"Woah"
Ren couldn't help keeping his excitement from seeing the liveliness of a city and he's sure he's not the only one who thinks so. His father has a smile plastered on his face. The women of the family on the other hand have one of their hands in front of their mouth with wide eyes.
The Kitazawa Family has reached a city way down south after a long time travelling to find a doctor that can check their father's injury and possible remedy for it. While finding a doctor is their main intention for travelling once again, there is a new itinerary in place that corresponds to their wishes. The Miyamoto Livestock and Agriculture, which funnily he just knew to be the name of the business that the boss runs, asked us to transfer some goods.
It's been two months after the reincarnated kid has slain the wolf that terrorize the workers in the barn and business resumed normally, well except for the scolding he received from his mother as well from his boss. The moment he woke up he was immediately scolded by his mother. Something about being hard headed and cocky. To be honest most of the words spoken have just left my ear. He was too tired to listen. The eldest stayed up the whole night setting up traps and leading the lone wolf towards it. Ren wanted to kill it as safely and efficiently as possible even if it meant having additional work compared to facing it head on. In this case, he steeled himself to finish his hunt with a perfect score. Hinata is a worrywart and a mother hen, which is understandable, but he needed to prove to her that he can handle himself just fine. Then after an hour of scolding, he found himself scolded once again by his boss. He couldn't stand it actually but decided to keep it to himself since both sides are just worried for him. Good thing though that Miyamoto-san excused him for the rest of the day, which he gratefully accepted.
Additionally, the family was finally able to acquire a horse just two days after the incident. Miyamoto-san said that the money needed to buy the horse has exceeded the quality of work Ren and Koori have supplied. He even added some additional services such as extra cash and modification for our cart which proved to be helpful. Now our cart has a roof above it and is now made of stronger materials that can survive the difficulty of our travels.
After that he called our family in his office in order to discuss something. It turns out that he wanted us to work permanently in the barn due to the effort we have put in. The man clearly specified Koori's management and bookkeeping abilities which made her cheeks tint with red. The eldest promptly teased the youngest by elbowing her waist in which she returned the gesture a little stronger. The offer is surprisingly good and can be seen that there maybe favoritism playing at hand, which the boss quickly dismissed saying that the workers wished for it as well.
Overall, both parents agreed to the offer after discussing it with the both of us, though it is a problem to me as this will limit my resources and may be detrimental to my goal. Even if we're now employed by him, we still insist on our wish for my father to be checked by a professional which leaves us where we are.
Glancing back at the city, I can't help inhaling the air. Like the smell of petrol or newly brought books, satisfying – is what I was expecting. What I smelled is akin to a carcass left to rot but is far from us which made the smell just uncomfortable. Well, this is a city after all. It may just be because of the smoke that cars make by the sewers. Whatever it is, the smell factor has already failed.
Not minding the smell, the city is really big. A lot different than the towns we have stopped by. In here you can feel the hustle and bustle of folks, the distinct yet unrecognizable sound that polluted the air, as well as the numerous people ranging from individuals, families, and a group that littered the area. Though I was a city boy before then, living all my life without the feeling of other people aside from my family gave me the sense of fulfillment. Aside from that, the city atmosphere is a lot different than the cities in my time. If the cities back then were modern, this one is retro. The way people dressed in kimonos really made me feel that I literally went back in time.
"Well, enough being dumbfounded" my father clapped to get our attention. "We need to first find a place that we can settle"
"Indeed" Hinata replied as she lay her hand on her cheeks. "But where are we supposed to go it is quite busy in here"
As we try to think of where we'll stay, I put my fist on my palm. "Well, this is certainly the main street, so it'll be busy, why don't we move somewhere less populated first?"
With a collective nod, the group ventures to a place that is isolated.
Having managed to find a place that has less people, the Kitazawa family began to dissemble their items. With trees beside them, they tie the cloth between the two of them to create a hammock. Just in time for them to finish their beddings, they heard a grumble sound coming from one of their members. Dinner it is. As the girls in the family started unpacking the dinner they prepared, which is now cold fried dumplings, both the boys in the family looked at each other and decided that they wanted something hot to go with the cold weather.
"How about we try something new? You know something from the stalls?" Akira suggested which made Hinata and Koori looked at him.
Capitalizing on the idea Ren stood up smiling "Yeah, I mean we're in the city might as well enjoy it right?"
"Yeah, good thinking" Akira pointed out. "Besides we have additional cash thanks to Miyamoto-san might as well use it"
While both women find it weird their sudden interest in eating out despite their frugal lifestyle, they can't help entertaining the idea of eating something hot in exchange.
As Ren sees that they are now wrapping their supposed dinner and moving them back to their backs, both men can't help to pump their fist internally.
As the family now decided to buy something to eat, they looked around and thankfully saw a ramen stall just near them with no customers right now. Once they approached the bald slit eyed vendor, they ordered 4 bowls of ramen for each of them while sitting at a rectangular wide bench as the owner started his cooking.
"A visitor from outside perchance?"
Looking up, Koori saw the owner strike a conversation.
"Indeed" she replied. Their cart and their items just a few steps from them, certainly gave the idea that they are outsiders.
"I see, welcome to the city" the man said as he passed the bowl of ramen to each of them. "I hope you have a better time here than the rest of outsiders"
"Though with the way things are going it's going to be hard for everyone" he said somberly as he shakes his head.
"Hard business boss?" her father asked while slurping the noodles of his ramen. He is clearly enjoying the warmth the food offered as well as its taste.
