The sun rose on the horizon as a team of Kakushi arrived at the scene. The manor was filled with lifeless bodies—men, women, and even a child—a cruel testament to Muzan's indifference toward human life.
Meanwhile, Kanae sent a mission report detailing the events that happened to Ubuyashiki through her Kasugai crow.
Once everything was sorted and the scene secured, the group left the place and began their journey to the Butterfly Mansion.
On their way back, Kanae, who had been silent for a while, finally spoke up. "How do you know all this?" she asked. It puzzled her how Ryou seemed to know things that even Oyakata-sama might not know.
"Let's just say I know things beyond your comprehension," Ryou replied mystifyingly.
"Hmph! Pretending to be mysterious." She snorted playfully.
"Kanae, I didn't tell you all this just to expand your knowledge. I wanted you to understand that Muzan has no pride—his only instinct is survival. If he senses that his life is in danger, he won't hesitate to flee without a second thought.
Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"
Kanae nodded with a deep expression. "I understand. We might only have one chance to strike. If we miss it, countless more will suffer in the years to come."
"Exactly! So, let's wait for the right opportunity. Our time is coming! If we remain patient, we will have our chance." Ryou said.
"'The time is coming'? Why do you say that?" Kanae asked in confusion.
"Muzan's ultimate goal is to conquer the sun," Ryou explained. "The reason he creates demons is to see if any of them can achieve that and develop the ability to withstand sunlight."
Kanae was startled by his words. "Are you saying there's a demon who can conquer the sunlight?"
"There's a possibility," Ryou nodded. "And if Muzan absorbs that demon, he'll conquer the sun and can walk in the sunlight."
"We can't allow that to happen," Kanae said with her brow furrowed, "If he achieves his goal, there's no way we can defeat him."
"Yes. But, it's also an opportunity." Ryou said. Noticing her worried look, he reassured Kanae with a smile, "With me here, nothing will go wrong!"
--
Ubuyashiki Mansion
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat quietly in his dimly lit study, listening as his wife, Amane, read aloud the contents of a letter delivered by his Kasugai crow. As she finished, a heavy silence settled in the room.
After a moment, Kagaya spoke in a calm voice. "I see... they encountered that man, Upper Moon One, Kokushibo.
Thankfully, I sent Ryou with Kanae. If it were others, we might have lost two Hashira today." There was a hint of relief in his tone. "It's impressive that Ryou was able to fight Kokushibo without losing. To fight against him without losing... Ryou is truly the strongest Demon Slayer in the Corps right now!"
Amane, standing by his side, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, but it's frustrating that we've once again lost his trail. Muzan Kibutsuji remains as elusive as ever."
Kagaya's lips curved into a faint, reassuring smile. "It's alright. We have gathered some of the strongest Demon Slayers in recent years. As long as we continue to fight, another chance will come."
Though he couldn't see, he turned his face toward the window, feeling the warmth of the sun's rays on his skin, determination gleamed in his eyes.
He said in a soft but firm tone, "We just need one opportunity to lure Muzan out. And when he finally shows himself, we must strike with everything we have and end this cycle of suffering once and for all."
--
Butterfly Mansion,
After two days of travel, Ryou and Kanae finally arrived at the Butterfly Mansion. Meanwhile, Tatsuya and Haruka had already gone on another mission.
"What? Sister, did you encounter Upper Moon One? That's so dangerous!" Shinobu exclaimed, her eyes wide with shock.
"You girl... did you forget that I went with your sister?" Ryou interjected. "With me around, there's no such thing as danger. Even Upper Moon One fled when he realized he couldn't defeat me," he added, feigning a proud expression.
Shinobu played along, by praising him to the sky. "You're amazing, Ryou-san. My sister is so lucky to have you. Did you make any progress, like a hero rescuing a damsel in distress?"
"Naturally," Ryou replied with a grin. "Your sister is already in my grasp."
"Really?!" Shinobu exclaimed.
"You two..." Kanae interjected in a sharp tone and swiftly put an end to their playful banter by pinching both Shinobu's and Ryou's ears and twisting fiercely.
She then calmly shifted the conversation by asking, "How are the three of them doing, Shinobu?"
It had been 15 days since the battle at Mount Natagumo. After their grueling fight with the Spider Family, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke were sent to the Butterfly Mansion for treatment. Shinobu had taken on the responsibility of overseeing their recovery.
"I've been putting them through rehabilitation training," Shinobu explained. "Due to the severe injuries they sustained during the mission, they need this training to fully heal their bodies and be ready for the upcoming missions."
"Let's go and see them. I'm particularly interested in that boy named Tanjiro and his sister Nezuko," Kanae said with a hint of interest.
"Me too," Ryou added. He was interested in the Sun Breathing, if he could copy it with his Sharingan, perhaps it could be used to enhance Kanae's strength or other breathing techniques.
In the backyard of the Butterfly Mansion, Tanjiro was diligently practicing his Total Concentration Breathing. He was focused intently on trying to blow a small, hollow gourd.
As they came, Tanjiro noticed their arrival and immediately paused what he was doing. He greeted them with a warm smile. "Shinobu-san, Kanae-san, Ryou-san... good to see you all!"
"How's your rehabilitation training coming along?" Kanae asked with a smile, her eyes kind.
Tanjiro nodded enthusiastically. "It's going well! I'm working hard to master Total Concentration Breathing. It's difficult, but I'm getting better every day."
"Good. How's your sister?" Kanae asked.
"She's still asleep," Tanjiro replied with a smile. "And Kanae-san, thank you for taking us into the Butterfly Mansion."
"Okay. Take care of yourself, and get well soon!" Kanae said warmly, turning to leave with Shinobu. Just as she was about to step away, Tanjiro called out to her.
"Just a minute... Kanae-san, Ryou-san there's something I want to ask," Tanjiro began hesitantly his eyes filled with hope. "Umm...Have you ever heard of the Hinokami Kagura dance?"
Kanae tilted her head, pondering for a moment, then shook her head gently. "No, I haven't," She then turned towards Ryou, who had been silent, and asked. "Have you heard of it?"
--
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