---
"It's him, it's him, it's him!"
The black crow on Butterfly Kanae's shoulder flapped its wings excitedly, jumping around and shouting at the top of its lungs. After the demon had vanished, Kanae finally allowed herself to relax, her body easing from its tense posture.
Though Kanae cherished the idea of coexistence between humans and demons, she knew the harsh reality. Humans feared and detested demons, and demons saw humans as nothing more than prey. True harmony between the two was impossible.
Yet, something about this demon was different.
Kanae's eyes sparkled with curiosity. The demon she had just encountered exuded no malice. According to the crow, this demon was hunting other demons and had even directed the crow to bring humans to safety. All signs indicated he was unlike any other demon she had encountered.
Regretfully, he had disappeared before any conversation could take place.
Kanae explored Natagumo Mountain further but found no other demons or any trace of the golden-eyed demon she had seen. With nothing more to discover, she headed back to the Butterfly Estate.
---
By the time Kanae had tended to the injured, evening had fallen. The warm, familiar glow of the Butterfly Estate was a welcome sight.
As she stepped out of the ward, she saw a familiar figure at the entrance. A tired but gentle smile crossed her face.
"Shinobu, you're back!" Kanae greeted her younger sister.
"Welcome home, sister. I heard you went on a mission last night?" Shinobu asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
Kanae nodded, smiling. "Yes, but it wasn't to kill demons. I went to rescue people."
Shinobu accepted this without much surprise. The Butterfly Estate, which they ran, was a key medical facility for the Demon Slayer Corps, and rescuing the injured was part of their duty.
But Kanae, eager to share her unusual experience, continued, "Shinobu, I met a very interesting demon during this mission."
Shinobu's eyes widened. "Sister, I thought you said you weren't hunting demons?"
Kanae smiled mysteriously. "I didn't kill him."
Shinobu was even more astonished. She knew her sister's compassionate nature and her hope for a world where humans and demons could coexist. But Kanae had always adhered strictly to her duty.
This was the first time she had heard of Kanae sparing a demon.
Understanding Shinobu's surprise, Kanae gently tapped her on the forehead with a smile. "What are you thinking? I didn't let him go without reason."
---
As night fell, the world outside was quickly engulfed in darkness. Inside the cozy estate, Kanae and Shinobu sat on the bedside, each holding a cup of tea.
"It was indeed a very unusual demon," Kanae said, recounting the events. She described how the demon had killed other demons, absorbed their essence, and even helped save humans—actions entirely uncharacteristic of any demon they knew.
"If you ever encounter him, Shinobu, be very careful. His presence is powerful, akin to that of the Twelve Kizuki," Kanae warned.
"A Lower Rank demon?" Shinobu's tone was serious. "Did he have any distinguishing features?"
Kanae thought for a moment. "He's tall, very handsome, and looks almost human. The most striking feature is his golden vertical pupils."
"Golden vertical pupils?" Shinobu's hand paused mid-air, the teacup barely missing her lips.
Kanae immediately noticed her sister's reaction. "What's wrong? Have you seen a demon like him before?"
Shinobu shook her head slowly. "Not seen, but… I've heard something that might be related."
Curious, Kanae leaned forward. "Tell me."
Shinobu took a deep breath and began, "Do you remember the mission I had recently? I went to investigate a case that turned out to be humans committing crimes under the guise of demons. During that investigation, I met a man named Mr. Aomura. At first, I suspected he might be a demon because of his peculiar behavior."
She paused, gathering her thoughts. "But after observing him going out during the day, I dismissed the idea."
Kanae listened intently, her expression thoughtful. "There are two possibilities. One, it's a mere coincidence, and Mr. Aomura has no connection to the demon with golden eyes. Two, he could be the very same demon I encountered, and somehow he has overcome the effects of sunlight."
Shinobu's face grew serious. The implications were staggering. "If he has indeed conquered the sun, it's a disaster. Our Nichirin Blades are only effective because they absorb sunlight. If a demon no longer fears the sun, beheading them might not be enough to kill them anymore."
Kanae, sensing her sister's distress, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry too much, Shinobu. Even if Mr. Aomura is the demon I saw, he appears to be hostile to other demons and has shown no ill will towards humans."
Shinobu was less optimistic. She recalled the massacre Mr. Aomura had orchestrated, killing hundreds of criminals in one night. While they were indeed wicked, his actions indicated a capacity for extreme violence. If he was a demon, the danger he posed would be immense.
"We need to inform the higher-ups about this, sister," Shinobu insisted.
Kanae nodded. "I'll report the golden-eyed demon's presence to the Corps, and I'll share your findings about Mr. Aomura. We need to be vigilant, but we should also avoid unnecessary panic."
Shinobu agreed, though her concern remained palpable. A demon that could withstand sunlight and possess such formidable strength and elusive abilities was a threat unlike any they had faced before.
"Let's hope it's just a coincidence," Kanae added, trying to soothe her sister's worries. "Even Kibutsuji Muzan himself hasn't overcome the sun. If a demon had managed such a feat, Muzan would likely be pursuing him relentlessly. So far, we've seen no sign of such an upheaval."
Shinobu nodded, slightly reassured by Kanae's reasoning.
---
Reflecting on their discussion, Shinobu thought of her friend, Mitsuri Kanroji, who was training to master breathing techniques. Mitsuri's strength and talent suggested she might become a Hashira one day. How would she react to the news of Mr. Aomura being a demon?
Mitsuri had joined the Demon Slayer Corps with a desire to protect others, inspired by the belief that even someone as powerful as Mr. Aomura could be a force for good.
Shinobu desperately hoped it was all just a coincidence. The idea that Mr. Aomura, a figure Mitsuri admired, could be a demon was unsettling.
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T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 15 chapters.
Patreon link:- patreon.com/ANelite
And also give me some power stones!!
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