"Yes, you may have felt the tension in the air as you enter, the city itself is experiencing a problem" he voiced out to which her father raised his eyebrow.
It is indeed true that the city felt odd compared to what she first expected it to be. The beauty of the city and the noise of different things has stood out to her but once she focuses on each passerby's expression, she sees sourness and fear smeared on their faces. At first, she just passed the idea that this is a simple reality that is different from her expectations. That being in the city does not mean that they lived a better life compared to others but hearing that a problem has occurred made her realize that something deeper may be happening if every person she saw has the same expressions. Raising her chopstick, she swallowed the noodles as the vendor continued.
"There has been a continuous case of killing in the past few weeks happening in the central part of the city. The authorities are still trying to apprehend the person or possibly a group" the vendor sighs.
Feeling a sudden shift in motion, I turned my head towards my brother. Eyes lit up in interest as he moves in a more comfortable position. His interest is now lost in his ramen and is now to the topic. Based on his reaction, Koori concluded that it can only mean that a demon must be a potential suspect, or his senses panicking too much and just be an ordinary murderer.
"Are there any actions done by the police or the government?" Akira asked as he placed his bowl down, seemingly finished eating as he let out a satisfied huff.
The owner smiled at the action but proceeded to lightly shake his head in denial "Well, they tried at first to put a perimeter around the area but when murders are appearing outside their perimeter, they lack manpower to continue closing the area."
Putting up a perimeter is the correct choice especially in a big city however with more and more cases appearing everywhere else the police are left with no choice but to disband the perimeter. After all, focusing on one location means that other areas are left with little supervision.
"Because of these instances happening, many visitors are now leaving the city" he said, voice full of disappointment. "And here I thought that this would be a great opportunity as a festival is about to happen in a week. I'm losing on cash right now"
With no further reply given aside from a nod of understanding, the conversation died. Thanking the vendor for the good food, the family walked back to where their things were placed. The excitement of being in a new city has been replaced with a sour atmosphere. It seems like the new information that they acquired has created an unpleasant mood.
Both of her parents have now indulged themselves in their own discussion as they speak of their possible actions. Feeling that the young lady will not be included in the said discussion, she focuses herself on finding something to do. In which she saw his brother near their hammock, a hand on his bokken as he started his daily swings.
Ever since Ren managed to kill a wolf on his own, his regiment became more intense. Putting sand in leather bags and tying it up and putting in his arms and legs is one of the weird things he added. Though she understood the meaning behind this action it nonetheless resulted in extreme exhaustion which he makes up by eating tons of food. There will be times where he will still feel hungry. With no food available, he carried his bow and arrows and walked towards the forest to sate his hunger by hunting his own food. 'It'll serve as a practice as well as a nutrition boost' he said.
Even if he had a stricter schedule, he still does excellent work in his jobs to which she was thankful.
Miyamoto-san even gave him a book one time. She didn't know what the book was all about, but she can see that her brother certainly liked it. Curiosity got the better of her as she asked what the book is about. To which he replied that Miyamoto-san's lineage came from a swordsman and the book is about different sword arts that they developed throughout the generations. It is supposed to be a family heirloom but seeing as the owner himself is not a swordsman but more of a businessman, he decided that it would be of much better use to Ren. It comes as a surprise about the owner's lineage, but I guess the more you know.
Another observation that she saw is that ever since they encountered the creature known as a demon, her brother changed. Granted that the experience changed all of them, but it hit Ren hard. He became a different person during that day, he became more serious and goal-driven opposed to his self-paced and relaxed lifestyle, to which they clearly saw when he convinced their parents in his foolish request. Even his sudden knowledge about demons made Koori think that his brother Ren, maybe hiding something from them. But who is she to pry to his secrets, everyone has them, even her. She loves her brother dearly even if sometimes he's unbearable, and she's willing to wait until he opens up to her. As a little sister she is tasked to support her brother no matter how annoying or childish he sometimes is.
Therefore, with a bottle of water and towel at hand, the young lady of the Kitazawa family made her way to her only sibling.
"Still hard at work as usual Ren-nii" she said as she reached out the towel and a bottle of water. "Your discipline is admirable as well as your recklessness and carelessness towards your body"
Yes, this is how they are. Always finding something to tease one another which developed into a not-so-subtle insult. Well aside from enjoying a clever comeback and seeing her brother once again defeated in a contest of words.
"Good job, you just find a way to compliment someone while insulting them at the same time" he said as he tried to calm his breathing before drinking the water.
"Nonsense!" she exclaimed with a faux surprised face as she put her hand in his mouth. "How could I ever insult my respectable brother"
She is clearly enjoying this.
With the two of them looking at each other, a smiling face on one and an annoyed face on another, a silent conversation occurs not known to others. A few minutes after, Ren broke his gaze which warranted a smile on the youngest seemingly winning their duel.
Ren grabbed the towel in his sister's arms as he rubbed it in his body. The towel quickly absorbed a lot of sweat yet there is still some left. A proof that he worked hard on his exercise. "What did I do to deserve such a sister"
"You must have done a great service to the emperor in your past life to justify having such an adorable and respectable sister" she uttered as she put her hand in her stretched chest, reveling in her own praise. "After all, many workers expressed their wishes for their daughters to be someone like me"
It is indeed true that as she continues her outstanding job in the barn, many workers took delight in her attitude and efforts in making their lives easier as she can. They complimented her and her mom on how she raises her child. It is one of Koori's greatest achievements, to be compared to her wonderful mother.
