Kaigaku was utterly impressed.
He felt as if he had been transported to a parallel reality, away from the violence and misery that dominated the regions where demons roamed. He was crossing an arched bridge over a meandering stream, a path adorned with vibrant azaleas, graceful cherry blossom trees, and the ever-present hateful wisteria. Stone lanterns stood sentinel along the pathways, leading visitors to islands of sculpted rocks and moss-covered hills.
He had never dreamed of anything so beautiful in his entire life. Was this what money and influence could buy?
"Stop gawking and hurry up. The mansion lord is already waiting," the Kakushi responsible for taking him to the Headquarters said, annoyed.
Kaigaku grunted, the vein on his forehead throbbing rapidly again as he turned to the other Corps member. He never felt comfortable with the idea of being transported blindfolded to a completely unknown place on the back of someone he had never seen in his life, even though the Kakushi's job was a standard procedure inside the Corps, and he had gone through it himself after the fight on Mount Natagumo (unfortunately, unconscious people can't be choosers).
This, combined with the fact that the Kakushi member had done him the favor of unnecessarily reminding him of his appearance after the mourning period ("Wow, I've seen more presentable swordsmen.", "Those are some dark circles under your eyes, aren't they?" and "Are you sure you want to meet Oyakata-sama looking like you've seen a ghost? You need to get your act together.") had pissed him off to a extent (talk about unprofessionalism!) that made him try to get off the Kakushi's back. This led the older attendant to lose balance and both Corps members fell, resulting in them wasting valuable time squabbling. Good thing they were already inside the estate.
"Mind your own damn business! I don't need you to tell me what to do, and I certainly don't need your comments about my life." Kaigaku remarked, continuing to walk ahead. He truly had the misfortune of attracting blabbermouths around him.
"Hey! Watch how you talk to your elders, kid!" the Kakushi yelled, far behind. "Besides, you're going the wrong way! The main house is over there!"
Set against the backdrop of carefully manicured gardens and supported by meticulously carved wooden pillars, the veranda extended gracefully from the pavilion's façade. A traditional engawa framed the periphery, providing a space where delicate shoji screens could be opened. The veranda's railing, adorned with intricate latticework, served as both a functional boundary and an ornamental element.
There stood a black-haired man with blind, milky violet eyes. His remarkable composure was adorned by the same two children who had accompanied the elegant woman that talked to him at the funeral of his former master. His presence, reminiscent of a Buddha, emanated serene calmness and a charismatic aura, creating an atmosphere of reverence.
Kaigaku thought he would have belittled the appearance of weakness in that man—the gait that needed assistance from the two children, and the vacant gaze staring into the horizon. However, as if invoking a sense of familiarity long buried, nurtured by a former caregiver who was also blind, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and admiration for this man's enduring dignity and quiet strength.
The young demon slayer immediately bowed as low as he possibly could. There was something different about being in the presence of a powerful person, something that incited uncomfortable and insecure self-awareness: should he say something? Was he conducting himself properly?
"Good morning, Kaigaku. It's very good to have you here with us, my child," his voice carried a paternal tone, something he had never heard, not even from his former master or the man who had received him in the temple when he was a child. "My condolences for everything that has happened in the past few weeks."
Kaigaku just stared at the ground. Really, what was there to say? He was already tired of the whole situation.
"Thank you for your kind words, Oyakata-sama, but you shouldn't trouble yourself with any of this. Everybody dies." His brows furrowed.
Kaigaku could hear a light chuckle coming from the man in front of him. "And yet, there's an undertone of sadness in your voice, child." The young slayer gulped, never taking his eyes off the ground. "Anger, joy, fear, sadness, empathy... these emotions beautify human existence in this world, and learning to cultivate and express them correctly makes someone strong within. There is no shame in feeling sorrow for what has ended, especially if it is a beloved one's presence."
Kaigaku straightened up, feeling a lump in his throat. He believed he no longer saw Master Kuwajima as family; what that old man did was equate years of his effort and accomplishments in swordsmanship (hell, in life itself!) to the lackluster results of an incompetent girl. If anything, Kaigaku felt resentment towards his former master.
The Kakushi jolted in some place behind him. "Hey, bow down! Show respect to–"
"Pardon me, Oyakata-sama." But Kaigaku knew how to be polite, when he wanted to.
The man smiled. "There's nothing that needs to be forgiven, my child." The black-haired disagreed inwardly; this man did not know his past. "Sometimes, we seek distractions so we don't face what is within us. Are you familiar with The Great Peace Prayer?"
Kaigaku's eyes widened, as his voice emerged automatically, like one of the many mantras the blind man used to recite with the orphans and that he had learned in childhood. "Noble aspiration is the guide to fulfillment. Awareness is great perfection. Wisdom is enlightenment."
"Correct." the man gave a calm smile. Kaigaku closed his hands on the stone ground, the pebbles hurting his palms. "Do you know why I called you here?"
