FULL STORY SUMMARY
Rated M for mature/Rated E for explicit. Reader discretion advised.
To free the Earth from Kibutsuji Muzan and Mujōna's tyranny and demon reign, a new organization prepares and trains for battle.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Hello, Softies I've risen from the grave with great news: I DON'T HAVE CORONA ANYMORE😭
I STILL haven't figured out how to handle the Kaigaku/Shinobu/Giyu thing, so I'm playing it safe. I thank each and every last one of you for the amazing suggestions! I need time to think! 🌸
In truth, this chapter was more of a filler for me because next chapter will be long and AMAZING.
You want to know why?
BECAUSE MUJŌNA RETURNS.
As you guys know, she knows about Zenitsu and Giyu's little secret. I won't say much, but Zenitsu and Giyu are in danger. (ESPECIALLY GIYU 😭) Its going to be something. *But remember, there's still hope!*
- Inosuke's part is coming as well... :(
Also, I've actually took the time to make a wiki for this story 😅 I made it like a day ago, but... yeah! Its trash but check it out if you want lmao I'll update it whenever I can. (Ok, I have the feeling that someone is going to be a bitch and edit things, send hate, etc)
(One last thing: I've changed Akemi's name because I hated it.)
EDIT: LMFAOAOAO I was right about what would happen to my wiki. Someone edited Himari's page and said that she's my self insert when she's literally not😭 😳
EDIT: THEY'RE STALKING ME AND EDITING MUJŌNA'S PAGE NOW LMFAO
Anyway, its whatever! I enjoy writing this story and interacting with my readers!
読んでくれてありがとう
MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "'Hearing someone's thoughts.'"
* "Past conversation."
* {Sound}
* [Movement]
DOUMA
FLASHBACK:
Underneath a full moon, Douma and Akaza stood upon a mountain's peak and gazed at the gigantic temple below.
So, this is The Bushi Temple; the very temple His Lordship has asked us to destroy.
The Bushi Temple was said to be the holiest place on Earth, and had existed since the beginning of time.
The legendary temple was a pain to find, but eventually, one of Muzan's subordinates located it. The Demon Lord had tasked Upper Moons Two and Three to destroy it and kill all its inhabitants.
"Akaza-dono, are you prepared?" Douma asked.
Akaza flexed his muscles and said, "Let's get this over with." Then he leapt from cliff to cliff down the mountain with Douma leisurely trailing behind him.
Douma and Akaza entered the temple with ease. Their dark, malevolent auras overpowered the holy sutras and enchantments that were meant to ward off demons.
Upon seeing them, the inhabitants of The Bushi Temple ceased all of their activity and stared at them, terrified.
A woman let out a shocked gasp, then a loud, bloodcurdling wail. "Demon!" she screeched. "Demon!"
Ugh! Why must humans be so loud?
Her piercing howls and bloodcurdling wails aggravated Douma and made him break out of his broad grin. "Madam, please keep it down!" he whined, pouting. "We've come in peace! Well, not really, but we didn't do anything yet!"
The woman continued screaming until Douma decapitated her with one of his fans. The people of the Bushi Temple screamed in terror and ran amok.
Akaza slightly winced and turned away from the gory corpse of the headless woman..
"Akaza-dono, is something wrong?"
"No," Akaza said dully, void of emotion. "Stop asking me that."
"Alright! I'll handle—"
Before he could finish, Akaza began to tear through countless men and drench the temple in the blood of innocents. The way he specifically avoided women and children perplexed Douma greatly, who was slaughtering them without an ounce of pity.
Lord Akaza confuses me so! Women and children are fun to kill, especially women. How can one resist to indulge in such amusement?
Oh, well. More pleasure and entertainment for me, I suppose!
Though, two things are bothering me; where's the militia and why was it so easy for us to enter? Hm… How strange!
Anyway, I shouldn't worry. His Lordship will surely be pleased!
GIYU
Once Zenitsu and Chuntaro left, Giyu stared at his reflection in a nearby river. Staring back at him was an image of his former human self; someone he truly wasn't any longer.
Humanity was clearly a thing of the past, yet he so dearly continued to hold on to it, unlike some other people.
Shinobu isn't herself any longer. That was clear when I looked into her eyes and saw nothing.
Just nothing; a void.
There is nothing left of the woman she used to be.
Becoming a full demon is not just of the body, but of the state of mind as well. She has either forgotten or disregarded her human life, and has truly become a demon.
And I… cannot associate with such immorality.
I cannot be like Zenitsu, who lounges and frolics with the others, who are just as corrupted as well.
I was trained to survive, and I will continue to do just that either with others or by myself.
But this is exhausting.
...Five years.
They told me about that over three years ago.
Sabito and Makomo, what did you mean? What will soon happen, and why does it concern me?
Did you just say that to me to give me false hope?
Were you two and the others even there?