"Whatever" he clicked his tongue.
Once again, Koori grinned, knowing that she won their duel. She took a moment to savor the feeling before speaking once again.
"Well, teasing aside. You must have been thinking of the dreadful topic,if the way your eyebrows knit themselves" she guessed.
The air has now turned to a more serious atmosphere as she has an inkling to what Ren is thinking as of now. "You are thinking that it may be a demon"
Ren avoided her gaze as he seemed to be in his own world, contemplating on the information he received. After a few minutes, he replied. "And I am not the only one thinking of it"
Koori followed his gaze resting on both of their parents discussing what is starting to be a hot one from the looks of it.
Although they are moved away to be respectful, the words demon, danger, and risks, can still be heard in their conversation.
Koori mentally sighed. This is not how they live their lives before. When can they return back to their simple and isolated life back further north. Right now, the fear of demons always crept back to their bones. A trauma may be present in all of them as they seem to be afraid even of their own shadow, thinking that the moment they law their guard down is the moment they lose their lives. Koori wanted none of that, she wouldn't live her life with fear eating away her every thought. She's human and she will enjoy being one until she can no longer.
With the discussion apparently still going on, Koori excuses herself as she lays down on her hammock.
As the sun was starting to rise, I saw both of my parents stand up from their respective hammocks. I am currently doing my morning exercise, a shame that I cant jog around due to the largeness of the city so I decided to fix my form on sword swinging. As my father's eyes connected to mine, a look of surprise arose then a sigh of understanding soon followed.
"Up early as usual" he greeted to which I only replied with a nod. "Anyway, you better finish those up fast and wake your sister up"
Seeing both of them being abrupt, though it is more seen in my mother as she hurries up heating up the dumplings from yesterday, I couldn't help but tilt my head.
Understanding the look of confusion plastered on my face, my father quickly went to work fixing our supplies. "Your mother and I had discussed what the vendor said yesterday and well… It worried her"
"That's why-" he paused before finishing packing our supplies. "- we decided to finish all objectives as soon as possible, preferably this day"
He put the things back in the cart and looked at me. Knowing the look he was giving, I nodded before proceeding to wake up my sister.
As the family finished their preparations, they soon departed for their first priority, the medical center thankfully located just a couple of miles from us.
Entering the property, the moment it opens, mother quickly asks if there is a doctor available right now. There is one doctor available. Poor him still on his first cup of coffee and looked like want to enjoy the peace of the morning before he did his work, now subjected to his very first patient.
After the dialysis has been made, the doctor has confirmed that the injury is incurable as of now due to the limited understanding between muscle and nerves. Well, the art of medicine and technology right now is underdeveloped compared to the ones in the 21stcentury. Seeing the gloomy attitude that soon followed after the news, he comforted us by saying that it is only at the moment and may be possible in the foreseeable future. A false hope if I can see one. Well seeing the reaction on my father similar to mine, it is safe to say that he knew that his injury is a lost cause. I feel bad about what my father is going through right now. The look on his eyes indicates that the problem is not his arm but on how it will affect our lives. He feels that it has something to do with pride being a burden to his family. He's a good man at that. The soon to be slayer can see it in his eyes as it lingers to his own world. However, between his life and his lost strength, he's thankful that it is not his life that is taken away.
As they exited the building, Ren couldn't help but stress himself about the situation he's in. The need to know more about the demon slayer corps is really important. If he can, he would martial in their headquarters, drop a cv, then go for an interview. Shame that the show didn't mention anything regarding where their headquarters were.
Aside from the lack of information, he's quickly losing the time he has. His parent's acceptance to work in the barn has limited his reach towards the organization. Instead of travelling around he was now stuck in a single place once they finished their job in the city. The boy felt that if he wanted to know more about the corps, now is the only moment he can do so.
With renewed vigor and determination, he excused himself from his family, claiming that he wants to go sightseeing. He excused himself fast enough to not hear a reply and quickly ran in the crowds hoping to loss them
The murder that is happening right now has become a bad thing and a good thing for him. Bad thing that his only limited time has even become more limited as his family is set to finish everything tonight. The good thing however is that because of the cases that are happening, the chance of it being a demon is high. With numerous people either dead or missing in a big city he is sure, more like hope, that a specific organization had put someone in the case, he just hopes that he can meet with them today.
So, without a moment to spare he gathered information on the occurrences and proceeded to different locations on where it had happened. Asking a lot of people and bystanders as he takes notes on his pocket notebook, it soon proves to be a hard task.
Orange hues can now be seen as the sun starts to set. Looking at my surroundings, I realize that the roads become less busy with many people swiftly returning to their houses. I looked around and saw nothing that was familiar to me. Great, now I'm lost as well. My drive to get information fast and my scurrying in the city made me realize that I ended up going deeper into the city. Feeling lost, I surveyed the area. Bigger buildings and a lot of cars and buses roam around the area. Big shops and restaurants are open accepting customers. By the looks of it, I'm in the central district.
If there's one thing that I'm sure of, it is that I'll be grounded the moment I return. Should I just go back? No if I'm getting grounded might as well make the most of my time.IdiotI chuckled. Well seeing that I'm lost and feeling a bit tired, I sat down on a bench just outside the shop not realizing that someone is seated next to it. Grabbing my pocket notebook, I opened it and decided that it's time to recall what I've gathered.
