69novels Chapter 23 Trap
Chapter 23 Trap
Urokodaki Sakonji stared in shock at Mizuko, who was facing away from the rising sun.
How did this child know I was testing her?
Although she was very confused, a seed of acceptance for Mizuko had already been planted in her heart.
[Strong, kind, and resolute, you haven't completely given up on your determination to exterminate demons, Kamado Nezuko, I acknowledge you!]
"The test is not over!"
Urokodaki gently shook his head.
Then, under Nezuko's puzzled gaze, she grabbed the bamboo basket that Tanjiro had hidden in.
"If you want the answer, follow me!"
After saying that, Urokodaki grabbed the bamboo basket, slung it over his shoulder, and ran toward the summit of Mount Sagiri.
Mizuko was taken aback at first, but after getting what she wanted to know from Rintarou, she gritted her teeth and followed.
At that moment, she was incredibly happy.
Because she obtained a clear answer from Mr. Urokodaki, which was the answer that might save her brother.
Brother, believe me, I will definitely heal you!
With the morning sun shining, Midouzi's steps became much lighter.
All the fatigue and tension of the night vanished in that moment.
The sun-shaped earrings on the earlobes became even more dazzling under the sunlight.
One person ran ahead, while the other chased closely behind, their hurried footsteps echoing through the mountains.
A moment later, Urokodaki was the first to arrive at the foot of Mount Sagiri.
He stopped and looked back at Midouzi, who was following closely behind and whose breathing was already a little unsteady. Seeing that her eyes were still firm and she did not back down in the slightest, he nodded slightly, which was a silent affirmation.
"Hoo-hoo-hoo-Mr. Urokodaki..."
Mizuko, panting heavily with her hands on her knees, her cheeks flushed from the intense exercise, still stubbornly raised her head, her gaze fixed on Urokodaki.
Urokodaki raised his hand to interrupt her, pointing to the towering peak of Mount Sagiri, his tone still serious.
"If you can get to the cabin on the mountain before sunrise tomorrow, I will give you everything you want to know, including your brother."
Midouzi was slightly dazed. She looked up at the mountaintop, where the wooden house was faintly visible in the morning mist, so far away that it inspired fear.
But looking into Urokodaki's unquestionable eyes, and sensing his brother's presence in the bamboo basket.
She took a deep breath, her eyes hardening, and nodded firmly.
"good!"
"Be careful, don't die, there are traps on the mountain!"
After saying this, Urokodaki vanished into the forest in a flash.
"Huh? There's a trap?"
Mizuko froze on the spot, staring at Mr. Urokodaki who had already disappeared and the towering forest.
She seemed a little dazed at the moment, but for the sake of saving her brother and for the brother in the bamboo basket, she did not hesitate and stepped into the mountain forest.
A "click" sound.
As Midouzi's foot landed, a crisp sound rang out, instantly making Midouzi's nerves tense.
Under the intense stimulation of her senses, she immediately realized that something was rapidly approaching her from the side. She immediately ducked to avoid it, her body almost touching the ground.
"Whoosh whoosh whoosh—"
A barrage of sharp wooden spikes, like a rain of arrows, swept past where she had just stood, grazing her hair before being launched.
It was inserted straight into the trunk of a large tree on the other side, deeply embedded in the wood, leaving holes.
Midouzi lay on the ground, staring at the large tree in front of him covered in thorns, his mouth agape and his eyes filled with lingering fear.
[Ahhhhhh! People are really going to die!]
Midouzi cautiously withdrew her foot, carefully sensing the sounds around her.
After finding that there was no movement, she patted her chest.
"It's okay, it's okay, I can do it, I definitely can!"
She comforted herself as she looked up at the road on the mountain, her determination growing stronger in her eyes.
My brother is my only remaining family member. He always silently shoulders everything at home. No matter what happens, he never complains, and he always blames himself first.
Thinking this to herself, Midouzi then tore a strip of cloth from her patched pink clothes.
As she tied her hair up, she stared intently at the rugged and treacherous mountain path.
Brother, you did nothing wrong. This time, you should rest well, and let me do something for you!
A moment later, her hair was neatly tied up, revealing her smooth forehead, adding a touch of sharpness and heroism to her originally sweet appearance.
Midouzi took a deep breath, maximizing her physical awareness.
The surrounding vegetation swayed, and the air circulated.
Even the subtle clicking sounds of mechanical parts were clearly perceived by her.
For the rest of the journey, no matter the angle or form of the traps launched, they were all rendered useless by her heightened senses.
Sharp splinters, a sudden, deep pit, and a whistling rope snare.
She always managed to dodge with the most agile movements, and her steps gradually became faster and faster from the initial cautious probing.
But not long after, Nidouzi realized something was wrong.
The higher you climb, the thinner the air becomes, and breathing gradually becomes more difficult.
"Huff! Huff! Huff! Why...why is the air so thin..."
She leaned against a tree trunk, gasping for breath, her chest heaving violently.
The intense running, constant dodging, and the thin air quickly depleted her strength, making her steps a little heavy.
But she only paused for a few seconds before adjusting her breathing and continuing her arduous but determined journey toward the summit.
By this time, Urokodaki Sakonji had already arrived at the wooden house on the mountaintop.
He looked up at the darkening sky, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes, and murmured softly.
"Nie Douzi, you must be careful on this journey!"
After saying that, Urokodaki took Tanjiro, who was on his back, back into the house.
Upon entering the house, Tanjiro immediately poked half his head out of the bamboo basket, his blood-red yet gentle eyes scanning the scene inside.
Seeing his appearance, Urokodaki hesitated for a moment, then tentatively reached out and gently touched Tanjiro's head.
When Tanjiro saw Urokodaki's actions, he narrowed his eyes and remained still, indicating that he meant no harm.
Looking at the unusual demon before him, Urokodaki was momentarily at a loss for what to do.
As the former Water Pillar, he spent most of his life fighting against evil spirits and had long been accustomed to their cruelty.
This is the first time I've ever been alone with a docile ghost at such close range, and I don't know how to react.
After a moment of silence, Urokodaki spoke first, his tone somewhat stiff.
"Tanjiro Kamado? Right?"
"Mmm!" Tanjiro nodded with a gentle smile.
Are you... hungry...?
"Uh-huh!"
Tanjiro smiled and shook his head, then looked around the room and quickly realized that Nezuko was not there.
He immediately became anxious, quickly stood up from the bamboo basket, and tiptoed around looking for Mi Douzi, his eyes full of worry.
Urokodaki was startled by Tanjiro's sudden movement and instinctively tensed up.
But seeing that he was anxiously searching for something, I immediately understood.
He quickly spoke up to comfort him.
"Don't worry, Mi Douzi is still on her way, she'll be here soon..."
"Thud—"
The wooden door was suddenly pushed open, and a panting figure staggered in—it was Mi Douzi who had caught up.
She leaned against the door frame, panting heavily, her cheeks flushed and her forehead covered in sweat, yet she still raised her head, her eyes bright as she looked into the room, her voice weary but incredibly excited.
"Mr. Urokodaki, I! I! I've arrived!"