First, it was his actions, then his personality, and now even his voice had changed.
Kanao secretly glanced at Su Chen, only to find that he had already sat down. A letter had appeared in his hand at some point.
Kanao blinked. Could that be... a love letter from some girl? she wondered.
The girl quietly took off her shoes and knelt beside him. Su Chen's expression was serious as he carefully read the letter. Just moments ago, a Kasugai Crow had flown in through their room's window. Su Chen didn't recognize the crow, but when he opened the letter and saw 'Murata' signed at the bottom, he knew exactly who it was from.
This was a message sent back by Murata.
The content was as follows:
"Su Chen! You were right. The village chief in this village really is a demon!
After I took him home today, I knew something was wrong. He didn't thank me for saving him. He just looked distressed, and when I left, I looked back and saw him hurting himself!
I got suspicious, so I hid in a nearby house. You won't believe what I saw tonight!
Demons!
Right at the foot of the Butterfly Mansion, there were demons in the village. And the village chief knew about it! I hid and heard them talking. The chief deliberately gathered the villagers that day so the demons could eat more people!
My god, Su Chen! Do you know why? He did it because he wanted to become a demon, too! This world is insane!
I couldn't just watch, so I took action. I almost lost! My opponent was really strong. Even as a Kinoe, I was in trouble after just two moves. I think he might have been one of the Twelve Kizuki!
But luckily, I managed to kill him with my skills!
So, I'm sending you this message right away. Pretty amazing, right?
Anyway, don't praise me yet. I think there are other suspicious things in this village. I have to stay here and investigate.
Don't worry. —Murata."
Su Chen finished reading and couldn't help but nod. It seemed Murata was still quite reliable; at least he exposed the village chief's hidden identity.
However, Su Chen knew the possibility of Murata's opponent being one of the Twelve Kizuki was very small. A demon that Murata could kill... well, it definitely couldn't be one of the Twelve Kizuki.
Yes, my brother Murata definitely has the potential to become a Pillar, Su Chen thought sarcastically.
The next moment, he fell into deep thought. He suddenly noticed a critical detail.
Since this wasn't an official 'mission,' Murata—in his attempt to show off—hadn't sent a message to the Master. He only sent one to Su Chen as a 'friend.'
That meant Oyakata-sama didn't know about this.
In other words, Murata would not get any support. His actions would be full of danger.
Su Chen frowned slightly. He disliked risks. Murata was only a Kinoe. His strength was limited; almost any demon capable of using a Blood Demon Art could probably take him down. And Murata had gone down the mountain based on his own suggestion. If possible, Su Chen didn't want anything to happen to him.
Su Chen closed the letter. He turned the paper over and wrote a few large characters on the back:
"Stay safe. Be careful with everything." "Signed: Your — Su Chen."
After writing, Su Chen sealed the note back into the letter cylinder on the Kasugai Crow's leg.
"Go!"
Su Chen held the crow and threw it straight out the window. The acceleration made the crow fly fast, but it kept spitting at Su Chen as it left. He had no idea what that was about.
"Su Chen, is everything really alright?" Kanao asked with concern. She had been kneeling beside him and had also seen the letter's contents. As part of the Butterfly Mansion, it was impossible not to be worried.
Upon seeing that a demon had appeared at the foot of the Butterfly Mansion, Kanao's first reaction was to grip the Nichirin Sword at her waist.
Su Chen thought for a moment. He decided it was best to let Kanao go back first. After all, the appearance of a demon so close to the Butterfly Mansion required precautions.
Su Chen knew that many demons' vision could be controlled by Muzan. If demons discovered the location of the Butterfly Mansion, it would be the same as Muzan learning its location. This was extremely unsafe.
Muzan might, on a whim, choose a good day and time to attack them directly. That would be bad.
It was necessary to let Shinobu Kocho know about this. Then, Shinobu should go to the Demon Slayer Corps' finance department, get approval, and spend the money to move. It would be best to have several flexible hideouts, just like the Swordsmith Village. As soon as they sensed something was wrong, they should move immediately. Only then would they be prepared.
With his thoughts clear, Su Chen squatted down and spoke gently to Kanao. "Kanao, I have a task for you."
Kanao nodded her small head. "What is it, Su Chen?"
"I need you to go back and wake up Shinobu. Tell her about this, and see how she wants to handle it. But there's one thing you must remind her: tell Shinobu to prepare for the relocation of the Butterfly Mansion. Just say that I, Su Chen, said so."
He looked at her seriously. "You must tell her those two things. Did you remember, Kanao?"
Su Chen affectionately stroked Kanao's small head, and she vaguely agreed.
Kanao put on her shoes and said with a serious expression, "I understand, Su Chen. I will tell my master these things."
The girl opened the door, but just as she was about to leave, she turned back and looked at Su Chen with reluctance.
"Um... Su Chen." Kanao's voice was soft, and she seemed a bit awkward.
Su Chen smiled. "What's wrong, Kanao? Do you have any other questions?"
Kanao lowered her head, nervously fiddling with her fingers. She said vaguely, "During the competition later... my master and I won't be by your side. You... you must come back safely!"
Su Chen was stunned. He realized this was what Kanao really wanted to say.
He stood up, walked in front of her, and held out his pinky finger.
"Don't worry, Kanao. Unless you move without telling me, I'll find you even if I have to travel to the ends of the earth. I have to, for the sake of free food and lodging."
"Mm-hmm! We'll definitely tell you when we move, Su Chen. We won't let you sleep outside!" Kanao said earnestly.
Su Chen looked into her eyes. "Okay. As long as you and Shinobu are still waiting for me at the Butterfly Mansion, I will definitely come home safely. If you don't believe me, let's pinky swear."
Seeing Su Chen extend his bent finger, Kanao involuntarily stopped fiddling. Her cheeks flushed, and then she slowly imitated Su Chen's gesture.
She cautiously extended her small hand.
Su Chen immediately grabbed it.
As the girl gasped softly, Su Chen quickly hooked her finger with his.
Pinky fingers intertwined, and thumbs sealed the promise.
Snap.