92
Discount also available Just 5 $ to read maximum number of chapter
Advance chapter in PATREON
patreon.com/Rankco
patreon.com/Rankco
"It may disappoint you," Tamayo said softly. "I don't know much about that swordsman.
"Perhaps I won't be able to tell you as much as you'd hoped."
Tamayo's expression turned serious as she gazed at Sam Miller.
The legendary swordsman who wielded the Breath of the Sun… there might never be another like him.
He was a man blessed by the gods.
Sam nodded. "I understand. Just tell me what you know."
In truth, Sam had already planned to gather information from other sources as well.
Aside from Tamayo's knowledge, there were two more potential leads.
The first was Tanjuro Kamado, father of Tanjiro Kamado.
The Kamado family had inherited the legacy of Yoriichi Tsugikuni — they preserved his iconic Hanafuda earrings and the "Hinokami Kagura" dance, which was a form of the Breath of the Sun.
Tanjuro Kamado was also one of the rare individuals who had mastered the Transparent World, a powerful technique that heightened perception and awareness.
In the anime, Tanjiro learned this technique by recalling his father's teachings — a skill that ultimately allowed him to defeat Akaza during the Infinity Castle battle.
The second lead was Shinjuro Rengoku, the father of Kyojuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira.
Shinjuro had devoted himself to studying Yoriichi's techniques, following every clue related to the legendary swordsman.
Without another word, Tamayo retrieved a worn, yellowed notebook from a nearby shelf.
"Everything I know about Yoriichi Tsugikuni is recorded here," she said.
Sam took the notebook and flipped through the pages carefully.
As Tamayo had warned, the details were limited — but there was one particularly useful entry.
It described a theory about Demon Slayer Marks.
According to Tamayo's notes, those who awakened the Mark would experience a massive surge in power.
The theory proposed that achieving this state required two conditions:
A body temperature of 39°C (102°F)
A heart rate exceeding 200 beats per minute
However, there was a deadly consequence — no one who awakened the Mark was believed to live past the age of 25.
From what Sam recalled about the Demon Slayer Corps, only a handful of warriors had ever achieved this state.
Aside from Yoriichi and his brother, those who awakened the Mark included:
Tanjiro Kamado
Tanjuro Kamado
Gyomei Himejima
Muichiro Tokito
Obanai Iguro
Most of them had yet to awaken their Marks, except for Gyomei Himejima and Tanjuro Kamado — two individuals currently strong enough to rival powerful demons.
"Thank you," Sam said sincerely as he closed the notebook.
Even this small piece of information was valuable — enough to guide his next steps.
"No... I should be the one thanking you," Tamayo replied quietly.
"For me, meeting someone who shares my goal... it's an honor."
Sam fell silent for a moment.
He understood.
For Tamayo, her life had effectively ended the night she devoured her own family. Since then, her only reason for surviving was to atone for her sins and one day destroy Kibutsuji Muzan.
"Over the years," Tamayo continued, "I've been researching ways to defeat Muzan.
"As a doctor, I believe that every illness or condition has a cure. I believe demon transformation is a biological change — one that can be reversed. If I can find a way to turn demons back into humans... we may finally have a way to defeat Muzan."
"A good theory," Sam replied, nodding in agreement.
Tamayo's eyes widened slightly.
He believes in my theory?
Given how radical her idea seemed, she had always feared others would dismiss it. Yet here was Sam — a demon himself — openly supporting her.
"If you succeed," Sam added, "you'll be saving countless souls."
He paused, recalling the demons he had slain alongside Makomo.
Not all of them were evil — some had been ordinary people tricked or manipulated into becoming monsters.
He remembered Susamaru, the handball demon.
In her final moments, Susamaru's innocent voice had echoed softly:
"Handball... come and play..."
She had been reduced to a childlike state, manipulated by Muzan into becoming a killer.
Maybe some demons still have a chance at redemption...
"Saving demons..." Tamayo whispered.
The idea stirred something deep within her — memories of that terrible night resurfaced.
If saving demons could be her form of redemption... perhaps her suffering had meaning after all.
"If I may," Tamayo said, bowing her head slightly. "I have a request."
"Please," Sam replied. "Go ahead."
"If you encounter any of the Twelve Kizuki, I ask that you collect samples of their blood for me."
Tamayo's voice was steady, but her eyes burned with determination.
"Only by fully analyzing the blood of Muzan's strongest demons can I hope to create a cure — and perhaps, a way to defeat him."
"I understand," Sam said firmly. "If I face any of the Twelve Kizuki, I'll collect their blood for you."
"Thank you," Tamayo said gratefully, bowing deeply.
Sam shook his head.
"Actually... I have something to say to you as well."
Tamayo looked up curiously.
"Even though you're demons... you and Yushiro are more human than most people I've met."
Sam's golden eyes softened.
"You're like me — a demon walking in the dark... but still reaching for the light."
"In my eyes... there's no difference between you and a human."
Tamayo froze.
To be told — by a fellow demon — that she was still human...
It stirred something in her heart.
For centuries, Tamayo had believed her crimes were unforgivable — that no one could ever see her as anything but a monster.
Yet now, Sam... and even Makomo... believed in her.
"Actually," Makomo added with a warm smile, "I agree with Sam. You're more human than demon."
"...Thank you..."
Tamayo's voice trembled as she bowed low, her forehead nearly touching the floor.
Her heart swelled with gratitude.
For so long, she'd felt trapped in the endless darkness of her guilt.
But now...
It felt as though someone had opened a window, letting in a sliver of light.
For the first time in centuries... Tamayo felt hope.