There are 13 cases in total, 11 deaths and 2 missing. If it's a demon, the two missing people may be dead right now. All of them are between the ages of 13 to 19. The first case happened two weeks ago, and the latest case just happened two days ago. To confirm my idea that a demon is responsible for this, I need to know how they died or the condition of their body. Sadly, the area where it happened is guarded by officials, so I can't just enter it. Knowing how they die will give me an idea if it's a demon or not. I also need to know the modus operandi which I have a few ideas on how but limited evidence to back it up as of now. I need more information which needs more time. Time that I lack.
"Ahhh" I whined. "I need more information or else I won't confirm if there a demon in the vicinity"
Well, I spoke the last part a little loud, but people won't really believe me. These citizens are living in ignorance. Ignorance is truly a bliss. Oh, how wrong I am when I heard someone replied to me
"You seem busy boy"
Waking up from my thoughts by the voice I heard, I quickly looked up and saw gold hair with red tips, like a tamed but burning flame adoring hair. I gasped.No fucking way.I internally screamed. With his eye of gold and red irises, like a miniature sun, he spoke to me.
"Care to share your findings?"
Shinjuro Rengoku, a father of two and the current flame Hashira, has been tasked to travel north to deal with potential demons under the order of his master. He was a little sour at the untimely interjection of the mission. He was off duty at the moment and was supposed to be there for 3 more days. He's supposed to be spending time with his wife especially due to her declining health when he was asked to do a mission. The Hashira would have rejected the mission and passed it on to another candidate, after all he's not the only Hashira available. But he was forced to accept after hearing from her wife, Ruka, that it is the duty of the strong to protect the weak and he has an obligation to his duties. So here he was in the city hoping that he could find the demon, decapitate it, and return back to her side.
Shinjuro arrived two days ago when the recent murder just happened. He immediately goes to the area and sees that there is no body, only a pool of blood splattered on the floor. He was about to check for potential leads where he heard footsteps coming outside the house and a crowd forming at the entrance.Officials. He thought. Sensing that they will enter in the next minute, the flame Hashira quickly leaves the scene with little information on hand and a loose demon waiting for its next meal.
This is one of the problems in the corps. They are not known, much less supported by the government. So, any actions must be made discreetly to not alarm the world about the existence of demons.
It's been two days since he arrived, and his patience is wearing thin. He wanted to finish this but hunting without a lead would only consume more time, especially in a large city like this.
How troublesome. He sigh as he shake his head
Feeling the need to rest his body as well his mind, he sat at the restaurant as he ordered dinner. He was enjoying his short respite before he returned to his duty when someone seated next to him. A black-haired boy, mumbling to himself as he groaned and whined about something. He looked at him, probably at the same age as his eldest son Rengoku, though a little buffer. Shinjuro would normally pass this up as something ordinary and returned to eating his dinner and calming his mind. Until the boy suddenly whined once again but this time a little louder.
"I need more information or else I won't confirm if there a demon in the vicinity" the boy cried
Hearing the word demon quickly alerted him as he stopped eating his food. He's feeling restless now and he really wanted to finish this job that he's willing to ask a boy he has never met. With his interest caught, he waited until the black haired red eyed boy finished his rant.
"You seem busy boy"
Back to the present.
"You seem busy boy" the man beside me grinned. "Care to share your findings?"
I looked at the man in bewilderment, up and down, inspecting him. He was wearing the traditional slayer black uniform and a hakama pants with white belt. A white haori with flame-like ridges at the end and a long cloth covering what I think as a sword, the Nichirin Sword. I was surprised, no flabbergasted and I can say he definitely saw it as he raised his eyebrow at seeing how my mouth hung.
Deciding not to make a fool out of myself even more, I closed my mouth and coughed twice.
"Pardon?" I asked.
The slayer straightened himself, making himself more presentable. He coughed once as well before he started. "Apologies for the sudden interruption of your work. I am Rengoku Shinjuro, a journalist of some sort"
Oh, my excitement suddenly dropped down a bit. So, he's Shinjuro. I was expecting it to be Kyojuro to be honest. They really looked alike. Though what an epic way that would be, meeting one of the most favorable and loved characters in the series. But well, at least I met up with a member of the corps, and a Hashira as well. Today there may be a chance to seal the deal by joining the organization but first I need to finish this task first.
Looking back at the man, he looks dignified compared to when he was first presented in the manga. I guess it must be because he's still not wasting his life drinking alcohol and her wife is probably still alive. Still, this is better, who would have liked to talk to someone who has a short temper and is always under intoxication. Remembering his introduction I realized that he hid his true occupation but posing as a journalist. But going for the journalist type of excuse when he doesn't even look like one clearly made him suspicious in normal eyes but let's just let it go.
"Greeting Shin- ah Rengoku-san" I bowed. "My name is Kitazawa Ren, please to make your acquaintance"
The flame Hashira raised his eyebrows and smiled approvingly. Then he shouted to the owner of the store asking for another two sets of dango and milk. When it arrived, he took one and offered me another set, which I gladly took. Free food tastes even better as they say.
"What is it you are writing about?" he asked. "I can't help but be curious about the note you have right there, is it about the current happenings in the city?"
I took a piece of dango from its stick before I replied. "Indeed, I was curious to see on the recent cases in this city unluckily though, was halted by lack of information"
Shijuro looked at me before he shook his head and ate another 3 pieces of dango and took a sip of his milk. He sighs then looks at me seriously. "Listen, let's be transparent to each other"
"What do you think happened there?" he whispered closely.
