“Whew…”
Rin let out a long, relieved sigh.
His life—for now—was secure.
“By the way, Mr.
Demon.”
Kanae suddenly seemed to remember something.
She leaned in a little closer, her large eyes blinking as she studied Rin.
“What is your name?”
“My name?”
“Yes.
After becoming demons, many people are consumed by the instinct of hunger.
They forget their human memories and turn into monsters that know only how to devour people.”
A trace of quiet sadness lingered in Kanae’s voice.
“If you still remember your human memories… it means you’ve truly retained your humanity.”
This was the lore from the original story.
Most low-level demons had only two concepts in their minds: eat and Muzan Kibutsuji.
Those who retained their memories were either exceptionally gifted or driven by an unshakable obsession.
“Rin.”
Rin stood in the shadow of a tree, hands shoved into his worn-out pockets.
His expression was desolate, yet carried an air of weary indifference—as if he had already seen through this cruel world.
“My name is Rin.
I’m an orphan.
I was forcibly turned into a demon not long ago.”
He paused, then met Kanae’s gaze directly.
“By the way, since I’ve told you my name, wouldn’t it be polite for you to formally introduce yourself as well?”
He already knew who she was, of course.
But for an orphan who had just become a demon to recognize a Demon Slayer Corps Hashira on sight?
That would be far too suspicious.
Kanae was momentarily stunned.
He remembers.
Not just his name.
Not just his background.
He was emotionally rich, fully coherent—showing no signs of losing his humanity at all.
For a demon, this level of clarity was precious beyond words.
A warm current stirred in Kanae’s heart.
Perhaps Heaven truly heard my prayers… and sent me this miracle.
She wanted to understand more.
Wanted to confirm whether this miracle was real.
Wanted to see—where this demon named Rin would ultimately go.
“You’re right.
That was rude of me.”
Kanae straightened up, a brilliant smile blooming across her face.
“My name is Kanae Kocho.
I am the newly appointed Flower Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.
Rin.”
“Kanae… Kocho.”
Rin repeated the name as if hearing it for the first time.
In this world full of demon slayers, even a demon who didn’t eat people would be hunted by unsuspecting swordsmen.
And Muzan Kibutsuji had zero tolerance for outliers who refused to eat humans.
His current strength was far too weak.
Acting alone was suicide.
But the person before him was a Hashira.
Immensely powerful.
Kind-hearted.
An advocate for coexistence between humans and demons.
She was the perfect protective umbrella.
He needed to cling to her tightly.
At the same time, Kanae was thinking.
Although Mr.
Rin claimed he didn’t eat people, a demon’s power was formidable.
If she let such a special demon wander alone—what if he lost control?
What if he was mistakenly killed by another member of the Demon Slayer Corps?
The best solution was to keep him by her side.
It would be both surveillance… and protection.
If he could truly refrain from eating humans, he would become living proof that coexistence was possible.
The human and the demon exchanged a glance.
Something crackled in the air between them—like static before a storm.
Rin and Kanae Kocho spoke almost at the same time:
“How about you come with me?”
“Then I’ll accompany you—to see if you really don’t eat people.”
Their words fell simultaneously.
Both of them blinked in surprise.
Kanae covered her mouth and chuckled, her laughter crisp and melodic.
“Ara… it seems our thoughts are quite in sync, Mr.
Rin.”
Rin shrugged helplessly, the tension finally draining from his shoulders.
“Yeah, Miss Kanae.
But let’s get one thing straight—you’re covering the food expenses.
I’m a broke demon with no money.”
“No problem.”
Kanae agreed with a smile.
A glint of mischief flickered in her eyes.
“However… if you can’t help but want to eat people, my sword won’t show mercy.”
“Don’t worry.”
Rin turned and started walking toward the town at the foot of the mountain, where dim lights flickered in the distance.
“Compared to human flesh, I’m far more looking forward to you treating me to a large bowl of ramen.”
