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
🏮読んでくれてありがとう🏮
CHAPTER VOCABULARY
* oden: a Japanese stew made with hard-boiled eggs, daikon, fish cakes and dashi soup.
* chonmage: a form of Japanese traditional topknot haircut worn by men.
* ōdachi: traditionally made Japanese sword used by the samurai class of feudal Japan.
MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "'Hearing someone's thoughts.'"
* "Past conversation."
* {Sound}
* [Movement]
AKAZA
FLASHBACK:
After spending many years in the human realm, Akaza returned to the Dimensional Infinity Fortress. The isolated fortress was desolate and void of life besides Nakime, who was immobilized in the fortress's core.
The biwa demon had sat frozen in a cross-legged position for centuries and was part of the fortress itself. She didn't move and barely spoke, but when she did, her words were short and emotionless.
Only the Upper Ranks of the Twelve Kizuki knew of the fortress' existence, and only Upper Moons One, Three, and Four could access it.
Muzan Kibutsuji and Nakime were the only inhabitants of the Dimensional Infinity Fortress, but The Demon Lord was never to be found. The Twelve Kizuki saw him rarely, but when they did, he was always angry.
Furious.
Hostile.
Cold.
The Demon Lord's hateful rage was so intense, it was tangible. His viciously cruel, cold-hearted demeanor was something that never changed and was constant.
Since joining the Twelve Kizuki, Akaza had only seen Muzan twice; when they first met, and when one of the Lower Moons was executed. On both of those occasions, Muzan's behavior baffled him greatly.
Why is he always so angry? How could one be so… miserable?
Akaza entered a simulation that depicted a desolate, mountainous terrain. Then he climbed upon the mountain to reach its top.
There, he saw the figure of a man.
Muzan-sama.
The Demon Lord sat upon the mountain's peak and stared off into the distance, his wavy hair swaying in the breeze.
Akaza gave a short nod, never taking his eyes off him.
The Demon Lord met his amber eyes and held his stare. His crimson, plum red eyes sliced through the darkness like knives and sent chills down Akaza's spine.
After what felt like an eternity, Muzan said, "You're loyal; I can see that. I covet loyalty, but that's not all I want."
Akaza knew it wouldn't be wise to respond, but his lips began to move on their own. "Then what else do you want?"
Suddenly, the bleak, abysmal sky gradually brightened with a plethora of oranges, pink, and light blues.
Then the Sun rose high in the sky, its shimmering rays illuminating their faces.
An expression Akaza had never seen before appeared on Muzan's face.
A look of sorrow and a deep, deep yearning.
For the Sun.
He wanted to walk in the Sun.
SUNŌ
After taking her dance class and spending time with her three best friends, Ame, Yorokobi, and Ninjin, Sunō went to practice by herself upon a hill. Under the moonlight above, she spun around and twirled her fans.
As she practiced her footwork and fan twirling techniques, she accidentally stumbled and fell to the ground. "Oh no! It's been over two years and I still haven't gotten any good at dancing! When Lady Mujōna returns, She'll be very disappointed in me!"
"Well, perhaps I could be of assistance," a familiar voice said.
Sunō looked up and saw the shadowy figure of a man drawing near. As he approached, the moonlight illuminated and shone down upon him, revealing a familiar handsome face with sterling grey eyes.
"Kamabisushii-sama… I—I didn't know that you were— Hi."
Kamabisushii extended his hand to her with a smile, which sent shivers down her spine. Sunō shakily took his hand and he helped her up. Then he used his handkerchief to wipe the dirt off her kimono.
"Ah, it looks like that stubborn stain needs to be handwashed," he said, tsking. "Why don't you go change in your bedroom chambers and leave this out for me to—"
"No, you don't have to do all of that for me, Kamabisushii-sama," she interjected. "It's alright."
Kamabisushii raised a questioning eyebrow and said, "Nonsense. Surely the apprentice of Her Majesty cannot be seen in soiled clothing. All of your attire must be immaculate and pristine!"
Before she could respond, he took her hand and held her close to him.
Too close.
Then everything went black.
Sunō opened her eyes and found herself in her luxurious bedroom with Kamabisushii standing near the door. Before he left, he said, "Sunō, change out of those clothes, then knock on the door when you're finished and proper."
The pink-eyed human readily obeyed and changed into another one of her many uniforms, which consisted of black kimonos with gold flower embroidery.
Once she knocked, Kamabisushii took her clothes, bowed and turned to leave, but she stopped him. "Wait, Kamabisushii-sama."
"Yes, Sunō?"
"Did… Did you really mean it when you said that you could be of assistance? With my dancing, I mean?"
Kamabisushii's dreamy grey eyes widened and lit up with an inexplicable light. "Yes, of course! I've witnessed many performances in all my years and know quite a few things. Though, I have to say that my instruction may be quite… difficult."
"Okay, that sounds good!" she exclaimed.
The grey-eyed demon took her hands and held her close to his chest, which made her let out a startled gasp. The feeling of his gloves against her hands was electrifying.
A spark.
"Follow and mirror my movements," he said.
Kamabisushii began to do the Box Step, which is stepping forward with the left foot, stepping right with the right foot, closing the distance between the left foot to the right foot, then repeat.
As Sunō mirrored his movements and went backwards, she realized that this was a waltz, not fan dancing. "Kamabisushii-sama, why are you teaching me how to waltz?" she giggled. "I needed your help with fan dancing!"
"Earlier, you said that Lady Mujōna will be disappointed with you for not improving your dancing skills, yes?"
"Well, yeah… I did say that."
"Which implies that you've taken up dancing to please Her, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then it'd be better for you to learn how to waltz and a little ballet!" he exclaimed. "Her Majesty just adores ballet and ballroom dancing. Besides, there are so many lower demons who do fan dances as it is, so why don't you be different, Sunō?"
"How much more different can I be, Kamabisushii-sama? I'm human, remember?"
Kamabisushii paused with a baffled expression, then erupted into laughter. "Oh, Sunō, what a humorous woman you are!"
