章節 25: Chapter 25
Kanae-san and I, were on our way to the Butterfly Mansion. Fuyume had informed us of Ubuyashiki-sama's summons right after the battle, so we'd barely had time to catch our breath.
"So, Kanae-san," I said, trying to make conversation as we navigated the winding mountain paths, "what's the deal with this Butterfly Mansion? Is it like a spa for demon slayers, or something?"
Kanae-san smiled warmly. "Not quite, Akio-kun. It's a place where injured demon slayers go to recover. My younger sister, Shinobu, is in charge of the medical care there. She's quite skilled, you know."
"Younger sister?" I repeated, trying to recall any mention of Shinobu in the anime. Nope, nothing came to mind. "What's she like?"
Kanae-san's smile remained, but a hint of caution entered her voice. "Shinobu is... quite dedicated to her work. She can be a bit... blunt at times."
"Blunt, huh?" I mused, raising an eyebrow. "Sounds like she doesn't sugarcoat things. I respect that."
Kanae-san chuckled softly.
As we approached the Butterfly Mansion, a sensation of calm washed over me. The air was filled with the delicious aroma of wisteria, and the peaceful sounds of nature provided a relaxing environment. It was a nice change from the chaos and bloodshed on the battlefield.
We entered the mansion, its interior as elegant and serene as its surroundings. The walls were painted in plain white.
"Welcome back, Nee-san," a young girl's voice called out, cutting through the peaceful ambiance.
We turned to see a petite woman approaching us, her raven-black hair fashioned in a flat bun with a butterfly decoration. Her wide, pupilless eyes, a gradient of purple, fixed me with a constant stare.
"And who might this be?" she asked, her tone clipped and direct.
Kanae-san's smile remained gentle. "Shinobu, this is Asakura Akio, the newest Hashira. He's here to have his wounds treated."
Shinobu's eyes narrowed slightly, then a smirk tugged at the corner of her lips. "A Hashira, huh?" she said, her voice laced with a hint of challenge. "I'm Shinobu, Kanae's younger sister. Let's see if you live up to the title, Akio-san."
I met her gaze, a playful grin spreading across my face. "The pleasure is all mine, Shinobu-san. I'm always up for a challenge."
Shinobu's smirk widened, and she gestured towards a nearby room. "Follow me, Hashira-san. Let's see what kind of battle scars you've earned."
I followed her, a mix of curiosity and amusement bubbling within me. This girl definitely had a spark, a fiery spirit that reminded me of a certain yellow-haired ninja back in my old world. Except, you know, less yellow and more... butterfly-themed. And probably a lot less likely to scream "Believe it!" at the top of her lungs.
Shinobu led me to a treatment room, its sterile cleanliness a stark contrast to the chaotic wilderness I was used to. It was so spotless, I half-expected to see a tiny dust bunny wearing a hazmat suit and wielding a miniature mop.
She efficiently cleaned and bandaged my wounds, her movements precise and practiced. It was like watching a pint-sized surgeon perform open-heart surgery on a teddy bear. With a scalpel made of butterflies.
"There," she said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "All patched up. Try not to get yourself too banged up next time, Hashira-san. We have enough patients as it is."
I grinned, flexing my newly bandaged arm. "Thanks, Shinobu-san. I'll try my best. But you know how it is with demon slaying. Sometimes things get a little... messy. Like, exploding fish guts and venomous tentacle slime messy."
Shinobu's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Indeed. But remember, a Hashira's life is valuable. Don't be reckless."
With that, she turned and left the room, her footsteps echoing softly down the hallway. I couldn't help but wonder what other surprises this Butterfly Mansion held. Maybe they had a secret training room filled with giant, fluffy pillows for practicing soft landings.
Just as I was about to follow her, a Kakushi, a young woman wearing a dark tinted version of standard demon slayer uniform and her face covered by paper like mask which left freely, approached me. "Asakura-sama," she said, bowing respectfully, "Oyakata-sama has also granted you an estate as a reward for your service. It is located a short distance from here, nestled in a secluded forest clearing. Two servants have been assigned to assist you."
An estate?! Servants?! My brain did a backflip, narrowly avoiding a concussion. Did I just win the demon-slaying lottery or something?
"An estate?" I repeated, with a slight disbelief. Like, a real house? With, like, walls and a roof and maybe even a hot tub?
The Kakushi nodded. "Yes, Asakura-sama. It is a modest estate, but it is yours to enjoy. It offers a peaceful environment for rest and training."
Modest? Pfft. I've lived in a dirt-floored hut for weeks. Anything with a solid roof and running water is a palace in my book.
The Kakushi led me out of the mansion and into the surrounding woods. A short walk later, we emerged into a sun-dappled clearing, where a sprawling estate stood proudly amidst a sea of greenery. It was like something out of a fairytale, except instead of a princess, there was a demon-slaying Hashira ready to move in. And probably a few stray cats looking for a handout.
"This is it, Asakura-sama," the Kakushi announced, gesturing towards the house with a flourish.
I stared at the estate, my jaw threatening to dislocate from its hinges. It was glorious. A real home, a place to call my own. No more sleeping in trees or dodging grumpy wild boars. I could practically hear the hot tub calling my name. Akio-kun~
As we entered the house, two servants, a middle-aged couple with kind faces, greeted us with bows so low, I was worried they might faceplant.