…Did I imagine things?
Could it be that I actually am alone?
SHINOBU
Shinobu and Kaigaku were standing in the desolate remains of a city that was overrun by demons. The two demons stood a vast distance apart and slowly withdrew their blades.
"I'm going to ask you one more time; are you sure you want to do this?" he asked.
"Yes, I'm sure," she replied.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a woman."
"I don't expect you to."
Kaigaku dashed towards her with impeccable speed. Just as she raised her blade to strike him, he somersaulted over her and slashed her from behind.
Shinobu muffled a pained cry and kneeled on the ground, blood trickling down her back. She felt the subtle tingling sensation of her wounds regenerating.
Kaigaku heaved an aggravated sigh and put his sword back in its sheath. "This was a waste of time," he grumbled as he turned to leave.
"Wait, don't leave yet," she said. "I'm ready."
"You can't handle that measly attack, but you want to go for another round? Are you an idiot or what?"
As she finished recuperating from her injury, Shinobu stood in a battle stance.
Kaigaku glowered, then charged at her again. To his surprise, she sprinted away before he could attack.
"You may be faster than me, but I'm stronger than you," he said smugly. "Speed won't save you in the end."
"But speed isn't my only strength," she said, holding his unbreaking gaze.
Underestimating me—
✧SHINOBU'S KEKKIJUTSU: Tenpesuto to Gāre/Tempest and Gale: Violently spinning winds generated from Shinobu's wings that creates a tornado around target. While the center/eye is calm and peaceful, the vicious winds outside slowly close in.
Suddenly, Shinobu's large butterfly wings sprouted from her back and she leapt in the air. Then she began to fly around him in circles, creating a tornado that surrounded him completely. The wide, calm center began to gradually shrink before his very eyes, threatening to swallow him whole.
Is a mistake.
"…A challenge," he said, his black scleras gleaming with a bloodthirsty, malicious intent. "An actual fucking challenge."
"Third Form: Thunder Swarm!" Kaigaku began to generate a spinning wave of lightning that shot out in all directions.
Streaks of lightening covered the tornado's eyewall, which made its walls widen and change its velocity. The tornado began to weaken and slowly dissipate.
That attack disrupted my winds so easily!
…There has to be a change of plans.
Shinobu concealed her presence and hid herself in the wildly rotating winds. As she glided with the tornado, she kept her eyes locked on Kaigaku.
Kaigaku's smug grin was replaced by a look of caution, uncertainty, and worry.
Fear.
So, I correctly predicted his next move; he was going to attack me. He doesn't know where I am, so he can't attack me directly.
Then the tables have turned. I must attack him directly.
Once the tornado strengthened to her liking, Shinobu discreetly traveled to the tornado's peak. When the time was right, she flew down from above at the speed of light with the desire to impale him with her sword.
Almost there.
Shinobu's blade was just inches away from piercing his back.
One more second…
Shinobu's blade was mere centimeters away.
Just one more second…
Suddenly, Kaigaku looked directly at her out of the corner of his eye with a knowing gleam in his eyes.
What?
How did he—
He knew where I was this entire time?
"Second Form: Rice Spirit." Kaigaku generated five straight attacks around her in a single movement.
The slashes were so powerful that they knocked the breath out of her lungs and sent her flying in another direction. The tornado dissipated as she tumbled upon the ground.
Shinobu's head throbbed angrily at her for her failure.
That attack… Those slashes could've severed my limbs and impaled me many times, but… it didn't.
I only feel the pain of being thrown and slammed on the ground, and I'm not bleeding in the slightest.
Kaigaku stood above her and said, "You Demon Suns are pathetic. Concealing your presence? Really? Such an amateur move."
She slightly winced as she stood up, then felt at ease when she felt herself regenerating. "Which is why I need to be trained," she said, breathing heavily. "So, will you… train me?"
As he rolled his eyes, covered his face with his hand in annoyance. Then he nodded and said, "…Fine. But only because we're kind of like counterparts. It'll look stupid if a weak, lousy demon like yourself has the Third Upper rank like me."
Shinobu disregarded his conceited, arrogant remarks and bowed before him. "Thank you. I am forever grateful."
"Yeah… Whatever. We're done for today," he sighed. Then his face darkened as he said, "And don't you ever try to find me again. I'm the one who knocks, not you. I'll come for you whenever I feel like it, so be ready whenever I say."
"Of course, Kaigaku-sama. I apologize."
After he returned to the demon realm, Shinobu looked down and saw a blue magatama-like pendant on the ground. She picked it up and realized that it belongs to one of his necklaces.
I know that he forbade me to not find him again, but I'm sure that this means a lot to him.
I don't know the next time we'll have training so I must give it to him.
Personally.
KAIGAKU
After his training session with Shinobu, Kaigaku returned to the fortress and went to a bathhouse that looked like a luxurious hammam. As he was massaged by attractive female servants, he thought about all that took place.
