No matter how many times Shinobu shredded Douma or tore gaping holes through his body in a stabbing frenzy, the weakened demon simply kept healing. He refused to die from poison.
Clearly, either the Wisteria Extract wasn't potent enough to finish an Upper Rank, or the Upper Ranks were simply too strong for any poison to kill them.
In the end, after half an hour of furious, relentless attacks from Shinobu, Tanjiro finally stopped her. Her fingers were bleeding, and she was visibly exhausted. He took her into his arms and casually threw the Heavenly Demon Sword at the flailing torso of Douma, letting the blade devour the pathetic wretch completely.
Within moments, under powerful suction, Douma's entire body turned into bloody mist and flowed into the overwhelming black sword. When the task was finished, the sword broke down into metallic shards and returned to Tanjiro's right hand, settling back around his wrist as a guard.
Once the mission was completed, the system's holographic panel appeared before Tanjiro's eyes.
[𖤐 Mission: Slay Douma]
[𖤐 Reward: Absolute Authority of Kenja-sama]
[Mission completed!]
[You may claim your reward now] [Claim]
Looking at the panel with a calm gaze, he clicked [Claim] while gently patting Shinobu's back.
She had gone through so much, both physically and mentally. Now the poor girl deserved rest, and he didn't mind providing it.
Clinging tightly to his body, Shinobu buried her face in his chest, soaking in his warmth and comfort. After unleashing her anger and all the disturbing emotions she had held back for so long, her mind felt like it was melting. A peaceful sensation spread through her body. The satisfaction of successful revenge left her feeling empty in the best way. Her head was free of restlessness and stress, giving her the feeling of floating in lukewarm water.
"Would you please hold me more tightly…" she mumbled. His heat-radiating body felt like a mother's lap, like she was lying in an empty field with no one else around, basking in comforting sunlight. It felt so good she craved even more.
Tanjiro didn't mind. Using both hands, he lifted her body — one under her knees, the other around her back — and pulled her close, just as she wanted. Their location was a mess of broken skulls, thick dust, and rotting stench, so Tanjiro carried her to the preaching hall in seconds and settled them both on Kenja-sama's seat.
The moment they sat down, Shinobu straddled his waist and wrapped herself around him like a koala.
Not caring that she was using his body like a heater, Tanjiro cradled her neck and head.
Her bountiful breasts pressed against his chest. Her intoxicating scent was like a drug to his mind. At this moment she radiated an allure that could tempt a saint. But Tanjiro knew it wasn't the time, so he kept his urges in check.
Their body heat passed between them as they forgot about time and enjoyed each other's company in complete silence.
Minutes passed.
Only when Shinobu's heart was finally at ease did she speak, her voice soft and cheeks slightly reddened. "Thank you for everything… Tanjiro."
Not letting her go and keeping her glued to his body, he responded, "It's nothing. Really…"
A brief silence followed before Shinobu tilted her head sideways and mumbled, "Your t-thing… It's poking me. You know…"
Tanjiro patted her head. "I'm aware… Just a healthy body's natural reaction. Don't mind it." He said in his usual gentle voice.
'Don't mind it…?' How could she? It was literally poking her right where it shouldn't.
However, since he said there was no need to mind it, she didn't bring it up again and simply enjoyed the headpats he showered her with. His gentle touch on her head, the comforting warmth from his body, and the way he held her so affectionately in his arms — it was better than any hot spring she had ever visited.
Even though her body grew hot and sensitive down there, she didn't let go. She didn't want to let go. Worse, she began moving her hips subconsciously to feel it more, grazing their lowers. Her reasoning was clearly malfunctioning.
'Uh…' Tanjiro had enough of the boner. He could neither satisfy it nor make it disappear, so he made his choice.
He caught her slender waist and gently pushed her away from his body. Without much effort, he broke Shinobu's grip on his neck and sat her down next to him, face to face.
Shinobu displayed an expressionless look, her ears slightly red, revealing a small pout. "…"
He noticed her expression, raised an eyebrow, and flicked her forehead playfully.
"You look disappointed…" Raising his lips upward, he added, "Want to go all the way then, hm?"
When she heard that, her cheeks blushed in shyness and embarrassment. "N-No…" She blurted out, but quickly added to avoid misunderstanding, "Not, not right now… I need some time… A few days…"
'…' Now it was Tanjiro's turn to be surprised.
