'Forthcoming'
'Forthcoming'

_{@JrVader@Aku the Samurai@Arminwraith@Theyra}

^{Sometime in the Near Future}

---

'Assessment'
'Assesment'

_{@Theyra@Randomguy@xAlter@King Kindred}

The Demon Slayer Corps has amassed its numbers since the 1920s, after the great ordeal with the Former Demon King, Muzan and while there're branches under the big tree, some don't even get along and went their separate ways.

20-years ago, Tsugikuni Michikatsu succeeded, taking over Japan, instilling what is called, the Yakuza Revolution. With enough scheming behind the scenes & an Owl in the Japanese Government, he delivered a double edged sword; one so great as one bad move, exposes the existence of Demons & their Hunters. That deception tactic was outlawing the Demon Slayer Corps behind closed doors, with no appeal or whatsoever. However, it didn't stop there, the eternal rivalry between Demon & Hunter, only ever grew stronger.

Their heated rivalry was not only a test of time, but also an inseparable ties to fate, just as how darkness & light, vermillion & azure, good & evil, & most especially, the Sun & Moon.

There are seven branches, standing tall across Japan yet for the past 60-yrs, none has ever killed a Blood Moon, Demon Lord. Once upon a time, 27 Branches of the Demon Slayer Corps, existed, but their war with the Blood Moons - had too many casualties. From Kantō — there's Tokyo, from Kansai, there's Kyoto and Osaka, and then the entire Kyūshū, making it the biggest branch, then from Shikoku & Tōhoku.

In Shinjuku, Funachi — spearheaded an expedition, 3-years ago. The Oyakata of Tokyo assigned the Sun Hashira, Moon Hashira and Dragon Hashira to spy in the confines of Wasegawa University, The Western Dragon Nightclub & The Shibuya Crossing.

It was said that with enough Hashira to covering the mission, it would've taken months, and now it's been three years.

Furthermore, with the recent death of the Moon Hashira, any information regarding the Funeral Parlor, has been lost and died along with the late Moon Hashira.

Tensions're running high, when the Metropolitan Shinjuku-Funachi Police Force began prying on their activities.

---

A meeting has been held in the underground lounge of Wasegawa University, and it's covered by a Blood Demon Art, so subtle, making it undetectable.

Yanagi — Tokyo Branch, Demon Slayer Corps, Kakushi, Barrier Maiden

Yanagi is a Demongirl under the employment of the Butterfly Mansion.

She puffed in frustration.

"Mmmmm!~ Lord Kamado isn't here again. I can't keep raising the curtains, even in the slightest, ya'know! Latest are inappropriate! He's probably fast asleep, after all that drag racing. We can't start the meeting without him."

---

Tsubaki — Tokyo Branch, Demon Slayer Corps, Kasugai Crow Unit

The Albino Crow squawked.

"Urgent matter, urgent matter. Summoned by Oyakata-sama, here you are. Not enough manpower till next week.

Kinoto ranked; Third Year, Tenko Maria Thompson.

Kinoto ranked & Tsuguko of the Water Hashira; First Year, Arashi Eizo.

Hard times we are at, Sun Hashira MIA, Moon Hashira died of unknown causes.

Three Years, dragged on this mission is."

---

Ubuyashiki Takaya — Tokyo Branch, Demon Slayer Corps, Oyakata

15-year old, Ubuyashiki Takaya, one of the many heirs of the Ubuyashiki Zaibatsu has shown himself to the Hunters he summoned to assist the Dragon Hashira.

With a cheerful smile on his face, he signaled his Crow to stop talking as he'd take the center stage.

"My Siblings. My sincerest apologies for pulling you out of your Subjects.

Never fear. I have handsomely persuaded your Professors to delay your Midterms for two weeks, especially the Third Years." He signalled Yanagi, who then performed her BDA, manifesting Green Tea and Azuki Mochi for them to snack.

"Yanagi-chan, give them their letters."

---

Sadly there was no letter for the Dragon Hashira.

"Take your time, and I will answer your questions regarding our agenda." Oyakata-sama sat in a cushion chair.

---

Somewhere around Funachi, laid a joint of an Izakaya, the bar was running in late at its closing hour. @Aku the Samurai@Arminwraith@TimelessParagon

A man was so drunk, he wanted more.

"Oi, akakiddo, gimme some more of that booze, which reminds me, what is a cop doing here at closing hour in 8am? The next shift is about 2pm, which is mine."

Yakuza Man — Isaka
The plate that the man got was human head, and from the contents he'd eaten, he is in fact a Demon.

---

"Aww...you should have let your Kasugai Crow continue to speak, Oyakata-sama! The way it talks is very cute, and an albino at that!" Tenko said as she mock-sighed, before receiving the letter.

"Thank you, Yanagi-chan, Oyakata-sama," Tenko said with a smile, receiving the letter from Takaya. Calling someone five years her senior with the honorific 'sama' was weird at first to Tenko. Having been raised in the United States, where formalities were laxer, she already felt awkward addressing people her age—or younger—in this case with 'san', which roughly translates to 'Mister', let alone 'sama', which translates to 'Lord'. Still...after about four years of service in the Demon Slayer Corps, she was more than used to it at this point. Despite his young age, Takaya had shown foresight and wisdom that far surpassed his age, enough so that it was hard to even think of him as a child. Tenko suspected that the rest of the corps felt similarly.

It really was sad that a child that young ended up shouldering such a responsibility. No matter how smart a child was, it was always a tragedy for them to have to forgo their youth to carry an adult's burden. Still, it was his choice, and at the very least, from what Tenko could see, he coped better than many of the Demon Slayers.

As for Yanagi...as always, Tenko felt the sensation of needles prickling her skin, a testament to Yanagi's true nature as a demon. It might be antithetical for a Demon Slayer Corps to work with a demon, but personally, Tenko was always in favour. In her eyes, demons struggled even more than normal humans against their fallen nature; the 'desire of the flesh' was stronger in demons than in humans, and thus it was harder to act in a way that human was meant to be, flesh subordinate to the spirit. And so the fact that Yanagi was able to transcend that nature was admirable.

Of course, the fact that she was very cute helped!

Tenko then opened the letter given to her, reading its content. It was from her Uncle. Well, Uncle', he was her mother's cousin, not her brother, but uncle was a good description of their relationship. Reading the content of the letter...well, it had appeared that there were some internal issues within the Rengoku Clan. Ordinarily, she would think it was more objections regarding her status as a Demon Slayer—since Nobuo saw it fit to inform her and even implied she might be dragged into the issue—but the part about 'don't believe everything you see and hear' made Tenko think this was something more serious than some within the Rengoku Clan feeling as if Tenko joining the Demon Slayer Corps trampled upon her mother's wishes who wanted Tenko away from demons and demon slayers.

It was something to ponder later, but for now...

"Well, it's nice to hear from Uncle Nobuo! Too bad we have business to discuss..." Tenko said with a sigh. She doubted Takaya summoned all three of them just to deliver a letter.

"So...what's the emergency?"

---

Jae-eun kept his head bowed slightly, a perfect portrait of deference. The scene unfolded before him like a well-rehearsed Kabuki play, and he silently assigned everyone their roles. Yanagi was the flustered stagehand, worrying over curtains and tardy actors. The albino crow, a frantic herald delivering grim news with squawked punctuation. Tenko, the earnest heroine, full of heartfelt asides and genuine concern, her inner monologue practically vibrating in the air. Eizo, the brooding understudy, silent and sharp. And at the center, the young director, Oyakata-sama, commanding the stage with a wisdom that felt both ancient and unsettling in a boy so young. It was all very dramatic.

Kamado was still missing in action. Such a shame, that was. The sun always rose after the moon fell, and the same could be said for the moon too. He simply tapped a finger to his knee, lost in thought.

He picked up a mochi with delicate fingers, his expression one of polite, distant interest. The smooth, powdered surface felt cool against his skin. He brought it to his lips, his smile a placid, unwavering line. The faint taste of sweetness was a pleasant, meaningless distraction. He catalogued it all: the faint scent of Yanagi’s Blood Demon Art, a clever trick, like a magician’s hidden wire; the weight of Tenko’s sincerity, so heavy it was a wonder she could stand; the way the light caught the edge of Eizo’s blade, hungry even in its sheath. The letters were distributed, but none came his way. His smile didn’t waver. Why would it? He wasn’t a student anymore, not really. This world of midterms and professors was just another costume he wore. Family was a connection he no longer had, or maybe, his family was here with him.

“Well, that’s fortunate,” he murmured, his voice a soft, melodic hum that barely disturbed the air. He addressed no one in particular, his gaze fixed on the steam rising from his tea. “I studied all week for my midterms, you know. Hours and hours. It would have been such a shame to have to take them. All that effort, wasted! Tragic, really. A true economy of effort.”

