And indoors,
Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat upright in the main seat.
Giyu and Obanai knelt side by side below.
Of course, the distance between the two was extremely wide, as if there was an insurmountable Chu-Han border between them.
Obanai's eyes would occasionally transform into throwing knives, stabbing at Giyu's cheek.
"Giyu, thank you for rushing back."
Kagaya's voice was gentle, yet it carried an undeniable air of authority.
"My Master flatter me." Giyu bowed slightly.
"The reason I've urgently summoned you two is because of a series of disappearances that have occurred at a large quarry in the west."
Kagaya's smile faded, and his expression turned serious.
"A few days ago, local civilians began disappearing one after another. Several Kinoto Rank team members we sent to investigate lost contact completely less than half an hour after entering the quarry."
"The Kakushi Division went to investigate and found... no whole bodies were left at the scene. There was only an overwhelming, nauseating stench of blood and scattered limbs."
Kagaya paused, his unfocused eyes seeming to pierce through the void, seeing the horrific scene:
"Based on the assessment of the residual Demon Aura at the scene!!"
"The evil spirits entrenched in the quarry this time are no ordinary fodder; they are very likely one of the Twelve Kizuki, or even... the Upper Rank."
Upon hearing the words "Upper Rank".
Obanai's heterochromatic pupils contracted, and a strong fighting spirit instantly erupted from his body!
"Upper Rank! I've finally encountered Upper Rank! These damned monsters! This time, I'll definitely teach them a lesson they won't forget!"
"And... I'm teaming up with Tomioka!"
"Hmph, this is a perfect opportunity!"
Obanai mentally calculating her options, but on the surface, she wore a disgusted and sour face:
"Since it's the Master's order, I'll reluctantly go. However..."
Obanai glanced coldly at Giyu there like a wooden statue, and Full Release her sharp tongue:
"My Master, are you sure you want this slow-witted, expressionless guy who's always lost in thought to come with me?"
Giyu remained unmoved by Obanai's daily provocations, not even blinking.
Kagaya listened to Obanai's complaints, but instead of getting angry, his smile deepened.
"Obanai's fighting spirit is very high, that's good!! However, the circumstances of this mission are somewhat special!!"
Kagaya continued:
"According to the last intelligence relayed by the Kakushi Division, some special drugs have grown around the quarry!"
Therefore, Giyu.
Kagaya turned towards Giyu, his tone becoming gentle yet cunning:
"Before heading to the quarry, you need to go to the Butterfly Mansion first!! Take Shinobu Kocho with you!!"
"In pharmacology and toxicology analysis, she is the most authoritative expert in the Demon Slayer Corps!!"
"Yes, ma'am. I will ensure her safety."
Giyu had no other thoughts.
My Oyakata-sama says to bring Jonin, then I'll bring Jonin!!
In his view, Ren was not only a colleague, but also a very close personal friend!
However--!
Obanai Iguro was standing next to him, was completely taken aback upon hearing those words!
"Bring... Shinobu Kocho?!"
Obanai's face turned from pale to ashen at a visible speed, and finally became as black as the bottom of a pot!
What kind of international joke is this?!
This was clearly a mission for Tomioka and me! This was my stage to prove my abilities to him!
Why did they have to shove a woman in here?! Especially that always-smiling, scheming, poison-wielding Shinobu Kocho?!
Obanai her, and even the way she looked at her Oyakata-sama carried a hint of incredulous resentment.
But military orders are absolute, and he could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.
"Yes... my Master."
Obanai squeezed out those words through gritted teeth.
Ten minutes later, in the backyard of the Butterfly Mansion.
The air was filled with the pleasant Wisteria that lingered year-round, mixed with the faint aroma of broth simmering in the kitchen.
Sunlight streamed onto the wooden corridor, making everything appear so peaceful and serene.
"Da, da, da."
Giyu walked steadily into the courtyard.
Behind him, Obanai stood with a dark expression, arms crossed, radiating an aura of "I'll bite anyone who dares to mess with me."
"Excuse me."
Giyu stopped in front of the corridor and gave a calm announcement.
"Oh dear, I was wondering why there were magpies chirping in the branches this morning. It turns out Mr. Giyu has returned!"
Accompanied by a sweet and charming voice,
Kanae Kocho, like a warm spring breeze, came out to greet us.
If Kanae in the past was a red rose blooming in the wind, with a touch of alluring initiative;
So, since that night of madness,
The current Kanae has undergone an astonishing transformation in her aura.
Her long, jet-black hair was not adorned with the usual elaborate butterfly hair ornaments; it was simply tied back with a wooden hairpin.
A few unruly strands of hair lazily draped down her fair and slender neck.
The kimono looked conservative, covering her up completely.
But--!
The mature charm of a woman thoroughly nourished by love
That incredibly slender waist and breathtakingly alluring curves,
Against the backdrop of conservative clothing, it creates a strikingly contrasting beauty!
Her every move exuded a captivating, mature charm that made hearts race.
It's a kind of gentle yet deadly charm that belongs to mature women.
"Mr. Giyu."
Kanae seemed to have only eyes for Giyu Tomioka Obanai dark aura, standing right next to her.
She walked lightly to Giyu.
The two were extremely close, so close that Giyu could clearly smell the mature woman's fragrance emanating from her.
"Our Master has already sent Kasugai Crow to inform us of this mission in advance."
"I heard the quarry area is very dangerous. Please be extremely careful on the road!!"
Kanae tilted her head slightly, looked into Giyu's eyes, and a happy smile appeared on her lips:
"I'll take care of things at home. I'm at the Butterfly Mansion, waiting for you to come back safely."
This intense atmosphere of "wives seeing their husbands off to war" brought the level of intimacy in the courtyard to its peak!
"Yes, I will."
A barely perceptible hint of gentleness flashed in Giyu's deep blue eyes.
He did not resist Kanae's touch; on the contrary, he seemed to enjoy it and lowered his head slightly, cooperating with her movements.
"..."
Meanwhile, Obanai Iguro was standing to the side.
Now,
He felt not only like a superfluous person, but also like a stray dog being fed dog food and about to die from overeating!
Three thick veins bulged on Obanai's forehead!
His heterochromatic eyes burned with the raging fire of jealousy and madness!
What the hell is this?!
In broad daylight, under the clear sky!
Tomioka, you depraved bastard! Where's your Kenshin?! Where's your ruthlessness?! You went weak after being touched by this woman a couple of times?!
And this Kanae Kocho! What kind of look is that?! Do you really think you're Tomioka's wife?!
I'm so angry! So angry! Why am I standing here watching them show off their love?!
Obanai gritted her teeth in anger, and the Kaburamaru on her neck hissed in frustration.
Hey! I'm talking to you two!
Finally, Obanai couldn't take it anymore. He stepped forward, pointed at the "old married couple," and unleashed a barrage of venomous words like a machine gun:
"Stop dawdling here! We're going to slay demons, not go on a spring outing!"
"If you want to flirt, go back to your room after the war! Don't waste my precious time here!"
Faced with Obanai's furious roar...
Kanae calmly withdrew her hands, turned her head, and gave Obanai a dignified and elegant smile:
"Oh dear, Mr. Iguro, it's not good for you to be so angry~"
"While slaying demons is important, maintaining a good mindset is also part of the tactics."
"You--!"