Chapter 3: Convergence of Wills
"..Please, I hope that you, someone who desires coexistence with demons, can bring that demon with a human appearance to our side.
Wishing you the best of luck,
-Kamada Taiki."
After reading the letter, Kanae could hardly believe what she was reading. What the young man had told her was so incredible that, if he were lying, it could cost him his life.
In summary, the young man had told her that during his previous mission to hunt down a demon responsible for killing 30 civilians, he witnessed something shocking. While trailing the demon from a distance, he saw a boy, seemingly around 15 years old, pierce the demon with a small flame of dark fire. It was destructive and precise, as though the demon were made of paper. Moments later, the demon's body began to crumble into ashes, as if its very existence had been erased with a single move.
Curious about the identity of this strange being, the young man decided to approach and gather more information. However, what he found left him even more bewildered. According to his account, that boy spoke with a mix of imposing confidence and naturalness. He chose his words with precision, displaying an innate authority without being aggressive or condescending. Every sentence he uttered seemed to carry weight and unwavering certainty, as if nothing could contradict him. His tone was majestic, yet simple and direct, as though even the most complex matters were trivial to him.
What stood out the most to the young man, however, was the genuine curiosity the being showed about demons and the world around him. He spoke as if he were completely unfamiliar with them, as if he were exploring an entirely new place despite his obvious power. This behavior, combined with his strange yet fascinating ability, made it clear that he was no ordinary individual. And most importantly, the being referred to himself as the Demon King of Tyranny, Anos Voldigoad.
After reading the final lines of the letter, Kanae looked at the location the young man had mentioned. She decided she had to see for herself if this being could help her achieve her dream of coexistence between humans and demons, a dream that seemed increasingly unattainable.
Having made her decision, Kanae quickly wrote a letter addressed to Kagaya Ubuyashiki-sama, the current head of the Demon Slayer Corps. In it, she detailed everything that had happened, including the strange being's abilities, and requested permission to act. She didn't want to risk something so important falling outside her control, as she felt this being might hold the key to achieving her desires.
After handing the letter to the crow, Kusagai, Kanae took a deep breath and resumed her journey home. She wanted to visit her younger sister before embarking on what could possibly be her last mission. The weight of uncertainty grew heavier, but deep down, a small spark of hope began to grow within her. If this being could be persuaded, perhaps—just perhaps—her dream could become reality.
The next day, upon arriving at her home, known as the Butterfly Mansion, Kanae felt her heart fill with the warmth and comfort of familiarity.
The mansion was a tranquil and welcoming place used as both a residence and a recovery center for members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with flowers and trees, it created a serene atmosphere that contrasted with the intensity of their work. The mansion's design was traditional Japanese, with tatami floors, sliding paper doors, and a minimalist yet elegant architecture.
One of its most remarkable features was the constant presence of butterflies, which seemed to always flutter around the property as a symbol of its identity.
Seeing her beloved home, Kanae felt a sense of peace wash over her. She quickly entered the house and began walking down a hallway, looking for her younger sister.
Opening a door that led to the room they used to train in swordsmanship and breathing techniques, she stopped in her tracks. There stood her sister, practicing with admirable focus. Every movement with her sword was precise and elegant, accompanied by controlled, rhythmic breathing—a clear display of her dedication.
Shinobu Kocho, her younger sister, was a petite and delicate young woman, in stark contrast to Kanae's taller and more slender appearance. Her dark hair, with violet-tipped ends, was carefully styled and adorned with a butterfly-shaped hairpin. Despite her small stature and fragile appearance, Shinobu demonstrated impressive skill, moving with agility and grace, as though she were floating in the air.
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Kanae stood silently, watching her with a warm smile. Her expression lit up with loving eyes, filled with admiration, as she thought:
"How adorable my little Shinobu is!"
The admiration on her face was evident, as if she couldn't believe this dedicated and charming young woman was her little sister.
Suddenly, Shinobu, still deeply focused on her practice, felt an unusual presence behind her. She quickly turned around to find someone looking at her with unmistakable eyes.
Recognizing the figure before her, Shinobu let her guard down, letting joy flood her face. She ran toward the person, shouting excitedly:
"Big sister!"
She threw herself into Kanae's arms, wrapping her in a warm embrace that Kanae returned with equal tenderness.
Kanae had become her pillar, the reason that kept her moving forward despite the hardships. Seeing her older sister, always so gentle and radiant, allowed her to remain the cheerful girl she was now.
Still hugging her, Shinobu began speaking enthusiastically:
"How was your mission, sister? Did everything go well?" —she asked in a concerned tone, her eyes reflecting sincere worry.
Kanae responded with a warm smile, looking at her fondly:
"Of course, Shinobu. Everything went very well," —she said, pulling her into another embrace as if the contact wasn't enough to express her affection.
"That's such a relief! I'm so glad to hear that, sister," —Shinobu said with a smile that filled the room.
"Come with me, I want to tell you everything," —Kanae said, taking the lead and guiding her younger sister.
And so, the two sisters enjoyed a peaceful moment, strengthening the bond they shared in these quiet days that both treasured.
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.
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While peace reigned at the Butterfly Mansion, elsewhere in the forest, tension was beginning to build.
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POV ???
A mansion lay hidden deep within a dense forest, surrounded by an almost supernatural stillness. Built from dark wood and adorned with traditional details, it exuded an air of serenity and mystery. Its design was simple yet elegant, with long hallways that seemed to stretch infinitely, illuminated by the soft glow of paper lanterns. A faint scent of incense lingered in the air, blending with the chirping of crickets and the rustling of leaves in the wind. At first glance, it appeared to be a peaceful refuge, but there was something else—an aura of solemnity that seemed to guard deeper secrets.
This mansion was home to Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the current leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.
At 17 years old, Kagaya Ubuyashiki appeared fragile yet elegant, his pale skin glowing softly under the dim light of the lanterns. His dark hair was neatly combed, framing a delicate face that already bore the early marks of his hereditary curse. His eyes, though serene, carried a subtle weariness, as if every glance held an unimaginable weight.
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That night, Kagaya was in a room with his wife, deeply immersed in a discussion. Hours had passed since they began analyzing what to do regarding Anos Voldigoad. Kagaya felt this could be a unique opportunity to tip the scales in their fight against demons and perhaps even defeat their supreme leader, the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji.
As he spoke with his wife, Kagaya ran a hand over the marks that covered his skin—constant reminders of the curse Muzan had brought upon his family when he became a demon. He knew his time was limited, as the curse rarely allowed anyone in his bloodline to live past the age of thirty.
After hours of reflection, Kagaya, his expression serene yet resolute, turned his gaze to his wife, Amane, who had been watching him patiently, aware of the weight he carried. Breaking the silence with a soft yet firm voice, he said:
"Amane," —he called her, intertwining his fingers— "I've made a decision about Anos Voldigoad."