Wow. This is going too fast and too direct. Well, it's probably because of my blunder in saying something about a demon. He must have been in a rush for something that I can't quite get a hold on. Still this situation clearly works in my favor.
After releasing a sigh of resignation, I answered softly "A demon… it would have been a work of a demon"
The man beamed as he took another bite of his food.
The conversation after that lasted for an hour. We exchange information and share our thoughts to one another, adding piece by piece of knowledge, and get a clearer view of the bigger picture. We already knew it was the work of a demon, so our discussion circulated more on how to catch the demon or bait it to show itself.
"Alright" he stood up, making me look up at him. "I'm heading off, thanks for the help"
"Wait a minute" I stood up and chased him. "Where are you going?"
Not stopping to answer me properly, he continued to walk to who knows where. "Finishing my job"
"I'm going as well" I replied. This is my chance to enter the corps and I'm not going to let it end with just a thank you and sayonara then proceed to never meeting one ever again. There's only one way this will end, and it is with me having a ticket to join the corps.
Seemingly my persistence worked as he stopped in his tracks and turned back at me. He lowered himself to my level before grabbing both of my shoulders, looking at me.
"This is not a joke; one mistake and you will lose your life" he said to me. "You have a lot more to life than chasing demons around. Forget its existence and go back enjoying the life you have"
As he said those words, he ruffled my hair and got up and continued on his way.
"That's it?" I said looking at the ground as I clenched my fist tight. "That's it? Before you knew it a demon will make its way to our lives and destroy everything, I held dear"
At this point, I was resisting the urge to scream. I had enough of this. I don't care if we're in the middle of the road. I promised myself that there would be no regrets in this life, and I will protect my family above all.
Shinjuro once again stopped in his tracks as he looked back to the kid he just met. He saw the passion and hunger inside the kid. Like a fire roaring. Out of respect and curiosity on what the kid is about to say he stopped and looked back.
"Our innocence is already shattered on that fateful night, but I was lucky to get out of the situation with my family members still alive" Ren continued. "You can't expect us to go back to how it was before. It changed us in more ways than one. My family blamed themselves until today. My sister who's only supposed to be a smart and refined lady has become someone who forces herself to learn something new every day despite her tiredness out of fear of not being enough when something happens. Yeah, let's go back the way it was before and just think that this is all just a big nightmare that will haunt us forever. But what if it returned? And this time I am not so lucky that I lost my family, my sister? What would I say? 'Ahh I should have become stronger'. Demons will not be the death of me but the feeling that I should have done something…"
The kid stopped to gather his thoughts as he breathed hard and fast. Emotions dominated logic behind every thought. All he speaks now is his true desire.
"Rengoku-san you must be mistaken that I'm doing this for revenge" he stared at the man's eyes. Resolute and unyielding as they entered a deeper conversation. "Revenge is something you'll do once you've lost something. I still have my family. What I'm doing is preparation. Preparation so that there would be no regrets and what ifs. Preparing so that when a demon preys on my family, he will soon realize that I'm the predator"
After such a resolve Shinjuro can only sigh to himself. The Hashira saw that the kid had lost his innocence but still retained the brightness in his eyes. It must have meant that he still holds something that is important to him other than. He wouldn't want such a kid to go down the path of a slayer. The path of the slayer is after all best described as short lived. Such a kid at the same age of his eldest, losing his life in this line of duty especially if he can avoid being one fills him with sorrow and guilt. Right now, he holds the choice on whether to let this kid become someone like him or let him enjoy his life like a kid should be. Perhaps, he sees the image of his sons in this young boy Kitazawa. If only he could dissuade his sons in following his path, he would do it. But he knew that just as his son continues on striving on being one with vigor, he knew it would be the same for this kid. Even if he did reject his wishes, there's a high chance that he will still do it. Shinjuro sighed. This mission is already troublesome, but it will become even more troublesome. If he's intent on doing this, it would be better if it's under his supervision. One look at the black-haired boy and his staring crimson eyes, he just hopes that he can keep this boy safe and got back home as soon as possible
The black-haired teenager does not act like his age. The kid carries himself as something much older and more mature than what he looks to be. He speaks words that aren't compatible with his age and even eats properly with decorum. At first, he just thought that he must have grown up in a strict environment and the flame Hashira believed it to be so. But the way his mind works and the amount of information he gathered in his limited time has made him doubt his previous thoughts.
Now here they are just in front of the entrance to an uninhabited alley where the less fortunate people reside. It's a different world compared to the polluted main street as lesser people pass through this way due to the limited lighting it offers.
The kid has deducted that the demon has a specified target compared to someone who just hunts whatever is available. Out of 13 cases, 3 of these are families' while 2 of them are siblings who are announced as missing. Based on these findings, in this group of people there is always at least one who's in the age of 13 to 19 and by the Hashira's additional information that these groups are people who have a quality of life. By connecting these facts, Ren has theorized that the M.O. of the demon is a teenager who experienced the betterment of life. Although it is still a theory, it is something that they can work with.
"How didn't I come up with this?" The golden haired with red tips said as they entered the alley.
Ren looked at him and took a moment before speaking. "Maybe it is because you're in a hurry?"
This made the older of the two look at him in a concealed surprise.
Sensing that the adult is not satisfied at his reply, Ren added. "It is only my observation but you're quite hasty in your approach. It may be the reason on why you missed some important details as well as had a harder time connecting evidence"
Hearing a soft hum and seeing a slight smile that formed in his face finished the small discussion that they had.
