The Strange Village

Perhaps it was because Tsugikuni Kuuga's Nichirin Blade was so beautiful that Haganezuka Hotaru actually let him off this time, humming a tune as he left the Butterfly Mansion.

By evening, the uniform arrived. Since it had been custom-made, it fit perfectly.

The next day, Tsugikuni Kuuga woke up early. With so many things happening lately, he hadn't had time to practice Tai Chi, so today he finally fulfilled that wish.

After Kuuga finished his Tai Chi, Shinobu Kocho walked out of her room yawning, shot him a glare, and went to breakfast. She was clearly still annoyed about what he'd done yesterday.

Suddenly, two Kasugai Crows flew in—one belonging to Shinobu, the other to Kuuga.

"Miss Shinobu, a demon has appeared in the village to the northwest! Please depart immediately!"

After Shinobu's crow finished, Kuuga's crow also started shouting:

"South-Southeast, in that direction, a village has a demon! Boy, go ignite your burning passion!"

Ugh! A chuunibyou crow. Why... Tsugikuni Kuuga had no words left for this bird, because it was truly cringey.

After a while, Shinobu came out carrying Kuuga's Haori. Though her face darkened the moment she saw him, she still helped him put it on.

"I washed it for you. Be careful, don't get it dirty again. And stay safe!" Shinobu warned.

"If it weren't for Big Sister not being here, I wouldn't bother with you, hmph!"

Suddenly, Kuuga raised his hand and placed it on Shinobu's forehead, which instantly reminded her of yesterday. She instinctively stepped back, her face flushing slightly.

"Y-you, what are you doing?" Shinobu stammered.

"Your hairpin is crooked. Let me fix it," Kuuga explained.

"Mm!"

Shinobu stood there obediently, not moving, waiting for Kuuga to adjust her hairpin.

"By the way, Shinobu, don't push yourself. If you can't win, run!"

"I'm not the same person I used to be!"

And so, bickering back and forth, the two of them left the headquarters. Since their directions were different, they parted ways at the entrance.

Guided by the Kasugai Crow, Tsugikuni Kuuga traveled for a day and finally arrived at a rather remote village.

Standing at the village entrance, a constant chill blew out from within. Though it was daytime, the atmosphere was gloomy and oppressive.

Kuuga didn't have time to overthink it. This was the final destination the crow had given him.

Walking into the village, Kuuga understood why it felt so lifeless. In broad daylight, there were almost no people around, only the occasional villager hurrying past.

But when they saw Kuuga, they acted as if they'd seen a ghost, immediately running away. Even though they moved quickly, Kuuga clearly saw their faces.

Pale complexions, bulging eyes—like they had leukemia. The only word Kuuga could use to describe this village was eerie. Extremely eerie.

Kuuga wanted to find someone to ask for information, but everyone who saw him either ran or deliberately avoided him.

Kuuga looked down at himself. His sword was clearly well-hidden, and he didn't look like a bad person, did he?

But Kuuga didn't give up. He had thick skin anyway, so he might as well knock on every door!

So from noon until the sun was about to set, Kuuga knocked on doors without anyone answering. He raised his numb hand to knock on the last house. If no one answered here, he'd have to sleep on the street.

But heaven still favored Kuuga, after a fashion. The last door opened, and a Little Boy stood there.

The Little Boy looked at Kuuga with curiosity, as if he'd never seen an outsider before.

But unlike the other villagers Kuuga had seen, this boy had a rosy complexion. To be precise, he looked like a normal person should.

The Little Boy ignored Kuuga and ran back inside.

"Grandpa, there's an outsider!"

The child's young voice rang out. Soon, an Old Man emerged, leaning on a cane with one hand and holding the boy's hand with the other.

"Didn't I tell you not to open the door for strangers?"

The Old Man scolded the boy right in front of Kuuga, completely treating Kuuga as if he were air.

"Hello, Old Man. This Humble One is a passing traveler. I'd like to stay the night. Money is no problem!"

Kuuga said, pulling out a stack of bills. The Demon Slayer Corps, if nothing else, was absurdly wealthy.

The Old Man sighed. "Young man, it's not about money. Take my advice and leave this place as soon as possible. This isn't where you should be!"

"Grandpa, it's already dark. Does Big Brother have nowhere to stay?"

Hearing his grandson's words, the Old Man sighed again. "Fine. Stay one night. Leave tomorrow morning. Don't blame me for not warning you if something happens!"

The Old Man was very serious, as if Kuuga really might die.

Tsugikuni Kuuga bowed to the Old Man. "Thank you for letting me stay!"

"Leave tomorrow. This isn't a place for you."

"This Humble One understands!"

"By the way, there's no spare room. You'll share with my grandson. If you can, please protect him."

"This junior will certainly do so!"

The Old Man waved his hand and added, "Young man, your sword is showing. Hide it better next time."

Tsugikuni Kuuga looked down—just as the Old Man had said. It must have been exposed when he bowed.

Tsugikuni Kuuga felt this Old Man was no ordinary person. Facing a stranger carrying a blade, he remained utterly calm.

"Aren't you afraid I might do something bad with this sword?" Tsugikuni Kuuga asked.

"You're not that kind of person. This old man has always been a good judge of character!"

"Besides, there are things more terrifying than a blade!"

The Old Man finished speaking and went back inside his room. Tsugikuni Kuuga followed the Little Boy to his room.

There was no denying it—if you wanted to get on good terms with a child, you needed good food. Tsugikuni Kuuga was glad he had brought dorayaki.

"Thank you for asking Grandpa to let Big Brother stay. These are for you!"

Tsugikuni Kuuga handed the dorayaki to the Little Boy. The child reached out but hesitated. Tsugikuni Kuuga pressed them into his hands.

"Just take them. When you receive a kindness, you should repay it. This is Big Brother's repayment!" Tsugikuni Kuuga said with a smile.

The Little Boy thought for a moment, then started eating. At the same time, he didn't forget to offer a few back to Tsugikuni Kuuga. Watching such an innocent, guileless child, Tsugikuni Kuuga felt very happy.

He wondered, though, whether this child knew anything about the village's situation. Tsugikuni Kuuga looked up and noticed that in the corner of the room, a stick of incense was burning.