His laughter tickled and made her laugh as well. As they laughed, Sunō felt a familiar twinge in her heart; the very same feeling she has felt for the past two and a half years.
A feeling that told her that someone loved her.
Or used to.
The feeling was so numbingly beclouded and faint but yet, oh, so, clear.
Someone once before used to love… me.
Deep down, I know that they're gone and moved on, and I feel no affection towards them because I don't know their identity.
How can I love someone I don't recall? And why do I only feel this ache whenever I'm close to Kamabisushii-sama?
As they waltzed around the room, Sunō saw that Kamabisushii's eyes were closed with a serene expression upon his face.
Since they first met, she had always found the man to be charming and handsome. Not only that, but he had always been so kind to her and made sure all of her needs were met.
Sunō recalled the many times he personally delivered her meals. Kamabisushii would always dramatically take off the platter's cloche and say, "Bon appetit!" The gesture would make her laugh each and every time, and never got old.
A soft, pleasant sounding hum escaped from him and went past her ears, coaxing her to say something; anything.
"…K-Kamabisushii-sama?"
"Yes, Sunō?"
"You shouldn't have stopped."
"Stopped what?"
"Humming… You shouldn't have stopped humming."
"Oh, my apologies. I'll continue if it pleases you, Sunō."
With that, Kamabisushii began to hum a melody that didn't sound like a waltz, but a familiar lullaby. He twirled and spun her around, corralled her in, then dipped.
The breathtaking move made her heart stop and hold onto him tighter.
The grey-eyed demon chuckled and said, "Just relax, Sunō. I wouldn't let you fall."
Sunō gazed into his dreamy, mesmerizing grey eyes and felt her heart flutter. "Y-yes, of course not, Kamabisushii-sama," she whispered. "…T-thank you."
MUZAN
As he caressed a canvas with gentle, light strokes, Muzan periodically stole glances of his children from afar. The two little boys were at play and chasing each other, their jovial laughter filling the air.
Because Muzan had total control over the dimension, the current surroundings of the Eien no Kyūden were a winter wonderland while everything else was unaffected.
Snow lightly fell from the cloudy leaden skies above, and all of the creeks and ponds were frozen over.
Snow; oh, how dearly his wife and children loved the snow.
Mugoi and Mujihi happily walked along the railing of bridges and ran around. Ravager followed them and rolled upon the mounds of snow, barking with great joy.
Laughter.
Happiness.
Peace.
The frigid, crackling sound of light footsteps upon snow drawing near caught Muzan's attention.
Standing beside him was none other than his youngest son, Mujihi.
The orange-eyed boy wore a heavy winter shawl over his white kimono and boots. The bottom half of his face was snuggly tucked into his scarf, and he wore a beanie with one pom-pom.
With a small, mittened hand, Mujihi held out a melting clump of snow to his father. "For you, Otōsan," a soft, muffled voice said.
The Demon Lord carefully accepted the gift, icy water trickling through his fingers. "Arigatō, Mujihi. Watashi wa hijō ni kansha shite imasu."
✧TRANSLATION: The Demon Lord carefully accepted the gift, icy water trickling through his fingers. "Thank you, Mujihi. I am very grateful."
The orange-eyed boy moved his scarf and smiled at him, which took Muzan's breath away. The smile upon Mujihi's face was peaceful, serene, and full of bliss.
A faint, knowing smile.
A smile like Buddha.
FLASHBACK:
After Nakime had finally located the Demon Slayer Corps. Headquarters, Muzan stood before a mansion that was protected within a barrier. The Demon Lord used his dark, malevolent aura to invade the barrier's pure aura with ease.
Muzan immediately sensed four human presences and entered the mansion.
There are only four humans here in this mansion. So, its only Ubuyashiki, his wife, and two children here.
But no guards.
Then he walked along a passageway near a courtyard, and saw two twin white-haired little girls at play. The two little girls tossed a ball to each other, singing a song.
Number two, the two-leafed pine. Put the decorations up.
On the pine, on the pine.
This… strange nostalgia.
The sense of relief… is repulsive.
Colors, colors
The three-fold pine is Mount Kazusa, Mount Kazusa.
The two white-haired little girls continued singing and playing, disregarding his very presence.
These children are… strange, to say the least.
The Demon Lord walked further into the mansion and stood in a room's doorway.
There, he saw the lying figure of a man with a woman at his side.
"Kibutsuji… Muzan," Kagaya strained to say in a pained, raspy voice. "Right… in front of me. You finally… came… to my home. The demon my family and the Demon Hunters… have been chasing for over two thousand years."
Then Kagaya weakly turned his head to his wife and said, "Amane… what form— What shape does this man… have?"
Amane looked at Muzan and said, "He looks like a man in his late twenties, but his eyes are crimson… More so, plum red. And his pupils are vertical, like a cat's or perhaps… a snake."
Then she slightly lowered her head and said, "He looks… a lot like you."
✧OPPOSING SIDES, YET A MIRRORED IMAGE
"Oh, alright. I thought… you'd come for sure, Muzan. I'm sure you're extremely mad at me… at the Ubuyashiki Family. But that's also why I was the only one… who thought you'd come to kill me yourself."
The Demon Lord disregarded Kagaya's trivial rambling and said, "I've lived over two thousand years without showing any signs of aging. And the old family who's gotten in my way all this time is now reduced to this… I'm truly disappointed, Ubuyashiki."
Then he stalked even closer and looked down upon the two humans, grimacing. "Repulsive. Utterly repulsive. You already smell like a goddamn corpse, Ubuyashiki."
Kagaya let out a weak chuckle and pitifully attempted to sit up. "Ah, I figured… as much. I was told by the doctors half… a year ago that I was going to die… in a few days. Yet here I am… still alive… And the doctors were… at a loss for words."
The dying man laid in his wife's arms, his entire body jerking as he violently coughed. Then he opened his facial bandages, revealing one terribly deteriorating eye. "And I solely… dedicate my soul to defeating you… Muzan."
