Hello dear Readers!
Before continuing to the story, Thanks for every suggestion that's given by reviewers! I'll take some time as well to think which one or two of Kai's underlings shall join him in Demon Slayer Verse.
Enjoy the chapter!
/N: My Hero Academia is written and illustrated by Kouhei Horikoshi. Demon Slayer is written and illustrated by Koyoharu Goutoge.
Chapter 7
Encountering Wolf of Mibu
Time finally switch to dawn, as the sun starting to rise from the horizon. On the lodge where Kocho Sisters are resting for one night before continuing their journey back to the Butterfly Estate, Morning light lighten the room.
Kanae Kocho finally awake from her sleep. She's unaware that last night Shinobu is pouring sleeping powder into her drink, making her unable to hear anything and put her in a very deep sleep. Stretching her arms, she then yawn while look at her surroundings.
'It's morning already.' She noted before seeing her surrounding, only to found that Shinobu is nowhere to be seen. "I wonder where Shinobu is gone…" She then giggling. "…Maybe she buy snack for morning. She's surely not change at all. Now then, time to check my katana." Kanae then stand up and pick her katana. She then unsheathe it from its scabbards, only to find out that it's not her, but Shinobu broken katana from result of her fighting against Wakuraba on Natagumo Mountain.
"T-this is…" Kanae later seen there's a paper that wrapped on her scabbard. "Is… This… an letter?" She then pick it up and open the letter, only for the Flower Pillar to widen her eyes, not expecting the content.
Dear Sister,
I'm sorry for not telling you and taking your Nichirin, but I think you'll soon discovering this letter after you're wake up from the sleeping powder that I gave you last night.
The truth is… I want to throw all my life for a while to travel around Japan so I can become stronger. I just go to the point Big Sister, I hate myself. I hate how my body is so weak. Even others in Demon Slayer Corps who're younger can cut through Oni's neck. Even Kanao can do that. But… I'm so frustrated that all I can do is useless thrusting attack that must relied on poison. And after meeting Chisaki and join Shie Hassaikai, only make me more frustrated. I lost to him and his strange abilities, and I can't hold to curse myself when I must relied on the others to support me in a battle during Natagumo Mountain Raid and against Wakuraba. If continuing like this, if I not train in my own desire, I can snap.
No need to search for me Big Sister. I maybe will go at least two to three years, so I can become stronger to protect you, the one that I treasured so much and my home: Demon Slayer Corps, Butterfly Estate, and although it's hard to admit it… Shie Hassaikai. Give my regards to Oyakata-sama and Chisaki. I hope your safe on your journey back.
From your younger sister,
Shinobu Kocho.
Kanae unable to hold her tears, making her personality flip from happiness to sadness. She later put her left palm on her mouth while crying. "Shinobu… Why…" She uttered. 'I… Don't want you to curse yourself Shinobu. Didn't I say before… You can defend yourself is enough for me…' She thought as she continuing to cry for the next 60 minutes. "If you gone like this… What shall I tell the others…"
On Natagumo Mountain, Kai along with Sofia is on the underground base that already being cleaned and later being fixed into a fit shape using Kai's Overhaul. Since Kanae and Shinobu gone for a while, Kai asking for Sofia's help to help him in his experiments on Oni's cells, but he must teach the female Spider Oni about biology for a moment, which he slightly didn't like. He already did this since yesterday when Kanae and Shinobu are leaving without any rest.
With some existing bottle that he make using his Quirk, Kai's separating the blood that he got from Sofia and Rui to be examined. He then widen his eyes after realizing something. "So that's it. The secret of Oni cells." He said.
"Did it already finish, Mr. Kai?" Sofia asked while tidy up the bottle that being used for the experiments.
"I finally found it. The type of cells that must be removed for all of you to be able to walk in the sun again." Kai replied. "Gather all of Spider Family. This big invention must be inform immediately." He ordered.
Sofia however frown. "That's not a good idea Kai. Since our blood still had that man cells on it, it mean he can monitor all of our movement easily and gathering information secretly. I think you shall not tell any Spider Family for now."
"That I already know. Although a coward he surely very careful." Kai admit. "Then, the thing we must do is to test it immediately."
Back to Shinobu, the younger of the Kocho sisters is seen already travelling miles away from the village lodge. She currently doesn't know where to go. She just aimlessly wander to at least avoiding contact with her Demon Slayer Corps, her sister, or Chisaki and Spider Family. She's mad at her own weakness. Before she has any face to face any of them, she must become stronger.
'But… I actually don't know how.' Shinobu thought as she continuing to walk on the road without clear destination to go.
