Ta ta ta~!
Just as she was lost in thought, a rush of hurried footsteps drew closer from behind her. In that instant, she snapped back to awareness, her eyes narrowing dangerously.
Click...
A clear sound of a blade being drawn—
The next moment, she felt a chill of steel slicing through the air toward the back of her head. Unfazed, she merely tilted her body and stepped back lightly, letting the vertically descending blade pass just before her eyes!
Whoosh!
The gust from the blade lifted her bangs, revealing the worn edge of a Nichirin Sword. Her gaze shifted calmly to its wielder—the young man with the pompadour who had moments ago been fuming with anger and impatience.
"What—?!"
Seeing her so easily dodge his surprise attack, the youth's expression froze in visible shock.
"...What is the meaning of this?"
She still found time to ask, her tone as calm as ever.
"Shut up! You're getting in my way, woman!!"
He knew that strange barrier earlier was cast by her—not only that, she had mocked him and ignored him. He was seething, nearly exploding with rage, feeling as though the three before him—the Shogun and the two sisters—were all toying with him.
"Hah..."
The Shogun exhaled softly, then shook her head silently.
"Don't look at me with those eyes! You damn woman!!"
Whoosh!!
As he shouted, he twisted his blade and spun, swinging it horizontally toward her neck—a clean, swift motion executed in one breath!
However—
The Shogun seized the perfect moment, catching the blade with her bare hands. Her fair, slender palms clamped the steel mid-swing, stopping the attack dead in its tracks.
Clang!
A crisp metallic sound rang out!
"!!"
The pompadour youth's eyes widened in disbelief.
Zzt...
A second later, violet sparks flickered across the trapped blade. Electricity raced along its surface, and the Shogun's right hand shifted into a sword-finger stance, flicking the blade sideways toward the boy's temple!
Zzt!
Lightning surged along the steel like a railgun, grazing across the youth's face and shoulder!
Boom!
The current shot past him, exploding against the forest behind them with a thunderous blast. Dirt and debris flew in all directions, the reflected arcs of lightning rippling outward like waves, billowing everyone's garments.
"Aaaahh~!!!! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die~! I don't wanna die~!!!"
The blond boy nearly wet himself, collapsing onto the ground in tears, screaming incoherently.
"..."
Kanao showed no surprise, only watching the Shogun with admiration.
As expected... Lady Shinobu hadn't chosen wrong. Miss Raiden truly possessed the strength of a Hashira.
She thought this to herself, deeply impressed.
"A-Amazing!!!"
Tanjiro shouted like an excited fanboy.
So this was the power of the Demon Slayer Corps?! How incredible!
"..." ×2
The two sisters beside them remained silent, calm as though nothing had happened.
"!!"
The pompadour youth stood stunned, staring at his smoking Nichirin Blade. That sword had just been used as an electromagnetic rail, yet it hadn't snapped—proof enough of the weapon's durability.
Zzt...
However, his cheek now bore a faint burn mark, and his shoulder's fabric was torn, exposing scorched skin beneath. He realized she had held back—had that attack truly struck him, he'd be burned from head to toe.
The Shogun sighed once more at his dazed expression, releasing the blade and stepping back a few paces, folding her arms habitually.
"...Calmed down now?"
She asked mildly.
"...Yeah."
Though he still seemed dissatisfied, the anger in his eyes had faded.
"Have you said everything you wanted to?"
The black-haired girl glanced at the youth and asked evenly.
"You... you little—"
He grit his teeth, glaring back.
"Look here."
The white-haired girl walked to a nearby table covered with a purple cloth. Pulling the fabric aside, she revealed what lay beneath. Everyone's gaze turned to the table—to find around fifteen metallic orbs of various sizes and shapes, some even broken into fragments.
"What are those?" asked Tanjiro.
The Shogun walked over curiously to take a look… then reached out and picked one up, weighing it lightly in her hand. It wasn't heavy… but it was indeed made of metal, feeling extremely solid to the touch.
[This seems to be material used for forging blades...]
Ei wasn't unfamiliar with such things—after all, she had once overseen swordsmithing techniques in Inazuma, and understood a fair bit about them.
'What is it?'
[I can't recall the exact name… It might be a local material unique to this place.]
She didn't know the precise term—perhaps it was something specific to this world. Having just arrived, she and the others were still rather unfamiliar with these things.
"Everyone, please choose the Tamahagane that resonates most with you."
The black-haired girl beside them indirectly answered their unspoken questions, addressing the group other than herself.
[These are essential materials for forging your blades—used to slay demons and protect yourselves. You must each choose personally.]
"How are we supposed to understand any of this?"
The pompadour youth muttered irritably.
"Whatever… I'm just gonna die soon anyway, so what's the point of choosing?"
The blond boy continued speaking in his usual self-deprecating and pessimistic tone. She was already used to it.
"Miss Raiden, you already possess your own weapon, don't you?"
The white-haired girl turned to her and asked.
"Indeed…"
She replied simply.
[Very well, then you need not choose any Tamahagane.] said the black-haired girl in response.
