Demon Slayer: I am a Demon

Chapter 126 Everyone cares about you, even if... you're a ghost (4/4, two chapters combined)

"Miss Makomo, do you think Seito's soul might still reside here, continuing to protect his most beloved Urokodaki-san?"

Su Mu stood before the massive rock and seemed to see a boy with flesh-colored medium-length hair, silver pupils, wearing a light blue blade, a yellow, orange, and green tortoise-shell patterned haori, a white outer robe, and a serious-looking fox mask with open eyes, standing on the boulder and looking at him.

Makomo couldn't help but look up at the boulder, but she didn't see any figure. She only felt a gentle breeze brush against her cheek, carrying a warm scent.

Will it be there?

Makomo murmured softly.

"Close your eyes and feel it."

Su Mu spoke in a low voice at this moment.

Makomo hesitated for a moment, looked at the boulder, and closed her eyes slightly.

I didn't sense the presence of the Eye Rabbit, but I felt a kind of warmth watching over me, which seemed to be the Eye Rabbit's aura.

The familiar scent, which seemed so familiar before, now feels strange.

Makomo didn't know if this aura was Sabito's aura. Perhaps it was, perhaps it wasn't. But if souls truly existed in this world, Makomo probably knew that Sabito would stay here, just like herself. If she left, she would stay here as a soul.

A tear fell from Shao'an's eye.

After a while, the girl opened her eyes and seemed to see the figure of the Eye Rabbit on the huge rock. The Eye Rabbit was standing on the rock, looking at her, opening its mouth, loudly and urgently trying to say something to her.

A strange bittersweet feeling welled up inside me.

Makomo raised her head, looking at the tall figure standing in front of her, and said, "You asked me to walk with you just to say this?"

Su Mu turned around, looked at Makomo, and asked seriously, "Can you see Sabito's soul?"

"Did you see it?"

Makomo's eyes were filled with confusion.

Su Mu shook his head.

"How could a soul possibly exist in this world? When a person dies, they just die. However, if a soul truly exists, perhaps both Sabito and I would remain here."

Makomo looked at the boulder in front of her, at the sword marks left on it, and her voice became inexplicably low.

"Didn't you see it?"

Su Mu frowned slightly. In the anime, Tanjiro trained here, attempting to split a boulder, and Sabito and Makomo provided guidance in the form of their spirits.

But perhaps, these are just imaginings in Tanjiro's mind.

Or other factors.

After thinking for a long time, Su Mu still couldn't figure it out.

A gentle breeze, carrying a hint of cold, blew by. Su Mu came to his senses and looked at Makomo beside him. The girl seemed to be getting impatient.

However, the girl's personality seems to be quite gentle; even though she wanted to leave at that moment, she was still waiting politely.

He smiled and said, "I heard that Miss Makomo is going to Mount Fujikasa in the next few days to participate in the swordsman's examination?"

Makomo looked up, glanced at Su Mu, but didn't say anything.

"I wonder if Ms. Makomo could take us along?"

-

Su Mu also revealed the purpose of his trip.

Makomo, who had been silent all along, raised her head and looked at the tall man in front of her: "I know you probably really want to hunt demons, or you're very interested in it, or for some other reason, but I want to tell you that dealing with demons is not that simple."

Although the voice was ethereal and light, it was unusually earnest.

"I know."

Su Mu nodded.

"You have no idea."

Makomo gritted her teeth and looked up at the man in front of her: "Some time ago, I followed a ghost-hunting team to hunt ghosts and track down a ghost—but now, the entire ghost-hunting team has been killed. They were all cruelly murdered by that ghost."

Makomo looked at the man before her: "Do you know what 'sacrifice for all' means?"

The image of Hiroshi Furukawa and his group involuntarily surfaced in her mind. They were so warm and caring towards her. It was just a simple farewell, and that was it.

Even just thinking about it fills my heart with sadness.

"Stop thinking about demon hunting. Your master has received a message from the crows, wanting you to become trainers of 'Sun Breathing.' Training more 'Sun Breathing' swordsmen is far more important than slaying one or two demons. That's not something that can be compared to killing one or two demons."

"Although Ms. Makomo said that, I still want to see the 'Fujikasayama' test."

Su Mu smiled.

"Don't you understand what I'm saying?"

Makomo was now quite annoyed: "You're playing with your life. You might be happy now, but haven't you thought about the pain those behind you will suffer?"

"The person behind you?"

Su Mu looked surprised.

"Kanao, Lady Aoi, Nezuko, Tanjiro, Takeo—they all care about you so much, can't you feel it? If you really leave because of this, what kind of sorrow will they be plunged into? Do you understand what kind of pain they will suffer?"

Perhaps thinking of herself, of Qing Tu's departure, of her senior brothers and sisters, and of the sudden departure of Furukawa Hiroshi and the others, Makomo was furious: "Do you know how selfish you are to do this?"

