CHAPTER 68: CHAPTER 68: BELIEF

Of course, the idea of soaking in a hot spring together was just talk.

But Sosuke did take Kanae... and Shinobu... to properly enjoy themselves in the Swordsmith Village.

Truthfully, there wasn’t much to do. They toured the village, but Kanae had visited several times before, so it wasn’t her first time seeing the sights.

However, being guided by different people naturally brought different moods and perspectives.

With Sosuke, there were unique joys to be found.

After the tour, Sosuke led them into the mountains.

The mountains were Sosuke’s domain. He knew every scenic spot and worthwhile view like the back of his hand.

Two of the three were swordsmen, so while the mountain trek was tiring, they could endure it.

Even Shinobu, whose stamina was lower compared to ordinary people, found mountain climbing effortless.

As for Sosuke, his stamina was inhumanly boundless.

Their mountain journey eventually brought them to a particularly beautiful spot.

A clear spring waterfall cascaded down, its waters never freezing even in the depths of winter.

Though the surrounding area lacked the usual sights and sounds of birdsong and blooming flowers, the snow-covered landscape beside the gentle stream offered a unique charm, a pristine silver-and-white vista that was both serene and captivating.

A gray-furred rabbit tiptoed across the snow. Unaccustomed to human presence in this secluded spot, it showed no fear. Shinobu, accompanying two others, circled the area twice before her childlike spirit suddenly awakened. She chased after the rabbit across the snow, her laughter echoing through the crisp air.

Sosuke found a large rock and helped Kanae climb onto it. He spread a cushion from the bamboo basket he had prepared earlier, making her comfortable.

Pointing to the nearby waterfall, he said, "I discovered this waterfall by chance. It’s not very large, so the sound of the water isn’t overwhelming. The gentle flow is actually quite soothing. In spring, the surrounding area bursts into bloom with flowers and lush greenery, and small animals come to play—it’s truly beautiful. At the end of the ravine, a natural barrier prevents further exploration. That’s why there are no Demon Slayer Corps members stationed nearby."

Kanae nodded. "It’s indeed a lovely place."

"The waterfall’s water comes from a mountain stream, and further upstream there’s an even clearer spring," Sosuke said with a smile. "The water is crisp and refreshing, truly invigorating. Sometimes I think, if we ever manage to completely eradicate the demons, I’d build a small house here, by the spring, surrounded by birdsong and blooming flowers, and live here with..."

As he spoke, he glanced at Kanae, whose gaze happened to meet his.

Sosuke smiled. "Would you like that? Living together, side by side?"

Kanae’s eyes shimmered, as if she could already see the scene unfolding.

She pointed to a clearing. "We’ll build the house right there, and then add a smithy in front for you. There are medicinal herbs on the mountain; I can gather them daily. You won’t need to forge swords anymore—just make farm tools and kitchenware to sell in the village. We can even cultivate a field behind the house, planting in spring and harvesting in autumn to feed ourselves."

"Hmm... a peaceful life, year-round."

Sosuke took a deep breath, tightened his grip on Kanae’s hand, and squeezed it gently.

Though no more words were spoken, the mere thought of such a life was enough to stir longing in their hearts.

"Look what I caught!"

Shinobu appeared before them, cradling a large gray rabbit. The creature was unusually plump, considering it was winter. One ear stood upright, while the other drooped, and it was still chewing something, though what remained a mystery.

There was no trace of fear in its eyes, only a hint of annoyance, as if irritated by these foolish humans for capturing it.

This look sent Sosuke and Kanae into fits of laughter.

Shinobu, puzzled, turned the rabbit around. The rabbit gave her a look that seemed to say, "You’ll have to figure this out yourself." She couldn’t help but chuckle, torn between amusement and exasperation. "How could a rabbit be this dumb?"

"If it weren’t dumb, how could you have caught it?" Sosuke said with a grin. "A dumb kid catching a dumb rabbit—it’s a perfect match! Hmm, the two of you together would make quite a painting."

Shinobu casually tossed the rabbit to the ground. "Who are you calling a kid?"

She was extremely sensitive about being called a child, but the word "dumb" didn’t bother her much. She lunged at Sosuke, ready to fight.

Sosuke burst into laughter and bolted away.

"Stop right there!!!" Shinobu chased after him.

Kanae sat on a rock, watching the scene unfold, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

Then, she tightened her grip on her Nichirin Blade.

Her resolve grew even stronger!

She had never imagined she could have such a bright future. But now, she suddenly felt that everything was within reach.

From the moment that man first appeared before her, to when he fled in disarray, to when he designed her Nichirin Blade, to when he resolved to protect her...

So many moments, scattered throughout her life, had suddenly become etched with his shadow.

Even the gray world now seemed to shimmer with vibrant colors.

What reason could there be not to strive for this?

With him by her side, and herself by his, with a blade sharp enough to cut through any darkness, what shadow could they not sever?

The girl sat on the stone, her hand touching the carefully prepared cushion he had made for her. The tenderness in her eyes transformed into deep affection, solidifying into an even stronger resolve.

Sosuke couldn’t spend every day running through the mountains with the kocho Sisters. The next day, he returned to his usual routine.

In the morning, he studied his Automaton, recording data, and summarizing his experiences and observations.

In the afternoon, he honed his swordsmanship.

The Kocho Sisters watched from the sidelines, with Shinobu even stepping in to spar with Sosuke.

She discovered that after his training with the Water Pillar, Sosuke’s vision and agility had improved significantly.

His blade strikes had also progressed, though not as noticeably as his other skills.

Shinobu realized that she now found it difficult to gain the upper hand against Sosuke. Even at full strength, she might not be able to land a blow.

"He’s practically... impossible to pin down!" Shinobu concluded.

Sosuke, however, was bewildered. ’What happened to the power-type build? How did I suddenly become an agility-type? The thought of using the Bloodforged Method to forge a massive hammer in the future was terrifying. A swordsman wielding a giant hammer, leaping around with slippery elusiveness—even Demons would find that a headache, wouldn’t they?’

More importantly, his stamina was inexhaustible!

Even if he couldn’t sever a Demon’s neck with all his leaping and dodging, he could keep it occupied all night.

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and parting was imminent. Sosuke felt a pang of reluctance.

Kanae, however, remained composed. Before leaving, she took Sosuke’s hand, smiled, and said, "I’ll be waiting for you at home."