During their conversation, the group returned to the town at the foot of the mountain.
Tanjirou held Nezuko's hand tightly, his steps quickening.
Arriving at the mansion's gate, Tanjirou smelled many familiar scents.
He excitedly knocked on the gate.
Soon after, the one who opened the door was Tanjirou's mother, Kie Kamado.
"Mom!"
Tanjirou's eyes welled up with tears, and he rushed to embrace her.
Although Nezuko's mind was a bit uncoordinated after her recent transformation, she also rushed to her mother upon seeing her.
Seeing Tanjirou and Nezuko return unharmed, Kie Kamado was immensely relieved.
"It's good that you've returned safely."
"Brother! Sister!"
The entire family, hearing the commotion at the door, rushed out and surrounded them.
Seeing this scene, Mizuki's lips also curved into a slight smile.
Giyuu's eyes flickered, and he said lightly, "I need to inform the Master about this first."
Mizuki paused for a moment, then smiled, "Yes, of course."
On the other side, after the family's warm reunion, Tanjirou looked at Kie Kamado with some apprehension.
"Mom, I'm sorry."
When his family was attacked, he was still sound asleep in bed.
Kie Kamado's lips pressed together lightly, and she smiled as she stroked his head.
"Tanjirou, you've done very well."
"But... Nezuko, she..."
Kie Kamado recalled Mizuki's words and subconsciously looked at her.
Mizuki's gaze darted away, somewhat afraid to meet her eyes directly.
The hint of pride that had just risen in her heart shattered instantly.
She could have saved everyone; she didn't know what she had to be proud of.
If only she were stronger, as strong as Yoriichi, there wouldn't have been so many innocent victims.
Kie Kamado didn't mind, she looked at Nezuko, who was staring at her with wide eyes. Although she looked no different from before, as a mother, Kie Kamado immediately noticed the problem.
Nezuko had lost her usual liveliness.
Kie Kamado smiled and stroked her head, "Isn't she just like before?"
Tanjirou's lips moved slightly.
No... Mom... Nezuko... she's turned into a demon.
Kie Kamado squatted down and gently pinched Nezuko's face.
"Hooray, see, she's as cute as ever."
...
Tanjirou opened his mouth, about to speak.
"It's alright, Tanjirou." Kie Kamado looked at him with a smile, "You'll protect your sister, won't you?"
This was Nezuko's own will.
Tanjirou was stunned for a moment. Mom... did she know?
Under Kie Kamado's gaze, Tanjirou patted his chest and promised, "Yes! I will definitely protect Nezuko!"
Kie Kamado smiled and looked at Mizuki, "Miss Mizuki, thank you very much."
Mizuki opened her mouth, "No..."
Tanjirou suddenly knelt down without warning, his head hitting the ground.
"My sincerest apologies! For rudely laying hands on Yuko-san without understanding the situation!"
Mizuki's hands trembled a bit. She had seen such displays before, but this exaggerated one was a first, especially in front of so many people.
"Quick, quick, get up."
After much persuasion, Tanjirou finally got up. Mizuki wiped a bead of cold sweat from her brow, her back feeling a little prickly.
It was too embarrassing.
Kie Kamado asked doubtfully, "What happened?"
Mizuki, suppressing her embarrassment, explained the situation to her, and the matter was finally put to rest.
Tanjirou discussed with his family on the side, planning to go to Mount Sagiri to apprentice and find a way to restore Nezuko.
Meanwhile, Mizuki and Giyuu, leaning by the door, also began to converse.
Giyuu: "Are you staying here?"
"Yes."
"Then I'll inform you once I get news."
Mizuki asked, "Where are you going next?"
"There's intelligence that man-eating demons have appeared in the northern snowy mountains."
Mizuki suggested, "Then I'll go with you; it'll be more convenient."
Mainly, she didn't plan to go with Tanjirou. Waiting here would just waste time, so she might as well go with Giyuu.
She would also get news from Ubuyashiki immediately.
Giyuu pondered for a moment, decided this person wasn't bad, and simply nodded.
With their matters settled, Tanjirou had also finished his discussions.
