DSWS: Chapter 48

"Mugen Train, The Demon Slayer Corps's Response"

Early morning. The sun hadn't yet risen, and the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters was still quiet. In Tanjiro's team's room, a crow's sharp voice cut through the stillness.

"Good morning! Wake up!"

"What is it?" Tanjiro sat up, looking at the crow. Zenitsu and Inosuke were still asleep, or at least pretending to be.

The crow called from the doorway: "Casualties on the Mugen Train are rising. Over forty people are missing.

Orders from above: Aoki's team is to proceed to the Mugen Train incident location and rendezvous with Rengoku Kyōjurō. Depart immediately, heading west!"

Later, in the courtyard, Kagaya Ubuyashiki sat before Shinobu Kocho.

"I've dispatched Aoki's team to the Mugen Train. They suspect a member of the Twelve Kizuki might be involved. Aoki volunteered. I wanted to ask you something."

"Master Ubuyashiki, please," Shinobu Kocho replied.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki spoke gently. "Lately, I've heard from other Hashira and the Butterfly Mansion that Aoki seems close to you. Some even say you're secretly dating. Is this true?"

Shinobu Kocho blushed. Her shyness enhanced her charm. "No, that's impossible. Aoki-kun is a year younger than me, and… I'm different. He has family. I only live for revenge."

Her voice trailed off, her expression darkening, as if recalling painful memories.

"If that's not the case, I won't pry," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said. "But Shinobu, if he truly captures your heart and becomes your partner, I would be pleased. Since Kanae's passing, you've changed. I cherish your current self, but I hope you'll show your true self."

"Try, Shinobu. Aoki might not understand now, but time changes people."

Shinobu Kocho was stunned, reflecting on her interactions with Aoki, questioning her feelings.

Kagaya Ubuyashiki continued, "He's leaving on a mission. Won't you say goodbye?"

Shinobu Kocho finally snapped out of her thoughts.

Outside the headquarters, Aoki addressed his team.

"Everyone, be at your best! This is Team Seven's first mission. We must succeed. Any mistakes, and Tanjiro gets no Nezuko for a month, Zenitsu no girls, and Inosuke no meat!"

"Aoki-senpai, that's too cruel! A month without Nezuko? How am I supposed to live? And why Team Seven? It sounds so random," Tanjiro complained.

Aoki smacked him on the head, expertly avoiding his forehead. You don't understand.

Team Seven's significance? During the Fourth Great Ninja War, Team Seven fought Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, sealing her with the Six Paths: Chibaku Tensei.

You're too young to understand. And don't call me senpai on missions. Call me Captain, understand?"

Tanjiro, clutching his head, mumbled, "Yes, Captain."

The trio stopped, staring ahead. Aoki followed their gaze and saw Shinobu Kocho, smiling warmly.

"Aoki-kun, I hear you're going on a mission," she said, approaching him.

"Yes, our first mission as a team. Memorable," Aoki chuckled, having shed some of his shyness thanks to Zenitsu's advice.

Zenitsu had said, "Chasing girls? Shamelessness is half the battle. I once proposed to a girl on the spot. If Tanjiro hadn't interfered, I'd have grandkids by now."

Aoki was still reserved, but far less tongue-tied than before.

"Over forty people are missing from the Mugen Train. A Twelve Kizuki might be involved. Lower Moons are manageable, but Upper Moons… that's trouble."

"Rengoku's already there. Go join him. I won't keep you."

Shinobu Kocho walked past.

"Aoki-kun!" she called out as they took a step. "Stay safe."

Her voice was barely a whisper, yet they heard her.

Aoki smiled. "Don't worry. I'll be fine. I'm the weakest Hashira, but Rengoku's with me. Even an Upper Moon is no match for us."

"Besides, I promised to help you achieve your goal. Dying now wouldn't be my style."

"I'll return safely."

Aoki left, raising an arm halfway through.

Shinobu Kocho smiled, shaking her head. "He still can't do it. We're so different. I can be natural like him, but I lack his… essence."

Her expression faltered, but a calm smile returned as she clasped her hands to her chest.

"But that's why I'm drawn to him. I look forward to more interactions, Aoki-kun."

____________________

for more advance chapters visit my p@treon

p@treon.com/kane45

Casual Reader - 20 Advance Chapters

Intermediate Reader - 40 Advance Chapters

Expert Reader - 60 Advance Chapters