Outside a cave, rain fell endlessly.
The cave was silent, except for the soft crackle of the fire. Water dripped from the ceiling in slow, heavy drops.
Miyuki sat curled in her blanket, eyes lowered, stealing glances at Kasumi beside her.
He was wrapped in bandages—over his head, his arms, his chest. Each breath came sharp, pained. His hands trembled, not from the wounds, but from something deeper.
His eyes stared into the fire, empty, unfocused. His voice broke the silence.
"…I can't do it."
Ren, who sat across from him, did not move. Kasumi's words hung heavy in the damp air.
"She destroyed me. Eliza… she played with me. She laughed at me every time I tried. And Jigen, I stand no chance against him.
Five years… and I'll die before I ever come close to them. My dream was foolish. Impossible." His voice cracked. "I'll never save anyone. I can't even protect myself."
He gripped his bandaged fists until they bled through the cloth. Miyuki flinched, her lips pressed shut.
Then, softly—
Ren spoke.
"Do you think victory comes only to those who never fall?"
Kasumi's head turned, eyes wet and wild. "But Hajime-San… I wasn't just defeated, I was completely destroyed. I trained so hard for that moment, and I couldn't stand a chance. Maybe it's easy for you to say… because you're the strongest."
Ren's voice was calm, steady, like water flowing through stone.
"No. The strongest man is not the one who never breaks, but the one who keeps walking while broken. You lost today… that does not mean you are defeated. Defeat is when you stop rising."
Kasumi clenched his jaw. "But I can never reach their level. I'm weak—"
Ren shook his head gently.
"No one is born strong. Even the gods bleed. Even demons fear. Strength is not the absence of weakness. Strength is choosing to stand when weakness weighs your body down. Do you understand?"
Kasumi's voice cracked. "B-But what I thought earlier is an impossible task. I swore to kill all the upper moons and Muzan. But it's not possible… and besides, I have only five years left. It's practically impossible to reach that level."
The firelight danced in his eyes, serene, unyielding.
"You think your dream is impossible? Then let it be impossible. Chase it anyway. Because dreams are not about certainty. They are about direction. Even if you have only five years… do you know how many lives you can change in five years? Do you know what hope your struggle can plant in others? That is not nothing. That is everything."
The cave felt lighter, as though the weight pressing down had lifted.
Ren's voice lowered, almost like a whisper meant for Kasumi alone.
"Your worth is not measured by whether you can kill demons or not. Your worth is in the courage to keep walking in spite of despair. That is why you will never be truly defeated. Because you do not walk alone."
Kasumi's lips trembled. His chest tightened. For the first time since the battle, he let his head fall forward, tears soaking the bandages.
Miyuki watched quietly, eyes glistening with reverence.
He doesn't console like others, she thought. He doesn't say empty words like 'everything will be fine.' He speaks like someone who's seen the end of the world… and still believes.
And across the fire, Ren sat still, like a quiet saint in the shadows of the cave, his calm presence healing wounds no bandage could touch.
Kasumi sat still, staring at the sleeping figures beside the fire. The faint light flickered across their tired faces.
He thought, My pain… it's nothing compared to hers.
His eyes softened as they met Miyuki's still form. She's lost so much—her family, her peace… even her eye. Yet she still holds on.
He watched her slow breathing, the blanket rising and falling with each faint breath. How does she still have hope?
He turned his gaze to the fire again. Why are they so different from me?
He lay down, exhaustion pressing his body into the ground. "My mind's not working anymore… I should rest… maybe when I wake up, I'll know what to do."
His eyelids fell shut, and soon, the only sound was the rain whispering outside.
The next morning.
The cave smelled of ash and damp air. Kasumi stirred awake, rubbing his eyes.
"Ugh… my stomach's empty." He sat up, blinking blearily. "We didn't eat anything yesterday…"
He glanced around. Ren sat against the wall, still asleep—or maybe just resting his mind. Even asleep, there was a faint furrow in his brow, like a man who carried the weight of too many worlds.
Kasumi looked at him quietly. He looks calm, but he's breaking inside. Hajime-San… even when the whole world rests on his shoulders, he never complains.
