Demon Slayer: Taking Care Of Tanjuro's Wife And Daughter

Chapter 43: Himejima Gyomei



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After breakfast, Ryuji lay on a soft chair, resting his head against Kie's broad and gentle chest. As she massaged his forehead with her delicate hands, he asked, "Speaking of which, Kie, have you ever been to the city?"

Kie's hands paused for a moment as she thought, her brows furrowing slightly. "I can't really remember. It seems like, ever since I got married, I haven't gone out much."

Women in this era often stayed home after marriage, tending to their husband and children. It was rare for them to venture outside.

"I see," Ryuji nodded thoughtfully.

With his small movement, gentle ripples formed where his head lay. Kie didn't mind, continuing to massage his temples with her soft hands.

In the house, the children played. Tanjiro and Nezuko were still training diligently in the yard, while Kanao quietly observed from her spot, occasionally blinking and glancing around. She was so still that one might mistake her for a delicate, unmoving doll.

"Would you like to go out for a stroll, Kie?" Ryuji asked, breaking the peaceful silence.

"Can we?" Kie asked softly, her voice filled with curiosity. She had always wondered about the city, intrigued by its liveliness whenever she caught glimpses of it in passing.

"Of course," Ryuji smiled warmly. "I'll take you out later."

Kie's face lit up with joy at the thought. After changing clothes and giving instructions to the children, Ryuji led her out of the house.

At first, Kie seemed timid, uncomfortable with her new surroundings. But with Ryuji by her side, her confidence grew. Compared to the quiet mountains, the city was bustling with life, overwhelming in its sights and sounds.

For someone like Kie, who had spent most of her life within the confines of their mountain home, the city was an eye-opener, full of things she had never seen before.

"It's so lively," Kie remarked, watching a gathering of people in the distance.

"Let's find a teahouse and sit by the window," Ryuji suggested with a grin.

They found a quaint little teahouse nearby, filled with people drinking tea. Ryuji led them to a table by the window and ordered a pot of tea.

"I'll make the tea," Kie said, gently stopping the waiter.

"You could've let the waiter handle it, Kie. You don't need to trouble yourself," Ryuji said.

"I prefer it when you drink tea that I make," Kie murmured, lowering her head shyly.

Ryuji smiled at her words and leaned back, watching the bustling scene outside the window. Kie prepared the tea with practiced ease, her movements graceful and refined. Watching her, Ryuji felt a sense of calm wash over him.

"Here you go, Ryuji," Kie said softly, handing him the cup.

Ryuji took a sip, savoring the flavor. Whether it was Kie's skilled brewing or the quality of the tea, he wasn't sure, but it tasted wonderful. "This tea is delicious, Kie."

Her face brightened with pride at his compliment. She straightened up a little, her chest puffing out slightly. "I've practiced for a long time."

Ryuji chuckled at the sight, his eyes drawn to her subtle movements. "I think I prefer grapefruits to tea."

Kie blinked in confusion, thinking about where she could buy grapefruits for him. But soon, she realized the double meaning behind his words, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "Ryuji, you're always teasing me," she muttered, embarrassed.

Ryuji took another sip of tea, enjoying the playful exchange. He loved the way her face turned red so easily, a sight that never failed to amuse him.

At that moment, a waiter came by with some snacks and drinks, catching Kie's attention.

"These are good," Kie said, sipping her drink with delight.

"Then have some more," Ryuji said casually.

"I shouldn't drink too much," Kie responded, casting a quick glance at him before continuing, "Too much sugar isn't good for the body."

She lowered her voice as she spoke, her eyes flicking up to Ryuji before darting away again.

As they sat enjoying their tea, the conversation from the table next to them caught Ryuji's attention. A group of men had started talking loudly.

"Did you hear about the Tiger Gang? The whole branch was wiped out last night."

"Good riddance. Those loan sharks ruined a lot of lives."

"But who could've done it?"

Kie listened intently to their conversation, her gaze shifting to Ryuji. She couldn't help but wonder. After all, Ryuji had gone out the previous night. Could he have been the one responsible?

Her suspicions gnawed at her, but then she dismissed them. How could Ryuji, always so gentle and kind, do something like that?

Ryuji, meanwhile, listened silently to the men's chatter.

"I heard some of them were found in a terrible state, like they'd been eaten by wild animals," one man said.

"Yeah, most of the flesh was gone. They say it wasn't the killer who did that, though. Something else must've gotten to them after they died."

Ryuji knew exactly what had happened. After killing the gang members, he had left their bodies behind, untouched. The demon had encountered must have fed on them afterward.

"Namaste," a calm voice interrupted their conversation. A tall, muscular monk with a long scar across his forehead, wearing a brown robe emblazoned with the words "Namo Amitabha," approached the men. His hands were clasped in prayer.

"Can you tell me more about the details of their deaths?" the monk asked politely.

The men nodded and shared what they knew. After hearing the details, the monk offered a blessing and left, heading in the direction of the crime scene.

Ryuji watched the monk walk away, recognizing him as Himejima Gyomei, the strongest of the Demon Slayer Corps' Pillars. He hadn't expected to see him here.

"What are you staring at, Ryuji?" Kie asked curiously.

"I'm just thinking about becoming a monk," Ryuji said with a teasing smile.

Kie gasped, grabbing his sleeve in alarm. "Ryuji, please don't!"

But when she saw the playful glint in his eyes, she realized he was joking, and her face turned red again.

Ryuji chuckled, patting her soft hands. "With a beauty like you by my side, Kie, how could I ever think of becoming a monk?"

Kie's blush deepened, her eyes dropping to her lap.

Ryuji leaned in close, whispering into her ear. "How about making me a little something special when we get home tonight?"

Kie's heart skipped a beat. "What would you like, Ryuji?"

"I hear grapefruit and sausages make the perfect combination," he whispered teasingly.

Kie's face turned as red as a beet, her body warming with embarrassment.

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