“Do you want a soft-boiled egg with that?”
Kanae quickly caught up and walked beside him.
“Of course.
Two.”
“Hehe… Mr.
Rin is quite the glutton.”
The night deepened.
A demon and a human walked along the winding mountain path, heading toward the human world—a world thick with the scent of life.
If any other member of the Demon Slayer Corps saw this scene, their jaws would surely drop.
But for Kanae Kocho… it was the most beautiful scenery her heart had ever known.
The mountain road was rugged.
The human and the demon walked side by side, the initial awkwardness fading considerably amid their idle chatter.
“Say, Mr.
Rin.”
As they walked, Kanae suddenly seemed to remember something.
She turned her head and asked curiously, “Although this might be presumptuous, I’d still like to ask…”
“What is your Blood Demon Art?”
“Blood Demon Art?”
Rin blinked.
“Yes.” Kanae nodded, her eyes gleaming with intellectual curiosity.
“Generally speaking, demons with good aptitude awaken their own special abilities shortly after transformation—what we call Blood Demon Arts.”
“Since Mr.
Rin has retained his sanity and memories, and also possesses the unique constitution to eat human food… I think your Blood Demon Art must be quite special as well, don’t you think?”
This was also a professional habit of the Demon Slayer Corps—gathering intelligence.
Information on any unusual demon was valuable; it might prove useful in the future when dealing with Muzan Kibutsuji.
But beyond that… she was genuinely curious.
What kind of power did this extraordinary demon possess?
“Um… Miss Kanae…”
Rin rubbed his nose awkwardly, looking somewhat embarrassed.
“You might not believe me, but…”
“I don’t have a Blood Demon Art.”
“Eh?”
Kanae’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You don’t?”
“I really don’t.”
Rin spread his hands, helpless.
“Look at me.
Do I look like the kind of powerful demon?
Aside from being a bit stronger than before and healing a little faster, I’ve got nothing else.”
He paused, then added with a self-deprecating shrug, “If anything… does being able to eat count as a Blood Demon Art?”
Kanae couldn’t help but laugh—a bright, genuine giggle.
“Hehehe… Mr.
Rin is very funny.”
She laughed until her eyes curved into crescent moons.
“But it’s good that you don’t have a Blood Demon Art.
That way, it’s harder to hurt people.”
“Yeah.”
Rin nodded firmly.
“I’ll prove it to you.
I, Rin, will definitely become a good demon—one who only eats food, not people.”
As long as he behaved well and proved he truly didn’t eat humans, Kanae would be his strongest shield for now.
People?
I wouldn’t eat them even if I were starving.
“Then I’ll be watching~”
The two emerged from the forest, and the silhouette of a town appeared ahead.
It was a fairly bustling little town.
Even in the dead of night, small lanterns dotted the darkness like fallen stars.
The aroma of food drifted through the air.
Rin’s nose twitched twice—roasted sweet potatoes.
And the scent of oden wafting from an izakaya in the distance.
His stomach growled again, even louder than before, as if lodging a furious protest.
Kanae couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes curving warmly.
“It seems Mr.
Rin really is starving.
Let’s go.
There’s a shop with excellent food just ahead.
I’ve been there before on missions.”
“Then what are we waiting for?
Let’s go!”
Rin’s eyes lit up, and his pace quickened instantly.
With that eager expression, he didn’t look like a demon at all.
He looked more like a starving schoolboy racing to dinner.
Watching Rin’s unguarded back, the smile on Kanae’s face gradually softened into something gentler—and more determined.
She gripped the Nichirin sword at her waist and quickly followed.
“Wait for me, Mr.
Rin.
You’re going the wrong way—that’s the bathhouse over there…”
“Ah?
I saw steam rising and thought it was a steamed bun shop…”
“Hehehe…”
…
That night, Kanae Kocho of the Demon Slayer Corps picked up a strange demon named RinChapter 2: Clinging to a Patron
·
Yesterday 12:53
“Whew…”
Rin let out a long, relieved sigh.
