17 17. A Kind Soul

Watching two kids run around Leo found himself lost. Last night he accidentally sensed a powerful spirit and wanted to check it out. However, despite being overbearingly powerful that spirit was so calm and soothing, it was filled with kindness and care.

When his spirit came in contact with it, he couldn't help but remember his family, from this life and the last. No matter which one it was they loved him and cared for him.

"Big brother, come play with us."

An immature voice broke him out of his thoughts. Looking down he saw a little girl with black hair and peach coloured eyes staring at him, unknowingly a smile crept onto his face.

He picked her up and placed her on his shoulders. The little girl was excited and waved her hands. Leo laughed heartily, he looked up at the other kid and saw his pure untainted smile.

'How can anyone be so kind...

"Looks like Nezuko likes you."

Hearing that voice Leo turned around, Tanjuro walked out with a cup of tea and sat down. He had a smile on his face watching his two kids, the little girl Nezuko and the boy Tanjiro.

"You are lucky."

Tanjuro simply smiled in response and asked, "Seems like you took care of that one in the village."

Leo nodded, he hesitantly looked at Tanjuro and said, "You could have taken care of it."

Tanjuro sighed, he could sense the blame in those words, "My ailment... you should be aware, right? After all you are someone special."

Leo nodded. His ability also allowed him to understand a person's health. A perfectly healthy person would have their spirit encased inside a sphere. The condition of that sphere represent their health.

Though Tanjuro's soul was strong the sphere encasing it was crumbling. By his estimation Tanjuro atmost had 5 more years to live.

Tanjuro had an apologetic smile on his face as he said, "Any strenuous movement would deteriorate my body, also a demon in hiding isn't easily found unless a person has special capabilities, like you. Me being there would amount to nothing if I can't find it."

Leo felt embarrassed as he didn't think that far, though he could understand a person's health that doesn't mean he could analyze it.

"Sorry."

Tanjuro smiled, "It's alright, all is well now. Come inside, it's time for breakfast."

Teasing Nezuko he called out to Tanjiro and walked inside. A simple meal was placed before him, the sight of this somehow warmed his heart.

Tanjiro and Nezuko sat beside him and started to eat. Both of them were cute and adorable, Leo couldn't help but be fond of them even more.

"Have some more Leo."

A simple woman was seated opposite to him, she was beautiful and kind. This was Tanjuro's wife, Kamado Kie.

"It's alright aunt, I am not much of an eater."

"That won't do, have some more."

She refused him and put some more food into his bowl. Leo found it hard to refuse her, he smiled lightly and ate with bliss.

After breakfast was done Tanjuro picked up a basket and set out. Leo also followed, along the way he watched Tanjuro carefully. He didn't know why Tanjuro was so strong, out of curiosity he intended to ask him about it.

"You have something in mind?"

While picking up twigs and branches Tanjuro asked without looking back.

"Yes. How did you get so strong?"

Tanjuro lighted laughed, "Haha, So it was that, I thought it was something else seeing how serious you were."

Tying up the wood branches into a bundle Tanjuro explained, "Breathing Techniques nowadays are derivations of original Breaths. What I practice is called Fire God Dance which is an original Breath, it's been passed down through my family for generations, it also has another name Breath of the Sun."

Breath of the Sun...

Leo carefully pondered his words and didn't interrupt.

"Breathing Techniques are used to improve lung capacity and supply of oxygen throughout our body. However, Breath of the Sun is far superior to other Breaths, it's threshold is higher and the explosive strength of each move is way above the norm."

Saying upto here he looked at Leo and said with a smile, "You also have an original Breath, although I don't know which one it is, I do know that it's on par with Fire God Dance, No, it's even stronger. So young and yet you can already match me."

Leo shook his head and said seriously.

"No. Though I am strong I can't still match you."

Tanjuro just smiled in response. He continued to pick up wooden sticks and bundle them up. Leo also helped him.

"Why don't you train Tanjiro and Nezuko?"

Tanjuro's movement faltered, he thought for a moment and said, "Hmm, I never thought of training them, though Tanjiro can already perform the Fire God Dance."

Leo nodded and said in a serious tone, "You should train them, the future is indefinite and anything can happen. It's always good to be prepared."

"Good point."

By the time they finished their discuss they had already returned. Placing the bundle of wood down Tanjuro stretched his back and opened the door, Tanjiro and Nezuko were playing with some wood figurines. Seeing Leo and Tanjuro both of them ran upto them.

Leo kind of wished this day would never end. It has been years since he felt this kind of warmth, he really missed his family especially his little sister from this life. Those days were the happiest days of his life.

Under the expectant gazes of the two kids he relented and played with them. Time slowly ticked by, lunch soon came and went. By the time the sun moved from it's highest point Leo decided to leave.

Gazing lovingly at Tanjiro and Nezuko who were now asleep from playing all afternoon Leo got up and walked out. Tanjuro and Kei stood outside and smiled.

"Visit often."

"I will. Thanks for the food and all your care."

Leo bowed deeply and left. Walking down the mountain a faint smile bloomed on his face. Leo didn't notice the changes in him, he wasn't the same person he was before last night. He had gained something, something he had lost...