Crossover: The Problematic Deity of Arcadia

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Nightfall.

At his desk, Ryo was carefully writing a letter.

{To Ubuyashiki Kagaya—I know you're busy gathering the Hashira for the council, but I wanted to remind you of a few things.}

{As planned, the demons have started converging on Edo. The attack will be led by the Upper Kizuki, so please avoid unnecessary conflict if possible.}

{Also, I've found the current heir to the Breath of the Sun—it's the Kamado family, a humble group of charcoal sellers. Their ancestor was once close to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, the founder of the Breathing Styles, and inherited the technique from him.}

{That's all I can say for now.}

{P.S. This letter is on behalf of Kanae Kocho, so no need to reply.}

Once he finished, Ryo folded the letter, walked over to the window, and tied it to the leg of a crow.

These were no ordinary crows—they were trained by the Demon Slayer Corps to speak human language, thanks to some mysterious genius.

In this pre-industrial Taisho era, communication across distances still relied on these two-winged messengers.

"Go on."

With a soft flap, the crow took off into the night.

Ryo turned back, only to see the Kocho sisters sprawled in a mess on the tatami floor. He sighed helplessly.

"If you can't hold your liquor, just say so…"

He stepped forward, about to carry them back to their rooms, when a pair of arms suddenly wrapped around his leg.

"Hey~ why are you just standing there? Come eat some dango with us~" Kanae giggled.

Ryo looked down at her, studying her drunken expression for a moment before muttering to himself, "Who the heck eats dango this late? You know a midnight snack is bad for your stomach, right?"

— — —

The Next Morning — Around 8 a.m.

After a few stretches to shake off the stiffness, Ryo changed into a shihakusho—the standard outfit of a Shinigami.

He had picked it up from Division 5's armory in the Soul Society and stored it inside his Gift Card. Super convenient.

As for why he didn't just buy clothes… Well, because the clothing production for [No Name] was monopolized by Black Rabbit and a few junior members.

With Ryo recently appointed as their new leader, his formal attire was still under design and heavy revision. So for now, he really didn't have anything official to wear.

Not that he cared much—clothes were just clothes. As long as they fit, he was good.

Just as he finished getting dressed, the sliding door opened and Shinobu walked in, carrying a basin of water for washing up.

"Ryo-san—ah! Sorry!!"

She quickly retreated and only returned five minutes later, awkward smile on her face.

"I've left the basin over there for you."

"No worries," Ryo waved it off casually. He wasn't even slightly bothered by the brief interruption. "By the way, Shinobu, want to come with me to visit the Kamado family?"

"Eh? Can I?" Shinobu looked surprised and a little hesitant.

"It's fine. Just tagging along. The Kamado family's pretty easygoing."

He wasn't lying.

"I see." Shinobu nodded, then added, "I'll go wake up my sister then."

"No need. I just checked on her," Ryo said calmly. "Kanae said she's not feeling great today, and with Kanao still needing care, she's staying behind."

"Oh… got it."

Shinobu blinked in understanding. 

"Anyone home? I'm here to visit!!"

Ryo turned his head toward the commotion, and Shinobu's face twisted with a touch of recognition.

"Wait… that voice sounds really familiar?"

They opened the back gate and were greeted by two figures.

The man up front had bright yellow and red hair, sharp eyebrows, and eyes that sparkled like flames—radiating energy like a blazing fire.

Beside him stood a cute girl with green-and-pink hair, braided into three long pigtails. Her cheeks were soft and round, and her expression cheerful. Both wore casual kimono and were effectively blocking the back entrance.

Seeing the door open, the man stepped forward with a bold smile.

"You must be Ryo-san! I'm Kyojuro Rengoku, Flame Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps. I received an urgent message from Lord Ubuyashiki last night and rushed over to assist."

The girl beside him bowed slightly, her voice bright and sweet.

"I'm Mitsuri Kanroji, Kyojuro-sama's successor. Please take care of me!"

Shinobu peeked her head out from behind Ryo and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Good morning, Shinobu!" Kyojuro greeted her with a booming voice. "I'll be working with you and Ryo-san this time!"

Mitsuri gave a more demure bow. "We'll be in your care."

Ryo noticed Mitsuri sneaking glances at him again and again. Puzzled, he asked, "Is there something weird on my face?"

"N-no, not at all!" she waved her hands frantically. "It's not like I thought you were really handsome or anything! Ah—I said it out loud!"

Ryo blinked, caught off guard, while Shinobu let out a soft giggle.

"Still the same old Mitsuri. You never change, do you?"

"I want to, but whenever I see a handsome guy, I just..."

She glanced at Ryo again, then covered her face and shut up.

'Say it—go on, say it out loud.' Ryo raised an eyebrow, amused. Then he turned to Kyojuro.

"So, Ubuyashiki sent you here? Perfect timing. I was just about to head out."

"Efficient and decisive—I respect that!" Kyojuro said with a grin, offering his hand.

Ryo shook it firmly. "Let's go then."

"Right!"

Shinobu took the hint and quickly closed the gate, following along behind them.

With Ryo leading the way, the group started heading toward the eastern district.

As they walked, Mitsuri nervously fiddled with her fingers, leaning toward Shinobu.

"Hey, Shinobu… what kind of girls does Ryo-san like?"

Shinobu paused, then flashed the same mischievous smile her older sister always wore.

"What kind? Hmm… probably the quiet, supportive type. You know, someone who watches from the sidelines, gets scared when he's fighting demons, and begs him to be more forgiving."

It was a complete lie.

She had no idea what Ryo liked, but she was sure it wasn't that type.

"Wha—so specific?!" Mitsuri looked stunned. "That's… not me at all. If that's the case, then I don't stand a chance with Ryo-san!"

With a groan, she clutched her head.

"Ugh! I'm doomed! I'll never get married at this rate!"

"Shameless as always," Shinobu thought with a cheerful smile. "Clinging to Ryo already? I know you're eager to get hitched, but don't be so obvious about it…"

In this era, Mitsuri was considered a late bloomer for marriage, and she'd been desperately searching for a good match—ideally a handsome one.

And because Shinobu knew this all too well—as her friend—she couldn't help sabotaging her a little.

"I'm not even in a rush yet, so why are you?"

At that moment, Shinobu felt a strange sensation—like Ryo had glanced back at her.

"Was that… my imagination?"

She lowered her head like a guilty student and fell silent.

Meanwhile, Ryo and Kyojuro continued chatting and laughing up front, while Mitsuri and Shinobu trailed behind like they'd both been scolded.

And so, in this bizarre little formation, they finally arrived at the Mori inn—where the Kamado family was temporarily staying.

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