Beside a lake near the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Kael and Ubuyashiki Kagaya were sitting on chairs by the shore, each holding a fishing rod.
Of course, Kael's other hand wasn't idle either, as he kept tossing bait into the lake.
For a moment, ripples spread across the originally calm surface of the lake.
The fish underwater rushed to tell one another.
The imperial disaster relief grain has finally arrived!
That was how it looked to Ubuyashiki Kagaya; he had always suspected that Kael hadn't come here to fish, but rather to just feed them.
"Those three swordsmen who graduated in the same batch are quite impressive. To think they could kill a Lower Rank Demon together so quickly; I see the future of the Demon Slayer Corps in them."
A smile curled on Ubuyashiki Kagaya's lips as he spoke about the latest news he had received two days ago.
Tanjiro and the other two had successfully cleared Mount Natagumo. According to the promotion standards of the Demon Slayer Corps, Tanjiro was already qualified to be called a Hashira.
However, in Ubuyashiki Kagaya's view, compared to the other Hashira, Tanjiro still lacked a bit of seasoning.
"It's all because of my proper training."
Kael took the credit for himself, without the slightest hint of modesty.
And indeed, that was the truth.
If it hadn't been for his special training, and if things had followed the standard plot progression, Tanjiro and the others wouldn't have cleared the Mount Natagumo dungeon so easily; Giyu would have had to step in at the end to save the day.
"I've always thought you were very suited to be a Cultivator."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded in deep agreement.
"Get lost. Last time you said I was very suited to be a Hashira."
How could Kael not know what Ubuyashiki Kagaya was thinking?
This 'dear son' of his was just racking his brains to get Kael to share more of his responsibilities.
"I know Kibutsuji Muzan; losing one Lower Rank won't be enough for him."
No one understood that Demon King better than Ubuyashiki Kagaya; the Ubuyashiki clan had long since figured out his personality.
The ones who understand you best are often your enemies.
Ever since gaining Kael's assistance, Ubuyashiki Kagaya had been planning how to lure Kibutsuji Muzan out.
Killing a Lower Rank was just the beginning of the plan.
"Stop talking, you're scaring all my fish away."
Kael gave Ubuyashiki Kagaya an unhappy look. It was rare for him to sneak out; couldn't he focus a little?
"My mistake."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya dropped the subject, although he didn't really think the reason Kael couldn't catch anything was because of him.
The air remained quiet for a while.
"I still haven't figured out why one needs to wear a helmet to fish."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya couldn't help but speak again.
When staying with Kael, he felt his desire to talk become much stronger.
"It's the regulation."
Kael answered casually, glancing at the now-empty basin. He estimated that the baiting was about finished.
"Could you be any more dismissive?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya couldn't help but shoot a glare at Kael. It wasn't like he was the one wearing the helmet.
"If I hadn't brought you out, you'd still be slumped over your desk. Instead of being grateful, you're here yapping about a helmet."
Kael said irritably.
This 'dear son' of his was truly becoming less and less sensible.
"...You're right."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded, no longer obsessing over the helmet.
As they spoke, the float bobbed.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya's eyes lit up. He lifted the rod, and a finger-sized fry leaped out of the water.
"The first one today. It's a good omen."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya didn't mind that the fish was small. He happily unhooked it and tossed it into his basket; after all, Kael's basket next to him was still empty.
This was a victory of one over zero!
"You have the nerve to put such a tiny thing in there."
Kael curled his lip in disdain.
This time he had brought the heavy-duty bait, guaranteed to lure in every big fellow in this lake.
"Heh heh."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya chuckled without saying a word, but his laughter conveyed all his emotions.
Time flew by, and an hour passed.
"This makes no sense!"
Kael tried to use science to explain the phenomenon of not catching any fish, but no matter what formula he applied, there was no solution.
"Is it possible that you fed them too much?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya said dryly from the side.
Although his score remained unchanged, at least he had that one fry.
"..."
Kael stopped talking. He suspected it was because his 'newbie protection period' from his previous life had expired.
Just then, Little White the cockatiel flew down from the sky, landed on Kael's shoulder, and chirped into his ear.
"They found us this quickly?"
Kael was a bit annoyed. Was that guy's nose really that sharp?
