---
"Sister, it hurts so much," Shinobu muttered, her small voice trembling as she sank into the tatami mat. Her brows furrowed, and her delicate hands clutched at her aching arms.
Kanae knelt beside her, her warm, sympathetic gaze softening as she gently pulled Shinobu into a comforting embrace. "Shinobu, maybe you should rest tomorrow. Skipping one day of training won't hurt."
"No, sister." Shinobu shook her head, determination glinting in her tired eyes. "I need to keep going. I'll get stronger, no matter what."
Kanae sighed, brushing Shinobu's bangs aside to plant a light kiss on her forehead. "All right. But at least let me help you. We'll find some herbs to ease the pain. Do you remember what we need?"
Shinobu nodded, her tone suddenly steadier as she listed the medicinal plants and ingredients. Despite her exhaustion, her knowledge of remedies shone through—an echo of their late father's teachings.
Kanae smiled softly. "I'll be right back." Rising to her feet, she winced as the day's training caught up with her, the soreness in her muscles pulsing with each step. She stretched briefly before heading to the adjoining room.
Inside, the faint smell of dried herbs lingered. The medicine box was tucked neatly on the shelf, just as their father had left it years ago. Kanae rummaged through it, pulling out the ingredients Shinobu had mentioned. Memories tugged at her heart—her father's patient smile as he explained each herb's purpose, Shinobu's wide-eyed curiosity as she helped mix salves and tonics.
Back then, Shinobu's world was bright. But now...
Kanae's chest tightened. If that tragedy hadn't torn their family apart, maybe Shinobu would still be smiling like she used to. Maybe she wouldn't wake up crying from nightmares, or carry such an all-consuming anger in her heart.
She shook her head, blinking away the sudden blur in her vision. No use dwelling on what couldn't be changed. Shinobu needed her now.
Returning to the main room, Kanae found her sister hunched over a small grinding stone. Despite the pain etched on her face, Shinobu worked methodically, mixing and crushing the herbs until a faint, soothing aroma filled the air. Her hands moved with the precision of someone far older than her years.
"Here." Shinobu handed Kanae a small container of salve, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "Apply this to the sore spots. It'll help."
Kanae followed her sister's instructions, spreading the cool mixture over her arms and shoulders. A refreshing chill seeped into her skin, the ache in her muscles ebbing away.
"This is amazing, Shinobu," Kanae said with a genuine smile. "Your medicines always work wonders."
Shinobu looked down, her hands fidgeting with the edge of her haori. "It's not enough. If only I had your strength... your resilience..."
Kanae's heart ached at her sister's words. She reached out, gently taking Shinobu's hands in hers. "Shinobu, you don't need to be like me. You're strong in your own way. Look at what you've created—this medicine wouldn't exist without you."
For a moment, Shinobu's lips quirked up, but the weight in her gaze didn't entirely lift. Instead, she deflected, her tone turning teasing. "Have you noticed, sister? Mrs. Kie seems awfully fond of Mr. Ryuji."
Kanae's cheeks flushed as she straightened, her voice suddenly firm. "Shinobu, don't start spreading nonsense."
---
In the Taisho era, a woman's reputation was considered sacred—so much so that many had been known to sacrifice their lives to preserve it.
"Sister, I'm not making things up."
Shinobu's voice dropped to a whisper as she leaned closer to Kanae. "I've noticed something. Mrs. Kie seems to be… pregnant."
Kanae paused, her eyes narrowing in disbelief. "Pregnant? Shinobu, are you certain? That… that doesn't seem possible."
Shinobu tilted her head slightly, her gaze sharp and unwavering. "Do you doubt my medical skills? I'm not mistaken."
Kanae's lips parted as if to argue, but no words came. She trusted Shinobu's abilities implicitly—after all, her younger sister's medical expertise had been praised even by their late father, who had been the most respected doctor in the region. If Shinobu said it was true, it likely was.
Kanae's expression softened, though her brows remained knit in concern. "I don't understand. Mrs. Kie… she lost her husband years ago, didn't she? Could she have…?"
Shinobu shrugged, her small fingers playing with the hem of her haori. "It's not unheard of. A woman in her position remarrying isn't a crime, but…" She hesitated, her voice lowering. "You know how people are. They'll talk."
Kanae nodded grimly. "They always do. And in their eyes, a woman's honor is everything. Even if she's done nothing wrong, they'll still twist it into something ugly."
"But sister…" Shinobu leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Who do you think the father is?"
Kanae's breath hitched. She didn't want to entertain the thought, but as her gaze met Shinobu's, a silent understanding passed between them.
"It couldn't be…" Kanae whispered, dread creeping into her voice. "Surely not Ryuji-sensei?"
Shinobu didn't respond immediately, her expression unreadable. But the silence spoke volumes.
Kanae shook her head, the very idea unsettling her. Ryuji was a renowned Demon Slayer—strong, disciplined, and respected. How could someone like him be involved in something so scandalous?
"Shinobu, don't jump to conclusions," Kanae said firmly. "Sensei is a man of integrity. He wouldn't…"
"Wouldn't he?" Shinobu's tone was pointed, her fingers tapping softly on the table. "Think about it. He spends so much time at the estate, training us, interacting with everyone. Even Mrs. Kie. Is it really that impossible?"
Kanae hesitated, her faith in their teacher wavering for the briefest of moments. She shook her head, dispelling the doubt. "It doesn't matter. We shouldn't assume anything without proof. Spreading rumors could ruin lives."
Shinobu's lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained sharp. "You're right, of course. But sister, don't you think you should be cautious around him?"
"Cautious?" Kanae blinked, taken aback. "What are you saying?"
Shinobu's gaze darkened, her voice dropping even lower. "Haven't you noticed during training? The way he looks at you? It's not the same as how he looks at the others."
Kanae's cheeks flushed, and she quickly waved her hands. "Shinobu! Don't say such things. That's completely inappropriate!"
"I'm not imagining it," Shinobu said calmly, her eyes narrowing. "You're the most talented and beautiful woman in the region, sister. Everyone admires you—why wouldn't Ryuji-sensei?"
"That's enough," Kanae interrupted, her voice sharp. "We're here to train and protect people, not gossip about our teacher. You shouldn't let your imagination run wild."
Shinobu fell silent, but the look on her face made it clear that she wasn't convinced. Instead, she reached for a small tray of sweets on the table, her demeanor shifting abruptly. "Fine, fine. Let's just have some snacks, shall we?"
Kanae sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Honestly, Shinobu… sometimes you're too perceptive for your own good."
Shinobu smiled faintly, but her thoughts lingered on the unease she had felt during training. Whether Kanae wanted to admit it or not, there was something unusual about Ryuji-sensei's behavior.
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