Sizzle~!
Pouring all the ingredients into the large ladle at once, she perfectly distributed the necessary seasonings and skillfully began to stir the iron spatula in the pan. The crisp sound of sizzling echoed like some sort of heavenly melody in the ears of the woman beside her. Not only that... the moment the food began to fry, that alluring aroma filled the kitchen, making the person beside her feel utterly content.
"Smells delicious..."
At that moment, Ei—who was hugging her from behind—took a deep breath and murmured softly.
"You're saying it's delicious before even tasting it?"
The Shogun turned her head slightly and teased with a faint smile.
"Mm... just the smell makes my mouth water. Shogun, how are you so good at cooking?"
Ei asked curiously.
"...Because I'm not a certain someone."
The Shogun said, glancing toward Ei beside her.
Upon hearing that, Ei retaliated playfully—her hand gently pinching the Shogun's waist, making her flinch instinctively. The Shogun quickly picked up a pair of chopsticks, grabbed a small piece of meat from the pan, blew on it carefully, then held it up to Ei's lips with her other hand.
"Here, try it."
She made a small gesture for her to open her mouth.
"Ah~"
Ei habitually brushed aside a few strands of her side hair and opened her soft lips, taking the tip of the chopsticks into her mouth. She chewed slowly, savoring the dish her daughter had prepared for her.
"How is it?"
The Shogun asked softly, her voice carrying a hint of nervousness.
"Mm... it's truly delicious."
Ei smiled warmly as she replied.
"That's good... Come on, let's go back to the room and eat."
The Shogun let out a small sigh of relief, then brought out all the finished dishes, arranging them neatly on the low table atop the tatami in the living room. She even served rice for Ei and set the chopsticks in place. Every motion was practiced and gentle—she looked almost like a wife tending to her husband. Yet, the person before her was not her husband, but her mother.
Sitting obediently beside Ei, the Shogun watched her eat with a happy look on her face. Seeing that expression of contentment, the corners of her own lips lifted slightly. Ei ate quietly, moving her chopsticks with calm rhythm, as though she were truly starving. Her posture, however, was relaxed—her legs bent to the side in a casual manner.
"Cough... cough..."
Halfway through, Ei suddenly coughed, patting her chest instinctively. She had swallowed too quickly and choked.
"!"
Seeing this, the Shogun immediately leaned over and gently patted Ei's back, her hand moving softly in a soothing rhythm.
"...You even managed to choke while eating."
She muttered with a sigh, skillfully pouring a cup of warm water with one hand and holding it out to Ei in one smooth motion.
"Here, drink some."
She spoke gently.
"Cough... mm."
Ei obediently took the cup and drank a few careful sips.
During that time, the Shogun's hand continued to stroke her back lightly, her violet eyes reflecting only Ei's figure.
"Feeling better?"
She asked softly.
"Mm... much better now."
Ei exhaled, smiling at her.
"I really don't know which of us is the 'mother' sometimes..."
The Shogun teased.
"Ahem... I was just a bit too hungry. When the body's starving, its functions slow down, so—"
"So you let your guard down. I know."
The Shogun interrupted gently, finishing her sentence for her.
"Hmm... you're being naughty."
Ei pouted slightly, looking at her with mock annoyance—an expression that made her look rather adorable.
"Pfft... alright, alright, I'll behave. Now eat before it gets cold."
The Shogun couldn't help but laugh softly, patting Ei's back again to coax her into continuing her meal. Somehow, for a being once called a puppet, she was growing more and more... human.
Ei resumed eating quietly. Perhaps due to their shared temperament, both she and the Shogun ate in silence, the only sounds being the occasional soft clink of dishes and faint chewing.
The Shogun eventually took a piece of meat for herself as well, wanting to taste it. It wasn't bad... as long as Ei liked it, that was enough.
"Why aren't you eating more?"
Ei asked suddenly.
"...I'm not hungry."
The Shogun replied.
"You shouldn't do that. Eat with me."
