@Digmata@JrVader@13org Location: Rooftop Battle, Contest of the "Strongest" -->transitioning into Daikaku Shrine
Kokushibo's voice cut's like cold steel through the enflamed mind of the Demon King. Scattering the latter's fury to the four winds, leaving only the scalding realization that He... had failed. Impossible! The bitter taste of shame singeing itself into his mind for he had utterly and shamefully lost composure there, how was this behavior worthy of a lord? Hardly a peasant at that and for what? being insulted by a human? a species of sentient cattle no more. ARRGGGGGHHHHHHHH. Ohhhhh how frustrating, how humiliating... Had he fought with rationality and splendor worthy of a proper monarch the situation might have been salvageable now lord ancestor had to get thatman to clean up his mess. Worse, he has been relegated to the most menial of tasks, to kill the humans which had dared intrude upon Lord Ninth Heaven's grand design, a task any consort could have handled, no worse, a task only fit for a beast. His thoughts wove on and on as he continued fighting, a monk came through, buzzing nonsense into his ears like a noxious fly before joining the fray.
Ryshu fought on and on, wielding his blood demon arts with devastating skill but he was getting overwhelmed ,slowly but surely. Wounds accumulated upon his flesh, cuts where harder to heal as he mended a dozen in a moment while equally many struck his body. Until the blood moon bellowed: ENOUGH!!! Banishing the spiral of despair from his mind, replacing it with newfound determination. With a cracking of flesh, the out of control demonic aura was rescinded as he ceased his maddened assault. With a wave he scattered a handful of roses at the gathered slayers, releasing pink mist shrouding the entire floor before disengaging from the fight. This canvas was getting too crowded, too many colors made only distasteful blacks and greys, thus it needed change.
With a singular leap the demon king left the rooftop towards daikaku shrine, shattering his legs as he impacted the ground but it didn't bother the lord. His failure shall stay with him for all time, now carnage was all that was left, carnage and slaughter. If his lord wanted a beast, then a beast he will get.
He shall fight befitting of the greatest of beasts, He will trade limb for limb, flesh for flesh, head for head against those who seek to oppose the master. Thought Ryoshu as he strode into Daikaku Shrine. The nichirin steel construction burning his cells away continuously, surrounding a demon king in a strange mist.
Taking advantage of slight time his actions bought him before the slayers caught up, the demon king moved like the tempest across daikaku, seeking the blue spider lily groves according to the moon Hashira's stolen memories. Slaughtering any in his path.
'My darling has been hurt yet Michikatsu-sama's plan worked, the Blue Spider Lily is ours.' she thought.
Mina, The Consort 3, Demon Queen of The Second Heaven arrived by close proxy.
"Kamado Ryunosuke, it's a pleasure to see you again, but worry not, your journey ends here!" She began summoning her claws and cut ripples in space.
"Blood Demon Art: Displace!"
Ryunosuke felt to his knees after Ryoshu disappeared.
'Sheesh, I thought he'd never leave, I almost looked bad.' He panted in thought.
Before he knew it, he couldn't breathe further, his senses dulled due to the after effects of Ryoshu's Blood Demon Art, almost sending him into cardiac arrest.
He then smelled the change in the air, Ryoshu's Consort arrived and that's when he knew it was over.
"EVERYONE WATCH OUT!" Ryunosuke yelled as he used every last ounce of his strength to defend everyone, but he couldn't move.
RYUNOSUKE SEALED
"It was a diversion? Crap! I felt for it!" Ryunosuke cursed.
The cube went to her hand and disappeared into a purple dust.
"I will not let you go near my husband. Play nicely, for I control every space in this room." She summoned a cube throne and sat on it.
"Now, shall we discuss of our agenda and what's the world to come?"
From her lap, she got Takaya hostaged.
She vomited blood for a bit as her eyes glistened in gold.
No longer Consort 3, thereby ascending as Consort 2, the Japanese Characters changed in her eyes.
Kairi saw the demon flee prompting the Mirage Hashira to intercept, taking advantage of his lap of judgement and the natural speed provided by Mirage Style. In a blink of an eye, the empty space was filled by the visage of a tall white haired girl who raised her wakazashis like a butcher.
"Ara ara? Trying to escape." Kairi spoke in a teasing tone as her left blade slashed Ryushu's stomach.
[Third Form: Sparrow Slayer]
A diagonal line touched Ryushu's chest leaking blood like a fountain mixing with a strange mist began emerging as Kairi begins swinging for the neck. Her blade would be an inch away when it suddenly stopped due to the arrival of an unwelcomed interloper. An interloper that had the leverage.
In Kyoto there would be no need for her stop but she knew that wouldn't be the case in Funachi.
Kairi looked glanced at Takaya and the cube the consort is sitting at.
The rooftop where the Sun Hashira and Demon Lord's duel had begun was starting to get a bit... crowded.
Firstly, the was the arrival of some jackass with a Korean accent. Hinotora wasn't sure if his misogynistic declaration that amounted to "get back in the kitchen" as intended for herself or the Mist Hashira (who she noted she'd yet to see since shortly after this fight started), but either way, she didn't bother dignifying his words with an actual response. Whether he was addressing herself or Kairi, giving up her concealment over some petty provocation would be stupid.
By all means, you "manly man", take the first shot at the motherfucking Demon Lord. Please. I truly do insist, she thought sardonically. In this situation, she could appreciate all the backup they could get, so she would choose not to ask questions about the stranger's arrival. However, she didn't think she'd shed a tear if he was the "one to die" from Takaya's prophesy.
Then, the head of Daikaku Shrine arrived. Hinotora hadn't really seen much of what he could do, but she expected he was probably pretty strong if he was squaring up with a Demon Lord without hesitation. So, for now, she consider him more an asset than a liability and assume he could handle himself.
And then, considering that the Mist Hashira was likely lurking somewhere waiting for a chance to strike from the shadows as well, that swelled their numbers to a grand total of 5 to the demon's 1... A lone demon that had, as far as she was aware, quite historically never fallen to such numbers before.
Hahah... we are going to get our asses kicked, aren't we?
Realistically, it wasn't a very funny situation at all, but she still found herself laughing humorlessly on the inside. Still, Hinotora braced herself for the inevitable, watching intently, as the clearly furious Demon Lord looked around wildly at the opposition arrayed against him... before most ominously calming down. The maddened aura of demonic power around him receded in a rush of cracking flesh. Hinotora's eyes widened, as he scattered out a handful of roses in all directions.
Shit.
Hinotora released her grip on the still hot and slightly melty roof edge, dropping down to land nimbly upon the window ledge of the floor below a moment before a flood of pink mist billowed over the edges of the rooftop. Glancing upward, she was in just the right position to see the Demon Lord practically catapult from the mist in a flying leap, a fresh wound on his chest trickling blood.
He's.... actually running?!
Her eyes widened further, as she saw the way the Demon Lord landed, legs shattering and reassembling in moments, daunting him not a bit in his continued rush.
No... not running.
A chill of dread crawled down her spine, as she saw quite clearly from her position the Demon Lord's path... directly back towards the Daikaku Shrine.
He's focusing on his true goal here!
Gritting her teeth, Hinotora inhaled sharply, deeply, the fire in her chest swelling, as she took off in a flying leap, explosive strength rushing through her legs in a way that made them ache.
Third Phoenix Form: Fire Bird's Spirit!
For a moment, however, she felt a strange sensation. A moment after she leapt, it was as if her skin was crawling, a shudder running through her form so violently that it felt like every cell was protesting. For a moment, she almost imagined she had smacked face-first into a body of molasses... only to pass through the film and land atop an adjacent shorter rooftop unaccosted.
A gasp heaved from her chest, as she landed with a stumble, fingers twitching with a sensation of pins and needles crawling across her skin. Another steadying breath of Phoenix Breathing's Form 1 stilled most of the discomfort, but the alien sensation continued to tingle in her memory.
What... what in the fuck was that?
Snapping her head back towards the building she'd just leaped away from, Hinotora couldn't see the rooftop now, not at this angle, nor through the fading cloud of pink mist. However, a sensation of wrongness was shivering through her.
Where...? What happened to everyone else? There were... They were... Shouldn't they already be in pursuit?
She glanced back in the direction of the Shrine, a part of her hoping to see the Hashira already ahead of her. Heck, even that Korean jackass that had decided to butt in. But no, the only person in sight that was heading towards the Shrine was still the Demon Lord. Nobody else was in pursuit... and she didn't know why!
Was it that weird feeling I just had a second ago? Are they all... trapped? No...
An echo of Takaya's prophesy rippled through her mind...
"Kaw-caw! Police will capture y'all, only one shall escape!"
"Shit... Shit... Shit fuck motherfucking bitch!" Hinotora hissed, forcing herself to keep her breathing steady, to clear out the arches in her body, even as veins of furious frustration and understanding bulged on her face.
Without a moment left to hesitate or reconsider, she moved. Propelling herself off the roof in a hurtle, the world blurring around her, she abandoned stealth entirely for pure speed, letting the fire roar in her veins. She drew deep breaths in preparation, filling her cells with life-giving oxygen, packing away a trickling reserve of strength, as she dedicated the majority to speed and reinforcing her body enough to not tear itself apart.
She had to close the distance, to catch up to the Demon Lord, to foil whatever their plot was...
All the while, her thoughts were flying, the prophesy's words continuing to flow...
"After the Master he is, Blue Spider Lily as well."
Damnit! Damm, damnity damn!
Takaya was back at the Shrine's vicinity, wasn't he? The same Shrine that was responsible for growing Blue Spider Lillies?! The Demon Lord's assault hadn't been to avoid the toxicly anti-demon defenses of the Shrine... No, it had been to lure the Shrine's defenders away, so the Demon Lord could enter without resistance!
That was some kind of Blood Demon Art barrier, wasn't it?! Hinotora recalled the sensation she had run into before. Nobody else is in pursuit, because they can't pursue! And yet, somehow, she had been the only one able to pass through the barrier's boundary...?
"-only one shall escape!"
"Fuck!" Hinotora hissed, her breath escaping her lips in goats of steam now.
Her mind was whirling, desperate for options, but the reality of what lay before her was unchanging. The Shrine had been emptied of nearly all the defenders capable of competing with a Demon Lord. Sure, the monks were probably plenty skilled in their own rights, but Hinotora had no doubt in her mind that they would be slaughtered to the last even with the Demon Lord hindered by the environment. She recalled records of the last war's conclusion...
This motherfucker is going to pull a Muzan and just stroll right on in, regenerating straight through any damage he takes!
And the only ones left to face that Demon Lord, an Upper Moon tier foe with fewer weaknesses than the prior generation, in the dead of night, was herself and the retired and still permanently injured Wind Hashira. That was all they had, against a foe that had slaughtered who even knew how many Slayers in the past, Hashira or not. Even if they took advantage of his regeneration hopefully being hampered by the Shrine's environment...
"Death upon someone tonight! Bells are ringing it is."
Hinotora had not witnessed what happened atop the rooftop after Ryoshu's retreat, and so, she was entirely unaware of the peril both Takaya and Ryunosuke were truly in. In fact, it didn't even occur to her that the Sun Hashira, who Takaya had instructed her to protect, could possibly be in greater danger than the Shrine was. Not in the now absence of the Demon Lord. Not with the presumed protection of at least one other Hashira and other Slayers of competitive strength. She had no way to know that the BDA barrier deployed was the work of a Demon Consort, a being that could threaten even such a gathering of strength nearly as much as any Demon Lord.
The only concern in Hinotora's mind now was the protection of the Blue Spider Lillies. More than any single Slayer's life, those flowers held value in the eyes of the DSC. She only knew a little about them, but what she did know told her that the demons must not be allowed to have them. No matter the cost. For the sake of those flowers and the preservation of the critical supply line that the Daikaku Shrine represented as a whole, the Demon Lord must be stopped in his tracks. Whatever it took. She had no way to know for sure what would be lost and what would be saved, but the line in the sand needed to be drawn nonetheless.
"Fortune! Fortune! Pyrrhic victory it is!"
Even if she ended up the only one left to draw it.
She had no way to know that victory was already pyrrhic.
Hinotora had no way to know that it might only be just the start. The Demon Lord was passing through the gates of the Daikaku Shrine now, and a mist billowed off his form, the nichirin construction of the structure and the air of flowering wisteria burning at his cells enough to inconvenience at worst. Indeed, it seemed the dreadful truth was confirmed. For this Demon Lord, one of this era's Upper Moons, his regeneration was far too powerful to be stopped by something like that.
If the Demon Lord had been forced to contend with a full group of Hashiras at the same time, then it might have been a reliable hinderance, but now that his scheme had clearly borne fruit and removed all the truly able defenders from the premises, those that remained might as well have been no better than wheat before a scythe.
The monks made a valiant effort, but it was entirely for naught. If they got in the Demon Lord's way, they died, plain and simple, brutally so even. And Hinotora had no doubt that if allowed to run rampant, the Demon Lord would slaughter the entire compound to the last man. The entire sect would be exterminated, and without the Shrine's caretakers, the Shrine itself would likely collapse as an institution capable of supporting the Demon Slayer Core.
I don't know if anyone else will even be coming, but no matter what...
Her focus narrowed, as she plotted her route, the world blurring around her.
It's my duty to hold the line. Even if it's the last thing I do.
A deep inhale flooded her body with revitalizing energy, her breath coming easier with a fresh surge of oxygen. The burn of her muscles straining was replaced instead by the burn of tensed, gathering strength.
Burn... Burn my fiery spirit! Even if your body dies, rage against the dying light!
Her left foot came down on the edge of the rooftop nearest to the Daikaku Shrine's boundaries with a thundercrack. Muscles flexed so hard they threatened to snap her own bones, even as a portion of her breath flowed into those same bones to reinforce them and seal the already forming microfractures. Her entire body tensed like a loaded spring, fire roaring through her cells in a storm of released energy, as steam and licks of flame escaped from between her lips.
Become the Firebird that rises from its ashes! Give it everything and then go beyond!
She pushed Pheonix Breathing further than she'd ever dared to before, until the inside of her body felt like a sauna, until it felt like her blood was on the edge of boiling, till even her sweat turned to steam. She pushed until her eyes itched, growing dry from her own heat.
Before you is a Demon Lord, an Ultimate Evil, so become the Light of Justice needed to strike! Him! DOWN!
"Pheonix Breathing - Third Form-!" She hissed under her breath, nearly choking the words out with the effort of keeping her breathing Forms steady, as she raised her blade high. "-Meets Fire Breathing - Fifth Form-!"
"-FLAME TIGER!"
The rooftop underfoot cratered, the edge shattering to pieces from the force with which Hinotora kicked off. She angled herself carefully in her leap, as a flaming corona burst into existence around her with a yowling roar, taking the form of a tiger that nearly blurred into a streak of light with the way she shot through the air like a small comet.
Despite leaping from a height that might normally be a bit dangerous, she wasn't concerned. The angle of her trajectory was carefully aligned to carry her just over the top of the Daikaku Shrine's walls at speed, and once she reached ground level, she would be in a position to transfer safely into some kind of slide or roll.
And it was with that resolution that Hinotora finally engaged with Blood Moon Upper 4. The Stand at Daikaku Shrine... @TimelessParagon
The Slayer entered like a howling meteor, a flaming streak of motion that ripped through the air, just barely clearing the top of the Daikaku Shrine's walls on a direct course for the Demon Lord. There was a certain irony in her approach perhaps, that she might launch herself almost akin to an arrow loosed from a bow towards the demon archer, as she leveled her first strike towards his neck. A blistering howl of heat followed the motion, the flaming tiger surrounding her body yowling its fury with the opening attempt at decapitation.
Of course, Hinotora knew all too well that even if she managed to behead the Demon Lord, that would only inconvenience him at worst. And that was why it was only the first of the Fifth Form's multiple strikes that she launched at him. As a distraction and interruption of his pace.
For indeed, Hinotora's momentum did not put her on a direct crash-course with the Demon Lord, but instead angled her for a gloried drive-by-shooting. With a sword.
Hurtling right past Ryoshu in the same motion, she was already bending her knees to transition into a slide across the ground, the flaming tiger curling around her in a flaming cloak, burning away at whatever mist the Demon Lord might have already unleashed anew, as the tiger's claws lashed out and reduced nearby demonic plants to ash, acting in defense of whatever monks could still be saved.
Hinotora came to a sliding stop, the flaming tiger fading away into embers, as she exhaled a gout of steam so thick it sounded more like a wheeze. Steam billowed off her body, her sweat continuing to flow and evaporate as fast as it could leave her skin. Blinking quickly, she increased the flow of water to her eyes, clearing the bout of itchy blurriness from them, as she continued to inhale and exhale deeply, raising her blade up before her in a defensive guard.
"That... I think..." she hissed quietly, chest heaving with every word, as her Breathing Forms worked overtime to wash away the aches wracking her form, "is about as far as you go, Demon Lord..."
Without taking her eyes off the Demon Lord for a single moment, Hinotora said firmly to the monks still alive in the vicinity, "Go. Now. This fight is beyond any of you!" She grit her teeth, steam and licks of flame continuing to hiss from between dry lips. "The Demon Lord is after the Blue Spider Lillies! Takaya's prophesy decreed it! So, run! Hide what you can, and destroy what you cannot! Hurry! What is lost can be replanted later, but the demons must not be allowed to have that flower! By any means necessary!"
Eyes narrowed at the foe before her, Hinotora sucked in another steadying breath, the trembling of her body finally starting to fade a bit, as she tightened her grip on her sword.
"I will hold the line and buy you time... for as long as I can."
Mentions: @Dane@Randomguy@King Kindred Xaku’s eyes fall upon Yaguchi’s body for only a moment before her gaze rises to meet Miyuki’s. It isn’t an angry look, per se, just cold.
Hm.
She doesn’t even register the pain from her formerly broken arm.
... Foolish.
“... Flexor carpi. Right quadriceps femoris. Third rib, right. Seventh rib, left. Achilles tendon, right. Left bicep brachii.”
She doesn’t elaborate. She simply raises an arm and splays her fingers.
Blood Demon Art: Eviscerate – .3 millimetres.
Six clean cuts appear on Miyuki’s body, mirroring Xaku’s words perfectly. She continues listing as she approaches Miyuki and her leg gives out, her tone clinical and detached, as if she were merely a scientist observing a particularly boring specimen.
“Right pectoralis minor.”
Another cut.
“Left pectoralis major.”
Another.
“Left deltoid.”
Then another.
“Platisma, right.”
And another.
Not a single wound is fatal.
“... right cheek.”
One final cut.
Xaku stops in front of Miyuki, looking down at her with a cold crimson gaze.
“Look at me, child.”
She takes a knee and grabs Miyuki by her chin, forcing the Slayer to meet her eyes. Her thumb brushes against the gash on her cheek almost tenderly. Her voice lowers as her gaze bores into Miyuki’s, seeming to pierce into her very being.
