Adam and Shinobu walked along the mountain path in silence. After a moment, she spoke first: "Thank you, Suoh-kun."
"Thank me for what? For telling you about Muzan Kibutsuji?" Adam turned to look at her, "Don't misunderstand — this is just a transaction. I give you information, you teach me the Breathing Technique. We each get what we need, that's all."
In truth, even if Kagaya hadn't agreed to the exchange, Adam would have told them about Muzan anyway. That scum of a boss was hated by both humans and gods. If Aqua were here, she'd be clamoring to purify this Demon Progenitor.
However, he did indeed need the Breathing Technique and sword skills, so he took the opportunity to ask for them.
Moreover, if he were to offer help unconditionally without asking for anything in return, it might make them suspect he had ulterior motives or was secretly plotting something. After all, he didn't have any deep grudge against demons.
It was better to make an outrageous demand to put their minds at ease. Yet what he considered to be a shameless, outrageous demand, they thought nothing of and considered a small matter.
This level of magnanimity left Adam speechless. Was this the foundation of the Demon Slayer Corps, inherited for a thousand years? He loved it!
After walking a bit further, he said bluntly, "Shinobu, if you're thinking of seeking revenge against Doma, I advise you not to go to your death."
These words were hurtful and very blunt, showing no consideration for her feelings.
Shinobu fell silent, her footsteps gradually slowing until she came to a stop.
Adam halted as well, turning to face her. Their eyes met, and he noticed the absence of her usual smile.
"Suoh-kun, am I... that transparent?"
"Completely. Despite your best efforts to conceal your hatred for Doma, perceptive individuals around you have noticed. I'm certain Kagaya Ubuyashiki has too, which is why he sent you here — likely to keep you at a safe distance."
Kagaya had handled the situation adeptly as a leader. After Adam's revelation about the two Upper Moon demons, it became clear that Shinobu's sister, the former Flower Pillar Kanae Kocho, had fallen victim to Upper Moon Two, Doma.
Kagaya's decision to send Shinobu here served one of two purposes: either to provide her with more information about Doma, or to dissuade her from seeking revenge. The choice between these options hinged on Adam's assessment of her strength.
Indeed, Kagaya, as the leader of a great family, was not a man to be underestimated.
However, before Shinobu could ask the question that should have come first, Adam preemptively addressed it.
"Suoh-kun, would you like to hear about my past?..." Before he could respond, she began answering her own question, "I was born into a family of pharmacists — a happy family of four. One day, demons suddenly invaded our home. My father and mother were killed, and my sister and I..."
Adam listened attentively, allowing Shinobu to recount her experiences without interruption.
Her past unfolded as Adam had known: Demons killed her parents, the Stone Pillar rescued her and her sister, and after rigorous training, they joined the Demon Slayer Corps together. Her sister became a Pillar but was later killed by Doma, leading Shinobu to inherit her position.
Despite her heart-wrenching past, Shinobu smiled gently. However, her smile lacked warmth, and her soft words were laced with hatred for demons.
When speaking of her sister's death, Shinobu's hatred and anger bubbled to the surface. Her words, filled with resentment, declared her intention to kill Upper Moon Two, Doma.
"I see..." Adam refrained from advising her to let go of her hatred or mocking her determination.
One shouldn't advise kindness without experiencing another's suffering.
"However, you must understand that in your current state, you have no chance of survival against Doma." Adam stated matter-of-factly, "Even if all the current Pillar-level members attacked him together, they'd likely suffer heavy casualties before possibly defeating him — or more probably, they'd be completely wiped out."
Without activating the Demon Slayer Mark, achieving the Transparent World, and wielding Bright Red Nichirin Swords, they stood no chance against Doma.
His Blood Demon Art was particularly terrifying. The ability to silently and invisibly freeze and damage lung alveoli was unpredictable. One careless moment could spell disaster, not to mention his overpowered technique of creating five ice dolls with strength equal to his own.
If it weren't for Shinobu's 70-fold poison finally erupting inside him, causing a momentary weakness that led to his downfall, Doma likely would have eliminated several more Pillars.
Shinobu remained silent, her mood growing increasingly somber.
To prevent her demise, Adam's only recourse was to be blunt and mercilessly crush her hopes.
Observing her dejected demeanor, he sighed.
"Shinobu, one day the Demon Slayer Corps will face Doma. When that time comes, I'll be there to help you. I promise we'll defeat him together! For now, focus on growing stronger."
Taken aback by his words, Shinobu stammered, "Why... why would you—"
"Because I..." Adam caught himself, realizing he was about to say too much. He quickly amended, "Helping you serves my own interests."
"Your own interests? But I've already shared the Breathing Technique. I don't have anything else Suoh-kun would find valuable."
"Shinobu, you're forgetting something. You're a pharmacist with extensive knowledge of medicine."
"Ah, I see. If Suoh-kun has any questions about pharmacology, please don't hesitate to ask."
Shinobu's gentle smile made Adam's heart flutter.
"Oh! I'm sorry, Suoh-kun." She exclaimed softly, "I've been burdening you with my troubles. It must have been upsetting. I truly apologize."
"It's nothing, I'm used to it. After all, I used to have someone around who complained frequently." Adam thought of Aqua, that goddess who always grumbled about life's hardships and the tedium of work.
"Ah~! I bet it was a girl, right?"
"A girl? Well, if I had to say, she was more like a goddess."
"What's wrong? You're not saying anything."
Shinobu said with a smile, "It's nothing. I just didn't expect Suoh-kun to hold her in such high regard, even elevating her to the status of a goddess..."
"Uh, I..." Adam was at a loss for words.
The misunderstanding was significant. However, he had no intention of correcting it, knowing that further explanation would only lead to more confusion. It was better to leave it be.
"Suoh-kun, we're almost there." Shinobu pointed to a three-story old building nearby, "That's the Butterfly Mansion. Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira are both there, and Tanjiro Kamado will be brought there soon as well."
"I see. How are their injuries? Do you need my help?"
"They're recovering well, but if Suoh-kun can help, I'd be very grateful." Shinobu was also eager to study the〘Heal〙skill.
She then led Adam into the Butterfly Mansion.
"Before we go in, how about Suoh-kun changes clothes? The style of your current outfit is quite... unusual." Shinobu said, gesturing at his attire.
"Thank you for your consideration." Adam agreed without hesitation.
After all, the stark contrast between fantasy and realistic styles would certainly draw unwanted attention.
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