Demon Slayer: Rise of the Third Brother-Chapter 136: The Perplexing

When Sabito received the letter, he was utterly bewildered.
“Who wrote me a letter?”
Kakushi lowered his head.
“It's a letter from Human Hashira-sama.”
Sabito was even more confused.
“Human Hashira? Are you sure it’s not the Sun Hashira, the Water Hashira, or the Sound Hashira?”
“Yes, it's definitely a letter from Human Hashira-sama.”
“Now that's a surprise...” Sabito set down his training sword and took the letter from Kakushi's hand. “Thanks for bringing it over.”
He tore open the envelope immediately. After reading it, he found the letter increasingly peculiar.
The letter's main point was an invitation to meet in Ugo Town, Akita Prefecture. Yet it was written with excessive honorifics and elegant vocabulary, even employing several archaic grammatical constructions, making it exceptionally roundabout.
Under normal circumstances, Hiru would likely have sent a message via Kasugai Crow or simply written:
【Come to Akita. Business.】
“This is truly baffling...” Sabito tugged at his hair and sought out Kakushi, who managed task assignments.
“I need to clear my schedule for a trip to Akita. Any troublesome demons requiring my attention lately?”
Kakushi looked down at his records, then shook his head.
“This territory previously fell under Sun Hashira-sama's jurisdiction. Most demons were already purged, and you conducted a thorough follow-up inspection after your arrival. Now, only ordinary demons remain. You can depart with peace of mind.”
“Alright, thanks. I'll do another sweep when I return.”
“You're welcome. It's our duty.”
With little to pack, Sabito thanked Kakushi again before setting off for Akita.
Meanwhile, another recipient of the letter was Tomioka.
Tomioka stared at the letter, his brow slightly furrowed. After a moment of thought, he sought out Kanae, who was working alongside him.
“I need to go to Akita.”
Kanae, who was helping the Kakushi prepare medicine in the pharmacy, paused in surprise.
“Has something happened?”
“An invitation from Hiru.”
Kanae smiled.
“Oh, so you just want to visit a friend? That's fine. After all, I'm a Hashira too. Leave it to me.”
“Thanks.”
Tomioka nodded expressionlessly, then stood rooted to the spot, staring at Kanae.
Recalling her private conversation with Sabito after the Hashira Meeting, Kanae tentatively asked, “Want to know what to bring?”
Tomioka nodded again.
“Hmm... Bringing some of his favorite food is always a safe bet.”
“Alright.”
Watching Tomioka simply nod and walk out, Kanae shook her head helplessly and returned to mixing potions.
But Tomioka hadn't gone far before he turned back. Without warning, he muttered a curt “Thanks” and left again.
After a moment of surprise, Kanae smiled.
“Seems he's already putting in the effort.”
Meanwhile, in Akita, Hiru was practicing weapon techniques as Yoriichi had instructed.
“Your stance is off. Turn your left toes out a bit more, then bring the blade down straight.”
“Like this?”
“Still not quite. Grip tighter with your right hand. When you strike something, don't use your wrist—let your upper arm drive your forearm. And don't tense your shoulders so much.”
Hiru adjusted her stance as Yoriichi instructed and swung again.
“Your stance is off again,” Yoriichi sighed softly. “I thought it was because you started training too late... Looks like I was wrong.”
“Couldn't I have learned this before losing my memory?”
“No,” Yoriichi reached out and ruffled Hiru's hair. “You already showed such talent in painting and medicine. Perhaps the heavens decided that was enough and didn't grant you martial prowess.”
“Brute force over technique is also a valid way to fight.” Hiru looked up at Yoriichi. “I'm starting to believe what you say.”
“Hmm?”
“My body shouldn't be this strong,” Hiru lowered his gaze to his palms.
“In my rare martial arts training sessions, picking up swords or blades always left my hands covered in blisters. But now, after days of intense training, not only am I uninjured, I feel no fatigue at all...
“But as the Demon King, to be manipulated by a low-level demon's Blood Demon Art to this extent... Is that even possible?”
“Hmm... Hiru mentioned before that the strength of Blood Demon Arts depends solely on the price the caster pays, not the demon's power. That demon must have paid some price to make you lose your memory.”
Hiru was about to say more, but upon spotting the Kakushi approaching from afar, he fell silent.
Kakushi bowed first.
“Sun Hashira-sama, a Blood Demon Art demon has been spotted in the Yokote district. What shall we do...?”
“Yokote? I'll handle it.” Yoriichi gave a slight nod, then turned to Hiru. “I've kept you waiting too long. Will you be alright alone?”
“If what you say is true, I should be fine.”
Yoriichi merely smiled faintly, ruffled Hiru's hair, then turned and left.
Hiru lost all interest in continuing practice. After returning his weapons to their place, he went back to his room.
But the next day, when he tried to go out again, he was blocked by a pile of small gifts stacked at his door. Not far away, the Kakushi was lurking suspiciously.
Hiru: ...?
【These are from them?】
Hiru couldn't help but glance at the lurking Kakushi nearby, his gaze then settling on the small, variously wrapped gifts on the ground.
【Why would they give me things for no reason?】
Though deeply puzzled, Hiru didn’t want to disappoint everyone’s goodwill, so he carefully put away all the gifts.
Afterward, he sought out the Kakushi in charge and asked him to convey his thanks, requesting that they stop piling items outside his quarters.
The next day, however, the behavior only intensified.
Hiru stared at the neatly stacked gift boxes before his door and beckoned to the lurking Kakushi nearby.
“Is there something you need, Human Hashira?”
“Please take these back,” Hiru said, looking up at the Kakushi being who bowed respectfully. “My current situation is already a burden to you all—how could I possibly accept your gifts?”
“These are tokens of everyone's goodwill! Please accept them!”
“But one shouldn't accept gifts without merit. How could I possibly accept these with a clear conscience?”
“Then I'll tell everyone to bring them in person next time. Your well-wishes for our work will suffice!”
“Eh? But that would be quite costly for everyone, and I—”
“Please, you must agree! Having the Hashira’s approval would make everyone incredibly happy!”
“Alright, then... but no more gifts,” Hiru said, watching Kakushi suddenly bow ninety degrees, feeling somewhat flustered. “If you want blessings, just come find me directly. If I can help you, I'll be happy too.”
“Yes! I'll go tell everyone this good news right now!”
Though he wasn't sure if it was just his imagination, Hiru couldn't shake the feeling that Kakushi had become a bit too excited after he agreed.
【It shouldn't... be a bad thing, right?】