"My sources indicate that the order targeting the Demon Slayer Corps is connected to the military—or, more precisely, to the war fanatics within it."
In the brightly lit living room, Ryukawa Chinatsu smoothed her hair before sliding a steaming cup of green tea across the table.
A pale hand reached out slowly, but due to near-blindness, its owner failed to grasp the cup immediately.
However, another slender hand soon gently guided his, helping him lift the tea.
"Thank you, Amane. And thank you as well, Miss Chinatsu."
The man's tone was exceedingly gentle, bearing none of the decisive ruthlessness one might expect from the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Ryukawa Chinatsu shook her head slightly, her gaze complex as she observed the man before her—Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the master of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Despite the grotesque purple scars marring his face, his demeanor remained kind.
The erosion of his family's curse, coupled with the recent setbacks suffered by the Demon Slayer Corps, had clearly taken a toll on this young leader.
Yet, he showed no outward signs of exhaustion.
If possible, Kagaya Ubuyashiki did not wish to burden others with further concern over his health.
"Some friends from the Ubuyashiki Family have recently shared certain news with us. It's truly hard to imagine that while we were fighting against the Demons, the world was engulfed in such a horrific war. Humanity..." Kagaya Ubuyashiki sighed softly.
Ryukawa Chinatsu pressed her lips together and remained silent.
Indeed, the rapid rise of the Moriki Conglomerate was closely tied to that world war.
Yet, it was precisely because of this that she had been able to keenly sense the growing unrest in their nation and detect the military's unusual movements in time, allowing her to warn the Demon Slayer Corps and avert a potential disaster.
"Foolish and fanatical individuals exist everywhere. In truth, what those people do should have nothing to do with us. But they crossed the line—they should never have laid a hand on Shinichi!"
As she spoke, a rare glint of killing intent flickered in Chinatsu's eyes.
Those cherished by Moriki Mitsuyo were also cherished by her.
In a way, the nature of merchants was not so different from that of war fanatics.
The brutality of corporate warfare could sometimes rival that of the battlefield.
The fact that Chinatsu had expanded the Moriki Conglomerate to its current scale was proof that her methods were far from merciful.
With the support of Ubuyashiki Amane, Kagaya slowly rose to his feet and then bowed deeply and solemnly to Ryukawa Chinatsu.
"Regarding Shinichi... we are deeply sorry. If possible, please direct your blame solely at me. It is my failure as the master. The children of the Demon Slayer Corps are also grieving deeply over Shinichi's loss."
"No, no, that's not what I meant, Ubuyashiki-san. Please don't misunderstand." Chinatsu quickly stepped forward to help him up.
She held no resentment toward the Demon Slayer Corps.
Under Mitsuyo's guidance, she had always held great respect for the selfless sacrifices of the Demon Slayers.
If not for her lack of talent with a blade, she might have been the first to join the Demon Slayer Corps using Forest Breathing.
...
Some time later...
"So, those in the military now control the decisions of half the higher-ups?"
"Actually, more than half—far more. Those war fanatics spend their days deluding themselves with impractical ambitions. And the one on the throne... well, my sources tell me His Majesty already has one foot in the grave."
"Humanity... always so eager to turn its strength against its own kind."
...
Knock, knock, knock!
"What is it?"
Tokyo, Moriki Conglomerate.
In the office, Ryukawa Chinatsu gently stroked the black Shiba Inu lying on her lap.
Having lost contact with its master, the dog named Maru-ni had been listless as usual today, even experiencing uncontrolled Demon Transformation for a period, accidentally injuring some Kakushi Members who tried to comfort it.
During this time, even Chinatsu, who loved Maru-ni the most, couldn't cheer the Shiba Inu up.
As it was now, Maru-ni lay dispiritedly on Chinatsu's lap, its usually plump body—which often gave Shinichi headaches—now clearly revealing the shape of its bones through its fur.
Chinatsu clearly saw Maru-ni's depression, but at the moment, she had no way to comfort the adorable Shiba Inu.
So when someone knocked on her office door, she was somewhat irritated.
"What is it? Didn't I say not to disturb me at this time! If it's not important, leave immediately!"
"Uh... President, there's, there's a gentleman here to see you," the person outside replied with a slight tremble in their voice.
But Chinatsu's tone remained impatient.
"Get lost! I don't want to see anyone today. Even if the mayor of Tokyo is standing outside, tell him to get lost!"
"Woof!!"
Just as Chinatsu snapped impatiently, Maru-ni on her lap suddenly seemed to sense something.
Its drooping ears perked up, and it began barking excitedly before eagerly leaping off Chinatsu and dashing toward the office door like a black lightning bolt.
"Woof! Woof! Woof!" The adorable Shiba Inu bounced around, its fluffy tail wagging nonstop as its paws scratched frantically at the door, resembling a puppy that had finally waited for its owner's return.
Seeing Maru-ni so agitated, Chinatsu instantly realized what was happening.
Whoosh!
She sprang up from her chair and rushed toward the door in excitement—though the door opened much faster than she could move.
Crash!!
As the lock was forcibly twisted and the door pushed open, an all-too-familiar voice rang in Chinatsu's ears.
"Chinatsu, long time no see. Your temper's gotten worse, huh? Hope you don't mind me breaking your door... Oof!!"
Before the figure stepping into the office could finish his remark, he was knocked over by the pouncing Maru-ni.
"You jerk! Every time you disappear, you make so many people worry about you. You're such a bastard, Shinichi!" Chinatsu glared at Shinichi, who had been toppled by Maru-ni, her voice a mix of reproach and excitement.
Meanwhile, Shinichi struggled to restrain the ecstatically wriggling Maru-ni, managing a slightly disheveled smile at Ryukawa Chinatsu.
"But I came back, didn't I?"
-----------------------------
Read 40 chapters ahead and support me on patreon.
patreon (.)com/Newbietranslator