Muzan's black cloak and his wavy hair moved in the breeze, the moonlight illuminating his pale face. "I will kill you right now," he said dully. "And your fleeting dream will go to waste tonight."
"You… might not know this, but…"
The Demon Lord raised a questioning eyebrow and beckoned the dying man to continue.
"You and I… are of the same blood. You were born… over two thousand years ago, so maybe… your blood is different from mine…"
"Is our resemblance not testament enough, Ubuyashiki?" Muzan scoffed. "Besides that, what are you truly trying to say? I feel no emotion here."
"What I am trying to say is that… a monster like you came out of this family…. And that led my family… to be cursed. Every child born in our family was weak and died right away… But when our family was about to get wiped from existence, the priest gave us some advice."
"We have received wives from priests for generations… and our children are more resilient to death now," Kagaya muttered. "But nobody in our family… has lived beyond thirty."
"And now you're reduced to ramblings," Muzan said, his voice void of emotion. "It's utterly disgusting. Did that illness of yours get into your brain? That is of no consequence to me."
Then he smiled with a sadistic gleam in his eyes as he said, "After all, The Heavens are not punishing me. Despite the hundreds, thousands, or more than likely millions, of humans I've killed, I've been let off the hook. And I have never seen a God or a Buddha over these past two thousand years."
As he descended into another coughing fit, Kagaya choked out, "So, that's what you think, Muzan? Well, I— I have my own beliefs about that. Muzan, what is your dream? It's been… a while since you've slept, yes? What kind of… dreams do you have, exactly?"
Sleep.
Something demons don't do.
Something demons don't require.
Why rest and fall into a blackened state when you can stay conscious forever, and grow even stronger?
Day or night, sunrise or nightfall.
Time doesn't matter or hold any true weight.
The Head of the Demon Slayers, an absolute eyesore to me, is right in front of me, yet I feel no animosity. In fact—
I feel… strange.
Number one
One night passes
Oh, so busy, busy
As all five of Muzan's brains scrambled to think of an appropriate answer, Kagaya said, "How about I… make a guess? You dream of eternity; you dream of being indestructible."
"…Exactly," Muzan said dully. "And it will come true very soon. Once I get my hands on the sacred flower."
The dying man chuckled softly and shook his head. "Your dream… won't come true, Muzan. You are… misunderstanding something."
"About?"
"About eternity. I know something about that... It is nothing but human thoughts, souls, and consciousness. The thoughts, souls, and consciousness of humans… last for eternity."
Upon hearing that, Muzan's face darkened and veins crept up from his neck to the sides of his face. "This… is foolish," he snarled, his eyes clouding with anger. "You're speaking utter nonsense, Ubuyashiki."
"You just said… the truth is foolish," Kagaya said, breathlessly. "Let me prove to you… that those three things are indestructible. The thought of 'Never forgiving those who have taken the lives of people's loved ones away senselessly' is eternal. The soul of a truly kind, compassionate person lives on; therefore, it is eternal. One's consciousness, the innate compass for their morality, still… dictates their actions and is eternal, whether their clarity is clouded or not. Those three things are eternal, Muzan… and there's one more thing that's eternal as well."
"And what may that be, Ubuyashiki?" Muzan growled, veins pulsing all over his body.
"…Love. It's love."
With a sudden newfound strength, Kagaya sat up by himself and placed his hand upon Amane's. "Love… is the greatest weapon, Muzan," he said through a pained cough and staggery breaths. "And love is something… a man, no, a creature, like yourself… cannot… obtain."
The Demon Lord scoffed and disregarded Kagaya's words, but still felt an ever so slight twinge in one of his many hearts.
What… What is this pitiful, retched sensation I feel?
No matter how slight and miniscule it was, why did I react to his absurd ramblings in such a way?
The never-ending, unbroken sound of Kagaya's wheezing drew Muzan out of the dark corners of his mind.
"The sins you have made are countless and plentiful, Muzan," Kagaya said. "And you have… never been forgiven; not even once in the last two thousand years. You've stepped on the tiger's tail countless times… so you are incurring the Wrath of the Dragon. In essence, you've basically awoken a sleeping creature that's been dormant for a long time. And they absolutely despise you and will never let you get away. If you kill me, the Demon Slayers won't feel pain or even an itch; they honestly don't really need me that much. This… connection to human thoughts is something you probably can't understand, Muzan. Because you… and your kind— Will cease to exist once you die, right?"
PRESENT:
A puddle of cold water surrounded his feet, his hand empty. Muzan looked and saw an unsightly, jagged streak of ink upon the canvas, disrupting its beauty.
Just like Kagaya.
"Love… is the greatest weapon, Muzan. And love is something… a man, no, a creature, like yourself… cannot… obtain."
No… that's not true in the slightest. Kagaya, you're wrong. There is no dragon, and there is no tiger.
I've found love; the very thing you claimed to know and understand when your very own wife was a donation.
While your wife took pity on you and was guilted into staying by your side, my wife stood by me on her own accord. She truly loves me and bore me two perfect pureblooded children, and will soon bore me many, many more.
Due to spite and your unadulterated loathing for me, you let your sickness rot the insides of your brain and cause you to engulf your entire household in flames!
That's where you and I are completely different, Kagaya. Not because I'm The Progenitor of Demons and you were nothing but a lowly charlatan dressed in robes, but because I'd never do such a thing to the ones I love.
Memories of when Muzan was on his deathbed appeared in his mind, which made his throat clench. He still felt the excruciating, agonizing wounds from Yoriichi, the Demon Slayers and Tamayo's poison coursing through his veins.
Then he recalled the feeling of the soft, delicate hands of a woman touching him. The remembrance of the warmth from the woman's gentle touch and lap soothed him and put him at ease.
Her voice.
Her face.
Her eyes.
After all I did to her, she still stood by my side and was there during my time of need.
Such… loyalty. She was always very loyal and trustworthy since the beginning.
…She didn't have to give me the Blue Spider Lily. She could've stood there and watched me die. She would've been free of me and able to go on with the rest of her life.
But she didn't do that.
