Doma was still bent over his meal, devouring it with gusto. Hearing the noise, he looked up, puzzled. "Why did you come back?"
How was Tetsu no Sosuke supposed to answer that? I came back to take a look?
"Wait... I didn't notice before. What's with that outfit?"
Doma's eyes suddenly fell on the Sword Case in Tetsu no Sosuke's hand. "Are you a swordsmith?"
There was nothing sinister in his voice. If anything, he sounded genuinely delighted. "In that case, I can't let you leave."
Shinobu Kocho had appeared behind Tetsu no Sosuke. Her expression was so grave it seemed ready to drip.
"What's with this guy...?"
Her hand trembled faintly, but she kept a tight grip on her sword hilt.
Tetsu no Sosuke's heart sank. We're done for!
He had no way to warn her. No—at that moment, he had no idea how he could even try.
Shout that there's a Demon?
How could anyone in the Demon Slayer Corps ignore a Demon right in front of them?
Ordinary people ran when they heard there was a Demon!
Tell her he's Upper Moon Two?
That would be even worse. He was a big catch. She'd be even less likely to run! Even if she couldn't beat him, she'd have to try to take a piece out of him!
Wasn't that exactly what the Demon Slayer Corps was like?
But what good would it do to throw their lives away now?
"I'll hold him off! Run!"
Tetsu no Sosuke forced the words through gritted teeth.
Shinobu Kocho looked surprised, but she never took her eyes off Doma. "You can't hold off Upper Moon Two. Besides, you're a swordsmith and I'm a swordswoman. I'll hold him off. You run."
"Ah, how lovely."
Doma wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and set the girl's corpse down. "I'll save you for later. I promise I'll eat every last bit. And now another delicious meal has arrived."
As he spoke, Tetsu no Sosuke heard footsteps approaching at incredible speed.
He had no need to turn around. In the blink of an eye, she alighted beside him like a butterfly.
Firelight played across her face, revealing a grave, wary expression. Then, in the next instant, she looked at Tetsu no Sosuke.
For one brief moment, the warmth in her eyes seemed to reach his very heart.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice was as soft as a fragrant breeze.
"I brought you... your sword."
Tetsu no Sosuke let out a quiet breath. Then he opened the Sword Case and took out the Nichirin Blade.
Author's note:
Before you continue