After some time wandering, she's tired and decided to sit on the ground slope that facing a rich paddy field. While watching the beautiful landscape, she spent her time lamenting and cursing herself for her own weakness.
"I wonder… Where I will go? With the money that I have now, it's impossible to paid a lodge for a night. Maybe I'll search for a villagers house that saved by us then. But… If I doing that, Demon Slayer Corps will know where my position." She uttered. "If I not wrong, this place is close to Kyoto. I maybe will go there." She then stand up, preparing to walk toward her decided destination.
However, she's not realized she being watch by someone from the distance who riding a horse carriage. It was an old man on his late 60s that seemingly had healthy body despite of his age. His face already wrinkled but he had a very sharp yellow-eyes and white hair with spider-like strands on his front and a long ponytail. He wearing a formal blue uniform and look at Shinobu, who some eighty meters away with a neutral look.
"Maybe she's forgotten or something but there is no police that wearing those kind of uniform. And the fact she's carrying katana despite being wrap in fabric is violation to today law since I find it hard to believe that young girl like that is a part of Yakuza." He commented before looking toward the other in the carriage, who's revealed to be Cho. "So this is the Demon Slayer Corps? What Hijikata said during Bakumatsu is true after all…"
"Well yes." Cho said. "I actually don't believe at first. But since I encounter Wakuraba of Oniwabanshu thanks to the information that long time ago said by Lord Shishio prove it. Demon Slayer Corps… an organization obscured from government view with the aim of eradicating Oni is exists… As well as Oni itself." He said. "Then… What you'll do?"
"Capturing a young girl is actually not my liking. I don't know how their standard actually by inviting such young age, even a women nonetheless. I'm pretty sure if that Raccoon girl is here, she must be not agreeing non-stop with this. I don't know for Battousai though…" He uttered.
"So you will capture her then?" Cho asked. "If you want, I can do it. Since you're old man now."
"There's no need for. Judging from the direction, she's walking to Kyoto. Eiji is stationed in there for a while. I already sent telegram to him ever since I following that girl. If can-" He later revealed a guntou on the carriage. "-It's been a while… Since the Wolf of Mibu can show its fang."
On Kanae side, she already paid the lodge, before walking across the village on her way back to the Butterfly Estate. She still can't hold her sadness because of Shinobu selfish decision. She never expected that the fact she loathed all the other Demon Slayer so much that make her developing inferiority issue. How great she become her older sister, never realizing something such simple.
'Why'd I never realized it ever since she can't cut Oni's head? Did she loath the others… Including me so much? If at least I decided to teach her from the start to break that limit of her… Then all of this never happened…' She thought while her eyes are still watery after crying on the lodge. "I… Such a fool of a sister…" She uttered before seeing someone that she didn't expect.
"Kanae!" The one that is revealed to be Sanemi is racing toward her when he seeing the Flower Pillar.
"Sanemi…" She didn't expect that her fellow Pillars is searching for her.
Sanemi later stop in front of her and grip her shoulders. "You fool! Where'd you and Shinobu go all this time!? Oyakata-sama and the others is worried about you!?" He yelled when he notices something. "By the way… Where's Shinobu?"
Kanae can't hold it anymore. She then look down while sobbing.
Sanemi who seeing this is immediately react. "Oi Kanae! What happen to Shinobu!? Did she killed!? Who's Oni that responsible huh!? I'll skewer his head and make it being my personal trophy!?"
'It's not like that!' Kanae thought while continuing to cry. 'I… Can't tell… Why…' "She… she…"
"If you can't talk right now, let's go back to the headquarters." Sanemi low his tone. "I'm sure the others can cheer you up."
Kanae later look at Sanemi and slightly smile before wiping her tears. "Thank you very much Sanemi. I… Really need some time to rest right now…"
Sanemi merely nod. The two of them later walk from the city toward the Butterfly Estate.
Back to Shinobu, she finally arrived in Kyoto, more precisely at the capital city. The Westernization that happens since Meiji Era already had shown how much Japan changed. The building in the capital city start to showed its western culture, plus the appearance of primitive car and electricity on the place. The town is the staying place of the rich and government people.
Which is why the town or public transportation like train is a dangerous place enough to make every Demon Slayer rarely go to there. Since the guntou is now forbidden except for the police and military thanks to the westernization, each Demon Slayer, even Pillars rarely dared to entering a city. Even during Meiji Era, Shinobu once heard a story about one Pillar that being captured and imprisoned for dared walk freely in Kyoto.
In truth, Shinobu is wary being in here. Although her katana maybe wrapped by a simple fabric so it looks like that she's carrying a staff, her outfits that almost resembling police unit gain attention of many people around. She forgot to change to her disguising kimono, which available in the backpack she carry. Plus, she's a girl. There's rarely a girl is working for police profession on the front-line during this time.
