Over the years, Mitsuko has been traveling extensively, inevitably encountering Demon Slayer Corps members.
Mitsuko also roughly understood the structure of the Demon Slayer Corps.
First, there's the mysterious master at the very top of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Next are the Hashiras that support the Demon Slayer Corps, known as Hashiras, named after the Breathing style they use.
For example, the man in front of us, Shinjuro Rengoku, is called the Flame Hashira because he uses the Breath of Flames.
Then there are the regular members of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Among these people, those who possess considerable talent and are exceptionally outstanding can become Hashira's stepsons and be personally trained by Hashira.
Finally, there is the hidden.
The members of "Hidden" generally have little combat ability and are responsible for the cleanup work after the team members finish fighting, while also shouldering other support duties.
This is what Mitsuko knows about the Demon Slayer Corps so far.
Shinjuro Rengoku is the only Hashira that Mitsuko knows.
Because the Rengoku family is a famous Demon Slayer family, and because of their inherited appearance, and because the Rengoku family has produced Flame Hashiras for generations, they are very easy to identify.
Mitsuko's expression was extremely solemn. The slash from Shinjuro Rengoku just now had made Mitsuko's hands tremble uncontrollably.
Furthermore, both arms were severely burned by the flames.
Although his injuries had healed on their own, Mitsuko clearly understood that he was no match for Shinjuro Rengoku.
Moreover, Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen were continuously appearing behind Shinjuro Rengoku.
Determined to strike first, Mitsuko unleashed his Blood Demon Art.
"Blood Demon Art: Black Mist Restraint!"
Mitsuko released a cloud of black mist, which swept towards the Demon Slayer Corps members.
"Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!"
With himself at the center, Shinjuro Rengoku unleashed a swirling flame-like sword technique, scattering all the invading black mist.
Just as the Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen were about to attack, they were stopped by Shinjuro Rengoku.
"Don't make any rash moves; there are humans around him!"
Shinjuro Rengoku stepped forward and looked Mitsuko up and down.
"Katō Mitsuko has a scar on her forehead, can cast Blood Demon Art that releases black mist, possesses the Nichirin Blade of the previous Stone Hashira, and as a demon, sometimes she slays demons and sometimes she saves them. Moreover, she doesn't kill members of the Demon Slayer Corps, but only incapacitates them. Her behavior is unpredictable, isn't it? I've finally met you."
The shadow of the tree blocked the moonlight from shining on Mitsuko, making it impossible to see Mitsuko's expression at this moment: "It seems that you have investigated me very thoroughly, but there is one thing you have investigated wrong, I am not a demon."
"Interesting. A demon who doesn't think he's a demon. This is the first time I've ever seen one since I started slaying demons."
Seeing that Mitsuko did not refute, Shinjuro Rengoku asked suspiciously, "I'm questioning you like this, aren't you going to defend yourself?"
"What's there to argue about? You subjectively believe I'm a demon. No matter how I explain, it'll sound like I'm making excuses. Although I'm not a demon, I haven't admitted to being human either."
"I'm becoming more and more curious about you. What is the purpose of all this?"
"The goal... is simple: to live."
"Alive?" Shinjuro Rengoku was extremely surprised.
"Man lives for the sake of living itself, not for anything beyond living. My purpose is to live. Is that strange?"
Shinjuro Rengoku was taken aback, somewhat unable to understand Mitsuko's answer: "If you just want to live, why do you have to do those things? Wouldn't it be safer to just stay somewhere?"
You wouldn't understand.
Shinjuro Rengoku, of course, wouldn't understand that when Mitsuko said "living," she wasn't referring to him alone.
Mitsuko wouldn't explain to Shinjuro Rengoku that the fewer people who knew about Junpei Ogiya and the others, the safer they would be.
Shinjuro Rengoku dared not attack Mitsuko rashly because Mitsuko had Obanai Iguro by her side.
Mitsuko also understood that the Demon Slayer Corps members were only refraining from attacking because they were wary of Obanai Iguro beside them.
Facing the Hashiras of the Demon Slayer Corps, Mitsuko had absolutely no confidence in escaping from his grasp.
Now that the Demon Slayer Corps is still hesitant, it's time to leave.
Mitsuko crouched down and gently stroked the crack at the corner of Obanai Iguro's mouth: "Obanai, you must remember that you are not ugly. The most beautiful things are those that are not perfect. Don't make things difficult for yourself. Live as yourself. Don't tell others about your misfortunes like a victim. Pursue what you think is beautiful with passion."
Experience guides you, rather than defines you. How a person sees themselves often foreshadows their destiny. What kind of person you want to become does not depend on your ability, but on your choices. The Iguro family is the Iguro family, and you are you; the two cannot be confused.
Over the years, I've learned one thing: if you make a decision, the fear disappears. Knowing what you absolutely must do eliminates fear. Sometimes, a little bit of conviction can take you a long way. Do you remember that, Obanai?
Obanai Iguro's eyes filled with tears as she nodded forcefully.
Mitsuko ruffled Obanai Iguro's hair: "Alright, it's time to part ways. I hope that when we meet again, you'll be able to stand on your own two feet."
Obanai Iguro tugged at Mitsuko's sleeve, looking at him with teary eyes: "Can I go with you?"
Mitsuko shook his head: "Obanai, you should know now that I am not human, and I should not be part of your future."
Mitsuko looked at the Flame Hashira, Shinjuro Rengoku, in the distance: "Your future path should be filled with humans just like them."
"Blood Demon Art: Hidden Shadows in the Black Mist!"
A large amount of black mist enveloped Mitsuko's body.
As the black mist dissipated, Mitsuko's figure disappeared from everyone's sight.
Seeing Mitsuko leave, Shinjuro Rengoku did not stop him. He went to Obanai Iguro's side and asked with concern, "Child, are you alright?"
When Obanai Iguro raised his head, Shinjuro Rengoku saw the terrifying cracks on Obanai Iguro's face.
The other Demon Slayer Corps members were startled when they got closer and saw it.
However, Shinjuro Rengoku did not show any abnormality and continued to care about Obanai Iguro: "Where are your family? I'll take you to find them."
Obanai Iguro thought of her cousin who had run away with the valuables, then shook her head and said, "I have no family anymore."
"I see..." Shinjuro Rengoku pondered the whereabouts of Obanai Iguro.
Obanai Iguro suddenly pleaded with Shinjuro Rengoku, "I want to join you!"
"Our Demon Slayer Corps is dedicated to slaying demons. Joining the Demon Slayer Corps is like walking on a knife's edge, never knowing when you'll be killed by a demon. Even so, do you still want to join?"
Obanai Iguro nodded firmly and said, "I'm ready! I want to join!"
Sensing Obanai Iguro's will, Shinjuro Rengoku agreed to let Obanai Iguro join him.