Demon Slayer: My Eyes Can See Floating Comments

"Kagaya," came the soft voice of Amane as she slid the door open.

Inside, she found Kagaya Ubuyashiki seated by the veranda, his gaze fixed on the swaying wisteria blooms in the courtyard.

She approached quietly, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"They've left, haven't they?"

Kagaya offered a serene smile, his profile bathed in the pale morning light.

"Yes. After selecting their nichirin ore and receiving their uniforms, the three gentlemen also obtained their Kasugai Crows. Interestingly, Takanashi received a parrot instead—a beautiful mix of white and soft blue, matching his hair perfectly."

"A parrot?" Amane blinked, her lips curving slightly. "That suits him—such an unusual person."

"All right. You and Haruto seem quite close," she observed, recalling the rare, radiant smile that had graced Kagaya's face earlier.

Kagaya shook his head, an unexpected response.

"Not at all. Though we've known each other since childhood, we haven't met often, and our relationship isn't exactly intimate."

Amane's curiosity deepened as Kagaya continued.

"Haruto is... different. Even from a few brief encounters, you feel you can entrust your emotions to him. He's remarkably wise and mature for his age—qualities that have always set him apart."

Kagaya's voice softened, tinged with nostalgia.

"The first time I met him, I was six, and he was only five. Even then, I felt he was my equal. My maturity, however, was a facade—a mask I wore to shoulder the responsibilities of my family. But Haruto's wisdom was genuine, reflected in his every word and action. I've always admired that about him."

Amane poured him a cup of water, quietly savoring this rare moment of Kagaya reminiscing about his past.

"He never addressed me as 'sama' back then. Even though he lived in the Swordsmith Village as an apprentice to Master Gotokawa, he lacked talent for smithing. Instead, he spent most of his time carrying coal and delivering materials."

Kagaya chuckled.

"He used to call me 'Ubuyashiki kid,' then 'Ubuyashiki boy' as we grew older. It wasn't until today that he finally called me 'Ubuyashiki-sama.' But I could tell he was gritting his teeth as he said it."

Amane hid a smile as she asked, "I heard Haruto has quite the appetite?"

Kagaya froze, then burst into laughter. His amusement turned into a coughing fit, prompting Amane to pat his back gently until he regained his breath.

"'Quite the appetite'? That man is a bottomless pit! Once, he ate 300 pieces of sushi in one sitting! Master Gotokawa nearly disowned him over it!"

Meanwhile, the aforementioned "bottomless pit," Haruto Takanashi, was preparing to return to Sagiri Mountain with Sabito and Giyu Tomioka.

Their bond had grown stronger after their shared trials, and with Sabito's warm and gentle nature bridging any gaps, Haruto found himself reevaluating his initial impression of Giyu. Despite his stoic demeanor, Giyu was kind-hearted, if a little shy.

Haruto's visit to Water Hashira Sakonji Urokodaki wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. Ever since beginning his training in the art of Breathing, Haruto had longed for a skilled mentor to correct his flaws.

Sabito nodded thoughtfully when Haruto voiced his intentions.

"You saved my life. Helping you is the least I can do. But..." Sabito hesitated, glancing at Giyu. "I have a favor to ask."

"Go ahead," Haruto replied.

Sabito's hand brushed against the fox mask at his side. His expression turned somber.

"Master Urokodaki carves protective masks for his disciples before they set out. But... if he knew that the masks he lovingly made marked his students for the Hand Demon..."

Haruto's voice was firm.

"You have my word. I won't mention it."

Relief washed over Sabito's face.

"Thank you."

Giyu, who had been silent until now, muttered, "You're sharp."

Haruto raised an eyebrow, half-smirking at the blunt compliment delivered in such an awkward tone.

"You have a peculiar way of thanking people, Giyu. If you keep that up, you'll rub others the wrong way."

Giyu's face paled, visibly flustered.

"I—I'm not annoying!"

Sabito laughed, his expression fond as he ruffled Giyu's hair.

"You'll figure it out someday, Giyu."

The three boys continued their descent through the wisteria-draped path, their lively banter echoing in the crisp mountain air.

At the foot of Sagiri Mountain, Makomo pushed open the door to find Urokodaki gazing up the trail. His ever-present tengu mask obscured his face, but his body language suggested quiet anticipation.

"Master?" Makomo called softly.

"Awake already?" he replied, turning toward her.

"Don't worry, Master. Sabito and Giyu will return safely. They're the best swordsmen on Sagiri Mountain—next to you, of course."

Urokodaki nodded, his shoulders easing slightly. Just then, a flurry of wings interrupted the serene moment.

His Kasugai Crow landed, croaking hoarsely, "Passed! Passed! Sabito and Giyu have passed the Final Selection!"

Years of waiting culminated in this single announcement. Urokodaki's shoulders slumped as he exhaled a deep breath, his relief palpable.

Makomo's face lit up with joy.

"That's wonderful! Finally..."

The crow flapped its wings energetically, delivering one final message.

"Sabito and Giyu are bringing a friend! Prepare food! Prepare food! Prepare food!"

"Who?"

"The boy's name is Haruto—and he eats A LOT!"

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