He took a slow, deliberate bite of the mochi, chewing with a thoughtful placidity. His eyes, calm like placid lake, were empty of any real reaction. "These are quite good, Yanagi-chan." He was a spectator, watching a play he already knew the ending to. He saw Tenko’s earnest frown as she read her letter, a new wrinkle of drama introduced into her story. It was all so very important to them. These little personal tragedies, family squabbles, the weight of their own feelings. It must be so exhausting, carrying all that around. Like wearing a heavy, ornate suit of armor to a tea party. He shoved the feelings of bubbling hypocripsy away. It didn't deserve to be seen or felt, not here and not now.

He dusted the powdered sugar from his fingertips, the movement precise and unhurried. His focus was a needle, stitching together the tapestry of the room. He noted the slight tension in Oyakata-sama's shoulders, the subtle shift in his weight as Tenko asked her question. He noticed the way Yanagi’s hands were clasped in front of her, a picture of anxious loyalty. Every detail was a piece of a puzzle, and he was simply putting them together. The picture they were forming was a familiar one: another mission, another group of children being sent to fight monsters in the dark. It was the only play this troupe ever performed.

He finished his mochi and set his teacup down with a soft click, the sound barely audible. The performance had paused, waiting for the director’s next cue. Jae-eun waited with them, his smile a perfect, pleasant mask. He tilted his head slightly, a gesture of polite anticipation, his gaze settling on the young master.

“Oyakata-sama,” he said, his tone as light and smooth as silk. “You have our full attention. Please, do continue. Don’t let our little dramas interrupt the main performance.”

Eizo had remained silent up to this point. Listening to what the others had to say as he was handed his letter. "Thank you, Yanagi-chan and Oyakata-sama." He respectfully said as he took a moment to look at Yanagi. It is a weird thing for him to be working with demons despite their mission to kill them all. Eizo knows how his family feels about it and only begrudgingly working with those demons the corps trusts. But there are demons out there who do not seek to kill and eat humans and still have humanity in them. A small number of demons, and Yanagi is one of those demons. Still, as long as she does not betray the corps or any of them. Then Eizo is willing to work with her, though he still finds it odd.

Which he turned his attention to the owner of the Crow in the room. Takaya. A young boy, one year younger than he was when he joined the Demon Slayer Corps. A reminder of how the Demon Slayer Corps allows teenagers in the corps. Eizo's parents wanted him to join at Takaya's age, but Akuro thought otherwise. It was nice of him to delay his midterms, even though that means he will still have to study later. He almost sighed at the thought of having to study more.

But, enough looking at people, he thought. Time to see what this letter is about, and he was surprised to see it was from Guen. What does the Water Hashira wish to write to him about?

As he read the letter and finished it. Eizo felt conflicted, not about the math stuff though, he feels an A is enough, but she wants more. Which he knows is something her husband would have wanted and, for her sake, he will try. But, the stuff about the Tsugikuni clan is what made him feel conflicted.

His family, the Arashi, are vassals to the Tsugikuni clan, and while the relationship is okay, Eizo realized that it may be the Tsugikuni clan responsible for his family's strong drive to produce Demon Slayers. A fact that Eizo does not like, and it makes him glad that he has family members who are opposed to that mindset.

While Eizo did have dreams of being a strong Demon Slayer. Becoming a Hashira was only something he could be if he earned it. Eizo is not sure if he is ready to be a Hashira, and it looks like the position of Moon Hashira has gone to someone else. He had mixed thoughts about Himari, but there was nothing he could do about it.

So he will listen to Guen's words, as the last thing he needs to worry about is getting into a rivalry with Himari or being a pawn of the Tsugikuni. Akuro, his cousin and former mentor, would not have liked that development.

Either way, it is nice to have learn of this and after reading the letter. Eizo spoke, "It seemed that Guen had some news for me, and now I know. What is the reason for us being summoned here? Since he doubted it was for something minor like letters. "What is the news?"

^{@Aku the Samurai@Arminwraith@TimelessParagon}

'Fiendish Conversation'
'Fiendish Conversation'

As Isaka slumbered in his upcoming shift to assist Keodis, the sheer aura of the Western Dragon Izakaya was turbulent. As t'was around 8am that it all began and because The Demon King sent two of his Blood Moons to the Joint. Then again, it wasn't something that would risk The Informant's life or is it now.

Among the two Blood Moons, who were given strict orders to visit The Informant's shop, was a sickly & pale, looking Demon, fresh out of its rude awakening. The boy didn't seem below nor above the associates of the Demon King, but of the similar disposition, he spoke eloquently about the orders of their moniker. This event was simply bribing Keodis to not only keep him silent but put on him leash.

The boy remained to be shrouded in mystery yet his presence was scaring off even the Bouncers of Keodis.

While they're talking, they're served to feast on classy flesh & wine that looked like blood.

"The Moon Hashira has been reduced to a broken vessel, a forgone result against the Yamaguchi-gumi. Under the jurisdiction of Demon Lord 2." The boy mockingly looked at Keodis with condescending eyes and rage baiting tone.

"Michikatsu-sama offers remedy to you and this subpar place, it means that if the Dragonbrat continues to help Demon Hunters, take this as a warning, you will not hear the end of it." The boy implied obviously that should Keodis give information to their moniker's rivals, both Xaku and Ryoshu will be the one to end Keodis.

Keodis was shoved a large sum of money, comprising there brief cases, per the currency of this time, the two boxes equates to 2 Million USD.

The third box were that of medicines for radiation therapy.

"Ryoshu-dono, I sense that you aren't delighted of the westernization of things, for threescore long years, however, unpleasant as it may be, he has assigned the bid of this draconic disappointment unto your hand."

"Xaku-hime, Police of Disaster. This meeting has reached its end. Your roles are so simple."

"Do not talk and divulge information or else..." Referring to Keodis.

"Bring me the head of the Kamado-shounen, the Sun Hashira with the Hanafuda Earrings." Referring to Xaku.

"They say that art is an explosion, would you be so kind to profess that Art? Find that wretched Ubuyashiki, who has killed two of our Consorts this year." Referring to Ryoshu.

Isaka regained conscience and heard all of that bad vibes.

"Oi...you don't talk to Keodis like that- before he could react, he saw yellow crescents blades and a QuickDraw of the boy's blade in a split second.

"....a Demon yet a Hunter?...

Isaka could barely regain his mind after that ordeal.

"Shut up, low thug. I did not give you permission to talk." On the other hand, the Demon Boy can feel the fragility of his body.

This vessel is powerful yet weak.

To add salt to the wound, the Demon Boy had the audacity to order Keodis around.

"Serve me some blood sake, and a human tenderloin. And...what do you know about Ubuyashiki Takaya? Our Archer needs to hit the Bullseye. Answer if me if you don't wanna end up like that peacock friend of yours."

---

^{@Theyra@xAlter@Randomguy@King Kindred@JrVader@Digmata}

'Emergency Meeting'
'Emergency Meeting'

Ubuyashiki Takaya — Tokyo Branch Demon Slayer Corps Chief

"So slow to catch on, my siblings." Takaya teased. He in fact felt bad, because the mental disposition of his cohorts were still that of children. Although he's not any different, much to his chagrin.

"Lord Jae-un. I appreciate your idiomatic expressions, and I will appreciate it more, for I will require you to talk without misdirection." Takaya escalated from gentle to stern. The Oyakata-sama was not having any flowery words today. Gazing straight with his soulless eyes to Jae-un's, commanding respect.

He thanked Yanagi for giving him a ledger, consisting names of deceased Hunters.

Ozawa Maria
Harukano Sora
Nanbu Chitose
Todoroki Kisara
Nakamura Hiro
Kishimoto Seima
Furukawa Nagisa
..............
& finally,

Tsugikuni Hikaru, The Moon Hashira.

This list went on, it felt like a snoozefest at first 10-minutes. Takaya's blood was boiling with rage and sadness, as those were the names of the Demon Hunters, over the course of 3-years and they all died.

"The part of being a leader in a cliche and narrow standpoint, is that everything is your fault. I do not blame you, Lord Jae-un, for the deaths of our siblings and never do I think, they've died for nothing. There's so much unrest lately." Takaya said so, with a straight and Truthful expression.

"I will be assigning Lady Tenko and Lord Eizo to you, Dragon Hashira.

"I will also not condone Kamado Ryunosuke's actions and you know for a fact that Tokyo is your Territory. As a Demon Hunter Hashira & Captain of The 33rd Tokyo Division, and I being your immediate Chief, I am not here to humiliate you, but to educate you." Takaya let his breath out, as he's frustrated yet caring for Jae-un.

