Hello dear Readers!

Before continuing to the story, I want to thanks GrimmjowTaichou, Raphtalia Joestar, Ayshane-Vis, and thefranciscoknight for the reviews.

For GrimmjowTaichou, I forgot that Kai can basically create anything. I'm pretty sorry because I'm too sticking on Manga and Anime for his attack patterns.

Enjoy the chapter! Before that, I make a poll in my profile of who should accompany Kai in Demon Slayer verse from his old Shie Hassaikai. You can fill it and I appreciate what readers will choose.


/N: My Hero Academia is written and illustrated by Kouhei Horikoshi. Demon Slayer is written and illustrated by Koyoharu Goutoge.


Chapter 6

I Cursed My Weakness

It's been a few hours since Kai is take over the Natagumo Mountain from Lower Moon Five, Rui. Now, he takes the business that he very hated of.

Cleaning the filth. On in other words, fixing the temple for his new base.

Although not only Kai, the remaining members of the Spider Family, including Rui are cleaning up the temple on the center part. Since they can't touch the sunlight, Kai order them to do so, while he, Kanae, and Shinobu cleaning the outside.

On Kai side, he creates broom sticks from the wood of the trees using his Quirk, then giving it to the others. He also creates feather dusters from the birds around to clean up the dust. "I never expected that I use my Quirk to creating something like this." Kai uttered. He usually more like to use his deadly Quirk in battle.

"Don't utter like that Kai." Kanae said from the entrance of the temple, cleaning it. "If that so… Your abilities are really useful."

"For a household that is." Shinobu joked while sweeping the floor on the outside of the temple.

"Did they in the inside are doing their job?" Kai asked.

"They doing fine really. Although they… As expect of Oni, can't walk out from the temple during the day." Shinobu informed.

"Though I really wonder… Did Kanao is well on the estate along with the others?" Kanae suddenly mumbled with a little sad tone. She truly miss her home.

"Your estate you say?" Rui asked while walking from inside the temple. He stopped just a few meters from the entrance, so the sunlight won't reach him.

"Shinobu and I are own an estate called the Butterfly Estate. It's our personal home and we also have some orphans in there… Well, many of them because of evil Oni…" Kanae replied. "But I not mean you and your family Rui."

Rui silent for a moment. "If that so, I suggest you treasure them dearly Demon Slayer." He replied.

"Brat, I suggest that you already finish cleaning up the temple?" Kai asked the former owner of the mountain.

"Still on-going." Rui replied. "I'm just curious with the work on the outside."

"Well then you finish the inside right now." Kai ordered. "Before noon, this base must be clean from filth."

Rui nod, before going back inside the temple.

Kai sighed, wondering how long he and the others are finished on cleaning the temple.


Meanwhile on the room inside the temple, Sofia not join the cleaning. She's watch over Shiro, who still unconscious because of her poison. Since she's still not known of the outcome of the battle, Sofia suggests to Kai that she watch over her to explain everything. Currently, only Rui and Pereira doing their job on cleaning the temple.

"Sofia." Pereira called her. "Why'd you not clean the temple? Mr. Chisaki will be mad at you if you don't." She said. Despite a little confident now, the trauma of being tortured by Rui still not missing.

"Don't worry Pereira. I already ask for his permission. I'll clean the temple after Shiro is awake I promise." She assured her.

"Okay then. I hope Shiro is awake soon. Because… Even though Rui is now changed…" Pereira uttered, afraid to say that she still not comfortable staying with Rui.

"No need to afraid of him Pereira. I'm pretty sure Rui is different than what he used to be." Sofia assured her.

"O-o-okay. If y-you say so…" Pereira is stutter to agree before continuing on cleaning the temple.

At the same time, Shiro is groaning while opening her eyes. She then immediately sit up with cold sweat all over her face. She then looks at her surroundings. 'This is… Inside the base!?'

Sofia smiled seeing her friend is awake. "So you're awake Shiro."

"Sofia! What're you doing here!?" Shiro yelled in fear. "I-if Rui k-know…"

"Then I'll punish you?" Rui said while entering the room. "There's no more of that. I already realized that my treatment to all of you is wrong. I already apologize toward Mother and Eldest Sister. Because of that-" Rui surprisingly bow in attempt to beg of forgiveness. "Forgive me for ever said cruel things to you Elder Sister. I finally realized what I want is just people that cared for me like my true parents. I was ruled by that selfish desire for a long time."

Shiro can't say any words by what she saw. Here in front of her, the one that always act monotone, cruel, and cocky toward her is bow for forgiveness. "I… Don't know…"

"Shiro…" Sofia uttered, understanding Shiro confusion.

"Please… Leave me alone for a while." Shiro pleaded. "I… Still need to think about many things…."

Sofia at first insisted that she shall accompany her, but she finally accept Shiro pleading, and she and Rui later go to the main hall of the temple.

After both of them gone, Shiro later weep herself using her sleeve. She still feel guilty for betraying Sofia while she helps her to escape Rui's wrath, yet she's still smiled at her.

The same for Rui. Why'd her tormentor and boss now act very differently?

For now, she must let all of the thought out before she's ready to received what'd actually happen.


Meanwhile, far away from the Natagumo Mountain. On somewhere, lies a massive estate that's revealed to be the headquarters of the Demon Slayer Corps.

In the terrace of the estate that's facing a beautiful garden; a man is seen sitting with a soft smile on his face. He has light skin and black shoulder length hair. He has something like a mark that is caused by a poison that also makes his skin look as if it was rotting spreading down his face and covering one of his eyes making him partially blind. He wears a black kimono with a long white kimono jacket with a pink and purple mist like pattern that starts around the lower back/waist.

