At this, Rokuya's brow furrowed even deeper. If even Oyakata-sama didn't know, wouldn't this lead go cold? Could he only stand by and let the unimaginably vast number of Gratitude Points in that tree remain an unsolvable mystery?
"However-" Kagaya changed tack, a hint of reassurance entering his voice. "Rokuya, you needn't be too discouraged. Although I don't know exactly who planted it, judging by the timing, it happened before you joined the Demon Slayer Corps. Among the swordsmen who had dealings with that place before the Butterfly Mansion was established, perhaps someone knows the story."
Kagaya turned his head and called softly toward the paper door beside him. "Hinaki."
The paper door slid gently open, and Ubuyashiki Hinaki entered carrying a small wooden tray, her white hair framing a face as delicate as a doll's. On the tray lay a rolled roster that looked rather old.
"Father, the list is ready." Hinaki respectfully set the tray before Kagaya, then withdrew without a sound.
Kagaya rested his hand on the rolled roster, gently stroked it, then pushed it toward Rokuya. "Rokuya, this is a list of veteran members who joined the Demon Slayer Corps before the Butterfly Mansion was established-in other words, before you-and spent some time stationed at headquarters or recuperating here back then. Perhaps one of them passed that clearing, perhaps one witnessed that tree being planted, or perhaps one even spoke with the person who planted it."
"You can take this list and ask around. Perhaps the answer lies hidden in these veterans' memories."
Rokuya reached out and took the rolled roster, the slightly rough paper brushing his fingertips. He slowly unrolled it. Names densely covered the page, some even crossed out in red cinnabar ink-which meant those people had died in battle.
"I understand." Rokuya rolled