"The emergency is clear at hand, and there are things I need you to heed:

- Take your fights at Night
- Remain vigilant at all times
- Don't start a commotion, although this is applicable for Ryunosuke, the moment something flamboyant happens, please disengage
- Look after each other at your utmost ability

And not just the Police, it appears that the Yakuza, the Yamaguchi-gumi is on the move, based on the reports your Kasugai Crow, Tenma, has sent, Lord Jae-un.

As twisted and bittersweet it sounded, it seemed like the death of your big brother figure, Tsugikuni Hikaru, has attracted the presence of Blood Moons, Demon Lord & Demon Consorts. Never alone they are, there's always two of them, operating in a Prefecture."

Takaya sensed the presence of Tsugikuni Himari, Kamado Ryunosuke and Uzui Kairi.

"The goals at hand, still remains the same. Investigate The Western Dragon Izakaya, Shibuya Crossing and The Funeral Parlor, the Kyoto Branch will be working alongside you and make sure to exchange progress. Any questions?"

At the back of his mind...

Uzui Kairi, 47th Kyoto Division Branch Captain, I thank you for bringing Kamado Ryunosuke to me, this is perfect, after such time, I will commence a Hashira Meeting! Then there's Tsugikuni Himari, the new Moon Hashira.

Ryunosuke didn't like coming into work. Especially while hungover. He was far from the picturesque image of a Hashira. He looked disheveled and unkept. He still had bedhead, and his Wasegawa University uniform was thrown on haphazardly. The only thing that could remotely insinuate his status as a Demon Hunter was his large Mark sprawled across his face and his massive Nodachi strung across his back. His sunken eyes examined his "captor".

Uzui Kairi. Hotshot Hashira. Gaslights the nightlife as a rich heiress or something. A master of masks and manipulation. AKA, the only person that could ever find Ryunosuke. It really was bad luck on his end. He was brought from Shinjuku to Tokyo and immediately went AWOL. He's never been this far outside of Shinjuku. And, well, its a completely new territory to spread his legend. Of course, the night he decided to party hard was the very same night he got in a drunken brawl at a bar Kairi knows. One thing led to another. And next thing Ryunosuke knows, he's getting a rude awakening and an immediate summons.

"Soooooooo... no chance you'd let me off the hook?" Kamado asked sheepishly. Even saying those words felt like he was dragging a knife through his skull. He makes a quick reminder not to mix his liquors next time, or to check if his drinks were drugged.

"Ya think you could stop me if I try to leave now?" he asks again. "I heard you were a good fighter... why not show me firstha-" a wave of nausea and vertigo cuts him off as he stumbles to the ground, obviously still suffering from a major hangover.

He chuckled to himself. Mainly for the absurdity of this all. After a moment, he sobers up his disposition. He wasn't an idiot, he knows why all the Hashira are being summoned. Moon is dead. Ozawa, Harukano, Nanbu, Todoroki, Nakamura, Kishimoto, Furukawa, all of them dead. The yakuza, Corps, whatever you want to call them, are losing this war. Ryunosuke still remains one of the greatest cards his Oyakata-Sama can play, and one of the organizations greatest liabilities. This taciturn train of thought did no favors to his migraine, but that all seemed a bit distant now.

Was he... actually starting to think like a proper Hashira? "Nah... not in the slightest." he whispers to himself. Realities of war or not, he was still the Dragon of Shinjuku first and foremost. Whatever happens to the Corps, happens. He wouldn't lose any sleep if any more of his peers died... right?

Kairi Uzui

---

Kairi in contrast to her unwilling captive is an image of intentional normalcy, her uniform is just the perfect mix of creases and accessories making her look like a senior whose battlefield are gossip circles in the cafeteria and not the moonlit battles against the literal spawns of darkness. In fact no one would think of her being capable of fighting, perhaps a little bit of athleticism but nothing related to the blade. Sneaking the nodachi is a bt tricky but she managed to pass it off as a very realistic theater prop that needs to be assembled.

Finding the idiot when compared to her usual hunts is surprisingly easy, barely an inconvenience;, she was organizing her men for their patrol routes when a Kasugai crow dropped with the location of a bar brawl and the sighting of the prodigal slayer. The chase itself nothing more than tying a drunk and making him look good when he finally gets his bearings. Finding an extra uniform took a while, especially one that won't look out of place.

“No, Takaya-sama demands your presence.” She spoke to Kamado as she fanned herself, waving a bit to the members of Tokyo branch as she turned to her captive. “If you want to see what I'm made of, you should start with conquering your alcoholism.” She spoke even though she knew that the battle against this man's alcoholism is an uphill affair. "It will be worth it, just ask Himari."

She remained silent when Takaya began listing the names of the fallen while she didn’t know them by name, they are still her comrades who gave their lives for the cost. She winced a little when Guen's late husband was mentioned. She’d never been the same when that happened and she wished she’d been around to help.

Regardless, she would then take the opportunity to introduce (and reintroduce herself) to the entirety of the Tokyo branch..

“I wish we met in a more joyous of circumstances but I’m Kairi Uzui, the Mirage Hashira and 47th Captain of Tokyo branch and the special captain of Yae-Korkuyu.” She introduced herself with a bow before narrowing her eyes to each individual attendees.

“Guen-san seems to be missing, still grieving I see” she muttered with disappointment as she watched her companions and urged them to make their own introductions.

---

The strand of hair slipped from Jae-eun's fingers. He straightened, the pleasant mask still fixed in place, but his shoulders squared and his hands found their proper position—respectful, attentive. When Takaya's soulless eyes locked onto his, he didn't flinch. He simply bowed, deep and deliberate.

“Oyakata-sama,” he said at last, gentle as porcelain on a tray. “you're absolutely right. I apologize. No more flowery words today. Thank you for speaking plainly.”

He lowered his eyes while the ledger breathed its terrible rhythm. Each name struck with the soft sound of a shoji closing, one after another, a house filling up with rooms that no one lived in anymore. He did not flinch at Tsugikuni Hikaru, though something small and invisible in his posture folded itself away like a paper crane being unmade.

“They were our siblings,” he said, and his voice was light but steady. “They will not be reduced to a list while any breath remains in this body. Not on my watch. Not in my city.”

He inclined his head to Takaya, the movement crisp, exact. “I understand, Oyakata-sama. Fight only in the moonlight. No commotion or unrest. Vigilance must be maintained. Disengage at the first sign of flamboyance. And look after each other as if that is the only rule that matters.” A slow blink, almost a smile. “It is, isn’t it?”

“Lady Tenko and Lord Eizo.” A small, pleased hum escaped him, as if tasting tea brewed just right. “They will be given clear objectives, steady cadence, and room to grow without breaking. Tenko-chan’s light will not be overtaxed. Eizo-kun’s storm will be grounded and given a horizon to aim at. Under my care, they will not merely survive, they will flourish. If they stumble, my hand will be there, if the hand fails, my back will carry them. This is a promise. On my pride as a Hashira.” When Takaya mentioned the Blood Moons and the Demon Lords operating in pairs, Jae-eun's expression darkened slightly. The timing wasn't coincidental. Hikaru's death had drawn them out like sharks to blood in the water.

He turned toward Kairi with a courteous tilt, eyes half-lidded and bright in that eerily empty way of his. “Uzui Kairi-sama. Welcome to Tokyo. The Mirage suits the night here. It’s a city of reflections and very clean knives. Thank you for delivering Kamado Ryunosuke in one piece and a uniform that fits his legend.” The corners of his mouth lifted, almost playful. “Conquering a bottle is much harder than conquering a battlefield. Your advice was kind because it was sharp.”

Kairi’s aside about Guen drew no visible offense, only a faint, knowing breath through the nose, as if acknowledging a draft no one else felt. His own grief would be addressed in due time. He would process the loss of one of them, a Pillar in these dark times. “Grief is a long hallway with many doors,” he murmured. “Some people take their time choosing which one to open. When the Water returns, it will be because the tide decided, not because we knocked too loudly. Besides, Guen-san is still our leader. When she's ready to come back, she'll be sharper than ever. Until then, we honor her by doing our jobs well."

His attention slid back to Takaya like a compass needle finding north. “The Western Dragon Izakaya, the Shibuya Crossing and The Funeral Parlor. I will coordinate with Uzui-sama and the Kyoto Branch. Our cooperation will make a romantic weep. Reports will be precise, dull, and timely. Dull is good. Dull means alive.” A small, almost boyish shrug, self-effacing and neat. “Tokyo does get noisy, Oyakata-sama. But a dragon can move without ripples if it cares to. Consider that arrogance retired for the season. I am your blade and fire. Use me as you see fit.”