…Why the hell did I agree to train her?
I don't want anything to do with the Demon Suns. They're inferior to us and are quite annoying.
I think that I agreed to help her out of my respect for Her Majesty. Yeah, that's it.
Lady Mujōna is new at this whole leading thing and the Hashiras are pieces of work. She'll definitely think better of me if I help train one of Her demons.
Yeah, I'm sure of it.
Kaigaku dressed himself in a robe and left the bathhouse, then saw Douma and Gyutaro waiting for him in the hallway.
Douma pranced towards him and exclaimed, "Kaigaku-dono, you, I, and Tanchiro are basically brothers now!"
"What? And who's Tanchiro?"
"Upper Sun One, of course!"
"But I thought his name was— Never mind, I don't care. Besides that, what are you even talking about, Douma?"
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"That you and Shinobu are together."
Upon hearing that, Kaigaku grimaced and shook his head. "Fuck no! Who the hell told you that?"
Douma glanced at Gyutaro, who looked away.
"What? Are you two spying on me or something?" Kaigaku growled.
"Why would anyone spy on you?" Gyutaro spat. "You're not that interesting."
"Look, I don't care if you think I'm interesting or not. I just want to know how you concluded that I and that woman are together."
Just as Douma opened his mouth to respond, they all sensed another presence.
…That's her, isn't it? Didn't I specifically tell her not to search for me?
As expected, Shinobu appeared and approached them. Then she bowed and said, "Hello. I am Shinobu; Upper Sun Three. I am very honored to be in your presence."
Gyutaro shrugged and leaned against a wall. "Okay..."
Douma leaned in and scanned her up and down. "Shinobu, you're really cute, but not as cute as my Kanae!"
Seething, Kaigaku grabbed Shinobu's arm and took her to an area out of earshot. "What the hell is wrong with you?" he hissed through clenched fangs.
Shinobu held out the blue magatama-like pendant to him. "I came to give you this."
He snatched the pendant and tucked it in the pocket of his robe. "…Don't think that I'm going to be in your debt or something."
"Oh, of course not!" she laughed, playfully covering her mouth.
...What?
They stared at each other in silence for what felt like an eternity. Then he abruptly turned to leave.
"Before you go, could you tell me when I'll see you again?"
"When you'll what?"
"When you'll train me again."
"…Whenever I feel like it."
"Okay. Until next time!"
Kaigaku stormed through the halls, his angry, bloodthirsty aura clouding the air.
That was so embarrassing! How dare she go against me like that?
Suddenly, Douma and Gyutaro appeared before him once again.
"Brother Kaigaku-dono!" Douma cried. "What are you hiding?"
"Douma, I'm not your 'brother,' and I'm not hiding anything," he snarled.
"If it makes you feel any better, Shinobu is really cute! Your choice in women is unmatched!"
"For the last time, I don't want that woman, let alone even like her!" Kaigaku yelled. "I'm just her trainer and that's it! I literally just met her today!"
A forlorn look crossed Douma's face, then he broke into a wide grin. "Well, there's still hope for you two! I'm sure that—"
"Not everyone wants to be in a relationship!" Kaigaku roared, his bloodlust permeating the air itself.
"That's not true, Kaigaku-dono!" Douma cheerfully exclaimed. "Love is a beautiful thing, and—"
Before Douma could finish, Kaigaku decapitated him and threw his severed head across the hall.
"Hey, this reminds me of when Lord Aka— Never mind!"
As he leaned against the wall and twirled his scythe, Gyutaro said, "You're not interested in being a relationship, huh?"
"Yeah, that's what I just said."
"Except with my sister."
"Gyutaro, you still aren't over that? That's over and done with!"
"You know that she left because of you, right?"
"…What?"
"You heard me."
Perplexed, Kaigaku said, "I actually don't know what you're talking about, dude."
"She left the fortress because you were harassing her," Gyutaro said, slightly raising his voice. "That's my sister, and I thought you and I were cool!"
"Harassing her? I didn't harass her! After she turned me down, I left her alone. Desperation isn't my thing, and fuck you for thinking it is!"
"You… You didn't bother her after that?" he asked, his eyes wide.
"No, of course not! It's not like I'm in love with her or something. It was a one-time thing and it's over and done with."
A strange, unreadable expression was upon Gyutaro's face for a few moments. "…Alright, I believe you. Sorry, man."
"Whatever," Kaigaku sighed. "Just make sure you never accuse me of shit ever again."
He's so fucking weak in the head.
Douma levitated above them and let out a hearty laugh. "Kaigaku-dono, Shinobu is the perfect woman for you. She's not only your counterpart, but she compliments you as well! If you properly court and woo her, then you can join the brotherhood with I and Tanchiro!"