'She agreed…'
Though he recovered swiftly. "Okay… But those arranged Kakushi girls might arrive in a day or two. And from the way Amane-san described their adoration for the Sun Hashira, I don't think they'll wait even a single day to pounce on me." He said with an honest look.
Shinobu's lips twitched weirdly.
She knew about that. Those girls from the Kakushi department were already crazy about Tanjiro, and when they learned about his promotion to Supreme Commander after massacring an Upper Moon single-handedly, she could somewhat guess what was going on in their heads.
After staying silent for a moment, she answered, her face flushed. "Do you remember what you said to me this morning…"
'Hmm…' Recalling his memories, he muttered. "Bearing a child?"
She nodded, feeling her heartbeat jump to an insane degree. "I… I'll do it for you."
'Oh…' He smiled mentally in satisfaction.
"But…" She continued. "You must also do it… with those girls picked by Amane-san."
"What…" He deadpanned and spoke involuntarily. 'I beg your pardon?'
"Why? There's no need for that." He asked, not understanding.
Why would he do it with some random girls, and why was she allowing it?
Didn't she say she liked him this morning?
Had she lost her mind?
Shinobu saw his reaction and showed a surprised smile. Feeling happiness in her heart, she answered, hoping to clear his doubts. "You must meet those girls first before making a hasty decision. Meet them, converse with them, and then decide, okay." Releasing a soft breath, she added, "And it would be rude if I were to just barge in like this. Others will see it as me stealing you away from them. Got it? Not to mention, your marriage is already arranged to Hinaki and her sisters. Since the sole purpose of this arrangement is to produce your heir, let's just keep it that way."
Staying quiet for a second, she brought up one last topic. "If… If you reject those girls and pick only me, Amane-san will realize what's going on in no time. Your marriage arrangement will be ruined, and things will become awkward because of me… I… I can bear the child, but that… guilt. No, I'd rather commit seppuku than be an ungrateful person to the Ubuyashiki family…"
Tanjiro perceived her emotions and shook his head lightly. 'I get to impregnate whoever I want, girl… But even if I tell her that, she wouldn't believe me. Let's keep it simple for her. It's not like I'm abandoning her afterward. I'll just deal with those Kakushi girls when the time comes…'
"You're thinking of discussing this with Amane-san, aren't you?" He asked, seeing through her.
Shinobu's eyes widened. Her silence gave him the answer he needed.
Shortly after, she confirmed with a nod. "I'm going to focus solely on research from now on. No battling demons on the frontline…"
"… Is that so." He showed no surprise.
"Um." She hummed.
Her anger was gone. So was her resentment. Revenge for her sister was completed. And now she could have a child with the person she liked soon. It felt like a dream come true.
Her melodic voice sounded in his ears. "Fufu, I'm sure Amane-san won't deny a beauty like me. Because this way I'll be participating for the greater good of the Corps. Mm, so there's no need for you to worry about anything." Showing a genuine smile, she added, "I'd be a great single mother even if you were to die later, I think."
Smack!
"Ah…" Her head received a gentle chop from Tanjiro.
"Don't remove me from the future as you like, idiot." He said with a chuckle.
Rubbing her head, she bared her teeth and jumped on him. "Give this Nee-san what she wants…"
Her lips brushed against his as she wrapped her body around him, hungry for his affection.
Kissing him wildly, she stopped having pointless thoughts and simply focused on Tanjiro in this moment.
'Bearing his child and spending time with him like this is enough for me…' She had decided. 'His shortened lifespan, I'll do something about it… Demon cells… If I could make a perfect drug from them one day…'
Determination burning in her heart, she made up her mind. A new goal — in addition to curing Kie — was engraved into her soul.
After half an hour passed, Kakushi members from the nearby branch came rushing in to clear the place.
They buried all the skulls collected in the dungeon over so many years.
With dozens of Kakushi members arriving, villagers noticed the hustle, and followers of the Eternal Paradise Faith also woke up to check on their Kenza-sama.
Seated on the main seat leisurely, Tanjiro glanced at two young girls and a mature woman seated in seiza on the tatami mats. He pointed at himself with a pleased expression.
"Tell me who I am again." He asked nicely.
The mature woman lifted her captivating face and looked at the boy in pure reverence before saying devotedly, "Kenja-sama. Our only savior."
Tanjiro's lips curled up naturally. 'Got myself a cult…!'
Behind him, Shinobu wore a ludicrous and dumbfounded look, almost comical. '…W-What's going on… Uh, my head…'
....
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