Danger Approaches

The next day, Han Zhiqi woke up early and changed into a brand-new white haori that Shinobu Kocho had given him the night before. The back of the haori was embroidered with wisteria flowers, and the front had several six-petaled snowflakes.

He didn't know if the wisteria flowers were always there or if Shinobu Kocho had specifically asked for them to be added, but either way, he really liked this haori.

Wisteria was his sister's favorite flower. Wearing it, he could think of his sister all the time. He felt this outfit would surely bring him good luck.

As the saying goes, clothes make the man.

After days of rest, Han Zhiqi's pale face finally had a touch of color, and his listless spirit had recovered considerably. Now, dressed in a pure white and solemn haori, he looked completely radiant, as if he had transformed into someone else – a noble young master from a wealthy family, a dashing young man.

Han Zhiqi neatly folded the patient clothes he had changed out of and placed them by his pillow. Then, he carefully hung the pendant his sister had left him around his neck.

With everything done, he walked out of the room.

Shinobu Kocho had asked him to pack, but he had nothing to pack. He had arrived with nothing, and now he was leaving with a nice set of clothes.

It was still early, and the others at the Butterfly Mansion seemed to be still asleep.

Han Zhiqi sat on the steps, continuing what he had been doing a few days ago, staring blankly at the courtyard gate.

Over the past few days, he had developed feelings for the Butterfly Mansion, both for the environment and the people. Although those chattering nurses were annoying, he felt a sense of reluctance to leave now.

Not long after, he heard clear footsteps from the corridor beside him. Nowadays, even without looking back, he knew who it was—Kanao Tsuyuri.

Since arriving at the Butterfly Mansion, Kanao Tsuyuri had been an extremely special presence to him. He probably knew how many hairs he had on his head.

As expected, Kanao Tsuyuri came to his side and continued to play with his white hair. She didn't seem to notice that the person in front of her was a little different from usual today.

Han Zhiqi wasn't annoyed by Kanao Tsuyuri; instead, he found her very cute. It was this silent companionship that helped him get through the first few days.

"Kanao Tsuyuri, that's a very nice name. I'm leaving today, so you'll have to find something else to play with from now on," Han Zhiqi turned to look at her.

Kanao Tsuyuri seemed to understand and stopped what she was doing.

Han Zhiqi didn't know what had happened to Kanao Tsuyuri, but he always felt as if her soul was sealed within a not-so-functional body.

Perhaps because he was leaving, the Butterfly Mansion trio didn't chatter as much as usual. During breakfast, they kept giving Han Zhiqi strange glances, making the atmosphere at the table quite awkward.

After breakfast, Shinobu Kocho prepared to take Han Zhiqi to where the trainer lived.

As they passed the courtyard, they saw Aoi Kanzaki hiding in the corner, secretly watching him. When she was discovered, she quickly hid.

Ever since the night three days ago when they had fought, Aoi Kanzaki had been avoiding him for some reason over the past few days.

Shinobu Kocho also noticed Aoi Kanzaki in the corner but didn't say anything.

It wasn't until they left the courtyard that Shinobu Kocho spoke, "Aoi's family was all killed by demons. To avenge her family, she worked hard to become a Demon Slayer Corps member, but during her first practical mission, she witnessed the death of her teammates and the power of demons, which caused severe psychological trauma. Since then, she has been staying at the Butterfly Mansion helping me and hasn't gone on any demon-slaying missions."

Han Zhiqi remained silent. During their fight that night, he had noticed that the woman's state of mind was extremely unstable.

"She really wants to be brave and face death like you all, but a girl's strength is limited after all. She can't even sever a demon's neck, and she'd only be sending herself to her death on the battlefield. Many Demon Slayer Corps members who left the Butterfly Mansion never returned. She probably has something she wants to tell you."

Seeing Han Zhiqi just walking along silently without saying a word, Shinobu Kocho put an arm around his shoulder, pulled him into her embrace, and whispered in his ear, "Maybe Aoi has fallen for you."

"You... you're talking nonsense."

Han Zhiqi blushed and quickly broke free from Shinobu Kocho's embrace, thinking how shameless this woman was, casually getting close to a boy like that. It was really unbecoming.

"Little kid, you're getting shy. I've saved a room for you. If you're not on a mission, you can stay at the Butterfly Mansion."

"Okay."

"Okay? Is that all you have to say? Little kid, do you even know what 'thank you' means?"

Shinobu Kocho hugged Han Zhiqi again and pinched his cheeks.

"Also, this outfit isn't a free gift. You have to pay me back when you start earning money."

"I... I'll pay you back, you... you stingy woman."

"You dare call me stingy? I haven't even asked you for the cost of food, lodging, and medical care yet."

"..."

As it neared noon, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain. Strange rumbling sounds could be heard not far away.

"This mountain is called White Dragon Mountain. The waterfall inside resembles a white dragon descending from the heavens, hence its name. Alright, I can only escort you this far. You'll have to walk the rest of the way yourself."

Shinobu Kocho pointed to a narrow mountain path in front of them. "Follow this path all the way up, and when you're almost at the summit, there's a trainer waiting for you. Don't underestimate this trainer, though. He's Mr. Himejima's master. How about that, I haven't gone back on my word, have I?"

Han Zhiqi was initially a bit disappointed, but when he heard that it was the Stone Hashira's master, his confidence reignited.

"I understand. You can go back now."

Han Zhiqi walked up the mountain path without looking back.

"The trainer's name is Aoyanagi Hyōbei. You should call him Mr. Aoyanagi or Mr. Hyōbei. Don't be rude!"

Shinobu Kocho shouted towards Han Zhiqi's retreating back, her hands cupped around her mouth.

Whether he heard her or not, Han Zhiqi's figure was soon obscured by the trees lining the mountain path, disappearing into the shadows.

"Sigh, what a strange child. Not even a word of thanks, not cute at all."

Shinobu Kocho shook her head and turned to head back.

However, she didn't know that Han Zhiqi was standing under a hidden tree shade, watching her.

Shinobu Kocho looked like a butterfly dancing in the sunlight. Only after she had completely disappeared did Han Zhiqi resume his walk toward the summit.

Deep within the forest, a green-faced, fanged demon was tearing into a bloody, mangled wild boar. Suddenly, as if it had caught the scent of something delicious, it turned its head to look behind it.

It closed its eyes and sniffed the air.

A moment later, it opened its eyes, a glint of excitement shining in its yellowish-brown pupils.

New prey had entered the forest, and clearly, this new prey was more appealing than the wild boar on the ground.

The demon let out a hoarse growl from its throat, abandoned the wild boar, and scrambled up a large tree with its hands and feet, rushing towards the direction of the prey's scent.