He smiled faintly, sad and admiring at once. What keeps him going? What keeps him alive when even hope should've burned out long ago?
Then, Ren's eyes opened—sharp, clear, and alert, as if he'd never truly slept.
His gaze shifted toward Miyuki. And in the next moment, his expression changed.
He moved quickly, almost soundlessly, kneeling beside her.
"Miyuki-Chan," he called softly, but she didn't answer.
Kasumi's heart jumped. "Hajime-San, what happened?"
Ren didn't respond at first. He pressed his palm gently against her forehead. Her skin was burning, her breathing shallow.
"She's burning up… high fever. We need to get her to a hospital. Now."
Kasumi froze for half a second, then nodded. "R-Right!"
Ren pulled her up carefully, wrapping her in the blanket before lifting her onto his back. Kasumi grabbed her spear and followed as they hurried out into the morning rain.
Some moments later.
A small city hospital.
Miyuki lay unconscious on a hospital bed, her skin pale under the white sheets. The rhythmic beep of the monitor filled the quiet corridor.
Ren stood outside her room, still and silent, his soaked haori dripping onto the floor. Kasumi sat beside him, fidgeting with his hands.
When the doctor finally stepped out, both of them stood at once. Kasumi spoke first. "How is she?"
The doctor sighed. "Her condition isn't good. She's been exposed to harsh conditions for too long—malnourished, infected. Her immune system is weak. She needs rest and proper treatment."
Ren's voice was steady, but there was a faint break beneath it. "How long will it take?"
"About a month. Maybe more."
Kasumi's shoulders slumped. "A month? That long?"
The doctor nodded. "She hasn't eaten properly for days. Her body's frail. Honestly, she's lucky to still be alive."
Then, with a sharper tone: "What were you doing with her? Why didn't you take better care of her?"
Kasumi's heart sank. He couldn't meet the man's eyes.
He's right… we barely had anything to eat. Just fruit, sometimes nothing. Yesterday we finally got money after saving that nobleman… and then I got beaten down by Eliza. They were too busy looking after me to think about themselves. Poor Miyuki… she never even complained.
Ren's head lowered. His voice was soft, almost like a confession. "It's my fault. I should've noticed. I should've taken better care of her."
Kasumi placed a trembling hand on his shoulder. "No, Hajime-San. You've already done more than anyone could. Please… don't blame yourself."
Silence. Only the sound of distant footsteps and faint rain against the window.
The doctor looked at them both. "Her treatment will be expensive. But we'll do everything we can."
Ren reached into his haori and pulled out the small pouch of coins and crumpled notes they had earned. He handed it over without hesitation.
"Take this. Use it all for her."
Kasumi's eyes widened. That's everything we have…
The doctor glanced at the money and sighed. "It may not be enough. But I'll do what I can."
He turned and walked away, leaving the two standing in the empty hallway.
Kasumi looked down at the floor, his throat tight. Ren stood motionless, watching through the window as the doctor entered Miyuki's room.
A few hours later.
They sit quietly on the cold hospital bench.
Kasumi's eyes are half-lidded. His stomach twists painfully.
I haven't eaten anything… nor Hajime-san. If I don't eat soon, I might die here.
He glances sideways. Ren sits perfectly still, his hands resting on his knees, his expression calm yet hollow.
He looks calm… but I know he's sinking inside.
The radio beside them crackles to life. A trembling voice reports:
"Yesterday, the United States lost seventy percent of its military force. Today, the Soviet Union has faced the same fate.
Experts can't explain the pattern. Why seventy percent? Who is behind this?
The world is paralyzed with fear. Rumors say the next targets may be China… or India."
Kasumi clenches his fists. "Hajime-san, what the hell is happening in this world?!"
His voice breaks with anger. "I'm sure Jigen's behind this. What is he even trying to do?!"
Ren doesn't look up. His voice is steady, almost too calm.
"Whatever he's plotting, we can't interfere yet. We're only in Japan. Before we worry about nations… we must kill him first."
He rises from his seat. Kasumi follows. They step out of the hospital and into the pale afternoon light. The town is small, quiet. People walk with heavy eyes.
