's just buying groceries… crap!
She'd noticed him. Sighing, he veered off; he'd need Lucky Roux's stealth lessons later.
Eh?
Kanae blinked, then laughed and shook her head: not every shadow is a killer… sorry, mister—oh no.
She glanced skyward: the sun had fully set.
Must hurry home.
Eyeing the dark alley, she bit her lip and chose the shortcut.
Almost there, Kanae, you can do it…
Encouraging herself, she hurried through the narrow lane toward the distant glow.
Roar!!
As she neared the exit a shadow exploded from the darkness.
A drooling, ravenous demon!
A mere girl, Kanae had never seen such a monster.
She flattened against the wall, face bloodless, trembling as she tried to stand: "M-man-killer…"
Ahh, such a fragrant girl… looks delicious.
The demon tilted its head, tongue lolling: "Heh, a treat all for me…"
It sniffed—no other demons nearby—and muttered: "Lord Hikae isn't here, so I can enjoy you alone, heh!"
It stepped closer: "Don't worry, little one, it won't hurt much!"
Kanae stared at the tongue dragging along the ground, clutched her chest, squeezed her eyes shut.
Tears welled: Shinobu, Dad, Mom… I'm sorry.
"Won't hurt a bit—you're too close to her!"
Startled, Kanae realized: that wasn't the demon; someone had come. No, run, it's the killer, you'll die!
"Run! Go, find the police!"
Finding courage, she screamed, then hugged the demon's leg to buy time.
"Brat, I'll—"
Bang!
Warm liquid splattered her; she shook harder—someone died because of her… [Ding! Host has slain an evil pirate; reward: +10 military merit points.]
Ryuji, staring at the sobbing girl, exhaled in relief—good thing he'd looked back, or the Flower Hashira would be history!
Butterfly effect, huh?
Can't rely on memory alone… He knelt and gently stroked her silky hair: "It's over, the demon's ash."
"Demon?"
Feeling the warm hand, Kanae opened her eyes to see the crumbling remains. "How… can such things exist…?"
"They do," Ryuji said firmly. "Sorry I scared you. I followed because your rare blood draws demons."
Of course, he'd invented that, taking the blame so gentle Kanae might feel less frightened.
Frowning, he wondered: if the butterfly effect had started, would the Kochou family still be attacked on schedule?
Only one way to know—see her home himself.
Loving Book So Far Check Out 40+ Chapters In Advanced At Pa Treon:
patreon.com/FictionsTL