"Hey, look at that girl."
"Why's the girl as young as her work for the police?"
"Is the government starting to show its rotten side?"
Shinobu didn't paid mind to them as she continue to walk. It's very common to see something like this. Usually the police won't paid attention as long as she not causing any suspicion.
But this time one police seemingly become suspicious of her. Not far behind, a police is seen following the younger Kocho sisters from a car. He wears a Japanese police uniform plus a hat and a guntou on his waist. Below the hat, he had brown hair and brown eyes despite having some wrinkles due to his age that seemingly on his 40s. Judging from clothes, he seemingly a high-rank officer "It all makes sense now after Master Fujita contact me from the telegram. The girl wearing a strange clothes and carrying a katana that being obscured by fabric. But… I seemingly know her…"
"Lord Eiji." A low-rank officer who sat beside him called. "What shall we do?" He asked.
"Keep following her." The police officer now known as Eiji said. "If Master Fujita really that wary of her ever since he saw her, we must at least capture her for question." He then light up a cigarette. "So this is that so-called Demon Slayer Corps. We, the police government will make sure to make your existence known."
On Shinobu side, not realizing she's being followed, she then entering a changing room on one of the buildings. Not long after, she come out, having changing her Demon Slayer uniform and haori into a pink kimono like Kanao use to wear, although her katana is still must carried by her like a staff all the time. She then continue her aimless wandering, although she seemingly realized something is wrong. She then glance backward, seeing that a car is seemingly following her. 'I wonder… Why's that car seemingly following my movement?' She thought.
"There she is!"
"The Demon Slayer Corps!"
Shinobu widen her eyes in shock when seeing groups of police are blocking her way with their plastic guntou. 'A police!? Since when-' She then see again the car that's exist behind her. 'That car must be a police officer of this city! Why'd I not realize it!'
"She seems being surrounded by our men. We can capture her." The low-rank officer that accompany Eiji said.
"Not now. Believe me we must chase her." Eiji not agree. "For someone that spent their time to battle… I know for sure… She isn't on human level."
True to what Eiji predicted, Shinobu suddenly disappeared, only to find standing on an electric pole. She then jumps down and run away from the scene 'No way I'll risk facing them. There's many innocent people in here! I must at least reach the tip of this district to escape their view!'
"Impossible! She disappeared and then appears behind us!" One of the police said.
"Chase her!" One of the police ordered his comrades. Soon, they began to pursue Shinobu.
Eiji smiled seeing that Shinobu is running away. "After her." He ordered the police that drive his car.
"Will do." The car later goes at the top speed of the current car can do on this Taisho Era, chasing after Shinobu.
Meanwhile, Shinobu manage to outrun the polices that chase after her when she found a corridor and quickly turn and hide behind a high trashcan. When all of them pass, she sigh in relief. "At least I manage to escape them. However, why'd police act hostile like that? If I remember… Big Sister once mention to me that the police usually only ask her few questions before leaving her…" She uttered.
"Oh. That means I must punish the police you're talking about for easily let go someone who's breaking the law."
Shinobu now more shocked hearing the voice. She then turn her head toward the passage and seeing Saito is standing with a guntou on his waist.
"I bet on just forty percent that you'll go to this narrow passage. Although I actually never expected that you're managed to escape the polices that easily without killing them. As I expect, police during my time is more disciplined." Saito said to himself as he unsheathed his guntou. "Now then, if you just kind enough to let me capture you without a fight. Because you see… Different from the police of this time, I won't hesitate using this to kill you."
Shinobu become wary of this old man. She doesn't see him as a normal old man at all. His body for an old man is rather muscular like that of Urokodaki Sakonji. And the guntou that he carried somehow giving the same impression as Nichirin.
"Don't speak huh?" Saito suddenly going a weird stance of thrust. Dropping into a partial crouch, both knees bent, left arm drawn back and right arm extended forward; he grasps the hilt of his katana with his left hand and rests the tips of the fingers of his right hand on the blade near the guntou's tip. "It's been a while, since I can wield a sword seriously. I hope your Demon Slayer katana over there not just for show." He said with sarcastic tone.
'What shall I do? There's no way for me to run away. If I get out from this passage, I'm pretty sure the police will spotted me. This old geezer… He can predict it that far? But did he a police… I'm pretty sure he already on his late 60s.' Shinobu decided there's no other way but to at least incapacitate this old man to get away. Releasing the fabric, she revealing her older sister sheathed katana. "Since I can't get away I'll tell you something old man. I don't use this katana to hurt innocent human, only Oni." She warn. "So please, I can explain the reason to you."
