Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Wisteria flowers—Kawanishi had seen them many times before, even personally picked and smelled them. Their light fragrance once brought him comfort and peace.

But now, the wisteria in old man Saburo's hand made Kawanishi nearly vomit. The smell was like falling into a century-old cesspit as a human, with layers of filth flooding one's mouth and nose.

Or like wearing the same socks for thirty years, pickling them in a jar of sauerkraut for another thirty, and then shoving them straight into one's throat upon opening the jar—so vile he wished he could strangle himself.

This might be the first time Kawanishi regretted having such a sensitive sense of smell. His face paled from the overwhelming stench.

Instinctively, he took a step back:

Cough cough! "Saburo Grandpa, maybe… maybe I don't need this after all."

Saburo had helped Kawanishi and Tanjiro many times, even offering them shelter during harsh winters. Kawanishi felt embarrassed to refuse him outright.

But Saburo looked at him with sincere, expectant eyes:

"No, you must take it. This wisteria flower and sachet will protect you—it's my small gift to you."

Faced with his kind eyes, Kawanishi forced a strained smile and secretly held his breath, which helped a little. He quickly snatched the wisteria flower and sachet, then turned to leave hastily.

"Saburo Grandpa, goodbye—I need to hurry home."

Watching Kawanishi's retreating figure fade, Saburo sighed:

"This child has grown so impatient lately. He used to be much more patient."

When Kawanishi was out of sight, Saburo returned inside, his kind face darkening with sorrow.

He had seen much from Kawanishi's reaction to the wisteria.

The Kamado family truly suffers endless misfortune...

———

Once out of sight, Kawanishi swiftly crushed the wisteria flower, poured the sachet's powder into his hand, and mixed them together.

With a thought, he summoned a small iron sphere using his Blade Prison ability. He sealed the mixture inside the iron ball, which was then wrapped in thorny black vines from his bramble cloak.

There was still some powder and sap left on his hand, creating purplish stains like marks across his palm.

He furiously scrubbed his hand against a nearby tree, but although the residue was gone, the stench clung stubbornly to his left hand. Even while holding his breath, it stung his eyes.

After more vigorous scrubbing failed, Kawanishi's face twitched with growing frustration.

Heh… You think I can't get rid of you?

"Blade Prison: Black Cutter!"

Summoning Black Cutter, he placed the axe blade against his left wrist and began chopping.

The blade struck his artery, blood spraying across his face—but he didn't flinch, continuing the gruesome process.

Compared to the stench of wisteria, this pain is nothing.

"Crack!"

The wrist was hard as iron; it took multiple strikes to sever completely. His severed hand dropped to the ground.

Exhaling, Kawanishi activated his regenerative ability. New flesh squirmed and rapidly formed a fresh left hand. The severed hand disintegrated into black-red ash.

Secret technique: Hand-Chopping.

After this, he finally sighed in relief.

This smell… is way too intense.

From the memories of the Kamado Demon Shadow Squad—especially Black Wolf Fang—Kawanishi had learned that demons detested wisteria. But he hadn't known just how unbearable it truly was until now.

Apparently, the toxin of wisteria triggers an extreme aversion response in demon physiology, making the odor unbearable by design.

Despite the torment, Kawanishi's mind sparked with inspiration. Rather than discard it, he had preserved it.

Kibutsuji… I wonder if you like wisteria? Next time we meet, I'll be sure to present you this special offering with both hands.

The wisteria-filled iron ball would be his gift to Kibutsuji Muzan.

———

Kawanishi believed he may have already found him.

Asakusa… Tsukihiko…

This Tsukihiko, who had turned Sayuki into a demon—even if not Muzan himself—was certainly closely tied to him.

Surely Muzan wouldn't freely hand out his blood. Tsukihiko must be an important breakthrough.

If he could investigate Tsukihiko in Asakusa, he was confident he could track down Muzan.

But not yet. Right now, I'm not even qualified to face Muzan. I'd be nothing but fodder.

At the very least, I need to reach Akaza's level—or surpass it.

Currently, Kawanishi figured he might be able to exchange a few moves with Akaza without being instantly crushed.

Looking up at the pale moon rising, Kawanishi smiled.

You're watching too, aren't you? I'm growing stronger…

The stars above twinkled faintly as if replying to him.

"Whoosh!"

White light gathered behind him as six wings burst open. With a powerful flap, Kawanishi shot into the sky.

———

Thirty seconds later, before a small, weathered wooden cabin.

A black bird-like shadow skimmed low across the ground and came to an abrupt halt above the cabin.

As his body floated gently down like a feather, Kawanishi retracted his six wings, returning to human form before the cabin.

"Hm?"

He was surprised—there was a faint human scent inside, someone resting.

A stranger's weak scent... Probably a temporary occupant. Never mind them.

Though this house held many of his memories, what was past was past. If it now sheltered someone in need, Kawanishi had no complaints.

He refrained from disturbing them and instead turned toward the forest behind the house—a place that weighed heavily on his heart.

Even in the dark, his vision was clear. He saw the wooden gravestones carved from tree trunks, standing upright beside small mounds of earth.

One grave read: Takeo.

Kawanishi walked over silently.

Beside Takeo's grave were others:

Hanako, Rokuta, Shigeru...

And Kie, as well as Tanjuro…

Little brother—you buried everyone here beside Father. That's good. At least in death, you can all stay together... Thank you, Tanjiro.

"Huh? Wait… Where's Nezuko's grave?"

(End of Chapter)