"Uncle I want a brand-new yukata to wear in the coming festival!" Ren beamingly said as his white teeth can be seen.
This made Shijuro double back as his brain malfunctioned to the sudden switch in personality his company has displayed.
"Oh, I wanted to watch a movie with my mother as well and eat a whole bunch of food and play a lot of games" the boy added as he now pulls Shinjuro's uniform excitedly, like a kid asking for permission.
After his brain has processed what is currently happening, the confused adult tried to follow the lead "Y-yeah of c-course kid, your uncle will buy you anything you want"
"Anything?" Ren said cheerfully and full of wonder.
The Hashira can only smile and nod at the appearance. He wasn't ready for this at all. A sudden switch in personality as well as the drive to do something he deems as embarrassing had him wish that this would be over with.
He never experienced this kind of closeness even with his son. He wanted them to grow strong so he often pushed them to their limits which strained their relationship. As long as they grew up safe and strong, then he does not mind the weird relationship he'll experience. His wife will be the one to handle those.
At the bright and cheery atmosphere that the two had released, the flickering of the light in the bulb had them tense up. Tension rises as the two people halt in their conversation and even more so when the light suddenly dimmed. The alley has now lost its light. Only through the gleam of the crescent moon can they see each other and make out a tiny bit of their surroundings.
Looking around and seeing almost nothing will make someone uneasy but not for the Hashira. His honed senses throughout the years have informed him of the sudden movement to his left aiming for his waist. At the sudden movement that he felt, he immediately positioned himself to evade the attack and pulled the kid with him but stopped when he heard the sound of two things hitting each other.
What he saw astounded him. The kid managed to block the attack with his wooden sword that was aimed for him.
Shinjuro shakes his head.Now's not the time for such thoughts.The demon they have been hunting has now shown himself.
The slayer removed his sword from its scabbard and pointed it to the demon who is now tilting his head, thinking on how they are still alive.
He saw the kid gripping his bokken in a sword stance as he prepared for the next attack.
Feeling annoyed by the confidence that the black hair exudes made the demon spring forth as he tries to decimate the kid.
As Shinjuro stepped forward to block the attack and finish the job, Ren stepped in front of him blocking the incoming attack.
As the wooden sword connects to the hand of the demon, Ren turns his wrist and his sword follows, parrying the attack. Once the attack stopped, he used the upward momentum of the sudden switch in his trajectory to bring his bokken downwards hitting the demon's shoulder.
The demon stumbled as he lost his balance for a while at the sudden pain he received on his shoulder. As his body slowly falls from the sudden loss of strength, Ren quickly tucked in the wooden sword just beside his chest and just as quickly pulled out, stabbing it to his throat with all the momentum built up. A croak is heard as the demon feels the hit administered in his body.
Before the demon could get away, Ren rounded his arms around his head, creating more force, as he finished his attack with a heavy hit towards the demon's neck. The attack was so strong that the demon flew back with quite a fair distance from them.
It all happened so quickly that the demon is still trying to comprehend what truly happened. For all it remembers is lunging at the happy family before feeling the pain in his shoulder then on his throat and another on his neck before having the moon in its gaze and the cold hard ground on his back. Its voice dried out as he tried to gasp for air. The hit clearly nullified his ability to speak. This is different from its pass hunt where victory is easily achieved. But before it can even fully rise up, a sudden blink is all it takes for it to see its body as its world spins leaving a trail of blood.
Before the demon can express its surprise, it starts to disintegrate to ash as its body lumps down. The demon is no more. With a quick lunge by the older two it severed the head from its body.
As Shinjuro puts his blade back to its scabbard, he looks behind, eyeing the kid who's full of wonders. Ren is different from his peers, especially from someone who witnesses the same thing the kid has experienced.
During the time of the fight, Shinjuro is left mesmerized by the skill that his partner has displayed. The calmness and confidence that his body exudes as well as the strength and reflexes he has shown.
Looking at another demon will make other people scared and traumatized as they relieve their pains again. Shinjuro knows, after all, he has served the corps and has seen a lot during his journey. But Ren is different. The kid for one is completely calm, collected, and what he thinks is a little excited. Clearly a different attitude to what he expected to happen.
Aside from the mentality and state of mind he has shown during the fight, another thing that surprised him is the way the kid reacted. It first happened when he intercepted the attack in front of him. The lighting is dim in the vicinity which offers low visibility. So, seeing it during the dark, he must have a heightened sense of sight or just a great sense of changes happening. Once the surprise attack failed and the demon lunged once again, he once saw the kid step forward to intercept, something that a novice would definitely not do. It is the correct choice, but a beginner couldn't do it. It is not a question of knowledge but of mentality and experience that you can only develop through repetition. After making the right choice to dive deeper, the kid quickly performed a set of moves that connected and did a fair amount of damage to a demon. If the kid had a nichirin sword, the fight would have ended right there.
The reflexes he has shown can only be achieved through repetition and being forced to make quick changes with little time. His body adapted to match the pace of what his mind decided. The strength and speed he has shown is a lot stronger than what his body can normally do. It is only natural as he is using a breathing technique that the slayer also uses.
Speaking of breathing technique, the Hashira experienced a sense of nostalgia after seeing Ren execute his move. Like a water flowing freely and adapting in what he sees during his bout against the water Hashira. Liberated, undeterred, and swift like a river. But aside from the flow of his move set that is identical to the breath of water, he can't help but see a distinct relation to the coldness of ice and mercilessness of winter. Yes, that is the way to describe his sword art. Adaptive and Cold-blooded.
