"————In summary, my Lord."
"The sources of the rumors regarding the 'Divine Doctor' and the 'Mobile Task Force' have been confirmed to point toward the Rank Hinoe swordsman currently residing at the Rengoku estate, Natsunishi Kuguruma."
A member of the Kakushi reported respectfully to Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
A helpless yet gentle smile couldn't help but surface on the face of the slender, elegant young man.
"Though I already knew young Kuguruma was here, I didn't expect him to cause such a stir even in Tokyo————"
"He truly is a swordsman who never ceases to surprise."
He had originally come to visit Shinjuro, who had been despondent for a long time, but he hadn't expected to encounter the boy he had been observing for a while now.
It was an unexpected delight.
He wondered how far the child had progressed on his path of practicing all five major Breathing Styles.
Since he was here with Mr. Rengoku, perhaps————
A hint of curiosity rose in his gentle eyes.
While he did not understand the "artistic conception" of Breathing Styles that swordsmen spoke of, if Natsunishi could be called the "Five-Colored Divine Light."
Then perhaps, besides the Wind Breathing he was most proficient in, he had already achieved some mastery in the other disciplines as well?
With this curiosity, the 97th leader of the Ubuyashiki family stepped into the courtyard of the Rengoku household.
To him, Shinjuro Rengoku was a swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps.
He was also an elder whom Kagaya Ubuyashiki respected.
When Kagaya took over the Ubuyashiki family from his father—who had taken his own life—at the age of four, Shinjuro was already a pillar supporting the Corps.
Strictly speaking, Shinjuro had attained the rank of the Nine Hashira during the time Kagaya's grandfather was the head of the family.
He was an elder who had practically watched Kagaya grow up.
Over the years, seeing Shinjuro sink into depression due to his wife's severe illness, Kagaya had also been deeply concerned.
He had consulted famous doctors within the country.
He had even invited teams of Western physicians.
But without exception, all were helpless against Lady Ruka's condition.
Ultimately, he could only arrange for the Butterfly Mansion to visit regularly to provide palliative care to ease Ruka's pain.
Mr. Shinjuro, please pull yourself together soon————
Whether it be your children, your comrades in the Demon Slayer Corps, or Lady Ruka herself, none wish to see you waste away like this.
As he pondered how to best encourage and comfort the man, he was surprised by what he found.
Though Shinjuro had not entirely cast off his gloom, the despondency between his brows had significantly dissipated.
He was even able to sit calmly and share tea with him.
It seemed————there was no need for additional counseling?
The man had already begun to recover his spirit.
Even more surprising was that although Ruka's complexion remained pale, her breathing was noticeably steadier than during his last visit.
That aura of impending death brought on by chronic illness had clearly lightened considerably.
"Mr. Shinjuro, Lady Ruka's health seems to have improved recently?"
The Flame Hashira showed a slight smile.
That smile carried a hint of profound emotion, even a trace of helpless tenderness.
It wasn't just "improved."
She had gained a few pounds.
Last night, his wife had even pulled him aside to whisper that she wanted to ask Natsunishi "not to make the food so delicious."
At the very least, he could use less oil.
It was a woman's vanity.
A little over a month ago, this was something neither of them would have dared to dream of.
"It was Kuguruma————that child brought a miracle to our home," Shinjuro said softly.
To him, seeing hope for Ruka's recovery was a miracle in itself.
The room was filled with the mild aroma of medicinal cuisine. After a brief moment of daze, Kagaya also smiled sincerely.
"It seems the child everyone is talking about truly is someone who can bring about a turning point."
Then, he saw Natsunishi in a corner of the courtyard.
He was currently dragging Shinobu Kocho and Kyojuro along, engaging in a "flesh-to-flesh" training session.
Noticing the gazes from the room, Natsunishi raised his hand from afar and spoke quite casually.
"Yo, Boss, here for a site inspection?"
The surrounding Kakushi members immediately stiffened their backs.
This person is so casual upon seeing the Lord?! Even if he doesn't bow, what's with that title?
Boss?
What a strange way to address him————
One Kakushi even stood up, intending to step forward and reprimand him.
