"Shinobu?"
"..."
"Shinobu?"
"...! I'm here, Master."
Ubuyashiki's voice brought Shinobu back to her senses. Her thoughts had drifted to a few days earlier, to the moment when Rengoku had departed. Normally, she would never lose focus at such a critical time, but today's discussion with the Master had stirred her concern.
Several days had passed since that day—today, she had been summoned to the Ubuyashiki estate to discuss a certain matter.
Now, she knelt on one knee before him beneath the eaves of the residence. Once the formal discussion was finished, she raised her eyes slightly to look at her Master.
"Master, there is something I wish to ask."
Her tone was respectful and composed.
"Hmm? What is it, Shinobu?"
Ubuyashiki's voice was patient and kind. He wasn't surprised—among the Hashira, Shinobu was known for her attention to detail. It was only natural that she might raise a thoughtful concern.
"It's regarding Rengoku-san."
"Oh? What about Kyojuro?" he asked with mild curiosity.
"Was it you who sent him to the Mugen Train mission?" she asked softly.
"Yes, I was the one who assigned him. Shinobu... you mean to say?"
Her question clearly carried deeper meaning, and that piqued his interest. That was precisely why he valued her so highly—she often noticed things others overlooked.
"The Mugen Train is a long-distance, enclosed area. If something goes wrong, ground support would find it difficult to intervene. Furthermore, the enemy involved may be an Upper Rank demon. According to the information, the demon has already taken control of the train and could be setting an ambush. I believe sending Rengoku-san alone carries unnecessary risk."
Her voice was calm but grave, her violet eyes steady with concern.
"...That is reasonable. Then, what do you propose?"
Ubuyashiki rested his chin in thought before prompting her further.
"I recommend sending the Shogun along with Rengoku-san. She's our newly appointed Thunder Hashira and currently unassigned. In both timing and rank, she's the most suitable choice."
Shinobu presented her conclusion with quiet conviction.
"I see... So you're doing this for her sake, aren't you, Shinobu?"
Ubuyashiki smiled faintly, his tone knowing—as though he could see right through her intentions.
"...Yes. Though she's already proven her worth, there are still those who may not accept her. I want her to earn greater merit through actual missions—so she can stand firm in her position without being belittled behind her back."
"Hehe... Since when did you become so concerned about someone else, Shinobu?"
Ubuyashiki's smile turned fond and teasing.
"...Forgive me, Master. But the Shogun... she's special—to me, and to the Demon Slayer Corps as a whole. Since I was the one who invited her to join, it's only right that I take responsibility for her."
Lowering her eyes, Shinobu unconsciously clenched her hands lightly atop her knees.
"Very well... since you've said as much, how could I refuse? And you're right—it's dangerous for Kyojuro to go alone. If Miss Raiden accompanies him, their success rate will increase greatly."
Ubuyashiki nodded slowly, agreeing with her reasoning.
"Thank you for accepting my suggestion, Master."
Shinobu bowed deeply in gratitude.
...
As for Ei, her greatest joy at that moment was simply lying in bed, watching the peaceful face of her sleeping daughter. The warmth of her body pressed close like a little heater. Perhaps still half-asleep, the girl unconsciously burrowed closer against Ei's chest.
"Mmm... huu..."
Even making soft, kitten-like murmurs from time to time, as if seeking affection.
Sunlight streamed through the narrow gap in the curtains, scattering golden rays across the room. The light spread gently across the tatami mats and over the Shogun's sleeping face.
"Mmm..."
Bothered by the sunlight, she frowned slightly but kept her eyes closed, instinctively shrinking further into Ei's arms, even pulling the blanket up over her head.
"You're one to talk about oversleeping..."
Ei smiled affectionately, brushing the hair from her daughter's ear.
Truly her daughter indeed... Before the sleep function was enabled, things had been fine—but now that she could actually sleep, she loved it even more than Ei herself.
These days, Ei always woke first, only to find her beloved daughter curled up against her, sleeping soundly. But honestly... that was part of what made her so adorable.
After an unknown amount of time, the girl in Ei's arms finally began to stir. A few soft, lazy breaths escaped her lips before her half-lidded violet eyes fluttered open. There was still a dreamy haze in them, glimmering with the faint moisture of waking—like a newborn child.
"Awake?"
Ei gently pinched her daughter's cheek as she asked.
"...It's too bright."
Still dazed, the Shogun squinted uncomfortably at the morning light.
At once, Ei raised her hand to shield her daughter's eyes, letting her adjust slowly.
"What... happened to me?"
The Shogun looked down at her own unclothed body, still resting in Ei's embrace, and asked in a confused, embarrassed tone. Though she'd been sleeping for several days now, every time she woke, she still felt lost—like a newborn finding the world strange.
"Pfft... You fell asleep last night. Don't you remember?"
Ei couldn't help smiling fondly, her gaze overflowing with tenderness.
