Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Sayuki held a rice ball in each hand, taking alternating bites, her cheeks puffed out adorably.

Speaking with a muffled voice, she asked, "Why aren't you eating? Neither the wagashi nor the rice balls."

Earlier when she had offered them to Kawanishi, he had politely declined.

"I already ate before I came. I really can't eat anymore…"

Human food made Kawanishi nauseous and gave him no taste at all. Eating now brought him no enjoyment, so he had lost interest entirely.

"That's a pity. Now I'll just have to struggle to finish all these delicious treats by myself."Sayuki rubbed her slightly rounded belly, grumbling to Kawanishi.

He walked at a steady pace, smiling wryly. "Aren't you worried about gaining weight?"

"You've eaten quite a bit. Let's go for a walk."

"Afterward, I'll walk you home."

Sayuki's gaze dimmed slightly. She understood: when he said he'd walk her home, it meant he would leave again afterward.

Not even one night together?

She sighed softly, then pouted in frustration: "You're still leaving… I knew I couldn't convince you."

She quickened her pace, leaving Kawanishi behind with nothing but a sulking back.

Kawanishi smiled helplessly, not bothering to catch up.

At that moment, a strange figure approaching from ahead caught his attention.

The man was tall and broad, his entire body hidden beneath a long black coat. His head was lowered deeply as if utterly absorbed by the ground beneath him. His face was concealed under a dark hood, making it impossible to see his features even when passing directly by.

This odd man passed right by Kawanishi, who instantly felt wary, though the stranger made no suspicious moves—only walking further away.

Kawanishi frowned. This guy radiates danger. His intentions are definitely malicious. But… he's not a demon. There's no trace of demon aura on him. Just an ordinary, albeit dangerous, human.

After some thought, Kawanishi chose not to pursue him and instead refocused on Sayuki.

Sayuki, who had sulked just moments ago, soon began to slow her steps.

In a casual, pleasant voice, she said, "I've been preparing a gift for you ever since I left for Asakusa. I was saving it for when I saw you again. Do you want it? If not, I'll just throw it away."

Without hesitation, Kawanishi replied, "Of course I want it. No matter what it is, if it's from you, I'll love it."

Hearing his immediate answer, Sayuki's steps slowed even more until they once again walked side by side.

Pretending to be nonchalant, she slowly reached out and gently slipped her slender fingers into Kawanishi's hand.

Kawanishi smiled warmly at her little gesture and was just about to tease her for giving up her act so quickly — when suddenly, every instinct in his body screamed danger.

He pulled Sayuki behind him in one swift motion, shielding her with his body.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Three deafening blasts rang out, though Kawanishi felt no pain.

Turning around, he saw the source about thirty meters away. The dangerous man had raised his head.

Underneath the black hood was a face wrapped in white bandages, with layers of grotesque scars visible between them. Bloodshot, feral eyes glared at Kawanishi with a twisted expression of vengeance and satisfaction.

After locking eyes with Kawanishi for a moment, the man quickly turned and disappeared down a nearby alley.

Because of the buildings, his figure vanished from view.

Who is this? I don't recall making such an enemy.

No... wait. He wasn't looking at me — he was staring at Sayuki!

An ominous feeling filled Kawanishi's chest, nearly suffocating him.

He smelled blood behind him. He heard Sayuki's weak breathing:"Onii-san…"

Turning around stiffly, he saw three bloody holes in Sayuki's chest and abdomen. Her pale face leaned weakly against his back, both hands clutching his clothing tightly.

"Sayuki!"

Somehow, the attack had come faster than sound. By the time he heard it, Sayuki had already been struck. Kawanishi's reaction was a split second too slow.

Damn it!

His eyes instantly turned blood-red; his fangs itched to burst forth.

Again… again, a loved one was hurt right before his eyes—and once more, he was powerless to stop it.

I'll tear him apart! I'll kill him!

No… not yet.

Calm down, Kawanishi. You must stay calm. Sayuki needs care now. You can't go after him.

Remember his scent. He won't escape!

He clenched his teeth hard, suppressing the urge to give chase.

Exhale…

Taking a deep breath, the cool air helped him regain some composure.

Forcing down his burning rage, Kawanishi swiftly picked Sayuki up and ran toward the nearest clinic as quickly and steadily as possible.

"Hang in there, Sayuki. You'll be fine," he said resolutely.

Sayuki managed a bitter smile. "Onii-san, the gift I prepared... it's in my room."

"Be sure to take it… I want to see you wear it…"

Kawanishi tightened his grip around her."I promise. I'll wear it. You'll see me in it."

But in her blurred consciousness, images flickered through Sayuki's mind…

She froze for a moment, then looked up at Kawanishi with a complicated gaze, whispering weakly:"Onii-san… am I going to die…?"

"I think I saw my past… and some things I shouldn't have seen."

"Please forgive me… that gift… maybe you shouldn't…"

Before she could finish, Sayuki passed out.

Kawanishi didn't catch her strange words. Though trying to stay composed, his heart was burning with anxiety.

"Don't say such things. The clinic's right ahead."

"You'll be fine."

I have so few loved ones left. Please… don't leave me. I can't bear this pain again.

Reaching the clinic, Kawanishi kicked open the wooden door."Takashi-san! Help! Please save Sayuki!"

The clinic's owner, Takashi, a gentle woman nearing thirty, had treated Kawanishi for minor illnesses before.

She rushed out half-dressed from the back room."Kawanishi? What's wrong?!"

Seeing him cradling Sayuki, Takashi quickly sprang into action, not bothering to fix her clothes as she guided him to lay Sayuki on the bed.

After about three minutes of examination, Takashi shook her head slightly.

The gesture made Kawanishi panic."Takashi-san, don't give up after just looking at her!"

But Takashi suddenly smiled, her worried expression relaxing."I was only shaking my head because I was surprised at her injury — not because it's hopeless."

"She'll be fine."

Kawanishi: "…Then why the hell were you shaking your head like that…"

(End of Chapter)