She gave me the sacred flower, held me in her arms, and begged for me to not die.
"Don't leave me, My Love! Please don't die on me! I found the flower you loved so much!"
Visions and images of the woman who used to be Himari flooded his mind.
The time they first met.
How she looked, what she wore, and how she smiled.
The time they first kissed.
How she smelled, how she felt, and how she tasted.
Then his face hardened when he recalled their first time engaging in intercourse. Her terrified shrieks and whimpers still haunted him, but transfixed him as well.
I… have no regrets about anything, absolutely nothing, in all my two thousand years of living, but that—
I regret everything about that.
If I had a chance to redo everything, I'd go back in time and… treat her better. I'd make her fall for me even deeper and take her where she belongs; with me in the demon realm by my side.
Forever.
I'd be careful with her. Yes. I'd be gentle and handle her with such care.
I'd be… tender.
TIMESKIP: TWO WEEKS
KAMABISUSHII
In an unknown dimension with dark, abysmal depths and blackened cloudy red skies, Kamabisushii, Hakanai, and Hikiharau were suspended in midair. The identical twins stood before him and bowed in unison.
"Our Sovereigns are returning in one month," he said. "Phase One must begin."
Hakanai and Hikiharau smiled as they bowed in unison. "Of course, Kamabisushii-sama."
Its finally time for Her reign to truly begin… and I am so very honored to be of assistance.
GIYU
Under the bleak, dreary night sky above, Giyu wandered aimlessly through a somber forest. For days, he had roamed the land to past time and keep himself occupied.
After a while, he felt that familiar panging sensation deep within his gut that told him it was time to feed. With a sigh, he slashed through the air to summon a portal.
But nothing happened.
"What?" he muttered, perplexed. Giyu repeatedly slashed through the air, but to no avail.
It looks like I can't return to the demon realm… but why?
Then it hit him.
…Mujōna.
This must be her way of forcing me to kill. She's going to starve me until I can't take it anymore.
A gleam of fear and alarm flashed within his eyes. To know that he would soon be starving shook him to his very core.
Ostracized by his own group.
Targeted.
Stalked.
Hungry.
Alone.
But still, a sliver of hope glistened in the deep, dark abyss of what was left of his sanity.
I've been training to endure situations like this for the past two and a half years, so be it.
I'd rather die in exile than take an innocent life, so go ahead, Mujōna.
Do your fucking worst.
NICHIYŌ
FLASHBACK:
It had been almost a year since Fūryū, Juritamu, and Ayumi had joined the Pairons. With the Yoriichi and Dūlen's guidance, the three fighters mastered their Total Concentration Breathing and developed their own Breathing Styles.
Fūryū's Breathing Style is Beauty Breathing; a style centered on vanity and physical attractiveness, as well as the beauty within.
Due to her noble upbringing, Fūryū's physical appearance and reputation is very important to her. She enjoyed being the center of attention and being in control at all times.
Because of her secret love for Yoriichi, she always strived to impress and please him. But sometimes, talking to Yoriichi was like speaking to a rock.
Ayumi's Breathing Style is Seasons Breathing; a style centered on the four divisions of the year (spring, summer, autumn, and winter).
Ayumi's friendly, openminded, and free-spirited nature gave her an edge that not many have; the ability to adapt to change. Her techniques allow her to adapt to her opponent's attacks and learn from them during combat, thus minimizing risks and injuries.
Juritamu's Breathing Style is Strength Breathing; a style centered on the strength one has within.
Juritamu's timorous and faint-hearted nature prevented her from unlocking her true potential for all of her life but she was still able to defeat many of her opponents. With dedication, hard work, and Dūlen's harsh punishments and rebukes, she unlocked her inner strength and excelled.
Over time, Juritamu's muscle mass increased and she gained a feminine muscular physique that provided her with great strength. Although Takeo was the most powerful Pairon, she was the strongest one.
Juritamu's confidence grew tremendously, but she was still reticent and refused to fully reveal her face. Only Ryū and Yoriichi knew what she looked like and why she hid her face.
✧You'll find out more in the later chapters!
The Pairons gathered in a courtyard filled with ponds of koi and tall, green trees for a meeting.
As second-in-command, Takeo had to take charge of the announcement. "Team, I'm going to keep this meeting short," he said. "I've been told that we're expecting two new recruits."
"Two new recruits? Yay!" Ayumi cheerfully exclaimed, her spring haori flowing in the breeze. "Oh, I can't wait for them to arrive!"
Nichiyō nodded and gave a blissfully serene smile. "More recruits are just what we need."
"How soon will they arrive, Takeo?" Fūryū asked.
"In three days," Takeo replied.
Ryū frowned and said, "Alright, but have they finished all ten stages of training?"
"Nope."
Upon hearing that, Ryū let out an aggravated growl and slammed his fist upon a tree, leaving an indent. "Are you fucking serious? It's bad enough that these three didn't go through all ten stages, but to have more people like that? No fucking way am I letting that slide!"
Takeo placed a gentle hand on Ryū's shoulder and said, "Even though they didn't go through all ten stages of training, Fūryū, Juritamu, and Ayumi mastered the Total Concentration Breathing technique and developed their own Breathing Styles."
The Ice Pairon admitted defeat and rolled his eyes, scowling. "Yeah, whatever," he grumbled under his breath.
After a while, Takeo and Ryū left to spend some time in the human realm. Nichiyō decided to stay behind to handle some important matters.
The Earth Pairon sat at a desk, reading through schedules, to-do-lists, and scribbling nonsensical notes.
Suddenly, a Kasugai crow appeared and sat perched upon the window, squawking madly.
"Tōtoi, what is it?" Nichiyō took the note tied to the crow's leg and read it.
The new recruits will be arriving today.
Upon reading that, Nichiyō's eyes widened beyond belief. "T-today? But Takeo and Ryū left—"
Suddenly, Ayumi burst through the door and cried, "Nichiyō, come on! The new recruits are here!"