"Selfishly doing what you think is right, selfishly thinking you are doing something noble, selfishly thinking you are doing the right thing, never thinking about whether those who care about you will be sad because of your departure, never thinking about their feelings."

"You people are really—really selfish."

Faced with such a severe reprimand, Su Mu couldn't help but reach out and scratch his head.

After venting her frustrations, Makomo realized that she wasn't actually referring to the other person, but rather that the other person's situation reminded her of her senior brother, senior sister, Cuotu, and herself.

Whether it's senior brothers and sisters, Qingtu, or even myself, everyone is doing the same thing.

"Feel sorry."

Makomo bowed slightly and said, "I'm sorry to suddenly say such serious things to you, but please think more about yourself. The people you care about actually care about you more than you care about yourself. Please think more about them."

"Someone who cares about me?"

Su Mu stood there, not feeling much empathy. If there was anyone who cared about him, it was probably only Kanao. As for the so-called Kamado family, would they really care about him?

After all, the Kamado family truly knew their own demon identity. Everything they did was simply succumb to their threats, either for their older brother, their younger brother, or their mother.

In reality, these people are probably more afraid of him than anything else. They might even think they wish this ghost would die.

"Please take better care of yourself and don't let the pursuit of demons cause you to overlook the most beautiful things around you."

Makomo bent down once more, glanced at the figure standing there, and turned to leave.

A gentle breeze ruffled the girl's black hair, which fell onto the smiling fox mask with its eyes closed.

As Makomo walked, past the boulder, she vaguely saw the figures of her senior brothers and sisters. She saw their selfishness, their selfish departure, without considering her sorrow or her master's sorrow. Now, she herself was walking on the same selfish path.

She gazed at the moon in the pitch-black night, unconsciously reaching out as if to touch the chilling moonlight that shone down upon her: "I, too—have walked the path of selfishness!"

"If I really leave, my beloved Master Urokodaki, please forgive me."

"It's all my fault."

Su Mu watched Makomo's petite figure leave and shook his head. He had only come to go to Fujisaki Mountain with Makomo, but he had been scolded. He felt somewhat confused.

-

"Are you on your period? Why are you so irritable?"

He couldn't help but mutter to himself, and without giving it much thought, he prepared to go back.

He had only taken a few steps when Kanao's figure suddenly appeared, her light footsteps nimbly landing in his shadow.

Su Mu turned around and glanced at the girl. The girl, whose figure was hidden in the shadows, looked up at him with her pinkish-purple eyes.

He smiled at Kanao; the only one who truly cared about this demon was Kanao.

"I'm gone."

He gently patted the girl's head.

He hadn't walked far before he returned to his newly built house and opened the door.

"Sir, you're back."

Hearing the noise at the door, the woman, still wearing an apron, quickly walked over, took out slippers from the shelf by the door, and neatly placed them in front of him.

Su Mu was slightly stunned. After hesitating for a moment, he still lifted his foot.

With the help of Kamado Himawari, they took off their shoes and put on more comfortable slippers.

He couldn't help but glance at Kamado Hime again. At that moment, the woman smoothed her disheveled hair and helped Kanao change into cleaner little shoes.

After doing all this, Kamado Aoi stood up, stepped aside, placed her small hands on her lower abdomen, and bent slightly at the waist, her posture very serene.

Shaking his head, Su Mu was somewhat unaccustomed to some of the local customs.

Upon entering the house, Su Mu discovered that the room, which had been built not long ago and was quite dirty and messy, had been cleaned very thoroughly. In the corner of the room, there was a wooden bucket with a mop still on it, indicating that the mop had been busy in the room while he was away.

Seemingly sensing that he was being watched, he couldn't help but turn his head. The curtain of the room next door was swaying, and he vaguely saw a delicate face suddenly turn away.

It should be 'Nian Douzi'.

"Sir, would you like something to eat?"

"Um, is there any food left?"

Su Mu squatted on the mat in the living room and casually replied, "As a ghost, even if I don't eat for a long time, I won't feel hungry. But perhaps I was once deeply hungry. When I have nothing to do, I still like to eat something."

"The red bean porridge that Mi Douzi makes for her husband is still cooking."

"Red bean porridge!"

Su Mu was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, sir. Mizuko said that you said it was a bit too sweet last time, so this time she added less konpeito, and she was worried that it wouldn't suit your taste."

"Uh, really?"

Su Mu scratched his head, not really remembering these things, but there should have been such an incident. He didn't expect that Ni Douzi would remember it so clearly.

"Then I'd be grateful if Madam Kuizhi could bring me a bowl."

After saying that, he turned to look at Kanao: "Where's Kanao?"

"Just like my uncle."

The girl's voice was soft.

"Sir, Kanao, please wait a moment."

Zao Men Kui Zhi nodded and quickly left. Soon after, she returned with two bowls of red bean porridge.

Su Mu and Kanao each held a bowl and ate slowly.

Kamado Kui-e did not leave, but instead busied herself nearby with needle and thread, presumably working on the clothes that had been torn by the tree branch a few days ago.

