Chapter Twenty-Two: Classic Scene

“That’s just so like Mr. Phantom Feather.”
“But before we chat, let me handle something first.”
“Mr. Tomioka, could you tell me why you’re interfering with me?”
“You yourself said that humans and demons can’t exist together in harmony.”
“So why is it, then?”
“It’s precisely because of this that everyone dislikes you.”
Shinobu Kocho gripped her Nichirin blade, its tip angled toward Tomioka, adopting a battle stance as she smiled sweetly and asked.
Had Giyu Tomioka answered poorly, Shinobu would not have hesitated to act, for harboring a demon was an unforgivable crime.
“All right, Mr. Tomioka, please step aside.”
Seeing that Tomioka didn’t answer immediately nor make a move, Shinobu attempted to persuade him.
“I… I’m not disliked.”
Faced with Shinobu’s words, Giyu paused, then spoke with utmost seriousness.
Even Chu Fan found himself speechless.
To be honest, Chu Fan felt that the relationships among the nine Hashira were not particularly harmonious.
Or rather, each Hashira possessed their own pride, making it difficult for them to get along smoothly.
He noticed this the first time he attended a Hashira meeting, which was why he never bothered with such gatherings again.
Tanjiro Kamado and Shinobu Kocho were equally surprised.
“Uh, well…”
“Sorry, it seems you haven’t realized you’re disliked.”
“I said too much. Please forgive me.”
Shinobu’s expression grew apologetic as she spoke.
Her words startled both Tomioka and Tanjiro.
“Little boy.”
Knowing Tomioka’s thick-skinned nature, Shinobu didn’t bother explaining further, instead turning to Tanjiro Kamado.
“Yes!”
Though this beautiful woman seemed dangerous, Tanjiro hurriedly replied.
“Little boy, you’re protecting a demon. It’s very dangerous. Please step away.”

Shinobu raised her hand to her mouth, as if whispering a secret, her voice gentle and soft, the tone a sincere warning.
“N-no, that’s not—”
“Ah, but it’s not entirely wrong either…”
“She’s my sister. She’s my sister, and…”
Tanjiro, never one for lying, scrambled to explain himself but found himself lost for words.
“Oh my, is that so? How pitiful.”
Shinobu, hearing that the demon was his sister, covered her mouth in sympathy.
But her expression quickly changed, replaced by a gentle smile: “In that case, let me kill her with the most painless and gentle poison.”
“…”
Though this beautiful woman’s smile and voice were gentle and lovely, her words sent chills through Tanjiro, as if plunging him into an icy abyss.