The Training Grounds
Soma stopped and looked up at the man standing quietly with a sword in hand. The man had brownish-red hair and stood there with his eyes closed.
As if sensing something, the brown-haired man suddenly opened his eyes. In that instant, a sharp, chilling aura radiated outward, causing Soma to unconsciously take a slight step back.
Even with just one glance, the pressure in those eyes made it hard for Soma to breathe.
The brown-haired man looked at Soma, gave a faint nod, then closed his eyes again. Holding his sword, he resumed standing silently, as if immersed in his own world, no longer paying attention to anything around him.
Soma glanced at him once more before leading Kanao Tsuyuri toward a nearby room beside the training grounds.
At the door, he knocked.
Soon, footsteps sounded from inside.
The door opened, and Akihiro Arakawa came out, yawning. Seeing Soma, he said helplessly, "It's so late—I thought you weren't coming tonight."
"Sorry for the disturbance," Soma replied.
"It's nothing. After all, you did pay quite a bit extra."
Akihiro Arakawa waved it off, but his gaze fell on the little girl beside Soma. He looked puzzled. "And this is…?"
"She's a friend's child. I'm looking after her for a few days. I can't really leave her alone, so I brought her with me," Soma explained.
Akihiro Arakawa didn't think much of it.
"By the way, when I came in just now, I saw a man. He looked very strong. Who is he…?"
Hearing this, Akihiro Arakawa immediately knew who he meant. A respectful expression appeared on his face. "That's our senior brother, Himura Kenshin. He's Master's most outstanding disciple and the most likely in the Hiko Dojo to defeat Master and inherit the title of 'Battōsai.' Aside from Master himself, he's the strongest person here."
"Himura Kenshin…"
Soma couldn't help but sigh. No wonder he had felt such danger from him.
This was a character from Rurouni Kenshin—a protagonist like Tanjiro in Demon Slayer.
"Alright, I'll continue explaining the techniques of Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū," Akihiro Arakawa said.
"Okay."
Soma straightened his posture and nodded seriously.
......
Time passed quickly.
Soma studied Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū diligently under Akihiro Arakawa's instruction. With the threat of the Demon Slayer Corps looming over him, he was eager to master this sword style—designed specifically for killing—to strengthen himself.
After about an hour, Akihiro Arakawa stopped teaching. "It's too late. Let's end here for today."
"Alright."
Soma nodded and beckoned to Kanao. The well-behaved girl, who had been sitting quietly in the corner of the room, immediately trotted over to his side.
"We'll be going now," he said in farewell to Akihiro Arakawa.
Akihiro Arakawa nodded, hesitated for a moment, then added, "How about coming during the day next time? There'd be more time, and you'd have more energy…"
"Sorry. I have too many things to handle during the day. Only at night can I spare some time," Soma replied apologetically.
"…I see. Alright then."
Akihiro Arakawa nodded helplessly. He had no intention of prying into others' private matters. Though he felt a bit dissatisfied, considering the generous payment, he reluctantly accepted it.
Of course, aside from the generous payment, there was another important reason—Soma learned extremely quickly. He wasn't the dull, wooden-headed type that would give a teacher a headache.
...
Holding Kanao Tsuyuri's hand, Soma left Akihiro Arakawa's quarters. As they passed the wide training grounds, he slowed slightly.
The man named Himura Kenshin still stood there with his eyes closed, quietly and motionless. The surroundings were silent, broken only by the faint sound of his breathing.
Soma gave him a slight nod before leading Kanao out of the Hiko Dojo.
...
In the city, at an inn.
Red lanterns hanging at the entrance dispelled the darkness of the night, casting a warm crimson glow across the ground. Beneath that soft red light, a woman in a kimono was dozing behind the front counter.
Soma entered the inn, holding Kanao's hand.
At this hour, no guests were checking in, so aside from the resting proprietress, the lobby was empty.
Soma approached the counter and lightly tapped his fingers on it.
Startled awake, the innkeeper blinked groggily at the two figures before her, clearly surprised that anyone had arrived so late.
"Looking for a room?"
"Yes."
Soma nodded. "One room. I'll be staying here long-term, and I'd like something of better quality."
"No problem."
The innkeeper glanced at Soma and Kanao—an adult and a child. They didn't look like dangerous people.
Though still sleepy, she forced herself up and led them to view the room.
Since Soma had mentioned long-term lodging and requested a better room, she naturally chose the inn's finest—a small detached house located near the courtyard.
Soma examined it. The room was clean, with bedding and washing supplies neatly arranged. There was also a large storage wardrobe.
"This one will do."
He spoke, taking out a substantial amount of money. "I'm somewhat particular about cleanliness and don't like being disturbed. So there's no need for anyone to enter my room. Without my permission, no one is allowed inside. As for meals, during the daytime I'll have Kanao come out to collect them. When you see her, just hand the food to her."
Though the innkeeper found his requests a little strange, she didn't think too much about it. Guests from all over passed through every year, each with their own quirks. Besides, he was paying well.
"Alright."
She nodded and handed him the room key.
Soma accepted it, led Kanao inside, closed the door, and slid the bolt into place.
Once inside, he moved the bed aside, took out his Nichirin Sword, and began digging silently.
Digging was laborious work for most, but for a tireless demon with immense strength, it was simple. As for the excavated soil, he stored it inside the large wardrobe. Fortunately, it was spacious enough to hold a considerable amount, saving him the trouble of disposing of it elsewhere.
In half an hour, a simple but deep pit had been dug. He found a cover to place over it, pushed the bed back on top, cleaned the remaining dirt from the floor, and only after confirming everything looked normal did he lift his head to glance outside.
Unknowingly, the sun was about to rise again.
For demons, whenever the sun emerges, they must hide like rats in the sewers—retreating into the dark corners of the world.