On the garden that faces his sight, a young man is seen bow in respect. He is a tall, muscular, and slender man with spiky white hair and large eyes. His face and body are covered with scars, accrued over his many years of fighting demons. He wears a standard Demon Slayer Uniform with white haori. The young men then spoke. "Oyakata-sama, thank you for giving some of you busy time to hear my request. I hope you always in good health." He said in respectful tone.

The man known as Oyakata-sama or in other words Kanae's leader is nod with a smile. "It's okay Sanemi. All of you is like my children like I always said, so I always spare my time." He replied kindly.

"Oyakata-sama, you must be have the same worry as I did. For five days, both Kanae and Shinobu are not returned from their mission to investigate the district that is suspected hiding one of the Twelve Demon Moons." The young man known as Sanemi begin his speak.

"I understand why you would worry Sanemi. I also not receiving any news because their Kasugai Crow is also not seen coming here. Young Aoi and the others at the Butterfly Estate also have the same worry for them. I tried my best to comfort them, but… I cannot lie that I'm worried about their well-being." Oyakata-sama said in sad tone.

"I have my personal gratitude toward Kanae Kocho. If not because of her, I maybe still look at you with the same disdain look Oyakata-sama." Sanemi said.

"I understand Sanemi. I'm sorry for not being a leader of this organization like you expect me to be." Oyakata-sama said apologetically.

"The main is, I want to request something Oyakata-sama." Sanemi finally said his request. "Please Oyakata-sama, allow me to go to the district where Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho. I ready to face a hard fact. If they somehow still alive, I'll bring them to here, so the girls in the Butterfly Estate can be happy again."

"Are you sure you'll be alright Sanemi? It's not that I not trust your ability. There's a big chance they encounter an Upper Moon. I'm afraid something will happen to you." Oyakata-sama said.

"Don't worry Oyakata-sama." Sanemi said while looking at him with a smile. "I become the Wind Pillar is because of your kindness. Because of it, I'll never disgrace the title you gave me."

Oyakata-sama later nod. "Very well Sanemi. If that's you wanted, I'll allow you to go there alone to check the condition. I can only pray for your safety on there."

"Don't worry. I promise I'll bring both Kanae Kocho and Shinobu Kocho safely." Sanemi promised.


Now we go to the Butterfly Estate. It is the personal house for Kanae and Shinobu since they're joining the Demon Slayer Corps. Since that, both of them also picks up some girls that the parents are killed by Oni, making them as their students or doing the daily household activities.

On the backyard, a young girl is seen busy drying clothes. She has deep blue eyes that fade to a lighter blue at the bottom, along with white pupils, straight black hair with a parted fringe, and twintails. She wears two blue butterfly clips to keep her twintails in place. For her outfit, she wears the standard uniform with the addition of a white nurse dress on top of it. Her uniform is tinted slightly blue. This girl is Aoi Kanzaki, a caretaker on the Butterfly Estate.

Ever since Kanae and Shinobu disappearance due to Kai forced invitation to join him, the Butterfly Estate turn somber. Aoi is seen with a frown like usual, but her eyes is showing sadness, because the fate of the two is still mysterious.

Meanwhile on the house terrace that facing the backyard; another young girl is watching Aoi. She has large, gentle eyes of a pink-lilac color that are framed by thick eyelashes. She has thin black hair, worn tied into a ponytail on the right side of her head and fastened by a pink and green butterfly ornament. She has a straight fringe and two loose, chin-length strands that curve downwards from above each of her ears. For outfit, she's wearing pink kimono. This is Kanao Tsuyuri, the adopted youngest sister of Kanae and Shinobu.

Kanao then flip a coin to the air and catch it with the back of her hand, showing head. She then speak toward Aoi. "Aoi, you can rest if you want." She said.

Aoi later look toward Kanao. "No Lady Kanao. Since Lady Kanae and Shinobu still not return, I must keep the house clean enough, so they can rest inside a clean house."

Kanao just smiled hearing it, although it because she can't decide how to reply that.

From the side of the room, three little girls watching Kanao and Aoi with sad look on their face.

The first is Sumi Nakahara. She has light skin and a set of black, button-like eyes. She wears her hair in low twin-tails fastened with blue butterfly clips. She sports a long-sleeved nurse uniform tied with a blue ribbon around her waist and wears white socks and shoes. "Lady Kanao and Aoi surely sad. Just like us." She said.

The second is Kiyo Terauchi. She is a girl with light skin and a set of circular, black eyes. She has shoulder-length black hair with thin bangs framing her face, along with two pink butterfly clips on each side of her head. She wears a long, white nurse dress tied with a dark, reddish-pink bow around her waist. She also sports white socks and shoes. "It's been five days since Lady Kanae and Shinobu are gone on a mission. Yet they're no news. I'm afraid something bad happening to them." She said.

The third and the last is Naho Takada. Naho is a light-skinned, young girl with button-like black eyes. Her hair is parted in the middle with two braided twin-tails tied with green butterfly clips. She wears a long-sleeved nurse uniform with a green wrap tied into a bow around her waist and white socks and shoes. "Me too. I hope they're safe wherever they be." She said.


However, true to what they predicted, on Rui's temple in Natagumo Mountain, Kanae is sitting on the terrace of the temple while having sad look on her face. It's almost close to six days since she along with Shinobu leaves on their supposed mission to locate the hiding location of an Upper Moon Oni.

But now, she and Shinobu are under thumbs of someone else. But, despite seemingly lack of concern he display for them, Kai truly take care of them greatly till now.

Besides, he's the one who saving her life and because of that, making Shinobu away from path of vengeance.

