Justice is Blind |『 Female OC 』• Kimetsu no Yaiba

Act 26: Whispers of the Infinite Forest

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Soft footfalls echoed through the dense underbrush as Kage, Ayuna, and Akira made their way along a winding path. The forest around them was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant call of birds.

Above them, the sun cast dappled patterns of light on the forest floor. The air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the earthy scent of moss and pine. A familiar voice broke the silence as the three slayers moved deeper into the forest.

"Reports indicate demon activity in the Forest of Eternity," Enjin announced, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "The forest is located just beyond the city of Miyazaki, near the mountain range to the north," said the crow.

Ayuna glanced up, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword, and nodded. She watched Enjin flap his wings and circle above them before swooping down to perch on a low branch just ahead of the group.

Akira tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. "The Forest of Eternity? Never heard of it," he mused. His pace slowed momentarily as he pondered the unfamiliar name, trying to recall if he had ever heard of it.

"Why is it called that? Is it because the trees live forever or something?" he wondered, his tone curious as he glanced at his companions. Thankfully, Kage, who had been walking a few paces ahead, paused and hummed thoughtfully as he wracked his brain for information.

He rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing as he tried to recall something from his extensive knowledge of ancient history. "The Forest of Eternity..." Kage whispered, his expression shifting as the pieces fell into place.

Then, with a soft snap of his fingers, a look of realisation crossed his face. He turned back to his companions, a small, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Ah, I remember now," Kage said, his voice calm yet tinged with the satisfaction of solving a puzzle.

"It's an ancient forest that has been around since the middle of the Edo period. It's one of those places people avoided because of the superstitions surrounding it," he revealed as Ayuna and Akira exchanged surprised glances.

"Since the middle of the Edo period?" Ayuna repeated, her voice carrying a note of disbelief. "That was centuries ago. How could a forest like that have remained so...untouched?" Akira wondered, making Kage shrug. "That's why it's mostly legends because we do really know," he replied.

Crossing her arms, Ayuna huffed. "Or maybe it's just because no one went there that the forest was untouched," she realised, making Kage chuckle. "Yeah, that also could be because people were scared and spread words like that. Who knows?" he replied, as Akira's eyes widened with awe and admiration.

Akira couldn't help but let out a low whistle of admiration, clearly impressed by Kage's knowledge. "Wow, Kage! You really know your stuff," he complimented, a grin spreading across his face. "You've always got these cool facts up your sleeve!" he said.