Demon Slayers: Swordsman
Chapter 12 — A Warm Sun
Months passed since Ren had joined the Demon Slayer Corps. Most of his time was spent at the Butterfly Mansion, where he trained, rested, and occasionally disappeared for his own practice.
Whenever the Hashira had time, they would come to spar with him, only to leave with shaken confidence and renewed determination.
Ren also trained regularly with Shinobu, Kanae, and Kanao—the quiet girl who rarely spoke but observed everything. Despite his strength, he never acted like a teacher, often mixing training with teasing.
He still teased Shinobu and Kanae endlessly, much to their frustration.
Aoi and the triplets adored him the most.
Ren would help them with daily chores, carry heavy supplies, and even cook meals. His cooking was so good that even Kanao showed faint reactions, quietly enjoying every bite.
One night, Ren lay on the roof again, staring at the sky filled with stars.
The calm breeze brushed past him as he rested his hands behind his head.
'You really like to watch the stars and the moon, don't you?' Shinobu asked.
Ren hummed thoughtfully. 'Well, I kind of like them,' he admitted.
Kanae walked in gracefully. 'Ren, master has something to ask you. Can you go and meet him tomorrow?'
'Sure,' Ren replied easily, then added 'But you gotta rest, Kanae. A good body will help you kill more demons.'
'Ara, are you worried about me?' Kanae teased, Shinobu glanced at Ren, her voice tinged with mock offense. 'You don't ask me to rest?'
'Well, I'm worried for the girl I like,' Ren said. Then he turned to Shinobu with a smirk. 'And Shinobu, don't try to act innocent. You get plenty of rest every day when I drag you in a princess carry to your room—'
Shinobu quickly covered his mouth with her hand, her face flushing. Kanae stared in disbelief. 'He? You? What?'
Shinobu looked away, cheeks burning red. 'N-No nonsense! He's talking nonsense. Don't believe him,' she stammered, trying to compose herself.
Kanae's mouth twitched. 'I would believe you if you had said that looking me in the eyes without those red cheeks,'
Shinobu covered her face in embarrassment. Ren glanced at Kanae with a mischievous glint. 'But don't you always sneak into my room to ask me to make food f—'
Shinobu's eyes shot toward Kanae, who now covered Ren's mouth. 'You? Kanae, how could you eat without me?' Shinobu demanded, her voice a mix of betrayal.
Kanae looked away embarrassed. Ren laughed heartily. 'Bahahah, you two already like me—just admit it, and we can make it official.'
'Shut up!' Kanae and Shinobu chorused, pouncing at him in unison. Ren dodged effortlessly, his agility turning the moment into a chase around the garden.
'Blah, I'm not taking a beating for no reason,' he called over his shoulder. 'And why are you so embarrassed? There's no need to hide your feelings for me!' Ren ran as the Kocho sisters pursued him, their laughter filling the air.
Aoi and the triplets were used to the spectacle by now, watching from the sidelines with smiles. Even Kanao, the quiet observer, smiled faintly at her sisters' flustered antics. She enjoyed seeing them so lively, chasing after Ren like this.
Ren was like a warm sun, making everyone around him feel good and cared for. He even trained Kanao in her breathing techniques, patiently guiding her through the forms with encouragement.
After a few hours of chasing, Shinobu was the first to run out of stamina, her breaths coming in heavy gasps. Ren appeared at her side, scooping her up effortlessly and heading to her room.
Shinobu was breathless from the run. 'Huff huff, you huff bastard, let me go,' she protested weakly, though her tone lacked real anger.
Ren flicked her forehead lightly. 'Stop acting like a tsundere,' Shinobu pouted but fell silent, her arms wrapping around him instinctively as he carried her to her room.
As he began to leave, Shinobu grabbed his hand, pulling him back. 'The thing you said about fighting the Demon King for us—was that real?' she asked softly, her eyes searching his.
Ren smiled reassuringly at her. 'Of course it was. Do you want me to?'
Shinobu looked at him intently. 'No,' she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. 'I don't want you to spend your life fighting demons.'
She pursed her lips, memories surfacing. 'But I can't forget how my mother and father were eaten in front of us by demons. I hate them.'
Ren pulled her into a gentle hug, burying her face in his chest as tears slipped from her eyes. He stroked her hair and back.
'That's normal, Shinobu. You have all the right to hate them,' Ren said softly. 'But don't worry—I promise you, Muzan will die in front of you.'
He cupped her cheeks with both hands, his thumbs wiping away her tears. Shinobu looked up at him as he leaned in close; she closed her eyes, and their lips met in a kiss.
Ren's tongue battled hers. They separated slowly, and Ren looked at her with a playful glint. 'You still remember I'm a pervert, right?'
A vein popped on Shinobu's forehead as she pinched his waist sharply. 'Owwww!'
'You really know how to ruin a good mood, don't you?' Shinobu said, though a small smile tugged at her lips. 'But I still like you.'
Ren grinned widely. 'Well, goodnight. Kanae must be still searching for me, so I gotta go.'
'Just say you want to kiss her too,' Shinobu replied dryly. Ren's expression turned serious. 'Shinobu, I might be a pervert, but I never force anyone. You accepted the kiss—that's why I kissed you. If you had resisted, I wouldn't have—'
Shinobu pecked his cheek . 'That's why we love you.' Ren smiled and shared another long kiss with her before heading out to find Kanae.
Kanae was searching everywhere, her steps hurried through the dimly lit halls. Ren found her using his heightened senses. 'Hey, you tired yet?'
Kanae lunged at him. Ren captured her in his arms with swift movements. 'You let me hit you,'
Ren looked at her 'Do you like me?'
Kanae went silent for a moment. 'I still don't understand why us?'
Ren scratched his head thoughtfully. 'Well, I can't answer that. But I can tell you that I genuinely love you and Shinobu.'
Kanae met his gaze. 'And there are more like me and Shinobu?'
Ren coughed. 'Ahem, well, yes. I'm not gonna hide this from you two. There are a few more, and we might meet one soon. She's my age.' He thought to himself Mitsuri should be joining the Demon Slayers soon; he was excited to meet with her.
Kanae sighed, a mix of emotions crossing her face. 'Well, I don't know whether to be happy that you won't be doing something behind our backs or angry that you still want more wives.'
Ren hugged her close and whispered in her ear, 'Oh, you will be begging for me to find you sisters soon enough.'
Kanae's face turned red. 'Y-You! What are you talking about?'
Ren grinned mischievously. 'So, how about a bet? If I win, I won't look at any other women except you and Shinobu.'
Kanae looked at him curiously. 'What bet?' Ren leaned in and kissed her, their lips lingering as he guided her toward Shinobu's room.
Kanae's cheeks reddened as she understood the implication of the bet, though it felt a bit early—and why in Shinobu's room? Her eyes widened at the thought, but before she could voice it, the door opened and closed behind them.
Shinobu looked up from her bed, surprise flickering in her eyes. Kanae began to explain, 'Sh—' but Ren silenced her with another kiss, leaving Shinobu blushing as she watched the pair.