'I know that Kai have a dream of making his destroyed Yakuza being established again. I and Shinobu already promised to join him with the promise that he shall never tell the Emperor Taisho about the existence of Demon Slayer Corps. He knows that I and Shinobu will leave after he's completing his goal. But… After seeing Arata that night, why'd his words keep ringing on my head?' She thought wallowing in her own mind. "Arata… What truly happen to you during all these years?" She uttered.

"Lady." Kanae look behind her to see Rui is calling her from a spot where sunlight won't reach. "Can I talk for a while? It's personal." He said.

"O-okay." Kanae replied while walking inside the temple where Rui is seen sitting. She then sit facing him. "What're going to talk about Rui?"

"I just want to thank you for what you did during that time lady. Because of you, I finally regain my memories and finally understand what I desperately want. Your kind words also help me to fix my relationship with them." Rui thanked her, referring to his created family.

Kanae nod. "You know Rui, I want to ask you something, since you a member of Twelve Demon Moons and…"

"I know." Rui cut off. "Lady, you have a fine dream indeed. It's pretty rare for human to take pity to Oni, since even Demon Slayer Corps, including Pillars saw us as monster with no redeeming qualities. It's hard to find human with the dream such as you."

"I-I see. Thank you then." Kanae thanked. "It's because… I feel pity for you. You're formerly human. All of you who turn into man-eating monster because of Muzan twisted words. You're pitiful creatures, but monster at the same time that actually should not be forgiven at all."

"I understand that I'm monster that already killed hundreds, maybe even thousands. Even so, Mr. Kai still forgiving me and all the spiders in here love me." Rui admitted. "For someone who tried forgiving us is absurd. But even though now I should be in hell, Mr. Kai give me a chance to repent from my twisted way to the less twisted way…"

Kanae then decided to change the topic of conversation. "Um Rui… I know this maybe sound personal but… When you'd change into an Oni?" She asked.

"I… Changed into one… During the Meiji Period." Rui revealed.

'During Meiji!? And he already become Lower Moon Five!?' Kanae thought in surprise. If someone who transform from Meiji Era can already become a Lower Moon Five. What-if someone transformed into an Oni during Sengoku Period?

She can't imagine how powerful that Oni can be, since on that time it's a matter of life and death, not peaceful enough like now during Taisho.

However, one thought suddenly crossed to her mind. 'Wait a minute! During Meiji!? That means-' "Rui, I want to ask you something."

Rui raise his eye. "Go on. As long it doesn't concern that man, my body is safe." He said.

"Do you know… About a rebel group… called Juppongatana?" She asked.

Rui then narrow his eyes. "Why'd you ask that?"

"I… Just curious…" Kanae hastily replied, hiding her encounter with Arata and Masachika. "I know very little about them except my parents once told me that Juppongatana was a group of rebels that plan to overthrow Meiji Era. Since you lived during Meiji Era, can you tell me a little about them?"

Rui later silent for a moment, before speak. "I know about them. Although only in general. Did you not mind about that? Because I have some personal experience with one of them." He asked.

Kanaed nod seriously.

"Very well then." Rui replied. "From that man perspective, it is a group of twelve elite fighters, although some of them not fighter at all. Each of them are considered to be master of each their own sword, both literally or not and from what officially said in the newspaper, aiming to overthrow Meiji government and change it to their own image. The one that same as Bakumatsu time that is." He explained. "From what's written, they've been nightmare for at least ten years."

"Do you know any specific information about their member?" Kanae asked.

"Unfortunately no. Despite they sometimes hunt Oni as a mercenary or clash with the Demon Slayer Corps, I know not much. When I become an Oni, that man also brief about them for a while, but he not put them as a threat, since that man feels it just a human matter. But surprisingly, each of them doesn't use any kind of breath styles when fighting us." Rui replied. "However, with one of them, I never forget one scene. During that time, before I and my family moving to city, the previous village that I stayed was slain by one man for his own pleasure. He has the appearance of a man around his 40s, wearing some strange outfit with eye-pattern on it. But the most distinguishing feature is that he's wearing a blindfold with strange kanji on it and have some kind of spear with iron ball at the other tip. On his back, he also carries a turtle shell." Rui tell his encounter with one of the Juppongatana when he's still human.

"Such violence…" Kanae said with disgust for this man.

"Maybe it's not thing I should say, but human not always a saint. They also have monster of their own right like that man who did that to my previous village. It just… Humans also blind with their own darkness and instead blaming all of fault to us Oni. Because like you said before, we're the true personification of human dark personality and blaming us is easier than humans." Rui said. "Although it's also not a wrong thing for blaming us."

"Thank you Rui." Kanae thanked him.

"There's no need to thank evil such as me." Rui denied the thanks before standing up. "I suggest you shall see Mr. Kai now. Seemingly he has something to talk with you personally." He informed.

"With me?"


"So there are underground base in here as well?" Kai asked Sofia who's standing beside him. Currently, he's checking the interior of the temple after all of Spider Family already cleaning it.

"Well… Although it's very messy down there, due we only using that to hide if the sunlight are penetrating this temple." Sofia replied while making a small laugh.

"It's not time to laugh, that means you and the others must clean it. All of the tools are already exist." Kai said in disappointment.

"Okay okay." Sofia said before walking into the underground base to clean it.

Kai sighed. Ever since his plague mask is destroyed by Rui, he never ever consider to repair it although he can do it easily. He doesn't know why he won't repair it. His heart didn't understand why he's doing it.

'Maybe I just put that off, to sever my connection from that filth world, and focusing on pursuing the debt of me to Pops.' He concluded. "Besides, the air in here are still fresh enough to breath in…"

"Kai. Did you call for me?" Kanae finally appear in front of door of the room that connected to the underground base.

"Perfect timing Kanae." Kai greet her. "Let just talk somewhere else. Sofia is still busy cleaning the temple."


