38 Demon Slayer: Floating Comment

Not far from Fujikasane Mountain lay a small town where aspiring swordsmen would often stop to celebrate after completing their grueling seven-day exam.

Haruto led the Butterfly sisters into a bustling ramen shop. The air outside was already thick with the enticing aroma of their signature Wild Boar Ramen set.

By dinnertime, the shop was lively, with patrons filling every corner. Among them were several Demon Slayer swordsmen, their blades resting at their sides.

Haruto wiped down a table and the wooden benches with a cloth before turning to the sisters. After confirming their preferences, he waved over the shopkeeper.

"Five Wild Boar Ramen sets, please."

Noticing Shinobu sitting silently, her head bowed in thought, he asked, "What's on your mind, Shinobu?"

Kanae glanced at her younger sister, who clutched her Nichirin Blade tightly, her expression troubled. Sighing softly, Kanae reached out and gently ran her hand through Shinobu's silky black hair.

"Haruto," Shinobu finally spoke, her clear eyes wavering between light and shadow. "Did you know... I lack the strength to cut through a demon's neck?"

"Yes, I know." Haruto nodded without hesitation. "That was obvious from the start. Urokodaki-sensei is an exceptional trainer. He likely noticed your physical limitations right away."

Shinobu lowered her head further, her voice barely above a whisper.

"A Demon Slayer who can't decapitate demons... What a ridiculous title."

"In fact," Haruto continued, "I received a letter from Ishihama-sensei. After more than a year of training, your physical strength still falls short of the standard for a true Demon Slayer."

Shinobu's grip on her blade tightened, her shoulders slumping. Her slender arms struggled even to swing a sword effectively—surely Ishihama-sensei must be disappointed in her.

"But," Haruto added with a chuckle as he poured them each a cup of golden barley tea, "he also said your speed and precision are remarkable, especially your thrusting techniques. That's why he had no reservations about sending you to this final selection. Look, didn't you pass the test? Only the most capable swordsmen can survive Fujikasane Mountain."

Shinobu looked surprised by Ishihama-sensei's praise and shook her head slightly.

"I didn't kill a single demon during those seven days. I just kept running… dragging my sister down."

"Shinobu!" Kanae interrupted, grasping her sister's small hand firmly, her eyes earnest and unwavering. "You distracted the demons with your speed. Your precise attacks weakened them significantly. Shinobu, you've always been my greatest support—not a burden."

"Sister…"

Ishihama-sensei's letter had mentioned Shinobu's unique physique: petite, slender, and agile. Among the ten Water Breathing techniques, she excelled in forms that emphasized movement and fluidity. However, forms requiring raw physical strength were her weaknesses. While she could execute them in training, their power paled compared to other swordsmen.

Her stature couldn't be changed. Whether she would grow taller or stronger in the future remained uncertain. For now, improving her physical strength seemed an impossible path.

"Perhaps," Haruto mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully, "there's another way. Killing demons doesn't always have to mean cutting off their heads."

"Sunlight?"

"Too slow," Haruto replied. "If you lack the strength to decapitate them, you certainly can't pin them down until sunrise."

Shinobu followed Haruto's gaze, turning to look toward Fujikasane Mountain in the distance. Her eyes lit up as an idea struck her.

"Are you suggesting… wisteria poison?"

Haruto's lips curved into a smile. "You come from a family of medics. Surely your understanding of medicine surpasses mine."

Wisteria. Demons avoided Fujikasane Mountain, the temples that burned wisteria incense, and any place filled with its flowers. The reason was simple: the toxins in wisteria disrupted their cells, causing their bodies to decay from the inside out.

The Butterfly sisters exchanged a glance, their eyes sparkling with excitement. Even the steaming bowls of ramen brought to their table went momentarily unnoticed.

"Wow…" Haruto took a deep breath of the aromatic pork bone broth. The rich, savory flavor exploded in his mouth, perfectly complemented by the springy noodles and tender braised pork. It was so good, he felt like his soul might ascend.

Having spent years in Japan, Haruto still found its cuisine lacking compared to the richness of Chinese food. In the early 20th century, before Chinese cuisine spread to Japan, he had tried every traditional Japanese dish and Western import he could find. Yet, the best meal had always been Five-Bucket Sushi's hand-pressed sushi.

But after today, his culinary rankings might just have a new addition: the Wild Boar Ramen set from the foothills of Fujikasane Mountain.

[Comment Section:]
"Why does every side story turn into a food show?"
"Maybe this side story should be renamed.'"
"I haven't even gotten my fried chicken yet, but watching they eat makes me hungry. His eating style is so clean yet fast—it's hypnotic!"
"He only ordered three bowls? Clearly holding back. I bet he could finish ten!"
"Eating ramen while reading this!"

Just like how the viewers on the other side of the screen used Haruto as inspiration for their meals, Haruto was using their banter as seasoning for his own.

Meanwhile, across the table, the Butterfly sisters were engrossed in their discussion about wisteria poison, sketching ideas on a borrowed piece of paper.

"…The dosage needs experimentation. How about applying the poison directly to the blade?"

"Not enough," Shinobu shook her head. "It wouldn't last through multiple fights. What about poisoned darts?"

"That would require extensive training in throwing techniques. Besides, darts are secondary weapons. You need something more reliable for direct combat."

"Ugh…" Shinobu sighed, propping her chin on her hands like a little adult. "This is so complicated."

"Maybe the solution lies in the forging process," Kanae suggested with a sigh. "Too bad the ore has already been sent away. We don't know how Nichirin Blades are made or who makes them."

Halfway through his last bowl of ramen, Haruto finally looked up, noodles hanging from his chopsticks.

"Forging?"

Takanashi Haruto. Ex-blacksmith from Swordsmith Village. Twelve years of apprenticeship. Blinked innocently.

"Yeah… I might know a thing or two about that."