Ren's expression is serene, yet beneath that serenity lies exhaustion. Kasumi's stomach growls audibly. "Hajime-san… we haven't eaten in days… I'm starving."
Ren's eyes lower. "We don't have any food left. Not even money. But… don't worry, Matsunaga-kun. I'll find something for us."
From a distance, the sound of an engine grows louder. A luxury car speeds down the road.
Inside, a rich couple drives—until a small girl suddenly darts into the street.
Her mother screams.
The man jerks the steering wheel—
—but it's too late.
Kasumi gasps. "Wait—!"
Just as the car is an inch away, a blur cuts through the air.
The next moment, the girl is safe in Ren's arms, standing beside the road. The car screeches to a stop.
The mother runs to her child, tears spilling down her cheeks. "Why did you run off like that?!"
Ren gently releases the girl, his hand briefly brushing her hair. His gaze is soft, distant—like moonlight.
"Thank you… thank you for saving her…" the mother stammers.
Ren bows his head slightly. "It's alright. Just be careful next time."
The couple runs toward them, still pale with fear. "We're terribly sorry! She appeared out of nowhere—"
The mother smiles shakily. "No… it was my fault. I should've watched her."
Kasumi joins them, looking uneasy. "Hajime-san, I… I didn't notice her either. I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention…"
The couple finally looks at Ren properly. Something about him makes them freeze.
He doesn't look like a man of this age. His aura is ancient—gentle yet overwhelming, as if he stepped out of myth.
The woman murmurs, almost in awe. "How did you move so fast? You saved her before I could even blink…"
Ren smiles faintly. "It's nothing. Perhaps God wanted her to live."
The man straightens, regaining composure. "I'm the landlord of this area. This is my wife. May I ask your name, sir?"
"Ren Hajime," he replies softly. "And this is my friend, Kasumi Matsunaga."
The man's eyes widen. "R-Ren Hajime?! The wandering soul… the one who slays demons… and protects others?"
Ren tilts his head. "How do you know that name?"
"My grandmother told me stories," the man says breathlessly. "I thought they were myths. But now… seeing you—"
Kasumi can't help but smile. Seems like Hajime-san has already become a legend.
But his thoughts blur. His knees tremble. "Ugh… what's happening…" he mutters weakly.
The woman steps forward. "Are you alright?!"
Kasumi forces a grin. "I-I'm fine. Really…" He nearly falls, clutching his side.
Ren supports him instantly. "He hasn't eaten in days. Some of his bones are still healing."
"Why didn't you seek proper treatment?" she asks, worried.
Kasumi shakes his head stubbornly. "I don't need treatment. I'll heal on my own."
The landlord frowns. "And food? Why starve yourselves?"
Ren answers gently. "All our money was spent… on a comrade's medical care."
A silence passes. Then the landlord smiles. "In that case… let us repay your kindness."
Moments later, they sit in a small restaurant.
Steam rises from their ramen bowls. Kasumi eats hungrily, almost in tears. Ren eats quietly, graceful even in hunger—his movements precise, disciplined.
When they finish, Ren lowers his chopsticks and bows. "Thank you. Truly. But tell me… how can we return your kindness?"
The woman smiles. "No need. You've already done enough. It's an honor to meet someone like you."
Ren shakes his head lightly, a faint smile at his lips. "You're embarrassing me… We are just humans, not great."
The landlady giggled softly. "I've never met anyone like you before, Hajime-san. Your presence… it's almost mythical. You feel as if you're born for something greater."
Her eyes softened with curiosity. "Also, tell me about your teammate—the girl who's admitted in the hospital right now. Is she like both of you?"
Ren's expression turned faintly melancholic.
"Her name is Miyuki. Her condition isn't good, she has become weaker, fragile. She's been through more pain than anyone I know… and yet, she never once complained. She's kind, fragile, and far stronger than she realizes."
The couple's smiles faded as they listened. The landlord's voice grew quiet.
"Can you show us where she is?"
A few minutes later, they stood outside Miyuki's room.
Through the small window, she lay still beneath pale sheets, her chest rising slowly, face half-shadowed.
The landlady whispered, "She's beautiful… I'm so sorry she's suffering."
Then she turned to Ren, her tone gentle but serious. "How much will her expenses be?"