Both of them later go to the terrace of the temple and sitting on there. The two silent for a moment, before Kai is speaking. "Kanae. Do you and Shinobu… Miss your home on your organization?" He asked.

Kanae widen her eyes. Of the entire thing he can asking for, he ask this? "Why… Did you ask something like this?"

"I… Just pity you a bit. Seemingly… You have very important person on there, I understand it clearly, in there one of them must be trying to pay the debt of you taking them in." Kai reason.

"I see." Kanae said. "But… Are you not afraid that I or Shinobu will betray you for this?"

"It's not." Kai later placed one of his hand on Kanae shoulder. "For Shinobu I don't know. However… I trust you."

"Kai…" Kanae not expecting why Kai would trust her even though know her only few days. "Okay then. If you allow it, tomorrow I along with Shinobu will go to the Butterfly Estate for a while. I promise I'll return after few days."

"Okay then." Kai said. "Did I need to escort you?"

Kanae shook her head. "You recently got new members. Why don't you tried to tighten your bonds with them? You already know us enough."

Kai sighed before stand up and turn back to the temple. But, he then stop midway. "Kanae, if you have any free time…. Escort me to your estate. I… Curious if there can be use as a temporary base." He said before walking inside. "Just don't die during your way to your house okay, or I lose valuable assets to Shie Hassaikai."

Kanae smile while nodding. "Don't worry Kai. I promise that I'll return here."


"And that's how the situation currently right now." Shinobu is explaining everything toward Shiro, who's still in confusion with what happen.

"I see. So in other words, Rui's losing his hold on the mountain…" Shiro utter. "That's hard believe. To think a human other than Demon Slayer Pillars can defeat one of the Twelve Demon Moons by himself."

"Then, if you already understand everything, I'll go outside for a while." Shinobu then stand up before walking outside. 'Honestly… Demon Slayers talking and even must befriend Oni… What am I thinking?' She thought to herself as she walking on the temple corridor.


The time later shows sunset, meaning the situation will become tense. Kai already concluded that since Rui is seemingly Muzan valuable assets, he must be sending some assassin to punish him for his betrayal or the worst scenario is targeting Kai himself to take his head as a trophy.

The Wakagashira is seen sitting on the outside, watching as the sun goes down. Day switch to Night. "The air surely feels not right." He commented. "I wonder Muzan Kibutsuji… Will you keep wasting your underlings or you will show yourself in front of me? Show me your worth as the Ruler of the Night." He challenged.


At night, Kanae and Shinobu are seen sitting together on a bedroom that prepared by Sofia. Currently Kanae is telling Shinobu of her encounter with their long lost neighbor and Masachika, also about the Juppongatana.

"Arata… Is a Yakuza? And… Juppongatana?" Shinobu not believe one bit that her older sister told her. Of course like Kanae, she knows very little about Juppongatana except from what their parents told. Hearing it send shivers to her spine, since she's been told how cruel a member of Juppongatana could be. "C'mon Big Sis… That group is destroyed. That's not possible if a fanatic exists. This time is not Meiji anymore." She said.

"Maybe not. But… This situation is dire Shinobu. They're targeting Muzan like us, but I don't know for whatever reason, they targeting Oyakata-sama. This is bad Shinobu, we must warn the others about this condition." Kanae said.

"But sister… Our code doesn't allow us to harm other besides Oni." Shinobu said.

"Didn't you break that code when you're attack Kai? It's forbid to pointing your katana toward human." Kanae remind Shinobu. "We maybe sword practitioner, but we're not hitokiri or Shisengumi that free to kill during Bakumatsu."

"B-but… He started it first…" Shinobu uttered in shame.

"I know Shinobu. But you know what? Kai allow us to go back to Butterfly Estate for a while. Let use this chance to inform Oyakata-sama about this threat and starting hunt Muzan as fast as possible to face-off against this new threat." Kanae suggest.

"He… Allow that?" Shinobu didn't believe what she heard.

"Yes. Because of it, let rest for now so we can go tomorrow." Kanae replied before ready for sleep. "Goodnight Shinobu." She said before lie down and close her eyes.

Shinobu smiled at her older sister. "Goodnight Big Sister." She said before lie down and tried to sleep.


However, on the forest of Natagumo, Wakuraba is already seen appeared. The Lower Moon Three already promised Muzan that he will kill Rui and all of his families for dare to betray him.

'At last! This is what I've been waiting for! I'll get Lord Muzan acknowledgement and challenge one of the Upper Moons.' Wakuraba thought in glee knowing what price he'll get after this. 'Thanks to his blood, I already know how your abilities work Lower Moon Five. That also including your fool Oni.' He then felt something is crawling on his sleeve. Using his claws, he slash at something that's revealed to be a small spider. "Tch. Annoying creatures." He grunted as he jump from tree to tree.


However, it is revealed that the spider is one of Pereira's. 'Someone is infiltrating this mountain!' She thought in worry. "Someone's infiltrate the mountain! Seemingly an Oni!?" She yelled.

"I'll go." Pereira gasp and behind her Rui is seen standing.

"R-Rui…" Pereira uttered. She still can't forget Rui's torture and even after his personality seemingly changed, her fear is run deep inside her head.

"Tell the others to get ready mother." Rui ordered as he using his strings to levitate himself to the air, go to the location of the intruder.

"Okay!" Pereira nod half in fear.


Wakuraba is seen jumping from tree to tree, slashing through every spiders that seemingly attacking him. "Tch. What with all of these spiders! Did Lower Moon Five making a zoo or something!" He said in frustration since all he killed till now is just a bunch of useless creatures.

However, he realized second too late as Rui is sending some of his sharp strings toward him, who managed to avoid at the cost of his left arm, who quickly regenerate.