"...Oh, right... I remember now. Ugh, I still feel a bit dizzy. It's like this every morning... Do you feel that too?"
She covered her eyes uneasily, her lashes trembling as her voice softened. Before long, she buried her face once more into Ei's chest.
"You just woke up... your eyes still need time to adjust. It's nothing to worry about—it'll pass soon."
Like a patient mother, Ei guided her through every new experience, just as she had when her daughter was first 'born.'
"Phew... That's good then."
The Shogun exhaled softly, her embarrassment now faded into calm familiarity.
"Shogun... did you know?"
"...Know what?"
Her muffled voice came from Ei's embrace.
"Your personality's become much softer."
Ei said it with quiet pride.
"...It's just your imagination."
The Shogun didn't lift her head—only muttered her denial against Ei's chest.
"That's a good thing. You're not like when you were first born—expressionless, and always speaking like a cold machine."
"But I'm still a puppet. And... that gentleness is only toward those I know well. To outsiders, I'm still the same."
She finally looked up, her violet eyes meeting Ei's beautiful face at close distance, shining faintly with resolve.
"That may be true... but you've changed more than you think. You can feel it too, can't you?"
Ei brushed a hand across her daughter's forehead, her touch light and reassuring.
"...Maybe."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed the Shogun's eyes as she answered softly.
Though uncertain, she couldn't deny Ei's words. She had changed—becoming more human. The most obvious sign was how easily she blushed now. Once, even when she felt flustered, she maintained a calm, stoic mask. But now... that composure faltered easily. When embarrassed, her face would redden like that of a shy young girl.
She sighed inwardly. Oh well... at least only those close to me can see this side of me. To everyone else, I'll still wear my mask.
Knock, knock...
A soft rapping on the door broke the stillness between mother and daughter—who were, at that very moment, still entangled beneath the covers in a rather compromising position.
"!" ×2
Both froze for a moment.
"(Hide quickly...)"
The Shogun whispered urgently to Ei, who was still undressed, before slipping out of bed and hurriedly reaching for her clothes.
"(You cover for me...)"
Ei gathered her scattered garments—kimono, under-robe, sash, and thigh-high stockings—into her arms and dove under the blanket like a startled kitten, curling up tightly beneath it. The mound on the bed barely moved, giving the illusion that no one was there.
Knock, knock...
"...Shogun?"
The knocking continued. Judging from the voice, it sounded like Shinobu. What could she want this early in the morning?
Step, step...
The Shogun hastily slipped on her pale kimono without even bothering with the sash, simply overlapping the front panels to cover herself. Her long hair hung loose and uncombed, and she hadn't even put on her hairpin. Barefoot, her exquisite legs peeked from beneath the hem as she walked to the door.
Slide—
She opened it and found Shinobu standing in the corridor.
"...!"
Shinobu froze at the sight, her cheeks instantly flushed as she averted her gaze.
"Ah... forgive me. Y-you're... not up yet?"
Even the ever-composed Shinobu faltered. The sight before her—of a woman freshly risen from bed, her long hair cascading freely, her lips soft and natural, her loose robe revealing hints of bare skin and delicate legs—was captivating beyond measure. A flawless blend of purity and allure.
"Mm... You... ahem... did you need something?"
The Shogun coughed softly in embarrassment, pulling her robe tighter around herself and clasping it at her chest.
She subtly shifted her position, standing just right to block Shinobu's view of the bed behind her.
"...?"
From within the blankets, Ei peeked through a small gap, her innocent violet eyes curious—but she couldn't see the visitor, only the outline of her daughter's back. Judging by the voice, though, it must have been that girl—Shinobu Kocho.
Another one after her daughter, huh... sigh.
Still, if her daughter was loved by others, a mother could hardly complain. She just hoped... that when too many gathered around her, she wouldn't forget her first love—her mother.
A few minutes later—
Slide~
"Phew..."
After sliding the door shut again, the Shogun let out a long breath of relief. That had been close—almost caught. Thankfully, Shinobu hadn't looked inside the room. Not that it would've mattered; she had already stood perfectly in the doorway, blocking the view.
She hadn't expected Shinobu to show up so early. Normally, she would've handled it calmly... but not in this situation.
Tap, tap...
With no other choice, she returned to sit beside Ei—right next to the small, blanket-covered lump on the futon.
"She's gone," she reported softly.
"..."
Rustle~
The small lump stirred, and the blanket lifted to reveal the face of a certain violet-eyed woman—adorable as a kitten—who glanced around warily before relaxing again. Satisfied that no one was around, Ei fully emerged from beneath the covers, placing the clothes she had hidden back outside before sitting up, still wrapped in the blanket.
"What did she say to you?" Ei asked.
"She came to assign me a mission. Something about a 'Mugen Train'—apparently, there are demons sighted on it."
The Shogun tugged her kimono closed at the chest and smoothed her long hair absently.