Ayumi dashed through the halls to guided Nichiyō to the new recruits with him trailing behind her. Soon, they reached one of the temple's many libraries and saw Fūryū and three unknown people.
One was young man had a medium tan complexion and wavy black-to-yellow hair. He wore a standard training uniform with hakama pants, and had two blades strapped to his back.
Another was a young woman who looked similar to the young man, but with dark brown hair and a lighter complexion. She wore a pleated training skirt uniform, and her hair was styled in a ribboned side ponytail.
The other was a petite young woman with a light complexion, and light blue hair styled in a high bun. She wore a red Bushi Temple uniform with puffy leg and arm warmers.
Three? But Dūlen-sama said—
"Nichiyō, this is Denshin Yìkage and his younger sister, Airashī Yìkage!" Ayumi exclaimed. "Before you ask, no, she's not here to become a Pairon, but she's one of our most skilled slayers! Dūlen-sama said that she can fight with us even though she hasn't taken the Final Exam!"
All who can bypass the barrier is worthy to fight alongside us, and we need all the help we can get.
✧SARAKIMI; A WHIMSICAL NOTE
Then Ayumi gestured to the woman with light blue hair and said, "And this is Sarakimi Neuichi!"
Nichiyō, Denshin, Airashī, and Sarakimi bowed to each other in respect. "I am Nichiyō Wabuji, the Earth Pairon," he said. "Welcome."
"I'm just so happy to be here," Sarakimi dreamily said, her honey brown eyes shining faintly with a wavering light.
"I and Denshin came from the Howaitotaigā clan!" Airashī squealed. "We're Shadow Ninjas!"
"Shadow Ninjas?" Fūryū asked, curious.
"Yep! We came here two years ago after Denshin—"
"Hush, Airashī!" Denshin hissed, a vein throbbing upon his forehead. "Anyway, yeah, we're trained shinobi. I passed the Final Exam, and Airashī didn't want to take it but came along anyway, so… yeah."
Sarakimi pulled out a chain whip with a sharp arrowhead from her sash. "I may not be a skilled shinobi or a trained swordswoman, but I do know how to use this whip," she said. "Honestly, I was surprised I was picked!"
"That's fine, Sarakimi," Nichiyō said, smiling. "You've passed the Final Exam, which means you're capable of developing your own Breathing Style, once you've mastered Total Concentration Breathing, of course."
Denshin tilted his head and scanned Nichiyō up and down. "Eh, why are your eyes closed?" he asked.
Nichiyō slowly opened his eyes, revealing wide fuchsia eyes with the longest eyelashes anyone had ever seen.
"…Yeah, never mind. You should keep them closed."
Airashī put her hands on both of her cheeks and said, "Hey, you have really pretty eyes like a girl!"
✧Does anyone remember that chapter when Kokushibou was teaching Muichiro the basics of Moon Breathing? (If not, then Kokushibou was teaching Muichiro how to 'listen' to the Earth and use it to drastically increase speed.) Nichiyō uses the same technique, but not only for speed and gaining advantage over his opponent, but for seeing as well! In Part Five, we'll find out more about Nichiyō's backstory!
TAKEO
FLASHBACK:
With the reddish-orange glow of lanterns illuminating through the gloaming and casting the shadows of passersby, Takeo and Ryū sat together at a yatai.
A lovely middle-aged woman cooked with a smile upon her face, steaming swirling around her. Her ladle rose in the air as she flipped pans, all while humming.
The Ice Pairon warily, but patiently, eyed the shopkeeper as she prepared their meals. Although he'd never admit it, he found the woman's cooking and humming mesmerizing.
Soon, the shopkeeper finished and presented them with beautiful dishes that were clearly made with love.
A bowl of beef udon lined with tempura was in front of Ryū, and a plate with yakitori was in front of Takeo. The two famished fighters generously paid the shopkeeper, then began to eat.
Ryū ravenously slurped and gobbled his soup like a savage beast that hadn't eaten in days. In his case, that was true. For the past two weeks, he was fasting and consumed nothing but water and oolong tea.
Suddenly, they heard a husky, deep voice bellow, "Get out of my shop and never come back!" along with the sound of a door slamming shut.
Takeo looked and saw a young man who couldn't be older than seventeen standing near a dark alley. He had a brown complexion and wore a ragged green kimono with a beige shawl.
"But wait!" the young man cried, banging upon the door. "You didn't really tell us anything!" With a sorrowful sigh, he conceded and said, "It's getting really dark. Maybe we should try the next town tomorrow, huh?"
Who's he talking to?
Wiping the sweat off his brow, the young man looked through the crowd and spotted Takeo and Ryū. With a joyous squeal, he began to walk towards them.
…He's coming towards us.
Takeo touched Ryū's arm, never taking his eyes off the approaching stranger. "Ryū..."
The Ice Pairon ignored him and continued wolfing down his soup, gorging himself.
The young man picked up his pace and broke into a sprint, senselessly dashing through the hordes of people with a broad, psychotic grin.
"Ryū, look—"
Aggravated, Ryū yelled, "Be quiet, Takeo! I'm trying to eat here! Let's see you starve for two—" He paused when he sensed that someone was mere moments away from touching his sword.
Before the young man could lay a finger on them, Ryū grabbed him by his arm and threw him to the ground. "And what the hell do you think you're doing?" he said ominously, his pale blue eyes darkening.
The young man's arm was bent in an awkward position, yet he didn't seem to react or even flinch. "Not much of anything except lying on the ground, thanks to you!" he said, stifling a few short laughs.
Enraged, Ryū held the young man in the air and shook him by his collar.
"Ah! That kind of hurts!"
"Let go of him, Ryū," Takeo said, furrowing his thick eyebrows. "We don't harm innocents."
"This kid isn't fucking innocent!" Ryū snarled. "This fuck thought he could sneak behind me and steal my sword!"
"No, I wasn't! I wouldn't!" the young man cried. "I was just—"
Suddenly, the ground below them began to shake. The lanterns and windchimes rattled and danced in the night's breeze to the rhythm of the heavy footsteps.
Through the misty fog, a large, round silhouette appeared.