"Tch. A good sneak attack Lower Moon Five." Wakuraba compliment as he grin finally found what he's looking for.

Rui put on his disinterest mask. "You are venturing into other Lower Moon territories. I wonder why." He said using his bored tone.

"Don't play dumb Lower Moon Five. I know you're betraying that man trust. I can't believe that you're become that foolish even though he seemingly favor you among all the other Lower Moons." Wakuraba accused him while pointing his right index finger toward him. "I'll defeat you and your pathetic family! And that man will make me his favorite!"

"You're wrong on one thing. I've never betray that man. Because…" Rui later pumping his blood to his strings then doing slashing movement toward Wakuraba, who gracefully avoid. "… I still doing evil things like he did."

"Heh. You think you stand a chance against me?" Mock Wakuraba as he dodging another strings that tried to slash him. "Too slow!"

"No. you're in precise position." Rui later bring his hand forward, creating rotating strings formation. "Blood Demon Art: Kokushi Rinten!" He later launching rotating strings toward Wakuraba, aiming to cut him into hundreds pieces.

Wakuraba however just smirked. Suddenly elongated his claws, he doing a swing movement using both of his arms, destroying Rui's attack.

'He destroy that!' Rui thought as he sending slashing strings. However, just like his super moves, it also being destroyed by the same way.

"That's all you got Lower Moon Five? I suddenly wonder-" Suddenly, he appeared in front of Rui and punch him precisely in the gut. "-if you really that man's favorite or not!?" The punch so strong rhat it makes the Lower Moon Five being thrown several feet and his back hit a tree head-on.

"Guugh!" Rui grunted. 'I-impossible! Did I… Just being hurt! And why'd my wound didn't regenerate quickly like usual!'

"Well compare to you, my Blood Demon Art not that impressive compare to you." Wakuraba then lengthen his claw once again. "My techniques allow me to elongate my fingernails then releasing strong slicing air blades. That's what I used to cut through all of your annoying threads." He explain.

'What!? With that simple Blood Demon Art… He become Lower Moon Three!?' Rui thought in disbelief. Usually, Twelve Demon Moons consisting of Oni that have unique Blood Demon Arts.

To think the one that hold simple Blood Demon Art can hold the position of Lower Moon is something extraordinary.

How devoted he's to Muzan?

"Now. I'll put you out of your misery." Wakuraba later bring his hand backward to perform a slashing movements. "Blood Demon Art: Kama no Kamai-" He's unable to perform his technique as a foot is planted on his face, make him launch several feet before landing safely on the ground. "Oi oi. It's not fair if there are third guests on this battle!" He yelled.

The figure that saved Rui turn out to be Shinobu Kocho, who carries her unique Nichirin katana but not wearing her Demon Slayer outfit.

"You…"

"I'm not saving you." Shinobu denied. "I'm here because Chisaki said you're valuable assets so he can't let you die just yet. Pereira is also the one that told me."

Rui silent for a moment before smirk a little. "I see." He commented as he stand up. "I'm not surprised if it like that. But, why don't your sister that going here? She can end this fight easily."

"She's tired." Shinobu simply replied before turn her attention toward Wakuraba.

"Demon Slayer on this mountain? Huh, I really can't believe Oni and Demon Slayer join forces." Wakuraba commented toward Shinobu actions of saving Rui.

"We're not friends." Shinobu said toward Wakuraba.

"Talk all you want. And let me guess something… Are you Tsuguko or something?" Wakuraba asked.

Shinobu just narrowed her eyes.

"So I'm right." Wakuraba said before entering fighting stance. "You think you can win? I can see little eye bags over there. Seemingly you not sleep enough. Khu khu khu…"

'He found out that quickly! That means I must kill this Oni quickly!' Shinobu thought as she entering battle stance. "No need to worry about that, since you will die tonight." She said.

"Ha ha ha! That's funny to hear! Truly." Wakuraba laughed. "Because… I not relied on just my Blood Demon Art like most arrogant Oni." He then suddenly disappeared.

Shinobu shocked seeing her opponent is gone instantly. 'He's move that quick!' She thought.

"I bet you're confused why'd Lower Moon like me who should be not challenging enough for Tsuguko can make your shocked because of my speed? It's not because your body condition that lack of sleep." Wakuraba said while appears between her and Rui.

"Tch." Rui later preparing his blood-echanced strings to slash him.

Shinobu quickly turn to deliver a poisonous thrust.

"Simple really." Surprisingly, using both of his leg, he kicks both Shinobu and Rui while maintaining his balance using just three fingers. "I once a member of Oniwabanshu. More exact… The one that guards the Shogun during the Bakumatsu." He revealed.

"Oniwabanshu!?" Rui said in disbelief.

"Bakumatsu! The time of bloody chaos that lead to Meiji Era!?" Shinobu also shock with what she heard.

"That's right. Thanks to my experience, it's enough to make me hold the position of Lower Moon Three!" He then delivering fast but precise punch to Rui's face, making him crash to a tree close to him. He then turn toward Shinobu, his claws elongated. "I'll make you pay for disturbing someone's battle!"

"Try it if you like!" 'Dance of the Dragonfly: Compound Eye Hexagon!' Shinobu later delivering multiple thrust that seemingly targeting Wakuraba's vital.

