Chapter 56 Meeting Tanji
Yoriichi walked for a long time, so long that he lost track of how far he had traveled. The prolonged exhaustion and the thoughts that lingered in his mind made him lose track of time.
The forest at night is always fraught with danger, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni is always extra busy at such times. As he passed through the woods, he felt an unusual familiarity with his surroundings, and he couldn't help but slow down to observe his surroundings.
"Ah! Don't come any closer—".
A piercing scream rang out, and Yoriichi Tsugikuni's expression hardened as he rushed over.
He saw a black-haired man with a ponytail desperately protecting his pregnant wife behind him. Firewood was scattered all over the ground, and the man was using a wood-chopping knife to fend off an attack from a ghost.
"Don't come any closer!"
The man pointed a machete at the evil spirit, his wary expression only making the spirit laugh even more wildly.
"The insect's struggle."
The demon, unconcerned, stretched out his hand. Just as his black fingernails were about to touch Kamado Tanjiro, a stream of air as warm as the sun swept past him.
"brush--."
For some reason, Yoriichi Tsugikuni had a momentary hallucination. He rushed forward with incredible speed and swiftly slew the demon with a single, clean strike. The red flames shone brightly in the darkness, leaving the two rescued individuals in awe.
He turned around, the red haori merging with the flames, and the swaying hanafuda earrings gave him a touch of humanity.
Are you all alright?
Yoriichi looked at the two of them, causing them to wave their hands repeatedly in astonishment.
"It's nothing, thank you, Mr. Samurai."
Kamado Tanjiro, supporting his wife Akiko, bowed repeatedly to Tsugikuni Yorimitsu; they had almost lost their lives. Tsugikuni Yorimitsu nodded, his gaze fixed on Akiko's swollen belly.
Through the clear world, he could see a small life clinging to it, moving restlessly. This scene reminded him of many years ago, in an ordinary little wooden house, where a pregnant girl (that's how I read the translation) was smiling and waiting for him.
“Sir Samurai, it’s getting late. Why don’t you stay at our house for the time being?”
Zhu Miko tugged at Kamado Tanjiro's sleeve, signaling him to help her persuade him to stay. They were extremely grateful to Yoriichi Tsugikuni and wanted him to stay at their home temporarily.
“Yes, Mr. Samurai, you’re here. You look quite tired.”
Ji Guoyuan was stunned for a moment. The slight stinging pain in his brain and the feeling of his body gradually becoming heavy made him realize that he had indeed not rested for a very long time.
"I……"
"Come on, Mr. Samurai."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni looked at the two's enthusiastic invitation and slowly nodded. Perhaps, he really did need to rest.
As they followed the mountain path, Yoriichi Tsugikuni found it increasingly familiar, recognizing the winding road. Following the two into the woods, Yoriichi saw a house that had clearly been renovated.
He opened his mouth, the familiar surroundings reminding him of his wife. Watching Kamado Tanjiro help his wife into the house, Yoriichi Tsugikuni stopped at the doorway, his expression inscrutable.
"Sir Samurai, please come in."
Kamado Tanjiro opened the half-closed door and, seeing Yoriichi Tsugikuni standing in the doorway, warmly pulled him inside.
After glancing at the exquisite and beautiful house, which was completely different from the previous one, Kokugen took a look and knelt down beside the low table, following Kamado Tanji's guidance.
"Sir Samurai, thank you so much for saving me and Miko. My name is Kamado Tanjiro, and this is my wife."
Kamado Tanjiro prepared tea for Yoriichi Tsugikuni and thanked him sincerely.
"No need to be so polite. Thank you for taking me in. My name is Yoriichi Tsugikuni."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni didn't actually intend to stay any longer. Looking at the two of them being so affectionate, a strange emotion welled up inside him.
"Ouch—it hurts!"
Zhu Mizi, who was holding a snack, collapsed to the ground clutching her stomach. Her sweaty forehead and clenched teeth showed the pain she was enduring.
"Zhu Mizi, Zhu Mizi."
The sudden change startled Kamado Tanjiro, who grabbed Akemiko and ran to the bed, carefully placing her on the clean white quilt.
"Midwife, I have to go right away."
Kamado Tanjiro was about to rush out of the room when Yoriichi Tsugikuni grabbed his hand tightly.
"Mr. Yoriichi?"
"I'll go. I'll stay with my wife; she needs you."
As soon as Jikuni finished speaking, he rushed out the door and headed towards the town at the foot of the mountain. This scene was so similar to his own, it gave him a sense of mission; he had to, he absolutely had to catch up.
——
"Mother and daughter are both safe and sound. She gave birth to a beautiful little girl."
The midwife, who was over fifty years old, took out a wrapped baby and placed it smilingly in Kamado Tanji's hands.
"Thank you, thank you so much."
Kamado Tanjiro, carrying the child, rushed in and saw Akiko lying there weakly. He felt a pang of sadness and held her hand.
"Young man, don't be too nervous next time. This trip really gave your old lady a fright."
After the midwife finished packing, she smiled and said to Yoriichi Tsugikuni, "I never expected that being halfway to the grave could be so exciting."
"Yes, thank you."
Yoriichi Tsugikuni wanted to go up and help her, but the other party waved his hand and the midwife slowly left on her own.
Ji Guoyuan stood up and watched as the sky gradually turned colorful, his heart slightly moved.
"Mr. Yoriichi, thank you so much. You have really helped us a lot. You not only saved our lives, but also helped Zhu Mizi and the child. I really don't know how to repay this kindness."
Kamado Tanjiro carried the child outside and thanked Tsugikuni Yoriichi repeatedly.
"You don't have to do this; it's just one of my regrets."
"well?"
Kamado Tanjiro stared blankly at Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was bathed in sunlight. He didn't understand what the other meant, but he didn't want to end the conversation there.
"If Mr. Yoriichi is so powerful, why would he be near this small village?"
In his mind, all powerful warriors had dealings with nobles.
"Because I lived here with my wife a long time ago. Right here in this house."
Yoriichi's words were calm and nostalgic, which shocked Tanjiro Kamado. He recalled that when he first came here, this was a dilapidated house, which was later renovated. He never expected that the owner of the house would come back.
"This is terrible, we didn't expect this either, we are so sorry, Mr. Yoriichi."
Kamado Tanji felt extremely guilty. The other party had saved him and even brought a midwife, yet instead of repaying them, he had taken over their house.
“It’s alright. I left a long time ago. I’m glad you can live here.”
Yoriichi Tsugikuni turned to look at Tanjiro Kamado, his fiery red eyes filled with a smile, happy that this long-abandoned place had come back to life.
"If you don't mind, please stay here for a few days. We would like to thank you properly."
"No... I."
Before Yoriichi could refuse, he was moved by the other party's overly enthusiastic invitation. He remained silent for a long time, and his mental and physical exhaustion led him to agree. Perhaps, deep down, he also wanted to get some rest.
After looking up at the rising sun, Ji Guoyuan decided to wait until Zhu Mizi recovered before leaving. He thought that he could visit her often, and she must like the couple very much.
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