"What do we do?"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya still felt like he hadn't had enough.
"Don't panic, I have a Plan B."
Kael waved his hand calmly. As if he could be caught by those weaklings.
A few minutes later, Sanemi Shinazugawa followed the scent and found the spot.
Looking at the fishing gear scattered on the ground, the scars on his face couldn't help but twitch.
"That bastard! Where did he kidnap the Master to this time?"
Sanemi wasn't worried that Ubuyashiki Kagaya would encounter any danger; if Kael couldn't protect him, then all the Hashira combined would be just as helpless.
The problem was that when there was no danger, Kael's presence was the greatest danger to Ubuyashiki Kagaya.
Last time, a cold had almost cost the Master half his life.
Kael had finally managed to nurse him back to health, only to turn around and take that restored life out to squander it again.
More importantly, it was his shift today. Couldn't you wait until someone else was on duty before making your move?
Sanemi Shinazugawa had always suspected that Kael was targeting him.
Not just this time, but the last time, and the time before that. How could it be such a coincidence that it was him every single time?
To this, Kael could only say that he really didn't do it on purpose. It really was just a coincidence; who told this guy to have such rotten luck?
On the other side, Kael was racing with Ubuyashiki Kagaya in his wheelchair.
Under his manual power, the wheelchair's speed easily broke a hundred miles per hour.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya, sitting on it, couldn't even open his eyes. Whenever he tried to speak, a blast of strong wind would pour into his mouth, so he could only keep it tightly shut.
At this moment, Ubuyashiki Kagaya finally realized the function of the helmet; it was his only shred of security.
"How is it? Isn't it exhilarating!"
Kael was still picking up speed, even drifting around the turns.
He was treating Kagaya like some sort of test dummy to mess with.
Wait, saying that didn't seem to have any problems.
After a good while of lightning speed, Kael brought Ubuyashiki Kagaya to their destination.
"Blegh...!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya leaned against the seat and couldn't help but vomit.
"Feeling unwell?"
Hearing Kael's question, Ubuyashiki Kagaya gave him a look that said, 'What do you think?'
"If you're not feeling well, then have a few drinks."
Kael lifted Ubuyashiki Kagaya up and walked toward the Izakaya in front of them.
"Where is this place?"
After vomiting, Ubuyashiki Kagaya felt much better. Looking at the surroundings, he felt somewhat suspicious.
This place didn't look very proper.
There were couples everywhere, and the air was filled with a cloying fragrance.
"Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters,"
Kael said casually.
"??"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya froze for a moment. Wasn't that the red-light district?
"You two gentlemen look a bit unfamiliar?"
An older woman dressed in somewhat gaudy clothing came forward and spoke.
Kael pulled out a stack of money from his pocket and stuffed it into her collar, filling one side of her chest to the brim, and then asked.
"Do we look familiar now?"
"Girls! We have two VIP guests!!"
Before Ubuyashiki Kagaya could react, he was surrounded by a group of young women and pushed upstairs.
"Wait, my fish!"
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was still remembering the symbol of his victory.
However, it was already too late; Kael had already casually tossed that poor fry into the gutter.
Hmph, wanting to beat me? That's impossible.
"Is it just these mediocre beauties? Call the Oiran of your Kyogoku House to come serve me."
Kael's words caused the madam's face to change slightly, feeling a bit of difficulty.
Their house's Oiran was indeed famous throughout the Yoshiwara Pleasure Quarters; many guests came specifically for her.
But she knew her own business; as the owner, she didn't have much say in front of that Oiran and usually had to coax her along.
"What, is there a problem?"
Kael pulled out another stack of money and stuffed it into the other side of the madam's chest until it bulged.
"Of course not!"
The madam glanced at Kael's face, and her smile suddenly became radiant.
Her Oiran didn't look at money or status; she only looked at the guest's face.
With Kael's looks, forget giving money; even if he didn't give a cent, she believed the girl would be willing to receive him.
"Please go upstairs and wait, guest."
The madam said subserviently.
Kael nodded with satisfaction and, led by the madam, arrived at a private room upstairs.
By this time, Ubuyashiki Kagaya already had two cups of sake in him, looking even more dizzy than before.
However, his current submissive appearance quite appealed to the ladies here, and their teasing had become somewhat bold.
