"One more thing, Tanjirou, listen carefully," said Urokodaki Sakonji before departing. "In this world, there is only one demon whose blood can turn humans into demons. A thousand years ago, the first man who became a demon, the enemy of your family... I think this guy knows how to turn your sister back into human form."
Tanjirou, hearing these words, couldn't wait to ask, "What does this demon look like? What's his name?"
"No one knows what he looks like or where he is. The Demon Slayer Corps has only recorded his name—Muzan Kibutsuji."
After listening to Urokodaki's instructions, Tanjirou and Xander set off to the city in the northwest, the destination indicated by the Raven.
...
After a long journey that took day and night, Tanjirou and Xander reached a bustling city. Tanjirou curiously looked around, watching the small boats moving along the river and the heaps of goods on the nearby pier.
"The northwest city... is this the one you're talking about?"
"Yes, this is it, let's go." Xander took the initiative and headed into the city.
Tanjirou ran to catch up with him and asked, "How did elder Xander know this is the place the Raven mentioned?"
Xander smiled and said, "I was raised by grandfather Urokodaki since I was a child. I've been to many places with grandfather Urokodaki. The northwest city is exactly the place."
"I see!" Tanjirou exclaimed enviously.
Seeing his reaction, Xander continued, "You shouldn't be envious. After joining the Demon Slayer Corps, you might be sent anywhere. Eventually, you can travel all over Japan."
"I know," Tanjirou nodded, smiling slightly.
In the city streets where Xander and Tanjirou walked, they encountered a distraught young man, but they passed by without paying him attention. City residents, noticing him, whispered:
"Look, it's kazumi !"
"How unfortunate he looks, so worn out..."
"Yes, the last time I was with him, my wife was kidnapped."
"How terrifying, every night!"
"Oh, I'm exhausted! Another girl was taken after sunset!"
"Tanjirou, do you remember the scent of the missing person?" Xander asked.
Tanjirou, who had also overheard the conversation, realized this could be a key to discovering the demon.
"Yes, I remember, elder Xander," Tanjirou responded immediately. "Let's go find him."
"Alright!" Xander!
Kazumi was walking down the road when he was suddenly stopped by two young men: one in a white haori and another carrying a wooden box.
"Mr Kazumi, we need to ask you something. Would it be convenient for you?" Xander asked.
"What do you want to say?" Kazumisaid, looking at the two unfamiliar young men.
"We'd like to know where Miss Riko disappeared and how it happened."
"Will you believe what I say?"
"Of course!"
Seeing that Xander and Tanjirou were serious, Kazumi nodded: "Alright, follow me."
Xander and Tanjirou followed Kazumi into a narrow alley.
"Riko disappeared here," Kazumi pointed to the empty passage.
Xander and Tanjirou entered the alley, looking around for anything unusual.
"Even though you may not believe it, I really don't know how it happened. I just looked away, and Lizzy vanished, honestly."
"Mr Kazumi, we believe you, as this is exactly why we came," Xander said.
Then, turning to Tanjirou, Kazumi continued: "Tanjirou, did you notice anything here?"
Tanjirou sniffed the air and soon discovered some clues.
"The scent is coming from the ground," he said.
Tanjirou crouched down, carefully discerning the scent on the pavement.
"There is still a faint smell of demons here!" Tanjirou stood up and looked at Xander. "Senior Xander , there's a demon scent here, but it's a bit inconsistent and strange..."
Xander stroked his chin thoughtfully and then asked, "Tanjirou, do you smell any blood?"
Tanjirou sniffed again intently and confidently replied, "Elder Xander, I don't smell blood."
"The ability to abduct people without a trace... it seems we are dealing with a formidable opponent," Xander said slowly. "Tanjirou, your sense of smell is far more sensitive than mine, so I would like to ask you to track these demons."
Hearing Xander's words, Tanjirou was delighted and said seriously, "Alright! Senior Xander , leave it to me!"
After that, Tanjirou began searching for the demon scent in the city.
When the townspeople saw Tanjirou sniffing the air from left to right, their faces reflected surprise and a silent question: what is going on?