Ren hesitated. "We don't know exactly… but perhaps ¥75,000 or more."
The landlady smiled. "That's all? We'll cover it."
Ren's eyes widened. "No, please don't. We can't accept that. You've already helped us too much. We could never repay you."
"You don't have to repay anything," she said simply. "We just want to help."
Ren's voice softened, low and uncertain. "Why would someone so well-off… want to help us? We can offer you nothing in return."
The landlady smiled faintly, but there was depth behind it. "Because you help others. You save lives without asking for anything. Now it's our turn to help someone who helps everyone."
Her words lingered in the air. Even the hospital corridor felt quieter for a moment.
Days passed.
Every morning, the landlord and landlady came with flowers and food.
Ren stayed by Miyuki's room, barely sleeping. He often sat silently, watching the slow drip of her IV.
Kasumi visited whenever he could. One afternoon, he stopped in the hallway. Ren sat beside the room's doorframe, shoulders slumped slightly, eyes distant.
Kasumi's chest ached. He hasn't left her side once… He's exhausted but refuses to rest.
He smiled sadly. Hajime-san worries for everyone. He reminds me of my mother, how she'd stay awake all night when I was sick.
Two weeks later.
Kasumi arrived early in the morning. Ren was in the same spot—silent, meditative—but when the door creaked open, both looked up.
Miyuki stood there.
Her hair was brushed neatly. Her face glowed with faint color again. She hadn't worn her eyepatch; her left eye was gone, but her smile was luminous.
Ren immediately stood. "Miyuki-chan… you've recovered so soon?"
Her eyes welled up, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Hajime-sama… you stayed here all this time, didn't you? You didn't eat properly… you didn't sleep… all for me. I'm sorry. I only caused trouble."
Ren reached out, gently wiping her tears. "You're part of our team. You're as important as us… No need to apologise…"
Kasumi smiled warmly. "I'm really glad you're okay, Miyuki-san."
Laughter echoed behind them. The landlord and landlady approached, both smiling.
"I'm so happy to see you standing," the landlady said.
Miyuki bowed politely, her voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you… for paying for my treatment. You've saved my life."
The landlady waved her hands. "We didn't save you. You saved yourself. We only helped a little."
Then she turned to Ren, her tone more serious. "Hajime-san, may I ask you something?"
"Of course," Ren said softly.
"Can we… take Miyuki-chan with us?"
The hallway fell silent.
The landlady took a breath, her husband lowering his gaze.
"We once had a daughter about her age. She was everything to us… but she died from tuberculosis years ago. We couldn't have another child. When we saw Miyuki-chan… it felt like seeing her again. We wish to give her every happiness we can... A home. A future."
Ren's throat tightened. He took a breath, his words calm yet heavy. "I'm very sorry for your loss. And I deeply appreciate your kindness. I know you'd care for her better than anyone…"
But Miyuki interrupted, her voice trembling yet firm.
"Miss, I beg your pardon… but I can't leave Hajime-sama or Matsunaga-kun. I don't doubt your kindness—but I'm happy only when I'm with them."
The landlady blinked. "But we can give you everything. Comfort, a home, safety. You won't have to live in danger again."
Miyuki smiled through her tears. "But I've already devoted myself to help Hajime-Sama and save others. I've enjoyed every moment with them, whether good or tragic.
And no matter wherever I go or how hard the situation is, if I have Hajime-Sama, then everything is paradise for me… That's my destination."
The landlady was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly, smiling faintly. "I understand. You're right. If I were in your place, I'd choose the same."
She bowed slightly. "Now we shall go now. Please take care, and save this world from demons."
Then, the couple turned and left down the quiet hallway.
Miyuki turned toward Ren and Kasumi, her eyes glowing softly. "I'm sorry for making you wait. Let's start our journey again."
Kasumi watched her, his heart pounding with something raw.
I was wrong, he thought. I let defeat break me. Even if I can't win against them after training for my whole life, life is about journey and path you've chosen… not about results only.
Ren smiled faintly, looking at them both. "Let's go."
And together, they stepped out into the afternoon light—
the wind brushing softly against them,
as if the world itself was blessing their return.