Ei tugged lightly at the hem of her sleeve.
"I really am not hungry..."
"..."
Ei didn't reply. She only gazed at her quietly.
"...Fine, I'll eat."
Unable to bear that look, the Shogun sighed and scooped some rice into her own bowl, taking a few bites.
Clack ×N
The faint sounds of chopsticks filled the room—a peaceful, domestic rhythm that made the moment feel alive and warm.
"...Are you going?"
Ei suddenly asked.
"...Going where?"
She chewed a mouthful of rice and asked in a muffled tone, the sound unclear as her mouth was still full.
"That girl mentioned... the Demon Slayer Corps."
Unlike her, Ei swallowed her food before speaking.
"...I don't know yet. I haven't decided."
The Shogun followed suit, swallowing her food. Her words became clearer. Indeed, she was still hesitating, because they were merely travelers in this world—not meant to stay for long. She didn't want to take on something she couldn't commit to.
"..."
Ei fell silent, watching her.
"You want me to go?"
The Shogun looked up, as if she had guessed her mother's thoughts.
"Actually... I've always wanted you to experience more new things. Not just as Inazuma's 'Raiden Shogun'. Think of it as a form of training, to help you grow."
As a mother, that was truly how Ei felt. She wasn't sure if other mothers thought the same way about their children.
"..."
The Shogun remained silent.
"Of course, if you don't want to, I won't force you. What matters most is your feelings. If going makes you unhappy, then it would only backfire—and that would hurt me too."
Ei offered her another choice. That was what a mother should do—not force her child, but give her the right to choose for herself.
Even though she wanted her daughter to see more of the world, Ei still prioritized her child's feelings and will above all. That was her way of nurturing the Shogun—with gentleness that contrasted sharply with her identity as a warrior. It was her way of showing love.
The Shogun glanced at Ei, her violet eyes flickering with thought. Then she silently looked down at her own legs, bent to the side atop the tatami. Her gaze slowly moved to her right ankle.
Wrapped in white silk stockings, her slender ankle bore a thin red string, upon which a small bellflower ornament rested. Her fingers brushed gently over the red thread and its delicate petals. It matched the one tied around Ei's right ankle.
Seeing this, Ei reached out as well, her fingertips lightly touching the red string around her daughter's ankle.
"It's come loose..."
She spoke softly, then deftly untied the loosened string and leaned closer, bowing her head to re-tie it properly.
"..."
The Shogun didn't resist at all. She obediently extended her leg as Ei tied the red thread again. Throughout the motion, her violet eyes never left her mother's gentle, downturned face. Then, almost without thinking, she reached out and placed her hand softly against Ei's cheek.
"?"
Ei froze for a moment, feeling the warmth against her face. She looked up at her daughter.
"!"
The Shogun quickly withdrew her hand, as if flustered.
"...What's wrong?"
Ei asked softly.
"It's nothing. Just... you're so kind to me."
The Shogun murmured quietly, her gaze falling to the tatami as a faint blush colored her face.
"What are you saying? You're my daughter. If I don't treat you well, then who should I treat well?"
Ei asked with a hint of confusion.
"..."
The Shogun didn't respond.
"...Or should I be nice to Kunikuzushi instead?"
Ei teased.
"That's not funny..."
The Shogun gave her a deadpan look, helplessness written all over her face.
Ei chuckled softly, then reached out to gently stroke her daughter's cheek, her eyes filled with affection.
"I... think I'll go."
The Shogun finally said quietly.
"...Alright."
Ei nodded, showing no surprise—only quiet acceptance.
Knock knock~!
Just then, a sudden knock came from the door. Hearing it, Ei instinctively transformed into particles of light, merging into the Shogun's body.
"Excuse me... is anyone here?"
A male voice called out politely after knocking.
The Shogun stood, slipped on her shoes, and walked toward the entryway...
Click...
She opened the door.
"..." ×2
The two at the doorway locked eyes.
