CHAPTER 23: SILENT VOICE

A gentle wind stirred the trees as Tanjiro walked deeper into the forest, guided by instinct.

He found Sahiru Orasawa resting beneath a weather-worn shrine, his conical hat tilted over his eyes, his sword resting beside him, untouched but alert—like a sleeping beast.

Tanjiro stepped forward quietly. "Sahiru-san?"

Sahiru's eyes opened—scarlet and violet, piercing but calm. "...You again."

"I just… wanted to talk," Tanjiro said, sitting beside him.

For a while, there was only the sound of leaves rustling. Then Sahiru spoke.

"I used to believe strength would save everything. That if I just became stronger, no one I loved would die."

He looked toward the shrine.

"But strength without purpose is just destruction. I learned that... too late."

Tanjiro stayed silent, listening.

"She was my purpose. Suzune. I wasn't enough to save her."

Tanjiro lowered his head. "I'm sorry…"

Sahiru shook his head. "Don't be. Grief is a cruel teacher, but it teaches the hardest truths."

He turned to Tanjiro.

"Listen carefully. Mercy doesn't make you weak. Rage doesn't make you strong. Power means nothing… if your heart doesn't know why it draws the blade."

Tanjiro's eyes widened.

"I understand."

Sahiru smirked faintly. "No, not yet. But you will… in time."