Sword of the Demon Hunter: Kijin Gentosho (鬼人幻燈抄)

I think you need a little more downtime in your life, Jinya-kun.

Why? Do I really seem that stressed out to you?

More like broody, I suppose.

You always seem to push yourself too hard.

Yeah. That might be true.

I'm only living for one thing. The purpose that I must fulfill.

I don't know what this "purpose" of yours might be, but you should still let yourself relax on occasion.

Isn't life boring when you do nothing but pursue your goals?

Even so, it's all that I have.

Sorry.

I don't think I can take your advice.

What a shame...

Know what these are called?

No.

Winter daphnes.

The flowers start budding in fall, then survive winter to bloom in spring.

Such a strong fragrance.

It's nice, isn't it?

Blooming winter daphnes are the harbingers of spring.

And the flowers over there are...

Chickweed.

Boiling the stalks makes for a good stomach medicine.

In Kadono...

In the village I used to live in, it was a popular cure.

A childhood friend of mine took it all the time.

She had a bad habit of eating sweets at every opportunity.

And overeating would give her stomach aches, so I had to make sure she got the medicine.

She sounds like a rather... amusing individual.

There was hardly a time when I wasn't dancing to her tune.

There's clearly more to your life than you think.

You enjoy eating soba, appreciate the beauty of flowers, and have fond memories of the past.

It's just that your obsession with this "purpose" has made you blind to everything else.

You must never believe that's all you have, okay?

Please stop and live in the moment from time to time.

Although you don't realize it, there are flowers blooming all over.

Once you look around, you'll be sure to find many sights that you've never seen before.

Well, here we are.

Seems your father stayed up to wait for you.

He's too overprotective.

I imagine it just comes with being a parent.

Oh? Then how do you explain why you concern yourself with me?

It's a mystery.

I appreciate you escorting me back home.

Sure.

Teach me more about flowers sometime, would you?

Huh?

Preferably when the sun is out.

Okay!

Shucks. What a nice lady.

Mosuke. You followed us?

Whoops! I better get back to searching for the slasher.

La-da-dee, la-da-dum, la-da-doo!

N-nooooo!

Wh-what on earth? What just happened?!

You should stay still. Unless you prefer dying.

Mosuke!

Sorry. I let it get away.

That's okay. I wasn't expecting it to be so tough, either.

I'll stay on its trail.

I might at least be able to find where it sleeps.

Don't do anything risky.

I'll keep my distance even if I find it. I'm not interested in dying.

You take care of that young lady, okay?

Hey, you.

What's wrong?

Need some help...

Jeez. I can't get up, okay? So give me a hand.

Thank you.

Sure.

That cold and snippy attitude of yours brings back memories.

You haven't forgotten me, have you?

Wait, Natsu-dono?

Oh, good. So you do remember me.

You weren't as big back then.

Well, obviously. People can grow a lot in three years.

But you still look the same as always.

I'm immune to getting old, you see.

Most women would put you in the doghouse just for saying that.

Is walking out this late a habit of yours?

Don't be ridiculous.

I was just coming home after making a delivery to one of our good patrons.

Working late, then?

Yeah. Repaying a bit of kindness.

You've changed, Natsu-dono.

Really?

You have a more natural smile now.

Thanks.

Well, it just goes to show that I'm moving on from being a kid.

Oh, please. You're still a long way from adulthood.

Eeek!

D-don't scare me like that!

I go out of my way to check on you and this is the thanks I get? Talk about rude.

Oh! Jinya?!

Zenji-dono. Nice to see you again.

So, what's the story with you two? Is this a love affair?

Natsu-dono was attacked by a serial killer.

Huh?

W-whoa, what the-?!

This is no time for idle chit-chat!

Q-quick, let's call for an officer!

What good would that do? They can't help against demons.

Demons?!

It's one that I've been hunting for some time now.

Natsu-dono getting attacked was just an unfortunate coincidence.

More demons?

Yeesh, it's like meddling in crazy stuff is all you know how to do.

Well, excuse me for existing!

I wasn't talking about you, milady!

So, how are you making a living these days?

The same as always. As a demon-slaying ronin.

Should you ever need my help, you can find me at a soba shop in Fukugawa called "Kihei."

I'll give you a discount.

Not for free?

Obviously.

Since your escort is here, I'll be on my way.

Thank you for saving me.

Oh, hold on, Jinya!

If you're after demons, you should check out Teramachi in Yanaka.

They have a temple that was abandoned after the head priest passed away awhile back,

but people have been hearing a woman's voice coming from it every night.

Now rumors are flying that some kinda demon is living there.

What is it called?