"Seems I won't be able to see next year's cherry blossoms."
Which winter since Shabana became Ubuyashiki family's attending physician. On regular examination day once a month, Kagaya-kun suddenly muttered that while raising body from bedding.
Those words close to soliloquy were too calm to be called pessimistic, if so, this must be the future reported by Ubuyashiki family's intuition without mistake.
Since three months ago, Kagaya-kun's time bedridden increased.
"Shall I make that medicine again?"
"Thank you. But feeling alone is enough. Somehow seems unavoidable this time."
Medicine that once returned Kagaya-kun from afterlife's threshold was just administered last month, but dramatic effect like then didn't appear, merely comforting degree.
For him, trying through all trial and error, striving in new medicine development too, but however tried, couldn't extend Ubuyashiki's short lifespan. Defeating that cursed illness confining Kagaya-kun to sickbed ultimately wasn't achieved.
The illness passed down Ubuyashiki family for generations was, the more investigated, strange illness beyond human understanding. As if some transcendent existence, truly being worthy of called god, personally putting devotion cursing them.
…That beyond human principle, rather than fear, only evokes anger.
What did Ubuyashiki family people, Kagaya-kun do. I don't believe in god or such, but if truly exists, that fellow must be very bad-natured. If god kind, Kagaya-kun wouldn't have fallen ill, Muzan-kun also wouldn't have become demon.
Can't be god covering only gentle, kind people with mud, pointing fingers laughing at that.
"Ah, please don't make such expression."
Illness-tinged fingers poke poke my glabella, sweeping away frowning wrinkles. Though lying on sickbed, Kagaya-kun's smile gentle as usual, I rather that—
"Heart aching, such face."
Kagaya-kun's face half seeing through my sunken heart no different from first meeting, covered with purple illness.
Whatever medicine used, couldn't clean that part. As physician, seems didn't deliver comfort worthy of his smile, come to hate my own powerlessness.
"Tsukuru. You should be proud, not suffer."
"…How can. Couldn't cure, only extended three years."
"No, so even more please be proud. Not only three years, extended three years."
Kagaya-kun says. Unlike usual, strong tone.
"Originally my fate would have ended that day. But you overturned that, gave this much reprieve to me only waiting death. Thanks to that, I could sort regrets harbored at death's threshold."
The eye not lost vision looks straight at me. Kagaya-kun's eyes mysterious not just voice. When stared by him, somehow heart feels purified, transparently washed.
"Tsukuru, my regret took form of daughter."
Soft, elegant tone. Kagaya-kun's voice comfortably seeped into ears.
"Wife was beauty like cherry blossom spirit, spring very becoming. So beautiful surely loved by god. Because passed away giving birth to daughter. Like flower scattering, quietly."
That person must have been most precious memory woman for Kagaya-kun. In eyes' depths yearning distant past, as if saw something dazzling, sand-like stars sparkling.
"After wife died, only daughter inheriting Ubuyashiki blood. Among clan's long history, precedent of woman becoming head not nonexistent, but surroundings must have been anxious. So next marriage talks suggested, but I refused all those suggestions. Though understood better to accept thinking of clan, Demon Slayer Corps's future.
…Didn't want to treat wife who married into this cursed household like using and discarding."
Voice gentle as always chattier than usual. As if trying to confess everything at this place.
"Perhaps because putting myself before clan's mission like that? I was most immature, weak head in history. Illness progression faster than father who left world at twenty-five, pathetically already at nineteen at death's door. …Daughter at that time still not prepared for resolve or education to succeed as head, nothing.
…Painful that because couldn't fulfill mission in my generation, made that child sit on thorny path. Worried. So just surviving until now, how saved I felt."
Outside snowing quiet, embers from hearth crackled popping.
"When father my age, already both eyes lost light. Couldn't raise body from sickbed, vomiting blood morning evening, couldn't even speak properly. Seeing such father's appearance, I… thought being punished. God scolding for not fulfilling clan's mission. Scared. Afraid someday I'd become like that, afraid of becoming adult. ...Still, thanks to Tsukuru, seems I can die much more comfortably."
Though facing own death, Kagaya-kun's attitude had not a bit trembling. To degree unbelievable dying young age, he had mature state having lived life calmly.
"So Tsukuru, please be proud. Because saved me myself wishes so. Don't make my gratitude your pain."
He was conveying words not comfort but springing from sincerity.
Not Ubuyashiki family head, but as just one friend conveying gratitude.
He says saved by me, but actually this side being saved now this moment.
"…Without achieving clan's long-cherished wish, Ubuyashiki family will continue repeating premature deaths. Will die cursed in blood, carving divine punishment on body. That won't change. That fact alone can't change. But if secret to slightly easing Ubuyashiki's curse exists, none other than Shabana's medical skill."
Suddenly hand extended. Familiar déjà vu at that gesture extending as if wanting something.
"Would you please stay with Ubuyashiki's curse? As eternal neighbor, hope you support us."
Grasp that hand flesh fallen off. Texture feeling gaunt bones intact. Even emaciated fingertips from illness, he resembled Muzan-kun. Sensation nostalgic enough to cry.
