"What remarkable strength," Tamayo said admiringly. Yushiro's glare at Tetsu no Sosuke grew even fiercer.
Tetsu no Sosuke let it wash over him like a spring breeze. He smiled and shook his head. "It isn't strength. I just have someone I want to protect..."
Tamayo paused, then smiled. "Your wife?"
"Yes." Tetsu no Sosuke nodded. "Have you made any progress with your work?"
"The Insect Pillar has a deep understanding of poisons, and I've learned a great deal from her. But that alone won't make it easy to free him from pain. Still, he's one of the Twelve Demon Moons, so his very existence offers a wealth of research opportunities. I believe success may only be a matter of time. If you're hoping for results sooner, Hammer Pillar..."
She hesitated before continuing. "If I could obtain blood from different demons, I might discover more. They would have to be at the level of the Twelve Demon Moons, though. Their blood has greater research value... Otherwise, only an exceptionally unusual demon would be worth studying."
"An exceptionally unusual demon..."
Tetsu no Sosuke tapped his forehead lightly. "I'm starting to regret killing so many of the Twelve Demon Moons. It'll be hard to find another demon of that level anytime soon... But as for an unusual demon..."
He looked at Tamayo. "There's one who, even after becoming a demon, can still suppress her thirst for blood. She recognizes her family and even protects them... Would that count?"
"Of course!"
Tamayo was startled. "From what you've described, she may have broken free of her restraints! Did you... kill her?"
"No, no." Tetsu no Sosuke shook his head. "I may be a Demon Hunter, but I don't kill every demon I meet. That child's circumstances are unusual. After someone pleaded with me, I decided