The wind had grown chilly as they stepped out of Butterfly mansion and strolled along the path, their steps aimless and unhurried.
The cold air invigorated Kanae’s weary spirit. She exhaled softly. "It wasn’t a Twelve Kizuki."
Sosuke nodded. They had initially pursued the lead because of rumors of a Twelve Kizuki’s presence.
"Though he wasn’t one of the Twelve Kizuki, his Blood Demon Art was quite troubleso. He was skilled at hiding, which wasted a lot of ti."
Kanae’s voice drifted into his ears again: "I learned about Shinobu’s situation a few days ago. But... at the ti, there was simply no way for to rush back."
"I understand," Sosuke said, his voice filled with empathy.
It wasn’t that she didn’t care; it was that she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.
If she allowed a dangerous demon to roam free, how many more lives would be lost?
So, she had to suppress her anxiety and fear, force herself to stay focused, and eliminate the demon.
Seeing her current exhaustion, he could imagine how desperately she must have rushed back the mont the mission was over.
"Actually..." Kanae turned to face Sosuke, her eyes filled with a weariness that tugged at his heart. "I was terrified."
She took a soft breath, as if summoning imnse courage to utter those words.
She was a Pillar!
A Pillar of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the strongest combatants among all Demon Slayer Corps mbers.
Fear was an emotion that shouldn’t exist within her.
"Just thinking about Shinobu being injured... I couldn’t help but worry uncontrollably."
She turned and continued walking forward. "We used to have an ordinary family—ordinary, but so warm. Our parents loved each other deeply and cared for us with unwavering devotion. During our childhood, we lived in a peaceful and tranquil environnt... But... everything changed on that one day!"
She paused, gazing up at the sky. "Demons stole my warmth and happiness. If Shinobu hadn’t been by my side, I doubt I would have made it this far."
Sosuke remained silent, feeling that the only thing he could do was listen.
"I can’t even imagine what I would beco if she were to leave one day."
Kanae’s words flowed into his ears, dripping into his heart.
This made Sosuke feel like he needed to do sothing, but... what?
Looking at Kanae standing there, the vulnerability in her eyes was heartbreaking.
Beneath her formidable exterior, the vulnerability she had concealed was now laid bare before Sosuke.
He felt an overwhelming urge to protect her.
Instinctively, he took Kanae’s hand. It was cold yet soft, small but slender.
Her gaze t his, and Sosuke gently shook his head. "No, you won’t lose anything precious again. Not your cherished ones."
"Really?" Kanae asked, her eyes filled with hope.
Was she seeking truth? Or rely an answer? A comforting lie?
Sosuke didn’t know, but his voice rang with conviction. "Really!"
He had co to this world, though he didn’t know why.
Was it rely to save the girl before him at this critical mont?
He couldn’t say... and the answer seed to matter less now.
Yet in this mont, he knew what he wanted, what he needed to do.
He wanted to safeguard the fragile hope in her eyes, to make his words more than just comfort or an answer. He wanted to make them reality.
This was exactly what he wanted!
"Thank you..." Kanae said, looking at Tetsu no Sosuke, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders.
It was the sa sense of relief she had felt when she first returned and saw Sosuke.
She was back, and he was helping her care for Shinobu.
The massive boulder she had carried in her heart finally crashed to the ground, and she heard her own voice, filled with peace.
At that mont, the man before her stood with solemn resolve, the light in his eyes reflecting the conviction he wanted to uphold.
Though she knew he was still weak... for so reason, a genuine courage blood in her heart, and she truly believed he could do it!
He seed to possess this miraculous power—the ability to make her trust him unconditionally, to make her believe in him against all odds.
’When had this started?’
She didn’t know.
But... it must have been very, very long ago.
With the shackles in her heart finally broken, all her fatigue surged to the surface. She gently rested her forehead against Sosuke’s shoulder and drifted off to sleep.
Sosuke stood there, montarily stunned, until the girl in his arms seed about to collapse to the ground. He quickly steadied her by the waist.
For a mont, he couldn’t decide whether to be touched by her complete trust in him, falling asleep so unguarded against his shoulder... or to feel helpless in this situation.
He considered waking her, but then noticed the relieved smile on her face.
She was sleeping soundly... so sweetly.
How could he possibly disturb such a beautiful dream?
Sosuke carefully lifted her into his arms. She was so light that his strength barely registered her weight.
With ease, he tucked her dangling arm closer and carried her step by step back to the Butterfly Mansion.
The weather was turning chilly; sleeping outside would make her sick.
As they returned to the Butterfly mansion, heads turned to stare from the mont they entered the gate.
Sosuke reassured himself inwardly: They’re all Kakushi mbers. They wouldn’t gossip... right? As a secret organization, they should have basic confidentiality!
Even so, as he walked, he could feel his face burning.
He suddenly regretted not waking Kanae earlier. If he had, he probably wouldn’t be in this awkward situation now.
But looking at Kanae’s sleeping face... who could bear to disturb her?
He wanted to move as gently as possible, allowing her to rest as deeply as possible.
Only after entering Kanae’s room did those piercing gazes finally disappear.
Sosuke let out a soft sigh, carefully unfolded the bedding, laid Kanae down, and tucked her in.
The girl’s breathing remained perfectly even. But as he set her down, she seed slightly uncomfortable, her brow furrowing as she mumbled sothing unintelligible.
Sosuke couldn’t help but chuckle softly, gently tapping her forehead with his finger.
He tiptoed off the tatami mat, ready to leave.
But just then, his sleeve tightened... It turned out she had been holding onto him the whole ti.
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