After some asking around—
They found out that the person who ignored Mitsuri at the hot spring—
Was Genya Shinazugawa.
Because his name was similar to Sanemi Shinazugawa—
Mitsuri couldn't help but wonder.
Holding her face in her hands, she asked:
"He even challenged you, Aoyama-kun?"
Then she sighed softly.
"If he really is Shinazugawa-san's younger brother…"
"I've never heard Shinazugawa-san mention him."
"Their relationship must be really bad…"
"Is that so?"
Tanjiro asked, unaware of the truth.
Aoyama sat quietly to the side—
Playing with Nezuko—
With no intention of joining the conversation.
That was between brothers.
No need to interfere.
Nezuko, however—
Was very close to Mitsuri.
She hugged her tightly, unwilling to let go.
"Miss Mitsuri, why did you join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
"I did it for my sister. What about you?"
Tanjiro asked casually.
Mitsuri froze.
Her face flushed.
"Well… that's a bit embarrassing to say…"
"Maybe I shouldn't…"
She quickly grabbed Nezuko's hand—
Trying to walk away.
But Tanjiro—
Completely lacking awareness—
Followed behind, persistently asking.
Aoyama stepped in—
Grabbing Tanjiro by the collar.
"Can you give it a rest?"
"Didn't eat enough just now?"
"Go eat another bowl and keep your mouth busy."
"Huh? What's wrong, Senior Brother?"
"We can all chat together—"
Tanjiro still didn't get it.
Mitsuri's smile grew increasingly awkward.
Then—
She stopped.
Turned around.
"…Actually, it's okay to say."
Seeing Tanjiro's curious expression—
She gave in.
"I joined… to find a husband I can grow old with."
She covered her flushed cheeks shyly.
Tanjiro froze.
You joined the Demon Slayer Corps… to find a husband?!
"Well… girls should find someone stronger than themselves, right?"
"I want to be protected…"
"You probably wouldn't understand that feeling."
Looking at her shy expression—
Aoyama could understand.
But Tanjiro—
Completely blank.
His brain simply couldn't process it.
Everyone had their own reasons for joining—
But this…
This was on another level.
"Tanjiro, it's okay."
"Most people react like you do."
Even though she was embarrassed—
Mitsuri still tried to comfort him.
"Eh? Aoyama-kun, why aren't you—"
She looked at him.
Aoyama smiled lightly.
"There's nothing wrong with your thinking."
"No need to feel embarrassed."
"…Really?"
Mitsuri slowly lowered her hands—
Eyes full of surprise.
Whenever she told others before—
They reacted like Tanjiro—
Or even laughed at her.
Aoyama nodded.
"Really."
"Mitsuri, your thinking isn't wrong."
"Girls do need protection sometimes."
He gently patted her head.
A simple gesture—
But full of reassurance.
Then—
He hooked an arm around Tanjiro's shoulder—
Dragging him away.
Watching his back—
Mitsuri's heart began to race.
Was that… what they call… heart fluttering?
At that moment—
A Kakushi approached.
"Lady Mitsuri, your sword has been polished."
"Please come to the workshop for final adjustments."
Aoyama, already some distance away—
Paused slightly when he heard that.
"Aoyama-kun!!!"
Mitsuri called out.
He stopped—
Turned around.
She looked hesitant—
But determined.
"Aoyama-kun…"
"I don't know if we'll survive to meet again…"
"If we do…"
"…Hm?"
Aoyama tilted his head slightly.
"You survived a battle against an Upper Rank demon."
"That's amazing."
"So please… keep going."
"I'll keep going too."
Her face turned bright red.
"And in the future…"
"I hope we can fight together."
Together… fight.
Aoyama nodded.
"Alright."
"If there's a chance—let's fight together."
Mitsuri beamed.
Waving her hand enthusiastically—
"Tanjiro-kun, you too!"
"You gained valuable experience fighting an Upper Rank!"
"Treasure it and use it well!"
"Thank you, Miss Mitsuri!"
Tanjiro's energy instantly shot up.
"My goal hasn't changed!"
"I will defeat Muzan Kibutsuji!"
But then—
He suddenly remembered her words.
Treat every battle like it might be the last…
A strange unease stirred in his heart.
He quickly stepped forward—
Reaching into his clothes.
When his hand came out—
He held a small bottle.
"Take this."
"If you're injured in battle, drink it immediately."
"It can help you escape danger."
"If you encounter an Upper Rank…"
"Drink it—and don't fight recklessly."
"Protect your life first."
"…This…"
Mitsuri hesitated.
That sounded—
Almost against the Corps' principles.
"How can we prioritize survival over slaying demons…?"
"This isn't about running away."
"It's about surviving for the next battle."
Mitsuri smiled softly.
Holding the bottle with both hands—
She nodded firmly.
Aoyama had given her one of his regeneration potions.
All he wanted—
Was for her to stay alive.
After watching her leave—
Aoyama turned back to Tanjiro.
"Senior Brother…"
"That potion… is it the same one you gave Rengoku-san before?"
"I recognize the smell…"
Aoyama nodded.
"Mitsuri may be a Hashira…"
"But she's still a girl."
"I just hope it helps her."
Tanjiro fell silent.
Back in their rooms—
Aoyama took out a summoning scroll from his system space.
He activated it.
Two figures appeared—
Sabito and Makomo.
After the Upper Rank battle—
The system had strengthened the scroll's power.
Though they still couldn't fully resurrect—
They could now fight at their peak strength.
"I've arrived at the Swordsmith Village."
"My blade needs reforging."
"And I'll ask the swordsmiths…"
"To forge Nichirin blades for you as well."
Sabito and Makomo lit up with excitement.
That meant—
They were getting closer—
To fighting demons again.
To Read 60+AHEAD advanced Chapters, head over to P@treon
patreon.com/DarkVerse146