NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter 5: Nothing Oweed
Word-2530
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The sun was rising, gently warming the earth and easing the biting cold.
Ryuji had woken up early. After getting dressed, he opened the window.
A blast of cold air swept in, making him shiver. He pulled his collar tighter and looked outside.
Snow was still falling, and occasionally, gusts of wind would dislodge the heavy layers resting on the pines and cypresses, sending them crashing to the ground.
His gaze naturally drifted to the distant mountains, but his mind was elsewhere. He opened his attribute panel:
**Name:** Ryuji
**Physique:** 1.0 (Normal adult is 1)
**Dexterity:** 1.0 (Normal adult is 1)
**Strength:** 1.0 (Normal adult is 1)
**Spirit:** 1.2 (Normal adult is 1)
**Attribute Points Earned:** 0.09
"I've gained another 0.09 attribute points," Ryuji mused. "Just 0.01 more, and I can level up."
A faint smile crept onto his lips. His strength would soon grow again, even if only a little.
This attribute panel was his greatest asset in this terrifying world. Without it, he'd be living in constant fear.
After all, in a world teeming with demons, the chances of an ordinary person surviving an encounter with one were slim. Even joining the Demon Slayer Corps came with its dangers—plenty of Hashira, the strongest swordsmen in the Corps, had perished at the hands of demons.
But Ryuji wasn't like other people. As long as he continued to accumulate attribute points, he could become stronger—strong enough, even, to one day face the Demon King himself, Kibutsuji Muzan, without fear.
Shaking off those thoughts, he stepped out of his room.
In the living room, the elderly man, Saburo, had risen even earlier than Ryuji and had already lit the stove. The warmth radiating from the fire filled the entire room.
Hearing Ryuji's footsteps, the old man looked up. His wrinkled face lit up with a smile. "Ah, you're up, young man."
"Yeah," Ryuji replied, stepping closer to the stove and warming his hands by the fire. He spoke casually, "Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what you said... about demons. Kept me up all night, worrying they might attack and eat me in my sleep."
Saburo chuckled and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "No need to worry so much. The Demon Slayer Corps stands between us and those monsters. They won't let us be harmed."
"I hope you're right." Ryuji smiled, but there was a flicker of doubt in his eyes. "But what if the Demon Slayers don't get here in time?"
The old man's expression froze, his eyes dimming as his hand on Ryuji's shoulder trembled slightly.
Ryuji understood at once. Saburo must have had his own tragic history with demons. After all, he wasn't always a lonely old man living at the foot of the mountain. Perhaps, years ago, his family had been devoured by demons before his very eyes. Even though the Demon Slayers might have arrived to save him, it was likely too late for those he loved.
Ryuji sighed inwardly. **How heartbreaking.**
Rather than putting his hopes in the hands of the Demon Slayer Corps, Ryuji longed to gain the power to fight demons himself. Relying on his own strength seemed far more dependable than waiting for others.
"I wonder where I can learn to kill demons," Ryuji said, his voice filled with a sense of longing. Shaking his head, he added, "Anyway, thank you for your hospitality last night, Grandpa."
The old man didn't respond, lost in the memories of his past.
Ryuji bowed slightly and turned to leave.
"Wait!" Saburo's voice called out just as Ryuji was about to step out the door.
Ryuji stopped and turned around.
The old man walked toward him, his once-muddy eyes now filled with purpose. He pressed a small token into Ryuji's hand. It was engraved with the symbol of a wisteria flower.
"If you carry this, you'll find houses marked with wisteria blossoms. The families that live there support the Demon Slayer Corps. You might find what you're looking for among them."
Ryuji stared at the token, surprise flickering in his eyes. He had merely mentioned his desire in passing, but it seemed fate was smiling upon him.
He had other means of contacting the Demon Slayer Corps, of course. For instance, he could head to Sagiri Mountain, where Urokodaki Sakonji, the former Water Hashira, lived. But approaching him without any introduction would likely raise suspicion. A recommendation was much better.
As for why he wanted to get in touch with the Corps, it was simple. He needed information—especially about demons. And as his strength grew, hunting demons would also likely earn him attribute points far faster than slaughtering chickens, ducks, and pigs.
Ryuji's heart surged with anticipation. **How many attribute points would killing a demon earn me?**
---
The wind on a winter morning was sharp and cold.
A few days ago, if Ryuji had been in his previous condition, he would have found the chill unbearable. But now, it merely felt refreshing—brisk but manageable.
He trudged through the snow, each step sinking into the thick blanket, and after what felt like hours, the Kamado family house finally came into view.