Lastly of course, is how he manages to create a plan quickly the moment they converge their information. Knowing the M.O. of the demon and creating a plan making them bait by acting the way on what the kid imagines the victims clearly worked.
Shinjuro can only smile in defeat at his thoughts. Mind, Psyche, and Body. Mind, the brain to think on and off the field on how to handle the problems at hand. Psyche, the ability to control emotions and not let it after your logical reasoning. Body, the strength, speed, reflexes, and other movements that are needed for the mission. At a young age the kid already has the three qualities that a slayer should have and to such a higher degree than normal at that. A genius not on talent but on hard work. He can see bruises from everyday training and the blisters on his hands honing his sword skills. He now wanted to invite Ren to their cause.
As the situation died down, Shinjuro faced the kid and congratulated them on a job well done. Now no more lives will be preyed on by demons.
Ren only nodded as he looked at him.
The older of the two can only smile as he kneels once again, grabbing the shoulders of the child.
"You have done a great service to the people living in this city" he started. "But there are always other demons that continues to kill other people even as of now, I'm sure you yourself has experienced what happens when we let these demons roam free"
Shinjuro paused for a while debating on whether to put another kid into the fray or let it live on in his life. A hypocrite he is but he can't help inviting a genius that can only be rarely seen to their only limited numbers. And he can't help but feel that this kid is something important. After contemplating these things, he decided to just ask Ren of his choice.
"Will you join me in killing demons?" he finally asked.
Ren only stood there looking Shinjuro back in his eyes before asking a question. "Is the pay good as what I imagine it to be?"
Ren was glad that he managed to receive an invitation to join the corps at the end of the day or start of the following day if the lighter color of the sky indicated it. The invitation even came from a Hashira, the prospect of him being his tsuguko is not a far-fetched idea but even if it isn't, he could still benefit from the resources that Shinjuro has.
Another good thing is now he managed to fight against a demon and won. He was able to react to the demon's attack and counterattack as well. He was nervous at first but when he managed to parry the first strike aimed at Shinjuro it all changed to excitement.
On a single day, he manages to achieve his two biggest goals at the moment. So, he can't help but smile and add a bounce to his step on the way back where he presumed his family stayed.
Until he saw the looks of his parents.
Ren knew how scary her mother can be when she's mad, like real mad. It happened quite a few times during his current lifetime, and it isn't a great experience at all. At first when they met, his parents ran towards him and hugged him tight. After a few seconds they grab him so hard that it actually hurts. He was quickly dragged back by both of them and proceeded to sit on the ground near where the cart resides to start a discussion.
Hinata freely expressed her anger as she started on scolding Ren, like a machine gun on roll, only stopping to take short breaths then go start once again. His only saving grace would be his father who acts as a mediator on every scolding that happens. Akira is the one in charge of making sure Hinata does not go over the line in her scolding and keeps the discussion at least understandable. But this time is different. His father is clearly mad at him. They now held a discussion on where there is no mediator. A discussion more like a scolding where both parents are speaking their own thoughts. It can be said that they are quite livid with my actions.
It was supposed to end much earlier but didn't. An hour-long scolding, now added an additional two hours when I said the reason for my disappearance and my future plan. Oh boy, I expected it to be a discussion of 3 hours straight. Good thing that Rengoku-san followed me back and helped me explain my side of the story.
"Now you want to join this organization?" Hinata said in restrained anger. She's trying to control herself to at least be respectful towards the flame Hashira but finding it hard to do so.
"First you asked to hunt a wolf by yourself which I respected, now you're going to join a group that hunts the same thing that nearly killed us?" Akira added with a tone of disappointment. "No, this is not a discussion or a debate. You're going with us back in the barn"
It hurts me to hear their disappointments towards me. That look that I saw in my mother's eyes when our eyes locked. Disbelief, horror, and pleading. I couldn't bear to continue staring at it, so I turned my head and saw Koori at the far side, listening to the discussion. The normal calm and almost like regal stature of my sister is something that granted me temporary peace until I saw her face. Dignity thrown out as fear and uncertainties now adorn her face. I was nearly about to retract my wishes claiming that it was just a big joke when I imagined my family lying on the ground, lifeless, slaughtered like livestock. A scene like in the start of the episode where Tanjiro's family died. But instead of Tanjiro's parents, my family is the one on the ground. I can feel the bile building up in my throat at the image. No that can't happen and will not happen. Swallowing the bile that was beginning to build up, I looked back at my parents and straightened myself.
"Father, mother, I apologize for being a disrespectful son who can only think about himself" I bowed with my head on the ground.
Waiting for a few seconds I sit straight and breathe out the air I was holding. Looking at them, their eyes decorated hope thinking that their son can now see their point. I was scared to break them but forced myself to.
"However, my wishes will still be the same. I would prefer to have my wish granted with your blessing, but I decided that I will walk this road with or without your blessing. If I can protect this family, then so be it". The hope in their eyes broke as tears started to flow out. I can even hear Koori sniffling at the sight. I'm sure that she knows how serious I am with this.
"Why – why all of this?" my father shouted, voice trembling as my mother started crying on his side. "If- if there really is this organization let them fight! Rengoku-san can do it, why would it have to be you? Why do you when you're only 13?"