His life—for now—was secure.
“By the way, Mr.
Demon.”
Kanae suddenly seemed to remember something.
She leaned in a little closer, her large eyes blinking as she studied Rin.
“What is your name?”
“My name?”
“Yes.
After becoming demons, many people are consumed by the instinct of hunger.
They forget their human memories and turn into monsters that know only how to devour people.”
A trace of quiet sadness lingered in Kanae’s voice.
“If you still remember your human memories… it means you’ve truly retained your humanity.”
This was the lore from the original story.
Most low-level demons had only two concepts in their minds: eat and Muzan Kibutsuji.
Those who retained their memories were either exceptionally gifted or driven by an unshakable obsession.
“Rin.”
Rin stood in the shadow of a tree, hands shoved into his worn-out pockets.
His expression was desolate, yet carried an air of weary indifference—as if he had already seen through this cruel world.
“My name is Rin.
I’m an orphan.
I was forcibly turned into a demon not long ago.”
He paused, then met Kanae’s gaze directly.
“By the way, since I’ve told you my name, wouldn’t it be polite for you to formally introduce yourself as well?”
He already knew who she was, of course.
But for an orphan who had just become a demon to recognize a Demon Slayer Corps Hashira on sight?
That would be far too suspicious.
Kanae was momentarily stunned.
He remembers.
Not just his name.
Not just his background.
He was emotionally rich, fully coherent—showing no signs of losing his humanity at all.
For a demon, this level of clarity was precious beyond words.
A warm current stirred in Kanae’s heart.
Perhaps Heaven truly heard my prayers… and sent me this miracle.
She wanted to understand more.
Wanted to confirm whether this miracle was real.
Wanted to see—where this demon named Rin would ultimately go.
“You’re right.
That was rude of me.”
Kanae straightened up, a brilliant smile blooming across her face.
“My name is Kanae Kocho.
I am the newly appointed Flower Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps.
It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr.
Rin.”
“Kanae… Kocho.”
Rin repeated the name as if hearing it for the first time.
In this world full of demon slayers, even a demon who didn’t eat people would be hunted by unsuspecting swordsmen.
And Muzan Kibutsuji had zero tolerance for outliers who refused to eat humans.
His current strength was far too weak.
Acting alone was suicide.
But the person before him was a Hashira.
Immensely powerful.
Kind-hearted.
An advocate for coexistence between humans and demons.
She was the perfect protective umbrella.
He needed to cling to her tightly.
At the same time, Kanae was thinking.
Although Mr.
Rin claimed he didn’t eat people, a demon’s power was formidable.
If she let such a special demon wander alone—what if he lost control?
What if he was mistakenly killed by another member of the Demon Slayer Corps?
The best solution was to keep him by her side.
It would be both surveillance… and protection.
If he could truly refrain from eating humans, he would become living proof that coexistence was possible.
The human and the demon exchanged a glance.
Something crackled in the air between them—like static before a storm.
Rin and Kanae Kocho spoke almost at the same time:
“How about you come with me?”
“Then I’ll accompany you—to see if you really don’t eat people.”
Their words fell simultaneously.
Both of them blinked in surprise.
Kanae covered her mouth and chuckled, her laughter crisp and melodic.
“Ara… it seems our thoughts are quite in sync, Mr.
Rin.”
Rin shrugged helplessly, the tension finally draining from his shoulders.
“Yeah, Miss Kanae.
But let’s get one thing straight—you’re covering the food expenses.
I’m a broke demon with no money.”
“No problem.”
Kanae agreed with a smile.
A glint of mischief flickered in her eyes.
“However… if you can’t help but want to eat people, my sword won’t show mercy.”
“Don’t worry.”
Rin turned and started walking toward the town at the foot of the mountain, where dim lights flickered in the distance.
“Compared to human flesh, I’m far more looking forward to you treating me to a large bowl of ramen.”