“You are not strong. You are not brave. Your sentiment will only get you killed. You are a foolish girl who only lives because I allow it. And you will die the moment I will it... Do you understand what I am saying, Soyama-san?”
Xaku doesn’t wait for an answer. She releases Miyuki’s face and stands, turning her gaze onto Mamushi.
“The nearest hospital is 4.3 kilometres west. Since you were so willing to stand with her, you may take her.”
With that, she turns away from them both, dismissing their existences without a second thought.
“Now... is there anyone else who wishes to throw their life away?”
Gekido gave a sigh. Of the demons in the room, he wasn't at all surprised that Xaku would be the one giving him the cold shoulder and refusing his request. He's known her for too long for this not to go any other way. It's a power struggle between these two that's..."complicated". She's by far the most experienced demon, being Michikatsu's first servant, and that deserves merit to be sure. Yet, she is unranked in the hierarchy of demons, so technically he does Outrank her, as does even Ryoshu, as much of a joke as that is, and they both know it. Yet circumstances within Michikatsu's inner circle led to both himself and her being essentially the most trusted and loyal of his demons, resulting in both being next to him as far as status is concerned. An Unranked and the third best, but as already mentioned, that's just how bad things are, when the remaining Demon Lords of 7th and 8th Heaven should be standing where they currently are.
Neither of them like it, but they don't really have much of a choice either.
Then there's Tenko who essentially is turning herself in. Speaking her noble but naive drivel, he couldn't help but smirk at how...optimistic she seemed to be. He could tell, she was a good kid beneath that cold-hearted facade, too good for this job.
Still...
Unknown demon... Interesting word choice there. From what I've heard, until a few minutes ago Mamu-chan was a classmate, who, I might add, didn't exactly have much of a choice hiding herself from you and others, given the assumption that Slayers would do...exactly what you did. Did you really think she was trying to ambush a group of three slayers, one of which is a Hashira, by herself? I have no idea why she did what she did, but she's a smart girl, she knows that would have been suicide." He said to her before Xaku made her own point to her clear.
Honestly, he had half a mind to give up and just let Tenko be taken in. She clearly doesn't see the problem in her action at least, so if nothing else, he agree she does need to have consequences thrown on her. Moreover she is Hinoe Class, and really, he only needs to talk with a Hashira like Himari, technically Multiple Hashiras, preferably.
...If only it were so simple.
Taking another shot of scotch, and with a deep sigh, knowing he was definitely going to regret later on what he was about to do.
But it seems before he could, a certain fighter among the slayers he recognized became active in her approach, talking about her father's philosophy about comrades. She looked at him - clearly recognizing him by the hateful look in her eyes - and in response he gave a smirk of his own. He could see the passion in those eyes as she fought against Xaku, even having the gall to strike at her. He knew that wasn't going to end well at all for her, but one can't not respect the audacity.
"Well, if nothing else, at least he raised her right." He thought, continuing to sit and observe what was happening as Mamushi and other demons stood up to resist her arrest. ...That, he didn't see coming. Mamushi was about to get badly injured, if not killed by Tenko, who treats her as nothing more than a demon - of that he definitely is in agreement with Xaku on - and yet she's helping her get out of this as if that didn't just happen.
The balls on these demons all choosing to protect a Slayer from the Chief of Police and someone of Michikatsu's inner circle, it was something worthy of his respect.
Too bad it went exactly how he figured it might... She may technically be Unranked, but there's no denying Xaku's as good a demon as they come. Recklessly assaulting her wouldn't get one very far...Moreover, if there's one thing his experience with her has taught him, it's that the concept of "Protect and Serve" is lost on her. There's only one person she answers to, and everyone else may as well be ants in her way, regardless of who they are...
Gekido sighed again after seeing Xaku show off her surgical talent, before then getting up from his seat.
"...Xaku, mind if we have a quick chat? Don't worry, your Quarry isn't going anywhere. Urami, Make sure these two stay put in this room. I won't be gone long." He said as he walked out the VIP Room. No need to prompt Xaku to follow suit, she's an honorable type when you get down to it, that's probably her biggest redeeming trait, as she showed by allowing Miyuki to live.
"Mamu-Chan, A round for everyone here, On me, for your troubles." He said as he walked past Mamuchi and her Snake-like demon comrades, walking towards the backdoor into an alley. Sure it's a good place to ambush, but it's also a nice secluded area to make sure no one on the street can hear them. As he mentioned before, the CIP room is sound-proofed, both inside and out, as such whatever's being talked about, the people inside can't hear a thing.
Both big time demons were out of the room at last, talking quite literally behind closed doors.
Tenko spoke the moment she noticed Miyuki started moving, but even then, it was already too late.
Before she could finish speaking, Miyuki were slashed by Xaku's demon arts, each wound appearing near instantaneously. None were fatal, but considering the location of the wounds was not exactly that far off from major arteries, it wasn't hard to imagine that the fact they were not fatal was by intent.
The normal Tenko would have immediately come to Miyuki's aid and attempted to fight Xaku, but under her current state of mind, she was able to calmly assess the situation.
Having come to the conclusion that Xaku did not intend to kill Miyuki, she held herself back and let Xaku make her speech and posturing to Miyuki.
Antagonising her further would serve no purpose. Previously, after she had questioned her on justice, if she killed her, then that would serve as proof to the Demon Slayer Corps that Xaku cannot be trusted to remain in the current position she held in law enforcement. Clearly, she had no interest in actually upholding justice if she killed a surrendering suspect.
Her harming Miyuki was less severe, but it was the same principle. Miyuki did attack her, but in the end, as Xaku herself put it, Miyuki was no match for her. With such disparity in strength, she should be able to stop Miyuki without cutting her up.
Regardless, this was clearly not someone who should be in law enforcement.
And that was the crux of the issue, wasn't it?
Considering how she talked to the other demons and how she was regarded, she was clearly a high-profile demon. So there should be little chance that the Demon Slayers Corps were not aware that such a high-profile demon had joined the police. So why weren't they briefed about Xaku? Better yet, why wasn't she a target for extermination?
...Clearly, tonight's events had shown her that there were many questions that needed to be answered by the Corps' leadership.
As Xaku ordered Mamushi to take Miyuki to a hospital, Tenko turned to Himari, "Tsugikuni-san, perhaps you should accompany them? Make sure Miyuki-chan get the treatment she needed."
She then turned to Gekido, addressing his question, "For the record, I wasn't trying to kill her, I was attempting to neutralise a possible threat in a non-lethal way to ascertain her intentions. As for my choice of words...yes, she is an unknown demon. Mamushi-san, as a demon, is a side of her that is unknown to me..." Tenko said, before turning to Mamushi, "As I suspect this Demon Slayer side of myself is an unknown side to Mamushi-san. Besides, even if we were classmates, I wouldn't say we were best friends or anything, so objectively speaking, I cannot say I know all facets of human Mamushi as well."
Normal Tenko would probably put it more tactfully, but at the end of the day, that was true. Tenko and Mamushi had talked and were amicable with each other, of course, but it wasn't as if they were particularly close enough for Tenko to have absolute confidence in her character even after turning into a demon.
Tenko turned back to Gekido, continuing her answer, "Demons and Demon Slayers have been bitter enemies for hundreds of years, we were—are—essentially at war. In that context, were my actions really unprecedented? If you suddenly encountered a casual friend that you had not seen in a while as a demon slayer, would you really not be at the very least wary? Especially when, after we have encountered several demons tonight, there is a high chance that this area is demon territory. There could be various complications that could happen, such as Mamushi possessing highly potent demon arts or that she was leading us to an ambush."
"I am not trying to justify my actions, as I doubt anything I said would be enough justification from the perspective of your side, but since you asked, that was essentially the rationale of my actions," she finished.
Mamushi may have stood up for them, but logically speaking, there was always a chance that the whole thing was a setup for Mamushi to ingratiate herself with them and act as a spy. It would be foolish to take her on blind faith now, let alone before.
She then watched as Gekido turned to Xaku, asking for a quick chat. As Gekido assured Xaku that her quarry won't run, Tenko added, "As I said, I am willing to turn myself in. As long as the rest of the Demon Slayer Corps are guaranteed passage out of this area tonight, I'll go along with whatever your side decides."
This had officially become the worst night of Himari's eighteen years of life. From her sister-in-law going on a psychopathic rampage and bringing it to the onsen they were relaxing at to escaping that just to end up back in the fire because Tenko fired a gun at a demon in an establishment smack dab in demon territory. She was surrounded by foolishness and she could've sworn it was giving her an aneurism. Xaku was already a big enough problem, but the demon chief of police was followed by a Consort and Blood Moon. Thankfully the latter wasn't Blood Moon Two or she would've lost all sense of rationale and attacked him on the spot. This Blood Moon, however, seemed to be different. He didn't want any further violence and just wanted to talk. He even knew her brother and had apparently worked to build relations with him. For a moment Himari felt safe and that they'd be able to get out of this without any further complications. But unfortunately for Himari, Kami seemed to have other plans. She should have never let Miyuki convince her come back into the chaotic night after they made it back to the dojo.
When Tenko asked her if they recognized the demons' authority, Himari had to stop herself from rolling her eyes. "It doesn't matter if we recognize their authority. We're in their territory and as a Demon Slayer you need to learn when and where to choose your battles. Jae-un should have taught you this. We're meant to assess situations before we act or else we get ourselves and civilians killed. This is why I told you not to engage in any fights back at the Onsen."
Himari watched as Tenko submitted herself at the mercy of the demons. She understood what she was trying to do, but she wished that she would stop talking and let her and the demons handle things. Had she not offered herself, Himari and the others could have convinced Xaku to let her go and forgive her ignorance. But now that the offer was on the table she doubted that the Chief of Police would leave without her in handcuffs.
Himari gripped her blade tightly when Xaku made a show of force by cutting Tenko's hair. She didn't care for the dramatics. Couldn't she see that the girl already felt bad enough? When it didn't go any further than that she calmed herself and loosened her grip. She faced Xaku as she turned to address her. She shook her head. "No. I'm going to stay and see this through. Plus, Gekido has something that he wants to discuss and I'd like to rebuild the relations my brother worked on before his wife sullied them. And as I've done nothing besides defend one of your blood sisters I can remain here within my rights as a patron."
Then in an instant everything changed. If they ended up surviving this she was going to choke the life out of Miyuki. Things were dying down and they were accepting terms before she foolishly charged in and assaulted the Chief of Police. Himari wanted to scream in frustration, but she needed to remain composed as the only Hashira in the room. Instead she watched as Xaku immediately retaliated with her Blood Demon Arts. This was the third time she was able to witness it tonight. She studied it each time because she knew the day would come soon that she'd have to face this demon without any others holding her back or being surrounded by an establishment of demons. She was going to kill Xaku one day. Tonight marked the chief's fate of death. None of the demons would sense any anger, ill-intent, or negative emotion coming off Himari. She was as calm as a leaf, going with the flow of the night's wind.
She listened as Xaku and Gekido gave Mamushi contradicting orders. She shook her head and spoke up. "Forget the drinks. Mamushi, please take Miyuki to the hospital before she bleeds out. I'll remain here with Tenko and smooth things over. I have a vetted interest in rekindling the relations between the Corps and the Demons. Demons at the end of the day are still humans. Just like not all humans are good, not all demons are evil. I have a little one waiting for me at home that proves just that." Himari sheathed her blade once she finished speaking and sat down on the sofa in the VIP room to wait for the return of Xaku and Gekido. "And Tenko, darling. From here on out, please leave the talking to me."
As Gekido got back into the Bar, he remembered essentially what Tenko was saying as he left to talk with Xaku. For the most part he chose to pay it no mind as not much more than semantics, technicalities she was using to justify her sudden attack on Mamu-chan. Of course she claims not justify her actions, while making every possible angle to do exactly that. It was something of an irritant in his mind, but not entirely surprising. She is a slayer, and he knows most don’t even really need to justify themselves in slaughtering ”monsters”.
Speaking of, though, in his haste to try and settle this situation with Xaku, it seems he forgot that Kenzo’s kid is still bleeding on the floor of the place, and that Mamu-chan was the one ordered to deal with that. …Whoops? Honestly, he wasn’t too worried about her, he knows Xaku well enough to know Miyuki won’t be dying even of blood loss before he got back, but it seems Mamu-chan was sent on her way to rush her to the hospital. If they waited a little longer, he’d at least take care of closing those wounds, but oh well. It was out of his hands now, and he was sure Kenzo’s kid would survive this without much problem. He turned to another snake demon, and gave him some cash, essentially repeating his order of giving rounds to everyone for the trouble.
He then returned to the VIP room, seeing Himari sitting there on the Sofa as he went to sit down on the opposite end of the table, looking at Tenko, remembering the last part of what she said.
”To answer your question: If I was a slayer, and I figure out that I’m in Demon Territory, potentially surrounded by demons, and I get called over by a friend who I find out to be a demon… Well, first of all, I’d ask myself why I was even here to begin with, and why I haven’t been attacked yet in spite of that, but yes, I would be wary… if I was here alone, and I wasn’t a Hashira, and I didn’t have a Hashira at my side to help me out. But either way, I wouldn’t go on the attack unless they were trying to strike first, because in that scenario, all it’d take is the slightest mistake, and I’d be dead. If I’m still alive in spite of that scenario, I have a chance at staying that way. A hunter in the safari who would wander into a lion’s den would know not to make any sudden movements or think they can shoot up every big cat they see, cause they know that would easily get them mauled. …Being passionate and courageous in your business is a good thing. But the line between that and recklessness is very thin, and crossing that line is lethal in this world. I lost track of how many slayers got themselves mutilated recently because their emotions, or lack thereof, got the better of them. Remember that for next time. It could be what saves your life one day.” He said, smoking another cigarette.
“Oh, speaking of which: after talking about it, the Chief has decided to defer your Arrest. …Now, to be clear, you’re not off the hook, not by a long shot. I have no doubt the Chief will be ordering a Warrant for your detainment be made soon to make it official. However, for now, you could say the arrest has been delayed for a bit. You decided to turn yourself in, and the Chief will hold you to that. But for now, it’s necessary to keep you on the streets for a little while longer. …Which brings me to the reason I’m here at all. As I said, I’ve come to make an offer to you lot. …I’ll be straight with you since we’ve wasted enough time on this mess. Things have been taking a turn, we’d like to make a trade…and a temporary truce.” He explained, first to Tenko, then to Himari, his eyes being the only thing moving that they can see as his hands were crossed in front of his face, as if in contemplation.
Tenko had some things that she would have said in response to the demon’s answers, such as that while it was somewhat reckless, the point being that it was a demon who represented an unknown element, which possibly risked innocent lives, if left to be without her intentions ascertained. And it was the duty of a demon slayer to prevent innocent lives from being harmed at any cost.
Also, that she had obviously intended for Himari, a Hashira, to have helped her, though considering her earlier remarks of ‘demons are just like humans, some are good and some are bad’, she might have harboured more sympathies for demons than she had thought.
Tenko sympathised with the demons as well, but that did not change the reality of what they were. They were unfortunate souls cursed with a burden that had stripped them of their humanity; for most of them, death was salvation. Of course, a small number of them managed to transcend their nature, and it was to be commended, but it was the exception, not the rule. The default position should not be to ‘treat them the same as humans’ because they were different.
It was an established fact in the past, when the first Demon Lord, Muzan, was still in charge, and after there had been some who theorised that they were free from the curse, but it was not as if they had any concrete proof. Even before, when they were still under Muzan, there had been demons such as Tamayo who had transcended the curse and allied with the Corps, so the existence of demons such as Yanagi hardly proved that, as a whole, the curse was no longer with the demons.
In fact, even in modern times, there were not an insignificant number of demons who still endangered innocent lives. A number that was not proportional to their small population, so to speak. Which was why the Demon Slayer Corps still existed.
If they truly were the same, in which they had no inclination toward malice, then the Demon Slayer Corps had no need to exist. If that was true, then the Demon Slayer Corps as a whole had no justification to stand on as an ‘institution that actively hunted demons’, and slayers should simply be part of the law enforcement.
Tenko would have left the Demon Slayer Corps long ago if she held the same belief as Himari, at the very least. Why continue to help a corrupt organisation that hunted ‘innocents’? If anything, if one believed that the demons were completely the same as humans, then the Corps was the evil one and was the one that needed to be taken down.
The answer was because the Demon Slayer Corps was still needed, and thus, in turn, the majority of demons were not ‘innocents’ in the sense that they were not free from the demonic inclination for malice, not completely at least.
Still, there was no reason to escalate the situation further; thus, Tenko merely nodded silently as the demons proclaimed her ‘sentence’. Especially as a superior, Himari, had ordered her to let her handle the speaking from now.
It really did not change much for Tenko. She had been willing to give herself up if it had merit now; she would be willing to do the same later, given that the circumstances did not change.
There was one thing that the demon was quite right about, though…
‘Why WERE they in a demon territory?’
Either the Corps knew and had chosen not to warn them, or the Corps did not know about this rather established territory of demons, in which case it was a catastrophic intelligence failure.
Both were bad and were something that needed to be brought up later.
Himari's eyes followed Gekido as he returned to the room and sat across from her. She listened to him address Tenko's rationale about her actions. It was a shame that a demon understood more than a trained slayer about how foolish and dangerous her actions were. She was lucky they didn't all end up on the floor like Miyuki or worse. What good is it to be able to sense demons if you couldn't sense danger or intention as well?
Himari was relieved when he had finished and informed them that Tenko’s arrest was currently deferred. No wonder the Chief of Police didn't return to the room with the Blood Moon Three. At least now they could come up with a plan to make this delayed arrest more indefinite.
Then the real point of the discussion came. The demons wanted something from them. Himari could only guess that they wanted Guen. Even if they wanted to give her up they were in no position to do so. The crazy wench had cut off ties with them. “A trade?” She asked. “A temporary truce would be to everyone's benefit, but what is it that you believe we have to offer?”
Gekido looked into Himari’s eyes as a stream of smoke slowly rose from his mouth. He couldn’t help but give a small chuckle. She clearly didn’t seem to know, but then again she was only recently made Hashira, so it makes sense; they probably didn’t give her the memo yet, or assuming they ever were.
“Oh, I believe the corp has quite a few things to offer. Your very young boss, disposing of the Nichirin metals, especially the red stuff, not to mention your rather rowdy sister-in-law who's likely on the war path. …But none of that is anywhere near as valuable to us as a dark little secret we just found about ourselves. …Daikaku Temple, you ever heard of it? A nice buddhist temple somewhere in the city. Nice place, good people, not exactly comfortable for demons like us, but I manage there. Every now and then I go there and take a break, enjoy the peace and quiet away from all of…well, this. But little did I know, that place was hiding something very important to us. …A garden of a very special plant: The Blue Spider Lily. The Monks are good people, I don’t buy that they made that garden on their own; My guess is that they had orders from your higher-ups to establish it. For what reason, I don’t know. That, or it was just a case of bad luck for them that the conditions of the temple just happened to be right to produce them. I don’t know how long they’ve been producing those flowers, but if it’s longer than tonight, I have no doubt the corps has been aware of it since their connection to those monks. ...I don’t know how much you and your companions are aware of this, but surely you understand the ramifications of that flower being mass-produced in this city. For us, those little bits of flora are worth more than the blood of your entire corps, and we are willing to do and give anything to get our hands on them. As we speak, that temple is being attacked for those flowers, and I want to stop that just as much as you, but we need those flowers as soon as possible, and we can’t just leave empty handed. …So that’s the asking price. A portion of blue spider lilies from Daikaku Temple, or the knowledge on how they are being produced under there.” Gekido explained to her.