"Because on that night no slayer came to save us" I spoke calmly. "Our security would be in another person's hand; I wouldn't accept that. If I joined, I'll get stronger, the security of our family will be in my hands''
"A-ah" my father stuttered as he sat back down in disbelief.
He took a moment to calm himself before speaking the next words.
"Will you really do it?" he asked
"Yes"
"Even if I disown you?"
"Akira!"
"Father!"
Hinata and Koori shouted in disbelief. Koori now walks near us as she tries to reason with father.
"Father, this is absurd. He's our family and will forever be one, we can't disown -"
"Yes…" I interrupted her. "… if it's necessary, yes"
All heads turn towards me. Koori gob smacked at my declaration. Silence filled the room at the declaration of both men. Tears are now falling out at the two women's faces. Although tears haven't yet fallen, the wateriness of my eyes and its redness is evident that I've been holding it. My father's threat of disownment is something I expected but hearing it directly in his voice, even if he's just asking, strikes me deep within.
"Hinata, the kid won't budge. I tried my best to make him stay but… he won't" his father said to my mother crestfallen. "If he continues on his path, I rather bless him and make peace with him right now"
Akira holds Hinata in her arms as he lightly sways her before looking at me. "Ren, I have conditions in exchange for my blessings"
Replying with a nod, he sighed as he spoke his terms.
"One, we still want to reach and connect with you. Letter are given but we expect and hope you come back once in a while"
"The second is that -'' he smiled painfully. "– that if you feel tired and conflicted know that you still we are still here to support you"
Hearing the conditions, I only nodded once again as Shinjuro spoke, breaking his silence.
"Kitazawa-san if this will help ease your mind a little, I will do my best to take care of your child. I invited him hence the responsibility falls to me" Rengoku-san comforted as both my parents nodded.
The sun was rising when the discussion ended. With different itineraries and goals achieved for both parties, the family started packing their things and putting it in the cart while Hinata separates Ren's personal belongings into his own bag. Akira is on the side with Shinjuro speaking to each other about something that I don't hear. Koori is right next to me, silent and face unseen. As things started to end and as two parties stood against each other on the different road they'll take, a hug and kisses were exchanged.
"Take care of yourself, write some letters, and try to update us of your situation, ok? I love you dear" Hinata hugged and kissed his child tenderly.
Akira soon stepped forward as he kneels down to grab my shoulders. "I'm sorry about what happened. Remember, your safety is your priority"
Both men hugged for a few seconds before Akira ruffled his hair and made way to his other child. Koori walked towards me in slow steps, face still hidden under her hair. As she stepped close to me, she hugged me tight as sniffles can be heard.
"You're an idiot" she said. "Stay alive, ok? It would feel weird to not hear someone annoying me at every chance he got"
I returned the hug and stroked her back in a circular motion. "Ok I will. Take care of yourself, your brother won't be able to bail you out"
She pushed me as she pouted before we both laughed at each other. As the laughter died, Koori looked at me and smiled. Not a smile trained to be given to people, but a heartfelt smile.
She stretched her hand and gave me a cloth that he was holding.
"Go on try it, I bought it for you when you suddenly left us" she grinned.
I looked at it for a moment before putting it on the top of my shirt. What Koori gifted me is a haori. A snowy blue robe where light colored snowflakes decorated around the cloth. From the sensation that I felt while wearing it, I can say that the silk used for this is a little more expensive than what we usually budget ourselves in clothing. The haori I have had was ripped apart when the demon attacked our house back then, so I walked around without one. This may be the reason why she gifted me one. Looking at my sister and seeing her expression gave me an idea that it may be bought on her own wallet.
Striking a pose with my new haori, I smiled and asked how I look to which she only replied that I look a portion of a man. I was about to comment on that when a hand laid on my shoulder. Glancing up to see Shijuro nod at me, I sigh. This is it.
As I last bowed down and said goodbye to my family, I walked together with the flame Hashira on the way south. Not once did I ever glance back, knowing that if I did, I may not control myself from going back.
"You know its ok to cry boy" Shinjuro said
Hearing those words had my tears fall quickly on my cheeks and down to the ground as I sobbed attempting to control my tears and forcing them to stop immediately. I can only tighten my hold on my bag and bawl my eyes out as I walk towards a new journey.
Hello guys!
It's been a long road for me as this is my first time writing a long story about something. Normally a chapter at best and I would leave it hanging on my notes. So, I feel a little proud on this achievement. Another thing is that I manage to right this chapter on 10k words. Prologue is 3k, Ch 1 is 6k, Ch 2 is 8k, and Ch 3 is 10k. So, congrats to me I guess
So how do you like the story? A character has now appeared and who would have thought that it would be Rengoku's father to be the one who personally invited Ren to join their organization. Is the execution, right? Or is there something missing and left to be desired. If you have noticed (hopefully not), I have quite a flare for drama which is quite abundant on this chapter. I want to ask if its alright or do I need to tone it down a bit since it may be excessive, and I know some readers find it annoying. Please guide me in the review section and don't hesitate to put down your take and criticism on the story as long as its constructive. Oh, and also you can put down your ideas on how you wanted this or expected it to be. If it works for me, I may add it.
For me this chapter is where the story truly begins and where our protagonist starts to put himself in the story. Prologue up to Ch 2 are meant to be introduce Ren and understand him more and the different people that affects him. So, tell me if I do a great job portraying it.
Well, that's it to be honest. Stay safe and God bless! Ill see you whenever I can update since life you know? Thanks for reading!