Standing before her was a young man with dark red hair, wearing a haori patterned with blue cloud motifs. A visible scar marked his left forehead—but the red eyes that looked at her shone with an unmistakable light of hope. Just from his gaze alone, the Shogun could tell what kind of person he was: honest, straightforward, and kind-hearted.
"...///!"
The young boy's face flushed bright red the moment he saw the Shogun's face. That beauty—enough to put flowers to shame—was beyond anything a country boy like him had ever seen. But... no, Nezuko was still prettier! Yes!
He quickly reminded himself of that, trying to stay focused and avoid making a fool of himself.
"Here to buy something?"
Seeing that he didn't respond for a while, the Shogun spoke first. His sense of perception was impressive—after all, her small shop was hidden deep within the wisteria grove, nearly impossible for ordinary people to detect.
"Ah... uh... hello! My name is Tanjiro Kamado."
Tanjiro snapped out of it and hurriedly introduced himself, his loud, sincere voice matching the clear shine in his crimson eyes.
"Are you here to buy something?"
The Shogun asked again, seemingly ignoring his introduction altogether.
"Uh... is this... a shop?"
Tanjiro asked awkwardly, glancing at the wooden signboard that read "Narukami Cottage." He couldn't quite tell what kind of place this was, so he'd approached out of curiosity.
"...Come in."
The Shogun stepped aside, allowing him to enter—her response once again completely unrelated to his question.
"Ah—thank you! Sorry to intrude!"
Tanjiro stepped inside awkwardly. The room looked simple enough—tatami mats, a low table, and some unfinished food on it. Aside from that, there was only a counter that faintly smelled of herbs.
So... it was a pharmacy?
He understood now.
"...Here to buy medicine?"
The Shogun asked.
"No, not really... I was just curious and wanted to take a look."
Tanjiro shook his head and explained.
The Shogun walked to the counter, her eyes sweeping over his appearance—the worn haori, the old katana at his waist, and the small fox mask tied at the side of his head. It reminded her of that little shrine maiden.
"That mask..."
She asked curiously.
"Hmm? Oh—this is called a 'warding mask.' It's supposed to keep demons away, kind of like a protective charm. My master gave it to me."
Tanjiro blinked, then quickly explained, his hand brushing against the small fox mask on his head.
"I see. And why are you here?"
The Shogun asked further, wanting to confirm if he was indeed participating in the Demon Slayer Corps' final selection.
"Actually... I came to take the final selection exam for the Demon Slayer Corps. I heard it's being held here on Mount Fujikasane."
Click...
Tanjiro's expression turned determined as he lifted his sheathed, worn katana slightly for her to see.
So it was true. She was certain now.
She habitually adjusted the herbs on the counter before glancing again at the boy standing there somewhat awkwardly.
"Why do you want to join the Demon Slayer Corps?"
She asked suddenly.
"Eh?"
The woman's voice was naturally calm and gentle, the kind that soothed whoever heard it. That was why Tanjiro didn't react right away.
"..."
He thought over her question, and his expression grew heavy with sadness as memories of his family resurfaced.
"...Because of your family?"
The Shogun observed his expression, easily guessing the reason.
"!"
Sure enough, he looked up at her in surprise, as if she had read his mind.
"It's written all over your face," she said plainly.
"I'm sorry... My family was killed by demons. Only my sister and I survived."
He didn't mention the rest—that his sister's situation wasn't exactly normal.
"So, you seek revenge?"
She asked.
"Yes... partly. But more than that, it's for my sister."
He wanted to find the Demon King—the one responsible for all of this—and make him turn Nezuko back into a human. If the monster refused... he'd make him "agree."
"..."
The Shogun nodded slightly, then took out the medical box Shinobu had given her earlier and placed it on the table.
Click...
She unfastened the lock and opened it, revealing a neatly arranged set of first-aid medicines—clearly handmade by Shinobu herself.
"Are you... the owner of this shop?"
Tanjiro asked this time.
"...Something like that."
She replied vaguely.