Unknowingly, hooked my finger on that little finger thinner than woman's.
"I promise. Pinky swear promise."
Shake finger. Kagaya-kun momentarily made surprised expression, soon smiled face containing joy. His smiling appearance resembled moment white morning glory blooms.
・
・
・
"Please accept this as proof Shabana is Ubuyashiki's neighbor."
Saying that, what Kagaya-kun handed was medicine case exquisitely decorated with mother-of-pearl work. Item like inrō Mitokomon carried.
"Can't accept such expensive-looking thing."
"No, hope you definitely accept. That's not simple medicine case. Made carving special fragrant tree, only Kasugai crows can track that scent. Carrying this, can exchange contact anywhere in Japan."
Medicine case much more amazing than expected. Item excessive for ordinary person. Moreover my base bamboo grove, wouldn't medicine case with built-in GPS function be wasting treasure?
"Researching demon medicine, never know when your existence discovered by demons. Kibutsuji Muzan will definitely try to eliminate you. When that happens, escape carrying just this. Kasugai crows will surely find."
Ah, that kind of use. Understood, but this clearly medicine case with tremendous effort. Considerable value probably.
Though gift from friend— no, because gift, even more burdensome for ordinary commoner to readily accept.
"Would be happy passing from you to Kyūtarō, from Kyūtarō to that disciple, for generations."
But saying that, can't not accept. I carefully put medicine case in bosom, later showed Kyūtarō too.
"…Such useful medicine case must never lose. Precious proof our Shabana is Ubuyashiki's neighbor. Inherit this along with Shabana name, protect so never breaks. Can you do it?"
"Of course. Not child."
"Goo~d, then promise. Because promise. Must absolutely not break, keep well. Because also promise with Kagaya-kun, not just me."
"I know."
Kyūtarō nodding without hesitation how reliable. Kyūtarō and I pinky swearing promise, Ume listening beside said "Me too want to connect!" Ume just turned thirteen, now barely able to recite multiplication table without mistakes.
"Can't make medicine like big brother, but can do simple errands or treatment degree. Moreover I'm also Shabana. So me too want to succeed Shabana together with big brother. Like Tsukuru is Kagaya's neighbor, I'll become Ubuyashiki's, Koharu's neighbor too!"
Children's growth truly fast. Child who cried falling wearing bamboo clogs, crying tumbling playing stilts, crying because bamboo dragonfly flew too far, growing splendidly like this.
To me moved shedding tears like waterfall, Kyūtarō quietly offered handkerchief. Not good, they say tears increase with age. No, I'm still twenty-two but.
Shabana's future only bright.
Aste〇s Pharmaceuticals shining amazingly bright too.
『To Kagaya-kun.
Cold becoming severe, hope you're well. I'm doing fine.
Sending new medicine made. Did best combining, but if body worsens or strange points after taking, even trivial matters, immediately send letter.
Medicine research returning demons to humans hardly progresses.
I make thinking medicine but as expected poison completes. Seems heart will break soon.
But I tried paradigm shift here. If make medicine poison comes, if make poison won't medicine come? Thought.
Immediately tried.
Tremendously dangerous poison made.
This poison amazing. Colorless transparent tasteless odorless so can't notice until ingestion, moreover no need oral administration, can kill demon just skin contact.
Sprinkled on demon charging, that part started rotting, even nullified demon's regeneration.
Demon only head left begged kill me, I got heart wounded. Feel like I became atrocious villain.
Dangerous poison. Too dangerous.
Such thing shouldn't exist in world. Fear myself who created this. Because compounded in excited state three nights without sleep, ingredients or order etc. don't remember, that's fortunate among misfortune.
Kagaya-kun, however busy, definitely get sleep and meals.
Otherwise can commit irreversible thing like me.
Don't overdo, pay attention to health, take care of body.
If body worsens, call me immediately.
P.S.,
Demon defeated by poison had Upper Rank・Six engraved in eye.』
"Upper Rank 6, defeateeeeed!!!!!!!"
This day, Ubuyashiki Kagaya shouted from stomach for first time in life.
Said to be vigorous cry unbelievable for body on sickbed.
＊
Kibutsuji Muzan shuddered.
Felt fear similar level facing Tsugikuni Yoriichi. Fell into confusion counting whether own brain and heart all intact.
Upper Rank 6 defeated.
Fallen. At hands of Shabana couldn't kill despite three years of search.
Upper Rank 6 different class from Lower Rank 6. Kuk, that fellow Upper Rank's weakest but not ignorable existence.
Position exactly middle among Twelve Kizuki, but between Lower and Upper Ranks tremendous power difference, so military strength about upper middle rank.
That, defeated.
If just defeated, Kibutsuji Muzan wouldn't have turned this pale. Upper Rank 6 fell to tremendous poison unlike Lower Rank 6 time.
Watching that appearance through vision, Kibutsuji Muzan covered pale face with both hands groaning.
"…Did I see nightmare?"
Upper Rank 6 melted.