"Then all of your life of holding that is a joke. When person hold katana, no matter how their goal is, katana is a weapon for murder others no matter their human or other living things. Nothing else." Saito said in disgust, reminding him of a certain rival. However, he'd respect him because of his strong conviction. "And I can see clearly from your face. A face of someone that's run away."
Shinobu narrowed her eyes hearing his mocking now reach personal level. Her right hand unconsciously touch the hilt of her sister katana, tried to pull it out. "Silence…" She uttered.
"So you already arrived first Father." Said a voice behind Shinobu that's revealed to be Eiji. "Forgive me, but she's more agile than I thought. Let me capture her. Your body is not a body to fight anymore."
"Eiji…" Saito said, recognizing Eiji. He then surprisingly dropping his strange stance. "If that's what you want. After all, I had no right anymore to capture her."
'Wait a minute!' Shinobu widen her eyes hearing the name. She quickly turn around and seeing that the police officer is someone that he recognize very well. "Mr. Eiji…." She said in disbelief. Here in front of her, stood Mishima Eiji, the former neighbor of Kocho's family and Arata Eiji's Father.
Eiji slightly widen his eyes. "Did I know you? You must already know that carrying a katana except for the polices are forbidden. I'll take you to the office now." He stated.
"Mr. Eiji it's me Shinobu!" Shinobu said to him. "I'm the younger daughter of the Kocho family!"
"Shinobu?" Eiji said in confusion. Tried to remember something.
"Did you know this girl Eiji? Judging from her tone, I think she's not lying." Saito asked.
Eiji then slightly widen his eyes. "Shinobu… Now I remember. You're Doctor Kocho youngest daughter…"
Shinobu unexpectedly run toward him and hug the police officer. "I miss you…."
Eiji however releasing the hug immediately and look at her seriously. "Shinobu Kocho. You're under arrest for violating the law of bringing katana in the public. I expect some explanation at the office." He stated.
Shinobu not expecting his reply. He hope that at least Eiji will let her go while question her in place. But… Under arrest?
"You can't underestimate Eiji Butterfly girl." Saito said from behind her. "I already teach him very well to make him prioritize mission first. So, no matter if you his acquaintance or someone related by blood, if you're violating the law, you'll go under arrest."
Shinobu look at Saito with narrowed eyes.
"You shall be glad that you're caught by me. Because if father is the one that catches you, I'm pretty sure he'll use his guntou to incapacitate you." Eiji said to her.
"This old man is your father?" Shinobu asked in surprise.
"Fujita Goro at your service." Saito using the name he use during the Meiji Era to introduce himself.
'Fujita… Goro? If I not wrong… Isn't he the famous police inspector during the early parts of the Meiji…' Shinobu remembered that name from the history books that Kanae usually lend her. "You're… That Fujita Goro?"
"Now Shinobu." Eiji later pick up an iron handcuffs from his pocket. "I suggest it's time to go to the office for investigation."
Although Eiji said it's for investigation, he brought Shinobu to the place she didn't expect.
"I'll investigate you personally in my home." Eiji said to Shinobu, who's sitting on his car while had her hands being cuffed. Saito is also seen sitting beside her.
"Hmph. It's the same as you spare him Eiji." Saito scoffed.
"No need to worry father. I'm pretty sure she's innocent." Eiji replied with a smile.
"In other words, you had your personal feelings got in the way again?" Saito asked.
"No father. I can promise you the investigation will be fair and square." Eiji assured.
Shinobu feel not right being silent all the times, so she decided to speak. "Um… Mr. Eiji. How are you right now?" She asked.
"I'm fine." He replied. "The last time I saw you, it's when you're still a little girl along with Kanae. I believe it's already seven years have passed. But, I still can't believe that Doctor Kocho is dead. I'm sorry because of it."
"But I've never expected you're a police officer." Shinobu said.
Eiji later smiled while closing his eyes. "I was stay on a secret mission to watch over a certain criminal that hide in your village. Then I find out that he's targeting the richest man in that village, your parents. Luckily, I and this guntou manage to bring it to justice."
Shinobu gasp. Does that mean he kill the criminal?
"So you kill him huh? Seemingly Aku Soku Zan really suits you." Saito compliment with a smile.
"Don't talk like that father." Eiji said a little embarrassed. "Well. We've arrived."
On the outside, lied a large mansion. This is Mishima Eiji house.
On Kanae side, she finally reach the Butterfly Estate at night after a long walk with Sanemi. The older Kocho still had a sad look on her face because of Shinobu's sudden departure. This is not missed by Sanemi, who had a concerned look on his face.
"Oi Kanae. I know you're sad, but you can't show that face to the others." Sanemi remind her.
"I understand." Kanae nod while tried her best to smile.
