Demon Slayer: Seraph of Radiance

Hearing Kawanishi's words, Tanjiro touched his forehead, showing an expression of realization.

Once again, he thought to himself: As expected of my brother, he always knows so much more than I do.

A little embarrassed, Tanjiro asked shyly, "So... how did I do today?"

He was hoping to hear his brother praise him. Even though he still lost in the end, he made great progress this time—he finally managed to break through his brother's defense, and he was secretly pleased with himself.

Kawanishi vigorously ruffled Tanjiro's hair, messing it up completely as a way to vent his frustration at being so close to being surpassed by his younger brother.

Then, seeing the expectant look on Tanjiro's face, Kawanishi softly said, "Tanjiro, you were still a bit reckless. You tried to end it with a single strike, neglecting your defense."

"You can't rely on gambles like that. You need to win with real, solid strength."

Tanjiro's previous move was clearly a gamble, hoping to succeed with one blow, but this was dangerous and depended too much on luck.

How could anyone entrust their life to something as elusive as luck?

This made Kawanishi a bit displeased. He could risk his own life, but he didn't want to see Tanjiro taking such chances, even if sometimes there was no other option.

Tanjiro whispered, "I just wanted to earn your approval, so I got a little anxious. I won't do that again."

Kawanishi sighed softly, smoothed Tanjiro's messy hair, and spoke gently, "Even so, overall, you performed very well. You're already amazing—you'll definitely become one of the finest swordsmen..."

At that moment, Kawanishi's heart was not calm. Tanjiro had repeatedly shattered his expectations—this was no longer just a matter of being talented.

But as Urokodaki Sakonji once told him: The stronger one becomes, the closer death follows...

The death rate among the Hashira was actually higher than that of ordinary swordsmen!

So, Tanjiro, you must become even stronger than the Hashira.

And I won't slack off either.

Tanjiro nodded firmly, breaking into a smile. "Of course. But I will become even stronger."

Because I want to protect you and Nezuko as well.

...

After a week of nonstop travel, Hokujou Chaji finally arrived at the roadway leading into Asakusa, having taken many wrong turns along the way.

Though it was already seven or eight at night, unlike in small towns where people stayed inside after dark, this road was bustling with many pedestrians.

Whoosh!

A car with a glossy black finish sped past Hokujou Chaji, heading toward the city ahead.

Two bright beams from its headlights pierced the darkness like a monster's eyes.

To Hokujou Chaji, it looked like some kind of beast.

This was only his second time seeing a car. As a child, he had come to Asakusa with his father and seen one before, though back then, the cars were much cruder.

At the time, he mistook it for some sort of monster, instantly hurling a few shuriken at what he thought were its eyes.

As a result, he smashed the headlights and ended up fleeing with his father.

He couldn't afford to pay for such damages.

Little Hokujou had sulked as his father scolded him for quite a while afterward.

He had thought, if only Father hadn't dragged me away, I could've made that monster cry and run off.

After reaching Asakusa, his father explained that it was called a car—a type of transportation, not a monster. It was just a lifeless machine owned by important people in Asakusa.

Like a carriage, but far more complicated and faster.

Back then, young Hokujou was amazed, and even now, he still couldn't figure out how those metal boxes moved on their own, running even faster than him.

"That brightly lit city ahead must be Asakusa…"

Even in the darkness, Asakusa remained radiant, its lights keeping the city far from shadows.

Or perhaps, the darkness was merely hidden beneath the lights, growing deeper and more profound.

Compared to over a decade ago, Asakusa's buildings were taller and its lights brighter, leaving Hokujou a bit unsure.

So, he glanced at the pedestrians around him and casually grabbed one to ask, "Excuse me, is that Asakusa ahead?"

Hashiyama had been lost in thought while walking.

When he looked up, he was startled to find a towering man dressed in tattered black robes, wearing a crying-face mask and carrying two massive blood-red scythes, grabbing him.

He nearly fell to the ground in fright.

Looking around for help, Hashiyama realized that everyone had already distanced themselves from the strange man, leaving a three-meter gap around him while watching warily.

He was the only one who hadn't noticed and walked too close.

Wearing a forced, flustered smile, Hashiyama answered, "Yes, sir. That ahead is Asakusa."

One glance at Hokujou Chaji's outfit made it clear he wasn't someone to mess with—who wears a mask and carries giant scythes like that?

Those scythe blades gleamed ominously under the light. Hashiyama had no doubt they weren't decorative.

Better safe than sorry. Time to play it meek.

And frankly, even if he wanted to stand up to him, Hashiyama simply didn't have it in him.

Hokujou nodded. "Thank you."

At least he was polite.

Hashiyama breathed a sigh of relief—maybe this guy wasn't as scary as he looked.

Taking a cautious step back, he tried to excuse himself politely, "It's nothing, sir. If you don't need anything else, I'll take my leave now."

Hmm? The people of Asakusa are so friendly? No wonder it's such a big city—everyone's so warm-hearted.

Grateful, Hokujou said, "I didn't mean to trouble you, but since you insist, thank you. Come into Asakusa with me and help me find a place—I easily lose my way in the city."

Hashiyama, who was about to step away, froze, utterly bewildered.

Sir, couldn't you tell I was just being polite?

He wanted to refuse, but some deep instinct warned him that doing so might end very badly.

Driven by strong survival instincts, Hashiyama swallowed hard, forced a bitter smile, and walked alongside Hokujou Chaji.

Why is my life so difficult…

Looking around, Hokujou Chaji noticed people still keeping their distance. Only his new acquaintance, Hashiyama, stayed close—what a kind soul.

After a short chat, Hokujou pondered for a moment and asked, "Hashiyama, why is everyone keeping away from me?"

He found it odd. The first time he visited Asakusa, people had gathered around to compliment how cute he was.

Especially the pretty young ladies who had pinched his cheeks, hugged him, and nearly carried him away.

Why was he suddenly so unpopular now?

Had he grown ugly? No, that couldn't be—he had always been the most handsome in the ninja village.

Except for that smug Uzui Tengen! Always teasing him about being directionally challenged and vain.

Well, maybe about being directionally challenged… but vain? No way—that's called confidence!

Still, he wondered if he'd ever get the chance to visit the ninja village again.

Hashiyama, exasperated, replied, "Brother Hokujou, just take a look at yourself compared to everyone else."

During their earlier conversation, Hashiyama had learned this strange man's name was Hokujou Chaji.

He seemed decent enough—just a little… simple.

Hokujou Chaji thought for a moment, then answered slowly, "They're not as good-looking as me?"

(End of Chapter)