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Once out the city gate, Tsugikuni Michikatsu's disgust toward me was undisguised.
Wandering around all night, we didn't catch many demons.
But Tsugikuni Michikatsu never stopped to rest. Probably didn't want to talk to me.
What a coincidence. Did he think I was dying to talk to him?
Anyway, my purpose was just to prevent him from disturbing Yoriichi's family of three reunion. Flying a kite outside was fine. I wasn't afraid of being tired.
Seeing dawn approaching, if I didn't return, I'd have to experience the taste of roasted meat in the sunrise. I prepared to call it a day and go home.
Before leaving, I thought about it. Couldn't let people accuse me of rudeness. So I still very politely greeted Tsugikuni Michikatsu, "It's almost dawn. I'm heading back first."
Tsugikuni Michikatsu stood under a tree, coldly watching my departing back.
After I'd walked several steps, I heard him say coolly, "What a dull person. Since you have no talent in swordsmanship, why persist so relentlessly?"
His voice wasn't sharp, but still sounded grating. I walked back, tilting my head to look at him for a while.
"Don't understand. Speak human language?" I said.
Tsugikuni Michikatsu's brows furrowed tightly. "The gap between your and Yoriichi's talent is enormous. Far from what effort can bridge. Why waste his time? Yoriichi's talent holds great significance for the Demon Slayer Corps and the entire world. Don't rely on having some kindness toward him to act so recklessly."
Actually, I wanted to say this was all the Master's task. Moreover, Yoriichi was quite willing to teach me. Both sides had no objections. What was he barking about here?
I looked at him for a while. Didn't say any of the above. Turned and left first.
After all, life safety was more important. Why should I risk being burned to argue with him for three hundred rounds?
This guy obviously wasn't the type who'd help if he saw me about to be burned to death.
My choosing to go home first didn't mean I'd swallow this grievance.
Later, I'd repeat his words verbatim to Yoriichi and Ubuyashiki.
Ha. Kid, fighting me? You're too green!
Only children would want to hold their breath, using effort to save face.
Me, a several-hundred-year-old granny, wouldn't do such stupid things!
Hearing my complaint, Ubuyashiki immediately consoled me, saying the Demon Slayer Corps would absolutely have no one disdain me as useless. My contributions were clear for all to see. And promised to give me an explanation.
Though I didn't know how he'd communicate with Tsugikuni Michikatsu, Yoriichi's displeasure was clear for all to see.
Heard during those years the brothers grew up together, even later when reunited, they'd never quarreled.
And I became the fuse for their first brotherly fight.
Ask me how I felt? I could only say quite honored.
Tsugikuni Michikatsu seemed completely unaware he was meddling way too much in his brother's business.
Even if Yoriichi was truly angry, he still insisted on his theory. "Your time shouldn't be wasted on such mediocre people."
"Brother, I'm not a once-in-a-generation genius."
Uta secretly told me Yoriichi's tone then was calm yet sorrowful. He also asked his twin brother, "Seeking happiness, accompanying family—in your eyes, are these also meaningless matters?"
Ah. So he knew what Tsugikuni Michikatsu was thinking then.
Right. How could he not know?
No matter what, under Ubuyashiki and Yoriichi's pressure, however unwilling Tsugikuni Michikatsu was, he still had to apologize and make amends to me.
Facing Tsugikuni Michikatsu's gloomy face, I flashed him a triumphant villain's smile, insincerely forgiving him.
Anyway, our feud was established.
But I didn't find a chance for public revenge. Ubuyashiki seemed to predict my scheme, separating me and Tsugikuni Michikatsu, minimizing our chances of meeting again.
And Tsugikuni Michikatsu wouldn't follow Yoriichi to my home anymore, indirectly disturbing their marital reunion. Truly perfect.
The only flaw—after another half year, Uta made me a request.
She asked me to go to the Tsugikuni home to visit Tsugikuni Michikatsu's wife and children.
"This might not sound good. If Yoriichi heard, he might also be unhappy," Uta said somewhat worriedly. "But I keep thinking about that sister-in-law. Don't know if his brother has actually returned to visit them."
As a sister-in-law, suspecting her husband's brother like this wasn't good... no wonder Uta didn't tell Yoriichi. That guy sometimes lacked common sense, couldn't think of too many social nuances.
Naturally, Uta asking me to help with this had other reasons. "The hometown is quite far from here. Can't find a merchant caravan going there for now... If I casually entrust a messenger, something happening on that long road wouldn't be good."
She also felt embarrassed asking those already very busy demon hunters. Only I, this unrestrained idle person, could make the trip.
I disliked Tsugikuni Michikatsu, but had no ill feelings toward his wife and children. They were just pitiful people abandoned by their husband and father.
Moreover, Uta promised to make me delicious food when I returned. I happily accepted this business trip, setting out the next day.
The Tsugikuni home wasn't just ordinarily far. I walked and stopped, along the way also visiting places rumored to have demon appearances. Took nearly a month to reach the destination.
Just entering Tsugikuni territory, I smelled an ominous scent in the air.
According to news I'd heard, the Tsugikuni family was a samurai clan, passed down generation after generation, accumulating vast lands and estates.
Though I came at night, passing by fields, I could see people moving in the fields.
They carried torches, patrolling the fields in teams. Upon encountering suspicious people, they'd immediately surround them.
"Who are you?"
Right. Talking about unlucky me.
Discovering me wrapped in a cloak approaching, appearance unclear and very suspicious, they shouted loudly, immediately drawing their blades.
If I said I was passing through, would they immediately cut me down? Then discover I couldn't be killed, screaming "monster" and fleeing everywhere?
Forget it. Better not court that trouble.
I obediently removed my hat, letting them see my face clearly. Also said I was Tsugikuni Michikatsu's messenger.
Not that I really wanted to use his name. Just seeing everyone's nerves quite tense, if I said a name they didn't recognize at all, I'd very likely truly be taken for a spy.
Just words weren't enough. I also pulled out a jade pendant as proof.
This definitely couldn't be something I'd robbed from Tsugikuni Michikatsu... just that when he was pressured to apologize to me, he couldn't come empty-handed.
He'd left home without bringing many good things. So he compensated me with this jade pendant. I thought it looked nice, so I accepted and kept it with me.
These several samurai were probably once Tsugikuni Michikatsu's personal attendants. Recognized that jade pendant, but didn't completely lower their guard.
They discussed for a while, splitting off two people to lead me to see the mistress—that is, Tsugikuni Michikatsu's wife, Tsugikuni Takehime.
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