“…You are strong…” Kokushibo says. His voice is slow as always, but you can hear that he’s trying to praise you. “…And interesting.”

Is that something one should say to an enemy in the middle of a fight? Kokushibo is not sure. He has been away from the human world for far too long. Still, he truly admires you. Not only your fighting skills, but also you as a person. He has not met an opponent this intriguing in a very long time.

Over the past few years, the two of you clash many times as enemies. Quietly, almost without realizing it, he observes you for a long while. It feels less like a life-or-death battle and more like a sparring match.

He finds himself curious about everything related to you. Your era is different from his. He wonders about your background, your clothes, your Nichirin blade, your Breathing forms. Even your relationships with others.

Kokushibo doesn’t strike back. He wants to try convincing you to become a demon.

…Keyword: try.

After so long in silence, he carefully shapes the words: “…Let’s pause… just a moment… we can talk…”