Then, after a moment of silence, softer he spoke again. “Thank you for carrying the weight of the names. Allow me to carry the weight of the night.”

He stepped back half a pace, hands unthreateningly visible, posture open, the perfect student at the front of a very dangerous class. “No questions, only readiness. On your word, we shall begin. Perchance the izakaya has hot tea waiting for us, hmm?”

---

The sun was slowly starting to rise, almost reaching the rooftop of a brothel in Kyoto. Headless bodies laid across the rooftop as they began to disintegrate. Standing across from each other were two women, but they couldn't be anymore different. One was calm while wielding a katana. The other was filled with fear, fury and desperation as she wielded a bladed fan.



"No... This shouldn't be possible. I'm a Demon Consort, one of the strongest under Lord Michikatsu and you're nothing but the Corps' Kyoto trash! You're not even a Hashira! I should be stronger than you. You should be scared of me, but why do I feel nothing from you? Not even hate. I thought all you slayers hated us demons! Why do I feel none of that from you?"

"Why should I bear any hatred for someone who's obviously weaker than myself? All I feel is pity." The swordswoman responded as she lifted her blade.

"You prideful wench! I'll show you who's weak!" The demon sprung forward prepared to decapitate the swordswoman who had done the same to her dolls.

The two passed each other in a clash faster than the eye could see appearing on opposite sides of each other. "The name's Himari, not wench. I'd tell you to remember it, but you're already dead." As she finished her sentence a small cut was shown on her cheek. She sighed as she wiped the blood with her left hand. "At least you managed to touch me this time."

The Demon Consort couldn't understand what she was saying. She could've sworn she cut the swordswoman. She turned around in fury, but as soon as she did her head fell from her shoulders. "What? How? You didn't even use one of your breathing techniques."

Himari walked over to her disembodied head and picked her up so she could face the rising sun. "I didn't need to. You left your neck wide open. It's time for you to rest now. You don't need to poison Kyoto any longer."

---

Today Himari found herself in Tokyo. If she wasn't summoned by her future husband she would not be here. She'd be at home feeding the community. She stood outside the door with Kairi and Ryunosuke. The latter smelt like he had just been sleeping on the floor of the bar and everyone who passed him poured a drink on him. This is the best the Kamado clan could produce? Normally his smell and presence wouldn't bother her, but as the newly appointed Moon Hashira she expected her counterpart to be more presentable for a Hashira meeting. It still didn't feel right that she was the Moon Hashira now. It just made her brother's death more real. Why'd that dummy have to go and leave her like this? She was supposed to defeat him herself...

She forced herself to remain composed as her dear Takaya listed off the names of the fallen. There were so many over the past three years and no matter how many demons they felled it seemed that more and more just took their place. What was the point of all of this? They keep targeting the symptoms instead of heading straight for the disease itself. She was going to fulfill her and her brother's goal now that he couldn't. She was going to put an end to Michikatsu Tsugikuni.

Himari entered the room after Jae-un finished kissing up to their Oyakata-sama. "You've got to stop being so stiff, Jae-un." She said while flashing a teasing smile. "It's okay to be a bit more relaxed at your age." She said as if she were the older of the two. "Isn't that right, Takaya-sama?" She asked with a bow and a wink to their Oyakata. She then turned to the assembled class. "Most of you already know me, but since we're introducing ourselves, I'm Tsugikuni Himari, sister of the late Hikaru, the new Moon Hashira, and leader of the Tsukikage Ryū. Let's have some fun and slay some demons, yeah?"

@Aku the Samurai@TimelessParagon

---

"Oh, sorry, were you talking to me?"
Leaning back in his stool, the Western Dragon, Sunfury, Informant, and quite a few other titles he couldn't give less of a shit about kicks his combat boot-clad shoes up on the table of the corner booth he sits in. With the flick of a middle finger, he knocks the top off of a glass bottle of Diet Coke and takes a quick drink.
"Yeah, see, I can do MOST of what you're asking me to do here, messenger, but you missed a few problems."
He leans back, and swirls the glass bottle like it's a fine wine.
"On your first report, lovely! Good to see Funhouse is actually spreading his wings. Means I can give a lovely little nugget to the next sword-swinger who walks in here, about who set the Moon beyond the horizon."
He sits for a second, tapping his index finger on the bottle.
"I do wonder, though. If I really did come back..."

---

Standing here again, after so long? It feels strange. Not quite like a dream, but more of a nostalgic slap in the face by a wet fish. Oya-jiji, or Michikatsu-sama if you need to be pretentious, called me here to meet the replacement. Yeah, sure, rub it in that I retired by showing me who took over the place. Not like that'll cause issues of anything. Probably more for the new Upper 2 than for me, but still. I get the whole "Yakuza is family" thing, but this is a bit ridiculous. Anyways, seeing all the castle servants looking at me like a ghost will never not be funny. They think I died or something?
Walking into the central compound again feels like going to a childhood home. I helped build this place, and what it means. Seeing it again after... 8 years now? Well, there's a headrush of memories. The hallway is the same, the decor, the art... I stol- sorry, acquired some of this art myself! If nothing else, it's nice to be back after so long. Now, let's see who my current replacement is.

---

A geiger counter starts ticking away, mounted on the bar under a plaque that reads "If clicking - Boss is Pissed"
"I wonder how quickly he'd step aside."
He shifts slightly, letting the ticks fill the air for a few seconds, before sighing, and the ambient noise dies down, being replaced with the sound of soft synths and the voice of David Paich.
"As for your other demand?"
He chuckles
"Nah. Oyajiji and I came to a bit of an arrangement before I left, back when you were a twinkle in his eye. I run my little web, learning what I want and talking with who I want. In exchange, anyone Oyajiji sends don't have to pay nearly as much as anyone else, and I don't tell deep secrets like where he is at any given time. That was the deal, and the only way it changes if he comes and renegotiates it himself."
The Western Dragon gestures to the building as a whole
"You see this? The only reason that it works is because it's neutral. All of my various locations stay about because they're peaceful. They're only peaceful because I don't have some yee-haw with a sword or some idiot with a brand new Blood Demon Art breaking down my front door every two days. So, I've build myself a reputation."
He takes his feet down, and stands up. Pacing the floor behind the serving counter, he gesticulates.
"I am the man with Information. You need anything to be known or done on our side of the perception? I'm your man. I have my fingers in both pies, yeah? You're asking me to take my fingers out of the slayer's pie, open myself up to a Hashira visit, and get paid... two weeks of income from one of my larger clubs and a box of meds I won't need as long as I can keep my neutrality. You need a bigger bribe.
He leans against the serving counter, tipping his shades to show the edges of the shredded kanji in his eyes.
"Now, to your actual business, instead of the pointless posturing and threats of demons I help keep afloat through my info-"
He winks at Xaku
"And have beaten before."
He gestures at Ryoshu
"Let's talk the price of death. What you want in particular will affect the prices of what I give you. Now, you're looking into the killing of an Ubuyashiki, which is bad for business... and a personal pain in my ass due to how many slayers will be on my doorstep the day after."
Walking around and behind the counter, he hums as he taps a section of the cabinets behind. A hidden compartment opens, which he looks through for a while.
"So, what do you want to know? More importantly..."

"What are you willing to pay?"

Seeing tensions rise rapidly between the new and old sevens Ryoshu decides to intervene before the situation completely degenerates into a chaotic blood battle which he will have no advantage in seeing how close everyone is.
He gives a quick laugh with a joyous clap:

-It is good to see you in good health little brother, me who thought all these... comforts have dulled your flames. Ignore lord seven's teasing's see, noting but good banter between family..

He didn't have time to finish his sentence before being gripped by a violent fit of cough, spitting out a mouthful of blood before wiping it away with an embroidered handkerchief.
-I also brought a gift, may it bring your ventures great fortunes.
The fifth heaven gestured and out came a pair of demons dressed in the same white emblematic of deer terrace mansion carrying a wooden crate larger than a man its side branded with a stylized R and the number: A-8.
They set it beside the quartet before subsequently leaving.
-Behold, one of my most prized pieces, Number eight: Dream maker.
Said Ryoshu before opening the crate with a flick of the wrist, shattering the wooden planks in one fluid motion and revealing the macabre creation within.
It was a twin piece of both a man and women. Her face distorted with agony as thick bramble covered branches tore flesh from her every orifice, twisting together into a miniature cherry tree, its canopy shrouding a man kneeling in devastating grief. The latter's frame dotted with countless blooming flowers.
Most striking of all is the intact demon slayer uniforms distinguishing the pair as a Hashira and her Tsuguko.
-See, I caught these two promise lovely dovely things to each other before rudely trying to cut my head off and now they are together forever, isn't that lovely?
Rambled on the sickly demon, eyes filled with passion.
-But enough pleasantries for now, it pains me that your eyes have been so blinded by short term profit that you seem to forget the full picture. Third sister are no longer with us. For the first time in decades they have struck at our ranks, YOU who was once our brother should know how it goes from here. Blood must be paid with blood.
These new slayers have committed an irrevocable sin not once but twice.