Outwardly, Himari's expression didn't change as Gekido listed off the things that they would want from the Demon Slayer Corps. Each suggestion was utterly ridiculous. When he finished speaking she responded by laughing. “You must think we're stupid. All I'm hearing from you is that you want to reign invincible in your immortal lives and you want humans to have no protection against demonkind. There is absolutely nothing you could offer of equal value in exchange for the Blue Spider Lily. Not even the head of Blood Moon Two. You're already nearly invincible as it is. With my ancestor being your progenitor the only thing that could truly stop you is the sun. Even if we wanted to agree to this trade we don't even have the authority. As for your other asks, we're not giving you our leader or destroying the only thing that's protecting innocent people from the evil ones of your ilk. As for my foolish sister-in-law, we couldn't hand her over even if we wanted to. She cut off all ties with us and the order has already been sent out for us to eliminate her. If you don't have anything actually reasonable to ask then it seems that we're done here.”
Quite right, Tenko thought.
This was supposed to be the ‘reasonable’ demons? If anything, such outrageous demands would make it seem to Tenko that nothing she had seen tonight would change her worldview.
Gekido closed his eyes and sighed, taking the cigarette out of his mouth, blowing out smoke into the air, his face about as calm as can be, much like how Himari’s expression doesn’t change, neither did his.
“You know, Tsugikuni-san… I’ve heard about your escapades. A modern-day Robin Hood, stealing from us to give back to those we took from. You’ve done that to a few of my boys, from what I’ve heard, but I hope you know that I make it a point to only collect from scum, and returning anything to scum has never quite worked out well in my experience. …Your heart’s in the right place at least, and you clearly got a good head on your shoulders as a Slayer if you already figured out the ramifications of what I ask. But the worst I can say is that you’re naive to a fault, and that goes for just about every active slayer tonight. You seem to misunderstand a few things. Those ‘other asks’ were mere exaggerated examples. I wasn’t being serious about any of those. Especially not when one of those is the reason we haven’t killed any of you when we got here. My point was that there’s more value to trading with you slayers than you might think. Now back to the elephant in the room… I don’t blame you for thinking that way; in your shoes, perhaps I would as well. They are a dangerous flower, to be sure. Having an entire garden of them is having a target on the back of the caretaker of those flowers. Not just our demons would be after them, but all demons. …So since you do understand what they are, perhaps you can enlighten me as to why your Corps has a whole crop of them underneath my favorite place of rest, and why they seemed to have produced a whole garden of them, when any rational slayer like yourself would see them burned and extinct on sight. Yes, any other blood moon sitting here, I have no doubt they only want exactly what you think. Me? All I want is to keep that temple safe and away from this war. If I had it my way, I’d torch those fucking flowers myself!” He said, his clenched fist combusting with white, almost heavenly fire, especially considering that it wasn’t burning said fist. With a deep breath and a sigh, the flame extinguished itself, not even leaving smoke behind.
“...You’re a hashira, and I know you have some kind of connection to Ubuyashiki-san. You have more authority than most. Your superiors, the ones that you think actually have that authority? They’re clearly not going to get rid of the flowers themselves, more than that, they probably are going to give you strict orders to keep them safe and protected, and Demons are not going to stop now that they know they are there. The monks will have to spend the rest of their days fighting a war of attrition against every demon in our nation, and I can’t stop that as I am, not unless they can be claimed or destroyed. …Besides, you may not believe it, you may not want to believe it, and hell, even I didn’t believe it, not at first. But there are worse hands those flowers can and will fall into than the Chairman’s, far worse.” He explained.
Himari listened as Gekido spoke. She was surprised that her and her gang's escapades had reached so far up the totem pole. Everything he said after that however, felt as if he were just blowing more smoke from his cigarette. She wasn't buying what he was selling at all. She wasn't even moved by his fiery display either. He showed his hand both figuratively and literally. “Do you know how many dangerous and quite lethal plants there are in the world? Hundreds upon thousands. Why haven't we destroyed them all? Why do we still allow them to grow after discovering them? Nature, no matter how dangerous, is still beautiful and provides many benefits. Some can even be eaten once processed. The same goes for the Blue Spider Lily. The monks at the shrine know very well the treasure that they hold and it's also an extremely rare beauty that's all but useless except for a few days under the right conditions. Despite being something that benefits humans, it's also a medicinal herb.”
Himari leaned back on the sofa and crossed her legs. “But I've yet to be convinced that they'd be better off in your hands or that you'd rather see them burned. You may have convinced yourself that you're different and better than your fellows, but you haven't fooled me. And no, not because I see demons as demons. But because if you really wanted them destroyed to protect the people of the shrine you would've requested that as your trade instead of asking for some or how to produce them and I would've torched them myself. As a Blood Moon, you're no longer your own person. You're a vessel for your lord. Anything you know he'll know as well. And that bastard will not be escaping death at my hands. But if you're worried about another group coming into our territory and snatching the flowers then we could have that temporary truce to fight them off together. The enemy of my enemy and all that jazz.”
Gekido couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow when she discussed nature and the…”benefits” of the Blue Spider Lilies to humanity. He could see why she and Tenko were paired up: both of them were in love with naive semantics. But to have her justify the preservation of the very thing that started all their nightmares… It was baffling, and in a strange way for him, even upsetting. Those monks, and potentially some of their own slayers, are dying as they speak just to protect their enemy’s greatest treasure and the key to a progenitor’s absolute domination…because it’s beautiful? Because it has some kind of medicinal effect that, in this era, is slowly and more likely becoming outdated?
”WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK ARE THEY TEACHING YOU PEOPLE!?” was being yelled in his head as he remained silent and listened to her, the room starting to heat up as if someone accidentally turned on the furnace. Moreover, what does it mean that the Corp is seemingly trying to research the very planet that gave them Muzan in the first place? In his eyes, it can’t be anything good, perhaps something with the best of intentions, but so was trying to heal Muzan’s illness with that stuff, and they all knew the hell that made a road into.
The room began to cool back to normal as he took a deep breath and sighed. Himari was a stubborn one to be sure. Apparently she must’ve dealt with quite a few negotiations in her life. Still, she hit the nail on the head in terms of why he couldn’t ask for their destruction. But the sad part of it all is that, to him, he was being genuine.
“...You’re right. As much as I do want them destroyed, I’m under orders to make sure they’re collected.” He said. Taking a drink right after.
”I’ve been going to that temple for years now. But I had no idea they had those fucking plants until tonight. I wish I would have known sooner, I would have at least moved them out if I could, burned them out, but as you say, The Chairman would have known about that. But you’re wrong on one angle. …I don’t see myself as better or different from them. In the end, I know what I am, and I recognize my sins. I’ll pay for them one day, but I can’t just yet.” He took another drink, and snapped his fingers, making absolutely sure that the Yakuza left the room and the door was closed before he started saying what comes next.
“...The Chairman isn’t the only Demon King. The demons on this island nation? They’re not the only demons in this world. On the mainland prefectures, there are three other Progenitor demons, all as old as Muzan himself. And they all found about those spider lilies in the Temple. One of them has decided to make their move, and even after he’s dealt with, the other two will undoubtedly be planning something, though I have no idea what. The most imminent issue is the Kogen Prefecture; we’re about to have a war in our hands, all for those ‘beautiful’ flowers. Now, for the slayer corps, I’m sure that doesn’t matter much at all. All you’d need to do is hunker down, hide away, and let your enemies destroy each other. I’m sure that’s going to be the order your superiors give when the time comes. But innocent people are undoubtedly going to be caught in the crossfire, and if any of them reach those spider lilies, it’s over…for everyone.” He explained.
The revelation was certainly disturbing, if true. Still…to Tenko, there was no reason to believe what this demon said with 100% certainty, that the Demon Slayer Corps would simply stand idly by and allow innocents to be caught in the crossfire.
The ruthless calculus of war of ‘The End Justifying the Means’ was all well and good, to an extent. But to let innocents die to kill demons was confusing the end and the means. Hunting demons was the means; the end was the protection of innocent lives.
So no, even if she had to go against the Demon Slayer Corps, if the event described by Gekido were to happen, Tenko would had went out and defended the innocents.
Himari was intrigued by this new revelation. But besides that she was curious about what exactly held Gekido to this mortal coil. He had a reason for not yet walking into the sun and she really wanted to know what it was. But that would have to wait for now. “Your honesty and disclosure is much appreciated.” She said as she leaned forward to show that he once again had her attention. “You're right. This upcoming war between demonkind will affect the innocents. While you all may care about the state of your flock of sheep, the others won't have such a thought as they'd be outside of their own territory. But giving you a portion of the Lillies won't do anything to stop the Shrine from being in danger. It would be less of a risk to go there than to charge in against your Chairman. Instead I'll burn the lot myself and accept whatever consequences come my way from my side of the fence. With the Blue Spider Lily out of the picture that should prevent the Kogen Prefecture from stepping foot on our island. If it doesn't, I'd still be willing to get the Corps to agree to help you get rid of these stray dogs in a temporary truce.”
She leaned even closer to stare into Gekido's eyes, but she was in reality staring through them. Not to his soul, but to his master. “But you, Michikatsu, will never get your hands on them.”
FINALLY! Some fucking reason and sense; the night’s not so hopeless after all. Of course it’d be bad if she actually burned them away as much as he personally wants them to be destroyed, but he’ll have to manage on that. He was confident Michikatsu would be able to kill at least Prick Jinwoo without those spider lilies of course, for now the priority is keeping them away from said Prick. But then there’s the other two… They seem smart enough that they'd probably either find it if they hide away, or may happen to find them somewhere else, and they're quite unlikely to fight fair when the time comes.
On the other hand…
As he thought about it, she stared into Gekido’s eye to tell his Chairman her piece. He couldn’t help but sigh.
“...You hate him, don’t you? I don’t blame you, some sins are thicker than any blood. …He already knows how I feel about him, and the politics of demons in general. Fact is, he could die tonight and I wouldn’t give much of a damn, at least at first.” He bluntly said, no fear of retaliation in his eyes as he stands up and looks out the window towards the rest of the bar.
“But I’m just going to say this once: Regardless of how you feel about him, of how I or anyone else feels about him, as far as Demon Kings are concerned, he’s the best we have. I’m sure you’ve noticed by now. But that sense of freedom we have, of being able to think however we want without punishment, of being able to give the benefit of the doubt and reason and even protection of our mortal enemies like you saw tonight, …Hikaru Tsugikuni’s efforts in establishing the connections he did? None of that would have been possible without him as King. And if anyone succeeds in usurping him, or killing him, I guarantee you’ll never see it again. …I’m not trying to convince you to put aside your hatred, I’d never do that. But I ask that you bear that in mind.” He then said.
Himari laughed at the assertion that she hated Michikatsu. “I'm sorry for laughing again, but you've got me pegged all wrong. I don't hate Michikatsu. I don't hate anyone, not even demonkind as a whole like most of the slayers do. But Michikatsu is a disease that continues to spread. If he were to get his hand on that beautiful flower he'd use it to spread himself around the world. At least Muzan had a reason to spread his blood. He was desperate for the Blue Spider Lily. Michikatsu became a demon out of a sense of inferiority and has continued to spread the disease of demonification ever since he was a lapdog of Muzan. And I wouldn't be so sure. You're right about a new King needing to rise once he's gone, but like I said before, not all demons are evil and I have a replacement in mind for him when the day comes. We'll decapitate the heads of the four kings and an Emperor will rise to take their place. One connected to humanity and the Slayer Corps.”
…Such admittance confused Tenko even further on Himari’s worldview. If she did not trust Michikatsu, then how did she come to believe that ‘demons had been freed of their curse and are able to act freely’?
The only ‘proof’, if one could even call it that, was demons claiming that with Michikatsu at the helm, they were no longer bound to the same curse under Muzan. But in the end, it was not as if they could verify it, and all evidence seemed to point otherwise.
There was also the issue of who exactly Himari was thinking of making the new king of the demon…
But that was clearly not an issue that needed to be brought up here.
Another one that should probably be reported later during debrief, however.
Michikatsu felt the enmity of his descendant, Himari right from the eyes of Gekido, it was a fleeting moment of pride and disgust for him, Yuichiro and Mūichiro’s descendants are the apple of his eyes, even today.
He granted her call.
Over the course of becoming a Demon since the Sengoku Era, Michikatsu has danced with his descendants, some remained in faith through the Demon Slayer Corps while others became Demons. The Tsugikuni clan is a name that ushered many fruits, and for it to thrive even in the Shōwa Era, was something of a spectacle to behold. From his progeny, the human side of the Tsugikuni are in Kyoto and by extension, the Tokito came as an offshoot, they were brothel owners, and Farmers, let alone soldiers, in the past world wars, responsible for colonizing Korea.
Gekido's eyes turned crimson red, losing his will to his King, and for that moment, the King spoke through his vessel, even his voice distorted his Blood Moon, and their talks were in a mental plane, having used a more potent ability of Gekido's white flame into something fiery-telepathic, the flames of emotions, a Blood Demon Art that draws those by blood through “fire”.
“Tsugikuni Himari, I accept your challenge & what better way it is, for me to be killed by my own descendant, I look forward to seeing you grow, watching your career flourish with great interests.”
He smirked. “I already know the replacement you speak of, however, your self preservation is ugly, you are nothing but an empty gong at your current state, waiting for it to clang, yes I have been resonating with all the Tsugikuni, not just the Demons I made, you, my child, infuriated me the most, not until tonight.“ Michikatsu smiled at Himari with evolving opinions.
He motivated his descendant, Himari.
“Kill Blood Moon 2 and Korean Demon King, Jinwoo Park, make sure that you're the one who does the deed, then perhaps I'd consider meeting you in person and dance with you in a Bloodrite. It won't be an easy path, I will make sure you are forged through fire as you suffer to be refined.”
At the backend, Michikatsu felt happy for the first time in his life, it was like longing to be with a loved one, reminding him of his humanity. However, said feelings while he has acknowledged them, would only serve as hindrances to his ultimate goal, he wished to die a Samurai’s death yet something else is brewing within him.
The connection plane cuts, leaving Gekido back to normal. Now, his Blood Moon was unaware of the conversation that he had with Himari. To Tenko it would look as if Himari and Gekido were having a staring contest with the latter attempting to intimidate her with his red eyes.
Even if that was what her eyes were seeing, Tenko could feel that something had changed.
The prickling sensation on her skin would intensify the stronger the demon whose presence she sensed was.
Throughout tonight, with all these high-ranking demons, the sensation had been more painful than she had ever experienced it, but even that did not compare with what she was feeling now.
It was no longer mere prickling; rather, it was the sensation of needles piercing her skin, forcefully inserted into her flesh.
“…Urk!”
She couldn’t help letting out a grunt of pain with a wince. Only her current focused state of mind prevented her from collapsing to the ground.
If she had not given up her weapons earlier, she would have drawn them out of sheer survival instinct. It was probably best she did not have access to them, to prevent needless escalation.
When the mental conversation between Himari and Michikatsu ended, a smile crept on the young Hashira's face. “You old fool.” She thought to herself. “I already planned on killing those two.” She was glad that he gave her the all clear to kill Blood Moon Two, but it still bothered her that he'd even let him kill her brother in the first place if he wanted him dead, presumably for doing so. That was a question for another day. But the bastard was right. She had concerned herself with self-preservation for the longest, not wanting to give into the curse of the Mark in order to extend her lifespan, though that was a bit hypocritical from the immortal demon. She knew she needed to become even stronger. She was confident in her abilities, but in order to kill her three targets she'd need to let go of her own fear of death.
Himari calmed her expression and awaited Gekido's response to her words before their conversation was interrupted.
What Himari said was…Interesting, to say the least, but it’s clear to him that her emotions say otherwise. One simply does not show the amount of malice that she has towards an individual and yet feels nothing towards them. They may keep it inside, they may not show it, but it’s there all the same. Love and Hatred are divided by a razor-thin line; both are under the same emotional umbrella of passion, and when she looked right into his eyes to say that shit to his Chairman, he could see it in her own, that fire of conviction and passion. It’s hard to blame her; for most slayers, killing the Chairman is a sense of obligation and duty, but for her…? For her, it’s a lot more personal. The way she speaks of him, the history of the clan, the fact she compares him to Muzan in such a way to make Muzan seem the better demon king, albeit in such a small and petty sort of way, it all tells a story where duty is merely a journey and the destination is redemption.
There was also her talk of an Emperor she wanted in place of the four kings, …and he had a feeling she wasn’t talking about Keodis-Senpai. Honestly, something about the way she said that creeped him out. He didn't know why, maybe it was just his imagination, but the tone she gave out felt… for lack of a better word, obsessive? …No, more like…Zealous.
”...Don’t hate anyone you say? …Does that include the ones who murdered your brother?” He asked, but before he could properly elaborate, the Chairman decided to take over.
It’s difficult to explain what that felt like. It was almost as if… He could at first feel the Chairman’s hand on his shoulder, a subtle sign as if to say “I’ll take it from here.” Then it felt as if he was pushed from his own body, not necessarily a hard push, but more like an instinctive need to get out of the way for the Chairman, and his mind went blank. He couldn’t hear or see or anything of the sort, but regardless of how long the Tsukigumi’s conversation went, when Michikatsu left, for Gekido, it felt like an instant, a momentary blackout, sort of like how when one is put under for Surgery, for them, it felt as if only a few seconds went by.
He didn’t know what he said while assuming control, but given what he does know, he can venture a guess.
“I assume the Chairman already told you what we’re offering in exchange. But for clarity’s sake, allow me to confirm. The Demon Lord of the Seventh Heaven, Rikyo. We’re offering his head, or more specifically, in addition to aiding in dealing with that asshole of a Progenitor, Park Jinwoo of Kongen, we also offer our help in dealing with Rikyo.” He told them.
Tenko held back a sigh of relief; whatever it was that had happened had passed. Clearly, both Himari and the demon were aware that something had happened, and some sort of conversation unknown to her had clearly taken place.
But the demon’s words…’Chairman’? The most likely subject ‘Chairman’ would refer to in this context was…
The Demon King Michikatsu.
Had he just been here? Perhaps not physically, but through using the demon as a conduit?
With a demon of such calibre, no wonder Tenko felt the way she had.
“Those things seem like something we, the Slayer Corps, would do in any case, but I assume in the end, the authority to accept such a deal should be left to Oyakata-sama?” she asked Himari.