"Because of Master Kuwajima's death and because of..."
Seeing that the young man would not continue, the master of the mansion proceeded.
"I apologize for not revealing this to you earlier. Sakonji Urokodaki sent me a letter saying that you and his apprentice, Tanjirou Kamado, sought him out to address a girl who had been transformed into a demon and exhibited humanized behavior, much like Nezuko Kamado."
"That is correct." Kaigaku lowered his eyes again, relaxing his hands.
"When he wrote the letter, she was still asleep, but he seemed very optimistic about the fact that you reported she not only didn't attack humans but also demonstrated consciousness." Despite not being able to see, the master turned his face downward, from where Kaigaku's voice came. "It's still early to say, but if she shows a special disposition like Nezuko, I will sanction her situation, and she will become part of the Demon Slayer Corps. Would you be willing to let her accompany you on your missions?"
A grunt escaped Kaigaku's throat, against his will. He had imagined that could happen. Of course, they had the same master, he had helped her survive and still owed her, but the idea of having Zenko around again, going on missions, and having to ensure not only that everything went well but also that she didn't hinder him... moreover, what if she snapped during a battle? Would he even have the means to restrain her, or would he have to kill her? She hated him, and he hated her, that hasn't changed.
"I appreciate the trust you place in my abilities, Oyakata-sama." Kaigaku's voice came out firmer than before. "But we have a rather difficult history between us, and I don't think we can work well together. It would be best for both of us if she didn't accompany me."
"I understand." There was no surprise in the man's voice. "I won't force you to do something you don't desire, Kaigaku. We can arrange for her to accompany someone else if she agrees. However, consider that sometimes facing our past is the only way to move forward. She has shown potential, and with your guidance, she might find her own path within the Demon Slayer Corps. It could be a chance for both of you to heal old wounds and an opportunity for personal growth and strength."
"I appreciate your understanding. I'll consider your words, Oyakata-sama." Kaigaku sighed. "Besides, what would happen if she ate a human?"
"You don't need to worry about that," the other man spoke. "Due to her connection to you, two people have volunteered to put their lives at risk if that were to happen. One of them is your colleague, Tanjirou Kamado."
What?! What did that airhead think he was doing?! He shouldn't meddle in other people's lives, especially those he didn't know well! Zenko wouldn't even be with Kaigaku!
The young slayer almost facepalmed, hesitant to finish the question. "And what about the other person?"
The mansion's lord gave a gentle smile. "You would have seen him if this meeting had occurred along with the semiannual Hashira Meeting."
Hashira Meeting? Was a Hashira risking their own life because of Zenko? Because of him? What the hell?! Who was this person?! Where did they know him from?! He didn't know any Hashiras besides his former master and he highly doubted that anyone would risk their own life for a complete stranger.
He should just let these two screw themselves over! They had nothing to do with this! He had never asked them to do anything like that! Kaigaku wouldn't feel obligated to do anything for Zenko just because of them!
Kaigaku's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing significantly.
"You don't need to give an answer now. I understand that there are many things to consider before making a decision, and your will shall be respected. However, it would be wise to also take into consideration the involvement of other people."
"Understood, Oyakata-sama," Kaigaku said through gritted teeth, rising abruptly and turning to leave, only to almost swear as the Kakushi put him on his back again.
"Kaigaku?"
"Yes?"
"Don't be angry at them. Sometimes, what we need is not what we want. Besides," Kaigaku could see a paternal smile light up the other man's face. "Gyomei was happy that you passed the Final Selection."
Turquoise eyes widened, but before Kaigaku could ask anything, his head whipped as the Kakushi started to run away from the mansion's master.
"Urokodaki-sama? It's Kaigaku Inadama. I came as you requested." Kaigaku spoke from the other side of the sliding door. Urokodaki's cabin was much smaller than Master Kuwajima's house. The structure, adorned with latticed windows, allowed the crisp mountain air to weave through, carrying the fragrance of cedar and pine. A smokestack protruded from the cabin's chimney, releasing wisps of woodsmoke that danced with the cool mountain breeze.
It had been some time since his conversation with Oyakata-sama. To be honest, three seasons have passed, and the snow seemed thicker as the air carried the crisp winter chill.
A quiet stillness enveloped Mount Sagiri. A growing sense of annoyance and uncertainty filled the air, much like the first frost that lightly dusted the landscape. Kaigaku found himself seething with anger, the resentment that had brewed over the years becoming palpable.
If questioned, Kaigaku wouldn't be able to say why, after so many months of refusal, he had finally agreed to accompany Zenko. However, he would likely respond that it was due to the irrevocable, eternal debt he owed to Himejima the significant, unforeseen proportions that Zenko's situation had taken, including the involvement of a Hashira. Nevertheless, Kaigaku accepted her presence with the condition that he could dispatch her if she proved to hinder his missions (which he knew wouldn't take long).
