Demon Slayer : Breath of The Forest

Shinichi rubbed his chin, inadvertently overhearing that the two were heading to Tokyo for a mission.

Coincidentally, he also wanted to make a trip to Tokyo.

He had once promised that child to take him to the big city like Kyoto, but unfortunately, that promise could never be fulfilled.

However, he had heard that Tokyo nowadays seemed even more prosperous than Kyoto.

Since arriving in this world, Shinichi had yet to see what this era considered a metropolis.

So, while he was temporarily free from missions, he thought it would be a good opportunity to visit the so-called "big city" Tokyo.

"Since you're also going to Tokyo, we might as well go together" Shinichi said casually.

Kumeno had no objections and scratched his head with a smile.

"Sure, that works! It'll be a great chance to learn from The Forest Hashira along the way."

On the other hand, Sanemi Shinazugawa let out an ambiguous snort.

He knew Shinichi not just because the latter was The Forest Hashira, but also because he often ran into Shinichi at the Butterfly Mansion.

However, their roles at the Butterfly Mansion were different—one was a frequent "guest," while the other was one of its founders.

Judging by his expression, Sanemi didn't seem too fond of The Forest Hashira.

If you asked Sanemi directly, he probably wouldn't answer why.

But if we were to peek into his thoughts—he absolutely did not dislike Shinichi because he often saw Kanae smiling and chatting with him.

Nope, definitely not.

That's right, that's how it is!

And so, the three of them boarded a carriage bound for Tokyo. During the journey, the usually silent Sanemi, noticing Shinichi was alone, suddenly asked.

"Why isn't that little Kocho girl with you? And that fat... uh, Shiba Inu?"

It was a common sight in the Demon Slayer Corps for Shinobu Kocho and The Forest Hashira to be inseparable during missions.

As for Maru-ni, Sanemi had been about to say "fat as a pig" but he quickly remembered Shinichi status as a Hashira.

No matter how brash he was, he didn't dare mock a Demon slayer of that rank, so he hastily changed his wording.

Shinichi didn't seem to mind, leaning comfortably against the carriage as he replied offhandedly.

"Shinobu and Maru-ni are both busy. Since this trip isn't for a mission, I asked Shinobu to help Maru-ni lose some weight. Hopefully, by the time we return, he'll have shed a few layers of fat from his belly."

Maru-ni: Heartless master, you really don't love me anymore!

Kumeno : "I see! The Forest Hashira is so considerate. Maru-ni really is a bit too chubby."

Inside the carriage, Sanemi felt somewhat relieved to have The Forest Hashira around—otherwise, he feared he might be driven mad by Kumeno endless chatter.

He had no idea where Kumeno got so much to say, rambling on and on without repeating himself for an entire day.

Shinichi, however, didn't mind.

After all, as a Hashira, he had to uphold a certain level of responsibility.

Moreover, many of Kumeno questions were essential for slaying demons—things like the application of Breathing Techniques, the proper grip of a Nichirin Blade and other fundamental knowledge.

Shinichi wasn't too familiar with Wind Breathing, but when it came to Breathing Techniques, although the sword forms differed greatly, their foundational principles were mostly similar.

With Shinichi perspective as a Hashira, the advice he gave Kumeno naturally proved invaluable.

"I see! I understand! Hey hey! Sanemi, you should try it too! Using the Total Concentration: Constant technique as taught by The Forest Hashira really saves a lot of effort!" Kumeno happily called out to Sanemi.

But Sanemi just scoffed.

He couldn't care less about saving effort—after all, when it came to pure strength, his senior Kumeno Masachika was no match for him.

Why should he bother with such trivial energy conservation?

However, after being pestered endlessly by Kumeno, he finally snapped.

"Shut up! You're so annoying! Fine, I'll learn it, okay?"

Grumbling, Sanemi mastered the technique in mere moments.

His exceptional talent not only amazed Kumeno but also caught Shinichi attention.

'It seems his blood isn't the only special thing—his talent is formidable too.'

***

Time flew by and in less than two days, the trio arrived within Tokyo borders.

However, their destinations differed: Kumeno and Sanemi were headed to investigate the missing children in Kameoka District, while Shinichi wanted to explore Tokyo so-called urban center.

At a crossroads, the three parted ways.

Before separating, Kumeno pulled Sanemi along to sincerely express their gratitude to Shinichi for his guidance during their time together.

Though reluctant, Sanemi, under Kumeno insistence, awkwardly bowed to Shinichi.

Shinichi waved it off, telling them not to worry.

Looking at the two outstanding Demon Slayer Corps members before him, he hesitated for a moment before retrieving two tightly wrapped dorayaki from the silver mirror at his waist and handing them over.

Kumeno took the dorayaki and exclaimed in surprise.

"Huh? Is this the life-saving dorayaki invented by Shinichi-sama during the Final Selection? But I heard it only works within Fujikasane Mountain's range, didn't it?"

Shinichi nodded.

Indeed, these dorayaki, infused with vitality and a trace of demon blood, only took effect within a certain distance from him.

In other words, Shinichi acted as a signal tower—as long as he was within range, the vitality and demon blood in the dorayaki could be activated.

"Take them. Even if they don't work, they can still serve as a sweet snack for the road. Farewell." With that, Shinichi waved and headed off alone toward Tokyo.

Kumeno and Sanemi stood there, holding the dorayaki and exchanging glances.

Even through the thick wrapping, the rich sweetness unmistakably wafted into their noses.

The Forest Hashira infamous "lethal sweetness dorayaki" had long been a legend within the Demon Slayer Corps.

Kumeno swallowed hard and looked at Sanemi, forcing a smile.

"Uh... Sanemi, I remember you really like ohagi, right? Since this is also a sweet, maybe you could—"

Sanemi brows immediately furrowed, his scarred face twisting into a fierce scowl as he glared at Kumeno with bloodshot eyes.

"I'd rather starve to death, die out there, than eat this disgustingly sweet garbage!" he snarled.

With that, he shoved his dorayaki into Kumeno arms and stormed off toward Kameoka District without another glance.

'No need to get so angry just because you don't want to eat it...'

"Hey! Sanemi! Wait for me! Don't walk so fast!" Kumeno hurried after him.

***

After some time, Shinichi managed to arrive at the most bustling area of Tokyo by hitching a ride with a passing merchant caravan.

As night approached, though Tokyo dazzling lights and lively atmosphere were indeed far more extravagant than other places, it still wasn't enough to truly amaze Shinichi.

After all, in his previous life, he had seen what a true metropolis was like.

And so, clad in his haori with a Nichirin Blade at his waist, Shinichi aimlessly wandered through the streets of Tokyo.

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