Crossover: The Problematic Deity of Arcadia

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The moment Ryo mentioned the "Hinokami Kagura," Kamado Tanjuro froze, visibly stunned. Then, with a furrowed brow, he asked:

"Sir… where did you hear about the Hinokami Kagura?"

The Dance of the Fire God—Hinokami Kagura.

To be more accurate—it was the very first breathing technique: Sun Breathing.

Created by Yoriichi Tsugikuni, this technique was the origin of all breathing styles in the Demon Slayer world, and one of the first powers humanity gained to battle demons.

The Kamado family's ancestor was a close friend and chosen successor of Yoriichi. To keep the technique hidden, they passed it down under a different name—"Hinokami Kagura."

That's why Tanjuro still retained traces of Sun Breathing within him.

Naturally, for Ryo Yagami—who aimed to understand and possibly acquire powers that had impacted the world of demons—this wasn't something he could ignore.

In fact, the moment he met Nezuko Kamado earlier, the idea had already taken root. He'd recorded her soul's frequency and was planning to visit their family after the festival.

What he hadn't expected was that the Kamado family would find him first.

Now, facing Tanjuro's question, Ryo simply smiled and said three words:

"Ubuyashiki sent me."

Tanjuro's expression shifted, recognition dawning. He muttered, "My father mentioned the Ubuyashiki family before he passed… So that's why."

Even though he was just a humble charcoal seller, Tanjuro still had some understanding of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Now that he knew Ryo was connected to the Ubuyashiki family, his attitude noticeably softened.

"So… has the time come to use the Hinokami Kagura again?"

He was really asking if the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji was drawing near.

Ryo nodded slightly. "By the end of this month… a thousand years of grudges will be settled."

"...I see."

Tanjuro took a deep breath, then spoke solemnly:

"I'll be staying at the Mori inn in East Town for the next two days. If you're free tomorrow night, meet me there. I'll need some time to write down the details of the dance."

Ryo chuckled at that and asked, "Aren't you worried I'm a fraud?"

Tanjuro laughed too and tapped his nose. "I don't smell a single trace of lies on you. When it comes to my nose, I've got some confidence."

Ryo blinked in surprise.

Wait, the human nose can do that?

This wasn't just keen senses—it was practically a superpower.

Even a dog would be jealous of how sharp the Kamado family's noses were.

"Haha," Tanjuro laughed again, clearly used to this reaction. "It's a family trait. Can't help it."

Ryo couldn't help but laugh along.

Then he waved off Tanjuro's offer to write things down. "No need for notes. Just show me the dance in person when the time comes."

"But..." Tanjuro hesitated. He wasn't sure just watching it once would be enough for someone to grasp the essence of the technique.

Ryo pointed to his own eyes and said, "I've got some confidence in these too."

Understanding dawned on Tanjuro, and he gave a respectful smile. "Eyes, huh? Well, that's way more useful than my nose."

Ryo didn't answer—he just smiled.

After that, the two exchanged parting words and went their separate ways.

Tanjuro returned to his family, and Nezuko asked curiously: "Dad, was that someone you know?"

"Yeah," Tanjuro nodded.

"You have friends here in town?" Tanjiro looked at Ryo's back as he walked away, eyes filled with curiosity.

They had only come to the city to find treatment for Tanjuro's worsening health. No one expected to run into one of his old acquaintances.

Nezuko tilted her head and asked with even more curiosity, "What kind of person is your friend?"

Tanjuro paused for a second, then smiled gently and said:

"He's a hero—one who protects humanity."

"A hero?" Nezuko's eyes widened in surprise. That cool-looking guy from earlier… was a hero?

"When I grow up, I want to be a hero too!" shouted little Shigeru.

"Shigeru!"

Tanjuro's sudden stern voice cut through the moment.

All the children flinched, startled by their usually calm father's outburst.

Realizing he'd been too harsh, Tanjuro softened his tone and rubbed his son's head, offering a faint smile.

"Being a hero isn't easy. All your father hopes… is that you all grow up safe and healthy."

Shigeru looked down, his voice timid. "Okay…"

Nezuko was stunned. It was the first time she'd ever seen her father shoot down a dream like that. And not because it was impossible—but because he just wanted them to live peacefully.

She turned around, trying to catch a glimpse of Ryo again—but his silhouette had already disappeared into the crowd.

'Just what did that young man have to sacrifice… to be called a hero by someone like Father?'

— — —

"Was that someone you knew?" Shinobu asked as they walked down the main path of the festival.

"He had calluses on his hands—not from sword training, more like someone who chops wood all year round. His body was weak, and his cheeks sunken… definitely suffering from some long-term illness. Looked like an ordinary man… but there was something strange about the rhythm of his breathing."

Hearing that, Ryo glanced at her sideways and teased, "Shinobu, are you trying to be a detective now?"

"A detective?" she blinked. "Is that a profession from your homeland?"

"Kind of. It's someone who investigates things for a living."

Shinobu tilted her head in thought, then smiled. "Well, whatever he looks like, there's no way a regular woodcutter would catch your attention."

Ryo laughed and finally gave in. "Alright, I'll confess. He's not just a woodcutter—he knows the Sun Breathing technique."

Shinobu and her sister Kanae froze in place.

"Sun Breathing? The original, lost technique?" Shinobu asked, wide-eyed.

"Yep," Ryo nodded. "Tanjuro just agreed to pass it on to the Demon Slayer Corps."

That much was true—no exaggeration on Ryo's part.

Kanae exhaled slowly, her tone filled with admiration. "That man's… really kind, isn't he?"

Sharing something as important as Sun Breathing, just before a major war with the demons? Even if it doesn't make a difference, that gesture alone speaks volumes about his heart.

"Sun Breathing, huh…" Shinobu murmured, her thoughts trailing off.

Just then, she noticed Kanao Tsuyuri standing still, staring at a nearby food stall.

Following her gaze, Shinobu saw it—a little vendor selling Mitarashi dango.

"Kanao, you want some dango?"

"Mm!" Kanao nodded.

Shinobu glanced at her, then at the various kinds of dango on display. After a moment's thought, she pulled out her coin purse and handed Kanao some money.

"Here's your allowance! You're a big girl now, right? You can go buy your own snack!"

Kanao gave her usual polite nod. "Mm."

Off to the side, both Ryo and Kanae could feel the mischievous aura radiating from Shinobu—like a devil's tail swaying behind her.

Yep. She's totally up to something.

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