Shinobu Kocho's words were flawless, carrying an unspoken warning beneath their calm surface—continue pushing, and you might offend someone even your superior cannot afford to provoke.
The major's face flushed red, then pale, a sheen of sweat forming at his temples.
He opened the documents in his hands once more, searching desperately for even the slightest trace of forgery.
Unfortunately for him, the seal was crisp and unmistakable, the formatting meticulous.
"...Hmph!" He irritably tossed the papers back to Shinobu Kocho, forcing down his anger as he withdrew his hand in frustration.
He shot Asuka a glare and barked with hollow ferocity, "Since you're from the Ubuyashiki family, I'll let this go for now! But remember this—on the territory of Utsunomiya, don't even think about stirring up trouble or obstructing our military affairs! Otherwise, even the nobility won't be able to protect you!"
With that, he led his soldiers away, muttering curses under his breath. On the way, he seized a soldier who had failed to straighten a posted notice and used it as an excuse to slap him hard across the face twice.
Only after the officer disappeared into the distance did Shinobu Kocho let out a quiet breath.
The smile faded from her face, replaced by a deep, complicated look of disgust as she carefully put the documents away.
"Shinobu, what did that mean just now?" Asuka asked, puzzled.
He had no memories of the living world. The only violent authority he knew was the Shinigami swordsmen, and those people certainly wouldn't seize wandering souls like him and turn them into their ranks.
"I know what you were about to do, Asuka." Shinobu Kocho's expression grew serious, her gaze still fixed on the vicious-looking soldiers in the distance. "Drawing your blade won't solve anything. It would only drag us into greater trouble. These are the rules of human society. They're no easier than facing demons."
She gestured for him to follow and began walking toward the Rengoku residence.
"You saw it yourself. This is the vortex our Master is desperately trying to keep us away from."
Her voice was soft, yet heavy. "The powerful figures of this country are preparing for another war—competing for land, resources, or so-called imperial glory. These conscription drives are the signal."
"They treat young men as expendable pieces and push them onto brutal battlefields, all to satisfy their ambitions."
As she spoke, her tone carried open contempt. "For profit, they can so easily strip others of the chance to live, strip everyone of a peaceful daily life... How is that any different from demons..."
Asuka listened quietly, tightening his grip on the oilcloth bundle in his arms. "If we kill them, would the world become better?"
"You can't kill them all, Asuka." Shinobu Kocho shook her head and sighed softly. "As long as this extreme ideology remains, new ambitious men will always emerge. This isn't something small swordsmen like us can change..."
After hearing her out, Asuka only felt that this matter was even more complicated than slaying demons. At least when it came to demons, all he had to do was swing his blade.
"And remember, the Demon Slayer Corps isn't recognized by the government. Our Master can only rely on the influence of the Ubuyashiki family to keep our strength as far away from these unjust wars as possible, to prevent our members from being forcibly drafted..."
Shinobu Kocho added, "Revealing our identity just now was a last resort. Remember—whether in Utsunomiya or anywhere else in the future, stay away from these people. Don't involve yourself with them."
She extended her little finger, her eyes shining as she looked at Asuka. "Do you remember? Our promise: the sword of the Demon Slayer Corps is meant only to slay demons. It must never be turned against ordinary people."
"I understand." Asuka nodded, his voice low and resolute.
"Enough of that. The Rengoku residence isn't far now. I hope Mr. Kyojuro is doing well."
Shinobu Kocho adjusted her emotions and restored the gentle, soothing smile that could calm any heart.
After walking for about half an hour, they stopped before an old estate hidden within a suburban residential district.
It was a traditional Japanese building. The dark wooden structure bore the marks of time, and the thick, bright roof tiles glimmered beneath the sun.
A low stone wall encircled the estate, topped with tiles of the same deep hue. Faint flame patterns could still be seen on some of the ridge-end tiles.
That had once been the family crest of the Rengoku clan during their days as samurai, though now their former glory had faded.
The heavy brown wooden gate stood slightly ajar, exuding a weighty sense of history.
Asuka and Shinobu Kocho announced their names at the entrance and walked straight inside.
From the outside, one could not tell that the Rengoku household possessed such a spacious courtyard. It was free of excessive ornamentation. The ground was covered in fine white gravel, carefully raked into neat wave-like patterns symbolizing purity and order.
Several ancient-shaped stones were arranged throughout, backed by two resilient dwarf pines, giving the place a secluded tranquility.
In the center of the courtyard, along the wooden veranda near the main house, a familiar figure leaned against a pillar.
It was the Flame Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
He wore a loose white robe, eyes slightly narrowed as warm sunlight bathed his face, as though he were drawing strength from its warmth to heal his internal injuries.
Yet the occasional dull cough betrayed his weakness.
The flame-patterned haori draped loosely over him trembled with each cough, and his golden-red hair seemed slightly dimmer than before, lacking its usual blazing brilliance.
Not far from him, a slender young boy was focused on cleaning the courtyard.
The boy had orange-red hair similar to Kyojuro's, though lighter in shade. His features were delicate, and his gentle eyes carried a lingering worry.
"Brother, are you alright?" he asked anxiously, looking at Kyojuro.
He was Kyojuro Rengoku's younger brother, Senjuro Rengoku.
Senjuro lacked talent in swordsmanship and had always admired his elder brother.
Since Kyojuro had been attacked and was recuperating at home, Senjuro had carefully tended to his daily needs, doing everything he could to help.
"Haha, I'm fine! Just a little itch in my throat!" Kyojuro coughed lightly and laughed heartily.
He turned his head, and the corner of his eye caught sight of the figures at the gate.
Those golden-red eyes that always burned like flames instantly brightened, as if a spark had been reignited.
"Um! Asuka! Shinobu!" Kyojuro's voice was still loud and full of vigor, a sunny smile spreading across his face as he struggled to stand from the veranda to greet them.
It was clearly a bit too much, triggering another violent coughing fit as his hand instinctively pressed against the left side of his chest.
Shinobu Kocho flashed to his side in an instant, gently placing her hand against his chest to feel his heartbeat.
"Don't push yourself, Mr. Rengoku. Your bones have only just begun to mend. You should be more careful."
"Haha! Sorry about that, Shinobu! I made you worry!"
Kyojuro waved his hand to show he was fine, then turned to Asuka. "Long time no see, young Asuka! Seeing you so full of spirit is truly wonderful!"
Asuka walked over at a steady pace, nodding to Senjuro in greeting before addressing Kyojuro.
"You don't look well. Maybe you should consider stepping down. I've become a Hashira now, so there's an open position."
"Um! I've heard! The Storm Hashira—splendid!"
He stood and firmly patted Asuka's shoulder, his strength still steady.
"The Upper Rank Three's kick was truly heavy! Looks like I'll need... cough cough... some more time to fully recover!"
"I truly envy you, Asuka! To possess such astonishing recovery ability! It's practically... cough cough... like stubborn wild grass!"