"How is it? Still feeling uncomfortable?"
Kael sat down under the service of several girls and asked Ubuyashiki Kagaya beside him.
"...You must never tell Amane about this."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya said in a low voice.
He had actually already sensed that something was off about this place.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya was quite sensitive to the scent of demons.
Clearly, today was definitely not a simple life experience of drinking.
Given his understanding of Kael, it was actually quite surprising.
It was just that no matter how legitimate the reason, it couldn't hide the fact that Ubuyashiki Kagaya had come to the red-light district.
And, a bit embarrassingly, this little drink was actually quite intoxicating.
He didn't know if it was because his tolerance was low or because the girls around him were making his head spin.
"What thing?"
Kael looked completely blank. With his practiced way of holding a girl in each arm, it didn't look like his first time at all.
"...It really has to be you."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya stopped talking, busy fending off the girls' advances; he was truly afraid he would get drunk in a moment.
Just then, the door to the private room was pushed open.
A figure walked in, and the air suddenly went still.
An extremely gorgeously dressed woman entered. Her extraordinarily seductive aura immediately grabbed everyone's attention, completely outshining the other girls.
Even though she wasn't exposing much skin, every frown and smile could draw out the deepest desires in a man's heart.
The hem of her skirt swayed gently with her lotus steps, occasionally revealing a glimpse of her white, flawless calf skin, making one's mind waver.
No wonder there were rumors that Warabihime's beauty would make men timid; she was like a mirror that could reflect a man's most sordid side.
"As expected of the Oiran of Kyogoku House, Warabihime. Truly breathtakingly beautiful."
Kael began to admire her without any concealment.
This body was truly enticing.
Even he had to give this Oiran a thumbs up; it wasn't just due to her outstanding appearance and figure, but also that fascinatingly dangerous aura.
Aren't men just fond of that desire for conquest?
"All of you leave. I will be enough to host these two distinguished guests."
Warabihime's voice was flat, yet it brought immense pressure to the other girls. Not daring to say another word, they bowed in apology one after another and left.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya shot a subtle glance at Kael and found that his gaze was completely glued to Warabihime's body, making his heart twitch.
Wait, brother, wake up!
You're making me a bit nervous.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya could tell at a glance that Warabihime was not human, and she certainly wasn't an ordinary demon either.
"So, may I ask how you, Warabihime, are going to host me?"
Kael naturally dropped the 'us' and didn't forget to give Ubuyashiki Kagaya a reassuring look.
Don't blame your father for being stingy; you really can't handle this girl.
Warabihime gave a charming smile, her every gesture elegant yet oozing a captivating allure.
Pleasant music then began to play in the room.
Accompanied by the melody, Warabihime slowly began to dance.
As an Oiran, an outstanding appearance was just the foundation; the key was to have considerable artistic cultivation and social skills. As for services of the flesh, that depended on whether the guest had the ability.
The dance Warabihime performed was a conventional Oiran dance.
It mainly displayed elegant movements, using silk umbrellas and paper fans as props, emphasizing subtle hand expressions and restrained facial expressions. The content mostly revolved around traditional themes like sorrow over spring and loneliness.
It had to be said that Warabihime interpreted the emotions of this dance very well, touching the heart deeply.
Even Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who had been on guard, couldn't help but clap for her after the dance.
"Not bad, very good."
Compared to Warabihime's dance, Kael's words of praise seemed exceptionally bland. However, Warabihime didn't mind; on the contrary, she seemed quite happy, after all, Kael's looks were right there.
"Kael, it's getting late."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya gave a reminder from the side.
Kael nodded in understanding and then asked Warabihime bluntly.
"I wonder if I might spend a wonderful night with you, Warabihime?"
I want to sleep with you, are you down?
That was essentially what it meant in plain language.
I've come to the red-light district; isn't it just to take care of my little brother? Everyone knows that, so why pretend?
"..."
Ubuyashiki Kagaya felt a surge of breathlessness, staring at Kael with wide eyes as if asking.
Are you serious?
Don't tell me you can't see what this Oiran's true nature is.
Warabihime lowered her chin somewhat bashfully.
No refusal meant agreement.
Kael slapped down a stack of money.
Madam, get us a room!!