In Demon Slayer With Heavenly Insight

Chapter 44: Inosuke's No-Fighting Style

The sound of cracking tension filled the air like a whip snapping through the stillness.

Sanemi Shinazugawa ) felt a sharp sting of humiliation pierce him. It was as if someone had ripped open old scars on his face, leaving him utterly exposed.

This discomfort was more excruciating than being slapped by a weak demon—it was worse.

Especially Butterfly Shinobu's last few words.

"That's what my brother used to call me."

Her tone seemed caring, but the words carried an undeniable weight of murderous intent, masked behind a delicate smile.

It was a deadly move hidden in plain sight.

In that moment, Shinobu's 'viciousness' completely reshaped Sanemi's understanding of her character.

As he hesitated, calculating whether to make an exit, the sound of water dripping onto the floor behind him broke the silence.

Then came a casual voice—one that struck a nerve.

"Yo, what brings you here, Sanemi?"

It was Ren.

Sanemi's forehead twitched, veins threatening to burst from his rising temper.

"I'm leaving!" he snapped, turning on his heel without a second glance.

But Shinobu wasn't letting him off so easily.

"Mr. Sanemi," she called after him with a sweet smile, "weren't you going to ask Ren something important?"

Her voice was laced with mock concern.

"Didn't you say you've been troubled for a long time?"

"And if you're shy, why not let Mr. Ren walk you out?"

The nearby members of the Demon Slayer Corps turned to look, each face reflecting varying degrees of curiosity and stifled amusement.

Sanemi felt his dignity shatter into a million pieces.

"Damn it!" he growled, unsheathing his Nichirin Sword in frustration. "Close your eyes, all of you!"

His fierce tone, combined with his intense glare, was enough to make everyone freeze in place. Frightened, they turned their heads and fell silent.

At that moment, Ren stepped closer, a calm expression on his face.

"Brother Sanemi," he said with mock sincerity, "what do you want to ask me?"

Sanemi's patience reached its limit. His grip on his sword tightened, and his blood boiled.

"Enough!" he roared, his blade flashing as he prepared to strike. "Let's see if your blood is as sweet as your honeyed words!"

Sanemi stepped back and began preparing a sword technique. His posture was serious, his intent unmistakable.

But before he could complete the form, Shinobu appeared between them, blocking his path.

"Insect Breathing: Butterfly Dance – Teasing!"

Her sudden intervention cut Sanemi's momentum short.

Shinobu stood there, calm and smiling, though her tone carried a hint of displeasure.

"Mr. Sanemi, are you planning to destroy the Butterfly Mansion?"

Sanemi froze, realizing his mistake. He stammered, trying to explain:

"N-No, I just wanted to spar with Ren..."

"Sparring?" Shinobu's eyes narrowed, her cheerful expression turning dangerous. "Do you think sparring with a Nichirin Sword is appropriate here?"

"And," she continued, her voice soft but firm, "this Butterfly Mansion was built by my sister, Kanae."

At the mention of Kanae, Sanemi's expression shifted. A wave of complex emotions flickered in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," he said quietly, sheathing his blade.

Shinobu's smile returned, and she let out a relieved sigh. Turning to the surrounding members of the Corps, she bowed slightly.

"I apologize for the disturbance," she said gently. "Our Wind Hashira just thought it was too hot and wanted to provide some fresh air."

Her lighthearted explanation, paired with her gentle demeanor, left everyone charmed.

"Don't worry, Shinobu-sama!" one of them said, blushing. "We're fine!"

"Yes, Shinobu-sama is so kind. We weren't upset at all!"

"You're amazing, Shinobu-sama!"

The atmosphere became light and harmonious once more.

Meanwhile, Kanzaki Aoi, who had been arranging bedding nearby, watched with admiration.

"As expected of Shinobu-sama," she murmured. "She's always so graceful."

But her thoughts were interrupted by a heavy, feral breathing beside her.

She turned, startled, only to find herself face-to-face with a boar mask.

It was Inosuke.

Before she could react, Inosuke dashed forward, heading straight for Ren.

"Quahahaha! Found you, you coward!" he bellowed. "We're finishing this fight now!"

"Inosuke?!" Aoi gasped, shocked. "Wait, stop! That's Ren!"

But Inosuke didn't slow down.

Ren, hearing the commotion, turned to see a wild 'boar' charging toward him.

"Don't worry, Ren," Shinobu said, her voice as calm as ever. "You don't need a weapon for this one."

Ren glanced at Shinobu, exasperated.

"When did I agree to this?" he thought. "If you want me to tame your 'pet,' just say so!"

Still, Ren decided to play along. He set aside the decorative wooden sword in his hand and stepped back lightly.

Inosuke lunged, but Ren dodged, leaving the boar-masked warrior skidding across the floor.

Seeing Ren unarmed, Inosuke tossed aside his own blades.

"Bare hands, huh?" Inosuke growled, his nostrils flaring. "Fine by me! Let's fight like real men!"

***