Demon Slayer: Guardian of the Forest

Noon, Takigawa Village

On a quiet street, an elderly man with a slightly hunched back slowly pulled a wooden cart covered by a black tarp.

The man's tattered green haori, bearing scars from a fierce battle, had been carefully washed and mended. For Moriki Shinichi, this garment held profound sentimental value—it wasn't something he could discard so easily.

Despite pulling the cart, Shinichi moved at a leisurely pace. Along the way, many villagers greeted him warmly. After all, half of Takigawa Village's land belonged to the Moriki family, even though Shinichi was its sole surviving member.

Who would have thought that the poorly dressed old man dragging a cart would also be the wealthiest person in the village?

Creak, creak, creak! The wooden wheels squeaked loudly with every step.

Eventually, Shinichi arrived at a small apothecary. Looking up, he saw the name on the signboard: Butterfly Apothecary.

Inside the shop, the apothecary owner—a refined middle-aged man—was diligently mixing herbs. Hearing the sound of the cart outside, the man remembered something, hurriedly set down his tools, and retrieved a pre-prepared package from a cabinet. He then rushed to the door.

"Mr. Moriki! It's you! Was your journey smooth?" the apothecary, Butterfly Yakushin, said with a smile as he handed over the package.

Shinichi smiled in return. "A few hiccups on the way, but nothing major. Yakushin, you're as efficient as ever—I see you've already prepared what I need."

Yakushin scratched his head sheepishly. "Actually, it wasn't me. Miss Rukawa requested this in advance for you."

"Oh? She's quite thoughtful," Shinichi said, taking the package. The rich aroma of medicinal herbs filled the air, invigorating him. "You're as dependable as ever, Yakushin."

"You flatter me."

As the two chatted, a woman in a kimono carrying a basket approached from behind. "Mr. Moriki? You're back!"

Turning around, Shinichi recognized her. "Ah, it's Yuki! Back from the market?"

Yakushin's wife, Yuki, bowed politely and enthusiastically invited Shinichi to stay for lunch, though he graciously declined.

Trailing behind Yuki were two figures—a young girl and an older one, both dressed in beautifully patterned kimonos. The sisters, who had inherited their parents' beauty, radiated elegance.

"It's been a while, hasn't it? Kanae's become even more graceful, and Shinobu's grown taller," Shinichi observed warmly.

The younger girl, Shinobu, barely eight years old, was livelier than her elder sister, Kanae. After bowing politely in thanks for the compliment, Shinobu's curiosity was immediately drawn to the cart behind Shinichi.

Noticing the tarp shifting slightly as if something were moving underneath, Shinobu couldn't resist her curiosity. Without thinking, she reached out to lift it.

Shinichi saw her movements but didn't stop her. Instead, he continued his conversation with Yakushin, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

"What's under here?" Shinobu murmured as she grabbed the tarp's edge.

Suddenly—Woosh!—a small figure leapt out, barking loudly, "Woof! Woof-woof!"

"Ahhh!" Shinobu screamed, falling onto the ground in shock.

Startled, Kanae rushed to her side, helping her up as the others turned to see what had happened. On the cart stood a small black-and-white Shiba Inu with bright, intelligent eyes and a wagging tail, barking proudly at the startled child.

Yakushin sighed in relief. "Just a dog! Still, Shinobu, you mustn't touch others' belongings without permission!" he scolded gently, urging her to apologize.

Shinichi, however, waved it off. He had deliberately let it happen to teach the mischievous girl a small lesson. Unlike her composed sister, Shinobu's spirited nature often led her into trouble.

After bidding farewell to the Butterfly family, Shinichi continued down the road with the Shiba Inu, Maru, following faithfully behind. They passed through a bamboo grove, eventually arriving at a secluded estate.

The Moriki estate stood deep in the forest, its ancient architecture steeped in serenity. Two large lanterns hung at the gate, their warm light casting a welcoming glow. Outside the gate, a young figure waited patiently.

Dressed in a green kimono adorned with bamboo leaf patterns, her chestnut hair tied up with simple bamboo hairpins, the girl exuded a calm maturity beyond her years.

"Master Shinichi, welcome back. I hope the journey wasn't too taxing," Rukawa Chinna greeted with a respectful bow.

Shinichi sighed lightly. "Chinna, I've told you not to be so formal. Thank you for looking after the estate while I was away—you've worked hard."

Rukawa Chinna was an orphan Shinichi had taken in five years ago. Despite being only 14, she now managed the entire Moriki family estate and business, transforming it into one of the wealthiest in the region.

Shinichi personally dragged the cart through the estate's gates as Chinna lit the path with a small lantern. Although usually composed, she occasionally glanced back at Maru, clearly enchanted by the little dog's fluffy charm.

The trio soon reached a prepared room, avoiding the other servants. Entering, they were enveloped by darkness. Only the soft glow of Chinna's lantern lit the space.

Click! A switch flipped, and the room was flooded with a warm orange light.

Shinichi turned to the cart, his gaze firm. Maru barked excitedly at the covered bundle, wagging its tail furiously. Whatever—or whoever—lay beneath the tarp was about to awaken.

(To be continued...)