Multiverse: Why does the world show a health bar? !

The next day, everyone in the Kamado household could tell that Butterfly Shinobu wasn't feeling quite herself.

Kamado Kie's smile was gentle. As someone who had been through it all, no one understood these things better than her. She saw through it but didn't say a word. The children, of course, didn't understand the implications, and the adults kept it to themselves, silently acknowledging it in their hearts.

Shinobu's foundation as a swordswoman kept her from falling behind in front of the demon, but her movements were a bit off. Still, she could at least move.

The soreness throughout her body left Shinobu with little patience for Li Mo. What could he do? He could only respond with the gentlest attitude possible.

Not just in words, but in actions too. He was accommodating in every way, ensuring Shinobu felt as comfortable as a guest of honor.

And for the next few days, Shinobu's meals improved by a whole level. Kie prepared special dishes for her, and this continued right up until they were ready to leave.

Many of the reasons for coming to the Kamado household had been fulfilled. But there was still one goal left unachieved.

There had been no progress between Tanjirō and Kanao... Instead, Kanao had become friends with Nezuko. Around Nezuko, Kanao showed many more smiles.

Admittedly, seeing two girls getting along so well was a good thing. But the problem was, what about Tanjirō?

Li Mo gave up.

Eventually, Li Mo simply abandoned the idea of playing matchmaker. With Tanjirō's gentle personality, wouldn't it be easy for him to find a wife in the future? Especially with the backing of his uncle and aunts... Well, more like the backing of his aunts.

As the only demon in the current world, Li Mo was essentially a person without official status. Getting an identity document would be simple enough with the help of the Ubuyashiki family's influence.

But forget it. He was just a passerby.

Keeping his thoughts to himself, Li Mo watched Shinobu as she chatted with Tsuyuri Kanao.

As they prepared to leave, Kanao seemed deeply immersed in Nezuko's smiles, her reluctance to part all too obvious. This led to a conversation.

Should Kanao stay here and play with Nezuko?

Li Mo considered the possibility. The atmosphere of the Kamado household was something one could trust. In his experience, the half-year he spent living here was the only time he had truly felt the warmth of a "home." His time at the Grand Narukami Shrine had also been pleasant, but Yae Miko herself was a lonely old woman, always buried in light novels. How could that feel like home?

In fact, during their intimate moments, Shinobu had also mentioned how much she loved the atmosphere of the Kamado household. No one could dislike the feeling of the Kamado home.

"Huh? Taking Nezuko to the Butterfly Mansion?"

"Yes, that's what Kanao suggested."

However, things took an unexpected turn. Instead of Kanao staying to play, she outright suggested taking Nezuko to the Butterfly Mansion as an apprentice. From what Kagaya Ubuyashiki had planned, the Butterfly Mansion was set to expand significantly, seemingly becoming a major economic pillar. Therefore, supporting a few more people wouldn't be an issue.

"Does Nezuko agree?"

"Kanao convinced her. I think it'll work out. Mr. Kamado has recovered now, hasn't he? If she becomes a doctor, I doubt Kie and Mr. Kamado would object."

Doctors were respected in any era. If someone recommended their child to become a doctor, most parents would agree.

After some discussion, it was decided that Nezuko would go with them to the Butterfly Mansion as a medical apprentice. The main reason was likely Tanjūrō's recovery. With the family's pillar restored, Nezuko's responsibilities had lightened considerably.

In the end, Nezuko agreed.

They had come as three, but they would leave as four.

"Nezuko, study hard! Your brother will come visit you!" Tanjirō said as they prepared to leave.

Meanwhile, the younger siblings, Takeo and Rokuto, were reluctant to let her go, pleading, "Big sister, don't leave!" before being gently pulled away by Kie.

Li Mo bid farewell to each member of the Kamado family, saving the last goodbye for Kamado Hanako.

It felt like just yesterday he had witnessed this child come into the world. Now, she had grown to the height of his calf, becoming an adorable little girl.

"This is the last time I'll hold you, Hanako."

"Uncle, won't you come back?" Hanako loved being held by her uncle. Her mother had told her that when she was born, it was her uncle who had held her the most.

"I'll be back. It's just that I have things to do now."

He pinched Hanako's little nose before setting her down. Then, he left the Kamado household with Shinobu and the others.

When he had left the Grand Narukami Shrine and Fuyuki City, Li Mo had been carefree. But leaving the Kamado household felt stifling.

The only place where he had ever felt the warmth of home was the Kamado household.

The reluctance to leave had never been so strong.

But, as he had told Shinobu, there were things he simply had to do.

"If you're so reluctant, why not stay a few more days?" Shinobu suggested.

She had noticed the subtle hints in Li Mo's expression. Recalling their conversation a few nights ago, she decided to probe.

Li Mo glanced ahead. Kanao and Nezuko were walking in front. Seeing that they hadn't turned around, he knew they hadn't heard Shinobu's words.

It was better that they hadn't.

Li Mo replied, "We're already out the door. What's the point of saying that now? Although I'd love to live a peaceful life with you, Shinobu, there are some debts I need to repay."

For example, the debt he owed Yae Miko.

And the debt he owed Koyanskaya.

Li Mo didn't like owing debts—whether they were financial or personal. Either way, they were a burden.

"Debts? Is that why you're here, Li Mo?"

"Yes. There are many, many debts."

From now on, the Kamado family wouldn't have to worry about a future where only Tanjirō and Nezuko could survive.

Even if others didn't understand, seeing the Kamado family so happy and harmonious filled Li Mo with satisfaction. After spending so much time with Tanjūrō and the others, seeing them as real, flesh-and-blood people before his eyes...

—It felt different.

That's why he had been running around, becoming a swordsman, enduring battles, and even experiencing a near-death moment.

"So, have you repaid them all?" Shinobu asked.

"Mostly, I think. But I've accumulated some emotional debts." Li Mo looked tenderly at the girl beside him.

Emotional debts.

Some were related to family, but most were tied to love.

"You're a scoundrel."

"Yes, yes. I'm a scoundrel."

Li Mo didn't mind, and neither did Shinobu, really.

Up ahead, the two girls chattered away. Nezuko was filled with anticipation for the future and curiosity about the unknown environment. Under her influence, Kanao also became more talkative.

The Kamado household seemed to have a kind of magic, like a flame that illuminated everything around it, burning away all the coldness.

And the two adults?

The two adults walked hand in hand.