"Where can I find the Twelve Kizuki?"
Tamayo and Yushiro were both taken aback.
Yushiro couldn't help but sneer, "Do you think you can find the Twelve Kizuki? Don't overestimate yourself. With your current strength, you wouldn't survive even a single encounter with one of them."
This time, Tamayo didn't reprimand Yushiro for his harsh words; instead, she agreed with him.
"Yushiro is right. You're still young and shouldn't think about confronting the Twelve Kizuki. Even the 'Hashira' may not be able to defeat them."
Hashira? That meant standing at the pinnacle of the Demon Slayer Corps?
Hatsune couldn't help but tremble, clenching his fists tighter, his knuckles turning white.
There were a few things Tamayo didn't say. If Hatsune's sister was indeed taken by one of the Twelve Kizuki, she was likely already dead or turned into a demon. Tamayo didn't mention this, not wanting the boy to bear such a harsh reality.
After a long silence, a weary sigh spread among the three, and Hatsune's voice broke it.
"You said you're developing a drug to kill demons. Has it succeeded? Can this drug kill demons?"
Tamayo understood why Hatsune was asking and shook her head, "The drug I'm developing is meant to inhibit the regeneration of demon cells, but it cannot kill them. It's still in the experimental stage."
Inhibit cell regeneration?
So, if they were injured, their wounds wouldn't heal immediately?
"Hatsune, you have the support of the Demon Slayer Corps. You should seek help from the organization. Until you reach the level of a 'Hashira,' don't think about confronting the Twelve Kizuki. If you die, your sister will be beyond salvation. The chance she traded her life for will become meaningless."
"I... I understand. Thank you," Hatsune said, his head bowed. Though his expression was unseen, anyone could hear the repression in his voice.
"Tell me the appearance of that Yuki and your sister, and I'll keep an eye out for you. I'll inform you if I find any news."
Hearing this, Hatsune felt a surge of joy. After thanking her again, he described Yuki and his sister to Tamayo.
Yushiro took notes diligently.
"Additionally, you should know that the Twelve Kizuki are divided into the Upper and Lower Moons. Each group consists of six powerful demons. Every demon has their rank and a number representing their strength in their eyes. You can use this characteristic to determine if the demon you encounter is one of the Twelve Kizuki."
At this point, Hatsune was convinced that these two demons were different from others. Whether it was helping to find his sister or developing a drug to inhibit cell regeneration, they would be immensely helpful in his quest to kill that man.
"Is there anything I can do to help you? You need blood samples, right? I can assist with that. As a member of the Demon Slayer Corps, it should be more convenient for me."
After Hatsune said this, all three were stunned.
Nae looked at Hatsune in shock, but she quickly understood why he was doing this.
However, the Demon Slayer Corps and demons were natural enemies. Collaborating with demons in secret—if the organization found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Nae wanted to persuade him but didn't know how.
Tamayo smiled gently, "You remind me of a boy named Tanjiro, who also recently joined the Demon Slayer Corps. His sister turned into a demon, and he carries her in a special box, searching for a way to turn her back into a human."
Is there really a way to turn demons back into humans?
"I promised to help him cure his sister, and he agreed to help me collect blood samples. If we can develop a drug to inhibit demon cell regeneration, maybe we can turn demons back into humans."
Hatsune seemed to see hope, his mood inexplicably excited.
"I'm happy to have your help. With your assistance, I believe the progress of the drug development will accelerate."
"Where can I find you?"
"We have to avoid Muzan Kibutsuji's pursuit, so we won't stay in one place. Yushiro will contact you if there's any news."
Hatsune nodded.
The four of them left the hot spring inn together at dawn the next morning.
With the demon blood collected, Tamayo and Yushiro didn't linger. After bidding farewell to Hatsune and Nae, they left Shimizu Town to find the next potential demon for blood sampling.
At a certain corner, Hatsune suddenly felt nauseous and leaned against the wall, vomiting violently.
The previous night's conversation had distressed him deeply. He had been suppressing it until now. With the pressure relieved, his physical discomfort finally erupted.
Nae looked worried and gently patted Hatsune's back.
Moments later, Hatsune, pale and exhausted, stood up as if he had fallen ill.
Seeing his weary expression, Nae felt a pang of sadness. Her eyes welled up with tears, and, summoning unknown courage, she hugged Hatsune from behind.
Her soft chest pressed against Hatsune's back, her body temperature always a few degrees higher than normal, making her feel like a warm stove.
Hatsune froze for a few seconds, his pale face flushing red. He clumsily pushed Nae's hands away.
"What... what are you doing? Are you out of your mind?"
Facing Hatsune's loud scolding, Nae looked down nervously, fiddling with her fingers. She said softly, "Mom said that when a friend is sad, give them a hug. It will make them feel better."
Hearing this, Hatsune's heart softened. Nae was always careful in life, even in showing concern for others, fearing she might upset them.
Hatsune exhaled deeply, feeling sorry for her. Softening his tone, he said, "Your mom probably didn't mean it that way. You're a girl; you can't just hug anyone. She probably meant female friends."
"Really?" Nae looked up, her nervousness easing upon seeing Hatsune no longer angry.
"Of course."
"Okay, I probably misheard then. Are you okay? Is your body alright?"
"Much better."
In the distant mountains, a beam of light pierced the darkness, and the night retreated visibly.
In the early morning, the quiet town gradually came to life as people began preparing breakfast.
"Nae, there's something I want to ask you for help with."
"Ask me for help? What can I help you with? You've always been the one helping me."
"It's simple. Just keep our meeting with those 'people' a secret."
"This? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
"Thank you."
Since coming down from Fujikasane Mountain, even Hatsune hadn't noticed that he had started saying "thank you" more often.
"By the way, now that our task is complete, when will we leave?"
"Tomorrow. Let's rest today and leave early in the morning."
The next morning, they bid farewell to the Fuka family and set off on their journey back.
On the way, they heard the cawing of crows from the sky. Soon, their Kasugai Crows flew down in front of them.
"Mount Natagumo, Mount Natagumo."