Unfortunately, Kagaya would never agree to such a method, even at the cost of his own life. Doing so would undermine the very purpose of the Demon Slayer Corps' existence, causing the organization to immediately crumble. He likely understood this principle well.
"I see." Shinobu said, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
As they conversed, another Kakushi member entered, carrying someone on his back.
"Tanjiro, you're here too!" Zenitsu exclaimed, the first to spot the figure on the Kakushi's back.
"Ah, Zenitsu!" Tanjiro, still being carried, raised his head at the familiar voice. His eyes darted around the room, "Suoh-senpai, Kocho-senpai, and even Inosuke is here!"
Most of his acquaintances from the Demon Slayer Corps had gathered in this small room.
"Lady Shinobu Kocho, I've brought Tanjiro Kamado as requested." The Kakushi member announced nervously. He quickly placed Tanjiro on the bed and turned to leave, "I'll take my leave now."
The Pillars' prestige had clearly intimidated him.
However, no one paid much attention to the Kakushi's hasty exit. Instead, they immersed themselves in the joy of reunion.
"Tanjiro, let me heal you." Adam said.
He began to use his〘Heal〙skill, enveloping Tanjiro's body in a soft green light.
Moments later, Tanjiro's injuries were completely healed. He sprang up on the bed and shouted, "Re—vived!"
A sense of déjà vu washed over Adam. Were all three of them cut from the same cloth?
Aoi, just as she had done with Inosuke earlier, promptly pushed Tanjiro back onto the bed, insisting he rest properly.
"Thank you, Suoh-senpai!" Tanjiro, now lying down, expressed his gratitude, "Not only did you save my sister, but you also healed me. I'm truly grateful!"
"I appreciate your thanks." Adam replied, patting his shoulder, "The three of you have just been healed, and while your injuries are mended, your bodies are still fatigued. Rest well — I'll check on you tomorrow."
"Yes!" Zenitsu and Tanjiro chorused, while Inosuke continued muttering, "I'm sorry, it's all because I'm too weak."
Afterward, Adam left the ward with Shinobu.
They also went to check on Nezuko, finding her in a deep sleep. Adam treated her as well. Although Nezuko was a demon capable of physical regeneration, the〘Heal〙skill could advance her awakening by a few days.
They couldn't let her wake up near the story's end as in the original work, could they?
Unfortunately,〘Heal〙couldn't replenish her internal energy. Otherwise, she might have awakened even sooner.
During the treatment process, Shinobu observed silently.
Afterward, they left together, arriving at a secluded corner of the Butterfly Estate where a standalone two-story building stood.
"Suoh-kun, please stay here tonight." Shinobu said, leading him to a room on the first floor, "It's small, but clean. I hope that's alright."
"Any place to lie down is more than enough for me." Adam replied, covering his face as he recalled unpleasant memories, "You know, I once slept in a stable."
Shinobu paused, then said softly.
"That must have been difficult." After a moment, she added, "I'll have someone bring dinner later."
"Thank you, Shinobu."
"I'll take my leave now." She said, turning to go.
The room was sparse — just a bed, a table, and a window by the headboard. Nothing more.
Adam lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, deep in thought. Time was of the essence; he needed to learn the Sun Breathing technique soon.
But the Demon Slayer Corps was still processing the news he'd brought, so they likely wouldn't have time for him — at least not today, with nightfall approaching.
Tomorrow, he'd check on Tanjiro's recovery. He'd push him to train harder and try to convince him to abandon his current style for the more suitable Sun Breathing technique.
Oh, right! He should also encourage Tanjiro to grow out his hair, adopt a more distant gaze, and subtly alter his aura.
The plan? To make him look like Yoriichi Tsugikuni! No need for a perfect match - even a 30-40% resemblance would do the trick.
Adam couldn't help but chuckle, picturing Muzan's face when he sees this lookalike of his old enemy. Would he freeze up in fear or throw a embarrassed hissy fit?
Man, that would be hilarious to watch!