Repeat. Upper Rank 6 melted.
Soggy like tissue sucked by newborn baby.
As if poured medicine immediately upon encounter, started rotting from that part, couldn't even regenerate, who could blame pitiful Upper Rank 6 surviving only head. Only Kibutsuji Muzan can do such thing.
He with momentum rivaling passionate sportsman and unreasonable argument rivaling black company president, scolding head attempting comeback, but somehow remaining head didn't obey Kibutsuji Muzan's words, rather "Kill me…" begging Shabana degree. Killed so futilely.
Though liked viper-like tenacious obsession so put in Upper Ranks, truly disappointing result. Thought would show spirit to bite opponent's nape even state only head remaining, anger surged at betrayal.
Though angry, but do tears flow in demon's eyes too, Kibutsuji Muzan sniffled at too great fear. This much unavoidable.
Because witnessed everything real-time from thrilling first-person camera viewpoint without mosaic.
Ultra gore movie making 800-year-old shudder. No mercy of screening stop. If had friend screaming together sharing fear beside, would have been slightly better, but where exactly is that fellow. (※Appearing in gore movie)
Who could have imagined Shabana developed such horrific medicine. Had been cautioning, but who could have imagined achieving evolution filled with murderous intent to this degree.
If this was monster limited to first generation like Tsugikuni Yoriichi, just flee until lifespan ends. But Shabana doctor, uses not sword but medicine. Uses not physique but intellect, knowledge can be passed to later generations.
That is, more dangerous than Yoriichi. Murderous intent's inheritance won't stop.
Past three years, Twelve Kizuki gave all strength to annihilate Shabana. Lower Ranks ordered use all strength to kill of course, Upper Ranks also moved quite diligently.
Especially Upper Rank 3, Akaza most proactively stepped forward.
Originally strong loyalty, but nevertheless that fellow's eyes searching poison doctor Shabana not ordinary. That was appearance moving not by order anymore but boiling hatred.
Somehow seems poison disliked, why feels such disgust, Akaza himself seems not really know.
Still not killing women releasing, but Shabana Kibutsuji Muzan looked into clearly man, so considering past achievements overlooked.
Upper Rank 1, Kokushibo not showing heat like Akaza in Shabana search, only searching white hair red eyes child, this also not particularly blamed. For finding white hair red eyes condition, boasting highest search rate whatever said, this man.
Friend searching still not found continuing only futile attempts, but himself more discouraged than Kibutsuji Muzan, couldn't say anything more.
At first didn't seem so obsessed, but from certain point, Kokushibo began pouring all strength into search. When have time next, shall make tell what reason.
Other Upper Ranks' activities each different. Hantengu so-so, Gyokko who showed most motivation when ordered Shabana annihilation, why kill count lower than thought.
But bottom has even deeper bottom.
Upper Rank 2. Name Katsu, obese sewer rat-like demon.
That fellow's Shabana kill count lowest among Twelve Kizuki. Brilliant achievement zero. At this activity Kibutsuji Muzan also surprised. Blood vessel also snapped.
Starting sudden pressure interrogation saying might not hesitate physical dismissal depending case, said concentrating information collection to pick genuine Shabana. Seems thinking to wait until information confirmed, aim safe sure move without futile attempts.
But, so what.
Who said bet on single draw. Do 10-roll gacha, 10-roll. Kibutsuji Muzan doesn't know modern gacha games but feeling exactly that.
Random number adjustment or XX religion regardless, if roll comes out is Kibutsuji Muzan's basic ideology. Roll until comes out 100%. So for overcoming sunlight gacha, increasing demons don't want to increase. Conversely, not rolling is neglect.
If opponent not Upper Rank 2, demon valuable militarily, would have cut breath, but this time specially forgave cutting torso two pieces degree. Katsu groaned panting, said definitely catch real one show, dragging entrails, upper body only rubbed forehead on ground.
For such reasons, Shabana Challenge continues defeated until now.
Kibutsuji Muzan sighed.
Shabana also concerning, but vacant Upper Rank seat also must replenish. Promote from Lower Ranks? No, stop. Utterly not Upper Rank vessel.
Then appropriately choose among existing demons? Kibutsuji Muzan can know subordinate demons' positions while also grasping approximate strength.
Operating five brains searching candidates—and stopped thought.
There was one decent fellow. Greedily catching eating humans, liking women's flesh, that much strongly completed demon. Young side as demon but knows demon arts handling, still overflowing growth potential promising demon.
But Kibutsuji Muzan clutched head.
Thinking of that fellow white oak-colored hair rainbow-colored pupils, heart tires becomes depressed.
Beaming smile wearing puppet doll. Creepily mineral mind like insect eyeballs. Thought patterns filled with emptiness hardly finding emotions. That Leader acting human even before becoming demon!
Frankly speaking. Kibutsuji Muzan doesn't really like that fellow. Whether put in Upper Ranks or not. This worry took one week time until ended.
That day calling that fellow to Infinity Castle with bitter decision, issuing assembly orders to other Upper Ranks too—
Upper Rank 2 brought Shabana's neck.