After all, there was no shopkeeper here—only a mother.
"Have you been here long? Isn't it dangerous in a place like this? Are you really alright staying here alone?"
Tanjiro stepped closer, genuine concern in his voice.
"It's fine. The wisteria here blooms year-round. Those demons can't get close."
And even if they did, she could cut them down with a single strike. It made no difference. They said Nichirin Blades could kill demons—her Musou Isshin could do so even more easily, like slicing through vegetables.
"Oh..."
Tanjiro fell silent. There was nothing more he could say—clearly, she didn't need his concern. He knew his place.
Without another word, the Shogun pushed the medicine box toward him.
"...What's this?"
Tanjiro looked at the collection of medicinal supplies in confusion.
"Take some with you. Consider it a reward for finding this place. If you're injured on the way, use it to treat yourself."
She repeated the same words Shinobu had once told her.
"...Thank you!"
Tanjiro froze for a moment, then understood. He bowed deeply, thanking her sincerely before slipping a few small vials into his pocket.
"Go quickly. The final selection should be starting soon. You wouldn't want to be late."
Seeing that he had taken the medicines, she gestured toward the door, urging him on.
"Ah—yes! Um... how should I address you?"
Remembering his manners just as he reached the entryway, Tanjiro turned back toward her.
"...My name is Raiden."
The Shogun replied calmly.
"...Miss Raiden, then? Got it! I hope we meet again!"
He didn't know if they ever would, but out of courtesy, he offered a polite farewell before leaving the Narukami Cottage.
And so, several hours passed—
The Shogun slid open the front door alone, stepping outside into the soft evening glow that matched her hue perfectly. The time was around nine at night.
Hum~
Ei materialized beside her again, as usual brushing her arm lightly before gazing toward the direction Tanjiro had left—the starting point of the selection.
"That boy... he truly burns with passion. Honest, polite, and steadfast. The loss of his family didn't crush him—it gave him purpose and hope. Such a man will achieve great things."
Ei turned to look at her daughter as she finished speaking.
"It's rare to hear you praise someone like that."
The Shogun teased lightly.
"...I praised Ayaka before, didn't I? I'm a good judge of character."
Ei replied with quiet confidence.
"Haa... you're not wrong."
The Shogun answered casually and walked back into the house, leaving Ei standing outside. Ei didn't move—she simply stood there, quietly gazing at the wisteria blossoms, as if waiting for someone's return.
Click...
Moments later, the Shogun emerged again. She had extinguished all the lamps inside and locked the front door by hand, flipping the signboard to display the word "Closed."
Yes... it was time for her to leave as well.
She returned to Ei's side and looked back at the house they had lived in for nearly a year. There was a hint of reluctance in her eyes. The truth was, this house wasn't theirs—it was found. Yes, found. When they had arrived here a year ago, they discovered this empty home. They'd planned to stay only temporarily, but its owner never returned—as if it had none to begin with.
So they stayed. And the name "Narukami Cottage" was one she had chosen herself. The herbs, too, had been here from the start.
As for that Butterfly woman—Shinobu—they had first met by chance about a year ago, when Shinobu came to purchase medicinal herbs. What happened between them afterward was... complicated. In short, Shinobu had been curious about her from the very start—a lone woman living deep within the wisteria forest. Occasionally, she would visit again, and since this place was a herb shop, she could conveniently take some supplies home as well.
They shared stories about themselves, though the Shogun never said she came from another world—only that she was a traveler from somewhere very far away. Shinobu, in turn, told her about being a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, and many other details. Over time, the two grew close. To Shinobu, the Shogun had become a special kind of friend—an acquaintance met in an extraordinary way.
A year passed like that... and at last, the Shogun was ready to move on.
"Let's go, Ei."
She said softly, resting her familiar wisteria umbrella upon her shoulder.
"Mm..."
Ei nodded gently before merging back into her daughter's body. To be honest, she was feeling lazy. Riding inside her daughter's body was far more convenient than walking on her own.