He glanced at it and then looked away.

"Sir, how's the taste? Would it be better if it wasn't so sweet?"

While busy with needlework, Kui-chi from the stove looked up and asked with concern.

"It's okay, I quite like eating it."

Su Mu replied.

"What about Kanao?"

Kamado Kui looked at the girl next to her.

"I'm the same as my uncle."

As always, Kanao followed her uncle's lead, but after a slight hesitation, she lowered her head and said softly, "It would be even better if it were a little sweeter."

Su Mu turned his head and looked at Kanao, which was a rare occurrence for Kanao to express her own opinion.

Kanao was unaware of these things. Seeing her uncle looking at her, she also looked up at him.

"I'll make you something sweet next time."

Su Mu patted Kanao's head, somewhat pleased.

Kanao didn't know why her uncle was happy, but since he was happy, she smiled happily too.

Kamado Aoi finished sewing the last piece of clothing, while noting down the two's preferences. Kanao especially liked sweet foods, while the gentleman had a rather unique palate. He wasn't usually picky, but seemed to really like spicy food. She needed to talk to Mizuko about this so that Mizuko would keep that in mind in the future.

After the two finished eating, Kamado Aoi also stepped forward to clear away the dishes, but she did not leave immediately. Instead, she stood there hesitantly.

"Does Mrs. Kui have something to say?"

Su Mu was somewhat surprised.

Kamado Aoi was visibly nervous: "Y---there are some things."

"Please speak."

"Sir, are you going out in a few days?

As she spoke, Kamado Aoi unconsciously gripped her clothes, her eyes filled with apprehension.

"Are you worried about Tanjiro's safety? Don't worry, under normal circumstances, Tanjiro will be fine."

Su Mu gave an explanation.

He thought that after his explanation, Kamado Aoi would feel a little more at ease and leave, but she didn't. She remained standing there, biting her lip slightly.

"Is there anything else?"

He was somewhat surprised. If he wasn't allowed to leave with Tanjiro, he would really be angry. He had already planned out the path Tanjiro would take in the future, and he had to follow the path he had set out for him.

"Um."

Kamado Aoi looked at him nervously, and when she saw his bad expression, she became even more nervous.

"Speak."

He tapped the table with his fingers, his eyes slightly closed, wondering if he had been too kind to the Kamado family lately, leading them to mistakenly believe that he was really that easy to talk to.

They also forgot his true identity.

Kamado Aoi hesitated for a moment, gritted her teeth slightly, and bravely raised her eyes: "Not only Tanjiro—but also—"

Please also take care of yourself, sir.

As she spoke, the woman lowered her head: "Everyone cares about you."

Su Mu opened his eyes, a hint of crimson hidden beneath his dark pupils staring at the gentle woman with her head bowed before him, finding it somewhat amusing.

The whole family knew he was a ghost!

He stared at Kamado Aoi for a long while before finally revealing a smile, his tone flat: "I understand. It's getting late, Mrs. Aoi, you should go back and rest early."

"Please—please make sure you take care of yourself, sir."

Kamado Kuiji bowed again, and seeing that the master seemed completely unconcerned about everyone's worries, she lowered her head and retreated somewhat dejectedly.

After the kitchen radish left, Su Mu raised his somewhat deep eyes and gently tapped his fingers on the table.

Beside her, Kanao raised her pinkish-purple eyes and quietly looked at her uncle.

"What's wrong with Uncle?"

"It's nothing."

He reached out and placed his hand on Kanao's head, his fingers running through the girl's soft, black hair, and asked softly, "Tell me, is it sincere, or feigned?"

Kanao frowned, trying her best to think for her uncle.

The girl felt it was real, but thought that if Kanao could so easily believe it was real, her uncle wouldn't have to worry so much. Perhaps her uncle could tell it was fake.

But she felt it was real.

It's true, at least for now.

With a furrowed brow, Kanao wanted to share her thoughts with her uncle, but Su Mu seemed to have figured something out. He patted Kanao's head and said with a carefree smile, "Alright, it's late. My dearest Kanao, you should rest."

Kanao had no choice but to stop talking, but she sensed that although her uncle seemed calm, he was anything but.

So she reached out and gently took her uncle's hand: "Uncle, don't worry about others."

"Anyway, Kanao cares about her uncle."

"Too."

Su Mu reached out and gently scraped Xiang Naihu's nose, his tone somewhat indulgent: "Get some rest. I'll have Madam Kuizhi make you another bowl of sweet white fungus porridge tomorrow morning."

"don't want."

Kanao shook her head.

"Doesn't Kanao like it?"

Su Mu was somewhat puzzled.

Kanao held up two fingers: "Two bowls, please."

"Ha, what a greedy little Kanao."

He smacked Kanao's nose again.

"One bowl for Uncle, and one bowl for Chanel."

The girl spoke softly.

"Um."

Su Mu glanced at the girl, made a soft sound with his nose, and whispered, "However, Uncle doesn't really like those sweet things, so give them all to Kanao."