The Shogun nodded silently and prepared to leave. It was early morning—the best time to depart. She needed to head for the northwestern town.
"Hey!"
"?"
Hearing the pompadour boy call out, she paused but didn't turn around.
"Woman… what's your name?"
He asked.
"…My surname is Raiden."
She replied, still without turning back.
"Raiden? Hmph… suits you well. I'm Sanemi Shinazugawa. Remember me—I'll find you again for a duel next time we meet."
He pointed at his own chest as he spoke.
"..."
She turned her head slightly, her violet eyes glancing his way before shifting forward again.
"If you've got that much energy… better spend it learning to control your temper."
Then she stepped forward, her body dissolving into lightning and vanishing before their eyes.
"Ugh! Damn woman!"
Shinazugawa stomped his foot furiously at the empty space where the Shogun had disappeared. That arrogant woman—he'd definitely get back at her someday!
"Ahaha…"
Tanjiro laughed awkwardly, then looked toward the rising sun in the distance… It was time for him to return to Nezuko.
Elsewhere… a crow flapped its wings, landing in the courtyard of a grand estate—
A man with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a white-to-pink gradient haori, raised his hand to catch it, listening quietly to its report.
"I see…"
His voice was calm and refined, like that of a cultured scholar.
"Five people survived this time… how outstanding."
He gently stroked the crow's forehead.
"Unknowingly, my children have grown in number. What kind of swordsmen will they become, I wonder?"
He paused slightly, then smiled faintly.
"And that lady… has she finally come around? We truly are fortunate—to have such an ally on our side."
His fingers brushed along the crow's feathers…
"The position of the Sound Pillar has finally… found its successor."
No Breathing Techniques, no Nichirin Blade—yet she could easily slay demons. Her very power exceeded even Thunder Breathing itself, raw and instinctive…
"Like the very incarnation of thunder itself… Such talent is a rare treasure—not just for our Corps, but for this entire generation."
"All thanks to Shinobu… for allowing me the honor of meeting her."
...
It was around nine in the morning…
There was still some distance to the destination town. If traveling on foot, she estimated they would arrive before noon. After leaving Mount Fujikasane, the path turned into a secluded forest trail, and beyond that stretched a vast plain. In the distance, endless mountains intertwined along the horizon. At the plain's edge, one could easily see clusters of trees and scattered farmhouses.
Chirp chirp~!
Occasionally, birds and even hawks circled and cried in the sky. At the center of the plain ran a flat but narrow dirt road, leading straight ahead to the main highway. Its width was just enough for a single horse-drawn carriage to pass through.
On either side of the dirt road were low brick walls, not even half a meter tall. Years of wind and rain had left them cracked and worn, with sections crumbling unevenly.
At this moment, Ei walked leisurely along the dirt path with her arms folded, gazing thoughtfully at the distant rural scenery. She had to admit—the region was filled with a peaceful, rustic atmosphere that soothed the soul. The surrounding land was covered with crops, clearly the farmlands of a small village.
If she had time, she truly wouldn't mind staying here for a night… just to experience this natural tranquility.
Tap~ tap~
The crisp sound of footsteps striking brick occasionally reached her ears. She looked aside helplessly at her daughter, who was walking alone along the narrow wall.
Ei was dressed in her usual Gentian-flower-patterned kimono, while her daughter had changed back into her casual outfit, holding a paper umbrella. In Ei's eyes, the girl was playfully stepping along the uneven bricks, like a mischievous child.
Her white-stockinged feet, encased in high-heeled sandals, lightly pressed against each brick. When she encountered a gap, she'd hop over it, her movements brimming with innocent energy. The sight made Ei feel both helpless and fond—at this moment, she truly felt like a mother out on an outing with her daughter.
If she were to say something like, "Slow down~ Don't fall~!" it might have suited the mood even more—but that, of course, was impossible.
"You have a proper road to walk on, yet you insist on walking on that awkward little ledge," she sighed, mildly scolding her companion.
"..."
The Shogun stopped atop the wall, looking down at Ei, who stood on the dirt path below with her arms folded. Seeing that gaze, Ei narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…Because I want to."
The Shogun replied curtly, then resumed walking.
"...Hah."
Ei exhaled again, watching her as they moved forward. Finally, she spoke in weary resignation,
"Get down."
She instructed.
"No."
The Shogun refused.
"I said, get down."
Ei's tone hardened.
"I said no."
The Shogun's voice rose slightly in defiance.
"…Watch your image."
Ei added.
"Why? You are Raiden Shogun now, and I'm just an ordinary woman."
The Shogun countered logically.
"Hah…"
Ei felt her blood pressure rising. Then, without warning, she reached out, grasped the Shogun's wrist, and yanked forcefully.
"!!"
The Shogun's upper body tilted toward Ei, but she quickly steadied herself. Though her torso leaned, her legs gripped the bricks firmly—she didn't fall.
"Oh… challenging me, are you?"
Ei smirked, looking up at the stubborn girl before her with teasing amusement.
"You want to pull me down? Fine… if you can manage to bring this vessel down~?"
The Shogun smiled playfully, almost boastfully—using that long-unused self-referential term, this vessel.