"Douma, I'm saying this for the last time; I don't want her, so shut the fuck up! I'm not getting anywhere near a Demon Sun in that way, let alone date them!"
Suddenly, Douma's joyous demeanor was replaced with a jarring, ominous one. "What's wrong with dating a Demon Sun?" he asked in a voice that didn't belong to him.
"…N-nothing," Kaigaku stammered. "There's absolutely nothing wrong with dating them, Douma."
Grinning, Douma floated to the floor and adjusted his headdress. Before he vanished, he said, "Very well, Kaigaku-dono! My apologies, but I must depart! Goodbye!"
Gyutaro looked as if he wanted to say something, but turned and walked away.
Now alone, Kaigaku kicked a wall and gritted his fangs, seething.
This has done nothing but made me look weak and less than!
I shouldn't have agreed to train her! But if I back out now, it might backfire and make things even worse for worse!
A vision of Muzan excommunicating him from The Twelve Kizuki on Mujona's behalf appeared in his mind.
They will surely think less of me if I they hear that I agreed to train her, then refused.
…Alright. I'll get it over with and train Shinobu.
I have nothing better to do anyway, and it'll help me get my mind off things.
MUGOI & MUJIHI
It was yet another day of training for Mugoi and Mujihi, and the twins stood before their father as they awaited his instruction. A large Japanese mansion was in front of them.
The twins wore white karategis over their matching black training uniforms. Mugoi's curly medium-length hair covered his eyes, and Mujihi's long, straight hair was styled in a ponytail.
As the midnight blue sky darkened with each passing second, the lights within the mansion and the flickering outdoor lanterns turned on.
The Demon Lord crouched to their level and said, "Mugoi and Mujihi, your objective is to go through the mansion and find the exit. To complete your task, you must utilize all that I've taught you. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Otōsan," Mugoi said with.
"Yes, daddy," Mujihi whispered, holding his teddy bear to his chest. "I'm ready to go inside."
A cruel, biting wind swirled around their ankles, sending chills down their spines. Before he vanished in thin air, Muzan said, "Good. Now begin."
Now alone, the two adorable little boys stared at the daunting mansion, its light illuminating their faces.
The twins braced themselves and took deep breaths, then entered the mansion.
Mugoi and Mujihi found themselves inside of a traditional Japanese mansion. Its wooden floors creaked slightly with every step.
They walked down a long, empty corridor until an unseeable force pushed them inside a chamber.
There, they saw four lower demons.
One was a pig faced man with yellow eyes and a flabby physique, one looked to be a demonic harpy, another looked to be a blob of flesh, and other was a woman covered in scales and horns.
"Well, well, well, look what we have here!" the pig-faced demon chortled. "Looks like dinner came early, Horikiri!"
"It looks like you're right, Buta!" the harpy demon screeched. "I call the golden-eyed one! I don't know, but there's something about him I really like!"
Mugoi extended his violet claws and growled gutturally, which sounded more adorable than threatening.
"I desire the orange-eyed one," the blob of flesh crocked. "His flesh looks supple and sweet; just what I need for my collection."
"No, no, no!" Mujihi cried, tears streaking his face.
"His Lordship said that we would receive a drop of his blood once we kill you, then we'll become sun-resistant and even stronger!" the scaly demon crackled.
The four demons inched closer to the twins, licking their lips and gnashing their jowls with malicious intent.
"Oh no," Mugoi whispered. "Bad demon. They're bad demons." The twins held each other's hands as they backed away in fear.
The grotesque demons came even closer, opening their maws. The blob of flesh opened wide, revealing his walls of razor-sharp teeth.
Mugoi and Mujihi were frightened out of their wits and too petrified to react. All three of their hearts pounded within their chests as they trembled.
Then they remembered the time their father told them something very important.
FLASHBACK:
Mugoi and Mujihi were being trained by their father. An enchanted fighting dummy stood in the center of the dōjōchamber.
The Demon Lord beckoned for them to huddle around and said, "For many months, I've taught you two the basics of martial arts. Now, you must use your knowledge to properly battle against an opponent. Mugoi, you shall be first."
Mugoi nodded, then timidly approached the dummy, who stood as still as a statue. After a few eerily silent moments, he began to attack, but the dummy kicked him to a wall.
Although the searing pain was intense, Mugoi knew to ignore it and let his cells suppress it. The golden-eyed boy dashed towards the dummy to attack again, but the dummy threw him once again.
Mugoi landed on his leg incorrectly and felt a searing, excruciating pain. As he recuperated from his injuries, the dummy walked towards him. Every bone in his small body told him to bawl and run away, but he refused because he knew that his father would be disappointed.
"What? Are you just going to sit there and let your opponent not only take delight in attacking you, but in seeing you show fear and hesitance as well?" Muzan asked, his slightly raised, stentorian voice reverberating throughout the chamber.
