32 Vol. II Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

Haruto paused briefly at the door to the Butterfly Mansion before stepping inside, Genya's puzzled gaze trailing him as he entered.

The room was lively, with people bustling around. Standing off to one side was Murata, his hair neatly parted down the middle. He seemed to be chatting animatedly with one of the mansion's attendants. His bright expression and unscathed appearance stood in sharp contrast to the chaos around him.

Further in, Haruto's eyes fell on Shinobu, carefully tending to Tanjiro's bandages. Her profile was serene, her delicate hands working with precision. The white bandages flowed deftly through her fingertips, wrapping layer upon layer... and layer... and layer...

"Um, Miss Shinobu…" Tanjiro's hesitant voice broke the rhythm.
"Miss Shinobu…" Kanao echoed, equally hesitant.
"You're about to mummify him!"

Tanjiro, now sporting a bandaged head that resembled a helmet, smiled sheepishly despite the overzealous wrapping.

Shinobu froze, her fingers mid-motion, before silently beginning to undo the excessive layers.

What on earth am I doing?

A soft chuckle drifted from behind her, and Shinobu's lips pressed into a thin line. A faint blush crept up her ears as she tried to compose herself.

Haruto sat down beside Tanjiro. Genya, noticing his mentor's presence, moved forward to assist with the bandaging, only for Shinobu to gently stop him.

"It's fine," she assured them.

"Don't worry, I'll take you home shortly," Haruto said, his tone comforting as he addressed Tanjiro.

"The attendants have already been to your house and explained the situation to Nezuko."

Shinobu's ears perked up at the mention of Nezuko—she knew about her. 

After securing the bandages with a final deft knot, Shinobu picked up her tray and left the room without another word. Haruto's gaze followed her briefly as she disappeared into the inner chambers, but he chose not to comment. Instead, he turned back to Tanjiro, patting his shoulder.

"You met Giyu?"

"Master Tomioka? Yes. He arrived just in time last night and defeated the demon. Without him, I shudder to think what might have happened."

"He's technically my junior, though our training wasn't exactly the same. Still, close enough."

Tanjiro fell silent for a moment, his brows furrowing before he looked up with determination. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Master, once my mourning period is over, may I train under you to learn swordsmanship?"

Genya blinked in surprise. "Ironhead... what?!"

"The demons won't just vanish," Tanjiro continued, his tone resolute. "They've always lurked in the shadows, preying on the innocent. Disasters like these won't stop unless we fight back. Ordinary people can only pray not to be targeted, but how can we rely solely on prayers to protect our loved ones?"

Clenching his fists, Tanjiro lifted his head, his expression breaking into a radiant smile.

"I want to protect my family. After learning the secrets of the Hinokami Kagura, I can't just stand idly by. Please, Master. Will you teach me?"

Haruto stared at the boy for a long moment before finally nodding.

"Don't worry, Tanjiro. When the time comes, I'll make sure your family is safe."

Such a kind and earnest child, Haruto thought. But behind his soft smile, unease lingered. The threat of Muzan Kibutsuji loomed large, his reach capable of uncovering even the most hidden secrets.

After bandaging Tanjiro's wounds, Haruto kept his promise and escorted him home. Genya remained at the estate, retreating to the sisters' study to bury himself in their medical texts.

Just as Haruto was leaving the Butterfly Estate, hurried footsteps approached from behind.

Shinobu stopped, her hands hidden behind her back, her expression a mix of hesitation and determination.

Haruto glanced at Tanjiro, then waved to Kanao, who had been standing silently nearby like a shadow.

"Kanao, could you take Tanjiro to the restroom?"

Kanao paused, her gaze shifting between the group before she nodded. "This way, please."

Tanjiro, ever polite, smiled warmly. "Thank you for showing me the way! My name is Tanjiro Kamado."

"…Kanao," she replied softly.

"And your family name?"

"…I don't have one yet."

"Eh?"

As the two walked away, Shinobu revealed what she'd been hiding—a familiar haori, neatly folded.

"This…" Haruto took it, recognizing the green mountain-patterned haori immediately. "Isn't this the one that got torn?"

He remembered that day vividly—standing in the courtyard as Shinobu demonstrated her Insect Breathing. Her blade had accidentally sliced through it. He'd left the haori at the estate for repairs, only to forget about it entirely after buying a replacement.

"I fixed it," Shinobu said, her voice quiet but firm. "Since I was the one who tore it, I thought it wouldn't be right to let someone else do the mending."

Unfolding the haori, Haruto's eyes fell on the once-torn section. It wasn't just patched—it was transformed. A delicate butterfly, stitched with silver thread, now adorned the fabric.

Haruto was silent for a moment before looking at Shinobu. Her eyes met his, unwavering, though her ears and cheeks burned crimson.

They stared at each other, two faces flushed as red as lanterns.

From a distance, Kanae watched with an amused smile before quietly returning to her duties. Genya, peeking from the doorway, held a book up to hide his face, struggling not to laugh.

Haruto, awkward and unsure, clutched the haori to his chest.

"It's… nice. I'm satisfied," he mumbled, glancing back at the door before hesitating. "Are you… sure about this?"

Shinobu nodded firmly. "I'm very sure."

Letting out a breath, Haruto turned and walked toward the door.

Outside, Tanjiro was patiently encouraging Kanao to slow down when he spotted Haruto emerging with the haori. Before Tanjiro could greet him, Haruto suddenly stumbled, catching the haori on something and ripping it slightly.

"Oh, come on!" Haruto grumbled, glaring back at the estate. "Kanae! Your floors are uneven! I tripped, and now the haori's torn again!"

For a moment, there was stunned silence, then laughter erupted from inside.

Red-faced, Haruto shoved the haori into Shinobu's hands.

"Fix it again!" he demanded.

Shinobu blinked in surprise before a soft laugh escaped her lips, her expression tender.

"Alright, I'll fix it."