Throne Of Supreme

Chapter 262: Takina's Request

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Aoki gazed at the brand-new wooden house before him.

"You built a new house?"

Kie Kamado nodded with a warm smile. "Yes, thanks to Mr. Aoki's help!"

Tanjiro elaborated, "Last winter, a bear that woke from hibernation damaged our old house.

With the breathing techniques Mr. Aoki taught me, I grew stronger and was able to earn more money.

We used the money Mr. Aoki left us to renovate the house."

Aoki listened quietly, moved by Tanjiro's pure, kind, and humble nature.

Because of his intervention, Tanjiro had been diverted from the path of destiny that would have made him a hero. Now, he was likely to remain an ordinary farm boy.

Yet, seeing the happiness radiating from Tanjiro's face, Aoki understood what truly mattered to him.

"It's getting late. I should leave," Aoki said, rising to his feet.

Tanjiro, sensing the finality of his words, instinctively took a step forward. "Mr. Aoki!"

"Live a good life," Aoki replied gently.

He glanced at Tanjiro, then at Nezuko. A soft smile graced his face before his figure vanished.

---

In a small courtyard, Aomura Takina and Shinobu Kocho sat across from each other. A small stove rested between them, its kettle gently bubbling.

The delicate fragrance of fresh tea wafted through the air.

Shinobu picked up her cup and took a sip. "Takina, your tea ceremony skills keep improving."

Takina smiled modestly. "I'm not as busy as you all, so this is one of the few hobbies I can enjoy."

Shinobu waved her hand toward the others. "Sister, Aunt Rie, you should try some too."

Kocho Kanae and Aomura Rie, who had been discussing flower arrangements nearby, looked up at her words.

"It seems quite peaceful here," Kanae commented with a smile.

Just then, a familiar voice interrupted. "Is this a tea party, or am I late for something?"

The group turned to see a young man with black hair stepping into the room.

"Aoki!"

Takina stood abruptly, crossing the room in quick strides, her eyes lighting up with surprise. "You're back!"

Aoki nodded, his gaze shifting to the others. "Lady Rie, I've returned. Ms. Kanae, Ms. Shinobu, it's been a while."

Kanae inclined her head slightly, her serene demeanor as gentle as ever. "Welcome back, Mr. Aoki. It has been some time."

Shinobu's sharp eyes appraised him. "Ah, isn't this the man who vanished for a whole year without a word?"

Her teasing remark drew laughter, filling the room with warmth.

Kanae smiled softly. "We'll take our leave then."

Shinobu stood, her playful tone returning. "We won't intrude on your reunion. But don't forget to visit the Butterfly Mansion in a couple of days."

Before Aoki could respond, Takina spoke up firmly. "It's getting late. You should stay here tonight."

Rie glanced at her daughter but said nothing, while the Butterfly sisters exchanged amused looks.

Their gazes shifted to Aoki, who felt a sudden tension in the air.

"Why are you all staring at me?" he asked, his skin tingling under their scrutiny.

Kanae's gentle smile deepened. "Sorry to impose, but we'll stay as well."

---

That evening, a luxurious dinner was prepared to welcome Aoki back.

Though the feast looked inviting, he could only admire it from a distance, unable to partake.

During the meal, Rie broke the silence. "Aoki, when you left, you said you were searching for a way to become human again. Is that why you've returned?"

Both Kanae and Shinobu turned to him, curiosity and concern in their eyes.

Aoki hesitated briefly before shaking his head. "I'm sorry, Lady Rie, but not yet."

In truth, his acquisition of the Infinite Dragon Beast form had taken him even further from being human.

However, the mythical Human-Human Fruit: Nature Spirit form had brought him one step closer.

Rie's expression fell, disappointment evident in her eyes.

Takina's expression remained calm as she set down her chopsticks.

"Aoki, there's something I've thought through clearly. Now that you're back, I want to tell you about it."

"What is it?" Aoki asked, raising an eyebrow.

Takina looked at him seriously. "Turn me into a demon, now."

The moment she finished speaking, Rie and the Butterfly sisters widened their eyes in shock.

Rie quickly interjected, "Takina, is there really a need to rush this decision?"

Takina remained composed. "Aoki doesn't know how long it will take to find a way to turn back into a human.

This time, he was gone for a year. Next time, it could be even longer. Isn't that right, Aoki?"

Aoki nodded, his expression neutral. "That's true."

It had indeed been a full year since he left the Demon Slayer world. Yet, the time he spent in the Akame ga Kill and One Piece worlds combined had been less than six months.

The Demon Slayer world's time flowed relatively faster.

Of course, the time ratio among these three worlds was still manageable. But the thought of one day entering a world where time flowed much slower troubled him.

A few days in another world could mean years of changes in the Demon Slayer world, and he had no way to control this.

Takina continued, "Aoki's life is eternal, and I don't want to grow old.

Becoming a demon only means I won't be able to eat, and that's a small sacrifice for me.

If Aoki finds a way to return to being human, we can regain our human forms together.

If not, living together as Demons wouldn't be so bad."

Rie fell silent, her expression complicated.

She understood Takina's feelings more deeply than anyone.

Years ago, when tragedy first struck, she had been in her early thirties but still looked youthful, clinging to the remnants of her prime.

Now, nearing forty, she noticed the subtle but undeniable signs of aging—skin losing its luster, fine lines creeping around her eyes, and the marks of time growing more evident.

Kanae and Shinobu also said nothing.

Though they were the same age as Takina and hadn't considered this issue before, her words brought the reality into sharp focus.

The thought of Aoki returning one day to find them aged, possibly unrecognizable, unsettled them.

"Ahem."

Aoki cleared his throat, breaking the somber atmosphere.

"Lady Rie is right—there's no need to be so hasty."

He flicked his wrist, and a gem-like pill appeared, floating toward Takina and stopping in front of her.

"I was planning to give this to you later, but since the conversation has come to this, I might as well take it out now."

"What's this?" Takina asked, her curiosity piqued. "A gem?"

Aoki shook his head. "This is an elixir called the Rejuvenating Pill. After taking it, your appearance will remain unchanged for a hundred years."

"An anti-aging pill? A hundred years of unchanged appearance?"

Takina's eyes widened in surprise.

The other three women exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring her astonishment. Subtle envy flickered in their eyes—even Aomura Rie.

After all, who doesn't value beauty? And nothing steals beauty more mercilessly than time.

Takina hesitated, then turned to Rie.

"Give it to Mom. I'll just become a demon."

Rie's eyes softened, touched by her daughter's selflessness.

"No, Takina, you should take it. I can also become a Demon. This is Aoki's gift—"

"Mom, no," Takina interrupted firmly. "You take it."

Their gazes locked, each determined to put the other first.