Sanemi sigh, before patting her right shoulder. "I'll stay for one night to accompany you. And if you can… Show the usual smile of Flower Pillar while I stay." He said before walking toward the Butterfly Estate, leaving Kanae to look at his back with a smile. "Sanemi… You truly are…"
Inside the Butterfly Estate, Aoi seen cleaning the floor when someone is knocking the door. "Wait for a moment." She said before stand up and walks toward the door to open it. When its open, she open her mouth in disbelieved.
"As always you're so diligent to cleaning the estate, Aoi." Kanae greet with a smile.
Aoi immediately hug the Flower Pillar while had tears on her eyes. "Lady Kanae!" She cried.
"Lady Kanae!" Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi also appears from one of the room inside the estate. "You're back!"
"Hello everyone." Kanae greet them before looking at the last person that not greet her.
Kanao is seen just closed her eyes and smiled. Even till now, she still can't show her emotions. But Kanae known inside her heart she's relief that her older sister is back.
Kanae later releasing Aoi's hug. "All of you. Sanemi will stay at here for a night. Can all of you please prepared a room for him?" She asked kindly.
"Of course!" Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi immediately walk to the closest room to prepare it for Sanemi. Kanao then walk back to her room.
However, Aoi noticed something's missing. "Um… Where's Lady Shinobu?" She asked.
Kanae later had a hint of sadness on her face. "Shinobu… She suddenly has a new mission to the north. She said that she want to enjoy the mission you see." She lied to ease Aoi's worries.
"I see." Aoi nod in understanding. "Then Lady Kocho, I'll prepare your room." She then run to the mansion to preparing the room.
After Aoi is gone, Kanae later take a deep sigh, glad that she manage to show little sadness on her face when she's facing with the other girls.
Sanemi surprisingly grinned. "You did well." He said. "For Shinobu no need to worry. I'll search for her and ask permission from Oyakata-sama about it."
"There's no need for that Sanemi." Kanae shook her head. "She's my younger sister. It's my responsibility to do so."
At the same time on Eiji's mansion, Shinobu is seen being chained up on a chair while still wearing her pink kimono. Eiji already ordered to confiscate her katana and her Demon Slayer outfit and haori for a while.
However, the most surprising thing is that the one is investigating her is not Eiji, but Saito, who sit on desk with a smirk on his face. Eiji is seen stand on the left side of his desk. "So Butterfly Girl let's begin the interrogation shall we?"
"I have a name." Shinobu said. She dislikes this old man attitude since what he said in the passageway. He gives a presence of someone that's used to kill people.
"But first. Let's begin by showing the eyewitness. Cho." Saito called, completely ignore the complaint. Not long after, the door is open, and Cho is entering the interrogation room.
"Hello. We meet again young girl." The one that's known as sword-hunter greet Shinobu.
'He's…' "You're a member of Juppongatana… Am I right?" Shinobu bluntly asked despite in shock seeing the one that killed Wakuraba with ease. She can deduced that Cho seemingly a member of the police.
"Ah so you recognize me. I'm flattered. To think there's people in Taisho Era that still know us." Cho said in amusement.
"Then let's begin with the basic question shall we? The information will be keep on the eyewitness in this room." Saito stated. "What's your name?" He asked.
"Shinobu Kocho."
"Your age and height?"
"14 years old and 148 cm."
"So you're another weasel girl huh?" He joked with deadpan look on his face.
Eiji sweat-dropped, remembering the time when Saito called a certain girl weasel.
Shinobu however had a tick mark on her head.
"Put that aside. How many siblings do you have?" Saito continued his question. "Judging from what Eiji told me, you have an older sister."
Shinobu nod.
"Now let's go to the main question." Saito stated before looking at her intently, slightly unleash his killing intent. "Do you know what rule that you disobeyed Shinobu Kocho?"
"Yes. Bringing a katana or other weapon in the face of public is violating the law that being set since the beginning of the Meiji Era."
"So you understand the law after all huh?" Saito slightly mocked. "But… I not the type to judge too quickly. Let me guess… Oni."
Shinobu narrowed her eyes. "Even if I tell you, there's no way civilian will-"
"Do I look like an ordinary old man to you?" Saito later stand up from his desk with a smirk. "I've already know the existence of Oni for a long time. Ever since I've become police inspector of the Meiji Era, I also spent my time hunt down as many as I can. Even now still same, but… The big head, Muzan Kibutsuji. I've never seen him." He said, revealing his knowledge about Oni.
"I also the same little girl. During my time, Lord Shishio and the others sometimes kill Oni for sport." Cho join the conversation.
"That Muzan seemingly change one member of Juppongatana into an Oni." Saito explain. "So butterfly girl… Tell me everything about Demon Slayer Corps if you may?"
