Demon Slayer : Breath of The Forest

"What? Ruka-san...?" Shinichi murmured in disbelief.

He had visited the Rengoku household and was deeply impressed by Ruka-san gentle yet upright personality.

The warm atmosphere of the Rengoku family had also made him feel very comfortable.

But Shinichi never expected that Ruka-san, who had been in good health just a year ago, would...

Without hesitation, Master Ubuyashiki immediately stood up and supported by Amane, prepared to visit the Rengoku residence.

However, Amane persuaded the Master, softly explaining that this was also the Flame Hashira request.

He didn't want family matters to affect the Demon Slayer Corps and promised to return to duty soon, hoping the Master wouldn't be troubled.

Though it seemed like a noble decision, Shinichi felt that Shinjuro Rengoku heart couldn't possibly be as calm as Amane described.

Shinjuro love for his wife ran incredibly deep.

After bidding farewell to the Master and leaving the estate, Shinichi looked up at the misty sky and sighed regretfully before tightening his grip on the Nichirin Blade at his waist and walking forward.

"I hope Ruka-san passing won't change anything about that warm Rengoku household" Shinichi whispered, thinking of the optimistic Kyojuro and the shy Kanjuro, who often hid behind his older brother.

In the following days, although the Flame Hashira Shinjuro Rengoku stated he didn't want family matters to hinder the Demon Slayer Corps, several Hashira and the Master himself visited to pay their respects personally.

Shinichi could clearly see that the once tall and optimistic Shinjuro Rengoku seemed changed.

The trustworthy, cheerful expression that once graced his face was gone, replaced by an unfading sorrow between his brows and a faint air of depression.

But expecting Shinichi to offer comforting words wasn't realistic—he lacked the Master kindness.

He could only hope Shinjuro would find his strength.

Shinichi also took time to speak with Kyojuro.

Unlike his father, while Kyojuro was equally grief-stricken, he remembered his mother teachings and remained determined not to let this break him.

As he left the Rengoku residence, Shinichi glanced back one last time.

The Rengoku family, much like the Master Ubuyashiki clan, was an ancient lineage of demon slayers.

For a thousand years, the mantle of Flame Hashira had never been broken.

"May the legacy of the Flame Hashira endure forever!" This was Shinichi sincerest wish for the Rengoku family.

***

Some time later, at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters...

The Water Hashira had yet to return and while the Flame Hashira was back on duty, Shinjuro condition worried everyone.

Despite his claims of being fine, his bloodshot eyes and the strong scent of alcohol told a different story.

The Stone Hashira and Sound Hashira were away on missions, leaving only the Forest Hashira Shinichi and the Flower Hashira Kanae of the Butterfly Mansion at headquarters.

"Child disappearances in Tokyo Kameoka District? Multiple squads sent to investigate have gone silent. One team returned but found nothing at the temple where the children vanished. Sanemi, this is our joint mission!" exclaimed a bright-faced Demon Slayer with two small scars near his mouth—none other than Kumeno Masachika, a Kinoe-ranked swordsman.

The member accompanying Kumeno was even more eye-catching.

His robust and powerful physique was immediately noticeable and unlike others, he wore a white coat over the Demon Slayer Corps uniform, emblazoned with a large "Kill" character on the back.

Beneath his disheveled white short hair were wide, bloodshot eyes with pupils smaller than average, giving him a scary appearance.

Even more unsettling were the crisscrossing scars covering his face, forehead, exposed chest and arms.

At a glance, he exuded immense intimidation.

This member, who looked more terrifying than a Demon, was none other than Sanemi Shinazugawa—Kumeno Masachika frequently mentioned junior and also a Kinoe-ranked swordsman.

Within the Demon Slayer Corps, it was common knowledge how deeply Sanemi loathed Demons.

After all, this ruthless man had killed several Demons with his bare hands and his own blood even before joining the Corps.

The scars on his body were self-inflicted wounds from his relentless hunts.

Sanemi's blood was an exceptionally rare type, even among the "Marechi"—so potent that ordinary Demons would be intoxicated just by smelling it.

Shinichi was aware of Sanemi Marechi blood, but out of respect for The Forest Hashira authority, he couldn't openly ask Sanemi for it.

However, due to Sanemi reckless, life-risking battles against Demons, the Butterfly Mansion had practically become his second home.

Whenever he returned to headquarters, he spent half his time there recovering.

Thus, Kanae Kocho 'the Flower Hashira' often crossed paths with him.

Over time, even the gentle Kanae would scold him lightly, urging him to take better care of himself and not fight so recklessly.

Of course, Sanemi never took it to heart. Sometimes, when irritated, he'd snap back.

"Quit nagging, woman! Just patch me up and be done with it!"

Before Kanae could react, her younger sister Shinobu would fly into a rage.

If not for Shinichi holding her back, the furious Shinobu would've drawn her blade and added a few more holes to Sanemi body.

At such moments, Kumeno would always appear just in time to apologize profusely on Sanemi behalf. Their relationship was less like senior and junior and more like brothers—though Kumeno was forever the one cleaning up the mess.

On the road, Sanemi crossed his arms and shot Kumeno a sidelong glance with his bloodshot eyes, scoffing.

"If they couldn't investigate it, it's because they're too weak. A mission like this? I could handle it alone."

Kumeno patted his shoulder. "Don't say that. Everyone in the Corps is doing their best. Besides, this time, two Kinoe-ranked swordsmen are being dispatched—meaning the mission won't be simple. If we fail, the next ones sent might be a Hashira."

"Hashira?" Sanemi froze.

At the mention of Hashira, Kanae Kocho image involuntarily flashed through his mind. He quickly shook his head to dispel the thought.

Meanwhile, Kumeno grinned and added "Still, after completing this mission, we might be one step closer to becoming Hashira ourselves. Don't forget our promise, Sanemi—whoever becomes a Hashira first treats the other to a meal. Hmm… how about beef bowl? Silky eggs over fragrant beef—slurp—"

Sanemi forehead bulged with veins as he snapped.

"Hey! Hey! Who agreed to this stupid bet? If you're such a glutton, go eat by yourself!"

Kumeno wrapped an arm around Sanemi shoulder and said cheerfully.

"It's different, you know? Becoming the Wind Hashira was also our master wish. Doesn't that make the beef bowl more meaningful?"

Sanemi: "Get lost!"

Just as the two were bantering, an intrigued voice suddenly sounded behind them.

"Are you two heading to Tokyo as well?"

Hearing this, they immediately turned around. Kumeno exclaimed in surprise.

"Shinichi-sama?"

Meanwhile, Sanemi Shinazugawa glared and said.

"YOUU!!"

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