Shirou Emiya — Doesn't Want to Work Overtime!

"Are you really leaving?"

The restaurant owner watched Emiya Shirou, who had already packed his luggage, with a reluctant expression.

It wasn't just because Shirou had dramatically increased his restaurant's sales. Even more importantly, Shirou's cheerful, spring-like warmth had brought new life and vibrancy to the entire pleasure district.

"Yeah. I still have something I need to do."

Shirou nodded gratefully toward the owner. He genuinely appreciated the man who had taken him in during his stay here.

"I see. Well, then, take care and travel safely."

Seeing Shirou's determination, the owner didn't insist further. He'd already heard about what happened in the northern district. The site of the battle had been reduced to complete ruin, and if it weren't for the timely evacuation, many people would have lost their lives there.

Deep down, he knew clearly that Emiya Shirou, who had fought in such a battle, would never be content to settle down in a peaceful place like this.

After receiving the owner's blessing, Shirou went around saying goodbye to those he had come to know in the pleasure district.

He knew in his heart that once he left, there was little chance he'd ever return.

Suddenly, he remembered Asakusa Kaori, the girl he'd met only briefly.

Had I been too cruel? Could someone as innocent as her possibly have become human again?

When he severed her neck, countless thoughts had flashed through Shirou's mind.

Kaori hadn't devoured people by her own will. If Shirou had paid closer attention and kept her safe, perhaps she wouldn't have become such a creature, nor would so many innocent lives have been lost.

But at the moment Shirou's blade touched Kaori's neck, it was already too late to pull back.

Carrying a deep sense of guilt, Shirou had sliced through her neck.

His heart felt unbearably heavy.

If it had been Sakura instead of Kaori, would I have still swung my blade without hesitation?

Ultimately, Kaori was just a stranger he'd barely met. Shirou wasn't obligated to sacrifice everything for someone he'd encountered only once. Yet, he still felt regret because that was simply who Emiya Shirou was.

Since the great fire, he'd always thought that his own survival came at the cost of others who might have been saved if he hadn't taken their place. Thus, he resolved to live on behalf of those who had perished, to save as many as he could.

That's why the sadness and guilt lingered.

"Th...thank you…"

Kaori had regained consciousness when her head was severed, now fully aware of what she'd done during her lost time as a demon. Knowing exactly how much blood had stained her hands, she didn't wish for any more deaths.

"I'm sorry!"

Watching the girl's head begin to fade away, Shirou approached, his face etched with regret.

"Don't blame yourself. This...is what I wanted, Shirou."

Kaori gazed at him gently, a faint smile appearing on her lips as if recalling something pleasant. Moments later, her entire body turned to ashes and scattered in the wind.

She had been so young, and the immense demonic power she'd gained overwhelmed her consciousness completely. In battle, her body had moved purely on instinct.

Yet, how strong could a child's battle instincts really be?

She possessed immense power, enough to prevent even a Hashira from easily severing her neck. Countless Demon Slayers could have fallen to her strength.

But realistically, judging her total battle capability, she was merely a lower-ranked demon with an Upper Moon's defense. Her threat level might have even been below the Lower Moons.

"Huh? You're not coming with me?"

Shirou had assumed Rengoku-san would accompany him when leaving the district.

"I still have other missions, demons to eradicate elsewhere! For Fujikasane Mountain, you'll have to head there alone, Emiya-shōnen. I'm eagerly anticipating fighting by your side once you're officially part of the Demon Slayer Corps! Delicious!"

Rengoku Kyōjurō patted Shirou on the shoulder energetically, showing no restraint in his confidence. Considering how weak the demons on Fujikasane Mountain were, he couldn't imagine Shirou failing.

"But... you haven't even told me where Fujikasane Mountain is yet..."

Truthfully, Shirou had already figured that Rengoku-san wouldn't personally guide him. With so many demons preying on humans, it would be impossible for a Hashira like him to linger too long.

But after half a day, Rengoku-san still hadn't explained the location clearly, and he was about to leave.

How am I supposed to get there if I don't know the way...?

"Oh! Thanks for reminding me, Emiya-shōnen! If you keep following this road, you should reach Fujikasane Mountain within two days! Once you pass the test there, you'll officially become a member of the Demon Slayer Corps! Delicious!"

Rengoku eagerly devoured the bento Shirou had made, yelling "Delicious!" after every bite. Everyone in the shop stared at him as if watching someone who'd lost their mind.

Then, he quickly asked the logistical staff standing nearby to hand Shirou a map and pointed out the mountain's exact location.

...

"It should be this road."

A day had passed in the blink of an eye.

Walking along the forest path, Shirou examined the map, trying to find the correct route to Fujikasane Mountain.

Unlike villages, Fujikasane Mountain didn't have a clearly maintained road leading directly to it. Shirou had to traverse dense forests to reach its base.

If there were a proper path, ignorant villagers or unrelated travelers might accidentally stray onto Fujikasane Mountain. Most people naturally followed established trails rather than stumbling aimlessly through dense woods.

Just as Shirou was considering which direction to take next—

"Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud! Thud!"

Rapid, thunderous footsteps approached from behind.

"Is it some kind of beast?"

The heavy footfalls sounded like a wild boar rampaging through the forest.

Shirou immediately unsheathed his Nichirin blade, turning warily to face the source of the sound. Being rammed by a wild boar wasn't something to take lightly.

"Chototsu Moushin! Pig assault! Pig assault!"

A person's voice shouted loudly, echoing along with the beast-like charge through the trees.

Sweat began to drip from Shirou's forehead as the strange figure came into view.

A muscular man wearing a boar's head mask stormed through the forest, wielding a katana in one hand. He charged straight ahead, completely ignoring the dense trees, yet somehow avoiding each collision at the last moment with bizarre agility.

"Hey, you red-headed meat bun over there—GET OUT OF MY WAYYYYYY!!!"

A rough, aggressive roar burst from beneath the boar mask. Without any signs of stopping, the figure fixed his ferocious, animalistic eyes directly on Shirou and barreled toward him like a crazed boar.