Shinobu is speechless. How'd both of this person know the detail even Muzan Kibutsuji's name. For now, she suspects that Eiji know as well. "Who… Are you exactly?" She asked.
"Why don't you discover it yourself, stupid." Saito replied sarcastically. "Then continue. Explain everything about Demon Slayer Corps. Myself already killed several Demon Slayers during Bakumatsu for siding with Isshin Shisshi for information leaking. But they never spill out the truth."
"You… Killed numerous Demon Slayers…?" Shinobu asked in anger. "You killed the one that fight for humanity against them!?"
However, what she got is the former third unit captain of Shinsengumi making a laugh. "Fool. So the leader is closing it to this generation…" He said.
"Well that's expected isn't it? If any information about Demon Slayers allied with Isshin Shishi during the Bakumatsu, it will crush every morale of those who join them now." Cho said with a smile.
Shinobu immediately argued. "That's impossible! Demon Slayers is a neutral organization! Our code is to slay Oni behind the public eyes! There's no way during Bakumatsu they're allied with Isshin Shishi!"
"Oh? Still doesn't believe it? Even though our motto is the same: Aku. Soku. Zan." Saito said. "Well, although different from me, all of your organization just filled with people that want revenge against Oni for killing your loved ones, thus must believe in killing a being- no, a superhuman with simple mindset of killing them for the greater good. But… Once someone wield a sword taste any kinds of blood, it can never stop himself or herself from the way of murder." He explain the philosophy of the swordsman.
"That just for the one that have cold heart! A sword can also be used to protecting others!" Shinobu argued.
"You really think so? The one that run away because cursing her weakness shouldn't bark so majestically." Saito said with narrowed eyes. "No matter what kind words you used, the hard fact still remains. Sword is a killing tool, and every sword styles are an art to do it. That means, everyone who wield sword, even Eiji, is not good people at heart. That kind of people are only existed in fiction." He stated. "If you wield a katana, you should remember this basic fact Butterfly Girl. To protect someone mean you must kill. And to let someone that's close to you lives, you must kill someone that threaten their lives."
Shinobu can't retort for Saito's words. All he speaks is the truth. Ever since she and Kanae wield a katana, both of them known they will walk the path of murder. The difference is that they kill being that devour humans with no remorse. However, her meeting with Sofia and Spider Family starting to open her eyes to the truth that there are some good Oni out there that's forced to eat human and tried their best to fight against Muzan's influence. What Saito said is true. She now understands what he meant.
"For that… I already know." She retort. "But… Fighting being like them it is necessary to be cold-blooded killer."
Hearing the reply, Saito thought for a moment. 'Battousai. If you're here… I wonder what'll you say…' He thought remembering his old rival once again. "So from all those long words I can summarize it. Demon Slayers exists since the ancient times, all of them make an oath never joining any human faction which is prove to be a lie, and most of them are filled with swordsmen that filled with anger toward superhuman groups. Which means, my investigation for twenty years almost solved." He sigh in relief. "Thank you for the information that you shared years ago, Cho."
"Thanks Lord Shishio for that." Cho denied the thanks. "If he not hunting and killing both Oni and Demon Slayers during Bakumatsu and order us to do the same, maybe we still don't know of their existence."
"And for you Butterfly Girl." Saito said to Shinobu. "I'll be taking your katana. Your cooperation is over. You're free to go wherever you want."
"That's my sister katana! You have no right to-"
"No right huh?" Saito said. "Like I said before, you're failure of a swordsman. You don't tried to use your own, yet steal the others. In addition, the thing that I hate the most, you're giving up on your conditions of having weak body and run away to become stronger, while the truth you're afraid to received mocking. By the time you run away… You should be thrown your sword away, since your heart is just making the sword crying for their user curse their weakness."
"Father." Eiji later holding Kanae's Nichirin on his hand, before giving it to Saito. The Wolf of Mibu later receive it, before unsheathe it, revealing a pink shade on the sword.
"Hmm… Interesting. This maybe can be useful for some artifact; since I bet her older sister is the same as her." Saito commented at the katana's quality.
"Take back those words! You know nothing of her! You just an old man that loves to mock other! Fujita Goro! I'll never expect you!" Shinobu snapped.
"Is that a challenge?" Saito asked while stand up. "Very well then. If you want your older sister trash to be return to you, defeat me one on one. Is that clear to you?" He challenged.
Due to her snapped mind of constant mocking, Shinobu gladly accept the challenge, completely underestimating Saito capabilities. "I accept." She accepted the challenge. 'Huh, like an old man ever stood a chance.'
