Danger Approaches

The next day, Han Zhiqi rose early and changed into a brand-new white haori Shinobu Kocho had sent over the night before. Several wisteria blossoms were embroidered on the back, while a few six-pointed snowflakes adorned the front.

He did not know whether the wisteria had been there originally or whether Shinobu Kocho had specially asked someone to add it, but either way, he liked the haori very much.

Wisteria had been his sister's favorite flower. Wearing it on his back would let him think of her at all times, and he felt this garment would surely bring him good luck.

Clothes made the man, and saddles made the horse.

After days of recuperation, a hint of color had finally returned to Han Zhiqi's pale face, and his listless spirits had recovered considerably. Now, dressed in a solemn white haori, he looked completely renewed—like a noble young master from a wealthy family, an elegant and handsome youth.

Han Zhiqi neatly folded his old patient's clothes and placed them beside his pillow, then carefully hung the pendant his sister had left him around his neck.

After finishing everything, he left the room.

Shinobu Kocho had told him to pack up, but he had nothing to pack. He had brought nothing when he came, yet when he left, he had gained a fine piece of clothing instead.

It was still early, and the others at the Butterfly Mansion apparently had not gotten up yet.

Han Zhiqi sat down on the steps and continued doing what he had done several days ago: staring blankly at the courtyard gate.

Over the past few days, he had grown attached to the Butterfly Mansion. Whether it was the surroundings or the people, he had come to like them. Although those female nurses had been annoyingly chatty, now that he was about to leave, he felt a little reluctant to part with them.

Before long, clear footsteps sounded along the corridor beside him. Even without turning around, he knew who it was now—Kanao Tsuyuri.

Ever since arriving at the Butterfly Mansion, Kanao Tsuyuri had been an especially unique presence to him. She had probably counted every last hair on his head by now.

Sure enough, Kanao Tsuyuri came over and continued playing with his white hair. She seemed not to have noticed that he looked somewhat different from usual today.

Han Zhiqi was not annoyed by Kanao Tsuyuri. Instead, he found her rather cute. It was precisely this silent companionship that had helped him endure those first few days.

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

As though she understood, Kanao Tsuyuri stopped what she was doing.

Han Zhiqi did not know what had happened to Kanao Tsuyuri, but he always felt as though her soul had been sealed inside this unresponsive shell of a body.

Perhaps because he was leaving, the Butterfly Mansion trio was not as chattery as usual. During the meal, they repeatedly shot Han Zhiqi strange looks, making the atmosphere at the table equally strange.

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

As they passed through the courtyard, they spotted Aoi Kanzaki hiding in a corner and secretly watching him. The moment she was noticed, she quickly hid again.

Ever since the two of them had fought three nights ago, Aoi Kanzaki had avoided him at every turn for some unknown reason.

Shinobu Kocho had also noticed Aoi Kanzaki in the corner, but she said nothing.

It was not until they had left the courtyard that Shinobu Kocho spoke. "Aoi's family was killed by demons. To avenge them, she worked hard to become a Demon Slayer Corps member. But during her first real mission, she witnessed her comrades die and saw firsthand how powerful demons were. It left her deeply traumatized. Since then, she has remained at the Butterfly Mansion to help me and has never gone on another demon-hunting mission."

Han Zhiqi remained silent. During their fight that night, he had sensed that the woman's resolve had been badly shaken.

"She longs to be like you—to be brave and fearless, to face death head-on. But a girl's strength is limited, after all. She cannot even cut through a demon's neck. If she goes onto the battlefield, she will only be throwing her life away. Many Demon Slayer Corps members who left the Butterfly Mansion never returned. She probably has something she wants to say to you."

Seeing Han Zhiqi merely walking with his head lowered without saying a word, Shinobu Kocho wrapped an arm around his shoulders, pulled him into her embrace, leaned close to his ear, and whispered, "Maybe Aoi has fallen for you."

"Y-You... don't talk nonsense."

Han Zhiqi's face turned red with embarrassment. He quickly broke free from Shinobu Kocho's embrace, thinking, This woman has no shame at all. Casually pulling and tugging at boys like this—it's utterly improper.

"Little brat, and now you're getting shy. I left a room for you. If you aren't out on a mission, you can stay at the Butterfly Mansion."

"Mm."

"Mm? Is that all? Do you even know how to say thank you, little brat?"

Shinobu Kocho pulled Han Zhiqi into her embrace again and pinched his cheek.

"And one more thing—these clothes weren't a free gift. Once you start earning money, you have to pay me back."

"I-I'll pay you back. Y-You stingy woman."

"You dare call me stingy? I haven't even charged you for food, lodging, or medical treatment yet."

"..."

Near noon, the two arrived at the foot of a mountain. Strange rumbling sounds came from somewhere nearby.

"This mountain is called White Dragon Mountain. There's a waterfall in the mountains that resembles a white dragon descending from the heavens, which is how it got its name. All right, I can only take you this far. You'll have to travel the rest of the way on your own."

Shinobu Kocho pointed at the narrow trail before them. "Follow this path straight up. Near the summit, a cultivator will be waiting for you. Don't underestimate him—he's Mr. Himejima's teacher. Well? I didn't break my promise, did I?"

Han Zhiqi had been somewhat disappointed at first, but when he heard that it was the Stone Hashira's teacher, his confidence immediately reignited.

"I understand. You should go back."

Without looking back, Han Zhiqi followed the path toward the mountain summit.

"The cultivator's name is Aoyanagi Hyōbei! You must call him Mr. Aoyanagi or Mr. Hyōbei—you mustn't be rude!"

Shinobu Kocho cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted at Han Zhiqi's retreating back.

Whether he heard her or not, Han Zhiqi's figure was soon obscured by the shade of the trees lining both sides of the mountain path, swallowed by darkness.

"Ah, what a strange child. He didn't even say thank you. Not cute at all."

Shinobu Kocho shook her head and turned onto the road home.

What she did not know was that Han Zhiqi was currently standing beneath a concealed patch of shade, watching her.

Shinobu Kocho was like a butterfly dancing gracefully beneath the sunlight. Only after she had vanished completely did Han Zhiqi resume his climb toward the summit.

Deep in the forest, a blue-faced, fanged demon was crouched over a bloodied, mangled wild boar, tearing into its flesh. Suddenly, as if it had caught the scent of some delicious food, it turned to look behind it.

It closed its eyes and sniffed the air.

A moment later, it opened them, excitement blooming in its tawny brown pupils.

New prey had entered the forest, and it was clearly more enticing than the wild boar on the ground.

A hoarse growl came from the demon's throat. It abandoned the boar, scrambled up a large tree on all fours, and sped toward the source of the prey's scent.