Himari turned to Tenko as she asked her question. “You're right. There's no way we'd let them continue to run amok in our streets. But in this instance I won't be waiting for our Oyakata-sama's approval.”
She returned her attention to Gekido, first responding to the button that he tried to push. “Like I told the Consort that I gained the title of Hashira from. I only feel pity for those weaker than me and that includes everyone who gave up their souls to become demons. No offense. As for what your progenitor and I discussed, there will be no assistance needed from your end in my fights against Blood Moon Two and Park Jinwoo. I've been tasked with ending them with my own hand. But any of their allies and followers are free for you to handle. It'll be best for you to make preparations to lose your king. Michikatsu agreed to stop hiding and fight me once I accomplish this.”
The balls on this woman… If nothing else, he can at least respect her audacity. Still, based on what she told him, …while it does certainly sound like that suicidal king, it seems absurd to assume that she stands a chance on her own against Rikyo, and moreover, against Prick Jinwoo, a fucking Demon King in his own right. Sounds to him like he was setting her on an impossible task, one that would likely get her killed.
”...I hope you’re not thinking of doing something stupid like taking on Rikyo or King asshole of Kongen all by your lonesome. Beating a Consort means you have our attention as challengers, no more, no less. Far as I can tell, you've never fought a demon lord, let alone a king; thinking you're in our league because you've taken your first steps into it is going to get you killed.” He said, pushing the ash-end of the cigarette into the tray to extinguish it.
”…You know, I still remember the last time I met your brother. Playful, but powerful, had a good head and a good heart. Confident, but not reckless. Me, Ryoshu, and Rikyo all were ordered to deal with him. I declined until I had to, but before then, Rikyo and Ryoshu had their asses kicked single-handedly. …It was a hilarious sight to see. Even when I stepped in and the three of us fought him together, we still couldn’t kill him. Guy embarrassed all three of us all by himself, but the look on Rikyo’s face was worth the pain and the Chairman lambasting us for our failure. In all the years I’ve been a demon for, I’ve never seen anyone like that before or since. He was worthy of remembering. …And yet Rikyo and his Consort killed him. I don’t know how, I doubt it was by any fair or honorable means, but it happened nonetheless. Consider that before marching into his territory as a one-woman army. …Personally, I want that son of a bitch dead and replaced, and I don’t really care how. So I don’t want you to misunderstand me when I say that Rikyo is fucking Dangerous. Do not fight him alone. And that goes double for Prick Jinwoo.” He then said, getting up from his seat, as he heard her talk about “losing” his king.
“...I’ve been prepared for that for a long time, Tsugikumi-san. My loyalty to the chairman isn’t absolute. Everyone knows that, including the Chairman himself. The only real reason I serve him to the degree I do, is because regardless of what you think, regardless of his sins, and whatever justified reason you have to go against him, he truly is the best we have right now. Rikyo and the actual Captain, along with the Progenitors, are all capable of usurping his throne, and if you think we demons are bad now, we’ll be nightmares under them, whether we want to be or not.” He turned to look at Himari.
“...You have a demon you care about, don’t you? …No real giveaway, just a hunch I have from our conversations.”
“I am sorry to cut the chit chat. You're done Gekido, go meet Park Jinwoo and tell him that we have the Blue Spider Lilies, Ryoshu has done a fine job, and yes so much for his trouble, Rikyo assisted. I will have an official meeting with the Progenitors and each of their Lieutenants.”
Got the Spider Lilies? …And Rikyo was called in to aid? What the hell was going on at that temple while he was negotiating with these slayers? Is there still a temple now that two Blood Moons are done with it? Also, what the hell were they thinking sending that asshole there!? Still, not like he has room to complain right now. All he can do is hope he didn't end up stealing any of those lilies for himself.
“It seems our time is up, and unbeknownst to me, apparently a part of your payment for our services has just been made. Go to the Temple when you can, see for yourself what ‘preserving’ those fucking things get you in the end. Do whatever you have to to get the rest of those damn flowers out of that Temple. I refuse to let that place be a casualty of what’s about to happen.” He said before opening the door and snapping his fingers; the demon yakuza outside started to walk out the bar. Gekido, looking as if he forgot something, then closed the door again and looked at the two Slayers one more time.
“But before I go, some small bits of info I should point out. Firstly, the deferral to this girl’s arrest will last as long as this truce. As I already mentioned, once time is up, the Chief will expect you to turn yourself in, and if you don’t, she will have a warrant out and ready by then, and every cop in the city both human and demon will be after you.” He said, looking towards Tenko as he did. He then looked towards Himari.
“Secondly, If that time comes where you do fight the chairman with the intention to kill, remember this: Killing a Progenitor has its consequences. Humans won't have to pay for that, so naturally the Corps is unconcerned. But we demons, including those "exceptions" as you might call them? Any demon you have any care or consideration for? We'll all pay for it, whether we choose to follow him or not. ” He lit one more cigarette and began smoking once more.
“Lastly, there is something you should know: We merely agreed to this truce, the chairman especially so. This negotiation? It was a formality to ensure you slayers and us are on the same page. I wasn’t lying though, of the Hashira on the streets right now, we picked you because you had probably the most authority of the Hashira, given your connections. I would have gone with one of those other two Hashira at the Onsen, personally, but beggars can’t be choosers. The one who arranged and suggested this truce between us? That would be your young master, Takaya Ubuyashiki. And I’ll leave you two with this: I confess, the payment of the Spider Lilies was something I came up with. I truly did want them to be ridden and out of that temple peacefully, and of course acquiring them was an ordered necessity on my part. I say this because Ubuyashiki-san has offered a different payment for our trade and truce… and we expect him to honor his side of the agreement. Go ask him yourself if you are curious; I’m sure it’ll be enlightening for you. …You ladies have a good night.” He said before opening the door again and walking out of the VIP room.
“Urami, get some of our human men out to Daikaku Temple in the morning. A little community service will do our family some good. I want that temple open for visitation within the next two weeks. Oh, and send a letter to Daikaku-San; tell him he’s free to use and discipline them as he sees fit until the temple’s fixed up.” They could hear him say as he left the bar.
How can one describe a liminal prison void? A pocket dimension where the concept of time does not exist? Its very existence is anathemic to the human psyche. A perfect weapon for a Demon. And a horribly effective one, perfect for an upper Consort. It was impossible to describe the basic horror that surrounded Ryu. So much so, he made no effort to give it meaning. This was a prison meant to drive someone insane. It broke all the basic rules of reality. Prompting the prisoner to go insane attempting to rationalize something that is inherently irrational. The prison cube never banked on shackling its prisoner with binds or chains. It broke its inhabitant. So effectively and thoroughly that the prisoner would never even conceive of escaping. A lovecraftian horror. Unfortunately for this prison’s master, the liminal void never interred someone as bullheaded as Ryunosuke Kamado. So assured in himself, the Sun Hashira was, that the cthulic nightmare never had any effect on him. To Ryu, this was nothing more than another form of binding. Nothing before has ever held him down (ignore the rare, introspective moment he had before fighting Ryoshu), he’ll be damned if some bitch’s Blood Demon Art became the first. He sat in the same place for an unknown length of time. It no longer mattered. He knew his will was stronger than the BDA. It was only a matter of time before he would break free. But when he does and where he does were paramount. Regressing once again into the regress of his psyche, he replayed the events that led him here, and the crazy plan he put in place for himself. It all started back in that damned limousine.
‘Heemuu.. Peepoo… Hitunora! No, no… what was her name again?’ Ryunosuke’s brain was working overtime. At least, as overtime as it could in its inebriated state. He was eye-balling the new person that was sitting next to him. She had a madly neutral stare. One stained with duty. Oh, she was a soldier alright. A perfect little soldier, for Mr. Perfect little Dragon Hashira. Ryu has never seen her before this car ride. Leave it to his alcohol-induced state, but he could swear they had some kind of deeper connection. Were they lovers in their last life? No, she looks like she would castrate him at any given opportunity. Did they- No, no, he keeps work and pleasure separate for a good reason… ‘Oh, it was Torahino!! No, that doesn’t sound right.’ he continues to think to himself Passively, he’s still peeved that Takaya assigned him a bodyguard… But, honestly, at least his caretaker is easy on the eyes. After a quick moment, his eyes light up slightly. He knows what connects them! At least… kinda. Ryu can get a decent read on people. Especially when he’s drunk. He sees in her a familiar flame. A disgust for the current hierarchy, and a raging inferno that is their breathing form. Internally, he pumps his fists upon the revelation that he’s in similar company. Then, just as quickly, sulks upon realizing she would sooner become a Demon than consider him a friend… Oh well! Whose to say Ryu is ever one to back down from a challenge! ‘...Toratora? Hinohino? … Hinotora? Probably, who knows.’ He turns his gaze away from the Phoenix Breath user and gives his divided attention to Takaya’s bird. The damned glorified chicken was shrilling some kind of prophecy. It did a number on Ryu’s mind.
"Bodyguards will you be, Uzui, Kamado, Kuwajima, Kenzō -dono."
"Fated, Upper Moon 4 is. Onslaught he will, predict you will not."
"After the Master he is Blue Spider Lily as well."
"Kaw-caw! Tomioka Guen spotted. Torigoya Onsen, she will go."
"Death upon someone tonight! Bells are ringing it is."
"One sided massacre, caught off guard you shall be."
"Gratuitous & Grotesque Art, it is."
"Into the morgue, you shall be!"
"Kaw-caw! Police will capture y'all, only one shall escape!"
"Fortune! Fortune! Pyrrhic victory it is!"
For the briefest of moments, a wicked grin shined on Ryu’s face. ‘Fellas.’ he thought to himself. ‘I may not have a brain… but I have an idea.’
And so, Operation: Kick Ass, Take Names, Steal a Car, And be The Most Badassest Hashira Around (patent pending) came to fruition. A plan so stupid, so convoluted, so dangerous, that only someone like the Sun Hashira could think it up. Despite popular belief, Kamado is incredibly self aware. He knows how he portrays himself. More importantly, he’s not blind to how his allies see him. More importantly, he knows how his enemies perceive him. The Demon’s either aimed to kill a majority of the people in the car or capture him. Ryu banked on his “right place, right time” luck to ensure he wasn’t going to be the sole survivor. Upper Moon 4, wasn’t Gekido, which was perfect. Gekido would never let him be killed by another upper moon. So, more likely than not, he was going to be captured. After being captured, he surmised he’d be taken somewhere important to the Demons. A place they wouldn’t want a Ryunosuke-sized-bull to be running around unopposed. AKA the perfect target for disorder and chaos, the Sun Hashira’s specialties. The plan was as follows. Ryu “play’s the fool” (aka keep on acting like the kind of man the world sees him as), slightly throw the fight against the upper moon, get captured, wait for the right time to bust out, and sow as much destruction as he can. His goal isn’t to kill any upper moons… It's to give them the biggest headache of their immortal lives. And somehow… Everything worked out perfectly. Well, almost perfectly. Ryu legitimately almost died fighting Ryoshu. If it weren’t for the help of Hinotora and the… other demon slayers, he definitely would have seriously had to fight. Even if he pulled out all the stops, he wouldn’t know fully if he would come out of the fight alive. And so, Ryunosuke waited. Constantly reliving the plan in his mind’s eye. He let his desire and animosity fester, using them to fuel the fire inside him. Even when the plan goes through, he still has a ton of major problems to deal with. First, Takaya. He was taken by the demons, alongside Ryu. Rescuing him is priority number one, as much as he doesn;t like to admit it. Two, he’s literally going to be stirring the hornets nest from the inside. His ego and unabashed pride will be his greatest strengths. He has to will this plan to succeed. Against the Upper Moons and any other unknown adversaries… it was a tall order. Speaking of Upper Moons, Gekido will most likely be there. If there was anyone who could surmise what Ryunosuke was planning, it would be Gekido. He frowns to himself a little. He has contingency plans for problems one and two, but nothing for problem three (no pun intended). Maybe a confrontation is inevitable… If it is, Ryu will have to flee. A prolonged fight in the Demon’s Lair is a death sentence. He grins, displaying his fear and excitement all at once. He thinks back to his silent promise he made to the other Hashira. He thinks back to how many others died at the shrine. And to those, like Hinotora, who fought tooth and nail just to ensure he survived the fight… This rampage isn’t just to satiate his bloodlust. It’s for them, all of them.
Jae-eun Tenka Hinotora Himari Kairi Eizo Kousai Koshin Hikaru … “Yes. Even you, Guen.”
He exhales and opens his eyes. His mark spread all over his body. The world was permanently transparent to him… He was the Strongest of Today. And today, he will show the world why.
Sinners aren't just Humanity...Run towards Rebirth! Sinners aren't just Humanity...Run towards Rebirth!
______________________________________ Quite the friendship¹ that blossomed through grief & trauma in a matter of hours by crimson fists & bleeding swords. Of course² a moment of bittersweetness is called respite & despite it all – we cling to momentary huddles & old habits³ The insanities of pride is our inability to set aside our differences ⁴ Whether to be or not to be, that is the question.
Bonds broken, mistakes made, our mentality is shaped by the so called, Dogma⁵ Preconditioned by the principles of upbringing & cause, our heart is like raging fire, attractive or repulsive, we act only because of the notion of right & wrong⁶ Culture clubs tat're forevermore & nothing more than illusive frames that makes us distinct from one another, that is the fatality & reality of society, a vicious cycle of fate⁷ We cling towards comformative biases in line – survival exists due to fear, summing up the eternal dance between Demons & Humans⁸ The whispers of mortality is what binds all of us, the line between freedom & slavery is gray, the silver lining of it all, is that we find meaning in our lives.
Do not be caught up in a vicious cycle, run towards rebirth!.
Wԋαƚ ԋαρρҽɳҽԃ? Wԋαƚ ԋαρρҽɳҽԃ?
A Tragedy Upon Art A Tragedy Upon Art
Initially, the trip to Daikaku Shrine was for gathering the scarlet incense ingredients that's needed for Soryu. It quickly escalated to a disaster that we weren't prepared for, for the first time in a span of a few months. We already lost Hikaru recently but losing Soyama Kenzo & Kamado Ryunosuke - let alone Tomioka Guen having went rogue and losing territories like Osaka, and half of Tokyo, reeked of demorale.
Since the Heian Era, the Daikaku Shrine remained unnoticed to Demon Kings, even Muzan himself thought they were a myth. A historical fact even to the Far East Demon Kings, the bastion of hope that defended the humanity of japan, was impregnable & a no demons land in Shinjuku. Make no mistake, the Monks are welcoming to all groups of people including Demons, but they won't tolerate all kinds of malice regardless of species. Today, that changes, Takaya arrived in the aftermath and offered to reconstruct the Daikaku Shrine. In here, the innocent child of 15 years of age, showed his true colors/cold calculating nature.
"Such tragedy this place beckoned, Kōshin. If word got out that the Daikaku Shrine, on top of that, it's HQ — fallen, the branches would be divided and proclaim the head anew." He gave him a genuine hug.
"Ashamed really. The human heart is no different from a Demon, politics is something you need to be shrewd with. The weak will flock to the strong and the snakes will spit venomous doubts, whether my clairvoyance is in use or not. A schism with your group is bound to happen. I am the only one who you can find solace and allegiance to."
After that brief hug. He signaled the reinforcements. "Salvage what you can, have the Monks recuperate and taken under our care." He said.
Takaya's motives were clear. On a surface level, it looks like he's undermining Kōshin's authority. I have to do this,est other Branches of the Demon Slayer Corps will...
He recalled his conversation with the Korean Demon Slayer earlier. Just as Park Jinwoo aka Jinu is making his move, the Korean Demon Hunters as well... everyone is after the Blue Spider Lilies and the knowledge of Daikaku Kōshin.
“Get the Blue Spider Lilies at all costs, I will not tolerate any failure.” Michikatsu’s voice pierced like daggers inside Ryoshu's mind. The totality of things that measure a King is not by the number of soldiers he sends, for that makes him a coward, & sometimes, words alone have no weight.
Amidst the chaos, where surviving Monks and Hunters are like, were recovering, fate joked with the cards it had laid upon.
As you wish. Oyaji.
An eerie smile radiated from the shadows of the inner temple.
Don't get the wrong idea, it's not like I have done the unspeakable and betrayed the Blood Moons, consider this as a means to an end, Michikatsu.
Rikyo stood his ground, resisting his Master’s grip over his well-being, chilling in his hotel, from a far distance.
I have grown strong enough not to be controlled by the Progenitor who sired me, and with a vivid opportunity like this, it's a gamble I am willing to take.
“So you have resisted my control, very well, I am rather pleased with your growth, Rikyo.
The space around the Daikaku Shrine became distorted.
“Don't need to get up, Master. I will deal with those nuisances personally.”
Just in. Blood Moon 2, Rikyo has entered the Daikaku Shrine.
Misty aura farming like Muzan, came out of him, as he healed constantly from the Wisteria.
“Oho? Long time no see, Kenzo! It's been 5 years since we last m–”
Rikyo looked up and realized that his body had been hit 7 times, cut to bits, and his head lay on the floor.
“Even past your prime, you are something else!” Rikyo assimilated more Humans around him and regenerated.
“Sadly, you're the least of my interests, I have a bigger event to attend.” he regenerated...
As the Ryoshu made his explosive entrance to the Daikaku Temple, he would quickly notice the monks retreating near the main temple. Most of them were indeed trained warriors, but it was quite obvious that the demon that was attacking them wasn't a normal one. Its initial strike had rained destruction upon the shrine from far away, already claiming the lives of a few monks... They knew better than to try to face its companion head-on.
With spears and naginatas in hand, the monks quickly formed a defensive formation in front of Ryoshu, blocking his way to the main shrine. Positioning themselves in strategic locations aiming to use the very building of the main temple as a fortress to defend the demon's advance, the monks braced themselves with fierce determination and unshakable faith.
Their chanting echoed through the Daikaku Temple's grounds, both as a way to concentrate themselves, reaching a state of near trance, but also a way to dispel fear, unnecessary thoughts, and invoke the virtues of Buddha.
Meanwhile, Kōshin could only watch as the demon flew towards the temple. Quickly nodding towards the other Slayers, he was ready to run back towards the temple. What he wasn’t expecting, though, was getting trapped inside the demon art of the Demon Consort, who had just shown up.
Kōshin only hoped the monks would be able to slow him down without many losses… At least until he somehow escaped the demon barrier trapping him and the other demon slayers.
“Amitabha... Why go to such lengths only to perpetuate this senseless slaughter? There is still time. Spare this world from even more bloodshed. Turn back and leave, Demon. For both our sakes.” Kōshin said as he gave a step towards the Demon Consort. Instead of the rage, anger, or hatred one would expect from being confronted by a demon in that situation, Kōshin’s calm and peaceful demeanor was unshaken, despite the firm tone in his voice.