Takeo instinctively gripped the hilt of his blade and readied his muscles to attack. Then he relaxed and withdrew when a large man emerged from the shadows.
The large man looked to be a sumo wrestler and his hair was styled in a chonmage. He wore similar clothes to the young man and looked normal, except for his eyes.
His eyes were completely white, glazed over by a sheer silver paint.
Although the large man clearly looked to be blind, he seemed to look at them directly and his stare was unsettling.
The young man wildly flailed in the air to free himself from Ryū's grasp, but to no avail. Eventually, he exerted all of his energy and could do nothing but breath heavily, his body limp. "L-Let go of me already!" he cried, his cheeks reddening. "I'm sorry for b-bothering you!"
I want to intervene and stop this, but something is telling me that I shouldn't. For now, I shall wait and let this happen, but intervene when things get too violent.
The sumo wrestler approached Ryū, who was still holding the young man by his collar. He loomed and towered above him and looked intimidating, but Ryū wasn't fazed in the slightest.
With a pained expression, the young man looked up at the sumo wrestler and gasped. His light green eyes widened beyond belief as he cried, "Pokinagi, no!"
Perplexed, Ryū raised a questioning eyebrow and said, "What? Pokina—"
✧POKINAGI'S TECHNIQUE - Ōgoe no Kiku: Pokinagi strikes his hands together, releasing a powerful sonic boom that throws nearby opponents a short distance away. When executed while feeling intense, heightened emotions, this attack can cause temporary effects such as a loss of hearing and balance.
Before he could finish, the sumo wrestler's palms collided and released a powerful force that sounded like cymbals crashing. The force sent Ryū flying in the air and made him crash into a nearby yatai.
This man has amazing strength and abilities!
The Ice Pairon groggily sat up and threw a boiled squid that was on his head. "What the actual fuck?" he roared, his veins throbbing angrily.
A man with a chef's hat crumbled to the ground and stared at the ruins of the small yatai, tears welling in his eyes. "My shop!" he wailed.
Under the assumption that a demon was present, the crowd let out shrill, terrified shrieks and wildly ran amok.
Pokinagi stomped with each and every step as he approached, leaving craters behind.
Gritting his teeth, Ryū stood up and withdrew his blade, which began to emanate a silvery blue and white aura. "You've asked for it."
"Pokinagi, stop!" the young man shouted as he broke between them, frantically waving his arms. "Please don't fight, especially here!"
The sumo wrestler ignored his pleas and moved him to the side, then continued stalking towards Ryū.
✧ICE BREATHING - Third Form: Crystalized Rushing Spear ~ Ryū performs a swift, accurate slash/stab.
Ryū withdrew his blade, which turned a silvery blue. Then he charged towards Pokinagi so fast, he looked to be a blur.
Pokinagi stomped on the ground and made a jagged piece of rock emerge from the ground to use as a shield.
The Ice Pairon split the rock in half and assumed that he successfully attacked his opponent, but paused when he saw that Pokinagi was nowhere to be found. He looked up and saw the sumo wrestler perched upon a tree branch, staring off into the distance.
"Oh, what the hell is this?" Ryū shouted, the fur lined collar of his training uniform brushing against his neck. "Did you decide that you wanted to be a bird in the middle of combat?"
"…He actually can't hear you," a quiet, timid voice said.
Ryū turned and saw the young man slowly approaching him, trembling. "What?"
"He… He can't hear or see you. Pokinagi can't see, hear, or talk."
Upon hearing that, Ryū looked at Pokinagi and burst into laughter. "Hey, kid, that was hilarious and all, but now's not the time."
"But I'm serious! You have to believe me! Pokinagi can't see, hear, or talk at all!"
"Seriously? But he was looking at me the entire time!"
"That's because he has this special ability!" he cried. "I'm telling the truth!"
Takeo approached them and said, "Special ability, huh?"
The young man kneeled bowed repeatedly; his face flushed. "Y-yes! I'll tell you all about it if you tell me what I need to know!"
"What do you need to know?"
With light green eyes filled with wonder and excitement, he exclaimed, "About your swords!"
Ryū gave him a withering stare and held out his blade. "Oh, this?"
"Yeah!" The young man reached to take it, but Ryū held it high in the air. "Oh, please let me at least touch it!"
"First, tell us your name," Takeo said.
The young man bowed repeatedly and dramatically gave a salute. "My name is Sutoraiku Kubasunaga and this is my friend, Pokinagi Bessho! We grew up in the same village and we've been wandering for months. You see, we're on a quest to become… samurais!"
"Samurais?" Ryū scoffed, smirking. "You can't be serious. Look at those stringy arms and legs you have. And this guy is just fat!"
The Cloud Pairon bowed and forced Ryū to bow with him. "I am Takeo Matsuda, and this is my companion, Ryū Ashigomi. Although we aren't samurais, we are trained swordsmen."
Sutoraiku covered his mouth and let out a muffled, excited squeal. "Oh my God, yes! This is perfect! Now can you tell us how to get to the Swordsmith Village?"
"And why do you want to know how that?" Ryū asked.
"Because I want to get a Nichirin blade just like you guys!" he cried, tears of joy welling in his eyes. "As soon as I get my hands on a Nichirin blade, I'll be able to take on not only middle-ranking demons, but high-ranking ones as well! One day, I'm going to take on the Demon King and slay him once and for all!"
As Sutoraiku happily pranced around, Ryū gawked at with him a dumbfounded expression. "Dude, that's the dumbest—"
"That's the most brilliant thing I've ever heard!" Takeo interjected. "Sutoraiku, you're ambitious; I like that! How'd you like to train and take your destiny seriously?"
"Wh-what? You mean that you'll take me under your wing so I can become strong like you?"
"I'm afraid I can't you train you myself because believe it or not, I'm still training as well."
Upon hearing that, Sutoraiku's eyes grew as large as saucers. "You… You're still training? But you already look so powerful!" he gasped, staring at Takeo's muscular physique and the large ōdachi strapped to his waist.