Mizuki walked over to Kie Kamado, "Sister Kie, you shouldn't return to your house for now. The mountain is too remote and not very safe."
"Just stay here for now. If you need money for the household, it's in the cabinet in the main room."
Kie Kamado quickly refused, "How can that be?"
"It's alright. After Tanjirou joins the Demon Slayer Corps, he won't lack money. Just consider it a temporary loan from me."
Kie Kamado was still hesitant, but Tanjirou, who already knew about the existence of demons, quickly persuaded her a few times.
They were the only family at the foot of the mountain; it was too dangerous.
It was truly good luck that nothing had happened before.
After reassuring Kie Kamado, Mizuki looked at Tanjirou and said, "There's a basket in the kitchen that can help you temporarily house Nezuko."
"Demons can slightly change their body size."
Tanjirou was stunned for a moment, then moved, "I understand!"
"I will definitely live up to Miss Mizuki's expectations."
Now it was Mizuki's turn to be confused.
Expectations?
She indeed had great expectations for Tanjirou, but she hadn't said them out loud, had she?
Kie Kamado, behind Tanjirou, gave her a thumbs-up.
Mizuki: "..."
What exactly did you tell him?
Looking at Tanjirou's serious expression, Mizuki silently said, "...Just do your best."
"Yes!"
...Nezuko also seemed to know that she was about to leave and ran over to grab her sleeve.
Mizuki stroked her head, "We'll meet again."
She would definitely be back before Tanjirou graduated.
After bidding farewell to everyone, Mizuki walked towards the door, "Let's go."
Giyuu, standing at the door, nodded slightly to Tanjirou and left... This guy really isn't good with words.
On the way, Mizuki subtly observed him.
Throughout the journey, the communication between the two was quite difficult. If Mizuki didn't speak first, this guy would definitely not say a word.
He was the type she wasn't good at dealing with.
"We're here," Giyuu suddenly said.
Mizuki looked to the side and saw a small mountain town ahead.
Kita no Shukueki.
Entering the town, Giyuu spoke first, "Intelligence indicates several hunters were eaten by demons."
"Then we'd best find the town's hunters to understand..." Mizuki murmured, looking towards the street ahead.
A girl carrying a gun and wearing a white headscarf was arguing with a group of hunters also carrying guns.
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.
Giyuu quickly walked over.
Just as the girl angrily left, he stepped forward and grabbed the gun on her back.
"Don't touch other people's guns!" Before the girl could turn around, her elbow was already striking backwards.
Giyuu expressionlessly pressed down on the girl's shoulder.
The girl was stunned for a moment, then shook her arm free.
"You're Yae, aren't you? I am Tomioka Giyu of the Demon Slayer Corps. Please tell me the details of the demon attack."
The hunters nearby looked confused, "Demon? Wasn't it a bear that attacked people? What is that guy talking about?"
Someone cautiously asked, "Excuse me, are you a police officer?"
"No, I'm from the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Demon Slayer Corps? Is it a government organization?"
"No, it's a non-governmental organization."
Mizuki: "..."
Is this guy always this bold?
"Then what's that on your waist?"
Giyuu drew his Nichirin Blade.
Everyone was terrified.
"I am Tomioka Giyu of the Demon Slayer Corps."
There's no reasoning with this guy. It would be better to call a police officer.
Everyone murmured to themselves, when suddenly a hunter cried out in surprise.
"Ah! I remember now."
"A charcoal-burning family in the mountain opposite was attacked. Someone nearby witnessed a person wearing that split-patterned haori."
"Ah! No wonder he looks suspicious."
"Who's getting the rope?"
Is this guy an idiot?
Seeing everyone in a chaotic mess, Mizuki covered her face and stepped forward.
Just as she was about to touch Giyuu, a light footsteps suddenly approached from behind, and her sleeve was tugged by something.
---------------------------------
If you'd like to read the next 40 chapters in advance, you can support me on Patreon.
I regularly post chapter previews there, so you'll always be up-to-date and won't have to wait too long.
👉 patreon.com/SolyuraMT
And if you enjoy the story, don't forget to give me a Power Stone. Your support really motivates me to continue translating!