"Kawanishi! Long time no see. No one's been selling charcoal around here lately."
"I heard your family was attacked by wild animals... Don't take it too hard."
"So, what brings you here today?"
Someone recognized Kawanishi—it was clear now he had arrived in Titing Town.
"I'm just passing through. It's been a while, and I wanted to check on Sayuki Hara and her family."
"Oh, that girl? You two have always been close, huh? Always coming to see her."
"She actually came back from Asakusa not too long ago. Around the time your family had that… incident. She should be home now."
"You've been asking about her for ages. You should go see her."
Kawanishi froze for a moment. "Sayuki… she's back?"
For two years, every time he passed through to sell charcoal, he'd stop by Sayuki Hara's house, hoping she'd returned. But it was always empty. No signs of life.
He had always carried a lingering guilt when it came to Sayuki.
The man chuckled. "Hurry up and go. I'm sure she's been waiting to see you too."
After saying goodbye, Kawanishi headed straight for Sayuki Hara's house.
Asakusa... he'd heard of it—a big city, but one he had never visited. He didn't know how advanced it was, but he figured he'd go someday to see for himself.
But Sayuki, you're already back? Two years have passed, and so much has changed. I've changed… I wonder if you're still the same.
He walked a familiar road and soon stood before a sizeable home.
It was a three-story building, twice the footprint of typical houses—an imposing sight among rows of humble cottages.
Sayuki had been Kawanishi's companion since he was eleven, back when he delivered charcoal. Her family was among the wealthiest in the area. Her parents did business in Asakusa and rarely returned home.
Kawanishi had met them two or three times—kind, insightful people. They had never looked down on him, and were genuinely happy that Sayuki had someone like him to rely on.
Knock knock knock.
"Sayuki, are you home?"
He had knocked on this door more times than he could count. He wasn't sure if the passerby had been truthful—but if Sayuki really was back, it stirred something uneasy in his heart. He hadn't seen her in two years.
It had been the spring of his fourteenth year, on Mount Wanzhu.
The green bamboo had swayed gently in the breeze, leaves fluttering through the air, casting a peaceful spell across the forest.
Kawanishi lay half-reclined on a soft bed of leaves, watching Sayuki chase after the dancing foliage. It was all so serene.
Her waist-length golden hair shimmered as she twirled, as if sketching a living painting in harmony with the forest.
"Sayuki, you asked me to come today. That's a first. Usually it's me who calls you out."
Sayuki paused, catching a spinning leaf in her palms and gently placing it on his head.
Kawanishi looked up, the leaf looking ridiculous on him. Sayuki giggled, her eyes crinkling like crescent moons. "Kawanishi-nii, do you like me?"
He took the leaf, popped it into his mouth, and chewed. Bitter, but with a refreshing herbal tang.
Tilting his head back, he looked into her eager eyes and said:
"Of course I do. I've always thought of you as my little sister. You, Tanjiro, all of you—you're my family. How could I not like you?"
Sayuki pouted, her chubby cheeks puffing up like buns.
Amused, Kawanishi stood and pinched her face gently—soft and smooth to the touch.
"Little one, you're acting strange today. What's going on?"
Sayuki huffed again, then turned away with a prideful little twist.
Kawanishi sighed, then cupped her face with both hands and gently turned her back toward him, locking eyes with her bright pink gaze. "Alright, spill it. Want me to take you to another spot?"
Sayuki often begged to tag along on his errands, though her weak constitution meant she tired quickly. He never minded carrying her home and retracing his steps.
But this time, it wasn't that.
"Kawanishi-nii… I'm leaving for Asakusa. Tomorrow."
He paused. Asakusa—Sayuki had spoken of it before. A real city. Bustling streets, bright lights. It reminded Kawanishi of his past life, though surely less advanced.
"Asakusa? Your parents want you there?"
She nodded, her face tinged with sadness. "Yeah. They've finally settled their business and want me to live with them now. I probably won't be coming back much..."
"Kawanishi-nii, will you miss me?"
He couldn't deny the ache in his chest. He'd long since seen her as a little sister, a part of his family.
"I will. I'll miss you a lot, Sayuki."
Her gloom vanished, replaced by a radiant smile. "Then… come with me to Asakusa!"
"I'll ask my dad. He really likes you—and so does Mom! They'll definitely say yes!"
Go with her to Asakusa...
It sounded like the kind of place he remembered from before—tempting, in a way.
But his home was the little cabin on that mountain.
The cities from his past life were grander, but they had never felt like home. They had been cold and lonely. His life now, though simple, was warm and filled with love.
He couldn't leave. Sayuki didn't need him—but Tanjiro and the others did. He had responsibilities.
Sayuki watched him in thought and added softly, "It's your family, right? You can bring them too."
"Dad can take care of everything. He's more than capable."
Kawanishi patted her head. "Sayuki, it's not that simple..."
Even if her family could support them, would Kie and the rest accept that kind of help?
Relationships change when debts form. Things that were once warm and easy can grow tense and strange.
Sayuki stomped in place, kicking a few leaves. She looked embarrassed and frustrated.
Why can't you see how I feel, Kawanishi...?
Taking a deep breath, she fought past her nerves, her cheeks flushed.
"Kawanishi, do you love me?"
"Not like a sister. I mean—really love me."
"If you do… I'd be willing to stay."
(End of Chapter)