Ren's departure felt more like an escape.
He knew Yoriichi wouldn't kill him. He exploited Yoriichi's affection, buying time to unleash his Blood Demon Art.
He understood his master's nature—his hatred for demons surpassed even Ren's own.
Yoriichi wouldn't spare him just because he was his disciple.
Ren had long anticipated meeting Yoriichi again. He'd thought the best outcome might be Yoriichi imprisoning him by his side.
For Ren, that wouldn't have been a bad fate.
But now, he couldn't stay. He had unfinished business.
As he told Yoriichi, with Chitoshi dead, right and wrong no longer mattered. He only wanted those responsible to pay, to share Chitoshi's fate—nothing more.
Yet Ren didn't realize his words had pushed Yoriichi's hatred for Muzan Kibutsuji to its zenith.
Everyone close to Yoriichi had perished because of Muzan, and now even his dearest disciple had been led astray.
Yoriichi wished time could rewind. He'd trade everything to return to years ago, to kill Muzan at any cost.
He wandered aimlessly, lost in a daze, until he reached the forest where he once lived with Uta.
Staring at the woods, he was overcome with memories. Stepping into his old home, he saw not only his happy days with Uta but also the lively moments with Ren and Chitoshi. Now, it all felt like fleeting clouds, vanished into nothing.
A clear, ringing shout broke through: "Lord Yoriichi!"
The call sliced through the fog of his memories, yanking him from the abyss of recollection.
He looked up, peering into the distance. Amid the vast, snowy expanse, a figure struggled toward him.
It was Tanjuro, carrying a large bundle of firewood, waving enthusiastically.
"Since we last parted, I thought I might never see you again. I didn't expect you back so soon," Tanjuro said.
At Tanjuro's home, Kie served Yoriichi hot food. Not wanting to trouble them, Yoriichi quickly accepted it.
"Sit, please, no need to fuss," he said.
Noticing Kie's swollen belly, Yoriichi paused. "You're…"
Kie smiled shyly. Tanjuro puffed out his chest proudly. "Heh, Kie's pregnant again!"
Their happiness eased Yoriichi's weary heart.
"How wonderful," he thought.
"Seeing you reminds me of Ren and Chitoshi," Kie sighed. "I wonder when they'll visit."
Tanjuro nodded, licking his lips. "Chitoshi's sushi was unmatched. I'd love to taste it again. He opened a shop, didn't he? If Kie weren't pregnant, I'd visit."
Kie added, "With Chitoshi running it, their shop must be thriving."
"Of course! Ren's so handsome, he'd draw crowds of girls to their place," Tanjuro said.
"Oh, I wonder when Ren and Chichi will marry and have kids. Come to think of it, they haven't replied to our last letter in ages," Kie said.
The couple chatted warmly, oblivious to Yoriichi's growing melancholy.
"Lord Yoriichi?" Noticing his silence, they glanced over, startled.
Yoriichi sat in the corner, shrouded in shadow, as if detached from their world.
"Is something wrong?" Kie asked cautiously. "Did we say something?"
"No," Yoriichi murmured, unsure how to respond or whether to reveal it.
Their lives were so blissful, so joyful. Telling them the truth would break their hearts.
As he wavered, Tanjuro asked, "Lord Yoriichi, have you heard back from Ren?"
Yoriichi's body tensed. After a pause, he said softly, "I have…"
Tanjuro leaned in eagerly. "Did they tell you about their lives now?"
Yoriichi opened his mouth to confess, but as his eyes met Tanjuro and Kie's curious, caring gazes, the words caught, suppressed by an unseen force.
"Yes," he said. "Ren said he and Chitoshi are doing well. Chitoshi's shop is popular, business is booming, and Ren's quite the crowd of admirers. They think of you often but are too busy to visit. They said if you can't come now, it's fine—they'll visit when they can."
Tanjuro beamed, clapping. "Ha! I knew Ren wouldn't forget us!"
Kie smiled, relieved.
Yoriichi's heart grew heavier, torn with complexity.
He couldn't tell them the cruel reality.
Their life was so beautiful. He didn't want to shatter it with his words.
Let them live in happy ignorance forever.
Let him bear the world's sorrows alone.
Yoriichi thought Tanjuro and Kie would always believe his lie, but the world doesn't always bend to wishes.
After staying a day, Yoriichi prepared to leave. Tanjuro and Kie saw him to the mountain's base.
As they were about to part, they encountered two Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen.
Instinctively, Yoriichi felt a surge of dread.
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🤦 : Oops! You've reached the limit for today. But just for your power stone and recommendation I might— no I would add additional Chapter.
20PS — 1 additional Chapter
40PS — 2 additional Chapter and special mention if you've contributed 3 or more PS.
That's all. Enjoy Reading!