Rengoku Kyojuro seemed a little disappointed that Yohan and Kanroji Mitsuri had chosen not to join the Demon Slayer Corps. However, he still respected their decision.
After all, everyone had their own reasons for making certain choices—just as he himself had once decided to become the Flame Hashira.
Yohan looked at Rengoku's expression, his emotions practically written all over his face.
This guy is really too easy to read.
So, Yohan spoke up. "But, Rengoku, since you'll be continuing your investigation, how about we travel together?"
Right now, Yohan strongly suspected that the demons were searching for him specifically. If another fight broke out, he wasn't confident he could both protect Kanroji and fight at full strength. But if they traveled with Rengoku, at least during battles, Rengoku could help keep Kanroji safe, allowing Yohan to focus entirely on the fight.
"Alright, Yohan! Let's go together, then!"
"Haha!"
Rengoku agreed immediately, feeling that this arrangement was indeed a good idea.
Previously, he had rejected their involvement because he didn't want them stepping into the world of demons. But now that he knew they had already fought and even slain Lower Rank Three, it was impossible to keep them out of it anymore. Since that was the case, traveling together would make things safer for everyone.
As the two men burst into hearty laughter, Kanroji, who had been fully absorbed in her meal, finally raised her head.
Huh?
What just happened while I was "battling" my food?
Slurping up the last strand of noodles hanging from her lips, Kanroji felt like she had missed something important.
…
Leaving the ramen shop, they followed Rengoku through the streets.
After a few twists and turns, they arrived at an old manor.
Standing at the entrance, Rengoku introduced, "This is our base of operations in this town."
"Come inside, I'll show you around."
Following Rengoku into the manor, they were met with a sight quite different from its exterior.
Despite looking old and worn from the outside, the interior was spacious and well-maintained. The walls bore markings of wisteria flowers, and numerous individuals clad in black uniforms busily moved about.
However, when these people noticed Rengoku's arrival, most of them stopped what they were doing and respectfully greeted him.
"Rengoku-sama."
It was clear that Rengoku was well-liked by the people here.
Rengoku greeted them back with a smile, then turned to Yohan and Kanroji.
"Yohan, Kanroji," he explained, "these people are our Demon Slayer Corps' logistics division—also known as the Kakushi."
"They handle things like battlefield cleanup, intelligence gathering, and treating the wounded."
"Never underestimate them. While they may not be as strong as the combat divisions, they contribute just as much to our fight against demons."
It was clear that Rengoku deeply respected the Kakushi, and he hoped Yohan and Kanroji would as well.
"I agree completely," Yohan said sincerely.
"M-Me too!" Kanroji quickly added.
Both of them fully understood the importance of battlefield logistics. A war wasn't won by warriors alone—there were always problems they couldn't handle.
The existence of the Kakushi allowed the Demon Slayers to focus solely on fighting.
Perhaps that was one of the reasons why the Demon Slayer Corps had been able to persist for so long, even under Muzan Kibutsuji's reign of terror.
Just then, a raspy voice interrupted their conversation.
"Oh, Kyojuro, stop flattering them. They are simply doing what they volunteered to do."
An elderly woman, hunched over and draped in a long robe embroidered with wisteria patterns, slowly emerged from the side.
She smiled kindly at Yohan and Kanroji.
"You two must be Yohan and Kanroji Mitsuri—the ones young Kyojuro mentioned in his letter. The ones who slew Lower Rank Three."
"I am the caretaker of this manor, a member of the Fujikasane House."
"Thank you, and welcome."
After speaking, she turned and slowly walked away.
Kanroji, still processing what had just happened, whispered to Rengoku, "That elderly woman… she came all the way here just to welcome us?"
Rengoku watched her departing figure and sighed.
"We all call her Grandma Reiko. She's been here since the very start of my time in the Demon Slayer Corps."
"She is a member of the Fujikasane House. The Fujikasane family was saved by the Demon Slayer Corps long ago, and ever since, they have dedicated themselves to supporting us without asking for anything in return."
"As for Grandma Reiko… Her family was killed by demons many years ago, leaving her the only survivor. Ever since then, she has lived here alone."
"She probably came just to thank you personally for what you've done."
Kanroji was visibly moved by the story. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she tugged on Yohan's sleeve.
"Yohan… do you think we…"
She clearly felt deeply affected by the elderly woman's words.
Yohan gently patted Kanroji's head and met her gaze. His voice was calm but unwavering.
"Mitsuri, do you trust me?"
"Of course," she responded, her voice slightly choked with emotion.
Yohan's tone was firm.
"Then that's enough."
"I will put an end to all of this."