It Was Always Meant to Be This Warm

Sanemi Shinazugawa knew Tsugikuni Kuuga practiced some strange dance, but this was his first time seeing the full version of Tai Chi.

Kuuga finished his set of Tai Chi quickly. Oyakata-sama couldn't make sense of it, but he still clapped politely.

"You're really going to teach this to Master? You think it'll work?" Sanemi questioned.

"An ignorant fool like you wouldn't understand!" Kuuga shot back.

"I can't follow it, but I sense it's profound!" Oyakata-sama nodded.

"At least Master sees clearly—unlike some idiot!"

"Who are you calling an idiot?!"

"I didn't say you. If you take it that way, I can't help it!" Kuuga shrugged helplessly.

"What is this dance-like thing?" Oyakata-sama asked.

"It's a martial art called Tai Chi. It strengthens the body and enhances swordsmanship!"

Kuuga had wanted to add some deep philosophical points, but it seemed pointless—they wouldn't get it anyway.

"I hope you'll teach me sometime, while I can still move."

"No problem. Once you learn it, you'll understand Tai Chi's wonders!" Kuuga said with a smile.

"By the way, I have other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Master, please take care of yourself!"

With that, Kuuga left Oyakata-sama's villa. He'd promised Uncle Flame Hashira he'd treat Auntie Ruka today, and today was the appointed day.

"You're really going to learn that weird thing from him?" Sanemi was baffled.

"Kuuga is a rare talent. Initial Breathing... maybe it really can end this grudge," Oyakata-sama sighed.

After all, Kuuga had taken down a Lower Rank on his own, proving he had Hashira-level strength. And he'd actually suppressed his own illness. Could his ability surpass the Stone Hashira's?

By now, Kuuga had arrived at the Rengoku family residence. He knocked on the door.

After a moment, a young boy opened it—the current Flame Hashira's second son, Rengoku Senjuro, whom Kuuga called the Smallest Flame Hashira.

The youth had long yellow hair with red-tipped edges. Though Senjuro also had thick black sword-like brows, his demeanor was gentle and refined, unlike the rest of the Flame family.

"Big Brother Kuuga, what are you doing here?" Senjuro looked surprised.

"I'm here to treat Auntie Ruka, of course!" Kuuga stated his purpose.

Senjuro immediately bowed to Kuuga. He was truly grateful—every time Kuuga came to treat his mother, Senjuro thanked him first.

Kuuga quickly helped him up, smiling. "You call me Big Brother—can't let that go to waste. It's only right!"

"You don't have to do this every time."

"Mother says a person should always carry gratitude in their heart."

Just then, a hearty male voice rang out: "Senjuro, who's here? Why's it taking so long?"

"Brother, it's Big Brother Kuuga!"

Sure enough, a moment later, someone who looked very much like Senjuro came bounding out. Unlike Senjuro's gentle grace, this man radiated blazing warmth.

It was the Demon Slayer Big Brother Kuuga had always admired—the eternal Big Brother, Rengoku Kyojuro.

"Big Brother, long time no see!" Kuuga waved enthusiastically.

"Long time no see, Brother Kuuga! I just got back from a mission!"

Kyojuro threw an arm around Kuuga and cheerfully recounted what happened on his mission.

"This time, I killed Lower Rank Two, Rui. Even though he was a demon, in his final moment, he remembered he was a swordsman. I hope in his next life, he's no longer a demon."

At the end, Kyojuro sighed. A swordsman killed because he refused to let go of his blade, then turned into a demon—a tragic life.

"So Big Brother's about to become a Hashira, right? Don't tell me Uncle's retiring!"

"Father does have that intention. He wants to spend more time with Mother."

"That's good—someone to carry on. He should spend time with family. As for Senjuro, let him learn something else. We older brothers will bear this danger."

"Kuuga, you're still so gentle."

"You flatter me!" Kuuga felt a little embarrassed.

He didn't think "gentle" really described him. He'd never seen himself that way.

Senjuro didn't follow them. He was buried in his books. After Kuuga's advice, he'd decided to become a merchant—a way to help others. And he did have a talent for it, but he was too young for his family to let him venture out.

Before Kuuga even entered the house, the rich aroma of cooking hit his nose.

When he pushed open the door, Ruka Kyogoku was carrying a tray inside.

The woman wore a pale blue kimono, the ends of her long hair tied with a small elastic band. Her deep crimson eyes added a touch of vivid beauty.

"Auntie Ruka, you've gotten even prettier," Kuuga greeted with a smile.

"Kuuga, your tongue is still so sweet!" Ruka said warmly, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Sit down. Shinjuro's still cooking in the kitchen. We'll eat together soon!"

After setting down the dish, Ruka returned to the kitchen. Kuuga knew that ever since Auntie Ruka fell ill, Uncle wouldn't let her cook. He wondered what was different today.

"Kyojuro, go call your younger brother—dinner's ready!"

"Yes, Mother!"

Tsugikuni Kuuga was about to follow Big Brother, but Big Brother stopped him.

"Kuuga, just stay here. Mother cooked specially today!"

Faced with Big Brother's overwhelming hospitality, Tsugikuni Kuuga had no choice but to sit back down, suddenly feeling incredibly happy.

Before long, the entire Rengoku family was seated, Kuuga among them. After all, it wasn't the first time he'd mooched a meal at the Flame Hashira's residence.

"First, a toast to Mother's health!" Rengoku Shinjuro said cheerfully.

Though he was the only one drinking alcohol—everyone else was forbidden by Ruka due to being underage.

"Cheers!"

"Next, a toast to Kyojuro, who will soon succeed me!" Rengoku Shinjuro declared again.

"Cheers!"

"Finally, a toast to Kuuga!"

Hearing this, Tsugikuni Kuuga felt a little embarrassed but still raised his cup. And so the family chatted and laughed as they ate, never treating Kuuga like an outsider.

On ordinary days, the uncle was out punishing evil and upholding justice, while Aunt Ruka managed the home and raised the children. The family was harmonious and joyful—this was exactly the warmth the Rengoku family deserved.

At that moment, smiles adorned every face. It was the mark of happiness.