Hot Spring and Departure

--- Chapter 38 ---

After getting a massage from Shinobu's crow, Tenma took a warm, slow dip in his hot spring.

"Ah, this is the best..." Tenma groaned, feeling his body soaked with warm water and natural energy.

It's not that Tenma is tired or anything. Stellar Transformation practically made his body max stamina as long as stars shine in the sky.

He's just preparing for some demon slaying.

After all, tonight will be a long night.

So, Tenma is leisurely dipping in the artificial hot spring at the back of the house. Since he could use the Dragon Veins, he directed the geothermal energy and turned one of the ponds near the waterfall into a hot spring.

But he would never expect his dip in the hot spring to take an unexpected turn.

Splash! Splash!

The sound of steps disturbed Tenma's peace.

His body quivered because he could sense two graceful bodies entering the hot spring, creating a ripple in the water.

"Aah, it's so nice to soak in a hot spring after such a long day~!" Tamako's pleasant voice echoed.

"Ah, Ma-kun! I didn't know you were there."

"T-Tamako-san! Don't suddenly greet Tenma like that. You're disturbing his rest!" Kanao's panicked voice followed.

Tamako whined playfully, "Moo~! If Ma-kun is tired, you should have told Kaa-chan. Kaa-chan will make sure Ma-kun gets a warm and comfortable rest~!"

'What a lie.' Iris whispered in Tenma's mind. 'Tenma, your mother is such a thirsty woman. Are you sure you don't want to satiate her thirst?'

'Sssh, let me enjoy this...' Tenma slowly opened his eyes, seeing Tamako and Kanao wrapped in a warm towel. Their fair and curvy bodies entered his sight.

Due to the hot spring, an extra 'wetness' added to their gleaming flawless skin, making it a feast to one's eyes.

GAWD! DAYUUUMMM!!!

Tenma felt blessed, physically and spiritually. He also swore he saw pink mist around their bodies for some reason.

Seeing Tenma's stunned look, Tamako couldn't help but giggle and cause her ample bosom to jiggle. On the other hand, Kanao blushed as this was the first time Tenma had seen her with this 'little' clothing.

Cough!

Tenma cleared his throat, "Ehem, what are you two doing here?"

"I thought you were competing in the kitchen."

"Well, we were one hour ago," Tamako replied smoothly. "So, I decided to take a bath with Kanao-chan."

"Anyway..." Her eyes trailed to Tenma's muscular chest and slowly moved down to his hard abs. She hissed inwardly, biting her lips because of how incredible her son's physique was.

He's muscular but not bulky, just enough to counterweight his height.

"Ma-kun, do you want Kaa-chan to massage your back?" asked Tamako with bright eyes.

"Sure..." Tenma nodded calmly.

Remember, hesitation means defeat!

Tamako swayed her way to Tenma, rubbing his body with her soft and slender fingers.

Kanao pouted and also followed, sitting near Tenma's quads. "T-Then, I will massage Tenma's legs!"

"Fufu, Kanao-chan is quite competitive~!" Tamako whispered to Tenma's ears, making his hair stand up a little. She slowly rubbed Tenma's hard muscle, pushing her soft mountains to his back.

Kanao saw this and also grabbed Tenma's leg. She hugged it tightly, sandwiching it between her growing bosom and flat stomach.

Heaven~! Tenma hissed inwardly, enjoying the DOUBLE HAPPINESS.

Wet bodies, womanly and floral scents, everything is just perfect.

Tamako rested her head on Tenma's shoulder and asked, "Ma-kun, you wouldn't leave Kaa-chan behind, right? We will be together forever and ever..."

"Kaa-chan loves Ma-kun so much..."

"Not even death can part us apart..."

'Huh?' Tenma was alerted. He hurriedly opened his eyes and glanced back, seeing Tamako's gentle expression.

"D-Did you say something earlier, Kaa-chan?"

Tamako tilted her head innocently, "Am I?"

"Hehe, Ma-kun must be sleepy."

"Kanao-chan, did you hear me say anything?" She glanced at Kanao.

Kanao was too focused on massaging Tenma with a reddened face, so she snapped out when hearing this question.

"Eh... Uh, I don't know." Kanao replied shyly. She was too absorbed in Tenma's perfect muscles.

"See." Tamako gave Tenma a smile.

Tenma felt uneasy for some reason. He asked Hestia and Iris, but they didn't even reply to him.