Ryuji straightened his clothes, glanced at the gifts he carried, and then rapped lightly on the wooden fence outside the house.
"Is Tanjuro-san at home?" he called.
From inside, the door to the Kamado household creaked open, revealing Kamado Kie.
She was dressed simply, as always, but her modest attire did little to hide her graceful figure. Her long, soft hair flowed down her back, though she seemed thinner than the last time Ryuji had visited. Her eyes were red and swollen, as if she had been crying recently. Her delicate face was shadowed by an air of sadness.
"Kie-san," Ryuji greeted warmly, his voice gentle but concerned.
Kamado Kie blinked in surprise, recognizing her visitor from a few days prior. She hadn't expected to see him again so soon.
"Ryuji-san, please come in," she said softly. "Tanjuro is ill and resting inside, but the house is warm from the charcoal fire. You must be cold."
Kie quickly moved toward the fence, opening it to let him in. Her footsteps were small, almost delicate, but the rise and fall of her figure caught Ryuji's eye. He averted his gaze quickly, feeling awkward.
"I noticed when I last saw Tanjuro-san that he didn't seem well," Ryuji remarked as he walked through the gate. "I had hoped his condition wouldn't worsen."
Kie, now standing beside him, placed her hands gently over her abdomen and lowered her head. "I've had several doctors come to see him, but... nothing has helped. Tanjuro's condition is deteriorating."
Her voice trembled with worry, the panic barely masked. The burden on her shoulders was almost visible.
Ryuji could see her fear clearly—she felt as though her world was collapsing. She was just one woman, trying to keep the family together. Tanjuro had always been her pillar of strength, and if something happened to him, how could she raise all their children on her own?
"I'm sorry to hear that," Ryuji sighed, his tone empathetic. "When Tanjuro-san saved me the other day, he seemed strong, capable even. I didn't think his health would decline so quickly."
He paused for a moment, then added, "But please, Kie-san, don't be too hard on yourself. Tanjuro-san will recover, I'm sure of it. But you must take care of yourself, too. Now that your husband is unwell, the family depends on you. If anything happens to you, it will be devastating."
As he spoke, Ryuji reached out and gently patted her shoulder.
Kie's eyes softened at his words of concern. The constant anxiety she had been living under these past few days finally started to ease. Though there was still fear, Ryuji's kind words gave her a sense of comfort, something she hadn't felt in a long time.
---
"Good morning, Uncle!"
"Hello, Uncle!"
---
As Ryuji entered the house, Tanjirou and Nezuko greeted him warmly.
"Hello," Ryuji responded with a smile, taking out the gifts he had brought for the children. He handed toys to Tanjirou and Takeo, while Nezuko and Hanako received adorable accessories.
In particular, Ryuji gifted Nezuko some *konpeitō*—a type of candy with small, star-like granules. He remembered from their last encounter that Nezuko had a fondness for this candy, which looked as beautiful as it tasted.
"Thank you, Uncle!" the children chorused, their faces lighting up with joy.
Seeing the children's happiness, Kamado Kie hurriedly spoke, "Oh my, you really didn't have to bring so many gifts. It's too much—thank you, but it's so embarrassing."
Ryuji waved it off with a chuckle. "They're just small tokens for the kids. Please, it's nothing."
Kamado Kie smiled softly, though she protested gently, "Still, it must have cost you a lot."
Ryuji glanced at her, noticing the warmth in her eyes. "It's really no trouble at all," he said, appreciating how kind and maternal she was. "By the way," Ryuji continued, "I also brought something for you and Tanjuro-san."
Opening his backpack, he revealed a warm fur coat for Tanjuro and a lovely skirt for Kamado Kie.
"Oh no, this is far too generous!" Kamado Kie exclaimed, waving her hands in polite refusal. "It's one thing to bring gifts for the children, but these are so expensive."
Ryuji smiled, insisting, "It's just a small gesture. I've already bought them, and I doubt the shopkeeper would take them back. Please, Kamado-san, accept them."
Kamado Kie hesitated for a moment, overwhelmed by his generosity, but before she could refuse again, Ryuji kindly redirected the conversation.
"Could you take me to see Tanjuro-san? I'm worried about how he's doing."
Seeing no way to refuse, Kamado Kie nodded and led Ryuji to the next room.
As they approached, the strong scent of herbal medicine filled the air, a clear sign that Tanjuro had been relying on remedies for some time. Ryuji's eyes fell on the bedridden figure of Tanjuro Kamado, who looked even more frail than during their last meeting.
"Ahem..." Tanjuro coughed, trying to push himself up to greet his guest.
" Ryuji-san, you're here."
