Shinobu's background was marked by tragedy.
Born into a family of pharmacists, her life took a dark turn when demons invaded their home, killing her parents. As Shinobu and her sister, Kanae Kocho, faced imminent danger, the Stone Pillar arrived just in time to rescue them.
Following intense training, both sisters passed the final selection and joined the Demon Slayer Corps, dedicating themselves to hunting evil demons. Within four years, Kanae ascended to the rank of Pillar, with Shinobu following in her footsteps as her successor.
Tragedy struck again during a demon-hunting mission when Kanae encountered Doma, the formidable Upper Moon Two.
Despite a fierce battle, Kanae succumbed to her injuries moments before dawn. Shinobu, arriving at the scene after daybreak, was consumed by guilt and remorse for being unable to save her sister.
From that day forward, Shinobu maintained a façade of smiles, striving to emulate her sister. Yet beneath this mask, her heart seethed with an unquenchable anger and hatred towards demons.
This trauma morphed into a singular obsession — she sought to eradicate all demons, regardless of their nature. This stood in stark contrast to her sister's wish for peaceful coexistence between humans and demons.
"Hello, hello! I hope Carter-kun isn't angry anymore. I sincerely apologize. I was wrong." Shinobu said, following beside Adam with a contrite expression.
"Hmph." Adam didn't accept her apology, continuing to rush towards the interior of Mount Natagumo.
The two shared the same destination: the central battlefield of Mount Natagumo.
Zenitsu, having recovered well after emergency treatment, was now under the care of the Demon Slayer Corps' Kakushi.
It was just the two of them now.
Adam was clearly giving Shinobu the cold shoulder. Her out-of-the-blue attack and sneaky wisteria cake trick had really ticked him off.
Wisteria, harmless to humans, acts as a deadly poison to demons. Ingestion proves fatal, making it an effective method for demon slaying.
This was Shinobu's chosen technique. Lacking the physical strength to behead demons, she relied on poison instead.
"I was wrong, I was wrong." Shinobu repeated, apologizing sincerely. Then, in a roundabout way, she added, "But you know, Carter-kun was also at fault!"
"I was at fault?" Adam laughed bitterly, "You swung your sword at me, and somehow I'm to blame?"
"Well, who could have imagined Carter-kun's hands would emit green light? For a normal person, such an abnormality wouldn't exist, right?"
"Well, you're right. Normal people's hands don't emit green light." He nodded.
"That's what I'm saying."
"But that's still not a reason for you to attack me indiscriminately!"
"That's why I've apologized to you. I'm sorry!" Shinobu said sincerely, "Carter-kun is magnanimous. Please forgive me."
Seeing her so humble in asking for forgiveness, Adam couldn't keep pressuring her, "Given how sincere you are, I'll forgive you."
He would still need to deal with the Demon Slayer Corps later, and offending a Pillar-level member wouldn't be a wise move. Not to mention, she had good relationships with other Pillars. He had to be careful she didn't secretly cause trouble for him or give him a hard time.
"Really? Thank you, Carter-kun, for forgiving me!" Shinobu smiled happily.
Whoa, hold up! Who are you and what have you done with Shinobu?
I thought you were all about being this sweet, gentle flower like your sis. What's with the sudden energy?
Seriously, "My Shinobu Can't Be This Bubbly!" should be the title of this scene!
Shinobu asked while running, "By the way, what's that green light emitting from Carter-kun's hands?"
She had just checked on Zenitsu's condition earlier. She found that his condition was surprisingly good. Apart from falling unconscious due to excessive mental exhaustion, he had no other problems, and his body was completely unharmed!
This was too amazing!
If she hadn't witnessed Zenitsu's Thunderclap and Flash posture, she might have assumed Adam had defeated the demon brother.
"As I mentioned before, it's my unique healing method. It can perform basic treatment, but it only heals the body, not the mind."
Shinobu's eyes flickered slightly, her mind seemingly racing with thoughts.
'Ah, so that's why she's suddenly all nice and apologetic. She's probably after my Healing Magic,' Adam thought, seeing through her act. Realizing this, he quickly dispelled her hopes, "Don't get any ideas — it's my unique ability that can't be taught to others."
〘Heal〙was a skill, and unless Shinobu also possessed an adventurer card, Adam couldn't pass it on to her anyway.
"I see." She accepted this fact without protest.
In truth, she had encountered special abilities before. The Love Pillar, Mitsuri Kanroji, had a body density eight times that of normal people, granting her exceptional defense and strength — and a hearty appetite to match. Then there was Genya Shinazugawa, who could consume demons and temporarily take on their traits.
These were all unique characteristics, impossible to imitate.
The conversation didn't end there. Shinobu had more questions for Adam. "Carter-kun, you're not a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, are you? Your clothes are quite unusual, and how do you know the Thunder Breathing Technique?"
"What if I told you I learned it just by watching Zenitsu use it once?" Adam replied, unafraid to reveal his talent. There was no harm in being open about it.
After all, he was on humanity's side. The Demon Slayer Corps wouldn't turn against him. On the contrary, once they confirmed his talent, he'd become their "hope" and receive intensive training!
The Demon Slayer Corps would have hope to end their thousand-year-old quest, and Adam would seize the opportunity to learn all the breathing techniques.
A win-win situation! He'd be picking up those breathing techniques faster than you can say "Nezuko-chan!"
However, Shinobu clearly didn't believe a word he said, assuming he was just teasing her to express his dissatisfaction with her previous rudeness.
"Ahaha~ Carter-kun really is petty, isn't he?"
"Huh?" Adam blinked, confused. Where had he gone wrong?
This was wrong! Come on, shouldn't you be all starry-eyed like, "No way! You're a prodigy! I must introduce you to the Master!" But here you are, giving me the side-eye instead. What gives?'
"Perhaps Carter-kun means to say that, no matter what sword technique it is, after seeing it demonstrated once, you can easily learn it?" Shinobu said with a smile, her words tinged with mockery, clearly indicating her disbelief.
Adam caught on — this woman must think he was boasting. But that was fine. Actions speak louder than words; she'd soon see whether he was bluffing or not.
Just wait and see. I'm going to blow your mind! Get ready for your jaw to hit the floor! You think having a cheat code is all fun and games? Well, let me tell you, it's even better than that! It's like having a superpower, only way cooler.
Adam smiled confidently, "Ah, indeed! Without exaggeration, no matter what sword technique it is, as long as it's demonstrated in front of me once, I can easily analyze and copy it!"
"Hehe." Shinobu didn't argue further, but she also stopped talking.
The conversation ended with that 'hehe'.
Adam's claim wasn't born of arrogance or getting carried away. It was because he truly possessed this capability.
At Level 6, Adam possessed 60 Skill Points. He had invested most of these in 〔Body Enhancement〕, a skill he'd copied from Darkness. Though his physical strength couldn't rival her's, Adam was certain he surpassed even the Stone Pillar in power.
For him, mastering various breathing techniques and sword skills was child's play.
His current goal was simple: race to Mount Natagumo's center, observe the swordsmen there, and swiftly analyze and copy their techniques.
However, as they hurried toward the mountain's heart, an unexpected obstacle appeared.
It was none other than the sister from the Spider Demon family.
T/N: If you want more chapters , check out my Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today!Find your next favorite novel on NovelHub today!com/mrblackwing