"…N-no," Mugoi whispered, his tan cheeks turning red as he resisted the urge to cry. Then he shakily tried to stand up, but fell down and let out an audible sob.
The golden-eyed boy couldn't hold it in any longer and wept on the floor.
Mujihi began to cry as well and ran to embrace his brother. The twins held each other and sobbed uncontrollably.
Enraged, The Demon Lord squeezed his fist and made the dummy combust. "Mugoi and Mujihi, you mustn't cry any longer," he said. "The enemy is gone and—"
"I want Mama!" Mugoi wailed.
"I want her, too!" Mujihi cried.
The twins bawled hysterically until Muzan yelled, "Silence!" The chamber was so quiet, you could hear a pin drop.
The Demon Lord had never yelled at his children.
Not even once.
The look on his children's face made him feel twinges in all seven of his hearts. The Demon Lord's face softened as he crouched to their level and said, "Yes, this training is difficult and too much for children of your age, but this is how it has to be. What you two don't understand is that you're not like the others; you are different. You two are Purebloodsand are the first of your kind. You both have a title to uphold and I must do everything in my power to help you reach your full potential."
"…E-even if some things are scary?" Mugoi whispered.
"Yes, Mugoi. Even if some things are scary."
"I don't like being scared," Mujihi said, wiping his eyes.
"Then if you follow my instruction, you won't ever be frightened again. I'll teach you both how to defend yourself and protect each other." Then he pulled them in his warm, loving embrace and said, "No words can describe how much I love you two and your mother."
Mugoi and Mujihi felt better and were put at ease because of their father's words. They returned the gesture and snuggled against their father, feeling nothing short of safe, loved, and secure.
Suddenly, Mujihi burst into tears and sobbed, "I-I love you, Otōsan!"
"Daddy, I love you, too!" Mugoi exclaimed, tears streaking his face.
"And I love you both as well, which is why I'm doing this in the first place," Muzan said. "All that I do is for your benefit. I shall defend and protect both of you for the rest of eternity, but you must defend and protect each other as well. This is how it has to be, so no more tears."
The Demon Lord lovingly cuddled with his children for a while, then released them and said, "Are you two alright?"
Mugoi and Mujihi smiled and nodded in response.
"Very well. Now, let's get back to training."
PRESENT:
As the four demons approached, Mugoi and Mujihi looked at each other and knew what had to happen next—
They had to defend themselves and protect each other.
✧BATTLE AGAINST THE FOUR LOWER DEMONS
Before the four demons could tackle them, the twins leapt and somersaulted over them in unison.
As he descended from above, Mugoi slammed his fist upon the ground and created a powerful shockwave. The shockwave made the four demons lose their footing, which gave Mujihi the perfect chance to attack.
The orange-eyed boy slashed their legs with his sharp, burgundy claws and left deep gashes.
"Ah!"
"Ouch! That fucking brat!"
"Argh!"
Mujihi emitted a dark, bloodthirsty aura that was powerful enough to become a shockwave. It pushed the demons away and slammed them against a wall.
The four demons hissed and growled as they composed themselves.
"Get them!" Buta roared.
The scaly demon charged for Mugoi and slashed the air as she approached. When the time was right, Mugoi used his superior speed and agility to catch her off guard and impale her heart.
She let out a piercing cry as she burst into flames and disintegrated.
The golden-eyed boy stood over her disintegrating corpse and said, "Bad demon. You're a bad demon."
The blob of flesh extended its fleshy, grotesque tentacles and chased Mujihi around the chamber. The orange-eyed boy screamed and cried as he ran around in circles.
Eventually, the blob of flesh grew tired and had to stop. "He's just… he's too fast for me!" he said, breathing heavily.
"I'll handle him!" Horikiri screeched as she spread her wings and flew towards him.
As she flew towards him and opened her mouth to release a powerful laser beam, Mujihi sobbed hysterically and held her gaze.
Suddenly, Horikiri stopped flying and idly stood in place, never taking her eyes off Mujihi. Then she turned and approached the blob of flesh with a strange look upon her face.
"Horikiri, I—"
Before he could finish, Horikiri emitted a devastating laser beam that melted him upon contact. His wails of agony were overpowered by the sizzling sounds of his flesh.
"H-Horikiri?" Buta asked, petrified.
Horikiri turned to Mujihi with a horrified expression upon her face, her lips quivering.
The orange-eyed boy blanky stared at her as he held his teddy bear to his chest.
"…N-no," she whispered, trembling. "I— I can't do that. I can't do what you ask of me. I just can't!"
Then she crumbled to floor and groveled in fear, sobbing. "N-no, p-please! I b-beg of you! I can't do what you ask of me! Please don't!"
Horikiri shakily stood up and stared at the orange-eyed boy as if they were the only ones there. "W-why are you doing t-this to me?" she asked, her voice cracking around the edges.
