Rokuya watched Kanae's profile, warmth welling up in his heart. He did not know the plot, nor did he know what powerful enemies he would encounter in the future. But he knew that to protect this peace, to keep the girl beside him from facing the threat of death again, he had to become stronger.
"Kanae," Rokuya suddenly said.
"Hmm? What is it, Rokuya?"
"I'll slaughter every last demon, including that fellow called Muzan." Rokuya spoke softly, but his tone carried an unshakable resolve. "Then we won't have to live in fear anymore. We can find somewhere quiet and live ordinary lives."
Kanae froze for a moment, then tears began to glimmer in her eyes. She said nothing, only rested her head gently on Rokuya's shoulder and answered in a barely audible voice.
"Mm. I'll wait for you."
The night breeze swept past, rustling the wisteria trees in the courtyard. Rokuya's gaze pierced the darkness, looking toward the unknown distance.
Cutting down evil was the greatest mercy. And he was ready to become Shura and deliver that mercy.
A month had passed since the fierce battle in the underground cavern that had seemed capable of tearing the very sky apart.
Mornings at the Butterfly Mansion always came with the faint fragrance of medicinal herbs and the sound of birdsong. Sunlight filtered through the paper windows, scattering patches of light across the wooden floor of the spacious dining hall.
"Another bowl!"
With the sharp clack of a wooden rice bowl being set heavily on the table, Takanashi Rokuno wiped the grains of rice from the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand and called out in a booming voice.
Sitting opposite him, Shinobu Kocho held a cup of freshly brewed hot tea, the corner of her eye