Damn, traitors!

After massaging Tenma, Tamako and Kanao hugged his arm, enjoying the hot spring together. They immersed themselves in the serenity of the mountain, hearing the waterfall noise nearby.

Soon, the sun went down and was gradually replaced by the bright moon.

Then, they walked back home.

"Well, Kaa-chan won't join you in demon slaying. Be safe, okay~!" Tamako left in satisfaction, smiling joyfully.

Tenma and Kanao helplessly watched her enter the house and saw Eri running at them.

"Tenma Nii-chan, Nao-chan!" Eri waved her hand excitedly. "Shinobu Nee has arrived at the entry point, and she's waiting for us there."

Tenma smiled and glanced at Kanao, "Are you ready for some demon slaying?"

"Mm." Kanao nodded solemnly, clasping the katana on her hip.

Threw shadows left the Wakami Village.

Tamako watched the shadows disappearing into the forest from the third floor and sipped her tea, "Demons..."

"If you dare to lay down your dirty fingers on my dear Ma-kun, I swore to gods your race will no longer exist."

...

...

Tenma, Kanao, and Eri swiftly flickered in the mountain area.

Their presences are thin, allowing them to dodge wild beasts around the Wakami Village.

After an hour, they arrived at the entry point, a post disguised as an Izakaya for Tenma's group.

Tenma entered the Izakaya, and several people simultaneously gazed at him.

They were stunned.

"Tenma-sama..."

"Tenma-sama has returned..."

"What an amazing night this is..."

Some murmured, their eyes glowing in happiness.

A waitress comes to greet Tenma, "Welcome, what's your order?"

Tenma smiled, "Give me Three Donburi, Salad, and Omurice. Also, some warm ginger-honey water. Is Butterfly Fish in stock right now?"

"Butterfly Fish is in the stock. Anything else?" The waitress nodded with a welcoming look. However, inside, her heart is beating rapidly to serve Tenma.

She's going to brag to her coworkers after this.

"No, that's it." Tenma gave her an amused smile.

"Then, please follow me to the empty seat." The waitress led them to the private corner, where someone had been waiting for them.

"I will bring your orders soon." She bowed and left them to their own devices.

Kanao and Eri didn't react much to the waitress.

The Totsuki Culinary School isn't just a school. It was a faction built by Tenma and them. The way they recruited people into Totsuki is also different.

Besides the students, most people joining Totsuki were unfortunate ones who were attacked by demons and saved by Tenma. They have lost their family or loved ones yet felt grateful toward Tenma, wishing to serve him with utmost loyalty.

They have no name, so Tenma called them Kuhaku.

They are just ordinary people who are skilled in business and intelligence gathering. 20% of Kuhaku lived in the Wakami Village while the rest were 'finely' scattered around Japan.

Tenma opened the sliding door and caught an attractive young woman sitting on the tatami floor, gazing at the window.

One year.

Tenma hasn't seen Shinobu for one year. And she has become more beautiful.

She has matured significantly, gaining weight in her chest and rear, while her feminine features have become more pronounced. She wore a Demon Slayer outfit with her own Hashira's Haori now, fitting the purple leather choker on her fair neck.

"Long time no see, Shinobu." Tenma took a seat opposite Shinobu.

"Mm." Shinobu nodded, staring at Tenma silently.

Looking at his masculine, handsome face was enough to make her body itch. Her bottom also warmed up.

Unfortunately, Shinobu couldn't entertain her desire.

She smiled at Tenma and glanced at Kanao and Eri, "Sit down. Don't be shy."

"The demons won't appear until midnight."

"Let's have dinner first."

"Owh!" Eri tactfully sat beside Shinobu, letting Kanao take a spot beside Tenma.

Shinobu noticed this and snorted inwardly.

Kanao gave Eri a grateful look before sitting beside Tenma.

Shinobu supported her chin with her palm, "So, Tenma... When are we going to have our date?"

Kanao frowned at Shinobu, 'Shinobu-san, you're playing with fire!'

'Good drama, good drama.' Eri laughed, watching Shinobu and Kanao standoff with a cheeky grin.

"..." Tenma.

As expected, pretty girls are dangerous.

He sighed, "Let's talk about it after slaying demons. For now, I want a peaceful dinner."

"Okay~." Shinobu put on a mischievous look.

What a shame.