Nearing year's end, I prepared to leave.
I rarely came out this long. Also very worried—in winter, Kagaya's health might change.
After he heard about Obanai's matters, urged me to stay longer—no harm.
Though new bracelets still sent back monthly—not watching before my eyes, still couldn't feel at ease.
I told him I prepared to return. Just so, Shinjuro also returned from executing missions. The best time for me to leave.
Obanai stayed at the Rengoku house somewhat awkwardly. Obviously, this warm atmosphere—for him, only endless embarrassment and discomfort.
But because Shinjuro was his benefactor—also kindly sheltered homeless him—Obanai couldn't tell Ruka he wanted to leave.
Fortunately, I came. Heard him quietly tell me he wasn't used to staying. I promised him—after spring opened, would send him to the Cultivator who mastered Water Breathing for training.
I already prepared to return to the Ubuyashiki residence. Result—messenger crow hurriedly brought me a letter.
Kagaya hoped on my return journey, I could help pick someone up, bring them back.
With the letter also came detailed information about that person. A murderer in a homicide case.
From disclosed case details—this person cruelly killed orphans he raised in one night with his own hands. Because witness and physical evidence both present—quickly sentenced to death.
Seeing it, I felt familiar. Thought—isn't this the same as when I selected Hakuji back then?
However, being presented before Kagaya meant this case actually involved demons.
Sure enough, the autopsy report said—fatal wounds on the children were all attacked by beast-like claws. And the accused murderer couldn't see. Also, no matching weapon found at the scene.
Therefore, this case was transferred to the Demon Slayer Corps by relevant departments.
Kagaya feared time delayed—this person would be executed. So had me, who was closer, rush over.
After reading the letter, I couldn't delay. Jumped up to pack luggage. Hurriedly bid farewell to the Rengoku family. Then rushed to rescue the person.
Could also be considered this person's good luck. My pace fast enough. Three days before execution, killed my way to the police station.
Went through special procedures to release this nearly-dead murderer. Only then knew his name: Himejima Gyomei.
He was a blind practitioner. Though tall and imposing—the feeling he gave wasn't terrifying.
He followed the officer out from prison. Face still retained unease. Didn't let anyone support him. Just followed the officer out. Movement actually like a normal person.
I watched him occasionally tilt his ear. Carefully capture surrounding movements. Knew his hearing was extraordinary.
Walking before me, stopped. Gyomei asked, "Has this humble monk's injustice been cleared?"
Basically, yes. Since releasing him—charges should also be removed together.
I asked if he'd go with me to see the person who helped prove his innocence. He pressed palms together. Silently chanted Namu Amida Butsu. Gladly went along.
On the journey together, I witnessed Gyomei's prowess. He walked neither fast nor slow. But never collided with pedestrians or buildings.
I asked what his trick was. He said—listen to subtle wind sounds. If encountering obstacles, would emit different sounds.
After several days, he proactively told me, "Lord Chihaya's voice—also doesn't sound like ordinary people."
I thought a bit. Still didn't know if he'd join the Demon Slayer Corps. Just casually made up an excuse to brush it off.
Fortunately, he couldn't see things. Also didn't know how strangely I dressed.
After becoming familiar, he'd also proactively tell me about this undeserved disaster's cause.
He originally lived in an abandoned temple. Raised a group of orphans with no one to rely on. Later, one night, a child couldn't return in time. Encountered a demon outside.
That child never felt grateful for his nurturing grace. For self-preservation, sold the remaining children together with him to the demon.
And the children he carefully protected as they grew—also abandoned him to flee when facing danger.
Even the child he desperately protected—after being rescued, accused him to others as the real murderer who killed the children.
Gyomei's tone speaking of this was calm. Also contained faint sorrow. Obviously, the children's betrayal—for him, a heavier blow than demons.
"Children are always selfish. Will direct matters toward directions favorable to themselves." He finally concluded thus.
Though I didn't know the truth. Also couldn't arbitrarily comment on others' actions... However, his sweeping conclusion about all children—I felt I still needed to debate with him.
"Everyone changes from child to adult. Including you, me, and the person who had me rescue you. Could say he's also still within the range of children." I said. "Then in your view—during our childhood, were we also selfish existences?"
He seemed momentarily unable to think of a good answer. Silently pressed palms, chanting. After clearing his thoughts, continued debating with me. "People cannot be generalized. I was unjust. But those children I encountered—their conduct indeed disappointed me."
Speaking to here, I should affirm him. Echo a few sentences to end this topic.
But I still inexplicably spoke, "What were those children's temperaments usually like?"
Gyomei didn't understand why. Still answered, "Very obedient and sensible. Our daily livelihood mostly came from kind people's donations. I myself also cultivated fields beside the temple. Barely maintained self-sufficient life. Because of my blindness, children usually would proactively help me with tasks."
So he couldn't accept these children—once facing danger, immediately betrayed him?
But—"How do you know they weren't trying to help you?"
Gyomei seemed stunned. I continued speaking. "Facing a terrifying monster, while you couldn't see anything—could those children have been thinking of ways to help you?"
I clearly saw him waver. On one hand, trauma reality left him. On the other, some subconscious of his—somewhere in his heart still unwilling to believe children so cold-blooded.
So he fell into fierce struggle. Silent for a long time before saying, "The children have passed. Whether you or I—no way to know what they were thinking then."
This practitioner truly had a head hard as stone. My temper rose. Also said, "Isn't there still one child who survived? Why not find her to ask clearly? Could it be you're afraid?"
Provocation sometimes just works. Or rather, my stubbornness played a role. Gyomei still agreed to return. Go with me to find that child, ask clearly.
But his expression obviously held no expectations. Just wanted to make himself completely give up.
I huffily wrote to Kagaya. Briefly explained the whole story. Fortunately, he stood on my side. Similarly believed children couldn't be so cruel to their caregiver. Agreed we should find the other party to ask clearly.
In December, when heavy snow fell—we found the adopted Sayo.
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