A series of raps at the door snapped Adam out of his reverie.
He rose to answer, finding Aoi on the threshold. She balanced a wooden tray laden with food and a few simple garments.
"Suoh-senpai, I've brought your dinner."
Adam stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter. "Please, come in."
The two crossed into the room.
"Suoh-senpai, these are clothes Lady Kocho sent for you to change into."
"Change of clothes... How thoughtful." Adam realized he only had the clothes he was wearing, "Aoi, please thank Shinobu for me."
"Of course, I'll relay your message." She bowed respectfully and turned to leave, "I'll return in an hour to clean up."
"Thank you for your trouble." He smiled and waved.
The meal Aoi brought was light but varied and nutritious, leaving Adam satisfied.
An hour later, she collected the dishes. He followed her out, helping with minor chores and physical labor.
An upright young man wouldn't freeload!
He returned to his lodgings after nightfall.
Despite his exhaustion, Adam slept for less than an hour before waking.
He couldn't sleep. He missed the fragrant, soft "body pillow" with her rich scent. Though oppressive, he'd grown accustomed to that compressed feeling. Without her, sleep eluded him.
The room felt cramped, and lying in bed bored him. He decided to get some fresh air.
Stepping outside, bright moonlight bathed him as a cool breeze caressed his face. He felt a slight contentment.
"My, my, Suoh-kun. Why are you up so late? What brings you out here?"
A gentle female voice came from behind the small building. Turning around, Adam discovered Shinobu sitting on the roof, watching him.
"Shinobu, what are you doing here?" He asked, surprised, "You're not monitoring me, are you?"
"You misunderstand, Suoh-kun." Shinobu replied with a smile, "I live right above your room. This is originally my residence."
"Oh, I see." Adam exerted force in his legs, a faint electric light flashing by.
He jumped onto the roof, settling beside her.
"What's wrong, Shinobu? Can't sleep either?" He noticed her reddened eyes, as if she'd been crying.
"I... was thinking about my sister." Shinobu's expression turned gloomy.
Today's confession to him, along with the matter of Nezuko, had left her at a loss.
"Suoh-kun, do you think... humans and demons can coexist peacefully?"
"No! All demons are cunning villains, extremely treacherous beings that could never peacefully coexist with humans!" Adam paused, then added, "Although I'd like to say that, Nezuko's appearance has broken this fixed impression."
What he said echoed Shinobu's internal struggle. On one hand, she was furious at demons, wishing to eradicate them all; on the other, she carried her sister's hopes for peaceful coexistence between demons and humans.
Nezuko's existence left her conflicted, unable to reconcile her feelings.
"Suoh-kun, my sister once said—"
"Wait, stop right there!" Adam interjected, cutting Shinobu off mid-sentence.
He gazed intently into her eyes.
"Shinobu, you're your own person, not just an extension of your sister. What are your thoughts on this?"
"My... thoughts?" She echoed, hesitant.
"Yes, your thoughts! It's admirable to honor your sister's wishes, but not at the expense of your own identity. You're living for yourself, not just for her memory. What matters most is what you believe."
Shinobu fell silent, her internal struggle evident.
After a long pause, she looked up with a soft smile.
"Thank you, Suoh-kun. I want to see for myself if Nezuko truly embodies the kind of demon my sister envisioned — one capable of coexisting with humans." Her expression hardened with resolve, "This is my wish."
"I see." Adam replied, his tone neutral.
Was this a polite rejection of his advice?
He reminded himself that her sister's final wish was Shinobu's driving force. It wouldn't be easily swayed by a few words from him.
Well, progress takes time.
"Thank you again, Suoh-kun." Shinobu said warmly.
Adam remained silent, feeling undeserving of her gratitude.
"You know, Suoh-kun, you're quite the enigma." She mused.
"Well, you're remarkably casual from the start. You use given names so naturally, as if—"
"Ah..." Adam trailed off.
He suddenly remembered that in Japan, people generally use surnames unless they're close, reserving given names for intimate relationships.
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