"You are?"
Kamado Tanjuro walked out the door and looked at Oboro.
His calm eyes concealed doubt, surprise, vigilance, and fear, but he hid them well.
He was surprised because he didn't recognize the visitor. Judging from the maids accompanying Oboro and their attire, they were either wealthy or noble.
And then there was Oboro's aura In Tanjuro Kamado's eyes, it blended perfectly with everything in the mountains.
His doubt stemmed from the fact that such distinguished people rarely had business with untouchables like them, hidden away in these mountains.
The reason for his caution was simpler.
He recognized that this strange young warrior was extraordinary.
Though Oboro's physique seemed frail, there was an indescribable quality about him as he stood there.
His breathing
Shock rippled through Tanjuro Kamado. This was the first time he had encountered such a 'person' in his entire life.
Fortunately, the visitor didn't appear to harbor any malicious intentions.
What caught Oboro's attention first weren't Tanjuro Kamado's features, but the sun wheel earrings adorning his ears and his forehead.
There was no familiar scar on his forehead.
This man resembled Kamado Tanjuro almost perfectly, though he was thinner, his figure only slightly more robust than Oboro's current state. Additionally, Kamado Tanjuro's health was clearly poor The meeting between them felt like a gathering of fellow patients.
The charcoal burner was shorter than expected.
Tanjuro's hair glowed red in the sunlight.
"It seems not every generation bears the scars perhaps only those who develop them are qualified to be chosen?" Oboro whispered softly.
The Fire God Kagura was the Sun Breathing technique. This breathing method wasn't something ordinary people could master Much like Nen techniques, if one's qualifications and talents weren't sufficient, it would shorten one's lifespan. This might explain why the Kamado clan typically didn't live long. Yet for the sake of their benefactor Yoriichi Tsugikuni's legacy, they never abandoned their mission.
Generation after generation, without the slightest wavering.
"My name is Oboro, and I come from Youguo."
Oboro smiled and introduced himself. "I heard your family preserves a Kagura dance passed down through generations a dance performed to pray for the Fire God's blessing. I've come today to witness it. I hope you can grant my wish, Mr. Tanjuro. As you can see, my body is already like a guttering candle, with no medicine capable of curing me. So I place my hope for survival on something seemingly unrealistic I pray the Fire God might show mercy and allow me to live a while longer."
Oboro's manner was polite and seemingly sincere.
"Father."
Tanjiro ran to Tanjuro and nervously grasped his father's sleeve. Though young, he understood that the dance honoring the Fire God couldn't be performed casually. His father's health deteriorated each time he performed it.
"Mr. Oboro also said it's unrealistic I fear your journey may be in vain."
Tanjuro placed his large hand atop his son's head and smiled gently. "Tanjuro can do nothing about the great man's misfortune I make my living selling charcoal, not as a medicine man."
The shift from addressing Oboro as "Sir" made Tanjuro's meaning quite clear.
Just then, Tanjuro's wife emerged from the house and nodded respectfully to Oboro.
She was a gentle and virtuous woman.
You could tell from her face and eyes
"Excuse me."
Hearing this, Oboro showed no disappointment as he turned to leave.
A fit of coughing seized him.
Scattered snowflakes began drifting from the sky once more
"My lord," the maid said hesitantly.
They had spent several hours climbing from the mountain's base Now snow was falling again as darkness approached.
"My lord, please stay."
Tanjuro's voice called from behind.
He spoke softly, "If you don't mind, you're welcome to shelter in my humble home for the night and descend the mountain tomorrow morning. That would be safer."
His wife smiled in agreement.
"Thank you."
Oboro nodded and led the two maids into the house.
Wind chimes hanging beneath the eaves tinkled pleasantly in the gentle breeze.
Upon entering, Oboro noted the room's sparse furnishings: a hanging stove burning charcoal, several bedrolls on the floor, and various handcrafted daily necessities.
However, he also spotted the masks required for the Kagura dance, along with items related to deity worship.
Oboro sat beside the fire, its light illuminating his bloodless skin, while a maid helped remove his haori.
The Tanjuro couple showed no discomfort at the visitors' arrival. The woman was especially considerate despite Oboro's poor health, she was the first to offer him freshly brewed tea. There was no flattery or excessive enthusiasm in her manner, just genuine kindness that put everyone at ease.
After Oboro sat down, Tanjuro remained silent, seated nearby, patiently carving something with a small knife.
Meanwhile, Tanjiro kept stealing glances at Oboro's profile.
Children are naturally curious.
Perhaps he had never seen such a "handsome" man before, with a demeanor so different from the townspeople below the mountain.
He often accompanied his father when selling charcoal in town.
Moreover, Oboro was clearly an important figure, which made Tanjiro's staring seem somewhat impolite.
"Tanjiro," Tanjuro called softly.
"It's fine," Oboro waved to Tanjiro.
"The world is unfair now. Most people struggle to survive, while few have enough food and clothing."
"I've disturbed you without invitation and burdened you with hosting me. I owe you compensation."
"This way I can feel at peace."
As he spoke, Oboro placed a valuable jade ornament in Tanjiro's hand.
Tanjuro's expression shifted slightly at the sight.
His wife moved to speak.
But Oboro raised his hand and said, "If you don't accept it, I'll be embarrassed."
Many large wild animals roamed Yunqu Mountain, easily encountered during daylight, let alone at night.
Though Tanjuro sensed Oboro possessed considerable strength and wouldn't face danger, forcing him to leave would feel like driving him away adding insult to injury.
Tanjuro understood the purpose behind this gesture.
One shouldn't take things for free Even if he couldn't refuse at present and wouldn't keep it ultimately, the gift had been offered.
He should express something in return.
"Well" Kamado Tanjuro sighed.
He stood, taking his son with him toward the kitchen.
Before leaving, he bowed slightly to Oboro and said, "Mountain folk have limited provisions just simple fare."
"Much appreciated," Oboro nodded, warming his hands by the charcoal fire.
Though his approach might seem somewhat presumptuous, it proved quite effective when dealing with the Kamado clan.
Night fell soon after.
Tanjuro's wife brought out bowls and chopsticks, preparing a pot of wild vegetable soup and rice balls for dinner.
Oboro took only a few bites not because the food didn't suit him, but because his current body's digestion and appetite were severely diminished.
Afterward, everyone crowded into a single room, sleeping on floor mats.
His arrival didn't seem to disturb the family of three, but both Tanjuro's wife and young Tanjiro noticed the unusual atmosphere between Tanjuro Kamado and Oboro.
This guest was very special indeed.