"Yes, but I still have a lot to learn."
"Oh my God, your sensei must be proud! Both of you look so strong and intimidating!" Sutoraiku began to do exaggerated combat moves and dramatic sound effects. When he started making explosion noises, Ryū slapped him against his head. "Ouch, that hurt!"
"How the fuck did that hurt but when your arm was all bent out of shape, you didn't even flinch?"
"My arm was bent out a shape? When?" Sutoraiku realized that his left arm was much limper than the other. "Woah, when did this happen?"
Odd. Is Sutoraiku incapable of feeling pain?
"Sutoraiku, can you feel pain?" Takeo asked.
The question confused and caught Sutoraiku off guard, but he answered anyway. "Uh… Yeah, I can."
It seems that he has a high pain tolerance that prevents him from feeling great pain and only minor discomforts. Nice!
I'm not sure if Master Dūlen-sama and Yoriichi-sama will condone me bringing recruits of my own, but something is telling me that these two must join us.
Ryū circled around Pokinagi with a watchful eye, observing his each and every move. The silent giant stood as still as a statue as his whitened eyes reflected in the light. "Hey, kid, didn't you say that this guy had a special ability or something?"
"Yeah, Pokinagi was born with this really cool ability!" Sutoraiku exclaimed. "It's called Sōru no Piaringu, or Soul Peering!"
"Soul Peering? Never heard of it."
"He can look into your soul and see if you're good or bad!" Then he frowned as he said, "But Pokinagi usually doesn't attack people who rough me up how he attacked you, though… Are you a bad guy or something?"
"Bad? Of course, I'm not!' Ryū yelled, fuming. "I'm on the good side and don't get it twisted!"
"Excuse us," Takeo interjected. Then he took Ryū to behind a small shop and whispered, "I think Pokinagi saw that darkness inside of you."
"Huh? No fucking way."
"That's the only logical explanation. I guess he stopped attacking you once he realized that you weren't a threat."
Ryū contemplated on Takeo's words, then heaved a deep, aggravated sigh. "Alright, whatever, man. Let me guess: you want to recruit them, right?"
The Cloud Pairon playfully punched his shoulder with a wink. "Yep!"
With a broad grin, Takeo extended his hand and said, "Sutoraiku and Pokinagi, you both have a lot of potential that mustn't be wasted. We would be very honored if you would return with us to our temple and train to join our forces. So, what do you say?"
Sutoraiku looked at Pokinagi, who didn't react in the slightest. "We've thought about it long and hard and decided to… join you guys!" he cried. "Pokinagi, we're going to become samurais! Real, true samurais!"
I'm not sure if these two have what it takes to become a Pairon, but Pokinagi's ability sounds extremely useful.
And we need all the help we can get in order to prepare for the future…
NODOKA
Nodoka and Sunō walked through a corridor in the fortress that led to a secluded courtyard space. Then they walked along the engawa and leaned against its railings.
After relishing their gorgeous surroundings for a while, Sunō said, "…Nodoka?"
"Hm?"
"I think that I really like it here. I don't ever want to leave."
"You like this particular courtyard that much?" Nodoka asked, furrowing her brows.
"No, I'm talking about staying here," Sunō said. "In the demon realm."
The white-haired demon turned to the human woman who she saw as a friend and smiled ever so slightly. "Good, because this is your home whether you're human or not."
Broad grins spread across the two women's faces, and they began to laugh.
Gentle, silvery laughs.
Suddenly, Nodoka sensed the presence of another demon that couldn't belong to none other than Kamabisushii.
As expected, the gongu oni approached them. Kamabisushii looked handsome and attractive; his hair was parted in the middle, and he wore a grey trench coat, black trousers and his usual white gloves. "Greetings, Nodoka and Sunō. A pleasant day we're having, yes?"
Nodoka gave a short laugh and rolled her eyes. "Mm-hmm."
Kamabisushii bowed and kissed Sunō's hand. "Sunō, how are you?"
Sunō's cheeks turned a bright rouge as she giggled and briefly looked away. "I-I'm alright, Kamabisushii-sama. T-thanks for asking."
Nodoka watched as the two held hands and stared at each other—
For too long.
He's… charming her. I can't let that happen.
"Kama, I need to speak with you," Nodoka said.
Before Kamabisushii could reply, Nodoka grabbed his arm and practically dragged him to a secluded spot. Then she slapped him across his face.
A throbbing, angry red imprint of her hand pulsed against his brown cheek. "Doka, what was that for?" he asked, perplexed.
"You know exactly what you did, Kama."
"I'm afraid not. Oh, what have I done this time?"
"You're messing with Sunō," she said, her eyes clouding with rage. "You're trying to get her to sleep with you."
"What? Nodoka, are you insane? I'm not trying to sleep with her. She's human, for God's sake!"
"Keep your voice down," Nodoka quietly hissed. Then she plunged her claws into his arm and said, "Sunō belongs to Lady Mujōna. What do you think will happen when She finds out that you've been involved with her?"
Kamabisushii heaved a defeated sigh and said, "Her Majesty would probably kill me, and I'd deserve it, but I have no intentions on being with Sunō and I make that very clear. And if you didn't always assume the worst of me, you'd know that she has been coming on to me."
Nodoka rolled her eyes and let out an incredulous laugh. "Kama, am I supposed to believe that? Sunō cried when she found a butterfly with a broken wing."
"Well, it's true. I promise you that I'm not lying."
"I don't believe you."
"Then I suppose you won't believe it when I tell you that… Nakime initiated our coitus."
"I don't believe that either."
"…I rest my case."
Furious, Nodoka released his arm and glared at him. "Kama, if I see you flirting with anyone else in this fortress, I'll send you to Hell myself."
Nodoka returned and found Sunō in the same spot, leaning against the railing. "Hey, Nodoka. I'm glad you're back."
The white-haired demon nodded, then stood beside her. They stood in a peaceful silence until Nodoka abruptly said, "…Sunō?"
"Yes?"
"Don't fall in love with him."