Blood Moon 2, Rikyo arrived at the scene with no care in the world, and in the blink of an eye, it happened so fast. The Daikaku Shrine exploded, leaving the shrine, a shell of its former self, already in ruins. At this time, Ryoshu has already collected the Blue Spider Lilies. Mina watched the explosion from afar. “I wish I could tell you more, Uzui Kairi, but that would have to wait. See you in the next Blood War, and until then, don't die.” Mina disappeared with the cubed Ryunosuke and teleported out Kōshin and Kairi at ground zero.
Hinotora coughed, grimacing at the haze of smoke and drifting debris in the air. She was laying down at the moment, having vaulted between flying wreckage and dove to the ground to avoid the worst of the temple’s sudden destruction. Even so, a few tree branches had fallen around her as the obliterated remains of the once proud fauna that guarded the monks’ estate. Wisteria petals drifted through the air, disturbed and kicked up with the destruction, gradually falling in a blanket of finality. From beneath a number of ruined wooden plank fragments, Hinotora could not see any living monks in sight.
Not that she really expected any of them to still be alive if they had failed to heed her warning and remained anywhere near her fight with the Upper Moon. Speaking of whom…
Where the hell did he go? Did that bastard run away?!
Her teeth grit so tightly that she had to stop, lest she crack them. Fury and fear thundered in her veins. She didn’t believe that she had truly scared the Upper Moon off, so the only reason he’d have truly left, she’d bet, was if he was heading to or had already acquired what he was after:
The Blue Spider Lilliies…
A moment like this, in nearly any other circumstance, should have felt like glorious victory. Not that it had been a “victory” in a strict sense of the word, but given the historical precedent of their sheer danger, the fact that she was even alive at all and had managed to avoid taking injuries that she didn’t think she could heal from should have been a cause for celebration. Surviving a fight with an Upper Moon at all, never mind 1v1, for any amount of time and living to tell the tale…? Without career-ending injuries at a minimum? It was either a sign of great luck or sheer skill, possibly both.
Quite frankly, she should have been cheering, and yet, her “victory” felt hollow knowing that likely came as a result of not only her enemy’s distraction but the toxically anti-demon environment around them burdening his performance. She’d managed to scrape by, but it was -quite frankly- only thanks to the deck being stacked in her favor.
Exhaling sharply, flames hissed thinly from her lips in a cleansing exhale of Phoenix Breathing, burning up and clearing her lungs of irritants, as Hinotora squinted into the destruction. Rolling her shoulders, she stoked the fire within, fed strength into aching muscles, as she pushed herself up with strength beyond a normal human, wriggling free from the pile of wood about as quietly as she could and still maintaining a low profile.
Surely, I can’t be the only survivor though… right?
Just on a factual level, she was confident on that front. As destructive as whatever that blast had been was, it didn’t seem like it should have been strong enough to reach the spot where she’d left the Barrier Demon she’d rescued… at least not in its full force.
Looks like it’s about time to get out of here. I’ll grab the barrier demon on the way out… along with anyone else I can find that might somehow still be breathing.
Though, now that she should about it, hadn’t that explosion originated from inside the temple?
A chill crawled down Hinotora’s spine in sudden understanding.
The Upper Moon she had fought wasn’t the only enemy demon to infiltrate the temple.
Her head was on a swivel, as she stayed crouched low, grip tightening tensely on the hilt of her longsword. After all, in all this, throughout her engagement for the Upper Moon, one question had been nagging at the back of her mind, an unknown that left her nervous and wary even now.
Where was Kenzo?
“Well, aren't you a lost one? Little girl.” Rikyo laughed mockingly at Hinotora, who's on her own.
“It's pretty weird. I can read your thoughts. You wanted Yanagi, the Barrier Demon. Hmm…I guess if you want her, then you'll have to take it, but you already knew that. Oh this is so bizarre, you're looking for Soyama Kenzo. He's probably dead by now. It's too bad, I didn't get to devour that Hashira.” Having oozed with no malice nor any intentions, Rikyo seemed to express wanting to take on Hinotora.
“Maybe you're my next meal. Better be worth it, than that pregnant Agatsuma woman.”
Rikyo fashionably was seated on his throne while taunting Hinotora.
(Off-screen fight as it will be plot crucial reveal over the next arc)
“Wait!” Kairi tried to yell as the scenery suddenly changed leaving her and Koshin in a smoldering ruin, a familiar smoldering ruin. Cold air rushed to her spine as she tried to find any evidence contradicting the conclusion she's making but she couldn't deny what was laid before her eyes.
The Daikaku Shrine, the temple that had served the Corps for a long time, had fallen. And it had fallen under her watch.
”Damn it.” Kairi spoke in a rare show of her true emotions before turning to Koushin and looking upon her. She wasn't a medic but she learned first aid as her first lessons.
“Captain Uzui! I found you.” Raikou panted, carrying an unconscious Kenzo with him.
“Most are dead. A few monks are critically injured and Kenzo is our only hope that we can fight right now. Blood Moon 2 he nuked us.”
The captain from Kyoto would take a deep breath as he looked at the unconscious former Hashira, if only she had been better. That's it, this might not be her territory but she will be damned if she won't put her life on the line like they do.
”Raikou, gather everyone you could and lead them to our safe houses. The shrine has fallen and we need to lick our wounds.” she declared as she pulled her wakazashi's from the sheet.
”I'll buy the time you all need, ensure that Kenzo and Koushi-sama will live another day.” she spoke disappearing to the shadows.
Despite all his meditation, all his training and everything his master taught him, Kōshin felt anger slowly welling up deep within his being. A mere spark at first, as he continued looking at the now ruined shrine, it quickly became a raging fire. For a moment, he could understand and somewhat even share the burning hatred some Demon Slayers felt towards all demons... He always treated demons the same as he did humans, he always made sure to welcome those who came to the temple with good intentions... And that was how he was repaid...
But before this hatred could stain Kōshin's heart, the view of the tree where his master was buried, now ruined and broken, washed all that hatred away in a flood of deep sadness and grief.
Through the ruined temple, most of the monks laid dead. Many of them were older than Kōshin himself. Quite a few, close friends with his master. Old and wise monks who, along with his master, helped him to become what he was today. Now, their lifeless bodies laid in the ruins of the temple he failed to protect...
In the distance, Kōshin could hear some of the slayers speaking about retreating to their safe-houses, some dealing with situations of their own, but for Kōshin it didn't matter... He could not leave... Not yet.
"I shall stay. Please, take care of the wounded monks..." Kōshin said, his voice sounding distant, still in a daze.
"Go. Do not worry about me. There is no reason for the demons to return. There is nothing left for them to take, after all... As for me... There is still much to do..." Kōshin said, breathing deeply before he calmly started walking through the now ruined temple, using his hands to move the rubble and clear a small area. After it was done, he began searching through the temple ruins, carefully gathering the bodies and laying them down as respectfully as he could before continuing on his search.
In his heart, he hoped he would find more survivors, but he knew well there would only be more bodies for him to bury.
He then hears familiar footsteps, as Takaya arrived.
1 week past since the ordeal at the Torigaya Onsen & Daikaku Shrine. Michikatsu stood atop Rikyo, Gekido and Ryoshu while Xaku gave her verdict right after Rikyo was defeated by Gekido. It's at this moment that Rikyo was excommunicated from the Blood Moon ranks.
"I will not tolerate any treacherous agenda anymore. It's true that I created Blood Moons so I can die a Samurai's death, but after conquering the Sun, I have transcended my status as neither Samurai or Swordsman, but Shogun. Sooner or later, there will be an executive election, to each best of their goal, Rikyo. Consider this as mercy and retirement, you have served your purpose and your insubordination ends here." Weaving his hand, Rikyo lost his Yakuza Tattoos.
Nakime seated next to Xaku, strummed her Biwa and relocated Rikyo out of the Infinity Castle.
Ryoshu becomes Blood Moon 3 while Gekido transcend as Blood Moon 2.
"A new era is upon us." He gazed upon the Sun.
His subordinates; Xaku and Ryoshu gained resistance to the Sun.
"Gekido, lest you provide me offsprings via Urami, only then you can conquer the Sun. Know your place as a Demon Lord, I did not create nor promoted you to have exceptions. Your privilege of celibacy as my direct order, ends here."
The next week after.
"On top of failing to sire offsprings with your loving wife, Urami, you failed to bring me the Swordsmith that descended from Muramasa... furthermore, it seems that the humans and demons under your wing had been rebellious, is it because I forbade you the taste of the sun, and now they think, the Mighty Blood Moon 2 has fallen?...."
Michikatsu in a blink of an eye, sliced Gekido's hands off, making him kneel, his blood was boiling at Gekido's failure.
"I am starting to regret letting Rikyo go, and it is the same sensation when I let Keodis go, I expected more from you as you aspire to be at the top and even covet Blood Moon 1's rank and here you are failure....after failure...
GEKIDO..... GEKIDO....GEKIDO..."
Gekido not only cannot regenerate but he was suffocating from Michikatsu's telepathic choke and slowly being burnt to crispy the sun.
This time, Michikatsu's fully invaded Gekido's mind, anything he may say will be used against him.
"You are at a rough start, Blood Moon 2, you are no longer Blood Moon 3, get your act right." Healing him back with a smile.
"Reiha...Consort 4. Forgive me, my dear. Your husband was treacherous..and yet over the course of all this, you have proven to be the most valuable asset in terms of cattle for our kindred. Do not fail me, Blood Moon 4." Michikatsu gave an ample of his blood to Yuwaku Reiha alongside Sun Resistance, she has attained Ryoshu's previous rank.
"Do not let your client be impatient." He looked at Reiha, as b he felt the bloodlust of Guen, who watched the entire scolding go.
Has Guen truly lost her mind?
Is she working with Yuwaku Reiha?
Find out soon!
"Keodis, escort our women to their destination, you three are to head to Kyoto at Temen-ni-Guru Library. Ryoshu, go to Wasedai, you have unfinished business. Do not strike until I tell you. Prove to me that you are Blood Moon 3."
Blood Moon Meeting — Infinity Castle The Blood Moon Meeting, nothing amiss since, their Employer, Chairman & Godfather, never fails to hold important meetings in order to address every fiber of detail of their activities. In this auspicious occasion, Michikatsu, in the boardroom is surrounded by his associates, with the first eight professional black chairs, being seats, reserved for the Blood Moons, the seats go on fours, left & right. Each denoted by their color & Morn order of waxaccurately,aning, with the back of his cconditioning;e full moon. With every sounding strum came to pass, summoned the Godfather’s associates.
Walking in with an uncharacteristic lack of flair, Ryunoko Keodis enters, holding the shattered blade of the Rumble Hashira, and his own nodachi, dripping with mareichi blood. He is completely untouched, his clothes barely even ruffled. ”I don’t know if you know this, but I have had… a very bad night tonight. Forgive my temper in advance, because it will be violently short.” He huffs, before resting the bloodied field sword in the same rack one would a wet umbrella. The siren call of the empowering blood doesn’t seem to affect Keodis in the slightest, as he walks out of the room for a second, before returning outright. For chairs that he sets at the far end of the table Michikatsu. He zones out for a second, staring at the chair of Upper 2, before blinking slowly as the sound of quiet pops emanates from the geiger counter on his belt. He then smirks, and walks over to the Upper 2 seat and sits down in it, winking to Michikatsu. ”I’ll behave extinguished. Until then, I could… probably trace most of tonight to this jackass, so I’ll be giving him a hard time.” Rikyo hummed as he’s summoned and thought of the greatest trolling he could do prior the arrival of the others, especially his loser of a predecessor, Keodis. As the former Blood Moon 2 sat and had his moments with his Master, in a matter of moments, Rikyo started moaning and the chair disappeared, becoming himself as he was the chair all along. Out of pettiness, Rikyo slithered away rudely, making Keodis fall out of the “chair”. “Eh? Your butt was Ice.” He said coyly, wiping the saliva off of his lips. In front of the Blood Moon 1 Seat was the Blood Moon 3 Seat, which was Gekido's. “You know you're either gay or asexual, if you're not performing the natural obligations with your Consort.” Rikyo mocked Gekido. “And oh I forgot you existed. If you're in such a boneswood, why not make yourself happy, but I doubt anyone would be happy, if they got a vengeful girl on their asses. I feel sorry for you, Keodis-senpai, and that blade… let me see hmm…ah! It's Tousai, no…it belonged to one of the Agatsuma Siblings, hmm… I forgot, but you know my last meal like hours ago was an Agatsuma Pregnant Woman, a Slayer on top of that and she tasted good! So good that the Kiji Blood within her, undulates inside me!”
”Gonna be a slight issue for you.” Resting in the air, the transparent wings of the Draconic Demon rest on the ground, propping up Keodis so he looks to be sitting on thin air. He smiles a bit meanly, gesturing to Rikyo’s face. ”You may want to cycle the flesh on your face if you don’t want to lose most of it. I thought we established last time we met that you don’t handle touching my clothes very well, shapeshifter. Is the radiation a bit too much for your complexion?” A shrill screech sounds from Keodis’ belt, registering an amount of radiation that, if encountered, would leave any person, human or demon, with over 30 grays of absorbed radiation. He looks down, aprematureebrow twitching, before he sighs, stands up, and lets the wings disappear, the shrill scream disappearing with them. ”So… Agatsuma, eh? Not too surprised you could defeat the worst of the worst. Took me less than a minute to beat their best so… hm. I’d say it took you about 8 minutes to finish her resistance? Somewhere around there? Tell me, Kouhai, did it feel good wasting your time and energy on a nobody, from a nobody, getting nothing but the sensation of sugar on your teeth?” He walks over to his actual chair, and sits down. He adjusts the collar of his jacket, and dusts off a streak of blood that was on its sleeve. The blood hits the ground, then seems to boil and turn black, necroticizing from his touch. The smell of mariechi curdles in the air, singing a sick song of the mutated demons that still occasionally pop up in the strike zones.
Meanwhile, for Gekido, this was just a horrible night of annoyance after annoyance. His favorite R&R place turned out to be a garden of blue spider lilies, and subsequently attacked, three of the most dangerous demons in the world are now aware that it’s there and among them Prick Jinwoo all but declares war for them, a psycho slayer goes on a rampage throughout the area, and the deal he had to be stuck with making'not only al'ost gets compromised, but also has made him convinced that their “humane” enemies may not be much better than their AWOL rogue in the sanity department. The fact that RYUOSHU captured and imprisoned Ryunosuke - however much of a bright side it is knowing he’s probably suffering inside his little cage - is not helping his annoyance.
While everything was happening between Keodis-Senpai - of whom is, as always, the one good thing to see during meetings life-threatening;ikyo, Gekido was just silently facing forward, staring at Blood Moon 1’s, the “Captain’s” chair. Every task he has done, every headache he had to endure tonight as the city combusts and shit hits the fan, every mess he and Xaku are now obligated to clean up to keep things stabilized for the Chairman, he blames on the “captain” they’re forced to play substitute for. Even if by some miracle he actually shows up to this meeting, it’s likely only because the Chairman is forced to drag him into it. Before, all he wanted was to become Blood Moon 1 himself for the power, to prove himself the best of Michikatsu’s demons so that he may feel ready to face his final battle. Now, especially after tonight? Now it’s because if he’s doing the work as “Acting Captain” he may as well remove the “acting” part, and have the power and authority to be as efficient and capable as the Chairman clearly wants him to be.
His head snapping back to reality, he looked towards Keodis-Senpai and Rikyo, and as they verbally - and in the case of Keodis-senpai,90-degreeterally - grill each other, with Rikyo - predictably - firing a shot at Gekido himself about his “non-commitment” to Urami.
“Coming from someone who no doubt has had everything from head to jewels ravaged by now from all the ‘obligations’ you’ve made due on? Sounds more like well-made than anything.” He said in response with a snarky smile on his face. Needless to say, he enjoyed Keodis-Senpai standing his ground towards the asshole, in spite of the power difference there now was between them. He also noticed the sword appJapanese-style Hashira that Keodis-Senpai grabbed as a trophy, but paid it little mind. Even weakened as he is,, from his demotion, it’s no surprise that he's still strong enough to defeat Hashira.
Gekido decided to ignore whatever Rikyo says in response. The sooner they can get this meeting started and over with, the better. “You talk big for a loser who gave up on conquest.” Rikyo smirked, knowing what Keodis's angle is headed. “Best of the Agatsuma? Don't try changing the topic, as you're busy with 8 minutes, in 2 minutes, I ate a handful and sooner or later I'll be eating the ado Ryunosuke with the cube that Ryoshu and Mina got me as a present. Just as I killed Tsugikuni Hikaru, the Slayers will have no Sun Breath-users. Since you bozos are making fun of me, why don't y'all worship me, I've got the Blue Spider Lilies, I've pierced through the memories of Daikaku Kōshin yet you two, who are beneath me, still continue to talk big. It's no wonder Gekido admires his Loser of a Senpai, because he failed to get Kamado Ryunosuke.” Rikyo wasn't bluffing. “Moreover, you said you took care of Agatsuma Kousai? Jokes on you, Loser, I killed Soyama Kenzo! Don't go whining like the loser you are, you dealt with a fledgling Hashira, “best of the best”, talk to me when you actually kill Tomioka Guen. I doubt you can with that withering Chinese of yours, aha! You made fun of my skin, now karma hits you with facts. Don't disrespect Kenzo, that man was a champ even for a cripple, I have Gekido-chan to thank him for that.” Rikyo at the moment has visible burnt marks from his ordeal with Kenzo, whose red nichirin fists made it hard for him to heal.
…Well, so much for that.
As much as he utterly despises this demon, and would gladly help Keodis-Senpai mutilate him to get his rightful seat back, he has to admit some credit where it’s due. Firstly, Rikyo definitely knows just the right things to really piss people off. He’s a master of reading people, getting into their heads, and pushing them right where he wants them to be. It’s how he got that cult of his, and it’s how he’s killed so many slayers in his time. Secondly, Gekido has little choice but to concede one fact: For as much as he despises Rikyo, at least he showed up and did his job, which is more than he can say for the so-called “Captain” Gekido’s sitting across from.
However, as the air around the room started to get warmer and warmer, Gekido, oddly, chuckled at the mention of Ryunosuke and Rikyo potentially eating him.
“Honestly? I’d love to see you try. But I don’t know if you’d want to, he’s such a poisonous little mushroom, sickeningly spicy, wouldn’t want your intestines to melt and end up with you shitting acid blood. But hey, at least it’d be entertaining to see. …As an aside, I make it a point not to put my faith in plagerists” Gekido said.
It was unfortunate that Soyama Kenzo died to someone like him, but in the end, it didn’t surprise him much either. What did someone surprise him was the fact that Rikyo sounded like he actually had…respect for Kenzo, for a slayer, …for anyone.
If that wasn’t some kind of apocalyptic sign, he didn’t know what was.
