"The Strange Shinobu Kocho"
After a pleasant conversation with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, Aoki left his residence. Kagaya Ubuyashiki even had his children escort Aoki to the gate, displaying exceptional politeness.
Aoki's favorability towards Kagaya Ubuyashiki increased. He understood why even Sanemi Shinazugawa was so obedient.
Leaving the residence, Aoki intended to visit his newly assigned Hashira residence, but his route passed by the Butterfly Mansion. In the darkness, he saw a figure.
Using his Sharingan, he identified her as Shinobu Kocho. She looked different.
Shinobu Kocho usually appeared cheerful and cunning, but now she seemed weary, her eyes dull, a hint of anger on her face.
Intrigued, Aoki concealed his presence and followed her.
Shinobu Kocho passed through a dirt path and entered a nearby forest. Aoki followed, discovering a graveyard beyond the trees.
Aoki hid behind a tree, observing Shinobu Kocho approach a grave.
"Sister…" Shinobu Kocho knelt, her voice choked with emotion. "I'm so tired. I don't want to pretend anymore. I'm so tired, sister."
She stroked the tombstone. "I can't do anything right. I promised you I'd bring peace between humans and demons, but I can't. I can't make peace with the demons who killed you." She broke down, tears streaming down her face.
But then she wiped her tears, forcing a smile. "But I promised you I'd always smile, no matter what, because you loved my smile. I have to keep that promise."
"Kanao and I are doing well. Don't worry about us, sister."
She stood, turning towards the forest. "Aoki-kun, why are you hiding?"
Aoki stepped out. "Hee hee, Kocho-san, what a coincidence."
Shinobu Kocho had become Aoki's closest friend in the Corps. While Giyu Tomioka was his senior brother, their interaction had been limited to their conversation about Giyu Tomioka's position as Water Hashira.
Shinobu Kocho, however, frequently visited Aoki during his recovery at the Butterfly Mansion, and they often chatted. She had become one of Aoki's closest female friends.
Shinobu Kocho smiled. "Why are you here, Aoki-kun?"
"Just passing by," Aoki said, lacking a better excuse. He thought, Her smile is strained, Kocho-san.
Shinobu Kocho appeared before him, whispering in his ear. "This isn't a place you'd pass by casually. Weren't you following me?"
Aoki stammered, "Impossible! I just wanted to see headquarters. I've been busy. Oh, right, Kocho-san, why are your eyes red?"
He pointed at Shinobu Kocho's reddened eyes to change the subject.
Shinobu Kocho touched her eyes. A moment of sadness flickered before a smile returned.
"Oh, well, people cry. Is it unusual for me to cry, Aoki-kun?"
Aoki nodded earnestly (and insincerely). "Yes, yes. Kocho-san is so beautiful, so gentle, so kind. You're like an angel. Such a perfect person wouldn't cry. Right?"
Shinobu Kocho chuckled. She looked at the tombstone. "I won't hold you accountable for following me. Don't be so smooth. Meet my sister."
Aoki looked at the tombstone.
Shinobu Kocho's gaze softened. "This is my sister, Kanae Kocho. We were happy as a family of four. But one day, our parents were killed by demons."
"My sister and I, who should have died, were saved by Gyomei Himejima and joined the Demon Slayer Corps."
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