Buta was bewildered by the strange spectacle and said, "Horikiri, what are you—"
Before he could finish, Horikiri began to repeatedly stab her own head with her razor-sharp talons.
The squelching sounds bloody, gory sight and the incessant squelching sounds continued until what was once her head looked to be nothing but a mass of bloody discarded organs and flesh.
The chamber was eerily quiet until Buta dashed to the other side of the room and banged upon the door. "Let me out! Get me out of here!" he cried.
Then he paused when he saw the small, golden-eyed boy right beside him.
"Bad demon," Mugoi said. "You're a bad demon."
As he approached, Buta let out a series of deafening, bloodcurdling howls until Mugoi's tiny fist pierced his chest and pulled out his heart. The pig-faced demon burst into flames, leaving nothing but a pile of ash.
Now alone, Mugoi approached his brother and said, "Yay, we did it."
"I want to go home and play with Ravager," Mujihi said.
"Me too."
"Mugoi, I'm a good oni."
"Yeah, me too. Those were bad demons."
"Yeah."
Suddenly, the walls and floors shifted until the two brothers were separated.
MUGOI
Mugoi found himself in a large, dark chamber. The lanterns flickered and swayed in an unexplained breeze, only illuminating small portions of the room.
The golden-eyed boy immediately sensed that another demon was present.
Suddenly, a tall male demon emerged from the shadows. He had a sickly green complexion and looked to be a guard. A weapon that looked to be a javelin and axe was strapped to his back.
As he withdrew his weapon, he said, "Your death… will be easy. I'll make it quick."
Mugoi stood in a battle stance and balled his fists. "Bad demon," he said.
The guard demon charged at him at full speed, but the child vanished. "Huh?"
Then he looked up and saw that Mugoi was standing upside down upon the ceiling.
The golden-eyed boy giggled at the lesser demon's visible frustration. "Bad demon. You're a bad demon."
The guard demon frowned and said, "How so?"
"Because."
"Because what?"
Instead of responding, Mugoi lunged to land a devasting punch, but the demon successfully blocked the attack with his weapon.
Mugoi and the guard demon dodged each other's attacks until the sharp end of the javelin slashed his arm.
The golden-eyed boy sobbed and panicked, then returned to the ceiling.
The guard demon smirked and said, "Come down. You cannot stay there forever…"
As he waited, he caught a whiff of an indescribable, intoxicating aroma. Then he looked and saw that some of Mugoi's blood was on his weapon.
The guard demon kept one eye on Mugoi as he examined his weapon. Smeared blood that was true, stunning red glistened in the dim light.
"This blood… This blood smells… different." With haste, he licked the blood clean off the javelin's tip.
Suddenly, he dropped his weapon and crumbled to the floor with an awestruck expression upon his face. His pupils dilated beyond belief and an impossibly wide grin spread across his face.
The guard demon burst into tears and wept loudly as he said, "This is the best thing I've ever—"
Before he could finish, his head exploded.
Pieces of skull, fangs, blood, and brains splattered all over the room.
Mugoi didn't understand what just happened, but knew that he had achieved his goal. The golden-eyed boy tidied himself and smiled at his success.
MUJIHI
Mujihi opened his eyes and found himself in one of the many chambers of the mansions. The orange-eyed boy clutched his teddy bear and analyzed his surroundings like his father told him.
"Bonbon, kowaidesu," he whispered, his nose wiggling frantically.
✧TRANSLATION: "Bonbon, I'm scared," he whispered, his nose wiggling frantically.
He looked up and saw a dark figure crawling above. It slithered upon the walls and ceiling until it stood before him, revealing itself.
The demon had a grayish complexion with two sets of eyes, and was crouched on all fours. It had a long, grotesque tongue that danced to and fro.
✧TONGUE DEMON
"Young children are the sweetest, most delicious meal!" he exclaimed in a raspy, distorted voice. "I've eaten many, but you, a demon of pureblood, will surely be the most delectable! Your blood is different, and I like different!"
Terrified, Mujihi held Bonbon to his chest and shakily backed away. "N-no, no, no," he squeaked, whimpering. "D-daddy, I-I want to go home and p-play with Ravager…"
But his father wasn't present, and no one could hear his cries.
The Tongue Demon laughed as it inched closer on all fours. "Don't worry, child. I won't bite; I'll swallow you whole instead, heh!"
The orange-eyed boy burst into tears and shook his head. "No, no, no! I want to go home!"
"You belong in my stomach, and that's that!" he laughed manically. "Once I eat you up, I'll eat that bear of yours as well!"
Upon hearing that, Mujihi's incessant crying ceased. His pupils contracted into deep, angry slits and his burgundy claws extended and pierced his teddy bear's stuffing.
The little boy's face darkened, and veins pulsed all over his small frame. "You said that you're going to eat Bonbon,"he said in a voice that didn't belong to him.