Xaku appears, silent as a ghost, her presence muted. With her cap missing, her hair slightly falls to cover her eyes, twin pools of still crimson, cold and flat. Xaku does not sit; there is no place for her there, a choice made and preferred. She simply stands aside while the others enter, back rigid, arms folded precisely behind her back. Her presence remains undetected, not through a conscious choice. It’s simply how exists when she isn’t trying to be seen. Her gaze briefly passes over Rikyo. She doesn’t pause. ... If Tsugikuni-sama didn’t still have use for them, both he and Ryoshu would have long since been reduced to dust. It would be a merciful end. Not yet, though. There was order to keep, everything else was just noise. Time is still on her side. The line is still intact. For the moment. Xaku says nothing, simply watching everything and waiting. And, unseen, her blood writhes in silent agony. Rikyo stared back at Xaku, like a sexual predator, as if wanting to do more than just devour her. “
Keodis just looks at Rikyo like he’s stupid.
”I don’t know if you’re aware of this, but humans have a little thing they deal with called ‘ageing’. They get worse as time goes on. You, my cute little kouhai, have defeated an old master who has spent… 9? 10? Somewhere around there, at least, years declining. He just wasn’t the same…”
Keodis’ eyes get distant for a second,before he blinks and rolls his left wrist.
”Anyways, remember those claw marks on his cheek? You must have, seeing you fought him. Well, those, along with his permanent limp, were my gifts to him back when he was worth a damn. Only human who got close to killing me. Stoved in half my head, punched both my legs off, and broke my true horns. Not even Our Honored Progenitor has broken my horns yet. That kid had fire, let me tell you. A shame that it was you who killed him in the end.”
He gestures with the shattered hilt and crossguard of the hashira’s katana, swinging about the few inches of nichirin carelessly
”The Agatsuma I fought wasn’t even worth killing. He has quite a bit of potential, and I at least hope my little ‘intervention’ gave him the push he needs to start actually making an opponent of himself. As for your lilies… how do you think we got the information that they were there? Truly. You couldn’t find the way out of a paper bag with two hands and a map. How, exactly, are you supposed to put such peerless navigational skills into finding a flower that the First Father couldn’t find for hundreds of years? Don’t tout the fact that you were told where to go, and you did that, as some great achievement that we should all bow at your feet for. It’s basic orders. Even a dog can do that.”
Keodis leans back in his chair, crossing his legs and steepling his fingers. He winks at Gekido, and nods at Xaku as they enter.
It seems Keodis-Senpai knew where Gekido was going with his statement, responding to his wink with a smile and a nod before looking back at Rikyo.
“Moreover, as you already hinted to yourself, I was the one who gave him his burns and tore off his arm. As for your other accomplishments, from what I understood, Ryoshu was the one who broke their defenses on his own, lured away the more dangerous of the slayers that arrived there, and both he and his consort, as you’ve also already pointed out, were the ones who captured Ryunosuke in the first place. If anyone tarnished the Daikaku legacy, and was useful in getting the lilies out of there, it was him. And to be frank, even your greatest achievement, the demise of Hikari Tsugikuni, you had your consort help you with. Every single credential you’ve claimed has been on the back of achievements made by others, rather than what you’ve earned for yourself. But I’ll give you this, it does sound about right for someone worshipped by the weak to be praised for the works of those “beneath” them.” Gekido said. Meanwhile, Xaku’s entrance was as quiet and uncaring of the current circumstance as he expected. He gave her a silent nod, remembering what they talked about before his negotiations with that Hashira girl. Rikyo failed to comprehend these babbling idiots as to why they whine so much about emotions, as for him, he never has any emotions to begin with. The more Keodis and Gekido unite against him, he's got that mug on his face, not of defeat nor care but simple apathy and the usual rant that he hears, meeting after meeting. Directions? About that…Rikyo chose not to tell his plans to his peers, he found out where the Lilies were on his own, thanks to his cult. “A dog…hmm woof~ arf~ a dragon dog! Hahahahahha! I'm such a good doggy, what a praise arf hahaha!” Rikyo bursted out laughing at Gekido and Keodis. On top of that with silly hand gestures and motions of petty insults in a childlike manner. “You two really have such a good friendship and I'm so happy being part of this friendship, you don't have to be so mean about it but I understand it! It's tough love you see! The reverse psychology that defines one to do better and I couldn't agree even more!” Rikyo said with no life in his eyes but his words were passive-aggressive. “Achievements? You mean cooperation, yeah I agree to a certain extent, a religion is like a clock you see, without the congregation, the Church can't move, I guess my words were of how do I say this, human ego, but demon ego? I don't think vanity exists amongst Demons, you two clearly still have lingering humanity and I almost wanna cry yet I am laughing at you're bigotry Gekido, you can only talk more smack if someone like this Loser is around hmm~ but every other meeting, you can't.” Rikyo transfigured a Shamisen. “Once upon a time there was a Son of The Sun, he was a good provider, he gained so much riches, for the coals of serenity come reaping fruits. His flame is gone~ For his flame was too cold. His embers put out~ Put out by a flame from a twin~ If you've heard this story before, Gekido, it was engraved in children's books.” Rikyo grinned, implying the mockumentary and transcribed story book Aesop he published in his religion. “Would it be abrupt if we change topics? It's kinda unhealthy being mean to each other, but yeah Gekido, I'm not an idiot, I can eat this cube right now and you'll beg me to stop.” Rikyo glared at Gekido, peering through transfigured memories, shape-shifting the intensity of what's buried deep within. In a matter of seconds, Rikyo is about to munch on the cube that is Ryunosuke, after revisiting a certain mental plane.
Almost as a consequence, the more Rikyo peered into Gekido’s head, the hotter it was getting in the room, like a sauna or perhaps more accurately like a kitchen without air conditioning, the heat was getting a bit too intense for any normal human to handle. For demons like them, it was probably more just a mild inconvenience, or perhaps a lingering memory of the feeling of daylight in the summer.
With a quick motion of the hand, he threw a bright white ball of flame towards Rikyo, or more accurately, the cube in Rikyo’s hand, and by extension, the hand itself. It wasn’t that strong - not like that mattered against a demon who outranks him - but it had a sense of force and impact to it, a sense of mass, more than enough to push the cube right out of Rikyo’s hand, and likely hit the wall behind him. While it may look serious to the normal human eye, the hand that held the cube likely seared if not torn off outright, for demons like them, who can regenerate so easily, why this was nothing more than slapping the cube out of the hand from a longer range.
“Oops? I figured I’d at least cook it for you to let it go down easier, but I guess I put too much force into it. Sorry about that. Urami, please pick that up for him.” He coyly said. The white flame extinguishing in his hand almost immediately as he smiled, before slowly fading back to a solemn frown.
“...First off, it’s been a hell of a night for me, needing to clean up your messes and stabilize the Chairman’s city so our livestock doesn’t go on a stampede, all while me and Xaku are stuck doing your jobs, while you fuck off somewhere to play pope and our “Kingpin” is off doing god knows what. So yes, I’m a bit more pissed off than I usually am at these meetings. I assure you, Keodis-Senpai has nothing to do with it, and he has even more right to be pissed than me! Secondly, You peered into my head just now, so you should already know: I don’t “beg”, not anymore. At the very least, I refuse to beg for anything on his behalf! Finally, …Funny thing: you claim Vanity doesn’t exist among demons, yet we’re not the ones who said we should worship you, and we’re not the one who decided it’s a good idea to form a…’religion’ that follows your every whim. The concept of vanity not existing in a demon rings hollow from the mouth of a would-be Messiah is all I’m saying. The only thing I think you lack in comparison to us is a sense of shame.” He let out an amused chuckle.
“But what the hell, I’ll play devil’s advocate; let’s assume you’re right about that, and you have no sense of ego or vanity. Very clearly, you do have a sense of sadism, and I think we can all agree that is something that we demons not only have the capacity for, but the drive of our instinct towards. The enjoyment of watching others suffer, the entertainment of playing with our food… I’ve seen the kind of gatherings you throw at your church; it all seems so pointless if it’s not out of some pleasure derived from depravity. …In that cube, you now have the strongest Hashira there is thanks to you, one of the only ones so far that has the mark on him to boot, and to top it off, the single greatest enemy of the chairman, as Ryoshu no doubt demonstrated in their fight. He’s going to die soon no matter what. For someone like him, a pre-mature death, even by us, is the easy way out. It is a mercy, and it’s one he does not deserve just yet, and melting in your digestive juices will neither be slow nor painful enough when he finally does!” He said, the heat making the room feel more like the inside of an oven before slowly dying out and fading back to normal.
”…There are fates worse than death. Surely, someone like you can think of one that suits your special prey. Prove to me you’re as much the model demon as you claim to be, I’ll gladly step aside and watch.” He then said, leaning back carefree in his chair with both hands behind his head as a rest. Rikyo smiled at Gekido. “You've gotten a little stronger at the very least, since the last time we met Gekido-chan, you've learned how to jest.” No emotion on empty words, can't tell whether he's trolling or not. “I —” Caught off guard, Rikyo felt a burning sensation in his mouth. It was none other than the wounds he sustained from his fight with Kenzo. Furthermore, before he could continue being a chatterbox, Michikatsu looked intensively on the situation. He then realized, it wasn't just his wounds from Kenzo but a recent wound. Just looking at their Progenitor, he speedblitzed him, cutting off his jaw with that corrupted red blade. “This is as far as I'd allow “camaraderie”, I don't care who started it. All of you are equally responsible for not acting professionally in a meeting before it even started.” In a matter of seconds, Michikatsu is carrying both the heads of Rikyo and Gekido, decapitated, faster than the blink of an eye could see. “Xaku, take these two to the blood fountains immediately.” The severity of such unprofessional behavior long before meetings between the Moons and being beheaded by the Godfather, is life threatening, reattaching heads back to their body won't work, as they'd die from the red blade. A glimpse of Ryoshu, bathing in the fountain to tend to his wounds. Michikatsu calmed down. “The rest of you, if you have anything else to say and pout like children, you're not welcome here. It would be inappropriate for our guests to be seeing such childish behavior.” Implying that the other moguls, the Demon Progenitors, have arrived. Showa Secret Era: The Blood Fountains are condensed bodies of blood, where beheaded Blood Moons are nursed back to health, a matter of temporary suspension that would later result in a Bloodrite Dispute, once healed. “And Xaku, inform me immediately of their progress.” Michikatsu implied that Xaku can just let one of her men bring them over while she stays in the meeting.
”Holy shit, Dad finally put his foot down.”
In a flicker of crimson-colored static, Keodis’ demeanour changes. Where before, he was laid-back and quietly raging, now he is the image of a consummate professional. Perfect 90 degree posture, closed-off and serious body language, and even a wardrobe change. His jeans are traded out for pressed slacks, and his jacket seems to warp into a suit and tie, all looking like they were just retrieved from a dry cleaner. His wild, unnaturally red hair is combed back into a well made short mullet, instead of the chaotic bedhead that it was. His blade now rests beside him, sheathed and cleaned. The Former Upper 2 now projects the image of who he once was, not who he is currently. “Welcome. My fellow Kings.” Michikatsu bowed in a Japanese style greeting, welcoming the Demon Kings of Imperial Japan’s respective territories; Taihoku, Sencho & Karafuto; then he went back to his seat, the seats were rearranged by Nakime by pedigree. The empress of Taihoku seemed to flicker in the shadows of the room, corporeal and not all at the same time. Her pristine black hair pinned back in a bun with her unblinking crimson eyes staring forward, neither pupil moved to show response to the many silhouettes that stood around her— almost as if she were blind. As her lips parted and the soft resonance of her voice vibrated off of her tongue, even to the strongest of her kin it would quake the soul. As if a songstress from the heavens were singing directly into their minds, numbing the senses, altering the perception of what happened around them. It wasn’t an activation of her demonic blood, nor was it some strange ability meant to combat the many around her; truly it was just the Empress of Taihoku’s voice, rumored to shake the hearts of beasts and men alike, a conqueror that takes what she wishes without shedding blood. ”My beloved family.” Her head would tilt, resting her cheek upon the sheer lace that covered her shoulder.
The Demon King of Korea quietly took his seat, his pristine and colorful hanbok robes on display showing clear influences from Chinese tradition in its cut, while also lacking many of the things that made those recognizable such as wide dripping sleeves. His head sprouted a wide brimmed circular green hat with many bangles dangling from it that on further observation were clearly made from white jade. He spoke with no hurry and perfect diction while slowly tapping his chin with the tip of his baton. “So what reason did you feel was needed for us all to gather here, and is it related to rumors some of my people heard about your recent *activities*?” Said Jinu with clear emphasis on the last part as he leaned back into his seat nonchalantly. From the back corner of the room steps forth a third. Tall, with plain robes that obscure his figure. Grigori Rasputin appears, silent and stern-faced, staring at the filled room. Perhaps even startling one or two of the moons who hadn't realized he was there the entire time before taking a seat. With everyone gathered, Michikatsu smirked at what Jinu was saying. Nakime strummed her Biwa and summoned the Blue Spider Lilies. He said to Jinu; “Didn't you challenge me earlier, saying I'd never verify these rumors? Look who's talking now. Consequently, your declaration of war, if you were actually serious, you'd have sent your Saja. Nevertheless, I do not yet desire to fight. I am here to establish a Covenant ” Michikatsu mockingly spoke in Korean to Jinu. Jinu tapped his baton against the table a few times. “I don’t recall declaring a war yet, but if I was going to attack I wouldn't do it during the negotiations that's just bad taste.” Stated Jinu in fluent japanese, as he looked Michikatsu in the eyes. “State your terms then and we may come to agreement, or leave and be back to how the situation was before.” He sighed with confidence. “For every King is given a pack of Blue Spider Lily, but of course, not without value. There must be something you'd desire to solidify our alliances. For one, I want our nation…” By nation, Michikatsu was referring to Imperial Japan, meaning its 47 Prefectures and the three annexed territories. “... To be united under one system. The Quadrumvirate. Four Kings causes nothing more than territorial dispute, you know it to be true, isn't it Jinu?” Michikatsu said so with great conviction. “Lest they become Communists like China, isn't that right, Empress Taihoku? You're doing everything you can to make Taiwan free from those CCPs. I can feel economic growth, not just in the country but also in an arms race, the Suiseiseki is among those items. Hence I want our Empire to shine for eternity.” Michikatsu drank his blood juice to take a break from talking. ”The Red Guards have become quite the delicacy for my young ones. As for your flowery words about empirical prosperity, we remain pliant and indifferent— should you require us of anything, simply ask.” The empress of Taihoku smiled so softly that it was nearly imperceptible, but that shimmer of scarlet within her large irises would offer Michikatsu the answer he asked for. “What I'm touting is a demonic reform. We don't have to kill each other, nor do our progeny just for the sake of territory. One Demon King will rule, once in ten years, while the others are to slumber. This is to make sure that power isn't abused. The awakened Demon King will have total control of all the imperial progeny, in other words, the mainland and the three territories will obey the absolute ruler of the decade.” He said to Taihoku, Rasputin and Jinu. “You must take us for fools Michikatsu, your youth is showing.” Rasputin says slowly, as if each word must need time to be understood. M“Youth without wisdom is no different than the old without foresight, Rasputin. All of you, my fellow Kings, all you have to do is take the Blue Spider Lilies, conquer the Sun while we iron out our differences via a Blood Pact on who should be the Emperor of the Underworld. Do you not see the bigger picture? You don't want another World War that disables the Empire for its lack of unity. Those Americans and the Chinese Demons have already infiltrated us, this isn't the time to remain indifferent. No system is perfect and our progeny are no different from the humans, there's still discrimination amongst Demons and disputes within territories. These are two of my proposals.” Michikatsu defined what slumber meant in this context. He meant that three of the Kings are to surrender their Bloodrite amongst Kings to the proposed Emperor of the Decade, no one will remain asleep literally. “The three who are succeedingly in line for the chrysanthemums throne, will remain as Elders of the Emperor's Council while they wait their turn of succession. This is the chance to prove unity instead of division and to properly consolidate things to its rightful place, for our Empire and its people/demons.” ”I do not wish to sleep, but if that is deemed necessary to avoid conflict amongst kin, I am willing to make that sacrifice for my children.” A soft hum echoed off the walls as the empress spoke, and the most subtle smile began to tug upwards at the corners of her lips.
“With how the humans are advancing sleeping would end with the new emperor not knowing how to walk the Street without getting run over by the car.” Said Jinu with clear distaste at the idea. “I can try it for 3 full rotations, then we will need to reevaluate anyway.” “Seems like I'm not the only one weary of Kamado Ryunosuke, Nichirin Technology has advanced to a point where it's too many, too many usage like Nichirin Cars, incense, we'll use the very thing they're using against them, very well…” Michikatsu smiled triumphantly as two of the Demon Kings agreed. He snapped his fingers and had his cup bearers serve the Demon Kings the Blue Spider Lilies in its liquid form, ready to drink.
Michikatsu made his speech as he consumed the Blue Spider Lily, dramatically as his position shifted in a stage where the sun would lit upon him. “For thousands of years, our Foredemons chased this mythical flower relentlessly and now God has recognized the superior race, we are the ones that will inherit this Earth, we are the true humans of this world, and to all my kindred out there, come out, join us, you have lived in the shadows of fear for too long!” Michikatsu was telepathically relaying his message visually-telepathically to all Demons in Imperial Japan. As the sun shines upon Michikatsu in the stage, his skin not only burnt but glistened, visually showing that the blue spider lily actually was working and it worked, his six eyes opened and with his godlike aura, he levitated back to his seat. “This is power. This is what our race shall be capable of, and I agree that re-evaluation is a necessity, my fellow Kings, and that time will come as well, but for now, let us celebrate our triumph against the Sun!” urging them to drink and become like him.
First Quarter of Arc 2 begins!
2 weeks past since the ordeal with the Blood Moons. Things weren't the same for the Demon Slayer Corps, Kenzo dead and Ryunosuke captured. Miyuki was furious while in tears in the Dojo. She didn't talk nor trained with anyone for 2 weeks, she didn't even attend the funeral.
In this group, we got Kōshin, Hinotora, Himari, Kousai, Tenko, Jae-Eun and some Demon Slayers from Taiwan and Karafuto.
Suga, the misogynist smirked at Hinotora. "You survived after that onslaught." Showa Secret, Dalnim Suga, a Demon Slayer from Korea.
"I'm here for something else and yet all I see are weak women and feminine men. Kousai is the only real man!"
Takaya sighed. "I'm not here for your rants Dalnim Suga. We are here to discuss important matters." He gave letters to them.
Kairi's letter
I won't be around, Ubuyashiki-sama has assigned me to rebuild the Daikaku Shrine elsewhere. Himari, take the lead, Kousai, don't do anything stupid, I have gained permission from Ubuyashiki-sama, considering you descended from Kamado Nezuko and Tanjiro being your ancestor...Sun Breathing....you will learn it.
Himari, this upcoming mission will be at our turf, I need you to work closely with Muragarasu and Jae-Eun."
