Speaking of his journey to Tokyo, Yohan could only describe it as sheer luck accompanying him every step of the way. Not only had he met a girl as wonderful as Mitsuri Kanroji, but now he had also stumbled upon Kyojuro Rengoku.
For someone as hopelessly directionless as himself, Yohan had to admit that, back in his past life while watching anime, he had never bothered to remember any specific locations. He had charged toward Tokyo purely based on the faintest impression he had retained. But now, looking at how things had turned out, it seemed that his choice had been absolutely right.
Mitsuri trailed behind Yohan as they approached Kyojuro Rengoku's table. The sheer number of ramen bowls stacked in front of him was nothing short of a small mountain.
Mitsuri's food-lover instincts flared instantly.
Her expression turned serious.
This... this... she had found a worthy opponent!
Rengoku, sensing the presence of two individuals standing nearby, finally set down his bowl and turned toward them.
"You are...?"
Strange. They weren't wearing Demon Slayer Corps uniforms. Could they be people his father had once saved, now mistaking him for his father again?
Thinking back to how often this had happened before, Rengoku assumed this was yet another one of those cases.
"Hello, Kyojuro Rengoku."
"My name is Yohan, and this here is someone very important to me—Mitsuri Kanroji."
A-a-aah!
Hearing Yohan refer to her as someone very important, Mitsuri's heart instantly started racing again, pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it.
"H-hello! I'm Mitsuri Kanroji!"
She hurriedly followed up with her own introduction.
"Hmm, hmm, I see! Very well, I understand."
" Yohan. Mitsuri Kanroji."
He nodded, his expression bright and full of energy.
"So, are you certain you were looking for me?"
The moment Rengoku smiled, the light in his eyes, combined with his thick black brows, gave off an aura as radiant as the sun itself.
As expected, Rengoku's personality was just like this.
Yohan pulled Mitsuri into the seat opposite Rengoku and spoke directly, "Rengoku, I've heard of your name before."
"And since we happened to meet today by chance, I'd like to spar with you."
Yes, that was exactly Yohan's plan. A spar with Kyojuro Rengoku.
Even though he had defeated the Lower Moon Three, he knew that the Hashira were also capable of slaying lower-ranking demons. If he wanted to gauge his own strength against them, this was the perfect opportunity.
Though Rengoku had yet to officially inherit the title of Flame Hashira, Yohan couldn't wait to find out how he measured up against the pillars of strength in the Demon Slayer Corps.
Hearing this request, Rengoku let out a hearty laugh.
"A spar, huh? My apologies, Yohan."
"If it were any other time, I would have gladly accepted."
"But I am currently on an official mission, so I'm afraid I cannot grant your request."
"HAHAHAHA!"
Hearing that Rengoku had official duties, Yohan didn't push the matter. After all, if Rengoku was on a mission, it was most certainly related to dealing with demons. If he were to selfishly delay him for a spar, it might result in unnecessary casualties.
But… once his mission was over, they could always fight then. And if it was a demon-related mission, then Yohan himself could be of help.
Having made up his mind, Yohan asked, "So, it's a demon-related case?"
"Oh? You know about demons?"
"Well, I suppose that makes sense. If you've heard of me, then you must already be aware of such things."
Rengoku's sharp eyes scrutinized the two of them, his expression suddenly turning serious.
"If you already know about demons, then you should also know that anything involving them is extremely dangerous."
"So, if possible, I would strongly advise you both to stay out of this."
"The matter of demons—leave it to me."
Clearly, Rengoku did not want ordinary people getting involved.
"Yohan is not just some ordinary person!"
Mitsuri, who had been sitting quietly and listening up until now, couldn't hold back any longer.
She had already developed a favorable impression of this thick-browed, sunny-looking man, but hearing him dismiss Yohan so easily made her blood boil.
Because in her eyes, Yohan was the strongest person she knew.
"Hahaha! So, you're Mitsuri Kanroji, yes?"
"I apologize. I did not mean anything by my words."
"It's just that demons truly are dangerous."
"I never intended to belittle either of you."
"So, please, forgive me for how that may have sounded."
Rengoku's response made it clear that he had picked up on Mitsuri's emotions just now—her immediate urge to stand up for Yohan.
"Rengoku, Mitsuri is right. We're not just ordinary people."
Yohan knew that unless he showed some proof of his abilities, Rengoku wouldn't easily accept their involvement.
So, without hesitation, he extended his hand toward Rengoku.
Rengoku looked at Yohan's outstretched hand, uncertain of what he was trying to do, but still reached out and clasped it.
Th-this strength…?!
The moment their hands locked, Rengoku felt an incredible force surging through Yohan's grip. It was clear to him—this man's raw strength was at least on par with his own.
Well, well… it seemed these two weren't as simple as they appeared.
Rengoku's expression shifted to one of solemn recognition.
"I see. In that case, I shall tell you what I know."