Chapter 18: Encounter

Chapter 18: Encounter

Akira's departure felt more like an escape.

He knew that Yoriichi wouldn't kill him—not because he couldn't, but because he wouldn't. Akira took advantage of Yoriichi's lingering feelings for him to buy just enough time to activate his Blood Demon Art.

He understood his former master's character all too well—his unrelenting hatred for demons. In truth, Yoriichi's hatred surpassed even Akira's own.

Just because Akira had once been his disciple didn't mean Yoriichi would show mercy.

Akira had long considered the possibility of encountering Yoriichi again. Back then, he figured the best possible outcome would be being captured and imprisoned by him.

And honestly, that wouldn't have been the worst fate.

But now, Akira had no choice but to keep going. He still had unfinished business.

Just as he told Yoriichi, Akito was dead. He no longer cared about right or wrong. All he wanted now was vengeance. The people who wronged Akito—he would ensure they met the same fate.

What Akira hadn't anticipated was that his few words would ignite a storm of hatred in Yoriichi's heart—a hatred toward Muzan that now burned brighter than ever.

Everyone Yoriichi had cared about had died because of Muzan. And now, even his most beloved disciple had been corrupted by that demon.

Yoriichi wished desperately that time could rewind. If it were possible, he would trade everything—his blade, his name, even his life—just to go back and kill Muzan before it was too late.

He wandered aimlessly, barely aware of how long he'd been walking, until he found himself back in the mountain forests where he once lived with his wife and later, with Akira and Akito.

He stared into the trees in a daze and stepped into his old home. But the tranquility of the place now only reminded him of what he had lost—the joy of living with loved ones, now just flickering memories like mist dissolving at dawn.

Suddenly, a voice rang out, crisp and clear:

"Mr. Yoriichi!"

The shout cut through his fog of memories like a blade. He snapped out of his trance and looked up.

In the vast sea of white snow, a figure approached, trudging forward with effort.

It was Tanji, carrying a bundle of firewood on his back, waving excitedly.

"Since the last time we met, I didn't think I'd ever see you again, Mr. Yoriichi! I can't believe you came back so soon!"

At Tanji's home, his wife Akemi served a hot meal to Yoriichi, who quickly accepted it with gratitude.

"Please, sit. You're always welcome," Akemi said kindly.

Yoriichi noticed her rounded belly and paused.

"You two…"

Akemi smiled shyly. Tanji puffed out his chest proudly.

"Hehe, Akemi's pregnant again!"

Yoriichi gave a faint smile. Their happiness softened the ache in his heart, if only slightly.

"That's wonderful," he murmured.

"Seeing you reminds me of Akira and Akito," Akemi said with a wistful sigh. "I wonder when they'll come back."

Tanji nodded, licking his lips. "Akito's sushi was incredible. I still dream about it. She opened a shop, didn't she? If it weren't for Akemi's pregnancy, I'd love to visit."

"With Akito's talent, the shop must be booming," Akemi added. "And Akira—he's so charming, I bet their place is full of girls!"

"Right?" Tanji laughed. "I wonder when they'll get married and have kids. Oh, and they haven't replied to our last letter yet."

They chatted cheerfully, unaware that each word was like a dagger to Yoriichi's soul.

"Mr. Yoriichi?" Akemi asked gently. "Did we say something wrong?"

"No," Yoriichi said quietly, struggling to find words. Should he tell them the truth?

But their lives were so bright, so full of peace and hope. Would telling them the truth do anything but shatter it?

Just then, Tanji asked:

"Have you gotten any replies from Akira?"

Yoriichi froze.

After a pause, he nodded slightly. "I did…"

"And? Did he say how they're doing?"

The truth rose to his lips—but then he saw Tanji's and Akemi's expectant faces, so full of warmth and hope. The truth caught in his throat like thorns.

He forced a smile.

"Akira said he and Akito are doing well. The shop's very popular, and business is great. Lots of people like Akira—especially the girls. They miss you both a lot, but they're too busy to visit. Still, they said when things settle down, they'll come back to see you."

Tanji clapped his hands with joy.

"Haha! I knew Akira wouldn't forget us!"

Akemi beamed. Seeing them so happy twisted Yoriichi's heart.

He couldn't destroy their happiness with the truth. He couldn't let their peaceful lives be touched by the cruelty he now carried. Let them stay in the light. He would bear the darkness alone.

Let them live in that comforting illusion forever.

But not everything in this world goes according to plan.

The next day, as Yoriichi prepared to leave, Tanji and Akemi walked him to the foot of the mountain.

Just as they were saying goodbye, two swordsmen from the Demon Slayer Corps appeared on the road.

Yoriichi's instincts screamed—something was wrong.