The following morning, Mika only had an opportunity to check in on Mio and grab a quick breakfast before she was ushered back to the main building to meet with the Hashiras. The head of the Kocho household, Kocho Shinobu, guided her this time towards the main part of the compound.
She was worried the Hashira would try to ask her more questions about herself, but Shinobu remained quiet, walking slightly ahead, a serene smile on her face. Mika was relieved, noting Shinobu's all too seeing eyes.
Mika's thoughts strayed to earlier in the morning, a small smile on her face.
Mio hugged her friend, tears streaming down both of their faces.
"I'm so glad you're okay." Mika gently tugged on a long strand of Mio's hair in a familiar gesture. Hyakkimaru had left the room to get breakfast as well as give them some privacy.
Mio gently smiled, wiping at the tears on Mika's face with her own sleeve. "It's really him." She softly said, her voice in awe.
Mika nodded, fresh tears brimming in the corner of her eyes. "It explains why you never really took to our calling. You were more interested in reading. That book especially." Mika teased.
Mio laughed, clasping Mika's hands. "But he has Dororo. How could I ever get in between those two? They have gone through so much."
Mika shook her head. "Your happiness is up to you. This is a second chance for you and him."
Seeing Mio's hesitation, Mika squeezed her hands.
"You told me so many times. Dororo is a child who would never begrudge anyone. She would love to see you again." She added.
Mio finally smiled, her eyes tearing up again.
Mika snapped out of her thoughts when they reached the main estate.
Shinobu looked up at the tall wooden building, the warm first rays of sunshine glinting through the trees.
"Mika."
Mika looked to Shinobu, waiting to hear what she had to say.
Shinobu glanced at the scenery around them for another moment, before turning to lock eyes with Mika.
"Muzan has arrived." She simply announced, watching her carefully.
Mika felt herself tense at the name. She reminded herself that what she knew about this world is no longer true. That the stories of these people have somehow been unwoven and re-braided into a new story altogether.
Mika nodded stiffly. "That was quick." She casually mentioned, recalling the youngest Hashira Muichiro only left yesterday to seek him out.
Shinobu tilted her head slightly, so similar to Kanao, and continued to smile serenely at her. "Well, your message is quite urgent. If we are to plan appropriately, we need to gather all allies."
Mika could only nod in silence. Shinobu gazed at her, her mouth opening as if she wanted to mention more, but slightly shook her head and turned back to face the entrance.
"Shall we?"
They were ushered down the hallway, Mika too distracted by the thought of seeing Muzan to admire her surroundings, unlike last time.
Their names were announced, and Mika found herself the center of attention by not only the Hashiras but Muzan himself, who sat next to Kaguya. She noted the sword was remained where she had last seen, but the table had been cleaned up and a new one now supported the sword.
The Hashiras kneeled in a line in the outside courtyard, but they gazed at her as she took a step forward.
"Ah, this is the infamous Mika."
At the sound of the smooth and melodious voice, Mika's gaze flew towards Kibutsuji Muzan. He wore his familiar white fedora and was dressed in a loose tuxedo with a white cloak draped over his shoulders. His cat-like ruby eyes glittered as he glanced curiously at her from his seat.
"Mika, this is Kibutsuji Muzan. He is the leader of the moon demons. We work together to manage the devolving demons." Kaguya nodded towards Mika, addressing Muzan.
Muzan smiled at the introduction, Mika noting the many secrets in such a deceptively charming smile. She reminded herself again that this world is no longer how she recalls it and forced a smile on her face before respectfully bowing.
Muzan gestured curiously at the sword. "So, Mika, you bring a warning and a weapon. Very curious."
Mika swallowed, glancing to Kaguya who gently smiled. "Yes, from my master. I do not know when they will come but you must find a way to defeat them."
Muzan arched an eyebrow, keeping his eyes trained on her. "And why should we?" He softly replied.
Mika hesitated, not expecting resistance. She looked to Kaguya, who remained silent.
Muzan gestured towards the sword again. "We have enough to deal with the devolving demons. They grow in power and we need to suppress them. We do not have the resources to divert to meaningless pursuits."
Mika swallowed, looking to Kaguya for support. But he remained silent, with the Hashiras following suit. Her gaze searched for Tanjiro, but his presence was missing this time.
She gripped the edge of her cloak, her hands in a fist over her chest. "Then my master risked his life for nothing. And my friend and I still risk our lives to continue to be here." She quietly responded, glancing down at the sword.
The heavy silence was broken when someone entered the room behind her.
All eyes focused on Hyakkimaru, who had entered the room.
Giyu looked sharply at him, his mouth twisted in disapproval. "This is a private meeting."
Hyakkimaru bowed in apology but stood his ground. "My apologies, Giyu-san. Kaguya-san". He nodded towards the others.
Kaguya kindly nodded while Muzan peered curiously at him.
"Is this another one of your new recruits, Kaguya-san?" Muzan asked, eyeing Hyakkimaru with a gleam in his eye. "You have plenty of Hashiras already. Would he like to train with my upper ranks, instead? I sense a dark streak in this one."
Kaguya chuckled with a shake of his head. "Hyakkimaru, what brings you here?"
Hyakkimaru bowed again before taking a step forward to stand beside Mika.
"What she says is correct. We must prepare to fight the Gods."
Mika fought to hide her surprise at his unexpected support. She wondered if Mio had asked him, but she was surprised even more at his next words.
Hyakkimaru eyed the sword on the table. "That sword belongs to me."