The moment Hiru received the Kakushi's report, he already knew that no matter whether it was the work of humans or demons, the outcome would be the same—this time, Mikazuki was almost certainly doomed.
He had always understood that, in the struggle against Muzan, people would inevitably keep dying.
Even now, when the Demon Slayer Corps was relatively strong, losses among the lower ranks were still severe, and each year only a handful of swordsmen managed to pass the final selection.
As the one responsible for overseeing that trial, he knew this better than anyone.
But this was the first time someone close to him had been taken away like this.
Hiru shut himself inside his room for a full day and night.
The oppressive air radiating from the place made the Kakushi too frightened to approach. In the end, it was Kasugai Crow Kitaro, who burst through the window at dusk, clamped onto Hiru's hair, and forcibly dragged him away from the drawing board.
He then directed the Kakushi to clean up the room strewn with sketches, ordering them to make absolutely sure that when they returned, not a single thing related to painting could be seen.
Watching Kitaro perch on Hiru's shoulder—loudly berating his listlessness while forcefully herding him out toward the street—the Kakushi could only feel as though they were witnessing a hero.
"A Hashira's Kasugai Crow really is something else…"
"Yeah, yeah. Amazing, honestly. I didn't even dare get close."
"But isn't it strange? The Human Hashira is usually so gentle, but did you see his expression just now? It was terrifying—I still feel chilled all over."
"Yeah… probably because he's in a bad mood. After all, Lord Mikazuki…"
"Hey, come look at this!"
"Huh? What is it—aren't these just the Human Hashira's sketches?"
Hearing this, the Kakushi who had been talking outside walked in and looked toward the one sorting through the papers.
"Don't you think something's off?" the Kakushi said, holding up a sheet for everyone to see. "The Human Hashira rarely draws portraits, but these are all portraits of Lord Mikazuki. Look—this one's from a month ago, when the two of them were staying up late brewing medicine together."
"…I see. The Human Hashira must be really heartbroken."
"Maybe we should help prepare some desserts later?"
"I agree."
"Alright! Let's clean this place up in one go! Be careful not to damage the sketches!"
"Got it!"
...
Meanwhile, Kitaro, who had left the Wisteria House together with Hiru, was still shouting at the top of his lungs.
"Caw! Pull yourself together! As a Hashira, being this dejected is disgraceful!"
Hiru paid no attention to Kitaro's constant yelling from his shoulder. He simply looked calmly at the bustling street ahead.
"I'm fine now."
"If Mikazuki were still around, seeing you like this would definitely—gah?" Kitaro froze mid-sentence, tilting his head as he looked at Hiru's composed expression. His voice lowered. "Are you really okay? Caw?"
"Yeah. Completely fine." Hiru didn't hurry back, instead strolling leisurely along the street. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm good at adjusting my emotions. I just needed a bit of time."
"Caw, as long as you've recovered." Kitaro fluffed his feathers and settled back onto Hiru's shoulder. "Even if you're feeling down, you can't show it in front of the corps members, gah."
"Sorry… Want some sweets?"
"Are you out of your mind?! I'm a crow, not a human! Caw—!"
"Ah, right…"
Hiru didn't mind the strand of hair Kitaro had clamped in his beak. He slowly walked up to the counter of a sweets shop, intending to buy some desserts.
As he was paying, however, the corner of his eye caught sight of a child carrying a bamboo basket in the street.
"Ah, that's…"
The shop owner followed his gaze and saw a girl wearing a pink hemp-leaf patterned kimono with a black haori over it.
"Oh my, isn't that Nezuko? The charcoal seller's child."
Hiru looked up at the owner. "Kamado Tanjuro? You know Kamado Tanjuro?"
The owner sighed with some emotion.
"Well, of course. Who in this town doesn't know the Kamado family? Their charcoal is good and cheap, and the children are all so well-behaved… It's just a shame Tanjuro passed away so young."
Hiru watched the girl not far away as she worked hard to sell charcoal to passersby.
He glanced up at the sky, then placed some money on the counter.
"Boss, please pack these up and deliver them to the house with the wisteria pattern over there."
"No problem. But you really do like sweets, don't you? I always see you buying desserts."
"Well, if both life and food are bitter, that would be too miserable."
The owner stared blankly at Hiru's departing back for a moment before shaking his head.
"At least one of them has to be sweet… Nobody has it easy."
...
"Excuse me."
"Hm? Yes?" Nezuko turned to look at the man walking toward her. Her gaze lingered briefly on the crow on his shoulder, her expression tinged with confusion. "Sir, are you here to buy charcoal?"
"Not exactly… Why are you the one selling today? Shouldn't Tanjiro be the one out here?"
"Eh? You know my brother?"
Hiru looked down at the rather delicate-looking girl and pointed behind him.
"I live in the house with the wisteria pattern over there. Tanjiro has probably mentioned me."
"Ah!"
Nezuko's expression brightened with realization.
"You must be Mr. Hiru, right? I've heard my brother talk about you. He said you visited our home and helped us a lot. But it seems like we always just miss each other. Hello!"
Hiru's expression softened slightly as he reached out and gently patted Nezuko's head.
"It was nothing… By the way, what's going on with Tanjiro?"
"Ah, my brother…" Nezuko pressed her lips together lightly. "After Father passed away, he's been practicing the Hinokami Kagura nonstop. He injured his leg a few days ago and can't come down the mountain, but the charcoal he made can't just go unsold…"
"I see…" Hiru glanced at the remaining charcoal in the basket. "I'll take all of this. Give it to me."
"Eh? Then I'll help you carry it over—"
"Give it to me. And come with me." Hiru looked up at the darkening sky. "Stay at the Wisteria House tonight. I'll send you back tomorrow morning."
"Eh? But…"
"Tanjiro has stayed there before when it got too late," Hiru said as he lifted the basket and gestured for her to follow. "And Tanjuro should have told you too—if it gets late, just stay in town."
"Yes… Father did say that." Nezuko obediently followed behind him. "Um…"
"Hm?"
"Um… Did something happen to you?" Nezuko looked up at him. "It feels like you're not in a very good mood."
Hiru paused for a moment, then smiled at her and gently patted her head again.
"Ah, yeah. Something did happen."
"I don't know if this will help," Nezuko said with a small smile, "but please try to pull yourself together soon. If you sink too deeply into sadness, the people around you will worry. Please take a closer look at those who love you."
This time, Hiru was silent for a long while before speaking, his expression carrying an indescribable sadness.
"…You're right. There are still many people waiting for me."