"Hello, Riri-san! We meet again!"

Ruri smiled. This could have been a nice reunion if she wasn't chained and tied up like a dog.

"Hello there, Kamado Tanjiro. "

He blushed awkwardly upon seeing her current state.

"Riri-san! Why are you tied up?!"

"Ah. This?" She gestured to the chains. "Nemi said that bad dogs who ran away from their owner should be chained down and given a leash. "

Tanjiro sweatdropped. "I think Shinazugawa-san means well and he's only worried that you're going to act reckless again."

"He said I'm a bitch. A female dog." Ruri said dryly.

"Should I just eat him?"

"No! Riri-san!"

"He smells so good but his attitude is really annoying sometimes. Nemi's so quick to anger. He really brought me to headquarters. That idiot." Ruri sighed. "Since you came after I asked for you, I should get to the point."

Ruri shifted on her spot. "Your sister doesn't attack humans. How did she do it? It's been two years for me, enduring the call of flesh and blood. I have limits too, you know? I can't keep this up so if you know something. Please tell me."

"Nezuko's always been strong. But it was Urokodaki-san who said that he hypnotized her to protect humans because they're her family." Tanjiro rubbed his neck awkwardly. "But Nezuko's always been kind. And Riri-san is kind too! I'm sure you can overcome it! It's been two years and I think that's amazing!"

His earnest cheering made her eyes soften.

"I'm glad but I'll have to pass on the hypnosis. Nemi wouldn't be happy about it. "

"Ah.. Right.. I'm sure there is still a way! I mean, Riri-san managed to endure it for two whole years! And Lady Tamayo has been searching for a cure! So please don't give up yet!"

That was easier said than done. Ruri could only smile at him, remembering just how earnest and honest Genya was and how similar it was to Tanjiro right now.

'How lucky.. having a brother like this.' She thought silently.

For a whole week, Tanjiro visited her and even brought his friends with him. They were very lively and loud. There was never a dull moment with them.

Tanjiro's smiling.

Inosuke's screaming.

Zenitsu's crying.

And Nezuko is sleeping.

All is well in the world.

Except...

Ruri is hungry... She's so hungry that the three boys could hear her stomach growling, especially Zenitsu with his enhance hearing. Despite that, not once did Ruri glanced maliciously at them and neither did she start salivating.

"Riri-san... what should we do? Is there anything we could do to help you?" Tanjiro asked.

"There's no need for that." Said a soft, melodious voice.

Gasp. "Shinobu-san!" Tanjiro exclaimed upon seeing the Insect Pillar.

"Hello there~ All of you seem to be doing well!" She said in a singsong voice.

"You too, Riri-san! It's been so long! Mitsuri-san has been asking about you a lot and Shinazugawa-san been in such a bad mood lately. Tomioka-san on the other hand, is a little shy and doesn't want to visit just yet, hehe."

Ruri returned her smile but she didn't show her fangs or teeth since it would be scary.. not that Shinobu would be scared of her. This woman hates demon so much that she's been drinking poison everyday just to spite the unfortunate demon who ends up eating her. She often joked about it with Ruri which unnerved her a lot.

"Shinobu-san, it's been a while. How is Nemi?"

"Oh my. Straight to the point? I heard you confessed to him! Shinazugawa-san has been merciless in training recently because of it!" Though her tone was light, it was about that she was teasing Ruri. This was awkward...

Ruri didn't think that would get out... She said it in the heat of the moment. Of course, she really did like Nemi a lot. She liked him to the point that she was willing to die for him.

But there was no need to publicize their sentiments and feelings. Can't it be hush hush?

Ruri's cheeks turned a bit red.

"Ara? You're embarrassed? Oh my! So it's really true!" Shinobu said excitedly. The light atmosphere was soon dissolved when Ruri's stomach growled loudly.

There was silence in the room and no one dared to speak. Now feeling uncomfortable, Ruri shifted and turned her back away from them. She could bear it. This was to protect her family and many innocent lives. So what if she dies from hungry or beheading? Dead is dead. Atleast everyone would be safe.

"Riri-san really endured a lot, huh?" Ruri tensed up when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind and the subtle flowery scent of a woman invaded her nose. Her pupils dilated and she gazed down on her lap, not wanting to look.

"Ah? It's really amazing.. Riri-san, you're really tough. I really respect you." Shinobu released her.

"As expected of Riri-san, if it's really you then I have no qualms with cooperating."

Ruri froze. What did she mean by that?

Shinobu clapped her handa merrily. "You see~ Oyakata-sama invited Lady Tamayo to cooperate with us, in order to find a cure! Riri-san has been working for her, right? So Riri-san will help, too! To put it simply, I'm here to bring you to the Butterfly Estate."

Ruri's heart started to beat faster and she slowly turned around to glance at the Insect Pillar who was smiling expectantly at her.

"Riri-san, you don't have to be so cautious! If it's it's Riri-san.. Then I trust you. You endured for so long without hurting a human nor eating human flesh. You even want to die just so you could prevent yourself from harming others." Shinobu's smiling was filled with hidden intent this time.

"If it's Riri-san, even if you're a demon, I would stand by your side."