Even someone as gentle as Kanae couldn't help but sigh after hearing Hiru's so-called "plan."
Hiru, however, had no intention of explaining further. He only reminded them once more—very firmly—that no one was to make a move before he arrived. After that, he headed straight for the Rengoku residence.
Sabito, meanwhile, led Ubuyashiki Kiriya—the third son of Ubuyashiki Kagaya—and Ubuyashiki Kanata, his fourth daughter, to Mount Fujikasane to prepare for the upcoming Final Selection.
Of course, when it came time to actually hunt demons, the task would still be delivered by Kasugai Crow to Hiru, the only one among them capable of wielding a Bright Red Nichirin Sword.
After observing the selection, Sabito would still need to return to his own territory to continue clearing demons.
Because Rengoku Shinjuro had received Hiru's message in advance via Kasugai Crow, he invited Tamayo to his home early. The moment Hiru arrived, he pulled her aside to discuss the new medicine and the recent movements of demons.
"The demons are conducting large-scale searches?"
Tamayo pondered for a moment after listening.
"I'm sorry, but aside from the Blue Spider Lily, I can't think of anything Muzan would expend such effort to find. Especially since my movements have been rather restricted since coming to Rengoku-san's home… And wouldn't it be better for you to discuss this with Yoriichi? Why tell me?"
"Because if I told my brother, he'd feel miserable."
"…Then Ubuyashiki-sama would also be a good choice."
"…I forgot."
Tamayo: …
She smiled gently without saying anything.
Seeing that smile, Hiru cleared his throat and pressed his palms together.
"Well, matters like this should be discussed with elders first, right? Don't you think so, Miss Tamayo?"
Tamayo took a deep breath, silently reminding herself not to argue with a child, and finally calmed down.
"Then just say what you're thinking, Mr. Hiru."
"…Is it possible they're searching for my eldest brother?" Hiru watched her expression carefully. "I noticed this before—Muzan didn't just lose control over Kokushibo. On several occasions, he was actually driven back by him. It's very likely that Muzan is constrained by Kokushibo for some reason…"
"Unless Kokushibo possesses an ability like Yoriichi's—one that can counter and suppress Muzan to some extent—there's no reason for Muzan to avoid him," Tamayo said coolly. "He's not that magnanimous."
"That does make sense…"
Hiru nodded slightly.
"And there's something I'm certain of. Before the three of us brothers reunited, my eldest brother spared my life several times when clashing with Muzan. He wanted me—someone who had witnessed my brother's battle with Muzan—to see him fight Muzan again, to prove that he had surpassed my brother.
"But after their last encounter, both my brother and Muzan vanished. Even when I deliberately caused trouble at fixed locations, neither of them came looking. That's what I don't understand. If he's hiding again—"
"I don't think you need to worry about that," Tamayo interrupted softly, her brows knitting as she sighed. "Muzan has spent a thousand years pursuing a way to overcome sunlight. Right now, the most direct path for him is to devour you. No matter what, he cannot avoid facing you. You only need to wait."
"Hey, I didn't mean to upset you… Don't be mad, alright?"
"I'm not."
"But you're calling me Mr. Hiru…"
Tamayo kept smiling. "That's why I said I'm not angry. At. All."
[She's definitely angry.]
Hiru wisely chose not to argue and took his leave. Just as he reached the door, Tamayo called out to him again.
"…If you really do kill Muzan, you've prepared yourself for what comes after, haven't you?"
Hiru stopped. "For what?"
"You know exactly what I mean." Tamayo looked straight at him. "The higher the blood concentration, the harder it is to revert to being human. The medicine that worked on those demon children may very well fail on you. If that happens, what will you do?"
"Then I'll eat people."
His tone was calm—so calm it barely sounded like he was talking about himself.
"I made a promise with my brother. The moment I eat a human, he'll stop at nothing to kill me. And given his personality, he'll probably take his own life afterward.
"Since I've said that demons should not exist, once my purpose is fulfilled, I'll seek my own end. You don't need to worry about that."
This time, Tamayo didn't stop him again. After Hiru left, she quietly rewrote her list of medicinal ingredients and returned to her work.
Since he was leaving anyway, Hiru naturally went to bid Rengoku Shinjuro farewell. Following the scent in the air, he made his way to the Rengoku family's training grounds—only to find, to his surprise, that there was someone there besides Shinjuro and Kyojuro.
Hiru stared at the unfamiliar girl. "You're the one who can eat a ridiculous amount of sakura mochi!"
His voice made everyone pause. The girl he was looking at smiled brightly.
"Oh! You're the gentleman who loves strawberry daifuku! Long time no see!"
Leaning on his wooden sword, Shinjuro glanced back and forth between them. "You two know each other?"
"We happened to share sweets once," Hiru said, standing under the eaves. "Your name is… Kanroji Mitsuri, right?"
"That's me~" Mitsuri beamed. "I'm so happy today! To run into Hiru right before the selection—fate really is amazing~"
"You're joining the Demon Slayer Corps?" Hiru stepped onto the training grounds.
"I remember your family is quite well-off. Why choose such a dangerous line of work?"
"Ah… that question's a bit embarrassing," Mitsuri said, her face flushing as she fidgeted with her fingers. "I actually joined the Demon Slayer Corps… for matchmaking."
"…Huh? Matchmaking?!"
Hiru covered his mouth.
"Now that you mention it, you did bring that up when we shared desserts before. But why come to the Demon Slayer Corps to find a match?"
Mitsuri's smile dimmed. She turned her head slightly aside, fingers twisting together.
"Because… people said my hair was strange, that I eat too much, that I'm some kind of freakishly strong woman…"
"Who said your hair was strange?"
"Eh?"
"How could such a beautiful color be strange?" Hiru scowled. "Those people have no taste at all. I won't speak for anywhere else, but if anyone in the Demon Slayer Corps dares say that, I'll shave their head bald."
"Hehe~" Mitsuri clasped her hands to her cheeks. "Hiru-san is the first person to ever say my hair is pretty. It feels like I've gained another big brother—I'm so happy~"
"If you really had a brother, he'd have stood up for you ages ago. There's no way he'd let people talk about you like that."
"Hehe, no, I meant Kyojuro!" Mitsuri turned toward Rengoku Kyojuro. "When someone said those things to me before, Kyojuro just happened to pass by and scolded them thoroughly!"
"Nice one, Kyojuro!" Hiru reached out and ruffled the young Flame swordsman's hair. "Very gentlemanly. Keep it up!"
"Um!"
Kyojuro replied loudly.
"Bullying women is not the way of a true man! I simply acted when I saw injustice!"
"Ah, so spirited," Hiru laughed, looking at Kyojuro's radiant grin.
"So, Kyojuro—are you confident you'll become the next Flame Hashira? If so, we'll be able to go on missions together."
"Of course!" Kyojuro declared, his voice still booming despite his tousled hair.
"The Rengoku family has always carried on the Flame Hashira's legacy! I'll be fighting alongside Hiru very soon!"