Chapter 28: Shinobu's suspicion

A faint milky white light appeared on the horizon and quickly spread across the sky. As the red sun leaped up, it completely dispelled the lingering darkness.

Shinobu Kocho looked up. At the end of the road, a huge city loomed into view.

"Finally here," she breathed a sigh of relief.

This mission wasn't originally hers, but since she was planning to visit Aunt Rie and Takina, she decided to take it on as it was on the way.

Upon entering the city, Shinobu immediately sensed that something was amiss. The air was charged with a restless energy. People gathered in small groups on the street, discussing something with expressions that ranged from anger to elation. More troubling was that she occasionally heard the word "demon" among their murmurs.

Could it be that in this city, the demon menace was already known to everyone? Shinobu's curiosity was piqued, and she decided to find someone to question.

Just then, a girl with a long, cherry-colored braid caught her eye as she approached. Shinobu stepped forward and stopped her. "Hello, what's happening here?"

The girl, taken aback by Shinobu's attire, widened her eyes and blurted out, "Are you from the Demon Slayer Corps?"

Shinobu was surprised. "You know about the Demon Slayer Corps?"

Very few people were aware of demons and the Corps. Could this girl have had contact with them?

"I've heard about it from others," the girl replied, her excitement barely contained. "Come to my house; I'll tell you everything."

Shinobu smiled. "Alright."

It was broad daylight, making it unlikely to encounter a demon. Finding someone knowledgeable about demons and the Corps could be quite helpful.

After following the girl for a short walk, they reached a modest house. Once inside, the girl, who introduced herself as Mitsuri Kanroji, offered Shinobu a cup of tea. After taking a sip, Shinobu got straight to the point. "So, what exactly happened here?"

Mitsuri looked puzzled. "There aren't any demons at all. The recent disappearances were the work of the Fujita family and their company, Fujita Steel."

The revelation was surprising. Shinobu had expected demons but was met with a human culprit instead. "Then the rumors about demons…?"

Mitsuri nodded. "Yes, everyone thought demons were behind it, but it turns out it was all orchestrated by the Fujita family. What's even more shocking is that Mr. Aomura destroyed the demon lair of the Yahime Society."

"Mr. Aomura?" Shinobu echoed, intrigued. "Who is he?"

"Mr. Aomura is incredibly strong and kind!" Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with admiration. "He's the one who told me about the Demon Slayer Corps."

Shinobu's interest was piqued. "You know him?"

Mitsuri nodded eagerly. "Yes, his dojo isn't far from here. We met by chance and became friends."

Shinobu pondered this. "I need to visit this Yahime Society you mentioned."

Mitsuri hesitated. "But it's surrounded by police now."

"That's not a problem," Shinobu assured her.

She was curious about this Mr. Aomura. His strength and the detail about his golden eyes made her wonder if he could be a demon. Yet, the idea of a demon saving people seemed contradictory. She needed to see the place for herself.

Following Mitsuri's directions, Shinobu found the Yahime Society building. As expected, police officers were stationed outside. Undeterred, she slipped past them and entered the club, quickly finding the real entrance to the scene.

The sight inside was ghastly. Blood stained the floor, walls, and even the ceiling. The stench was overwhelming, making Shinobu feel slightly nauseous. As she ventured deeper, she found bodies strewn across the place, turning the entire scene into a vision of hell.

Despite the horrific scene, Shinobu maintained her composure. She found no evidence to suggest Mr. Aomura was a demon. The bodies, though mutilated, did not show signs of being bitten. This seemed inconsistent with demon behavior, as such a place would be a feast for them. Could there really be a demon who could resist such temptation? Or had a demon perhaps taken some bodies away?

Shinobu left the Yahime Society with a grave expression. She had seen countless bloody scenes in her career, but this one was exceptionally brutal. She returned to Mitsuri's house, hoping to gather more information.

"How was it?" Mitsuri asked eagerly as Shinobu entered.

Shinobu shook her head. "Miss Kanroji, I need to know more about Mr. Aomura."

"Of course! What do you want to know?" Mitsuri sat up straight, ready to share.

"Is there anything unusual about him? Any habits or peculiarities?" Shinobu inquired.

Mitsuri's cheeks reddened slightly. "Well, he's very handsome!"

Shinobu suppressed a smile. "I mean more about his routine or behavior. What does he do during the day?"

"Oh, I see. Mr. Aomura has a skin condition and can't be exposed to sunlight. So, he usually practices indoors during the day," Mitsuri explained.

"Can't be exposed to sunlight?" Shinobu's suspicion grew. "So, he never goes out during the day?"

Mitsuri shook her head. "Not quite. He goes out, but he always wears a large hat with a cloth draped around it to block the sun."

Shinobu's mind raced. If he could be out in the sunlight, he couldn't be a demon. "What kind of hat?"

Mitsuri described, gesturing with her hands. "It's a big, black hat with a cloth around it for shade."

Shinobu sighed, feeling a bit relieved. It seemed she might have been overly suspicious. A demon wouldn't be able to tolerate any exposure to sunlight, even with such precautions.

Mitsuri's curiosity piqued. "Why are you so interested in Mr. Aomura, Shinobu?"

For a moment, Shinobu was at a loss for words. She couldn't just say she suspected her friend might be a demon.

Mitsuri's eyes sparkled again. "Do you want Mr. Aomura to join the Demon Slayer Corps? He's incredibly strong! He can break rocks with his bare hands. But you're a day too late; he left town yesterday."

"He's certainly impressive," Shinobu agreed, seizing the chance to change the subject. "But now that the matter is resolved, I should be on my way."

"Wait a moment, Shinobu," Mitsuri interjected hesitantly. "Can I join the Demon Slayer Corps?"

Shinobu was taken aback. "You want to join? But why?"

She knew Mitsuri's background—a happy family life with no apparent reason to face the dangers of demon slaying.

"I want to help others, just like Mr. Aomura does!" Mitsuri's earnestness was evident.

Shinobu considered her words carefully. "The work of the Demon Slayer Corps is very dangerous. You could lose your life."

"I'm not afraid. I'm very strong!" Mitsuri declared, effortlessly lifting the edge of the table with one hand.

Shinobu was about to caution her about the dangers of demons, but the display of strength left her momentarily speechless.

In Mitsuri, she saw a rare determination and an incredible strength that might make her a valuable ally. Perhaps, in time, she could guide Mitsuri towards the path of the Demon Slayer Corps.

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T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 15 chapters.

Patreon link:- patreon.com/ANelite

And also give me some power stones!!

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