Compared to others, Kanae had a fatal weakness.
She always hoped humans and demons could coexist peacefully. So when facing demons, would first discern whether the other party was utterly evil before striking.
With her strength, facing ordinary demons was fine... But if she encountered an Upper Rank, just a habitual moment's hesitation could cost her life.
"Did Little Shinobu tell you?" Kanae smiled. "I understand. This made her worry. But please rest assured—after meeting you, I've also changed."
No way. What could I possibly teach her?
"I just understand that those demons are bound by Muzan. Can't decide what to do by their own will."
Kanae said gently: "What I can do for them is work hard to defeat Muzan. Let them regain their freedom."
This was a very novel perspective. I thought carefully and felt it made great sense.
Muzan's sins weren't only against humans, but also these demons he transformed. They should have had normal lives. Yet their souls were bound to this land. Unable to find release.
"Because demons are also pitiful, I want to use techniques as gentle as possible to free them."
Kanae discussed Flower Breathing's characteristics with me. Several hundred years ago, the Demon Slayer Corps had no women.
Even if some surviving girls were filled with hatred toward demons, they never thought of joining the Demon Slayer Corps for revenge.
Not until the Edo period arrived—probably Western learning's influence brought change—did women apply to join the Demon Slayer Corps.
Frankly speaking, on this battlefield between humans and demons, female swordsmen were more disadvantaged... Due to innate physique and insufficient strength, they faced higher casualty rates against demons.
But even so, there were those who strove forward. Reversed the disadvantage through their own efforts.
If I remembered correctly, Flower Breathing was created by the first female swordsman to reach Hashira level... Also one of the few Breathing Styles specifically refined based on women's strengths.
Because it emphasized nimble, light footwork and had to conserve strength to the maximum, it required extremely high visual acuity.
Flower Breathing swordsmen had to precisely capture every enemy movement to accurately dodge attacks while catching demons' openings.
Speaking of this, Kanae mentioned Kanao. Praised her endlessly.
"That child is so agile. Her eyes see things especially accurately. But Little Shinobu and I think she's too young. Better to wait another year or two before taking the Final Selection."
Indeed. After developing another year or two, her body would be stronger. Demon hunting was tough work.
What Kanae needed was special training for dynamic vision. Additionally, she wanted to research a technique with stronger killing power.
She'd discussed this with Kyojuro before. After leaving her, my next stop would be Kyojuro's territory.
Kanae wrote up her insights and experiences. Asked me to deliver them to Kyojuro along the way.
Turns out this kid had run off somewhere.
Daifuku flew to find his crow. Soon flew back. Said Kyojuro couldn't get away right now. Recommended a restaurant with delicious food. Said I could wait for him there.
Just so happened it was getting hotter. Even holding a black umbrella, walking outside was still uncomfortable.
I went to that eatery and sat down. Ordered some food and sat in a corner.
Kyojuro was right. This place's food was indeed delicious. Probably he came here to eat often.
I ate while waiting for him. Suddenly noticed a couple entering the doorway.
The man was nothing special. What caught my eye was the girl with bright, vivid hair color.
She wore a pink and white kimono. Pink long hair braided into three strands. The ends were spring-green.
Not only was her hair color striking—her features were lovely. A very beautiful girl.
Watching their interactions, they should be a couple. But the man's eyes held a hint of impatience.
Even when his companion asked what he wanted to eat, he only answered carelessly.
The shop brought out the food. I noticed the man only ordered one serving of soba noodles. While the remaining pork cutlet rice, tempura, rice balls, red bean dumplings—seemed all ordered by the girl. And everything came in double portions.
Now not just me secretly observing—everyone in the shop looked over.
The man's expression was very unpleasant. Though his voice was small, I still heard him say: "Didn't I tell you to eat less in these situations!"
The girl's face paled. Lips moved slightly. Said softly: "I... I already ordered very little today."
To actually eat so much delicious food in one go! I looked at her with great envy. This kind of good appetite—in my memory, only Kyojuro had it.
Being able to eat was so great. Could freely taste all kinds of delicious food. Not worried at all about overstuffing.
But that man clearly didn't think so. Face ugly, he lowered his head to eat noodles. Said nothing more.
The girl also carefully began eating. Movements refined and elegant.
That pile of food was quickly eliminated by her.
I saw her raise her head. Looked reluctantly toward the kitchen. Clearly still not full.
Really wanted to wave and shout—Boss, bring out all your signature dishes, I'll pay for her!
But her boyfriend seemed worried she'd order more food. Hurriedly finished his noodles and said: "Alright, let's go. I have something to tell you."
They paid and walked out. The next second, Kyojuro rushed in energetically. Eyes swept around. Headed straight for my corner.
"Sorry, Lady Chihaya, for keeping you waiting."
Oh dear, he was blocking my view.
I quickly moved a few steps. But those two had already walked out the shop door.
Kyojuro was still somewhat puzzled. I didn't wait for him to ask. Grabbed the black umbrella with one hand, grabbed him with the other. Also quickly paid and walked out.
Fortunately I was a demon. Still had my sense of smell.
Though I couldn't see them outside anymore, I could still smell the girl's lingering scent. Followed it.
Kyojuro was dragged along the whole way. Suddenly asked curiously: "Lady Chihaya, where are we going?"
"Just now in the shop there was a girl whose appetite could rival yours." I searched for their traces while explaining. "But her companion looked unfriendly. I'm worried something might happen to her. Better follow and check."
Hearing this, Kyojuro obediently nodded. Also quite interested: "If so, I'd like to compete with her."
Along the way I asked passersby, caught scents, followed their trail to a secluded place.
Before seeing clearly what happened, heard a harsh voice: "I think in this world, probably only giant bears, wild boars, or bulls would be willing to marry you..."
Hm? This guy wore glasses. Looked refined. How could he speak so viciously?
Anger rose from my heart. I rushed forward, stood in front of that girl. Shouted: "Shut your stinking mouth!"
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