Ryuji quickly stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Tanjuro's shoulder, easing him back down onto the futon. "What's going on? It's only been a few days since I last saw you, and your condition has worsened so much."
Tanjuro sighed deeply, a look of helplessness in his eyes. "I don't know how my health deteriorated like this. My body… it's failing me, and I can't explain why."
Ryuji furrowed his brow, feeling a pang of sympathy. Tanjuro was the pillar of the Kamado family, and with him bedridden, the family's future seemed uncertain. While they could rely on their savings for now, Ryuji knew that it wouldn't last forever.
"It's been difficult," Tanjuro continued, his voice weak. "I'm sorry that I can't properly welcome you as a guest in my current state."
Ryuji shook his head, gripping Tanjuro's hand in reassurance. "There's no need for apologies. If it weren't for your help back then, I would've been a bear's meal. I'm the one who should be thanking you."
Tanjuro's gaze softened at Ryuji's heartfelt words, but deep inside, a hint of guilt remained. When Ryuji first arrived, Tanjuro had harbored doubts about his intentions. After all, with his illness, only Kie and the children were around to protect the household. He worried about leaving his family vulnerable.
Yet now, seeing the sincerity in Ryuji's actions, Tanjuro regretted his earlier suspicions.
Ryuji, unaware of the internal conflict within Tanjuro, felt his own heart ache as he observed the man's weakened state. He vividly recalled their first meeting—the strength that Tanjuro's lean body had possessed, and how easily he had bested the bear that had threatened Ryuji's life.
But now, Tanjuro could barely stand, and the Kamado family's future seemed uncertain.
In just a short time, everything had changed, and the once-strong family was now on the verge of collapse.
Ryuji could sense that Tanjuro was deeply worried about his family. Gently patting Tanjuro's hand, Ryuji spoke in a calming tone, "Tanjuro-san, the most important thing right now is for you to take care of your health. Don't burden yourself with unnecessary worries."
"As long as you focus on resting and recovering, everything else will fall into place."
"If there are any difficulties at home, please don't hesitate to tell me. As long as it's within my power, I'll help." Ryuji gave a firm nod, his sincerity clear in his eyes.
Seeing Ryuji's heartfelt confession, Kamado Tanjuro was deeply moved. He grasped Ryuji's hand weakly and said, "I... I don't know how to thank you enough, Ryuji-san."
"I should be thanking you, Tanjuro," Ryuji replied seriously. "You saved my life, and I haven't even repaid that debt yet."
---
**Later that night...**
The snow outside was falling even more heavily, blanketing the world in white. With such weather, traveling back wasn't possible. The Kamado family insisted that Ryuji stay the night, and after a bit of polite refusal, he agreed.
---
When night had fully descended, Ryuji made his way to the guest room.
Kamado Kei had already prepared the bedding for him. The room was neat and clean, carrying a faint scent—one that reminded him of Kei herself.
Sitting on the bed, Ryuji's thoughts wandered.
Tanjuro's condition had worsened significantly. It seemed like his days were numbered. After his passing, the Kamado family would face hardship. Kei, though strong, would struggle to provide for the family. Thankfully, Tanjirou and Nezuko would step up, but even so, their lives would be difficult.
And not long after, tragedy would strike.
In the future, a demon would destroy the happiness they worked so hard to preserve. Tanjirou's entire family, except for Nezuko, would be killed. Nezuko, though spared, would be transformed into a demon, forced to struggle against her urges to consume human flesh.
Thinking of their grim future, Ryuji sighed heavily. From the moment he met the Kamado family, especially Kei, he felt a pull—a desire to protect them. But he knew he had to suppress those feelings for Kei. After all, Tanjuro had saved his life. Harboring any inappropriate thoughts toward his wife was deeply immoral, and Ryuji couldn't bear the weight of such guilt.
But beyond these personal feelings, Ryuji felt a deep sense of responsibility. He owed Tanjuro more than he could repay in material ways. Changing the tragic fate that awaited the Kamado family could be his way of repaying the life-saving debt.
"I'll change the future," Ryuji whispered to himself, determination filling his heart. "I won't let the Kamado family fall prey to those demons. I won't let their happiness be shattered."
"If I can save their lives, I'll repay Tanjuro's kindness. That way, I'll be free from this debt."
Ryuji exhaled, feeling lighter as the guilt that had been weighing on his heart slowly faded.
"Tanjuro... I promise I'll take care of your family. I won't let them face this world without support."
With those final words, Ryuji closed his eyes and drifted off into a peaceful sleep, his resolve stronger than ever.
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(A/N:- Your power stones and reviews will help me grow)