Settling In

Kamado Tanpei stepped out of the doorway and looked at Oboro.

His calm eyes concealed doubt, surprise, vigilance, and fear, but he hid it well.

He was surprised because he did not recognize the visitor, and judging from the maidservants and clothing beside him, they were either rich or noble.

And there's Oboro's own aura... In Kamado Tanpei's view, it blends perfectly with everything in the mountains.

The doubt lies in the fact that such people would not easily associate with lowly people like them living in the mountains.

The reason for being wary is simpler.

He realized that this unfamiliar young warrior was no ordinary person.

He appeared physically Exhaust... but there was an indescribable charm about him just standing there.

It's breathing...

Startled... This was the first time Kamado Tanpei had ever seen such a 'person' since he was born.

Fortunately, the other party did not seem to have any malicious intent.

What Oboro noticed first was not Kamado Tanpei's appearance, but the Hanafuda Earrings he wore and his forehead.

The familiar scar was no longer on his forehead.

This one is almost a carbon copy of Kamado Tanjuro, except he is much thinner and only slightly more plump than Oboro is now. Furthermore, Kamado Tanpei's health is also poor... This meeting between the two has a bit of a reunion of fellow sufferers.

The Kamado Tanpei should be shorter.

Her hair had a reddish tinge that shone faintly in the sunlight.

"It seems that not every generation has scars... and only those who have scars are qualified to be selected?" Oboro murmured softly.

Hinokami Kagura is the Sun Breathing, a breathing technique that is not something ordinary people can master... Like other Breath Control Technique, it can shorten one's lifespan if one lacks aptitude and talent. This may be why the Kamado Clan has a short lifespan, but they have never forgotten their mission in order to inherit the gift from their Yoriichi Tsugikuni, Yoriichi Tsugikuni.

Generation after generation, without wavering in the slightest.

"My name is Long, and I came from Entertainment District."

Long smiled and introduced himself, "I've heard that your family has a Kagura Dance passed down through generations, a dance performed to pray to the Fire God for peace. I've come today to witness it. I hope Mr. Tan Ping can grant my wish. As you can see, my body is already in a state of frailty, and there are few medicines in the world that can save me. Therefore, I can only place my hope for survival on such an unrealistic thing... I hope the Fire God can grant me a chance to live a little longer."

Long appeared very polite and sincere.

"Father."

Kamado Tanjiro ran to Tan Ping's side and nervously grabbed his father's sleeve. Although he was young, he understood that the dance of worshipping the fire god could not be performed casually, as his father's health would deteriorate every time it was performed.

"Mr. Long also said it's unrealistic... I'm afraid you'll have made a wasted trip."

Tan Ping placed his large hand on his son's head and smiled gently, "I am helpless in the face of your Tan Ping... I only make a living by selling charcoal, I am not a pharmacist."

The fact that "sir" was changed to "sir" makes Tan Ping's meaning quite clear.

At this moment, Tan Ping's wife also came out of the house and nodded to Oboro.

She is a gentle and virtuous woman.

You can tell just by looking at their face and eyes...

"Sorry to bother you."

Upon hearing this, Long was not disappointed and turned to leave.

He kept coughing.

A few snowflakes began to fall again from the sky...

"Grown ups."

Upon seeing this, the maid hesitated.

The three of them walked up from the foot of the mountain, which took them several hours... Now it was going to snow, and it looked like it was about to get dark.

"My lord, please stay."

Tan Ping's voice came from behind.

The man said softly, "If you don't mind, you can stay at my humble abode for the night and then go down the mountain at dawn tomorrow. That way it will be safer."

His wife also smiled at Long.

"Thanks."

Long nodded.

He led the two maids into the room.

The wind chimes hanging under the eaves outside the door were gently blown by the wind, making a pleasant, crisp sound.

Upon entering the house, Long found the furnishings to be very simple: a hanging stove burning charcoal, a few beds on the floor, and the rest of the items were all household items, most of which were handmade by him.

However, Oboro also saw the mask required for the Kagura Dance, as well as some other items related to worshipping the God.

Oboro sat by the fireplace, the firelight highlighting his bloodless skin, while a maidservant helped him remove his haori.

The Tan Ping couple showed no discomfort at the arrival of their guests, especially the woman, who was very attentive... When Kanryu was unwell, he immediately served her tea that he had brewed himself. There was no flattery or excessive enthusiasm, just a kind of helpfulness that made people feel incredibly comfortable.

Tan Ping only had one child, unlike Tanjuro Kamado who had many.

After Oboro sat down, Tan Ping remained silent, sitting not far away and patiently carving an object with a small knife.

Kamado Tanjiro, however, kept secretly glancing at Oboro's profile.

Kids... they have a natural curiosity.

In addition, he may have never seen such a 'handsome' man before, and his temperament was completely different from that of the people in the town below the mountain.

He often went down the mountain with his father to sell charcoal.

Moreover, Oboro was clearly an important person, which made Kamado Tanjiro appear slightly impolite.

"Kamado Tanjiro."

Tan Ping called out softly.

"Fine."

Oboro waved to Kamado Tanjiro.

"The world is in turmoil now, most people are displaced, and only a few can afford to eat and drink."

"I have disturbed you without permission and come uninvited. I have also troubled you to welcome me so warmly. I should give you some compensation."

"Only then... do I feel at peace."

As he spoke, Oboro placed a valuable jade ornament into Kamado Tanjiro's hand.

Upon seeing Tan Ping, Tanping's expression changed slightly.

His wife also had to speak up.

But then Long raised his hand and said, "If I do not accept this, I will be ashamed."

"..."

There are many large wild animals on Mount Kumotori. You can easily run into them during the day, let alone at night.

Although he knew in his heart that Oboro was quite strong and there would be no danger, if he really left... it would be a bit like kicking someone when they're down.

Kamado Tanpei understood even better the intention behind Ryou's actions.

You can't just take something for free... Even if he can't refuse at the moment and won't accept it in the end, he's still giving this gift in a real way.

He should have done something.

"Well..."

Kamado Tanpei a sigh.

She got up, took her son's hand, and headed towards the kitchen.

Before leaving, he bowed slightly to Longwei, saying, "We live in the mountains and have limited food; it's all simple fare."

"Trouble."

Long rubbed his hands together in front of the charcoal fire and nodded.

Although what I did was a bit underhanded, it worked very well against the Kamado Clan.

A little while later, night fell.

Tan Ping's wife picked up the bowls and chopsticks, preparing a pot of wild vegetable soup and rice balls for dinner.

Long took a few bites. It wasn't that it didn't suit his taste, but rather that his current physical condition meant that his digestive ability and appetite were both very poor.

Afterwards, everyone squeezed into one room and slept on the floor.

His arrival seemed not to disturb the family of three, but both Tan Ping's wife and young Kamado Tanjiro sensed... a strange atmosphere between Kamado Tanpei and Oboro.

This guest is... very special.