Sides must be taken and debts paid, The orders of the demon king of the ninth heaven are clear, you can either stand with us, your blood brothers. Or against us and face against the demon kings of the fifth and seven heavens.
Spoke the fifth in glacial tone, the 五重天 symbol glowing in his eyes.

Thus the true question is thus: WHO are YOU? and WHO you shall BE.
@Arminwraith@Aku the Samurai

---

Tenko closed her eyes solemnly as Takaya was listing the names of the deceased demon slayers in the past three years. She remembered the names well, as Tenko had prayed for their souls in purgatory. It was the least she could do for those who gave their lives in the fight to protect others from the demons, just like her mother.

Many among her peers have used their dead comrades to fuel their anger toward the demons. Tenko did not think of it that way—or at least, she tried not to. Murder, even in self-defence, left an indelible mark on the soul, even more so when killing the innocents or the good people who fought for the protection of the innocent. Such a thing was not good for the soul, and thus was a testament as to why demons were to be pitied. Barring a few exceptions, they were an existence driven to commit such acts by their very nature. Granting them death would be their salvation.

As Takaya then assigned Tenko to work under the Dragon Hashira, she turned to Jae-eun, as he finished saying how he would take care of her and Eizo. She gave him a smile, "Thanks! That's reassuring," she let out a small giggle, "But don't forget that goes for you too, Hashira or not. Take care of yourself too, and don't be afraid of asking for help from Eizo or me if needed."

Before long, they were interrupted by the arrival of the Mirage Hashira, Kairi, who dragged a dishevelled man along with her—apparently the famous, or rather infamous, Sun Hashira, Kamado Ryunosuke. Tenko had heard of him, of course, the so-called Dragon of Shinjuku, renowned for being a bit of a renegade and hard to work with in the corps, most recently going AWOL after being brought from Shinjuku to Tokyo.

Nevertheless, something that even his harshest critics can’t deny was this man’s skill as a demon slayer, seemingly stumbling into high-profile demons and proceeding to skillfully slay them with his Sun Breathing, bolstered even more with…

Tenko’s eyes darted to the mark on his face. The Demon Slayer Mark. The thing that took away her mother’s life. She wasn’t sure how Ryunosuke felt about the mark, but either way, it was both a blessing and a burden.

Tenko herself wasn’t sure what to make of Ryunosuke. His stint of being AWOL certainly supported the bad rumours surrounding him, but it wasn’t quite right to be judging him, especially when she had just met him.

Or, just judging him in general. Speck in the eye and all that.

As he stumbled to the ground, Tenko approached him as she rummaged through her purse, “Umm…Kamado-san? Are you all right?”

Finding what she was looking for in her purse, Tenko then offered him a water bottle along with a packet of medicine, “I have aspirin if you’d like.”

@xAlter@JrVader

---

"Our Police Chief, responsible for bringing our Prefecture’s crime rate down to the lowest in our country. Xaku-sama."

Xaku stood rigidly with her arms clasped behind her back, unflinching. Her unique uniform was crisp and perfectly set on her figure as she waited without the slightest movement. She nodded as the announcer stepped back from the podium to let her go next. Without further prompting, she stepped forward.

Her intense scarlet gaze swept over the gathered crowd. Then, she began to speak, her voice clear and perfectly pitched.

"Good afternoon. As you have all heard, my name is Xaku. As of today, I will be serving as your new chief of police. I promise you today that I will do everything in my power to continue to defend the safety and livelihoods of the citizens of our prefecture. No crime in Osaka shall go unpunished, and all those who threaten the stability of our prefecture will be met with the full force of the law. All officers under my command will do the same. Thank you."

She finishes her speech with a short bow as the cameras start flashing and the questions pour out.

One step closer.

---

Rend.

The blood and viscera don’t so much as brush the edges of her uniform as demon flesh is sundered before her. Her gaze remains fixed on the pale, dismembered, barely healing demon kneeling before her.

“... I made myself clear. Osaka is off-limits.”

She doesn’t allow a response. The demon is split into a dozen pieces just as the morning sun starts to rise.

Xaku watches dispassionately as the demon’s remains are turned to ash. She remains in a shaded alcove. Safe, but only just. Suddenly, her head tilts to the side, though her expression is unchanged.

“... Do you require something?”

The shadow behind her shifts and speaks, low enough that only she can hear it. Xaku gives a sharp nod of acknowledgement.

“Very well. Inform him that I will arrive in Funachi by tonight.”

---

Xaku's arrival at Funachi was not as inconspicuous as she would have wished.

It was a given, really. The Police Chief of Osaka visiting Funachi city less than a day after her promotion? That got people curious. Not to mention, her recent achievements and her new position made her a very public and significant figure. Even then, a police escort was a bit much for her taste.

But that was just the price she had to pay for progress.

When the time comes, Xaku is the first to arrive at the Western Dragon Interior. Once there, she chooses to sit in a corner in a seiza and order a simple cup of unsweetened green tea. There she stays as the rest of her associates enter the establishment. She doesn’t greet them beyond a slight incline of her head, her gaze focused on her tea.

As they all settle in, a brief altercation takes place between the one who called for her and an ignorant child. Xaku still does not shift her gaze.

She takes a sip of her tea as she processes her orders.

“We shall see, Tsugikuni-sama.” Her words are polite despite not being a true agreement. Her position as the first set her on a level different from the others. Only the one above her could decipher her true intentions.

She bows her head slightly, her eyes softly shut. Then, she opens them once again, still having her gaze set on her teacup instead of looking directly at anyone.

She didn’t react to Keodis’ words towards her when she addressed him. Her gaze remained fixed on the tranquil stillness of the surface of the tea she held.

“Ryūnoko-san. Do not overestimate your value.”

For a brief moment, her eyes shift towards the direction of Ryoshu’s “statues”, not quite looking, but aware of them nonetheless.

“I implore you to rethink your medium of ‘artistic expression’, Ryoshu-san. An artist’s work is a reflection of themselves, and yours reflects poorly.”

_{Kokushibō Theme}

^{@Aku the Samurai@Arminwraith@TimelessParagon}

'Foreboding'
'Foreboding'

An illusive frame within an instant, radiated an aura of subjugation in the room, as those beneath the Demonboy, both Ryoshu & Xaku - not only were forced to yield in dogeza and that included Keodis, it's as'f gravity pulled them down by the blood asunder of fear.

T'was their progenitor, Tsugikuni Michikatsu, 'Demon King of Takamagahara' in the flesh. For he spoke upon the broken vessel that's presumed to have been killed by one of his Upper Ranks, The Demon Lords. He had just about enough of Consorts, dying in a short amount of time.

The Demon King said;

Broken multitudes of utensils, plates, champagne, sake, etc. Viscerally, from the sheer aura of the Demon King, as'f the whole place was crashing down.

His thoughts slowly fading.

Kurei, The Demon Lord of The Seventh Heaven, Blood Moon 2, took the wheel from his Master and said;

Michikatsu smirked, bemused by his backhanded praise towards Keodis, and how the current Upper 2, was one-upping.

'I felt it.' Michikatsu confirmed through his thoughts of the authentic information his subordinate has said. Michikatsu, however was saddened by the fact that his descendants had to suffer. 'Tsugikuni Hikaru, you fought bravely yet you were on the wrong side, my child.'

Michikatsu ended firmly with injecting more of his blood to Ryoshu & Xaku, right down their heads.

Upper 2 and Michikatsu dissipated out of nothing, from the location itself.

'Shōwa Era Secret'
'Shōwa Era Secret'

If someone wore Keodis' clothes, they would die within two weeks due to acute radiation poisoning. Keodis' favorite song to sing Karaoke to is "Can't Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon". He was also the Former Demon Lord 2.

The 8 Blood Moons of Michikatsu, go by fancy epithets as a mockery towards the Japanese Buddhism religion.

Demon Lord of The First Heaven is the weakest, whereas in Buddhism, said Heaven is the highest, for example.