"Welcome home, Asakura-sama," the man said, his voice filled with warmth. "We are here to serve you in any way we can."
I couldn't help but grin. "Thank you," I said, my voice overflowing with gratitude. "I'm looking forward to getting to know you both". And maybe having someone cook me a decent meal for once. Something that doesn't involve questionable mushrooms or charred fish.
The Kakushi left, leaving me alone with my new home and my new servants. I wandered through the rooms, marvelling at the elegant furnishings, the spacious kitchen, and the luxurious bathroom. Hot tub? Double check!
I had come a long way from that lonely hut in the mountains. From a penniless orphan to a Hashira with his own estate and servants. It was a Cinderella story, demon-slaying style. Except instead of a glass slipper, I had a lightning-charged Odachi.
And as I slid open the shoji doors leading to the Engawa (Porch), I sat down gazing out at the surrounding forest
As the sun began its dramatic descent, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple cue the epic background music, I heard a gentle voice from the doorway. "Asakura-sama, dinner is ready."
I turned to see Sato Hiroshi, the middle-aged servant, standing respectfully with a slight bow. The tantalizing aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, making my stomach do the cha-cha slide.
"Finally!" I exclaimed, practically drooling like a cartoon character. "I'm so hungry, I could eat a whole boar!"
I followed Hiroshi to the dining room, where a feast fit for a king or at least a newly promoted Hashira with a bottomless pit for a stomach awaited. Steaming bowls of rice, grilled fish that actually looked edible, colorful vegetables that weren't suspiciously purple, and a variety of side dishes adorned the table. It was a far cry from the questionable meals I had been surviving on in the wilderness. My taste buds were doing a happy dance.
I took a seat at the head of the table, but something felt... off. The servants, Hiroshi and his wife, Sato Yumi, stood at attention, their eyes lowered respectfully. It was like a scene from a period drama, and I was suddenly feeling very self-conscious.
"Um, guys," I said, gesturing towards the empty chairs, "aren't you going to eat?"
Hiroshi and Yumi exchanged a surprised glance, then bowed their heads even lower. "We wouldn't dare, Asakura-sama," Hiroshi replied. "It is not our place to dine with you."
I couldn't help but chuckle. "Seriously? What is this, the medieval times? Come on, sit down. There's plenty of food to go around. Besides, eating alone is a recipe for indigestion and a one-way ticket to Sad Lonely Guy Town. And trust me, you don't want to visit that place."
They hesitated, clearly uncomfortable with the idea.
I leaned forward, adopting my best 'wise anime grandpa' voice. "Look, I get it. Respect and all that jazz. I'm not some high-and-mighty noble. I'm just a guy who happens to be good at killing demons. And I'm not a one-time guest here. We're all going to be living under the same roof, so why not live like a family instead of this whole master-and-servant thing?"
Hiroshi and Yumi's eyes widened, a flicker of hope replacing their apprehension. Yumi spoke first, her voice soft but filled with warmth. "If it pleases you, Akio-chan..."
"Chan?!" I sputtered, my cheeks flushing slightly. "Did... did you just call me 'chan'?!"
Yumi giggled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Is that not alright, Akio-chan?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "It's... different," I admitted, scratching the back of my head. "But I guess it's kinda cute. In a non-creepy way, of course."
With a sense of ease, they joined me at the table. As we ate, we chatted and laughed, the awkwardness melting away with each shared story and silly joke. It was the start of something new, something warm and comforting in a world filled with darkness.
(To be Continued…)
Camera zooms in on Over9000words, a wide, slightly unsettling grin plastered across their face.
Over9000words: (Claps hands together dramatically) "Ah, at last! After twenty-four long, arduous chapters, our intrepid hero Akio finally has a place to hang his hanten and polish his Odachi. A home! A sanctuary! A place to finally relax and enjoy the fruits of his demon-slaying labor!"
Akio stares at Over9000words with a deadpan expression, his eyebrow twitching suspiciously.
Akio: (Slowly, deliberately) "You're not planning anything, are you? No sudden plot twists? No surprise demon attacks? No collapsing ceilings or exploding toilets?"
Over9000words lets out a high-pitched, maniacal laugh that echoes through the fourth wall.
Over9000words: "Why would I do that, Akio? (Innocent eyes) Wouldn't that be... mean?"
Akio: (Throws his hands up in exasperation) "Of course you would! You're the only person I can trust... the least."
AI-sensei, observing the exchange from a safe distance, adjusts their glasses with a sigh.
AI-sensei: (Monotone voice) "Over9000words, I must advise against any unnecessary plot complications. Our readers are already cringing at your idiotic jokes. Please don't mistake that for laughter."
Akio: (Nods enthusiastically) "Someone finally said it!"
AI-sensei: (Raises an eyebrow) "You are the last person to say that, Akio."
Over9000words pouts dramatically.
Over9000words: "Fear not, dear readers. Akio's new home may be filled with surprises, but I promise they'll be the good kind. Mostly. Probably."
Akio groans, burying his face in his hands.
Akio: "I'm starting to regret ever agreeing to this whole fanfic thing..."
End of Chapter 25
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