Chapter 31: Chapter 31: Divine Doctor of Butterfly Mansion
Chapter 31: Divine Doctor of Butterfly Mansion
Kyojuro believed in Ren's potential and thought he could master any skill.
But Ren shook his head.
"Brother Kyojuro, you're a kind person," Ren said softly. "But I'm already Shinobu-sama's student, so it's a pity."
Hearing this, Kyojuro's large, expressive eyes dimmed momentarily.
"Is that so? That's truly unfortunate," he replied, his voice tinged with disappointment.
It made sense to him, though. Someone as remarkable as Ren would naturally have caught Shinobu's attention first.
However, Kyojuro's optimism returned quickly. After all, the Hashira worked together for the greater good. Ren becoming stronger was a boon for the Demon Slayer Corps as a whole.
The group put aside their training swords and chatted for a while longer. In this time, Ren grew closer to the Rengoku brothers.
Kyojuro, in particular, couldn't resist sharing some of his recent mission experiences.
Ren listened attentively.
"Ren, something strange has been happening recently," Kyojuro began.
Ren glanced up. "Brother, go ahead."
"On my last few missions, I noticed that demons have started behaving more methodically. Normally, they act on base instincts—chaotic and unplanned. But lately, their actions have been strategic, almost organized," Kyojuro said, his expression growing serious.
Ren frowned slightly as Kyojuro continued.
"I suspect they're searching for something—or someone. During a recent mission, I questioned a demon using Blood Demon Arts. From what I gathered, they're hunting for a masked man dressed in black."
Ren froze upon hearing this.
Kyojuro nodded, oblivious to Ren's reaction. "I believe this could be the same person Shinobu-sama reported encountering some time ago. It seems the demons have set their sights on him."
"Isn't he a member of the Demon Slayer Corps?" Ren asked, feigning curiosity.
Kyojuro shook his head. "No, we don't know who he is. My lord asked Shinobu-sama, but even she couldn't identify him. However, my lord has ordered us to find him and convince him to join the Corps. Someone with skills like his could be a tremendous asset."
Ren offered a thoughtful nod but stayed silent.
Internally, though, his thoughts raced.
That masked man... it's me.
Ren was certain Shinobu had already figured out his identity, judging by her reaction that night. She likely chose to keep quiet for reasons he couldn't discern.
What truly troubled him was the realization that he'd caught the attention of Muzan Kibutsuji. In the original series, this kind of exposure would lead to dire consequences.
Ren wasn't confident he could survive an encounter with even a Lower Moon demon in his current state.
Should I create additional identities to divert suspicion? he wondered. Until he could rival an Upper Moon demon, he had no intention of revealing his true identity prematurely.
As the sky darkened, the conversation shifted back to lighter topics. Kyojuro spoke fondly of the masked man's abilities, even admitting he admired the individual's skill.
"If I ever meet him, I'd love to exchange techniques," Kyojuro said with a smile.
Later, as they prepared to leave the training grounds, Kyojuro attempted to stand but suddenly collapsed.
Ren reacted swiftly, catching him before he hit the ground.
"My apologies, Ren," Kyojuro said sheepishly. "I slightly injured my leg during yesterday's mission."
Ren crouched to examine the injury and found that Kyojuro's calf was severely strained. The bones had even suffered some damage.
Despite this, Kyojuro hadn't shown any sign of discomfort during their sparring session.
Senjuro stepped forward, his frustration evident. "My brother always does this! Every time he gets hurt, he goes to Butterfly Mansion to see a doctor. But before Sister Shinobu can treat him, he runs off on another mission. That's why his leg keeps getting worse!"
Kyojuro laughed heartily, brushing off his brother's concerns. "It's nothing serious, Ren. My leg just went numb from sitting too long. Don't worry about it!"
Before Kyojuro could rise again, Ren's firm hand pressed him back down.
"Mr. Ren, what are you doing?" Kyojuro asked, confused.
"Treating you," Ren replied calmly.
Ren placed his hands on Kyojuro's calf and knee, quickly assessing the condition. Through precise massage and acupoint stimulation, Ren knew he could alleviate the issue. However, proper follow-up care at Butterfly Mansion would be essential.
Ren began his treatment without hesitation, his movements confident and deliberate. Kanoe, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward to assist, handing Ren tools as needed.
Watching them work so efficiently, Senjuro's eyes lit up with realization.
Ren... is from Butterfly Mansion!
He recalled rumors circulating among the Demon Slayer Corps about a male divine doctor appearing at the mansion recently.
Could Ren be that doctor?
If so, maybe he could completely heal Kyojuro's injuries.
Senjuro's opinion of Ren shifted drastically.
Kyojuro, on the other hand, remained skeptical. He couldn't fathom how Ren had the time to master medical skills alongside his rigorous training.
Even so, he couldn't deny the relief he felt as Ren's hands worked skillfully on his leg.
"Ren, there's no need to trouble yourself..." Kyojuro started.
"It's fine," Ren cut him off, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Before long, Kyojuro's eyes widened in amazement as the pain in his leg began to fade.
**
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