After leaving the river valley, Hiru traveled without rest to the address mentioned in Uzui's letter. It was there that he finally met the three wives Uzui was forever boasting about.
Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma.
Hinatsuru, the eldest, was a gentle beauty with black hair tied in a high ponytail and an alluring beauty mark beneath her left eye.
Makio, who also wore her hair in a ponytail, had a fiery temperament; her bangs were dyed a striking gold, and both her speech and bearing carried a bold, spirited edge.
The youngest, Suma, had a sweet face but was timid and prone to tears.
All three were undeniably beautiful, each with her own distinct charm, and they followed behind Uzui to greet Hiru.
And yet Hiru's feelings were complicated.
Because standing there bare-faced, without his usual makeup, Uzui completely outshone them. It was a rare and faintly absurd sight.
"I have to ask," Hiru said, eyeing him critically. "Do you paint your face and shave your head because you're afraid your looks alone might defeat your enemies?"
"What?" Uzui stood in a violet men's kimono, white mid-length hair cascading loosely over his shoulders, a playful smile on his lips. "Dissatisfied with my flamboyant style? Jealous, perhaps?"
Normally, Hiru would have punched him without hesitation. But looking at that face now, he merely frowned.
"What a waste…"
"Don't say that. It's the signature of the God of Festivals." Uzui slung an arm around Hiru's shoulders with easy familiarity. "Well? First time at my place, right? My wives are beautiful, aren't they? By the way, the sweets I brought last time were made by Hinatsuru. She's particularly skilled with desserts."
Hiru sighed and looked toward the elegant woman with long dark hair.
"Thank you. The sweets were excellent."
Hinatsuru bowed slightly. "I'm glad they pleased you."
"By the way, you've improved lately," Uzui added suddenly.
"Hm?" Hiru turned toward him with visible disdain. "That grin of yours is insufferable."
"The last time you saw a newcomer, you were blushing and couldn't even look at them. But now you're perfectly composed in front of my beautiful wives…" Uzui's smile turned mischievous. "Or is it that you prefer the more innocent type?"
"Why would I be embarrassed?" Hiru followed him into the house. "They're dressed perfectly normally."
Uzui stroked his chin theatrically. "Oh, come now. Cleavage and thighs on display, yet not the slightest reaction? You only blush around newcomers, don't you? What a discreet little pervert."
Hiru's expression went blank for two full seconds. The way he looked at Uzui was as though he were staring at something utterly beyond saving.
"They're just short kimono. What exactly is there to be embarrassed about?"
"…Wait." Uzui stared at him. "So you were blushing at the clothes back then?"
Silence.
"Didn't expect that from you…"
"…"
"But I understand," Uzui continued shamelessly. "That subtle, half-hidden allure—refined taste. I'm impressed."
Hiru: (－"－)
"Enough nonsense." Hiru pinched the bridge of his nose, forcibly suppressing the urge to punch him. "You called me here because you're finally ready to act? Don't tell me I came all this way for nothing again."
"No. Lately, I've sensed someone keeping watch on us. They've likely taken the bait. Now we only need to add a little more."
Uzui gestured for Hinatsuru to hand over a stack of papers.
"These outline your new identity. Commit them to memory within a week, then accompany me."
Hiru accepted the stack—nearly a finger thick—and flipped through it with open displeasure.
"I come here to help you hunt demons, and you make me study? Have you no conscience?"
"My conscience is in excellent health," Uzui replied, tapping the top sheet. "Read the plan first."
Hiru skimmed the contents more carefully this time, only to frown again moments later.
"Are you serious? You want me to pose as a child? Have you lost your mind—or have I?"
"I confirmed with Makomo that you can shrink before arranging this," Uzui said smoothly. "And you've disguised yourself for missions before. Posing as a child shouldn't trouble you."
He grinned.
"Besides, once you've crossed a line once, crossing it again is hardly difficult. You may as well accept it."
"…May I hit you?"
"Absolutely not. If you're injured and delay the plan, that would be inconvenient." Uzui glanced with satisfaction at the now-creased papers in Hiru's grip. "And don't underestimate it. I've spent months preparing this identity. Every detail can withstand scrutiny. You may even find it useful again someday."
"Tsk. As if I need an assumed identity to do as I please."
"Hah. I admire that shameless streak of yours."
Hiru rolled his eyes. "All this effort for something we'll likely use only once. Wasteful."
"It may involve civilians. I will not have the Demon Slayer Corps' reputation compromised. Only when every detail holds firm will those with ulterior motives commit themselves."
"You speak like a seasoned schemer."
Hiru rolled the stack into a tube and tucked it under his arm.
"Fine. I'll do it. Now give me a room. Reading all this will take time."
"If you truly can't memorize everything, focus on the first twenty pages. Those must not go wrong."
That was the final straw.
Hiru lifted his foot and kicked Uzui.
"Stop lecturing! Say one more word and I'll strip you and leave you in the middle of the street!"
"Ha! To behold the body of the God of Festivals would be their honor!"
Hiru: …
[ Unbelievable. When a man has no shame, he is truly invincible. ]