“Do you want a soft-boiled egg with that?”
Kanae quickly caught up and walked beside him.
“Of course.
Two.”
“Hehe… Mr.
Rin is quite the glutton.”
The night deepened.
A demon and a human walked along the winding mountain path, heading toward the human world—a world thick with the scent of life.
If any other member of the Demon Slayer Corps saw this scene, their jaws would surely drop.
But for Kanae Kocho… it was the most beautiful scenery her heart had ever known.
The mountain road was rugged.
The human and the demon walked side by side, the initial awkwardness fading considerably amid their idle chatter.
“Say, Mr.
Rin.”
As they walked, Kanae suddenly seemed to remember something.
She turned her head and asked curiously, “Although this might be presumptuous, I’d still like to ask…”
“What is your Blood Demon Art?”
“Blood Demon Art?”
Rin blinked.
“Yes.” Kanae nodded, her eyes gleaming with intellectual curiosity.
“Generally speaking, demons with good aptitude awaken their own special abilities shortly after transformation—what we call Blood Demon Arts.”
“Since Mr.
Rin has retained his sanity and memories, and also possesses the unique constitution to eat human food… I think your Blood Demon Art must be quite special as well, don’t you think?”
This was also a professional habit of the Demon Slayer Corps—gathering intelligence.
Information on any unusual demon was valuable; it might prove useful in the future when dealing with Muzan Kibutsuji.
But beyond that… she was genuinely curious.
What kind of power did this extraordinary demon possess?
“Um… Miss Kanae…”
Rin rubbed his nose awkwardly, looking somewhat embarrassed.
“You might not believe me, but…”
“I don’t have a Blood Demon Art.”
“Eh?”
Kanae’s eyes widened in surprise.
“You don’t?”
“I really don’t.”
Rin spread his hands, helpless.
“Look at me.
Do I look like the kind of powerful demon?
Aside from being a bit stronger than before and healing a little faster, I’ve got nothing else.”
He paused, then added with a self-deprecating shrug, “If anything… does being able to eat count as a Blood Demon Art?”
Kanae couldn’t help but laugh—a bright, genuine giggle.
“Hehehe… Mr.
Rin is very funny.”
She laughed until her eyes curved into crescent moons.
“But it’s good that you don’t have a Blood Demon Art.
That way, it’s harder to hurt people.”
“Yeah.”
Rin nodded firmly.
“I’ll prove it to you.
I, Rin, will definitely become a good demon—one who only eats food, not people.”
As long as he behaved well and proved he truly didn’t eat humans, Kanae would be his strongest shield for now.
People?
I wouldn’t eat them even if I were starving.
“Then I’ll be watching~”
The two emerged from the forest, and the silhouette of a town appeared ahead.
It was a fairly bustling little town.
Even in the dead of night, small lanterns dotted the darkness like fallen stars.
The aroma of food drifted through the air.
Rin’s nose twitched twice—roasted sweet potatoes.
And the scent of oden wafting from an izakaya in the distance.
His stomach growled again, even louder than before, as if lodging a furious protest.
Kanae couldn’t help but laugh, her eyes curving warmly.
“It seems Mr.
Rin really is starving.
Let’s go.
There’s a shop with excellent food just ahead.
I’ve been there before on missions.”
“Then what are we waiting for?
Let’s go!”
Rin’s eyes lit up, and his pace quickened instantly.
With that eager expression, he didn’t look like a demon at all.
He looked more like a starving schoolboy racing to dinner.
Watching Rin’s unguarded back, the smile on Kanae’s face gradually softened into something gentler—and more determined.
She gripped the Nichirin sword at her waist and quickly followed.
“Wait for me, Mr.
Rin.
You’re going the wrong way—that’s the bathhouse over there…”
“Ah?
I saw steam rising and thought it was a steamed bun shop…”
“Hehehe…”
…
That night, Kanae Kocho of the Demon Slayer Corps picked up a strange demon named Rin