Demon Slayers: Swordsman
Chapter 6 — Butterflies and Thorns
Ren didn't care what Muzan might do after learning about Doma's death. Even with the system and Yoriichi Tsugikuni's peak strength, fearing the Demon King would be pathetic. If he ever reached that point, he might as well commit seppuku himself.
A swordsman who feared his enemy had already lost.
The three of them walked through a quiet forest path toward a nearby Wisteria House, where Demon Slayers often rested and reported missions. Purple flowers swayed gently in the wind, their scent calming the tense atmosphere.
Ren casually walked between the sisters with his hands behind his head.
"Hay Shinobu-chan, you really are beautiful like a butterfly 🦋," Ren said cheerfully. "How can a human being this beautiful?"
Shinobu's face instantly turned red.
Kanae immediately shot Ren a dangerous glare.
Shinobu tried to maintain her composure, but his constant praise made her cheeks burn. At the same time, she couldn't help enjoying her sister's reaction.
She had never seen Kanae this expressive before.
"Ara, Ren-kun… you flatter me too much," Shinobu said softly.
Strangely enough, she didn't mind him addressing her by name so casually. When he spoke like that, it somehow felt natural.
Ren simply smiled.
"Hay, I'm not flattering you. I'm just telling the truth," he replied. "You two sisters are really beautiful."
He pointed at Shinobu first.
"One is a beautiful butterfly."
Then he pointed at Kanae.
"The other is a graceful flower."
Ren sighed dramatically.
"Though this flower seems hell-bent on poking me with thorns."
Shinobu suddenly laughed.
"You know, this is the first time I've seen my sister like this," she said while covering her mouth. "Usually she's a calm, mature big sister."
Kanae's eyebrow twitched.
"Shinobu," Kanae said slowly, glaring at her.
"Why are you still talking with this insufferable guy?"
Shinobu simply winked playfully.
"Come on, sis. He's interesting and fun to talk to," she teased.
Then she glanced at Ren.
"Right, Ren-kun?"
Ren immediately winked back.
"Of course."
Kanae sighed deeply.
Kanae… you are the Flower Hashira, she reminded herself internally. Control your emotions.
This man saved your life after all.
You should be thanking him.
But every time she looked at Ren's stupid grin, her patience evaporated.
Still, Kanae forced herself to calm down.
She cleared her throat and spoke formally.
"Ahem… Ren-san, thank you for saving my life from Doma," Kanae said while bowing slightly. "I would have died if not for you."
Shinobu quickly followed her sister's lead.
"Thank you for saving my sister's life," Shinobu said politely while bowing as well.
Ren blinked for a moment.
Then he smiled warmly.
Instead of replying properly—
He reached out and ruffled both of their heads.
"Hayyyy!"
Both girls protested at the same time.
Ren simply grinned mischievously.
"No need to be so formal," he said casually. "I was there, so I saved her."
He tilted his head slightly.
"You think I would let a beautiful girl like Kanae-chan get killed?"
Ren then looked at Shinobu.
"Wouldn't Shinobu-chan be sad?"
Before they could react—
Ren suddenly pinched both of their cheeks.
"Your cheeks are so soft," he said happily.
For a moment the two sisters froze.
Their faces slowly turned red.
Then—
A vein popped on both of their foreheads.
They had actually been touched by his earlier words.
But the next second this idiot showed his true colors.
Kanae immediately drew her sword.
"You hateful guy!" Kanae shouted angrily. "Don't you know you shouldn't touch a girl without her permission?!"
Beside her, Shinobu also unsheathed her blade.
"I have to agree with sister," Shinobu said with a red face. "You shouldn't let your hands run out of control."
Ren blinked.
Then he immediately turned around and ran.
"Hey, wait!"
The two sisters chased after him.
Ren laughed while dodging their attacks.
"Well, it's your fault!" he shouted back. "You two are just so cute and beautiful!"
"I can't control my hands!"
Both sisters turned even redder.
"Sh-Shut up!" Kanae shouted angrily. "Don't say things like that so casually!"
Shinobu's face was burning as she chased him.
"Bakaaaa!" she shouted.
Ren laughed while effortlessly dodging their strikes.
For him, this was actually good training.
Every swing of their swords sharpened his senses and reaction speed.
Besides—
He genuinely enjoyed teasing them.
Watching their embarrassed reactions was simply too entertaining.
Behind them, two Kasugai Crows quietly observed the scene from a tree branch.
Kanae's crow sighed.
"Caw… humans are strange."
Shinobu's crow nodded.
"Very strange."
Then both birds spread their wings.
They flew toward the sky.
Their destination—
The Demon Slayer Headquarters.
Because the news they carried would shake the entire Demon Slayer Corps.
Upper Moon Two—
Doma…
Had been killed.