Don't you see the Hashira and the Lord are both here!
However, just as he rose, he was stopped by Kagaya's light hand gesture.
Kagaya wore a genuine and interested smile: "It is fine. Young Kuguruma is special."
The Kakushi looked at Kagaya in shock.
Then they looked at the Flame Hashira, who sat kneeling to the side with a normal expression, as if silently permitting this behavior.
"Yes, my Lord."
Kakushi A: Is this swordsman Kuguruma a child of some powerful family?
Kakushi B: He's a genius that the Lord and all the Hashira favor, you idiot.
Kakushi C: You're all wrong. Master Kuguruma is the next of the Nine Hashira!
Kakushi D: Eh? Wasn't his name Five-Colors-kun?
The members exchanged silent glances.
Meanwhile, Kagaya spoke warmly to Natsunishi: "'Boss' is what Westerners call an 'Employer,' isn't it?"
"It's an interesting title. Young Kuguruma, come over and join us for a chat."
The core NPC of my faction seems to have a pretty good temper?
He's completely different from the dignified general or big business tycoon I imagined.
Stopping his "instruction" of the two swordsmen, Natsunishi walked toward the group in the room.
He nodded to Kagaya and sat down cross-legged quite naturally.
He reached out and started eating the dried fruits set out for the guests.
Well, isn't this how it goes when listening to elders chat during the New Year?
The only thing missing is someone playing Mahjong nearby; it's not lively enough.
Only then did Natsunishi take a closer look at the man's label.
[Kagaya Ubuyashiki (Energy Level: 6)]
This has to be the lowest I've seen in an adult————
Does this guy have some kind of serious illness too?
"Though I have heard much of you, this is our first time meeting, young Kuguruma."
"I heard you did many impressive things in Tokyo. I thought you would be a tall and burly swordsman."
"But seeing you now, you are a handsome and upright young man."
Is he praising my looks?
Since he's giving me so much face right off the bat, I definitely have to be polite back.
Natsunishi sat up a bit straighter and put down the snacks.
With a hint of seriousness, he said: "It's just everyone on the streets being kind enough to give me some face."
"It's mainly because Lady Ruka's illness needs continuous care, so I'm crashing here for a while. I've been helping Mr. Shinjuro handle some local missions while I'm at it."
This young Kuguruma truly has an interesting way of speaking.
Kagaya couldn't help but chuckle.
"The Five-Colored Divine Light swordsman, the traveling Divine Doctor, and the rumored Special Task Force Section 9————word of these titles has already reached beyond Tokyo."
Natsunishi: ————
I'm sweating a bit here, man.
The first two are fine, but how did that agency name I used to brush off civilians reach the Boss's ears?
He's not going to dock my pay, is he?
Seemingly sensing the change in Natsunishi's expression, Kagaya comforted him gently: "Please rest assured, I do not mind."
"After all, you are the ones on the front lines slaying demons and saving the injured."
"I should be thanking you rather than worrying about these after-dinner rumors."
"What's more, you are treating Lady Ruka."
As he spoke, he bowed slightly in a gesture of gratitude.
Natsunishi waved his hand toward the Boss, who seemed to be around his age: "Don't mention it, we're all brothers here."
"Besides, the hidden quest————no, since the money is in place, how could I not save her?"
Then, as if remembering something.
He looked at Kagaya's forehead, which bore a very distinct and strange scar.
His eyes lit up.
Wait, could there be another hidden quest here?
"By the way, Boss, you look pretty frail. Do you have some kind of incurable condition too?"
"Want me to take a look?"
"I'm somewhat knowledgeable in medicine."
He can control Lady Ruka's illness, yet he modestly calls himself 'somewhat knowledgeable'?
Kagaya was slightly stunned, then nodded gently.
"If you are willing."
The Kakushi, Shinjuro, and even little Shinobu and Kyojuro outside all stared at Natsunishi with wide eyes.
Those who knew the fate of the Ubuyashiki clan felt a faint glimmer of hope rising in their hearts.
If he can treat Lady Ruka————
Maybe he really can bring about another miracle!
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