The Tongue Demon grinned maliciously and chuckled, "Bonbon? Is that the name of your—"
Before he could finish, Mujihi swiftly grabbed the base of his tongue and pulled it out. Then the little boy decapitated him in one swipe and sent his severed head flying across the room.
Shocked, the Tongue Demon gaped at the young child in disbelief as he disintegrated, leaving nothing but a pile of ash.
💭TONGUE DEMON'S LAST THOUGHTS: This is how I die; at the hands of a small child? I've killed countless slayers and samurai, grown men and women alike, yet this little boy defeats me so easily? This can't be! I won't accept it, I can't, I just won't—
Now alone, the walls and floors began to shift until Mujihi saw his brother. The two little boys ran into each other's embrace and laughed with great joy, then continued their journey.
Soon, they saw a large, grand door that could only be the exit.
MUZAN
Muzan patiently waited for his children to arrive, his cloak swaying in the chilly breeze. The Demon Lord had concealed his presence and was present the entire time.
Minutes later, Mugoi and Mujihi finally exited the mansion and approached him.
"I am so very proud of you two," Muzan said with his usual charming smile. "Because of your hard work, you'll be greatly rewarded."
The two little boys stared blankly at him until Mujihi burst into tears and Mugoi followed right after. They sobbed against their father's chest as he took them into his arms.
As they left to return to The Eien no Kyūden, Muzan cooed, "Oh, shizukesa, watashi no chīsana senshi. Subete ga seijōdearu; Watashi wa koko ni imasu."
✧TRANSLATION: As they left to return to The Eien no Kyūden, Muzan cooed, "Oh, hush, my little warriors. Everything is alright; I am here."
NICHIYŌ
FLASHBACK:
Takeo, Nichiyō, and Ryū stood around as they waited for the two new recruits who were chosen to become Pairons. They heard that the new recruits were women and had mixed feelings.
"I already don't like this shit," Ryū grumbled. "We don't need any more people."
"Do you actually think that the three of us can defeat Muzan all by ourselves?" Nichiyō asked, a questioning brow raised.
"With Master Yoriichi-sama, anything is possible. You should have more faith, Nichiyō."
"I do, but—"
"Hush, you guys," Takeo whispered. "I think they're coming."
Moments later, the door opened and Dulen entered with an unknown woman.
The woman was of a lovely light olive complexion, and had curly, magenta-colored hair with bangs covering most of her face. She wore a plain black kimono with a lilac and white heart-patterned haori.
As she trailed behind Dūlen, she clutched her belongings to her chest and held her head down.
"No fucking way," Ryū muttered under his breath. "You've got to be kidding me."
Takeo frowned and whispered, "Ryū, be nice."
"I am being nice, but this is bullshit."
"State your name, child!" Dūlen roared.
"…J-Juritamu Okyoito," she stammered.
"Good. Now, you three; do the same!"
Takeo bowed and said, "I am Takeo Matsuda; The Cloud Pairon. Juritamu, it is a pleasure to meet you! Welcome to The Bushi Temple and our headquarters! I hope your journey here was—"
"Please keep it short, Takeo," Nichiyō interjected. "Anyway, I'm Nichiyō Wabuji; The Earth Pairon."
Dūlen glared at Ryū, who was scowling with his arms crossed. "Ahem."
"What?" Ryū asked, fuming. "I've already introduced myself."
"No, you haven't, boy!"
"Yes, I did, Dūlen-sama. It seems that your old age has—"
Before he could finish, Dūlen struck him on the shin with his cane. "Fuck!"
Smirking, Nichiyō chuckled and said, "Juritamu, this is Ryū-shou Ashigomi, but he'd like it if you called him Ryū. He's The Ice Pairon. He may seem a little cold at first, but he's actually a warm, friendly guy!"
Juritamu seemed to be a little flustered and shrunk within herself.
"Child, go down the hall and put your belongings in one of the empty rooms," Dūlen sighed.
Once Juritamu had left, Nichiyō quietly said, "…Dūlen-sama, did Juritamu go through all ten stages of training?"
With a nonchalant, unconcerned expression, Dūlen said, "Nope."
Upon hearing that, all three of the swordsmen's jaws dropped wide open.
"Master Dūlen-sama, I don't enjoy questioning your judgment, but is that really wise?" Takeo asked, his eyes wide.
"Oh, Takeo; my sweet, most valued son," Dūlen cooed. "I've thought long and hard about our new recruits, and The Gods advised me to let them to join us. They've only went through less than five stages of training, but have great potential!"
"Less than five stages of training?" Nichiyō gasped. "And we went through all ten, and that's not even including the training I and Takeo went through before the Pairons were formed…"
"Women get everything," Ryū grumbled to himself.
Then the elderly man struck him with his cane once again.
"Fucking hell, what's your problem? I didn't do anything!" he yelped, gritting his teeth in agony.
