"You are..."
Kamado Tanpei came out of the doorway and looked at Oboro.
His calm eyes concealed confusion, surprise, vigilance, and alarm, but he hid them well.
The surprise was because he didn't recognize the visitor, and judging by the maids accompanying Oboro and his attire, he was either wealthy or noble.
There was also Oboro's own aura... In Tanpei's eyes, it perfectly blended with everything in the mountains.
The confusion stemmed from the fact that someone like this would not easily associate with commoners like them from the mountains.
The reason for vigilance was simpler.
He had perceived that this unfamiliar young samurai was extraordinary.
His physique appeared weak... but as he stood there, he possessed an indescribable aura.
It was his breathing...
Alarm... This was the first time Tanpei had seen such a 'person' since he was born.
Fortunately, the other party didn't seem to have malicious intent.
What Oboro noticed first was not Tanpei's appearance, but the Nichirin earrings he wore and his forehead.
His forehead lacked the familiar scar.
This person was almost a carbon copy of Tanjuuro Kamado, except his build was even more slender, and his physique was only slightly more robust than Oboro's current one.
Moreover, Tanpei's physical condition was also poor... This meeting between the two felt like two sick individuals coming together.
Tanpei was slightly shorter.
His hair, under the sunlight, had a faint reddish hue.
"It seems the scar isn't present in every generation... and only those who bear the scar are qualified to be chosen?" Oboro murmured softly.
The Dance of the Fire God is Sun Breathing. This breathing technique cannot be practiced by ordinary people... Like breathing exercises, if one's aptitude and talent are poor, it will shorten their lifespan.
This might also be the reason for the Kamado family's short lifespan, but they have never forgotten their mission to pass down the gift from their benefactor, Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Generation after generation, without the slightest wavering.
"My name is Oboro, and I come from the Entertainment District."
Oboro smiled and introduced himself, "I heard that your family has a hereditary Kagura dance, a dance to pray for peace from the Fire God. I have come today to witness it. I hope Mr. Tanpei can fulfill my wish. As you can see, my body is like a candle in the wind, with no medicine in this world that can cure it. Therefore, I can only place my hope of survival on such an unrealistic matter... I hope the Fire God will manifest and allow me to live a little longer in my remaining years."
Oboro appeared very polite and sincere.
"Father."
Tanjiro, who had run to Tanpei's side, nervously tugged at his father's sleeve. Although he was young, he understood... that the dance to worship the Fire God could not be performed casually, and each time it was performed, his father's condition worsened.
"Mr. Oboro himself says it's unrealistic... I'm afraid I'll have to let you make a trip in vain."
Tanpei placed his large hand on his son's head and smiled gently, "I am helpless regarding Master's ailment. I only make a living selling charcoal, I am not a physician."
Changing from 'Mr.' to 'Master,' Tanpei's intention was clear.
At this moment, Tanpei's wife also came out from the house and nodded at Oboro.
She was a gentle and virtuous woman.
One could tell from her appearance and eyes...
"Excuse me for the intrusion."
Upon hearing this, Oboro was not disappointed and turned to leave.
He coughed incessantly.
Sparse snowflakes began to fall again from the sky...
"Master."
Seeing this, the maid hesitated.
The three of them had walked up from the foot of the mountain, taking several hours... Now it was snowing again, and judging by the sky, it would be dark soon.
"Master, please stay."
Tanpei's voice came from behind.
The man said softly, "If you don't mind, Master, you can stay at my humble abode for the night. It will be safer to descend the mountain after dawn tomorrow."
His wife also smiled at Oboro.
"Thank you."
Oboro nodded.
He led the two maids into the house.
A wind chime hanging under the eaves outside the door was gently blown by the wind, making a pleasant crisp sound.
Entering the house, Oboro found the room's furnishings very simple: a hanging stove burning charcoal, a few futons laid on the floor, and the remaining items were all household goods, mostly handmade.
However, Oboro also saw the masks required for the Kagura dance, as well as some items related to the worship of deities.
Oboro sat by the brazier, the firelight reflecting on his bloodless skin. A maid beside him helped him take off his haori.
The Kamado couple showed no discomfort at the guest's arrival, especially the woman, who was very attentive...
Seeing Oboro's poor health, she immediately brought him the tea she had brewed. There was no flattery or excessive enthusiasm, just a sense of helpful kindness that made one feel incredibly comfortable.
Tanpei had only one child, unlike Tanjuro who had many.
After Oboro was seated, Tanpei said nothing, but sat not far away, using his small hand like a knife to patiently carve an object.
On the other hand, Tanjiro kept secretly glancing at Oboro's profile.
Children are naturally curious.
Moreover, perhaps he had never seen such a 'handsome' man before, and his aura was completely different from that of the common people in the town below.
He often followed his father down the mountain to sell charcoal.
And Oboro clearly looked like a person of high status, making Tanjiro seem a bit impolite.
"Tanjiro."
Tanpei called out gently.
"It's alright."
Oboro beckoned to Tanjiro.
"The world is in turmoil now, and most people are displaced. Those who can get enough to eat are few."
"I have intruded without invitation and troubled you with your hospitality. I should offer some compensation."
"This way... I will feel at ease."
Saying this, Oboro placed a valuable jade ornament into Tanjiro's hand.
Upon seeing this, Tanpei's expression changed slightly.
His wife was also about to speak.
But then Oboro raised his hand and said, "If you do not accept it, I will not be able to rest easy."
"…"
There were many large wild animals on Mount Okumoto Toriyama. One could accidentally encounter them even during the day, let alone at night.
Although he knew in his heart that Oboro was skilled and not in danger, if he really left... it would feel like driving someone away, kicking them while they were down.
And Kamado Tanpei understood Oboro's intentions even more.
The gift couldn't be accepted for nothing... Even if he couldn't refuse it now, he wouldn't keep it in the end, but this gift was genuinely given.
He should show some acknowledgment.
"Sigh..."
Kamado Tanpei sighed.
He stood up, pulling his son, and walked towards the kitchen.
Before leaving, he bowed slightly to Oboro, "We are humble mountain folk, our food is limited, it's all simple fare."
"Troublesome."
Oboro rubbed his hands by the charcoal fire and nodded.
Although his actions were a bit underhanded, it was indeed very effective against the Kamado family.
A little later, as night fell.
Tanpei's wife brought out bowls and chopsticks. The prepared dinner was a pot of wild vegetable soup and rice balls.
Oboro ate a few mouthfuls. It wasn't that the taste was not to his liking, but his current body had poor digestion and appetite.
Afterward, everyone squeezed into one room and slept on the floor.
His arrival seemed not to have disturbed the family of three, but both Tanpei's wife and the little Tanjiro sensed... the peculiar atmosphere between Kamado Tanpei and Oboro.
This guest... was very special.
____________________
For more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - +20 Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - +40 Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - +80 Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"