Chapter 42 Dilemma

"Qiusheng".

After much deliberation, Rengoku Shujuro decided to speak with Kawakami Akio. He arrived at the courtyard where Akio lived and, seeing Akio wielding his sword with a stern face, couldn't help but chuckle.

"What's wrong? You look so gloomy."

Rengoku Shujuro and Kawakami Akio are childhood friends who grew up together. They wielded their swords together and decided to become members of the Demon Slayer Corps together.

"Xi Shoulang, I don't understand."

Qiu Sheng stopped moving, his knife slowly moving downwards with his hand, his head lowered, his bangs obscuring his expression.

"Qiusheng?"

Xi Shoulang sensed something was wrong. He leaned closer and saw the other person's expression clearly: helplessness, struggle, and frustration.

Do you remember the first time you met Yan Sheng?

“I remember, Yoriichi brought him back. They looked exactly alike at the time, and everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps gathered around to see them when they found out.”

Rengoku Shujuro wasn't sure why Kawakami Akio had suddenly asked this, but he answered anyway. He saw Akio look up and say to him with particular firmness, "I didn't meet him that time."

"I first saw him on my way back to the Demon Slayer Corps. I saw him sitting there alone, and I thought it was Yoriichi." As if he had thought of something, he laughed. "The moment I went over to say hello, I realized that he was not our famous Sun Pillar."

“Their demeanor is worlds apart; Iwakatsu looks like he comes from a wealthy family.” Kawakami Akio paused for a moment, seemingly deep in thought.

"Indeed, Iwakatsu and Yoriichi are very different in temperament and personality."

"At the time, I was thinking, what is it that looks so similar? I thought it was really funny. So I went up and harassed them. I didn't expect them to be so strong. I was beaten to a pulp."

Kawakami Akio truly regarded that young master, who was prone to overthinking, as a close friend, and would visit him whenever he had time.

"You're so annoying, it's only because Yan Sheng is well-mannered that he doesn't hit you."

Rengoku Shujuro stated bluntly that he felt few people in the team could tolerate Kawakami Akio's habits.

"You said, Xi Shoulang."

Kawakami Akio remained silent for a long time before continuing to ask, "Iwakatsu has become a demon. Should I take action? He has forgotten about us."

"..."

This is a difficult question. If Iwakatsu was conscious of it, then people can assume that he did it voluntarily. In this case, there would be less confusion when the two sides are in opposition because they are on different sides.

"Then just assume he did it willingly. Aren't you a really annoying person?"

Rengoku Shujuro didn't want his childhood friend to waver during the battle; Iwakatsu's abilities were no joke, and even a slight blow could be fatal.

"But……"

Kawakami Akio fell silent. He didn't know what to say. He really hated ghosts. When a ghost killed his family, he swore to kill all ghosts.

"Qiusheng, you must live. If you can't bring yourself to do it, then run away. Don't let Yansheng kill you."

Rengoku Shujuro grabbed Kawakami Akio's shoulder and said very seriously.

"I see."

Kawakami Akio rubbed his forehead, feeling that Rengoku Shujuro always treated him like he was brainless.

"Also, be nicer to Yoriichi next time you encounter him."

Rengoku Shujuro also found it strange. He and Akio were childhood friends, but Akio and Tsugikuni just didn't get along very well. It wasn't that they were particularly unfamiliar with each other, but rather that they were just companions.

“I don’t agree with leaving your own brother behind to chase after the Ghost King.”

“That’s also our goal, and Iwakatsu definitely understands that.”

"But we have to succeed first! That way, Iwakatsu won't get into trouble."

Akio Kawakami simply cannot accept abandoning his injured family there, even if it was an accident.

"Forehead……"

Rengoku Shujuro sighed and could only earnestly advise Kawakami Akio that at least they shouldn't start arguing and cursing as soon as they meet.

——

Iwakatsu followed Kibutsuji Muzan to a village surrounded by cliffs.

Unlike before, the nights here are very quiet, like a stagnant pool, with only people hurrying along and the houses lit up around them.

"I have received information that Lady Wada, who loves to travel, is a follower of the Blissful Religion. Some say that she loves to collect flowers and plants and once obtained a blue spider lily."

Kibutsuji Muzan walked ahead, looking left and right, and casually remarked.

"Kuroshibo, we need to find Lady Wada later. I heard there's a memorial service today, try to sneak in and take a look."

"Hmm?" And what about you?

Iwakatsu looked puzzled; he didn't think his tall stature would allow him to get in. Unfortunately, Muzan Kibutsuji didn't say anything more, simply waving his hand and turning to leave.

Well, you scumbag boss, you're just like everyone else.

Yan Sheng walked aimlessly for a while, then turned into an alley. When he heard about the Paradise Cult, he thought of Douma, and he had a feeling that his mission was finally secured.

Thinking of this, Yan Sheng's steps became lighter. He leaped onto the top of a house wall, and seeing that there was no one around, he casually grabbed a piece of clothing that was drying in the yard.

Four-meter Mas, are you going to sell me out?

Iwakatsu took out some money and placed it on the stone table next to him. He casually put his clothes on over his clothes to cover his obviously purple kimono.

After Iwakatsu finished tidying up, he headed towards the direction where the crowd had gathered. If what Boss Xie said was true—that there was a memorial service today—then it was quite normal that there were almost no people here and on the streets.

In the original story, Doma met Muzan Kibutsuji when he was twenty years old, and by then he already had quite a few followers. Doma was the founder of the Eternal Paradise Cult, and after becoming a demon, he wanted to redeem all humanity. In his view, by devouring humans completely, leaving no trace of their flesh or blood, they could achieve immortality with him, and he could then lead them to salvation.

Yan Sheng remained silent; he couldn't understand this advanced idea. He respected it, but he didn't understand it at all. He could only offer his reluctant blessings.

He walked slowly in his wooden clogs, retracting the Void Crying Spirit into his body. In this place, carrying a samurai sword made him feel like he would be surrounded and attacked.

Before long, Yan Sheng saw a crowd gathered. Young and old, men and women, everyone wore a bright smile. They were working together to prepare the platform and food.

Honestly, I haven't seen such a smile in a long time since Iwakatsu came here. In this era, even cults are necessary because ordinary people need them to express their pent-up pain and frustration.

"Oh, I'm sorry, sir..."

A little boy accidentally bumped into Yan Sheng. He looked up and stared at Yan Sheng, dumbfounded. This sudden silence made Yan Sheng wonder if he had given something away. He squatted down, looked the little boy in the eye, and patted his head.

"It's okay, are you... alright?"

Yan Sheng watched as the little boy suddenly blushed, bowed to him, and then turned and ran towards the crowd.

"Mother, a divine being has come! Mother—."

Yan Sheng: Huh? Who?

He squatted there blankly, feeling the gazes from those around him. Some were amazed, some laughed, and some were curious, making Yan Sheng begin to feel awkward.

Kid, you really are my brother, please stop yelling at me!