"Ryū-shou, you must hold your tongue, for what you say shall be accounted for in the dawns of time!" Dūlen boomed.
"What— What does that even mean?"
"It's a wise man's way of saying 'shut up,'" Nichiyō said.
Suddenly, the door creaked opened and a woman entered.
The woman had a lovely honey complexion, hazel brown eyes, and a beauty mark above her lip. Her hair was styled in a bun with floral kanzashi, and she wore a light pink kimono with a white obi.
The three swordsmen were taken aback and rendered speechless by her beauty. Even Ryū was clearly astonished, and he didn't care to indulge in indecent, lecherous behavior.
Nichiyō, who usually kept his eyes closed, opened his eyes impossibly wide and gawked at her.
Takeo broke out of the bewitching trace then shook his companions out of the spell as well. "Snap out of it, you guys. You're freaking her out."
"Hello! I am Fūryū Ueda. It's a pleasure," she said, batting her long eyelashes.
"Welcome to the team, Fūryū!" Takeo exclaimed. "I'm Takeo Matsuda; The Cloud Pairon!"
Nichiyō gave a shaky bow and said, "Nichiyō Wabuji; The Earth Pairon."
Ryu composed himself and said, "I'm The Ice Pairon. My name is Ryū-shou Ashigomi, but just call me Ryū."
Fūryū began to draw closer, which made them visibly tense, especially Nichiyō. Perspiration formed upon his forehead and he looked as if he'd faint at any given moment.
The beautiful woman broke into a wide grin and said, "Oh, you three are so handsome!" Then she drew even closer to Nichiyō and said, "You have really long eyelashes. I have to say that I'm quite… jealous. Men get everything, don't they?"
Upon hearing that, Ryū's calm composure shifted into his usual tense, aggravated one. "Says the woman who's here when she did less than five stages of training."
Just as Fūryū opened her mouth to respond, three guards carrying piles of luggage entered the chamber.
"Oh, it looks like my bags have arrived! Gentleman, please be kind and carefully place my belongings in an empty room."
"Anything for you, Lady Ueda!" the guards exclaimed as they staggered down the halls.
"…Well, it seems that you four have already gotten yourselves acquainted," Dūlen said. "I'm sure that you'll all get along, yes?"
Fūryū glanced at Ryū, who glared at her in return. "Yes. I'm sure we'll get along just fine. Isn't that right, Ryū-shou?"
Just as Ryū began to retort, another woman rushed into the chamber.
The woman had long, copper-to-pink hair, a lovely light brown complexion, and the prettiest lavender eyes.
Oh no, not another pretty one!
"I'm so sorry that I'm late!" the woman said. "I… I kind of got lost!"
"All is well, child," Dūlen said. "Now, state your name!"
As she adjusted her training uniform, the woman said, "My name Ayumi Tsutsudo. It's really nice to meet all of you."
They all introduced themselves and when Juritamu returned, she timidly introduced herself as well.
"So, that's that!" Takeo exclaimed, beaming. "Ladies, we're really glad that all of you are here. We need as much help as we can get when it comes to defeating demons!"
The slayers murmured in agreement until Dūlen roared, "Before anyone gets any cozier, I want it to be known that there will not be any sexual relations under any circumstances! The first person who disobeys this rule will be tasting the gold of my cane for the rest of their life and be stripped of their merits! Do you understand?"
"Yes, Dūlen-sama," they said in unison.
Fūryū, Juritamu, and Ayumi left to get to know one another, leaving the three swordsmen alone.
"This is… a lot to take in," Nichiyō said.
Takeo nodded and said, "Yes, but we'll get through it. Master Dūlen-sama thought long and hard about this."
"Well, clearly not long and hard enough," Ryū sneered. "The first one is scared of her own shadow, the second one is a snob, and the last one is… Eh, she's alright."
"You should have more faith, Ryū. Underestimating others is a mistake."
"Whatever," he sighed. "I doubt they'll last anyway. There's just no way they can handle even a day of the training we endure. Especially the one with the wart above her lip."
"…Wart? Ryū, it's not a wart," Nichiyō said. "It's a mole, more specifically a beauty mark."
"Mole, wart, beauty mark, whatever. Either way, it's a blemish."
"I thought you found her to be attractive," Takeo said.
"Well, you thought wrong. I already hate her. You saw how she had those guys acting as her slaves? And by the way, I hate all of them. They don't deserve to be here because they haven't completed their training."
"But Master Dūlen-sama said that The Gods chose them."
"Dūlen-sama is older than time himself. I'm sure The Gods aren't the only things he's hearing."
As Ryū and Takeo talked about the new recruits, Nichiyō thought to himself.
So, more people are being chosen. But for what?
The Demon Slayer Corps. and the Hashiras are still active, so why are we being formed?
It's definitely not to help them, because we're supposed to be a secret.
No one knows about us. No one knows that we even exist.
How… strange.