'Aiming for my vital huh! I won't let you!' Using his experience in facing thrusting attack during the Bakumatsu, Wakuraba make a bold decision. He stop Shinobu katana using his hand that's revealed being covered with iron gloves to stop each stab that precisely targeting all of his vital. However, he misses one thrust that managed to pierce his right shoulder. 'Tch, it's so many that I miss one strike to block! But wait a second! This is…'

'I won!' Shinobu thought triumph. However, her triumphs soon turn into horror when Wakuraba suddenly grab the katana using his other hand, snapping it in half. "B-but…"

"I know that you're aiming to inject Wisteria Poison into me but… That katana you're using is run out of it. I can't believe that luck fall to an Oni like me." He then kick Shinobu, making her stumble backward. Using the momentum, Wakuraba jump backward while preparing one of his Blood Demon Art. 'Blood Demon Art: Kama no Kamaitachi!' Wakuraba later doing slashing movement to the empty air, delivering a sharp, razor-sharp air blade that slice Shinobu's torso, injuring her left lung. "A…Agh…" Shinobu later drop down to the ground.

Rui, who seeing the attack later act quickly. "Tch. Just die!" He then creating a web formation on both of his palm. "Blood Demon Art: Ayame-kago!" A ball of sharp strings later form around Wakuraba. "Being sliced to little pieces!" Rui later shrinking the ball using his left hand, while his other hand sending his strings toward fallen Demon Slayer to stitching her wounds.

"Weak! Blood Demon Art: Tsujumikaze!" Wakuraba later doing rotating slashing movement, creating whirlwind-shaped air blades that cut through all the strings. "It's useless brat!" He yelled as he launch toward Rui.

"I won't lose that easily!" Rui later brandishing spider web-shaped strings to attack. "Because I still want to fix the bond that I make during my evil ways!"

"Nonsense!" Wakuraba said as he using his air blades to cut through the strings. Rui later preparing a stance, tried to best him in hand to hand combat.

Meanwhile, Shinobu found herself hard to breathe due to her lung injuries and she's still lying on the ground. She really hated herself. Why she must be born with this weak little body? Why can't she become like her sister who can cut Oni's head?

Shinobu left hand later form a fist and she punch the ground repeatedly in frustration while tear is seen streaming down from her eyes. 'Useless! Useless! I'm such a useless! Not worthy! Weak! Why Buddha!? Why'd you so mean to me!? Thanks to this body… I… I can never protect Big Sister…' She thought in frustration as she continues to cry.

"Don't ever cry Shinobu."

Shinobu suddenly widen her eyes, remembering some memories during her training with Kanae.

(Flashback – One year ago)

Thirteen years old Shinobu is seen sparring with Kanae using bokken in the Butterfly Estate. However, the much stronger Kanae is easily dominating the spar, before it ended with Kanae won the battle by her bokken touching her sister neck.

"I win this round again." Kanae declared.

"As expected of Big Sister." Shinobu commented while being support to stand by Kanae.

"For now, just rest before I go to the next mission tomorrow." Kanae said as she walks inside the estate.

Shinobu however not finished yet. "Big Sister." She called.

Kanae later turn around. "What is it Shinobu?" She asked curiously after seeing her sister's expression that seemingly not fond of something.

"Big sister… Do you think that I… With this weak and small body… Can become a strong Demon Slayer just like you and Mr. Himejima?" She bluntly asked.

Kanae sighed. She always know that Shinobu is jealous for her lack of strength. "Shinobu, didn't I tell you-"

"I DON'T ASK FOR YOU TO PITY ME!?" Shinobu suddenly yelled. "Let me tell you Big Sister…. I'm frustrated! You managed to cut off Oni's head after few years of training under Mr. Himejima! While look at me! All I can do is delivering poisonous thrust which of course useful but let's not forget that time when a Oni can survive my poisonous thrust and will kill me if not because of Big Sister!" She then started to sob. "If I can't become stronger… How can I protect you, Big Sister…" She uttered as she now crying.

"Shinobu…" Kanae later walk toward her only sister, and hug her tightly. "Please Shinobu. Don't ever cry." She said while she's starting to cry as well. "If you sad… I'm sad as well…"

"I… Just don't want to lose another one of my family again…." Shinobu said as she cried harder.

Kanae can't say anything but encouragement toward Shinobu. "But at least you know what did you do if you face an Oni do you?" She asked.

Shinobu nod, despite crying. "Once I decided to defeat an Oni, defeat it. Once I decided to win against an Oni…

(Flashback End)

'I MUST WIN!' "U-u-u-ugh…" Shinobu later struggled to stand up. She then look toward Rui, who surprisingly still manage to hold his own against Wakuraba.

Wakuraba seeing that Shinobu is managed to stand up while he's still clashing against Rui. 'Impossible! She shouldn't be able to stand! My attack is slash her left lung! She must be had difficulty breathing now.'

"I have to admit for someone who have the same weak body as me when I was human… You're pretty tough." Rui compliment while attack Wakuraba, who drop his guard down with a fist that make him fall to the ground.

"Hah… Hah… Hah…" Shinobu unable to talk. Her damaged left lung prevented her from doing so. However, she look intently toward Wakuraba. 'Even though my katana is snapped… I can at least cut his neck off. Using the momentum of my strongest move.' Shinobu later took a stance, before suddenly disappeared. However, speck of dust shown that she moves so fast in zigzag.

'This is… Two steps below Shukuchi!' Wakuraba thought in disbelief. He then manages to kick Rui out of the way and focusing his intention toward Shinobu. However, her zigzagging movement make the Lower Moon Three is confused where to aim his attack. When suddenly, she's appears few meters in front of him. "What!?" He immediately is using both of his arm to cover his neck from the attack.

'Dance of the Centipede: Hundred-Legged Zigzag!' Shinobu later using the momentum of her Shukuchi-like movement, delivering powerful thrust toward Wakuraba's neck after pierce through his arm. However, the thrust only stop there due to the snapped katana and Shinobu weakened body.