Guen's letter
Oddly enough, you'll be in Kyoto's Turf, I've been thinking of my actions recently, but that's still vague. By the way, take care of my Tsuguko for me, Jae-Eun. Miyuki, I'm sorry about 2 weeks ago. My vengeance is still priority, and I come to regret of the damage its cause, I will still fight for my vengeance but I won't involve anymore innocents. I'll turn myself in.
Guen's Tsuguko, Akira is with them on the meeting as well.
Miyuki arrived at the meeting. Her eyes were still sore from grieving her father's death. She rudely grabbed the paper from Takaya.
"Guen..turning herself in? I don't trust her, it's a trap. I'm back, our training will resume shortly, and I'm not okay yet white okay. Hinotora's counseling has been helpful."
Ikebukuro — Tomioka Residence Guen cooked salmon for dinner, grilled and wrapped as salmon riceballs. There was also miso soup and chicken karaage, along with other dishes. This was all done within 30 minutes due to her skillful cooking and preparation time. She also prepared her very own homemade, Iced Boba Tea and Green Tea.
Akira walked into the kitchen, his mother, yes, their mother, or at least that's the most accurate terminology Akira could think of Guen, after all, she's been raising them since they were 9 years old. A blur was all Akira really remembered & mysterious women saving them. In hindsight, following the first strange woman, because she helped them, was a terrible idea, but they were children, and they only knew how to survive.
That's how Akira was adopted.
At first, Guen was distant & clearly due to her having a heart in all that coldness, she cared for kids, not like that mattered to Akira, this child is fond of Guen, it would be an understatement if Akira is incapable of noticing, it's more than they simply didn't care to entertain such thoughts. All Akira cared about at first was the fact that Guen was providing warm meals and a warm bed, but that led to Guen making them their “apprentice”, Tsuguko. Guen gave Akira an ultimatum; become A Demon Slayer or live with a normal family. However, this backfired since Akira showed prodigious finesse with the sword in a matter of days and learnt their first breathing form before the end of the month. By the time they reach 12, they have learned all the forms of Mist Breathing and know the basics of water breathing when they officially join the Corps and are ranked Hinoe.
They rarely ruminated on the past, but these thoughts always quickly pass through their mind when they see Guen, who used to act cold and stoic, now acting like a dutiful mother making food for a child that's been playing outside all day.
And now, they have a close bond.
“Aki~ How's your day?” Guen asked like the dutiful mother she is. She had a fake smile similar to Jae-Eun, this was due to the hectic day that she encountered. “Did you practice Cold Breathing? It's alright if you don't, I won't nudge you to do it.” She said so coyly as she munched on her food.
“I've enrolled you at Wasedai, consider it an espionage mission, just like your Aunt Kairi always says.” Guen coated her motherly appeal into edging Akira to be at Wasedai, her intention was to use Akira to spy on Takaya's group. “Sure whatever you say “ says with a truly angelic smile. Guen was nowhere near subtle, she's always on that jazz of getting the job done, she's like this but wasn't as obsessed. Akira truly didn't care if the request was to go to school or bring someone's head to her because they truly didn't bother making a distinction between those two types of requests. “Mom, for cold breathing, I've actually been practicing it.” Not much of a secret because they haven't really made any substantial progress on it. The issue isn't that Akira can't perform the moves, but breathing style. Anyone could be a demon slayer it's simply that Akira lack the mentality you use it cold breathing is a truly vicious fighting style the balancing flow of water breathing combined with the fast and vicious wind breathing and the metaphysical cherry on top is the fact the wounds instantly freeze after the cut even demons would have a hard time recovering from those type of wounds.
That's why Akira struggles with it; it takes a level of aggression that simply Akira doesn't have naturally.
“Is there anything else It's been a while since I've been sent on a mission I've kind of been left in guard watch duty and a demon here are far too weak simply cutting their heads off kills them unlike the other ones I fought it kind of disappointing”
Flashforward… Akira finds themselves spacing out in the meeting. “Yamazaki Akira…Tomioka Guen's son and Tsuguko, I'll be under Yoshihide-san’s care from now on.” They bowed.
Showa Secret: Akira is a Trap. We don't know their gender. Though based on pronouns, they use "ore", they look androgynous and mostly appears to be a boyish girl or a feminine boy.
Reiha stared at the vial of blood as the situation suddenly entered a situation outside of her foresight. She entered the palace knowing her dear husband losing his position to be likely, she even made a series of steps to save him if Lord Michikatsu decides he should be dead but him breaking a century old tradition to reward her is not what she expects but even so, it wasn't an entirely bad thing. It just means that some roles needed to be swapped between her and her beloved.
Taking a brief moment to stare at her husband, Reiha then turned to the vial before drinking the blood and bowing.
Standing aside, Keodis nods once at Michikatsu, putting on a pair of shades that block out his eyes. He grabs his sword and stands, brushing invisible dust off his suit. He glances at his new charge as she downs the vial, and then starts walking towards the door. Once more, into the breach. Just another mission, just another show. Once things calm down, maybe I can go back to what I enjoy.
”I will strive to meet your expectations, Michikatsu-sama.” Reiha spoke with complete sincerity as she raised herself up and headed to her husband and that detestable tramp.
“This wouldn't change things between us.” she reassured her husband as she gave him a kiss before departing with that disgusting harlot . She knew they would have a long discussion on what happens next but she trusts her other half to hold things out like she would do.
Guen watched as Rikyo lost everything but knowing him, the Demon Lord of The Seventh Heaven didn't even lose a single thing. Nakime strummed her Biwa and Rikyo without their knowledge was kindly sent back to Kyoto, given that the Aumshinrikyo Cult HQ resides there. Moreover, Guen is stuck with two Demons that have beef with her, not that she cares, it was under Michikatsu’s orders that they work together. For a moment, Guen was jealous of Reiha, who still had her husband. That public display of attention was something she used to have.
The trip to Kyoto was long despite the technological advances, especially now that she is walking among humans. She missed a lot of things ever since sunlight became her uncaring bane but this traffic is not among those things.
Especially considering who she trapped in the car with.
“I must say, your face managed to look more disgusting even under the sun.” she spoke with vitriol as she returned her glare indicating that what she is feeling is mutual. “It's been a while since we met without my beloved being around to save you.” she spat as the two of them continued the battle of wills.
Keodis sighs, sitting in the front seat and driving through the traffic. Heavy clothes cover his skin, and he looks through a heavily tinted windshield that hides him from the sun’s rays. Of all the people who had to get trapped in this car, why him?
Oh yeah, it’s because he can be trusted not to kill either of them. No matter how annoying either of them become, Keodis has spent years dealing with clients like them on both sides of the board. One more catfight in the back seat of his car isn’t too groundshaking. And what a car it is. An imported 1969 Chevrolet Impala 4-door, with Rolls-Royce leather seats and a top-of-the-line radio added in aftermarket. It rumbles down the Tomei Expressway, it’s Turbojet V8 engine roaring out as he nearly runs a tiny kei truck off the road. He hums along to a Bon Jovi song that plays quietly on a cassette tape, tapping his fingers on the wheel as he keeps an ear trained on the “civil” conversation behind him. As long as no one damages his car, they could do with getting some of their stress released on each other.
“I cannot wait to complete this stupid bargain.” Reiha said.
Guen nonchalantly ignored any of Reiha's words as they meant nothing to her, she briefly looked at her face to face and continued reading her book, which is inscribed with the letter M, out of four swords.
“Foolishness! As your mind projects to believe it to be, even after your promotion, your voice still reeks of a mourner, one who rushes to finish their contract is doomed to fail and perhaps that is something you'd waste your tears on.” Guen insulted Reiha as cold as ice, let alone her profession in the funeral parlor and it annoyed Guen seeing Reiha put on a show in her funeral parlor services for the past 2 weeks they've known each other, no doubt that she's a professional mourner but those tears were fake.
“Frankly I do not recall being saved by your stupid religion.”
Reiha’s face twitched at Guen's words this bitch really knows how to get under her skin but no worries, she would at least wipe that smirk off that defiant beast.
“Oh, we both know that foolish make believe is not what is allowing you to walk among us. The only reason why no one is leaping to you once the sun sets is because of the power my husband was using to protect you, power that I now wield.” she spoke getting closer to Guen as the car stopped moving.
“Power that I can pull out, anytime I want.”
Guen didn't smirk at all but that almost made her laugh on the inside, nonchalance as always as she continued reading her book.
“Power that your Creator can pull out anytime, if that's what you meant. Michikatsu only chose you to spite your pathetic husband, and to rustle the aspirations of the Consorts, thinking that they could be something more than mere breeding tools and desperate housewives. You speak of power that you do not possess, just as Ubuyashiki-sama can pull out my privileges, in other words, you and I are nothing but mistresses, clinging to power.” Guen dissed Reiha by showing empathy and how they're alike.
“Keep that my husband away from that dirty mouth of yours! Don't you dare to compare what we have to what you and your pathetic dead husband pretentious little lie. I mean you're working with the people who killed him, some devoted wife you are.” Reina answered back anger rising as the fangs on her teeth began to show. She and Guen are nothing alike in her eyes, she is just a nuisance to crush.
Guen’s eyes glared at what Reiha just said, that is something she couldn't deny, her disillusionment with the Demon Slayer Corps. The air around them became visibly cold, the windows of the car started freezing as the glass was about to crack and shatter. She raised her voice a bit.
“That goes the same for you, you're working with someone from the faction that killed many of your kindred. Devotion? Don't make me laugh, Reiha. If you're truly devoted to your husband, you would have eloped with him, in the name of love. Yet here we are, two simple women, who cannot act upon our love, solely because our husbands are superseded by their employers. You and I are not so different, in the end, we are just flowers, married to the job, just as the bees work hard to extract pollen for their Lord.”
Reiha let out a dismissive scoff to Guen and that is why the two of them are different and why she is a better woman than this harlot.
“A good wife will follow and support her husband's ambitions, no matter how foolish it may be. Like letting you stay alive and live under our roof for some relic of the past. My husband's wishes are the only thing stopping me from speaking for your demise.” Reiha warned Guen as a ball of blood appeared between them before flowing back to Reiha's bleeding ring finger.
”Which is why as a good wife, I will swear that if you ever thought of reneging our terms or harming him. I will kill you, my husband's or my lord's wishes be damned.” she spoke as the finger healed, content now that her terms are settled. Guen silently nodded at Reiha’s conviction.
“Very well. Our terms remain until it's over. Part of the terms included more innocent sacrifices, so your husband not only regains but also surpasses his previous power. Is it not?”
Reiha scoffs at Guen's words like a brat who asks a foolish question.
”What, getting cold feet? You knew what your offer entails, if you have no intent to follow then kill yourself and end this farce unless you want me to do that for you.” Reiha answered as she returned to her seat knowing that Guen won't back away now that is too deep in her scheme.
And that is why her inevitable betrayal is just a matter of time. They both knew that.
“Not at all. Isn't that the trick question? That's how I got your attention, the more deceased ones pile up, the more you're active. Big words for someone who is unable to kill themselves, you could say the same thing that I'd also do it for you instead.” she said so coldly. Guen finally came clean of her treacherous and heinous acts.
”Made up yet? We’ve still got about 2 hours to go before we make it to Kyoto proper. So, you know. Try not to kill each other, have fun, and DON’T DAMAGE MY SEATS, or you’re paying for them! They’re about 1.8 million yen, so choose wisely.”
At least this gives me an excuse to check up on the venues over in Kyoto. Once I figure out where I’ll be standing on this particular shitshow, it’ll be time to pull as much as I can under an umbrella so it doesn’t get caught in the splash zone.
“For now.” Reiha answered as she stared at Guen, not that she will admit it but said gambit was brilliant. She would dare say that such a move is something she would expect from that clever hag but would rather not praise the enemy.
”If anything happens I will pay for the damages with my own money.” she spoke before looking out the window enjoying the sun that she haven't felt for years.
”Lovely. As an aside, how does the sun feel? I… don’t remember anymore. Held my arm over a flame to think of it, but… I don’t think that was quite right. It is warm, right?”
“You look stupid, Keodis. That won't do.” Guen handed Keodis a package.
Takaya's previous words still echoed in Kōshin's head... Words that left quite a bitter taste in his mouth. While the Daikaku Temple had agreed in assisting the Slayers against rogue demons, they were still clearly a separate organization. Specifically regarding how the temple saw evil as just evil, regardless of race... Or at least that was what they were supposed to be... As the time went on, the entire temple was slowly, but surely manipulated. A neutral entity at first, they were now seen as clear allies of the slayers... And judging by Takaya's words, even the slayers themselves saw the temple as being under their control...
Kōshin thought the temple was beyond such things as petty political struggles, being instead a bastion of peace and calm... But this exact unwillingness to discuss power politics was what perhaps caused it's downfall. Kōshin and the entire temple were unknowingly manipulated and dragged into a conflict that weren't theirs to begin with... Still, in the end that did not change the fact that the Daikaku Temple fell... And it fell because Kōshin failed. Failed in protecting it, in realizing what was happening and above everything else, failed in preventing the temple from being dragged into a conflict they weren't supposed to take sides.
"Nothing will change the fact that the temple fell because I was unable to protect it. Should the other monks see fit to elect a new head monk to the Daikaku Temple, so be it." Those were the words he had replied to Takaya previously and even now, they stood unchanged. Kōshin had no intention of keeping his position as the head monk should the other branches decide he was unfit for the role, but as long as he remained as the head monk, he wouldn't let Takaya have things his way...
There was no reason to accept the slayer's help after the attack... The wounded monks' lives came first after all... During the last few weeks, Kōshin remained within the Slayers' headquarters. Helping the wounded monks and biding his time. He would not let Takaya turn himself and the Daikaku monks into soldiers for the slayers or bring all them under his control. The damage to the temple's standing was already done. The demons saw the Daikaku temple as allies to the slayers. Unless Kōshin and the monks truly became the slayer's subordinates, they would keep suffering attacks from demons who were after the blue spider lilies... The only way to prevent the temple from becoming a target was to disclose the method to plant and produce blue spider lilies... To both sides of the ongoing conflict. A radical and dangerous solution, but the only solution Kōshin could think of...
Both the Slayers and the demons were dangerous. For different reasons, but dangerous nonetheless... He would have to think well to which demon he would hand over the production method of the Blue Spider Lilies. Even among demons, he knew there were a few who seemed to despise conflict as much as he did. If he could get in contact with them, they would be the safest bet. With the one thing both sides were fighting for now being known by both sides, neither one of them would have any reason to go after the Daikaku Temple anymore.
But the time for action hasn't arrived yet. There was still much to do. For now, Kōshin would simply bide his time. There was no reason to reject the Slayer's offer of protection... Even if they did so out of personal interest.
Until the time was right, Kōshin would keep doing the same thing he had been doing since the time he and the remaining monks arrived on the Slayer's headquarters. Praying for the fallen, meditating and training. Silently waiting until he could correct his mistakes, the same ones that led the temple to it's destruction and caused the loss of many monks.
Although Takaya appreciated Miyuki's enthusiasm, back to the field, he politely gested with his finger, in that instant, the air in the room became silent. "Soyama-san, kindly proceed with Thompson-san to the Cityhall, rendezvous with Uzui Kairi." This level of command, from a young boy of 15-years-old, was telling enough of his astuteness, already. Miyuki scouted, & found Tenko not present in the meeting, which means that Tenko must've gone ahead of her & so she followed. Ubuyashiki Takaya – the young master of the Tokyo Demon Slayer Corps at the age of 8-years-old. Whether the foe is demon or human, he makes sure they meet their end. Also, to fall in line and know their place.
Together with his older sister, Ubuyashiki Kaname, they took turns talking.
"Yamazaki-san, kindly step out of this meeting...is what I would have said, if you weren't a Tsuguko. The same goes for Rengoku-kyo. Both of you are the respective inheritors of the Water Hashira and Dragon Hashira. As of now, this is a Hashira Meeting." Kaname smiled.
"Daikaku Kōshin will be assisting you in Kyoto in 3 days time. Nevertheless, the new and improved Daikaku Shrine will not be disclosed to anyone including Kōshin himself, only Uzui Kairi knows as of now." Takaya lamented.
"Eventually we will disclose it when the time is right."
"To respect Officer Xaku's policies, Soyama Miyuki and Tenko Maria Thompson musnt be seen in the public at night, to make it safer, they better not be seen beyond the premises of Wasedai." She pointed her index finger to Himari specially since she's the last one with them.
"Before we discuss our agenda. Meet your new Client, my fellow siblings, my Hashira."
"Clear water is cool Fireflies vanish– There’s nothing more...
Jae-eun sat with his hands folded in his lap, posture perfect, face pleasant. But something about the stillness was wrong. Too rigid. Too controlled. Like ice stretched thin over water that was much too deep and much too cold.
Kenzo was dead. Ryunosuke was captured. Guen, fucking Guen, who had dragged innocent blood across Tokyo's streets like a petulant child throwing a tantrum—was now claiming she'd "turn herself in" after two weeks of radio silence and corpses. The letter in his hand felt like an insult wrapped in paper. Take care of my Tsuguko. As if he were her errand boy. As if she had any right to make requests after what she'd done.
His jaw tightened imperceptibly.
The Corps was rotting from the inside. Takaya was brilliant, yes, but he was fifteen years old and already carrying the weight of an organization that couldn't stop hemorrhaging bodies and bad decisions. Miyuki was grieving. Himari was struggling under the shadow of her brother's death. And now they had Dalnim Suga sneering at everyone in the room like he'd earned the privilege.
"You survived after that onslaught," Suga said, smirking at Hinotora. "I'm here for something else and yet all I see are weak women and feminine men. Kousai is the only real man!"
Something in Jae-eun's chest snapped. His Tsugoku, his student, his legacy, insulted. Jae-eun's head turned slowly, his smile sharpening into something that could cut glass. When he spoke, the words came out in flawless Korean, each syllable precise and cold as winter steel. "A dog that enters its host's home and barks rudely gets its throat cut, Suga-ssi. If you're a real man, perhaps you should learn manners first?" His tone remained perfectly pleasant, but the venom underneath was unmistakable. He tilted his head, smile widening just a fraction. "Or will you keep barking? It's instinct for dogs to bark at the things that scare them, no?"
Takaya's intervention was a mercy Jae-eun didn't particularly want. He'd been perfectly content to continue dissecting Suga's character in two languages, but orders were orders.
He turned his attention to Akira Yamazaki before Suga could respond. Guen's Tsuguko, her inheritor, the one left to carry water for a rogue Hashira's legacy. The young slayer stood with an androgynous grace that made gender irrelevant, features delicate but posture suggesting coiled steel beneath the surface. Jae-eun studied them with the clinical detachment of someone appraising a tool they might need to use later. Another piece of baggage he was expected to carry.
"Yamazaki-san." His greeting was clipped, perfunctory, barely more than an acknowledgment of their existence. No warmth. No welcome. Just a name spoken into the void between them. "Follow my instructions, don't do anything reckless, and we might get along." There was no offer of mentorship. No reassurance. Just cold efficiency wrapped in the shell of someone who used to care about such things.