The time later skip to the backyard of Eiji's mansion. Cho is seen watching the battle by leaning on a tree with interest, while Eiji standing between Shinobu and Saito as the referee.
"Let me tell the rules. The rule are no killing allowed and the winner will be decided if one of you unable to stand or lose consciousness." Eiji explain.
Shinobu already unsheathe the katana, which is in fact Eiji's guntou. Saito meanwhile also using the same guntou.
"Ah. Before the game of slaughter begin, it's not fair if I not reveal my true identity." He said. "My name is not Fujita Goro. It's a name that I used from Meiji Era till now." He then entering the same stance as the one he did in the passageway of Kyoto. "I'm the former leader of Squad Three of Shinsengumi, Hajime Saito."
Hearing it make Shinobu a bit trembling. "Hajime… Saito…" She said in disbelief. "As the… Shinsengumi… Of the Bakumatsu…" 'First Juppongatana, Oniwabanshu, and now Shinsengumi… Why'd old groups of the past suddenly make many appearance?'
Saito received her response with smirk. "Rather than shudder in fear knowing your enemies reputation, I think you shall find a plan to take me down." He advise with sarcastic tone.
"Begin!" Eiji declared.
Shinobu later dashed so fast that she disappeared from the scene.
'Shukuchi huh?' Saito analyzed as he still on his strange stance, looking for Shinobu's whereabouts.
"Eh? So she can do the same technique as Tenken." Cho observed in interest. "But… That still not reach his speed at all."
Shinobu suddenly appeared behind Saito, tried to stab him, but Saito quickly doing a ground slash, knocking her off her feet to the ground. He then tried to stab her chest, but Shinobu managed to roll over before jump back to keep her distance.
'He's fast. That means I must use at least one of my technique... To incapacitate him by aiming his vitals.' Shinobu thought before preparing a stance. 'Dance of the Dragonfly – Compound Eye Hexagon!' She then dash using Shukuchi once more toward Saito, who already prepared. Using his already super speed, he tried as best as he can to block each of the stab, although still end up with four scratches: the left neck, right shoulder, left leg, and one stab almost hit his right eye. He then quickly jump backward. "It only manage to scratch him!" She said in surprise before keeping her distance once again.
"A nice stab. I can't believe a girl with short hand and body like you can do such fast-precise stab." Saito compliment with a smirk. "And I finally realized something. The pattern."
Shinobu raise her eyes in confusion.
"The way your strike. Even though you strike with guntou, you only do two things. Stab and thrust. Using some strange technique called Total Concentration Breathing that I learn from many Demon Slayers that I've killed during Bakumatsu, you strengthen your physical to reach the realm of Oni. But why'd you never tried to slash me? The first attack is thrusting attack. The second is a series of rapid stab that targeting the vitals." Saito said, starting to display his amazing ability to analyze something very quickly. "The reason is to close your weakness. Your body actually pathetically weak. So you close it with the stab or thrusting movement that yourself created."
'He can predict it after two attacks! If Oni I understand because they silently can share information… But this man… Hajime Saito…' Shinobu gasps in shock.
"So how is it? I can predict what I said is true." Saito asked the obvious question with a smirk on his old face. However, he found himself starting to get tired. 'Tch. I prolong this battle for too long.'
'Father. I already warn you!' Eiji thought in concern about his father condition.
Shinobu didn't reply and she later preparing for her strongest attack. "I can't believe I must use this move against humans, but… There's no way you can escape the strongest technique of my Insect Breathing." She boasted before going into a stance to use the attack. 'Dance of the Centipede – Hundred-Legged Zigzag!' Shinobu later doing Shukuchi in Zigzag, racing toward Saito, who preparing his trademark stance.
'Hidari Katate Hirazuki!' Saito later dash toward Shinobu, who appear suddenly in front of him to deliver a powerful thrust. Saito however, quickly changed his attack from thrust to upward sideway slash, deflecting Shinobu's thrust from his body and make his own guntou thrown to the air.
'Wh-' Shinobu unable to finish her thought as her body is being assaulted by barrage of punches from Saito, making she lost grip of her guntou before Saito finish it with an upward punch to her chin, sending her to the air while cough blood, before crash to the ground.
"So a zigzag movement of Shukuchi while tried to gain momentum for a powerful thrust that can even pierce a large stone is your trump card?" Saito asked. "A good technique but the times you doing those zigzag, you place too much power on your feet, making the ground cracked and your Shukuchi have a blind spot."
"That's right." Cho joined the conversation before walking toward Saito. "Shukuchi's good for straight ahead and curve movement, but lose its advantages if someone's doing a movement that need to stop first like zigzagging."