'What the!?' Wakuraba only widen his eyes as the thrust is aiming to cut off his neck from the rest of his body. This make him enraged. "Enough of this!" He later delivering an upward kick toward Shinobu chin, hitting it cleanly and make her fall to the ground. Not forgetting Rui, he later decided to finish him off. "Now then. Seemingly you're lost your regeneration power huh? That's fine. That man himself will finish you off. I'll finish you with my strongest attack. Blood Demon Art." Wakuraba's claws later elongated. "Kamaitachi Midareuchi!" He later swing his arm in rapid succession, creating a barrage of air blades that will cut Rui to pieces if a wall of ground not protecting him.

Kai is seen walking toward Rui, who still can't stand because of his injuries.

"Mr. Kai…" Rui not believing that he will come personally.

"I come here personally, because you and Shinobu took to long. And Kanae need a rest." Kai inform before turning his attention toward Wakuraba. "Anyway, he's pretty strong isn't he?"

"So you must be the man that beat Lower Moon Five. The one that he's talking about." Wakuraba guessed. "How lucky I am. That means I get two dinners."

"You're wrong on one thing." Kai later using his Quirk on the ground, sending drill-shaped ground that spinning toward Wakuraba, who manage to avoid. "I'm just here to get back my two comrades. That's all." He later make the ground around Shinobu rise, making her thrown to the air before he catches her using constricting whip that make using forest floor. He then hold her small body on his arm.

"So you want to steal my prey. You worry so much about them do you?" Wakuraba later elongating his claw once again. "Then all you three can meet again in hell. Blood Demon Art: Kamaitachi Midareuchi!" He later using the same technique that he used against Rui toward Kai, sending a barrage of air blades.

"Annoying." Kai later makes his hand touches the ground once again, sending several stone spears toward Wakuraba, the spears is being cut to shreds. Wakuraba later using the chance to move toward Kai. He tried to slash him in close-range, but Kai easily duck the attack and tried to Overhaul the Lower Moon Three body.

'This aura!' Wakuraba thought on heavy caution as he quickly leaps backward, avoiding Kai's deadly hand just in time. "I'm surprised really. I've never thought human with body speed such as yours exist. I think only during Bakumatsu that someone manages to reach that kind of inhuman speed without using Breath Styles." He compliments.

"I already use to dodge thing as fast as bullet shoot from the fastest gun. It's not something to praise." Kai said. "Because anyway, seemingly there's someone who watching us the entire time."

"So you realized me huh?" Said someone who later appear from behind a tree that close to the location of the battle. He was a man probably around his early 50s. His appearance including a very long white hair with some blonde color still exist that raise upward much like a broom and yellow eyes with one of them closed. He is wearing surprisingly a standard kimono with flame pattern haori on his back. "Thanks to you young man, I was able to corner this Oni that I've been searching for the last three decades. But to think I finally find him during Taisho, it's disappointing." He thanked Kai.

Wakuraba later turn toward the newcomer, but widen his eyes after knowing who he is. "I-impossible… You're still active… As a police officer… Sword-hunter Cho?" He asked in disbelief while revealing the name of the mysterious man at the same time.

"So you still remember me? I'm flattered." The man now known as Cho smiled. "I quit that after the Taisho begin and lived as a wanderer. All the others are also like that and spend their times hunting you down, Wakuraba of Oniwabanshu. I had no grudge against you but… Since Lord Shishio orders still applied on us Juppongatana even after he died, I'll kill you this time."

Shinobu, who listening despite her injuries, is shocked. 'This man… He's an Juppongatana…'

'This man once a Juppongatana. Now I remember! I once seen a young man wearing strange kimono and carried many swords on his back. So this is the man during that time!' Rui thought while remembering that he saw Cho once.

"Humph! That's funny! You who lose against Battousai and now an old man… What can you do with that weak old body!" Wakuraba argued while launch toward him.

"Maybe that's right. But-" Cho unsheathing one of his katana, dash toward Wakuraba and decapitate him. "-I'm not the same cocky sword-user like that time." He simply said.

'I-I being decapitate!' Wakuraba thought in disbelief. 'By this man! By the weaker member of Juppongatana! And he's using Nichirin!' His body and his head later started to turn into ash. "H-how could this be!? You're just weak old man!" He yelled as his body is completely turn into ash. Wakuraba, the former Oniwabanshu and the Lower Moon Three of the Twelve Demon Moons is now dead.

"Oi Wakuraba of Oniwabanshu, let me tell you one thing." Cho later look at him with both of his eyes opened. "We're still proud as swordsman. So even though Meiji Government is being replaced, we still training so our body won't become rusty. After all, do you think someone who work as Assassin, have other hobby? Just glad that it's not your Okashira that hunts you down." He said before turn toward Kai. "So young man, I want to say thank you once again for cornering that man."

"It's not me." Kai replied. 'This man is dangerous! However, maybe I can still beat him but… I don't want to look for much trouble right now.' "Thanks to these injured two, that Wakuraba or whatever his name is being cornered."

'I not cornered him. All I did was giving Rui burden by my injuries.' Shinobu thought in frustration.

"I see. Then I'll go my way. I seeing that Oni is moving from the village I currently stay on a village that located few kilometers from here." Cho said before going on his way down the mountain.

Rui later stand up after feeling his injuries being healed. Although his regeneration cells is being destroyed by Overhaul, his body still able to heal much faster than normal human. "You let him get away. Why?" He asked.

"He had no intention to disturb us and he also only hunt down that Oni." Kai replied. "I must take care of you and Shinobu injuries. Thanks to you stitching her wounds, Shinobu still manage to escape death."

"I'm glad then, since she's supporting me." Rui replied. 'But… I never thought that there are members of former Juppongatana that still alive in this Taisho Era… And Shishio, I think Lord Muzan brief it to us once. Who's he exactly?'

"Rui." Kai called while he already walking toward the temple. "You want to be burn by sun there?"