"...I see. When?"
"Around this afternoon, I think."
She recalled Shinobu's earlier explanation.
Whoosh~
Ei didn't say anything more, simply pulling open the edge of her blanket—an unspoken invitation.
"...///"
The Shogun immediately understood what her mother meant. Her cheeks flushed, but she obediently climbed into the open space within the blanket, kneeling demurely.
Seeing that, Ei pulled her close and rolled them both back down together, the two of them wrapped snugly under the covers once again. Their bodies were pressed so close that only a few centimeters separated their faces—almost the same as when she'd first woken earlier that morning.
She had never imagined that her mother, Ei, could be this forward. Normally, she was as stiff and dense as a log. She still remembered when Yae Miko had tried to flirt with her using teasingly suggestive words—Ei had been completely clueless, leaving Miko speechless. Who could've guessed she had this side to her?
"What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Ei tilted her head, puzzled.
"Ei..."
"Mm?"
"Are you... straight?"
Maybe because she was spacing out, the question just slipped out.
"..."
Ei froze for a second, then gave her a blank look. Her violet eyes half-lidded, staring at her with the expression of a dead fish.
"...What do you think?" she asked dryly.
"...You're—"
Pinch~!
Before she could finish, Ei's hand moved swiftly, pinching her thigh right at the soft spot.
"Mm~!"
The Shogun jerked with a shiver, her face flushing crimson as she glared back at Ei.
"Too much! If you touch me again, I'll—"
"—You'll what~?"
Ei leaned in until their foreheads touched, her voice low and teasing, a small smile curling on her lips.
"I'll... I'll... um..."
Caught off guard by Ei's closeness, her voice faltered. Her usual composure crumbled.
"I just... won't sleep with you anymore."
She mumbled softly, looking away, her cheeks glowing pink. Her timid defiance only made Ei more amused.
"Straight girl~."
The Shogun puffed her cheeks and muttered in protest.
"Raiden Shogun. Say that again."
Ei's brow twitched, a small vein pulsing on her temple as she spoke in a calm but threatening tone—using her full title.
"Straight—girl—!"
She repeated obediently.
"Want me to spank you?!"
Ei's voice rose slightly.
"Still a straight girl~! A total blockhead~!"
"You—! Haa... you're really asking for it!"
Swish!
Ei's hand shot out toward her.
Flip—
But the Shogun twisted her waist deftly, dodging the strike.
"...!"
With a quick roll, she tumbled out of the blanket entirely, shooting her mother a triumphant glance before darting out of the bedroom.
"Get back here!"
Ei, now utterly exasperated, threw off the blanket and dashed after her mischievous daughter, shouting as she went.
And so, the very first morning shared by the two "foolish" mother and daughter ended in laughter and playful chaos.
The station where the Mugen Train passed through was located in a town to the east of headquarters. The town's overall layout resembled that of Asakusa—though not as dazzlingly prosperous, it still easily qualified as a small city.
Their arrival time was set for around 5:30 in the evening. By the time they reached the town limits at five o'clock, the sky had already been painted gold by the setting sun. Vast clouds of crimson fire stretched across the horizon, casting an amber glow over the entire town.
The crowds were much denser than in rural areas—after all, this was an urban hub. Especially near the train station, people moved shoulder to shoulder, busier than the main streets themselves.
"Please board, ladies."
The ticket inspector checked their tickets, then returned them politely with a courteous gesture, motioning for the two to proceed.
Step, step... ×2
Yes—two people. Ei had taken physical form again, walking beside her daughter. With no other company around, she saw it as the perfect chance to spend more time with her.
Her attire, however, was... different. The Shogun couldn't help glancing at her outfit curiously.
"This is the outfit I wore during my time as Shadow. You've never seen it before, have you?"
Ei cast a brief look down at herself, her tone calm and reflective as she walked leisurely beside her daughter through the bustling station.
Unlike the Shogun's open, lavender-trimmed kimono, Ei's Shadow attire was far more modest. The kimono's fabric was a deep shade of dark violet, its collar drawn tightly across her chest rather than left open. The shoulders were decorated with fine white thread patterns, and the red obi at her waist was similar in style to her daughter's.
The skirt, like usual, reached only the upper thighs. Beneath the short sleeves, her arms were wrapped in matching violet inner sleeves that extended all the way to her middle fingers. Her legs were sheathed in the same black-violet thigh-high stockings as the Shogun's, complete with delicate slitted embroidery at the top. On her feet were brown heeled sandals identical to her daughter's. Her long hair was tied neatly into a low braid, and her fair, refined face was accentuated by light makeup.
"Mm... It suits you."
The Shogun's compliment was genuine. Seeing her mother dressed in such a composed, elegant outfit brought a faint warmth to her heart. She could tell that Ei still carried a certain affection for this attire—after all, back then... her sister, Makoto, had still been alive.