---

'Player Awareness'
'Player Awareness'

S u m m a r y
As our Demon Hunters approach closer to the mission, the very task that claimed the lives of over 30 Demon Hunters including the Moon Hashira, Oyakata-sama of Tokyo, Ubuyashiki Takaya decided to forcefully and competently finish the bloody mess that's been a blunder for three years.

The objective of Players is to remain vigilant of their surroundings as they embark on their foreboding journey. Be mindful of wordplay coming from the GM as it'll be that of riddles to solve. Every detail is important.

The Event has started yet we won't tell you on how far you're reaching but you will feel it.

---

_{@Randomguy@xAlter@JrVader@Digmata@King Kindred}

'Hoping'
'Hoping'

Takaya sensed that Eizo's unwilling to participate, he peered into his mind, having gently suggested that he may backout, if this was too much for him.

Eizo left without a word, knowing that the Oyakata-sama was right.

The Oyakata-sama of Tokyo was mesmerized, the moment he saw his fiance, his lifeless eyes, glistened in purple, seeing the light and love of his life.

Like a Shoujo Manga, the lifeless speech bubbles of Takaya, gained color. This is among the few times, he shows emotion, especially when his fiance is around & then he goes back being the leader he is.


The meeting is off-screened.

---

---

Soyama Dojo Club

Our Heroes rendezvous in the Soyama Dojo Club, where even the likes of the Hashira can learn something.

The Fourth Year Senpai, wearing the robes of a Thunder Demon Hunter, scram for his life as his movements were being anticipated so bad, especially from a girl.

Miyuki being stoic, ignored how loud Kuwajima-senpai was.

She used her Nichirin brass knuckles and countered those arcs of lightning magatama.

She then caught up to his distance and broke the Bokken sword stick, and got Raikou on a judo lock.

Oyakata-sama's Monologue Scene
"The Demons you will fight has evolved to the point, they're not only erratic but some don't even die from decapitation, learn to be quicker as you read, to wait and listen, for all things have a Fighting Spirit and vital point of death."



Our Heroes sup for a quick training montage, a calm before the storm.

Collab with @Yu Narukami

---

A presence so strong was felt as it was out of nowhere. Unbeknownst to both Kisatsutai team & those within the Dojo, was a big man, literally just bursted out laughing. Reprimanding his daughter for being so uptight.

“That's not how you treat people, Miyuki! They'd fall asleep at that pace. Pleased to see you once more, Mirage Hashira, Uzui Kairi. I take it that it's of great importance, learning Soryu Karate.” The presence of the man cannot be felt.

“I can sense it's been difficult fighting rascals who can just grow their heads back.”

“The Demon Slayer Corps for the past 25 years, fate hasn't been kind. I'm not talking about those moon gangsters, I'm talking about how the fiends are evolving regardless of rank!”

“My apologies, Soyama Kenzo, Grandmaster of this Dojo, since there's only one Kinoto, I don't suppose the Hashira can all come at me, that's it for you too, hotshot!” Referring to Ryunosuke.

Kairi watched the scene with clear interest in her eyes, she had heard of this way of fighting and had incorporated some of its basic elements into her way of fighting unarmed. This is the first time she gets to see the style from its original practitioners.

“So this must be what Takaya-sama meant for us to learn, demons that can still fight after decapitation are indeed troublesome.” she commented as she recalled the first time it happened, fortunately it wasn't enough to matter back then. “The standard method we used back then was to chop up the body and stuff it with poisonous lilies, you could wonder why such a method can be troublesome and dangerous.” Kairi commented with a bit of irritation.

“But that is what Soryu is meant to deal with right? If it is the case then me and the Kyoto branch will be in your care.”

“There you go!” His face was like a smiling Buddha.

“I'm not the type to explain well, my daughter can do all that, but let me be clear with you, at this era, no one has ever come close to producing a Red Nichirin Blade, which is why I developed this alternative, each fist feels like explosive spears… my days as a Hashira is over, as you can see, I lost my right arm, fighting a Demon Lord and his Consort at the same time, my daughter and I are the only ones with this power, it would be sad, if such cannot be inherited, after all, for the past 3 years, we lost a lot of people.” Kenzo cried with passion.

“Speaking of which, where is my good drinking buddy, Hikaru? I've been expecting Kyoto would be here, but why the long face?” Kenzo asked as he noticed that Hikaru wasn't around.

Kairi’s eyes widened as a realization hit her face. ‘He didn’t know?’ her mind spoke as she found herself being a bearer of the bad news.

“Hikaru became another name that we must fight for.” Kairi spoke in a tone of solemnness, one devoid of any deceit or malice.

“His body was never found and is presumed to be eaten by demons and were called to provide additional help in response.” Kairi’s fist clenched as she added details to her grim report.

It's like a foreboding wind, no it's over. There's no chance and not even a joke here, knowing that's it, his good friend died in battle. The Tsugikuni & Soyama Families are family friends after all.

“Say less. Alright, a bit of demonstration won't hurt in the training, go forth Chozen.”

Out of the shadows, a Demon was called forth.

“Relax my friends, Chozen doesn't bite, but if he does, he won't hear the end of it, he knows how to fight with his bare hands, just watch and see.”


Chozen — Shadow Demon
Soyama Dojo, Tokyo Branch

“Sensei, you really called me in while I was asleep, so you want a demo? I'm just going to get clobbered.” Chozen frowned.

“We all know a little shadow boxing won't hurt.”

Chozen rolled his eyes with Kenzo’s remark.

“Fine!”

Faster than the eye could see, Chozen was down, his ninja mask was broken and his healing factor dampened, knocked out cold.

Yanagi-chan quickly appeared and tended to her friend.

“That is what you and our friends will be learning, Captain Kairi. So if you excuse me, my daughter will tend to you and your friends while I have a drink.”

Kairi would briefly grab one of her wakazashi before being asked to stand down, she is a little concerned that a demon is free to walk these grounds but understands this place is not in her jurisdiction. That being said her eyes will lock on the demon silently declaring that any funny business will be repaid in torn limbs and possible death.

That being said she is impressed by the demonstration, specifically the hampered regeneration the unconscious demon is displaying, if she had that kind of power then less lives of her men would be lost.

When she gets back, she will be making additional lessons for her Yae-Korkuyu. The potential of this technique cannot be ignored.

“Very well, I will entrust my men and myself to your daughter’s hands.” she spoke as she watched him walk away.

Miyuki looked at her fellow Tokyo Branch members and the Kyoto Branch as well.

Haughty as always, she sighed at the thought of teaching the upper levels, as she's disillusioned by the fact that these are the Hashira that's been helping them for the past years and let so many die.

Whatever it was, she tries her best to not let her personal feelings get in the way.

“I will be explaining how to attain this power, in case you haven't noticed, there's already a burning candle of candelized Scarlet Ore, once it circulates the air and absorbed by your lungs, you will need to use Total Concentration Breathing: Constant & Recovery to circulate the scarlet dust into your bloodstream. If not done right, you'll die from metal poisoning.”

She paused.

“Kairi. I'm sure such exposition and analysis break down is enough? I'm not gonna spoonfeed the answers, if you can have them condense the scarlet ore, then you may proceed. I doubt that you have enough time, today's lesson will be the Soryu Karate itself for some of you, while the rest of you will be tending to the ingredients, making the scarlet ore into candles or let alone powder.”

“You don't interest me at the least, I'm sure your brilliant mind was able to keep up, let me be clear, I hate those on top, they have the power yet they fail to protect lives, and that means I hate the Hashira, call me misguided, I couldn't care less, so let's get down to business, Kairi, go take Ryunosuke with you, I don't want clowns in my Dojo. I'll be handling Jae-un, that Hafu and the so called nepo-baby, Himari, you and your little clan, fighting alongside us, founders yet forever whining why the Demon King is their relative. You're up first.”

Kairi’s eyes narrow at the disrespect being shown before and she is pretty sure that she is not alone at feeling insulted.

“Miyuki-san,” she spoke in a very low voice, one that is both chastising and a bit annoyed at someone who is supposed to be her temporary teacher. “I’m pretty sure you have been taught to be respectful to others, right?” A hint of anger is heard at the final words, one that is clearly restrained by a mask that is hastily worn. Regardless, the tension between the Mirage Hashira and the sole practitioner of the fist of Soryu continues to thicken resulting in a suffocating atmosphere for everyone.

---

Jae-eun watched the exchange with a placid, almost detached curiosity. He observed Soyama Kenzo's booming entrance, a man whose presence was as overwhelming as his daughter Miyuki's was sharp and pointed. He listened as Kenzo spoke of hardship, of demons evolving, of the Corps' long struggle—all familiar refrains. The grandmaster's passion was like a bonfire, loud and crackling, drawing all attention.