"I'll catch on." Rui replied as he turn and following Kai toward the temple.


Shinobu is seen standing on a deep forest. She then look around, confused.

'Where is this!' She thought in confusion.

"Ah so you're the one…" Said someone who appears by mysteriously covered in shadow. "… That this weak woman told about." He then throw something toward Shinobu, who later look down and horrified.

It was Kanae's decapitated head. Her eyes closed.

Shinobu suddenly had the urge to puke, but fight and look toward the shadowy being in hatred. Her mind is fill with rage. "I'LL KILL YOU!" She yelled before dash forward.

"Kill me?" The shadowy figure lightly said while brandishing pair of sharp iron fans. "That's funny!" He later managed to slice Shinobu torso before she could even react.

'Again…' Shinobu thought before falls to the ground.

"You're weak." The shadowy figure said. "That's maybe because your small body am I right? With that… You can't protect anything."

Shinobu grit her teeth in anger.

"Now then, I recently found a cute little girl that tried to attack me." The shadowy figure said before showing her headless body of Kanao Tsuyuri. "Is she yours perhaps?"

'No…'


Shinobu later wake up with cold sweat all over her face and immediately sit up while panting. She then see that she's inside the temple. The sunlight shown it is already morning. 'It just a dream! It just a dream! Not real!' She thought in relief while touching her chest. 'I see. I am healed by Chisaki… Again.' She thought while a lone tear is fall from her eyes before she look down and grip the blanket that cover her body in frustration. "Why… I'm so weak…"

"Shinobu…" Shinobu then seeing that Kanae is sleeping while her body is lean back to the wooden wall of the temple.

Kanae then wake up from her sleep, rubbing her eyes before seeing that Shinobu is awake. "Shinobu!" Kanae quickly rush and hug her. "I'm so glad! Sorry for being such a bad Older Sister! I heard all from Rui. He said you fought bravely!"

"Big Sister… I…" Shinobu unable to said what's inside her mind. 'Rui… Why'd you lie to Big Sister? Why don't you tell the truth… That I being nothing but Lower Moon Three punching bag…' She thought while she return the hug of Kanae.

"Anyway, you should wash yourself first. Sofia said to me there's small waterfall close to the temple that can be use." Kanae inform.

"…Okay…" Shinobu replied.


After Shinobu is finishing wash herself, the Kocho sisters later bid their farewell to Kai, who currently discuss with Sofia about Kai's plan to build a larger underground base.

"I see. Then, I give you two weeks. That's more than enough right?" Kai demanded.

"It's more than enough. Did I shall tell about you to Oyakata-sama?" Kanae asked.

"No. Remember that my warning that time still exist." Kai threaten. "I expect both of you to return in two weeks. Is that clear?"

Kanae nod.

"Wait a minute." Sofia later pick her cross necklace from her pocket and give it to Kanae. "May God always protect you." She prayed.

Kanae smiled and received it. "Thanks Sofia." She later hug the former Eldest Sister Spider Demon.


After bid farewell, both Kanae and Shinobu begin their journey back to the Butterfly Estate. Currently, they already down from Natagumo Mountain and currently on the plains.

"It's must be fun to be able to return to Kanao and the others for a while. Right Shinobu?" Kanae said in happiness before looking at her younger sister. But, she later notices that Shinobu seemingly sad. "Shinobu?"

Shinobu is realized that her sister called her. She then look at her with a fake smile. "Yes Big Sister. I think it will be fun to being released from Kai even just for two weeks!"

"You're seem sad Shinobu." Kanae immediately pointed.

Shinobu widen her eyes. She forgot how sharp her sister in pointing her face. "No Big Sister. I… Just sad because I as a Demon Slayer, support an Oni in battle." She lied.

"Please put that feelings away Shinobu. If I in the same position as Rui, I think I'll accept Muzan proposal due to my body condition." Kanae said. She then pinch Shinobu cheek, forcing her to smile. "Come now, you don't want Kanao and the others see you sad do you?"

Shinobu then forced to free herself from her sister grip. "Of course I don't want to!"

Kanae later giggling. "That's Shinobu that I always know. Brash and straightforward."

Shinobu later giggling as well. 'Big Sister… I already make my decision…'


At night, they finally reach a village and decided to stay for one night before continuing their journey.

However, Shinobu is secretly putting a sleeping powder to Kanae's drink, making her heavily asleep.

Shinobu is seen awake while fixing her equipment. She also secretly switch her katana with Kanae's, with only the sheath that don't change. "Sorry Big Sister. But… At least for two years, I'll throw away my life as a Demon Slayer… and Yakuza." Shinobu then gently pat her sister cheek. "I'm sorry for stealing your Nichirin but… I must become stronger to protect you and anyone that's important to me. Farewell Big Sister Kanae." She bid her older sister before leaving the lodge that they stay for a night.


AUTHOR NOTES

And the chapter finally finished! The next chapter will more told about Kanae and Shinobu and we will become absent from Kai for a while. Since both of them are the important characters on this story.

Now for the case of Wakuraba being former Oniwabanshu, I already tell that this story is Triple Crossover of Demon Slayer, My Hero, and Rurouni Kenshin. Because of that, I think dear readers should not be surprised if there are elements or characters from Rurouni Kenshin that appears, like the example of Chou the Sword Hunter on this chapter. I also plan to tell how Muzan movements are during the time of Rurouni Kenshin storyline. Although if I put Rurouni Kenshin characters, I'm pretty sure that all of them during this Taisho Era is an old man or women. By the way, I put this story in 1912, the first year of Taisho. Since I already that this story takes two years before Kamado family demise, that event will happen in 1914.

By the way, I got inspiration for Wakuraba Blood Demon Art from One Piece Kama Kama no Mi.

See you in the next update.