"You think I can't?"
Ei's eyes narrowed as she tightened her grip, voice filled with interest.
"…We'll see?"
The Shogun refused to yield.
"!"
Ei then adjusted her stance, channeling energy through her body. Her back foot pressed into the ground—cracking the soil beneath her heel.
Whoosh!Whoosh!
Then, with one sharp tug, she pulled hard toward herself!
"!"
The Shogun felt the surge of force and was startled—she hadn't expected Ei to actually pull in earnest. Her upper body lurched toward Ei, her balance slipping slightly—one foot lifted from the wall.
"Pfft…"
Seeing her struggle, Ei couldn't help but laugh softly… then pulled again with greater strength.
Seeing Ei's amused smile, the Shogun grew slightly displeased, her lips pursing adorably. Quickly regaining her balance at the critical moment, she steadied her upper body.
Crack!
The foot that had lifted now pressed firmly back onto the bricks, stabilizing her stance. Energy coursed through her entire body, centering on her legs.
Crack!
Her outer heel even sank into the brickwork, shattering it slightly to reinforce her footing.
Ei realized she couldn't easily pull her down. She looked up to meet the Shogun's gaze—only to see a faintly smug expression there. In response, Ei increased her own strength, her heel grinding deeper into the dirt.
Crack!
The fissures in the soil spread outward, yet the Shogun pressed down harder as well—the bricks beneath her feet began to crumble.
The two of them remained locked in this silent struggle for some time… neither willing to yield.
"..."
Ei decided this wasn't working—she'd have to change tactics. Her gaze drifted, seemingly by chance, to the Shogun's slender waist. She paused for a moment—then smirked to herself.
"?"
The Shogun noticed the shift in her gaze, confused—but before she could react…
Ei suddenly released her wrist, causing her body to sway—and then lunged forward, wrapping an arm around her waist.
"Wha—! You—!"
The instant their bodies made contact, the Shogun jolted in surprise, her balance faltering for just a moment. In that instant, Ei pulled her close, holding her firmly by the waist.
Suppressing a laugh, Ei lifted her daughter straight off the bricks and down to the ground, setting her gently on her feet.
"You lost."
She whispered softly to the woman still caught in her arms.
"!"
The Shogun struggled briefly, twisting her body as her feet slid against the ground in futile resistance. But as Ei's grip tightened around her waist, she gradually stilled. Within seconds… she gave in.
"I told you—you can't win against me."
Ei murmured into her ear, voice tender yet teasing.
"You said you'd pull me down, but then you went and grabbed me… how unsporting."
The Shogun turned her head slightly, pouting in mild annoyance, even pinching Ei's hand with her fingertips.
"Because… this way was faster. Otherwise, it would've wasted more time."
Ei rested her chin gently on the Shogun's shoulder, her voice soft.
"..."
The Shogun didn't reply. Feeling the warmth of Ei's body behind her, her heart swelled with a quiet warmth. The irritation from before had already faded—she knew Ei simply wanted to be close to her.
"Shogun…"
"Mm?"
"It's been a long time since we've played around like this…"
Ei's voice trembled slightly, gentle yet full of emotion.
"…You never came looking for me."
The Shogun's nose tingled, her voice awkward but faintly emotional.
"…Do you remember when you first woke up? When you were still in your teens… back when I used to play with you? You were so curious about everything, your eyes sparkling with wonder."
Ei's tone softened, filled with warmth and nostalgia. When the Shogun had first been created as a puppet, she had not been small like an infant—she was already grown in form—but her mind had been childlike, innocent, and adorably pure. Now, however, her heart had matured.
"D-Don't bring up old memories///…"
The Shogun's face flushed red as she protested, embarrassed by the recollection.
"Shogun… do you know why I made you experience things beyond mere duty? Because I was afraid you'd become a cold machine—one that only obeys orders."
Ei spoke softly.
"..."
The Shogun remained quiet in Ei's embrace, her demeanor docile and gentle.
"But now I'm relieved… You're not some emotionless puppet. You can laugh, you can blush, you can get angry—and even act coy. That makes me very happy."
"Don't exaggerate. When have I ever… acted coy?"
The Shogun blinked, speechless for a moment, then refuted in mild embarrassment.
"You will."
Ei smiled faintly, but her tone was certain.
You will—toward me, toward them, toward those who treat you kindly. One day, you'll understand that feeling. Because… you have a heart, Shogun.
"…Whatever."
The Shogun turned her gaze aside, pretending indifference.
Ei looked at her fondly, then gently released her arms. She stepped to her side, took the paper umbrella from her hand, rested it on her own shoulder, and intertwined their fingers.
"?"
The Shogun looked at her, puzzled.
"Come on… don't we still have work to do?"
Ei said as she pulled her under the umbrella's shade.
"Why are you…"
"Today, let me be the one to hold the umbrella for you."
With that, Ei walked side by side with her daughter, hand in hand, sharing the same paper umbrella as they strolled down the quiet country road.
Perhaps… she had always longed for a moment like this—to simply bask in the warmth of family.