Capítulo 29: Chapter 29: Confronting the Past
**Chapter 29: Confronting the Past**
*Village of Tania, seven days after the meeting with Ubuyashiki.*
Kintaro wandered through the quiet streets of Tania, a village with an old-world charm, its rustic architecture untouched by the passing of time. The houses, constructed from wood and clay, bore the signs of decades of care and repair. The villagers, dressed in simple, traditional clothing, seemed almost frozen in time, their attire a stark contrast to the more modern outfits Kintaro had seen in other regions.
For the first time, Kintaro wore the official uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps, a deep brown that complemented his lean, muscular build. The uniform was designed for ease of movement, fitting his body perfectly as if tailored just for him. Over it, he draped a purple haori, intricately embroidered with patterns resembling electro sparks, the same design that adorned the scabbard of his katana. The haori fluttered slightly as he walked, the morning breeze carrying the cool scent of the mountains surrounding the village.
The air was refreshingly crisp, almost out of place in this sandy, mountain-enclosed region. Despite the arid landscape, the village was an oasis of life, with greenery sprouting wherever water could be found. Birds chirped merrily from the treetops, their songs a soothing melody against the backdrop of a tranquil morning. The villagers moved about their daily routines, the atmosphere calm and serene, yet there was a subtle undercurrent of tension, a wariness in their eyes as they noticed Kintaro's presence.
As Kintaro strolled through the village, memories flooded his mind. This was the village where he had spent the first ten years of his life—a peaceful place, untouched by the horrors that plagued the world beyond. A gentle smile played on his lips as he passed familiar streets, now bustling with life. He was back in the neighborhood where his parents had raised him, and the warmth of nostalgia mixed with the bittersweet pang of loss.
Villagers began to notice him, their eyes widening in recognition and surprise. Whispers spread like wildfire, and soon, a small crowd gathered, their faces a mix of astonishment and curiosity.
"Look, isn't that Historia's son?"
"You're right, it is him!"
"What was his name again?"
"Kintaro, Kintaro, the carpenter's boy!"
The crowd swelled as more people joined, their voices overlapping as they bombarded him with questions.
"Are you okay?"
"Why are you here alone?"
"What about the lady who raised you?"
"What's that on your waist?"
"A katana?!"
"Why is Kintaro carrying a sword?!"
The barrage of questions was relentless, especially from the children—his childhood friends from the orphanage—who looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes, their curiosity insatiable.
The noise reached the orphanage's entrance, and the door creaked open. A man in his fifties stepped out, drawn by the commotion. His build was average, neither too thin nor overly robust, and his once black hair had turned completely white. His eyes, dark and gentle, softened as they fell upon Kintaro, a mixture of surprise and affection lighting up his face.
"Kintaro... is that really you?"
Kintaro turned his gaze toward the man who had cared for him for a year after his parents' deaths. Without saying a word, Kintaro walked forward and embraced him, his arms wrapping around the man in a silent acknowledgment of the bond they shared.
The man, caught off guard, felt tears welling up in his eyes, though he fought to keep them at bay. Returning the embrace, he held Kintaro tightly, his voice choked with emotion as he said, "I'm so glad you're safe."
With a warm smile, Kintaro replied, "I'm glad you're safe too, Hikari-san."
After the initial shock, the villagers welcomed Kintaro with open arms. Hikari, the man who had raised him, hosted a communal lunch, and many of the villagers from Kintaro's neighborhood came to celebrate his return. The gathering was filled with laughter and conversation, as the villagers asked Kintaro countless questions about his journey, his training, and his life since leaving the village. Kintaro answered their inquiries with honesty, and in turn, he asked about their lives, genuinely interested in how they had fared in his absence.
However, the festive atmosphere was overshadowed by the dark memory of Raya Path, the road that connected Tania to the nearest village. It was the same path where many people, including Kintaro's parents, had disappeared or been killed. The villagers spoke of it in hushed tones, their faces darkening as they recounted the tales of the missing and the dead.
As the gathering began to wind down, Kintaro stood from his wooden seat, his hand resting on the hilt of his katana. His purple haori swayed with his movements, drawing the attention of everyone present. They watched him in silence, their eyes filled with a mixture of admiration and fear.
"The curse of Raya Path will end tonight," Kintaro declared, his voice steady and resolute. "I will walk that path and see for myself what lies there. Consider the curse lifted from this world."
The villagers froze, their faces contorting in shock and horror. Whispers broke out among them, their fear palpable as they tried to dissuade him.
"You can't go there, Kintaro!"
"It's too dangerous!"
"Please, think about this! You'll get yourself killed!"
"Don't do it, Kintaro! We can't lose you too!"
Their voices trembled with fear, their eyes pleading with him to reconsider. But Kintaro remained unmoved, his expression calm and determined. He understood their fear, their desperation to protect him, but he knew that this was something he had to do. For them, for his parents, and for himself.
As the villagers' protests grew louder, Kintaro's eyes began to glow with a vibrant purple hue, the color of electro sparks. The crowd fell silent, awestruck by the intensity of his gaze.
"The people of this village cannot continue to live in fear," Kintaro said, his voice firm yet compassionate. "Don't worry. This sword is proof that I will return alive. I know you all know me as Kintaro Ozan, but the person standing before you is not Kintaro. I am the Electro Hashira. Thank you, and farewell. I must continue my journey, and I will not return here."
With that, Kintaro turned and walked out of the orphanage, leaving the villagers standing in stunned silence. They watched him go, their hearts heavy with concern and fear for his safety. As he disappeared into the distance, a single question lingered among them: "What did he mean by Electro Hashira?"
The term "Hashira" was rare, known only to members of the Demon Slayer Corps. Even those who had joined recently might not yet understand its significance.
And so, Kintaro set off towards Raya Path, determined to face whatever lay ahead and put an end to the curse that had haunted his village for so long. The sun began to set behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the village as Kintaro walked into the unknown, his resolve unwavering.
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