The Beginning of the Unknown Journey

### Chapter Seven: The Beginning of the Unknown Journey

That night, Kintaro returned to the master's house late, his emotions in turmoil. His steps were steady, walking straight through the wooden corridors of the house, but his head was bowed. The weight of his thoughts bore heavily on his shoulders, making his usually confident stride seem sluggish and weary.

As he passed by the master's closed room, the rich aroma of incense wafted through the air, mingling with the faint laughter of children. Ayaka's voice, filled with warmth and joy, carried through the thin walls. Likely, this would be the last time he would hear her laugh, a sound that had always brought him comfort. Since she was smiling, she didn't need him in the house anymore, or so Kintaro thought as he continued his walk. The thought brought a bittersweet ache to his chest, each step feeling like a final farewell.

Having completed his chores before the demon's appearance, he headed to the training room. The room was dimly lit by a single lantern, casting flickering shadows on the walls lined with training equipment. He placed the sword he had taken on a stand. There were only five swords like it in the house, making it a rare blade. The sword's polished steel gleamed in the dim light, a silent testament to its deadly purpose. He then went to his room, sliding the traditional thin Japanese door to the right, and was surprised to find his bed prepared. The futon, laid out neatly on the wooden floor, was an unexpected sight, contrasting sharply with the turmoil in his heart.

Kintaro closed the door quietly and entered, kneeling on the soft bedding. The futon should have been in the closet, but it was now laid out on the wooden floor, indicating that Ayaka had prepared it for him because he had returned late. The room, usually a sanctuary of solitude, now felt like a shrine to his memories in the house.

He had never felt like a servant to her before. She was more like... a mother. The realization hit him with a fresh wave of emotion, his vision blurring as he took in the familiar surroundings one last time.

Closing his eyes, Kintaro lay on his bed, his room featuring a wide back door that opened to a starry sky. The night was clear, and the stars seemed to shimmer with an ethereal light, painting a serene picture above. He gazed at the stars for a few minutes, each constellation a silent witness to his turmoil, before closing his eyes, realizing that it was time to say goodbye and that this was his last look at the sky from this room. The soft rustling of the night breeze through the open door was a gentle lullaby, easing him into a fitful sleep.

At dawn, Kintaro woke up early, the first light of morning casting a pale glow across his room. The tranquility of the early hour was a stark contrast to the storm brewing within him. He packed his backpack, the one he used for shopping and groceries, with clothes he would need. The worn fabric of the bag felt strangely reassuring, a small piece of normalcy in an otherwise chaotic time.

He then dressed in gray pants, a white shirt, and a purple cloak draped over his shoulders and arms, reaching just below his knees. With neat clothes, black hair, beautiful amethyst eyes, and a simple, practical pair of shoes suitable for travel and training, Kintaro was ready. His reflection in the mirror showed a young man poised on the brink of a new journey, his eyes reflecting both determination and sorrow.

He slid his room door shut after leaving and encountered Ayaka in the hallway, who was still half asleep. Her kimono, slightly disheveled from sleep, rustled softly as she approached, her usually composed features softened by drowsiness.

Surprised to see him, Ayaka asked, "It's rare to see you like this. Are you going somewhere?"

Kintaro remained silent, unsure where to start. Seeing his hesitation, Ayaka asked gently, "Did something happen?"

Raising his head, Kintaro tried to find the right words, but then he saw the master, Muzan, standing in the doorway of Ayaka's room, his red eyes glowing with hatred. Muzan's presence was like a dark shadow looming over the hallway, his malevolent aura palpable. When Kintaro saw him, he immediately said, "Lady Ayaka, thank you so much for taking care of me all this time. You have truly been like a mother to me. No matter how much I thank you, it will never be enough."

Ayaka's eyes widened with shock. Slowly lowering her gaze, she replied in a tone filled with disappointment, "I see... It seems that time has come sooner than I expected. Of course, you wouldn't remain a servant here forever. But..."

Ayaka walked quietly towards Kintaro and hugged him like he was her own child. The embrace was warm and comforting, a stark contrast to the cold, harsh reality that awaited him outside. As tears rolled down her cheeks, she said, "I never considered you a servant. Kintaro, you have always been my son!"

Kintaro's eyes trembled upon hearing this. Despite his attempt to handle the situation without tears, they flowed from his eyes uncontrollably. Though he didn't make a sound, his eyes spoke volumes, each tear a silent testament to his gratitude and sorrow.

Ayaka then took Kintaro's hand and led him to the training room, where she picked one of the five real swords, saying, "I heard you used one of these swords to kill the demon last night. Consider this a small parting gift from me."

The training room, filled with the scent of old wood and steel, was a place of many memories. Kintaro took the sword as Ayaka continued, "It is made of a special metal, capable of killing demons if you cut off their heads. Such swords are rare in the world."

Kintaro looked at the sword and sheath for a few moments before trying to return it, saying he couldn't accept such a valuable gift. But Ayaka insisted, "Kintaro, this may be a selfish request, but I want you to join the Demon Slayer Corps. I am sure you have the talent for it. I heard everything, that you defeated the strongest student and saved the trainer from the demon. Kintaro, you are strong and can become even stronger."

Kintaro stared at the sword and scabbard for a few seconds before gripping it tightly, saying, "Where do I start, Lady Ayaka?"

Ayaka smiled, a bittersweet expression on her face, and said, "In the far west, look for a famous village called Saita. In that village, there is a woman skilled in designing and sewing women's clothes. When you find her, ask where you can find the butterfly. If she asks which butterfly, show her your sword."

Kintaro didn't fully understand what Ayaka was talking about, nor did he know what she meant by the butterfly. But he agreed, bid her a proper farewell, and walked towards the training room door, where he found Muzan listening while leaning against the wall. With hateful red eyes, Muzan stared silently at Kintaro. The malevolence in Muzan's gaze was almost tangible, a silent promise of future conflict. With bright amethyst eyes, Kintaro returned the gaze, his determination hardening, and left, securing his sword in a white belt at his waist.

The journey into the unknown had begun, and Muzan already knew Kintaro's destination. He would likely send one of the lower moons to eliminate him as soon as possible. The road ahead was fraught with danger, but Kintaro's resolve was unshakeable. As he stepped out into the cool morning air, he felt the weight of his mission settle on his shoulders, the beginning of a journey that would shape his destiny.

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