The world fell silent.
Yushiro was stunned.
What on earth… Mr. Ryosuke?!
Mr. Ryosuke?!
I just went to make a cup of tea, and now he's Mr. Ryosuke?!
That Demon Slayer bastard who just stomped on me like I was trash and cut off my arm!
Miss Tamayo, actually, actually… It's well known in Japan that addressing someone by their family name versus their given name implies different levels of relationship and recognition.
Yushiro's vision darkened, and countless images flashed uncontrollably through his mind.
That bastard Demon Slayer approaching Lady Tamayo with a fake smile, Lady Tamayo responding gently, that bastard's hands and feet starting to get restless… No—!!!
Lady Tamayo wouldn't do that!
How dare this filthy Demon Slayer! Why?!
"Yushiro!"
Tamayo's voice rang out again, sighing, "Put down the tea, then leave."
Immense grievance and confusion crashed within Yushiro's chest.
"Lady Tamayo…"
Yushiro's voice was dry and trembling, filled with incredulous accusation.
"Leave."
Tamayo repeated, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Yushiro's lips trembled a few times.
He glared fiercely at Ryosuke, then stiffly bent down to place the tea tray on the low table and walked out.
A subtle silence fell over the Japanese-style room.
"Please excuse that, Mr. Ryosuke."
Tamayo bowed slightly in apology. "Yushiro… he is just overly protective of me."
"I understand, his loyalty is commendable."
Ryosuke nodded, his gaze sweeping over the closed door. "It's just that his mind isn't very sharp, he gets worked up easily."
Tamayo: "…"
She decided to skip this topic.
"I agree to the cooperation you mentioned earlier."
Tamayo's voice became solemn. "To research a cure that turns demons back into humans is my lifelong aspiration. If one day I can truly succeed in delivering a fatal blow to Muzan, I, Tamayo, would die a thousand deaths without regret."
"Very good."
Ryosuke leaned slightly forward. "What do you need?"
He wasn't sure if the blue spider lily was what Tamayo needed.
After all, the original story only said that this stuff could turn Muzan into a super-being.
As for the antidote to turn demons back into humans… the recipe wasn't explicitly stated!
Everything needed Tamayo's research.
"The key breakthrough point lies in the blood of an Upper Rank Demon."
Tamayo paused, then slowly said, "Especially the Upper Rank Demons; the higher their rank, the purer Muzan's power contained within their blood samples."
Ryosuke's fingers tapped lightly on his knee, making soft thudding sounds.
Just like in the original story.
The Twelve Kizuki must be killed!
Ryosuke thought to himself.
When he cut off Yumee's neck, the system clearly indicated that he was a Final Stage Evil Demon.
Above that, it would probably be the Lower Rank Demons of the Twelve Kizuki.
But the strength gap between these two was not insignificant.
It was like a Quasi-Emperor and a Great Emperor.
There was only a thin line separating them, yet the difference in strength was like heaven and earth.
A beginner Great Emperor could slap five or six peak Quasi-Emperors to death with one hand; it was ridiculous.
With Ryosuke's current strength, even a Final Stage Evil Demon was a struggle, let alone a Lower Rank.
He still needed to kill more small fry to develop!
Ryosuke forced out a wild smile.
"Alright."
He agreed decisively. "That day will come. Once I cut off that Upper Rank Demon's head, I'll package the blood and send it to you immediately."
Tamayo was stunned.
Yushiro was dumbfounded.
No! You're bragging, buddy!
You? Kill an Upper Rank?!
You're more likely to just get on a futon!
Tamayo was also momentarily speechless.
Even though she had lived for hundreds of years and seen all sorts of people and demons, she had never seen anyone so… so matter-of-factly declare that he was going to hunt an Upper Rank Demon.
The almost blind confidence and ruthlessness in his demeanor left her momentarily speechless.
Tamayo could only nod slightly. "…I await your good news."
"One more thing."
Ryosuke changed the subject, looking around. "Your hiding place needs to change."
Tamayo was not surprised.
This place had already been discovered by Ryosuke.
Although he bore no ill will towards them, what about the other Demon Slayers? What about Muzan and his demons?
Regardless of the considerations, this hiding place could no longer be used.
After a moment of silence, Tamayo nodded solemnly.
"You are right. I will arrange to leave Asakusa with Yushiro as soon as possible and find another hidden location."
With the matter settled, Ryosuke had no intention of staying long.
He stood up and stretched his shoulders.
"Well then, I should go. As for how to contact me…"
He glanced in the direction of the door, implying, "You two should be better at that than I am."
"Please rest assured," Tamayo stood up to see him off.
The two walked to the entrance, where Yushiro stood with his arms crossed like a door god, his eyes fixed on Ryosuke's back.
Ryosuke walked out without a care.
"Mr. Ryosuke…"
Tamayo called out to him.
"Hm?"
Ryosuke looked back.
"Will we meet again?" Tamayo asked.
Ryosuke smiled, not answering "yes" or "no," but instead directly extended his hand.
Tamayo was slightly startled, looking at his well-defined hand.
After a brief hesitation, she raised her own fair and slender hand and gently placed it in Ryosuke's palm.
Bang!
Yushiro, standing nearby, turned ashen, his heart shattered.
No way!
Lady Tamayo!!!
Tamayo looked at Ryosuke and nodded slightly.
Ryosuke's hand was dry and warm, with thin calluses from years of holding a sword, conveying the vibrant vitality and strength of a living being.
"Of course we will."
Ryosuke's voice was not loud, but carried a strange penetrative quality. "Because our goals are aligned."
"Whether it's an ideal, a wish, or merely to end this cursed era of demons… we are all moving in the same direction."
"Our paths are the same."
He squeezed Tamayo's cool hand firmly, then released it without any lingering attachment.
"I'm leaving. Take care."
With those words, he did not look back.
His ink-black haori cut an arc, and his figure quickly merged into the darkness of Asakusa city.
Tamayo stood by the door, warmth still lingering on her fingertips.
She gazed in the direction where Ryosuke had disappeared, her lips unconsciously curving upwards.
Four hundred years of darkness and struggle seemed to finally be pierced by a faint glimmer of light.
It came from a strange Demon Slayer who claimed he only wanted to survive.
"Lady Tamayo!"
Yushiro rushed over, his voice choked with tears and unyielding jealousy.
"How could you… how could you let him touch your hand?!"
"That bastard!"
"What kind of spell did that damned Demon Slayer cast on you?!"
He pointed in the direction where Ryosuke had disappeared, trembling with anger, and several claw marks were clearly visible on the pillar he had been leaning against.
Tamayo withdrew her gaze and shook her head.
She couldn't explain it either, merely giving Yushiro a faint glance.
"Yushiro, pack our things. We are leaving Asakusa."
"But…"
"No buts."
Tamayo turned and walked back into the room.
"Immediately."
Yushiro watched Tamayo's retreating back, his teeth grinding audibly.
Idiot!
That bastard Demon Slayer named Ryosuke!
You'd better die out there!
Die at the hands of the Twelve Kizuki!!!
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