When Gin introduced themselves with that poem, that playful jest about being two weeks old, Jae-eun's response was equally brief. "Gin-san." A nod, the greeting equally brief. "Welcome. I'm sure you'll find working with us very... educational."
Inside, something bitter coiled in his chest. Muragarasu's words echoed in his mind, unwelcome and persistent: "Love is both sanctimonious and sacrilegious, it is a seed, nascent and unmolded until a practiced hand gives it shape."
His love for the Corps, for his duty, for the people he was supposed to protect, it was curdling into something else. Something possessive and resentful and tired. Dragon Breathing had always been about holding too tightly, about refusing to let go even when it hurt. But what happened when there was nothing left worth holding onto?
He sat in silence, waiting for the meeting to continue, and wondered distantly if anyone else could see how thin his mask had become. The pleasant mask was still there, technically, but it had become something sharper. Something that didn't bother to hide the exhaustion and contempt simmering underneath. Two weeks ago at the onsen, he'd been tired. Now, he wasn't sure if he was pretending that any of this still mattered.
As soon as the two were out of sight in the back alley of the bar, Gekido lit himself another cigarette, blowing smoke into the air above them as he looked up.
"We're both busy in our tasks, so I'll get straight to the points. It's a Code Red for us. Park Jinwoo of Kogen has declared war on us, Demon Lord Rikyo has betrayed us, and it seems the Chairman and that Ubuyashiki kid had enacted a temporary emergency truce to deal with these problems, particularly the latter. My orders are directly from Michikatsu-sama to arrange a "trade" with the Slayers on the ground. We sell out the Traitor, they give us the Spider Lilies and the means of production." He explained. He then paused to see if Xaku is interested in any details of the situation.
“... I see.”
Is all Xaku says at first. Her thoughts are placid, assessing Gekido’s words. Rikyo’s betrayal is unfortunate, but not unexpected. Vermin is as vermin does. Surprise would have meant she expected something different from someone like him.
... She should have killed him the first time they met. But, it was too late for hindsight now. There were greater issues to worry about.
A war between progenitors. The toll would be... heavy.
... Always the same. Human or demon. And, as always, she will have to be the one to clean up the mess.
“So, that is why you require the Hashira.”
"Indeed. As the Hashira are the alphas of their soldiers, they're the only ones with any authority to make this deal, and they are the best we got at getting rid of Rikyo. Not to mention, with the death of Hikaru Tsukigumi at Rikyo's and his bitch's hand, some of them may be more inclined to take the offer in an attempt at revenge. ...Moreover, it may also solve another problem we have had tonight: Guen Tomioka. We may be able to rein her in by giving her exactly what she wants. The other more minor Slayers like Tenko aren't truly of consequence in that respect, in fact under normal circumstances I wouldn't have even bothered to intervene in her arrest. But the more slayers to stand witness and deal with Rikyo, the more of a chance we may have at getting rid of him. Not to mention, Trust is necessary in any trade negotiation. Our Prime objective is preparations for the war, the acquisition of those Spider Lilies, and getting rid of the Traitor. ...Three birds, one stone." He explained, as he blew more puffs of smoke, his eyes glowing at the last bit.
"So I'm going ask one more time, not a command, merely a request. Let Tenko off with a warning this time. Mamu-chan clearly isn't pressing charges for what she almost did, after all. But if you still refuse, I won't stop you, especially since that girl was willing to surrender to you either way." He then said.
For a moment, Xaku is tempted to explain how that isn’t how the law works. Whether Mamushi intended to press charges is irrelevant. Tenko’s actions could not be dismissed so simply, especially considering she did it while in possession of a firearm. She dismisses the thought.
It's irrelevant.
“... A compromise, then. Letting Thompson-san off without judgment is unacceptable. But... the current circumstances require a different approach. Thus, I am willing to allow a deferral of her arrest until the situation is resolved.” She accedes to his request, at least in part.
“However, with that said,” Xaku’s eyes meet Gekido, the faint marks below them seeming to squirm on her skin. “Let it be known that if any of these Demon Slayers lay a hand on my subordinates again, Rikyo will be the least of their worries.”
"Heh... If it comes to that, by all means, rip their fucking arms off. We've both seen enough stupidity for one night. Besides, a Truce goes both ways." He said with a smile.
"At the moment, these are my responsibility. I'm sure Michikatsu-Sama has something in mind for you to do while I'm taking care of this. My best guess, preparing our men for a Korean invasion. To be honest, looking him, I have my doubts that Park Jinwoo's a threat to Michikatsu-Sama, the least threatening of the three, in fact. But he is still a Progenitor, and all three of them have been around since Muzan's day. They have their own demons, and who knows how strong they will be. Our top priority should be preparing for them to come knocking at our door. My prep is through this, taking care of the Spider Lilies and getting rid of the liability, and you probably already have gears turning on what needs to be done on your end." He said, crushing the burned part of his cigarette to extinguish it before opening the door back into the Bar for the both of them to go through.
Now that the situation was settled, for him, it was time to put the pieces together.
Present Day
This was...A crazy couple of weeks, probably the craziest in Gekido's life, and that says a lot.
First came the whole negotiation with the slayers and subsequent orders to rebuild the Temple. Right around the time Takaya came back to assist, a group of strong and able yakuza - human yakuza - entered as well. Hailing from several subsidiary families under Gekido's main family, they came bearing a message to Takaya Ubuyashiki and Daikaku Koshin:
"To Daikaku Koshin, By way of apology for the transgressions of my peers, I have sent several of my men to aid you in the rebuilding and renovation of this temple. In spite of what it housed, it remains the perfect getaway from my duties under the Chairman.
To Ubuyashiki-San, consider this offering a sign of good faith upon what we have discussed, with hopes that you shall make good with the terms we have discussed.
You may use and discipline these men however you see fit until the temple's renovations are complete.
~ Signed, Demon Lord of the 6th Heaven, Gekido."
Then along came the meeting where he essentially took a bullet to make sure Rikyo had no idea what was transgressing, and to properly begin the plan of weeding out said traitor to their cause.
Urami informed him of what transpired at the meeting itself, and to be frank, he'd be lying if he said he liked the idea. There were alot that could go wrong in a system like Michikatsu suggests, and having to endure the potential loss of freedom by subjecting themselves to the whim of the other kings, to say nothing of their elite demons...it was hard to put any faith in anyone right now but Michikatsu, and making him the sole ruler of the entirety of Japan would be preferable. Not to mention that it completely burns away what progress he made with the negotiations, making the Slayers prepare for a war that would not come. However, he does understand Michikatsu's reasoning in all this; Demonkind must stand united, lest they fall to each other and to the slayers. He simply wishes they'd be united under one king he knows will keep them individual, rather than with three who could be more...iron-gripped.
In any case, fighting against a freed Ryunosuke Kamado was not part of the plan at the time of its making, but it was a nice bonus, in spite of technically losing that fight. His power as a Blood Moon was gone for that week until his battle with Rikyo, but he did not stand idly by for that week, especially given his loss against his nemesis.
Disgusting thought it may be to him, he can't help but feel grateful to Ryunosuke. His loss proved that he was not yet ready, that he was not yet as strong as he wanted to be, and so it gave him the motivation to do the one thing a "Model Demon" like Rikyo would likely refuse to do, the one thing he felt was the catalyst of his victory.
Train.
For even after he became a Blood Moon, Gekido did not rest on that power alone. He trained, and trained, unsatisfied with an abyssal ambition, a never ending hunger for more power. After losing to Ryunosuke that day, he spent all week training his body, his mind, and his Blood Art.
Not for Rikyo, the Traitor meant nothing to him, but for Ryunosuke, for when they next meet.
No, Rikyo was merely an Obstacle in his way, for if he can't beat Rikyo while they're evenly debuffed, how could he ever win against the Strongest of the Hashira that was his true White Whale?
Sure enough, The day came.
Years ago, when Keodis-Senpai left the Blood Moons, there was a Bloodrite battle just like this for his vacant seat. Gekido, who would have been promoted back then, fought a newcomer at the time, Rikyo. At the time, Gekido couldn't win against Rikyo's unique blood art, and so he became the Demon Lord of the 7th Heaven, in spite of being essentially a rookie.
But this time was different. Gekido has learned from that previous battle with this asshole, and he's learned from his most recent battle with Ryunosuke. He grew stronger, his fire burned more brightly than ever before, and in the end, he stood victorious against Rikyo.
Rikyo was ousted from the Blood Moons as a result of their treacherous actions, the plan worked just as they wanted it to, and Gekido was now Demon Lord of the 7th heaven, now on par with his Senpai and friend.
Of course, Gekido wasn't a fool. Now that Rikyo was out of the Blood Moons, he was disconnected from the Chairman's sights. He lost a significant amount of power, but now he could do what he wants away from his prying eye, likely stemming to gain more power from behind closed doors and usurp Michikatsu with it.
As such, immediately after he was promoted, he put himself to work. He kept an eye on Rikyo whenever he could, and so already knows what it is he was after... Just as that kid predicted.
...So how did it come to this?
When a Yakuza fails, he dishonor his superior officer, he dishonors his clan, and so dismembers a piece of themselves and offers it to their boss in retribution, usually a finger. For a Demon Yakuza, however, what is a mere piece of their body worth when they can just regenerate it back? How do they offer retribution, and regain lost honor for their fuck-ups?
The downside of a demon's boon: They can take more than the average human, so naturally, proper punishment demands more than average human. Penance that goes back to the barbaric days of darkness.
Kneeling in failure as his Chairman torture and lectures him, writhing in pain, suffocating, the feeling of sunlight on his back, like leaning back on an open fireplace as the pain forced to groan in agony. He did not yell, or cry, or spoke with either apology nor profanity as he deals with what's happening - not that he would have been allowed to as Michikatsu chokes the life from him. Either way, he had no right to. After all, this... this is nothing more than consequence and punishment befitting, indeed, failure.
There were two reason Gekido was enduring this horrific ritual...
The first was an issue that had indeed been an elephant in his room for some time now. He was partnered with Urami, the Demon Lord of the 4th Heaven, the greatest gift he could have ever had, and one he valued deeply. Urami had a reputation to her, her position made her powerful enough that she could kill even Hashira in spite of her status, and she has never once suffered a defeat, never lost a fight. As if that wasn't enough, she is an incredible officer of his men, the Captain of his Family and had proven herself time and again that she's earned that position.
Yet, as a consort, she was meant to be his bride, and to conceive a child, an heir to his throne, so to speak. Gekido cares greatly for her, but she could not ever truly be a replacement for the wife he lost in his human life. Maybe it's old-fashioned, and he is simply torturing himself - quite literally in this case - over something that perhaps his wife would want him to let go and move on from for the sake of his happiness. But even so, he can't help but think that sleeping with someone else in his bed is but a betrayal of the one he loved as a human.
That said, there was another reason as well, one more important than ever. For it's because he cares about Urami and how beneficial she has been to him, that enforces his decision of celibacy. When a consort is pregnant, after all, all the excess power goes into the conception of the baby in her womb, weakening her greatly even after birth. Slayers see Consorts as targets, a one-way ticket to promotion, for if one kills a Consort, one is recognized as a Hashira, as Himari and others have proven. To purposely make his partner vulnerable to the enemy, especially when they've proven themselves beyond sanity these past few weeks, never felt like anything but a foolish waste to him.
There was more to it than that, of course, but that wasn't entirely important right now.
More importantly, however, the bigger reason for why he's in this position... Was an actual failure he must take full responsibility for.
After the battle that promoted him, Gekido was quick to his next task, aiming to fulfill his end of an unfinished deal by keeping a close eye on Rikyo.
It was from this deal that he found out about what he was planning, thanks to Takaya Ubuyashiki's foresight, he knew what Rikyo was after some time now: The Blade of the Legendary Swordsmith, Muramasa. Finding the original blades were all but impossible now, but Rikyo seemed to have a much better idea. For Muramasa had descendants, the last of which he was planning to take claim of and force to produce one of those blades for him, a blade so dangerous, especially with that cult of his, that he may well be able to use it against Michikatsu successfully.
Everything was going well. The sword wasn't yet made, the last descendant not yet found, until he and Urami managed to find them first.
But then, it fell apart when Rikyo did something Gekido did not ever expect of him.
He killed that descendant. The last keeper of Muramasa's talent and knowledge, and the way to make such a blade with them, was now gone. Rikyo deliberately destroyed what was supposedly his only means of taking power, and he can imagine at the time that the only reason he would do such a thing was as one final "Fuck You!" to his former boss and replacement.
Gekido predicted Rikyo would do a lot of things, any means of ensuring he gets that knowledge for himself, but he never anticipated he would just erase it, knowing how vital it was to his own plans.
He underestimated Rikyo's conniving and unpredictable nature, and so he failed. As Demon Lord, he was accountable and responsible for his failures. Even if, as he says, some among his family were being rebellious asshats - and he will deal with them later - Any faults his family makes, he is also held liable for, such is the cost of leadership.
Thus, when he was ordered to stand for punishment by the chairman, he did not resist, and he did not talk back. He came to him as ordered, and endured his punishment regardless of painful it was.
As he endured everything that was happening, his mind became more inquisitive as ever, perhaps out of an instinct to escape the unbearable agony; his mind drifted out to think of something anything to take his mind off the pain.
It was then he realized... Why did Rikyo do that? Muramasa's blade was his only chance, especially now that he wasn't a part of the blood moons, to usurp the chairman's throne for himself. The original weapons were all lost, there were no other way to recreate them anew without that knowledge. To kill his only means of getting one is to give up on getting one at all. To give up on that, knowing how strong his enemy was, is to give up on his ambition for his throne, and that's not the Rikyo he knows.
That's when he had an epiphany. There was only one conclusion that can be drawn, one simple answer...
As the Punishment finally stopped, Gekido was on his hands and knees, gasping for air, breathing heavily as the burns still were still felt. He was practically bowing at Michikatsu's feet.
"My... My Apologies... Chairman. It won't happen again..." Was all he could say for himself as he was healed. Making any excuse at this point was futile; what's done was done. Besides, Michikatsu had full access to his mind. He knew exactly what Gekido was thinking; there was no need for words, or any explanation of how he intends to redeem himself of his failure. At that point, Michikatsu alone already knew what Gekido was planning, and it was best for it to stay that way.
"You are at a rough start, Blood Moon 2, you are no longer Blood Moon 3, get your act right."
"Yes, I Understand. Thank you, Chairman. If you'll excuse me..." He said as he stood up, giving the Chairman a short bow in respect before leaving back to his Family HQ.
On the way out, he spotted Reiha, now Blood Moon 4. It would be upsetting that of all the consorts she'd be worthy over his own, but he already knew the real reason she's planted there, and so he kept his mouth shut. He spotted Guen being among them, a rather surprising person to be there and alongside Reiha of all demons, no less... But before he could think about that, he then saw Keodis, giving him a nod as he and the ladies seemed to have a mission for the Library, giving him a hand on his shoulder before walking out.
"Meet me when you're done, Senpai." He said telepathically to Keodis. Hopefully the Chairman would allow it to be private so a certain someone doesn't hear.
First thing's first...
He puts back on his coat, igniting his hands and feet with white flames. As soon as he was outside, he jumped up and blasted himself into the night sky, using his Blood Art on his limbs like rocket thrusters.
"Ah yes. Doing something stupid, the thing I'm known for."
Kousai sat near the back of the room, his sight fixated on Dalnim Suga, the Korean Slayer. He spoke about Kousai as if he knew him but, in reality it was purely from the hype generated from past endeavors. As much as he enjoyed a compliment or two, he didn't enjoy the speaking down upon those he'd willing call comrades. His dissatisfaction with the Corp came specifically from the higher ups and those that followed their word unflinchingly. There were those among the Hashira in the room that that Kousai held in higher regard and even those that he didn't, he refused to question their resolve in solving the demon menace.
His gaze would soon turn to Himari, his sister, and one of the few people he beloved in this world. Unfortunately he harbored a bit of grudge with her at the current moment. It had been a week since they last talked, a talk that ended in a fight due to his previous actions against Keodis. He couldn't stand it. She was the one person he believed would understand what he was going through, but it felt pointless to dwell on right now. He hoped things would change, but right now he needed to focus on what else Kairi stated.
"Sun Breathing."
Kousai spoke out loud toward those conducting the meeting, his mind racing at the very thought that they thought he needed to learn it. If his brother only could learn Flame Breathing then what hope did they think he'd achieve Sun Breathing? Not only that but the image of Keodis flooded his mind. His dumb grin, and the act of breaking his blade causing Kousai to grip Tousai's Nichirin katana. He wanted to fight him again but, with what he mastered, but if this was what they wanted then he'd oblige. Knowledge is power and Kousai would deem this training an avenue to become more. The words "God of Thunder and Flame" echoed through his mind.
"And who shall teach me Sun Breathing? With my cousin captured, who I hope we have a plan to save, then we are rather limited on masters of that form."
Kōshin's silence was palpable, almost heavy as he entered the room for the meeting. With the previous issues regarding Takaya's actions and plans still unresolved, Kōshin's dissatisfaction with the situation was clear and he himself grew tired of trying to hide it. The plans for having the Daikaku shrine rebuilt weren't a secret for him. In fact, despite the growing... dissatisfaction with the way Takaya was acting, he was still grateful for it... All of that changed in that meeting in the very moment he heard Takaya and his sister, Kaname's next words, mentioning the location would not be disclosed to him...
"Then it is the Daikaku Shrine no longer." Kōshin said with a firm tone.
"My previous statement remains unchanged, Takaya. Should the monks from the other branches decide I should step down as the head monk due to my failure to protect the Daikaku Temple, I will gladly step down... But this is an internal matter to be decided by the Daikaku monks." he continued as he looked to Takaya specifically.
"The Daikaku Temple has been supporting the Demon Slayer Corps for countless years... But we are still a neutral party. Whether they are slayers or even demons seeking peaceful coexistence and refuge, we would gladly accept both under our roof. I insist for you to not try to drag us to power struggles between Demon Slayer Corps branches or into wars we have no part in. Remember this, Ubuyashiki Takaya and Kaname... The Daikaku monks are not soldiers... Much less your soldiers." Kōshin said, his voice, firm and unshakeable, leaving little room for misinterpretation or argumentation.
With those words said, Kōshin silently gave a step back again, resuming the heavy silence from before. The Slayer Corps had their own problems to deal with and even though Kōshin had volunteered to help, he was still not a Hashira or even a member of the Demon Slayer Corps... Something he wanted to be sure that Takaya would not forget.
Ever since the attack on the Daikaku Temple, an ominous feeling has been worrying Kōshin. Between the demons' movement and how the Demon Slayer Corps was acting, he was afraid that the war between all involved factions was unavoidable... as it was the loss of innocent lives when it finally started.
"Om Mani Padme Hum..." Kōshin chanted to himself in a low tone, invoking the wisdom and compassion of Avalokiteshvara to aid him into easing his worries.
