Demon Slayer: Rise of the Third Brother-Chapter 125: The Retired Hashira

Over the next few days, Sabito and the others were completely engrossed in the swordsmanship notes Yoriichi had compiled. They surrounded him day after day, pestering him to spar and refine their techniques, and Yoriichi was more than happy to teach.
Hiru wasn’t particularly interested, but he didn’t want to be alone either.
So he changed into casual clothes, sat off to the side with a bowl of karintō in his arms, and watched as Yoriichi used nothing but a wooden sword to knock everyone flat on the ground—laughing shamelessly the entire time.
Genya was still too young to participate in the sparring, so he brewed tea and sat with Hiru, watching the spectacle unfold.
But peaceful days never lasted long. After the New Year, everyone quickly returned to demon hunting, and time slipped by in the blink of an eye.
At the next Hashira Meeting, Tomioka Giyu was formally granted the title of Water Hashira. What no one expected, however, was that during this same meeting, the Flame Hashira, Rengoku, submitted his request for retirement.
Ubuyashiki looked at Rengoku kneeling on one knee before him. After a brief pause, he stepped forward and helped him up, not pressing him for an explanation. Instead, he bowed deeply.
“You have my deepest gratitude for all these years.”
Rengoku kept his head lowered. Stubble covered his chin, and his voice no longer carried its usual strength.
“…I offer my sincerest apologies.”
Ubuyashiki shook his head gently. “It is I who have imposed upon you. There is nothing for you to apologize for.”
“If anything happens, please summon me at any time,” Rengoku said quietly. “I will come.”
“You’ve done more than enough,” Ubuyashiki replied, then turned to the others. “Now, let us formally begin the meeting.”
With Tomioka’s promotion, there were no major changes to territorial assignments despite Rengoku’s retirement.
After Hiru finished his routine examination of Ubuyashiki, he prepared to leave—only to find Rengoku still standing at the entrance of the main residence. When he noticed Hiru, he raised a hand slightly.
“Were you waiting for me, Rengoku-san?” Hiru walked over. “Is there something you need?”
“I heard from Mikazuki that you’re also a physician,” Rengoku said, looking visibly worn. “I’d like to ask you to come home with me and examine my wife’s condition. Are you available now?”
“I can,” Hiru replied, “but I’m not particularly skilled with internal illnesses. For that, Mikazuki would be the better choice.”
“He’s already seen her,” Rengoku said, rubbing his brow. “This time, even he was at a loss. Ruka’s illness is the result of years of overwork—her body is completely depleted… I shouldn’t have left her alone for so many years.”
“So your retirement was because of your wife’s health?” Hiru asked.
“…Yes.”
“I understand. I’ll do my best.”
“Thank you.”
When they arrived at the Rengoku residence, Hiru found himself experiencing something similar to what Yoriichi once had. His gaze drifted back and forth between Shinjuro, Kyojuro, and the much smaller Senjuro, until he couldn’t help asking,
“How did you manage this?”
“…What?”
“Your family’s appearance.”
Rengoku glanced at his sons, who were both looking up at him. A faint smile finally appeared on his weary face.
“It’s likely due to our family’s traditions. When the wife of the Rengoku household head is about to give birth, she must spend seven consecutive days watching an ever-burning bonfire. It’s said that the children are blessed by the Fire God, and that’s where their hair color comes from. An old tradition—passed down for several hundred years.”
“Huh?” Hiru looked genuinely baffled. “Watching a bonfire while pregnant? Then… when were they born?”
“Kyojuro was born in May. Senjuro in January.” Rengoku looked at Hiru. “Is there some connection?”
“…I might have a rough idea,” Hiru said, shaking his head as he frowned. “I’ll need to examine her first.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
“I’m counting on you for my mother!” Kyojuro said earnestly.
Hiru looked at the boy—already nearly up to his shoulder—and smiled. “I’ll do my best. If necessary, I’ll ask a physician friend of mine for help.”
“Then I truly appreciate it! Thank you!”
“Hahaha, you really are just like your father,” Hiru said, ruffling Kyojuro’s hair. “So energetic when you speak. Alright, I’ve accepted your request—I’ll do everything I can.”
Rengoku stopped in front of the paper sliding door and straightened his back slightly.
“We’re here. Kyojuro, could you take Senjuro to the academy?”
“Yes, Father! I’ll go at once!”
Hiru waved at the two departing “little owls,” then followed Rengoku inside. His gaze settled on the woman lying on the futon—frail and ill, yet still elegant in bearing.
“Pardon the intrusion. Hello, I’m Hiru, the Human Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.”
“Hello,” the woman replied softly, bowing her head with a gentle smile. “I am Rengoku Ruka, Shinjuro’s wife. Please forgive me for not being able to rise due to my illness.”
“That’s quite all right. Patients have special privileges,” Hiru said as he knelt beside her. “May I take your hand?”
Rengoku brought tea and sat down on her other side. “Ruka… how are you feeling today?”
“Shinjuro,” Ruka turned to him, her eyes gentle. “You went through with it, didn’t you?”
“…Yes. The new generation has grown strong, and the Demon Slayer Corps is thriving. My departure won’t cause any disruption.” He lowered his head. “…I wanted to spend more time with you.”
“The Shinjuro I know shouldn’t look like this,” Ruka said, lifting a hand to his cheek. “You possess great strength. You should be using it to protect more people, not wasting it by lingering at my side.”
“I’ve protected them long enough,” Shinjuro said, holding her hand. The brightness he once had was gone, replaced by a heavy shadow. “Now, I only wish to protect you.”
“Ahem. I’m still here,” Hiru said, withdrawing his hand and covering his mouth. “Even if you are my senior, this is a bit much, don’t you think?”
A faint blush rose to Ruka’s pale cheeks as she pulled her hand back. “My apologies.”
Rengoku stared at her smile for a long moment before turning to Hiru. “…I’m sorry. How is it?”
“Not good,” Hiru said with a sigh. “If, as you said, the tradition requires seven consecutive days of bonfire viewing before childbirth, then a pregnant woman—already physically weak—would have been exposed to harmful fumes over a long period.
“The illness is clearly internal, most likely affecting the lungs. Combined with years of exhaustion, her condition is… extremely severe.” He paused. “This isn’t my area of expertise. I’m sorry.”
Rengoku’s hand slowly clenched on his knee. “I see…”
“But if you don’t mind,” Hiru added, smiling slightly, “I can bring a friend to see her. She’s an excellent physician. She may be able to find a way.”
“Please,” Rengoku bowed his head deeply. “At this point, I’m willing to try anything. I will remember this kindness.”