Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
Dewdrops along the roadside sparkled brilliantly under the warm sunlight, like glimmering gemstones radiating enchanting brilliance.
Tendo leaned against a large boulder near the entrance like a gate guardian, clutching a big bag of dango in his arms. He craned his neck eagerly, eyes shining.
That's right—today was the day Shinobu would return to headquarters. For him, it was a day worth celebrating.
In truth, he had been waiting here since before dawn—or rather, he hadn't slept at all after receiving Shinobu's letter the night before. For no other reason than to see her the moment she arrived.
"Ah—"
Tendo yawned. In his daze, he noticed a figure appearing on the horizon. Just as he was about to step forward for a clearer look, three distinct female voices rang out behind him.
"Lord Tengen, I missed you so much, wuuu!"
"Lord Tengen, let's go home and have babies!"
"Tengen, welcome back!"
With a loud thud, the three women—like speeding cars—sent Tendo flying.
Even after such an unexpected disaster, the dango remained perfectly intact in his arms.
His head might crack, but the food must not be wasted.
Dizzy, Tendo landed, nearly eating dirt in the process.
He couldn't understand where three girls got such terrifying strength from.
When he lifted his gaze, a scene that would make any man green with envy unfolded before his eyes.Three beautiful women simultaneously kissed the tall and imposing man on his cheeks. With one arm around two and another woman clinging to his chest, he was the picture of indulgence.
"Tch!"
"Showing off their love in broad daylight!"
"What kind of people are they?"
Tendo spat in annoyance, propping his chin on his hands before devouring an entire dango skewer in one bite.
The towering man, surrounded like the moon among stars, approached Tendo. He extended his hand, the ornaments on his body glinting so brightly it made Tendo squint.
"Hey buddy, you alright?"
"Why are you lying on the ground?" Uzui Tengen asked curiously, having missed the scene where his wives had knocked someone flying. He found it particularly strange because the person on the ground bore a striking resemblance to someone the Master often mentioned.
Tendo stood up, dusting himself off as he grumbled:
"Got knocked flat by someone, what do you think?"
As he spoke, his eyes swept over the flashy man's three wives.
"Ahahaha, our deepest apologies!" Uzui Tengen quickly bowed with his wives in tow. It suddenly dawned on him - this was Tendo Kazama, that peculiar fellow.
A man who met all qualifications to become a Hashira yet refused the position because he hadn't slain any of the Twelve Demon Moons.
Such lofty aspirations were truly magnificent.
"Tendo Kazama, I've heard of you. Your ambitions are worthy of being called magnificent. As the God of Festivals, I wholeheartedly approve." Uzui Tengen boomed with laughter as he extended his hand. "Care to be friends?"
"Oh?"
"You've heard legends about me?"
Hearing this, Tendo's golden eyes sparkled brilliantly. So his reputation had already spread throughout the Demon Slayer Corps? Excellent.
"Of course, Flashy Man!" He grasped Tengen's large hand firmly, a hint of pride on his face, completely forgetting about being knocked over as he added, "You've got great taste - all that glitter really suits you!"
Uzui Tengen's smile widened at both the nickname and compliment. Few understood his magnificence upon first meeting.
"Friend, I'm a former ninja, current Demon Slayer Corps member - Uzui Tengen!" The flashy man introduced himself grandly, shaking Tendo's hand vigorously.
Just then, an ethereal female voice suddenly rang out, carrying such intense longing and barely contained joy that it instantly overwhelmed Tendo.
"Tendo, long time no see!"
"Flashy Man, we'll talk later - the person I've been waiting for is here!"
Tendo immediately cut off his conversation with Uzui Tengen and ran toward Shinobu Kocho without looking back.
The flashy man glanced over his shoulder and instantly understood from Tendo's expression - after all, he was a man with three wives himself.
"Let's go, we're heading home!"
Behind the departing flashy man, Tendo ran toward Shinobu, who was simultaneously running toward him.
This was a mutual pursuit.
Due to frequent missions, opportunities for Tendo and Shinobu to meet were rare.
He pulled Shinobu into his arms, savoring the warmth and softness of her body, his heart full.
The familiar wisteria fragrance emanating from Shinobu filled his nostrils, bringing him immense comfort.
"Tendo, I'm back!" Shinobu buried her face in Tendo's chest and exclaimed excitedly, "I successfully killed a demon using the method you taught me!"
Tendo gently ruffled her hair as he praised softly:
"I always knew my Shinobu was the most amazing!"Beside them, Kanae was momentarily at a loss for words. These two really didn't treat her as an outsider at all. She cleared her throat lightly to remind them.
"Ahem, I'm still here, you know!"
Finally, the two realized there was still an older sister present and awkwardly separated. Tendo, however, remained unfazed—his face didn't redden, nor did his heart race—as he congratulated Kanae.
"Kanae-san, congratulations on passing the Final Selection!"
Shinobu, being a girl, was naturally more reserved despite her outgoing nature. In her excitement earlier, she had completely forgotten her sister was still there.
Her head hung so low it nearly touched her chest, her face flushed like a ripe apple, tempting one to take a bite.
Her violet eyes shimmered with shyness and nervousness, her hands clutching tightly at the hem of her clothes as if trying to mask her embarrassment.
Kanae glanced at Tendo and teased, "I thought I'd been completely ignored, Mr. Busy."
"Ahahaha!"
Tendo scratched his head and laughed sheepishly.
"Alright, I'll head back to the medical ward first. You two can do as you please. See you later!"
Kanae quickened her pace with a smile, deliberately leaving space for the two who had missed each other for so long.
Halfway there, she suddenly turned back and flashed her sister a meaningful grin.
"Shinobu, remember to come home tonight, okay?"
"Sister!"
"When have I ever not come home?!" Shinobu retorted, glaring at her.
"Well, see you later!"
Kanae waved and disappeared through the entrance in just a few steps, leaving only Tendo and Shinobu behind once more.
Side by side, they walked slowly, the path beneath their feet seeming endless—after all, with the one they loved beside them, who cared about the road?
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows as if draping the world in a golden veil.
The two quietly savored this peace and beauty. After so long apart, there was too much to say, yet for a moment, neither knew where to begin.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at the entrance of the medical ward.
Tendo stopped and asked softly, "Not going in to take a look?"
Shinobu glanced over, then quickened her pace, feigning ignorance as she said:
"Where is this again?"
"Why would I go in?"
"Tendo, let's walk a bit further ahead!"
"Sure, sure!" Tendo nodded eagerly like a chick pecking at rice. Shinobu just wanted to stay with him—that alone was enough to make her happy.
They hadn't gone far when the medical ward's door opened, and a figure wrapped entirely in bandages began crawling out inch by inch.