"Not… Yet…"
Saito turn to look that Shinobu's struggling to stand up. "Oh? For a weak body that's impressive endurance." He compliment.
"Not yet…" Shinobu said with determine look on her eyes. "I… Won't let you… Take my sister's katana… I… Must become stronger. For that-" She later unleashed her hidden knife on her sandals. "I won't back down! Even if my enemy is Muzan Kibutsuji himself!" She then run toward Saito while unleashing battle cry before doing an upward slash with her left leg to injured him more.
"Idiot." Saito later catches her left leg, which surprises her. "Due to slower movement and emotions that controlling the mind, you're become easier to predict." He then tighten the grip on it, seemingly tried to crush Shinobu's left leg and making her grunted in pain. "However… The fact didn't change." He then releases the grip on her left leg, making Shinobu fall to the ground. "You run away from the goal you set just because your body condition. If you want to bark again, you should train more. Eiji." Saito later called the police officer. "Return her katana. I still respect her determination. Is more than enough."
"As you wish father." Eiji replied before pick Kanae's Nichirin that strapped on his waist and give it to Shinobu. "You did well Shinobu. Not many people can get Father respect." He compliment her with a smile.
"Th-thanks… Mr. Eiji." Shinobu confusedly said before receiving the Nichirin later look toward Hajime Saito's back, who's walk away from the scene. 'So… This is the strength of one of the former captain of Shinsengumi, Hajime Saito. Although his strength surely become weaker like Mr. Urokodaki due to his age, he still manage to outclass me…' "Mr. Saito!" She yelled at him.
Saito stopped, to glance at her with a smirk. "What is it? Last time I remember few minutes ago, you're not polite." He commented.
Shinobu take a deep breath before stating her decisions. "Mr. Saito… Can train me… Everything that you know about Shinsengumi's swordsmanship?! Please! Right now I need to become stronger to protect those dear to me! "
"Hoo…" Cho commented in interest.
Saito slightly widen his eyes, before smiled. "Like I want to."
The time later skip to morning. On Kanae's side, she already get up early from her bed and currently eating the breakfast that was made by Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi. Despite still 7 years old, the three of them are skilled enough to make basic food. Sanemi is also seeing enjoying the food that they create.
"Hmph! As always the food in here is very good!" Sanemi said in delight.
"Thank you so much Sanemi." Kanae thanked. "Will you go back today?"
"Yes." Sanemi replied. "I will talk about it to Oyakata-sama don't worry. If he's giving you few missions, you can spend your time to look for her." He assured.
"Thank you. But… I can't hope but feel that she's okay somewhere…" Kanae said. 'Kai… No need to worry. Like I said, two weeks, then I'll be back. I can't wait to see that you're manage to cure Rui and the others.'
Back to Natagumo Mountain, Rui is walk out from the temple, tried to go to the outside. When he reach outside, the surprising thing is that he's not burn to ash like most Oni. He then take a deep breath, feeling the fresh morning air after very long time can't do that.
"So Mr. Kai's effort really works out. Thanks to it, we're able to obtain our Blood Demon Arts while losing the ability to regenerate quickly, needs for human flesh, vulnerability against sunlight, and my connection to Mr. Muzan." Rui said to himself while opening his eyes, revealing that his red sclera turn into white.
Kai is seen watching on the entrance while leaning his body on one of the pillar. He now didn't wear his trademark mask as a part to getting closer to his new comrades. "So it work huh?"
"It seems." Sofia replied while walking toward Kai from inside the temple. "Mr. Chisaki. Thank you so much for freeing us from Muzan."
"Don't thank me. Since you're faithful Christian, thank your god because all of our effort progress smoothly." Kai dismissed the thanks before walk inside the temple. "I plan to relax myself for now. Till' Shinobu and Kanae's back, all of you free to do what you want." He said.
AUTHOR NOTES
That end the chapter. How could Rui and Sofia be able to walk during morning? That will be explain in the next chapter.
As for Shinobu encounter with the older version of Hajime Saito, I already said that the elements and characters of Rurouni Kenshin will appear. I plan to make Shinobu learn Saito's Gatotsu and Hirazuki.
As for Shinobu VS Saito, I realize that Shinobu is slightly powerful than Saito, especially since this Saito is already mid-60s. However, Saito had something that he always relied on: An ability to control the flow of the battle against temperamental opponent. Since this version of Shinobu is when she's brash and straight-forward, she's easily to be controlled to turn the favor on Saito.
As for Mishima Eiji, he's Saito adopted son from Shishio Arc. Meaning he's Canon character.
See you in the next update! Be safe from currently spreading Covid-19. Decrease all activities on the outside, frequently wash your hands and keep your health in check to stop the spreading of the viruses. I hope all of you save from the viruses.