When Kenzo asked about Hikaru, a heavy silence fell. Jae-eun watched Kairi deliver the news with a grim professionalism that he respected. He saw the shift in Kenzo's boisterous demeanor, the way the light in his eyes flickered and died. Another stone dropped into the well. Another life tethered to so many others, now severed. It was a story Jae-eun knew all too well. It was his own story, echoed in the grief of a stranger.

The demonstration with the demon, Chozen, was… illuminating. The speed, the impact, the visible dampening of regenerative abilities—it was a tangible answer to a problem that blades alone couldn't always solve. Jae-eun cataloged the movements, the angle of the strike, the point of impact. His mind, always working beneath the serene surface, analyzed the technique's potential. This was more than just unarmed combat; it was a weapon forged from flesh and bone, infused with the power to truly harm a demon.

Miyuki’s subsequent speech was less illuminating and more… abrasive. Jae-eun listened to her explanation of the scarlet ore, the breathing techniques required, the inherent danger of it all. It was a difficult path, but a logical one. The ore acted as a catalyst, something to be circulated through the body to achieve a temporary "Red Blade" effect through their strikes. It was ingenious. It was also incredibly dangerous.

Her disdain for the Hashira, however, was as sharp and unpleasant as thorns on a rose bush. She called him and Himari out directly. He didn't react to her jab, simply letting the insult wash over him like water. Her anger was a shield, just like his smile. She was hurt, disillusioned by loss, and lashing out at the symbols of a system she felt had failed. It was predictable. It was… sad. When Kairi's voice dropped, thick with restrained anger, the air grew taught. The Mirage Hashira was not one to be disrespected, and Miyuki, for all her skill, was testing the patience of a woman who commanded yakuza and slayed demons with equal poise.

Jae-eun stepped forward slightly, placing himself subtly between the two women. His smile remained, a gentle, placating thing. "Miyuki-san," he began, his tone light and airy, as if discussing the weather. "You must be very strong. To carry so much anger and still have room to teach others… it's really quite impressive! It’s like trying to hold a hot coal in your hands while teaching someone how to weave a basket. You’re bound to burn yourself, aren't you?"

He tilted his head, his one good eye holding a look of guileless curiosity. "You hate us because you think we have the power to protect everyone, and yet people still die. That’s fair. It’s a heavy burden, being a Hashira. It’s like being told to catch all the rain in a thimble. You do your best, but some drops will always hit the ground."

He gestured gracefully toward Himari, who was bristling. "And Himari-san… she’s not whining. She’s trying to clean up a mess left by a family member a long, long time ago. It’s like your family keeps a beautiful house, but there’s a terrible stain on the floor that everyone sees first. She’s just trying to scrub it out. We all have stains we're trying to deal with, don't we?"

Finally, he looked directly at Miyuki, his smile softening into something that almost looked like genuine empathy. "You're right. We should get down to business. I'm ready to learn. You don't have to like me, or her, or anyone here. But we're all here for the same reason, to kill demons and save lives. So please, teach me. I promise I'm a very good student."

His words were a gentle stream, designed to divert the torrent of Miyuki's anger without challenging it head-on. He was offering a truce, not a surrender, acknowledging her pain while gently nudging her back toward their shared purpose. "Break my body down and reforge me into a weapon." Jae-eun said, his face and tone going flat. "A broken blade is of no use to its master."

---

Cleaning up is always the worst part of these "visits." The Lords and Consorts let the prestige of sitting at Michikatsu's right and left hands go to their head, and forget that physical power isn't the end-all be-all of strength. So, when they inevitably step out of line, and start playing with something ol' Oyajiji thinks works just fine, well, he has to slap them down a little to remind them not to touch his stuff. Too bad a "light slap" for a Yatsuchizuki is enough to cause a pressure wave so powerful, it detonated every sealed container in the building. Glasses? Shattered. Freezer? Blown open like a tin can. The repository of old, famous, vintage sake downstairs? Blown apart and wetting the floorboards.
"Alright, you lot know the drill. Code White is in effect, get this place cleaned up. Zanzi, take stock of what survived. Moro, take the Akimichi twins and get Ryoshu's newest gift in with the others at 9 Points. God knows this place will be razed in a week if we display a dead Hashira in a Meeting Ground. Parmis, check in with the other locations, and tell them I'll be unavailable for.... ahhh, say 3 days. Himiko, you're on replacement duty. Find where we can restock the good stuff, because I know I had a 1300 Sudo Honke vintage. Take whatever money you need, I'll make sure we aren't footing the bill for this. Petryov, Rengoku, you're with me."
Surprisingly, most of my workers are normal humans. Aware of the nighttime dance, sure, but they aren't all demons or rogue slayers. They get paid good money to do their jobs, not blab, and not question the mass property damage. With that being said, there are still quite a few demons in my employ. Petryov, for example, is a Russian immigrant who got converted after running from the USSR and getting capped for it. His art is a warping art, where if he has a good visualization and location, he can create a portal between here and there. The best taxi service you've ever seen, I swear. Best of all, he makes me able to communicate nigh-instantly, anywhere, securely, skipping the mail system.

---

To Lord Michikatsu Tsugikuni, formerly Upper Moon 1 Kokushibo, Oyabun of the Kyushu Yakuza, Sole Lord of Takamagahara, Demon King, Oyajiji, and about a million other titles both you and I hate;

You blew up $15 million US dollars of sake.

---

Alright, with that written, and off via portal express to the top of the mail stack on Oyajiji's desk in Kyushu, time to get to the realities of the situation. Things are heating up, and our little shadow dance may be becoming pretty bright soon. With my Blood Demon Art being the Final Word in almost any scenario, there's a reason I keep disgraced or converted slayers on payroll. Most of the time, it's as an effective threat against my demon customers from getting too rowdy, but they also serve a separate purpose. Picking up the nodachi from over the mantle of the bar, I gesture to the wall, where a swirling portal appears, and my entourage steps through.

---

"Again!"
"Flame Breathing. First Form. Unknowing Fire. Second Form. Rising Scorching Sun. Third Form. Blazing Universe. Fourth Form. Blooming Flame Undulation. Fifth Form. Flame Tiger. Sixth Form. Soaring Flame Haze. Seventh Form. Flaming Lotus Barrage. Eighth Form. Heavenly Flame Twister."
Sliding from strike to strike, the 60 in. blade flies about in an abandoned gym, the floor completely devoid of any obstructions besides the cuts in the floor from the blade passing through solid concrete.
"Now, Form Nine!"
"Flame. Breathing... NINTH FORM. RENGOKU!"
With the sound of a roaring fire, the flame detonating in on itself as it consumes all oxygen, a single strike cuts through the air.
"... Passable. Sloppy on the follow-through, but I doubt you'll be improving it."
Standing up from his crouched position, Keodis takes a towel and wipes down his forehead and face, before grabbing a bottle full of a viscous red liquid, which he proceeds to chug down.
"Hff... hff... you're one to say."
"I am. Now, I know you aren't settling for just the Flame Style. Tell me, what bastardization will you be making of it?"
"You say that as if I didn't just spend about 18 million yen to get you to teach me. As for the "bastardization," well, I've always done well with the alpha strike doctrine. One enormous, overwhelming blow that ends the fight. The style of Rengoku feeds well into the doctrine."
"You're trying to build an entirely new breathing style off of Rengoku? Are you mad?"
"I'm a demon. What you consider mad is my normal. Having a stronger base means I can push myself harder than you, even on the low end. Now, witness the birth of a new style."

---

Tenko watched with interest as the Grandmaster of the dojo, Kenzo, called on a demon for the demonstration. That explained the prickly sensation she had been feeling. She had brought it up when they arrived, but had been assured that everything was under control. Like Yanagi, it appeared that Chozen was also a demon that had chosen to ally themselves with the Demon Slayer Corps.

That was good. As someone whose faith's central doctrine was that of redemption. Demons that were able to reject their condition and helped the demon slayers meant that the demons were not beyond help. However, on the other hand, that also made her job more complicated. The breathing technique she had developed, the Catharsis Breathing, was predicated on seeing the slaying of a demon as a 'rite of purification' after all, a means of last resort to give peace to those who had been cursed by being a demon.

If redemption in this life were still possible for them, then that would make killing them not unanimously a 'last resort' in all cases. And yet, at the same time, she realises that in the majority of cases, demons were beyond helping. The likes of Chozen and Yanagi were the exception, not the rule. Most of the demons were slaves to their nature, driven to harm the innocents. Her faith called for her to have love and compassion for her enemies, but not necessarily to be a pacifist. And thus, she still believed that her role as a demon slayer was still a righteous one.

