Episode 3

The days that followed were filled with a strange new rhythm. Iguro found himself anticipating the quiet moments when he could steal away to the training grounds and practice his Snake Breathing. But there was a new energy to his movements, a newfound focus that had been missing before. He couldn't shake the image of Mitsuri's unwavering spirit, her passionate defense of humanity, from his mind. He found himself incorporating a new kind of lightness into his strikes, a new fluidity that mirrored her movements, a subtle but powerful tribute to the Love Hashira.

His solitude felt different now, too. The silence wasn't quite as daunting. He found himself drawn to the open fields, the vastness of the sky, and he began to appreciate the subtle beauty of the world around him, a world that Mitsuri seemed to embrace with such open-hearted joy.

One evening, as the sun painted the sky with streaks of fiery orange and crimson, Iguro received a message from the Demon Slayer Corps. A new threat had emerged, a demon with a strange and unsettling power that had been plaguing the northern provinces. The message was brief, simply requesting his presence, but Iguro couldn't help but feel a sudden pang of anticipation, a longing for the fiery energy that was Mitsuri.

"What is it?" a gruff voice startled him. He turned to see his brother, Uzui, his face half-hidden by a mask, standing a few steps away.

"A new mission," Iguro said, his voice flat, "Up north. A demon with a strange power."

Uzui's mask shifted, revealing a hint of amusement. "You know, for someone who always prefers solitude, you seem to be drawn to these challenges."

"It's my duty," Iguro said, his voice sharper. "And I believe it's a duty we share."

"Indeed," Uzui replied, a flicker of understanding in his eyes. He knew Iguro better than most, and he sensed the quiet change that had come over his brother.

As Iguro prepared for his journey, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The demon's power was unknown, unpredictable. But then, he thought of Mitsuri, her infectious optimism, her unwavering belief in the strength of humanity. He knew he wasn't alone in this fight.

He sent a message to the Love Hashira, a simple request for her presence, knowing that she would answer the call. He didn't need to explain. They had found a shared language, a silent understanding forged in the fires of a common purpose.

And as he waited for Mitsuri's arrival, a new kind of hope bloomed within him. The world was still filled with darkness, but with Mitsuri by his side, he believed they could face any challenge. Together.

What happens next? Will they find a way to defeat this new threat? Will their shared purpose deepen their connection? Or will this mission bring unexpected challenges that test their bond in ways they never imagined?

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***