He also encountered Tanjirou several times over these months, always making a point to give him a piece of his mind about this matter, since the red-haired never seemed to understand that his relationship with Zenko was not the same as the one Tanjirou had with Nezuko. If anything, Kaigaku's constant angry retorts only served for the other demon hunter to think he had the freedom to turn him into his penpal (and, to Kaigaku's utter astonishment, the less he responded, the more Tanjirou sent letters) to the point that Inosuke asked Tanjirou to teach him to write so he could send Kaigaku threats and fight requests, and now he constantly received papers full of confusing scrawls too.
Seriously, which deity did he annoy? Kaigaku needs to know to make amends.
The door to Urokodaki's house opened, and a red tengu mask positioned itself sideways, making room for him to enter. Inside, the cabin exuded a cozy charm, its interiors warmed by a sunken hearth, where the flickering flames cast a comforting glow. Kaigaku turned to the former Hashira.
"Forgive me for interrupting, Urokodaki-sama." Kaigaku's eyes traveled around the room, his brows furrowed as he surveyed the now-empty space where Zenko's futon used to be. "Where's Zenko? Is she awake?"
"Zenko left." Urokodaki calmly said, closing the door behind the young slayer.
A subtle clenching of Kaigaku's jaw hinted at the frustration bubbling within him. He pinched his nose, letting out an exasperated sigh. "Left, huh? Where did she go this time?"
A month had elapsed since Urokodaki had sent a letter to Kaigaku, bearing news that Zenko had awakened and displayed no inclination towards craving human flesh. Despite the reassurance, Kaigaku found himself caught with conflicting emotions, with each mission serving as a convenient excuse to delay his return to the former demon slayer's cabin. He knew he needed to fulfill his responsibilities, but up until that moment, his routine had fallen into a fitting rhythm. Deep down, he knew that Zenko leaving was his fault.
"She didn't say where she was going. Zenko left yesterday, so maybe you can find her when she continues her journey tonight." Urokodaki was rummaging through cabinets and pulling out a few things. "She was sure you wouldn't come back to get her."
She was right. That brat really likes to make things more difficult, doesn't she? That didn't change at all. He didn't have time for this nonsense of hers! Kaigaku turned to Urokodaki. "Are you sure it's safe to bring her along? I can handle it, but I need to know she won't turn on me or anyone else."
"I can't guarantee that something won't happen in the future, but in the state she's in now, she doesn't pose a danger to humans." Now that Kaigaku was paying attention, Urokodaki was placing provisions, carefully packing rations and supplies into a sturdy satchel, just beside a wooden box similar to the one Tanjirou always carried around. "Even though she has only slept a few months, I tried to implant suggestions in her mind, just as I did with Nezuko. Zenko doesn't seem to regain as much energy through sleep, so we still needed to hunt some animals. You don't have time to waste. Here, take this on your journey. You'll see that the box is light."
Kaigaku gave a short nod after sighing. "I'll send you a letter as soon as I can. Now, if you'd excuse me, I need to put some sense into a certain someone's head." The young black-haired man pivoted on his heels, using the sunlight to narrow the distance between him and his target.
TAISHO WHISPERS AND SECRETS:
Like the flow of a river runs unimpeded, the events of that night unfolded in an almost automatic chain reaction. He did not expect to encounter that demon at that moment, as Kaigaku had ventured out several times to commit petty thefts in the nearby village.
He had indeed become angry, furious, in fact. Being caught doing something so shameful like stealing the temple's money, especially against the man who helped them all, had been terrible. Even his best friend, the kid he considered as a brother, turned his back on him and agreed with the curses that the other orphans uttered. Did they really think they were better than him? Where did they think the extra food that Kaigaku sometimes brought to the temple came from, especially without Gyomei knowing? Did those kids think it was the gods who made him "find" it for them? Of course not!
Kaigaku didn't want to die, but deep down, he didn't want them to die either; he wanted them to get frightened, but for Gyomei to be able to protect them all, for them to escape despite the demon's attack. But like the flow of a river runs unimpeded, a demon always leaves a trail of blood and death wherever it goes.
So, when the sound of flesh tearing and bones breaking began, when he heard the screams and the metallic smell of blood and other human products filled the air, tears ran down his eyes for the last time in his life, but it was too late. What has he done? That wasn't how things were supposed to end…
Unable to do anything else, Kaigaku turned away and ran, ran like the coward he was: from death, from the screams, from the consequences, from his own conscience. If asked, he would lie and say that it was necessary, lie and say that he deserved life more than they did because he was special, born to be someone in life, when he knows the truth that he doesn't want to face:
You bet against all odds and lost. The price was too high and was paid with sorrow, death, and trauma: seven lives for the price of one. You know you could never make amends, and like the flow of a river runs unimpeded, the sins of a child who doesn't know any better are still sins, and you know that Hell awaits patiently until the end of your life, so you prefer to run away and forget, until the fatal day comes, isn't it right, Kaigaku?