...She supposed that she should start praying for wisdom like Solomon to discern whether the demons she slayed were beyond help from now on. And continued to pray for those she had killed, and for her own sins. That was all she could do.

Kenzo then demonstrated the efficacy of his techniques, managing to stop Chozen's regeneration. Tenko started to move to ask if Chozen was all right, but then remained in her place as she saw Yanagi tending to him. She turned her attention back to Kenzo and Miyuki as they explained their techniques in further detail.

Given the demonstration earlier, Tenko would definitely be glad for it to be added to her arsenal. She had never encountered demons who could survive their heads being cut off, but she knew of their existence from records of the Demon Slayer Corps as well as her mother's journal. Thus, having a convenient way to deal with them sounded good to Tenko. Although, given how she had both hands full in her own breathing style, she hoped that the Soryu Karate had kicking techniques so it would integrate smoothly with her own fighting style.

Her train of thought was interrupted as Miyuki and Kairi seemed to be getting into an altercation.

She put herself between the two immediately, "Kairi-san, I'm sure she has her reasons, so...can you please let it slide?" she pleaded with a small smile. She didn't know exactly what happened, but that sort of disdain and strong opinion must have a story behind it. It didn't seem like she stated it in a 'matter-of-fact' manner, at least.

She then sent Jae-un a grateful look for trying to de-escalate the situation between the two.

Tenko then turned to Miyuki. The 'morally right' thing here was probably to also say something about her rude comments. But just because it was 'morally right' did not mean that it would be the 'correct course of action'. She didn't know how Miyuki would respond after all; it might worsen the situation. Meanwhile, being as adaptable as she was in social situations, Tenko knew—or at least hoped—that Kairi would be reasonable.

So instead of reprimanding her, Tenko gave Miyuki a smile, "Miyuki-chan...umm...can I call you Miyuki-chan? I'm Thompson Tenko. I'll be in your care!"

---

Himari entered the dojo with a lot on her mind. She hadn't expected to be away from home for such an extended period. There were those back in Kyoto who needed her, but she placed those she trusted in charge while she was gone. The moment she entered the dojo she felt the presence of a demon. That was interesting. It wasn't the Grandmaster or the two students training, so she wondered who it was. She wasn't surprised that there was a demon here, though. This era of Demon Slayers were more cordial with demons and accepting them working and living among them. They weren't all bloodthirsty killers like in previous eras. She knew that personally.

She recognized Kenzo as one of her brother's drinking buddies. Despite losing an arm in a battle against Two Moons he still held a warrior's spirit. It was a shame that he felt that he needed to retire though. It was clear that he was still very capable of doing what needed to be done, but he also had a daughter to take care of and watch over so she understood why he decided to retire. He didn't want to leave her alone. She dropped her head when he mentioned Hikaru and thankfully Kairi spoke up on her behalf. The weight of her brother's death was still heavy for her and this was the second time it was mentioned today. It'd be easier for her to get through her grief if everyone else didn't bring him up so casually.

Then Chozen, the demon entered the room. So that's who she was sensing. She lifted her head to watch the match closely. Match was a strong word, because it took nothing at all for Kenzo to put Chozen down. It was a short, yet remarkable display that got her blood pumping. Then Miyuki came in and explained what they would be doing and about the candles. This was no problem for her. Total Concentration Breathing was like normal breathing to her by this point, though it was interesting that they risked their lives like this in training. No wonder they didn't have many students. Either it was that or Miyuki's sorry attitude. The others spoke up before Himari did with Kairi getting visibly upset, Jae-un being the fortune cookie that he is while coming to her defense, and Tenko just being her sweet self.

Himari on the other hand couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Nepo-baby? Says the hypocritical child who's inheriting her daddy's dojo. I don't care what you think about me, but don't you realize that you're insulting your father who was a Hashira and lost his arm in the process? And what do you do besides sparring in the dojo? You have a technique that's perfect against the Demon Lords and Consorts, but I don't see you putting your life on the line like the ones you criticize. I killed a Consort and her den of demons by myself at your age, so I ask, what have you done besides complain that others aren't doing enough?"

Himari wasn't upset. She just hated hypocritical and judgmental pricks who only ran their mouths instead of their hands. She walked over to the nearest wall and removed her katana and placed it against it before walking back to Miyuki and pulling down her kimono top as she did so. "You want me first, you got me." Himari said as she entered a fighting stance. She trained more with her sword than in hand to hand combat, but she wasn't a slouch either. She maintained her breathing and kept her focus on the brat in front of her. Despite her outburst Miyuki would notice that in Himari's aura no malice or anger could be found in her. If she wasn't looking directly at her it would've appeared as if she wasn't there at all.

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血債血償
Location: Western Dragon Club

Ahh.... this servant welcomes ancestor's guidance
Replied the fifth in a trembling voice as a vortex of meaning was infused directly in his head, his blood swirled with this injection as it sought to incorporate Lord ninth heaven's gift.
Agony turned to bliss and finally understanding causing as Ryoshu's face reverted to display its ever present faint smile.

Leaving the club after their liege lord, the fourth moon quickly dispatched his two subordinates back to Deer Terrace Manor informing them to delay the next auction start for there might be a new masterpiece in the works.
For this journey had been fruitful, the archer obtained the location of his target, of the miserable rats hiding amongst much tastier human cattle: Wasegawa University.
Normally slayers would barely catch his attention for even the mightiest of their kind posed no threat to one such as he.
Humans could kill the weak just fine but barely affected the strong. Thus they proved comparable to natural pathogens such as viruses or bacteria.

This time was different as they had dared strike above their station and even killing a dearest sister of his. Blood must be paid blood.
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Location: University Streets
"Come on Takeda-kun, kendo club can wait for a night can it?"
"Yeah man, you said you had the afternoon free yesterday..."
Under pressure form so many even the most dedicated Hinoe may feel their heart weaver ever so slightly, there was no harm in enjoying their birthday right?

The small group of friends decided to go to a nearby well reviewed Izakaya that had recently opened, loudly joking along the way. A cool autumn breeze carried with it the sent of dry leaves and cut grass. When beyond the streetlight resounded a voice clear as crystal:

"Blood moon great and bold
A Brush wielded in hands pure
May the world delight"

Followed by a striding figure dressed in white, Head buried behind a small book. As it spoke the voice was interrupted by a coughing fit, causing the figure to keel over and splatter the nearby wall in blood. Dropping the leatherbound tome in the process.
Seeing this two members of Takeda's group rushed over, eyes filled with concern.

"Mister are you okay? Do you need help"
Asked Himari, a first year biology student, arriving beside the pale figure.
Do you need an ambulance?
Added Dachi, self proclaimed math genius.

A most delightful aroma is it not?, The tender fat crossed with just enough muscle to give it flavor. Truly the more i live the more i come to understand that glacial senior albeit his tendency to eat such fine goods raw is... questionable at best.

Spoke Ryoshu, ignoring the two student's concern as he suddenly grasped himari's arm, eliciting a squeal of surprise from the latter, revealing the kanji burned deep into multicolored Irises.

Do you not think so Takeda?
Continued the fifth heaven looking directly at the young slayer.
Everyone... run...now managed to squeeze out the Hinoe before his legs collapsed under him.
How could it happen? All slayers knew of the 8 blood moons of course, immortal monsters who roamed this world like a plague, unkillable and nigh invincible. All of them ruled territory or took direct orders from the demon king so how could one be here?

The other 7 looked at their friend with mix of confusion and shock, one ran with all his might. The former's best friend, an elite athlete whom they called Kai but it was fruitless. Blood light flashed and his body burst open, showering the quiet street with a fountain of bloody viscera that became covered with pale flowers.

Takeda barely had time to blink when the demon was beside him, putting a friendly hand upon his shoulder, effortlessly crushing his clavicle like paper as he whispered in his ears:

"Worry not dear, you shall be remade anew soon enough, free from all this... ugliness you call humanity. Blood Demon Arts: Verdant Field after Spring Rain."
After these words where muttered, countless Blood red stakes grew from the ground in a 30m radius, impaling everyone present.
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The next morning, a strange crate large as a man branded with the design of Deer Terrace Manor arrived upon university ground from which faint sounds could be heard.
(this part is for GM reaction post and character notes)
Ryoshu uses Deer Terrace Manor for his demonic activities while for human dealings he uses a logo depicting a black Torri gate in front of a blood red moon.

As for what's inside it could be described as a living pot, with the other student chopped and cut to resembled a bouquet of wildflowers, petals made of sinew bound flesh on bone stems while the pot itself is the poor Takeda NPC. his body being re-shaped into something that roughly looks like those eastern style bronze censers on 4 legs. Hanging on to life by the tiniest of threads.