Sunō covered her mouth and gasped, her pink eyes filled with shock. "What? With who?"
"Kama."
"…N-Nodoka, I don't know what you mean. I haven't—"
"The reason why he leaves a lot and you've never seen him consume blood is because blood isn't his main source of sustenance; emotions are," she said ominously, a shadow casted against her face. "He feeds on emotions, and heartbreak and despair are his favorite ones. Men like Kama will drain you dry until there's nothing left. Do not romantically involve yourself with him ever in your life."
A terrified, sorrowful look was casted upon Sunō's face at Nodoka's words. "O-okay. I understand," she whispered. "Thank you for t-telling me this, Nodoka. I— I wouldn't know what to do without you!"
Sunō pulled her into a warm embrace, and Nodoka timidly returned the gesture.
Sunō, the only human in the demon realm, has happily lived amongst us for the past few years and doesn't want to leave. She's loyal, overtly submissive, and is truly devoted to serving our Masters.
And I also see her as a… companion. I hope Lady Mujōna converts her when She returns.
TIMESKIP: ONE MONTH
MUZAN
The Kibutsuji Family were to return to the Dimensional Infinity Fortress tomorrow. They planned to spend their last day at the Eien no Kyūden at home and in each other's company.
While their children slept, Muzan and Mujōna intimately enjoyed each other. They kissed and touch every nook and cranny of their bodies as they helped each other bathe.
The Demon Lord kissed and traced the mark he gave her with his sharp, blue claws. "Darling, are you certain that we have to leave so soon?"
Mujōna lovingly caressed the side of his face and rested her forehead against his. "Of course, I'm certain, Muzan. We've stayed here for over two years and have a kingdom to return to. Its time."
"But why so soon?" he sighed, his face hardening with anger. "Surely we could make time to stay here for another year or two."
The Queen heaved a deep, sorrowful sigh and rested against his chest. She knew that the reason he was so unwilling to return was not only because of his hatred for the Demon Suns, but also because he didn't want their private familial bonding time to end.
Muzan had never experienced a love this true and refused to let go of such a thing. A wife and children of his very own; something he always wanted, but didn't believe was feasible.
The unconditional love and support.
The many hugs and kisses.
The joyous laughter.
The endless travels.
Family.
He didn't want anyone to interrupt or even witness the sacred, beautiful relationship he had with his wife and children. This connection was for him and him alone, and he wanted to keep it that way.
Was it selfish?
Probably.
Did he care?
Not in the slightest.
"I'm so sorry, My Love. I know that you want to stay here, but you and I both know that we have a kingdom to rule."
As she went to the edge of the tub to leave, he took her hand and longingly stared at her, pleading her to reconsider with his eyes. She gave him a pained, sorrowful look and entwined her fingers in his. "Relocation doesn't change anything, Muzan."
"It changes… everything," he said.
To quell his sorrows, Mujōna wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, their tongues mingling deliciously. He pulled her into his lap and took her deeper in the water until they were underwater.
Their surroundings changed from a deep bathtub to a vast, profound sea. Their hair rose and haloed around them, giving each other a full up-close view of their faces.
And they found each other to be absolutely, truly, utterly beautiful.
'Mujōna, I love you.'
Hearing Muzan's deep, sensual voice in her mind aroused her and sent shivers and chills down her spine.
'I love you too, Muzan.'
Mujōna held on to him even tighter, her nipples pressed against his chest. She felt his member hardening between her legs, aching to explore her for the millionth time.
As they held each other, they locked eyes and continued descending through the abysmal depths. Their surrounded darkened and disappeared until everything faded away, like water droplets under the Sun.
And they sank.
And they sank.
And they sank.
TIMESKIP: ONE DAY
Muzan and Mujōna were dressing themselves in a luxurious dressing room.
The Queen stepped out from behind the folding screen, wearing nothing but an elegant corset that beautifully enunciated her enticing, shapely physique. Her full breasts were emphasized and peeked out from it deliciously. "How do I look?"
Muzan's face immediately softened upon seeing the beauty that was his beloved wife. "Mujōna, words cannot explain how… ravishing you are, but your cleavage must be hidden at all times."
An unseeable force gently, but firmly, pulled the corset higher over her breasts. "We don't need any more reasons for anyone to ogle at you," he said. "That face of yours is enough."
"Of course, Muzan, but I haven't put on my dress yet," she sighed, slipping into a crinoline. Then she went behind the screen and came out wearing a light peach dress with rose embroidery.
As she revealed the mark where Muzan claimed her, Mujōna said, "How's this?"
"Beautiful and perfect, as always," Muzan replied, all seven of his hearts throbbing with nothing but pride and love for his mate.
"Good. Also, I need you to promise me that you'll behave."
Upon hearing that, Muzan frowned and his pupils contracted into deep, angry slits. "Why would you say such a thing, Mujōna?"
"Because my Suns and your Moons are meeting the twins!" she melodiously sang, perfecting her dramatic winged eyeliner.
"I don't recall myself agreeing to that, let alone you bringing this to my attention," he spat. "No such thing will happen."
"Just like last time, all, and I mean all, of our demons will meet the twins. This isn't a debate, Muzan."
"Woman, the lack of respect you have for me shows. If I say that we aren't going to do something, then we aren't going to do it."
Pouting, Mujōna slammed her pot of eyeliner down and glared at him. "This is about Tanjirou, isn't it?"
A vein began to pulse upon his forehead at the mere mention of Tanjirou. "Why must you mention the Kamado boy in my presence?"
"Do not refer to Tanjirou as a 'boy' ever again," she said ominously. "He's a grown man that's also my highest-ranking demon."
"Fine. Then I shall refer to him as 'the Kamado man.'"
"Or you could just use his name."
A repulsed expression was casted upon Muzan's face as he buttoned his vest. "It is no surprise that you're so eager to defend him," he sighed, vexed. "Considering you and his… history."
The Queen placed a hand on his chest and lovingly kissed his hand. "Oh, I knew that you were still upset about that. If only you understood that all that I've done is for our benefit. I wanted the Hashiras and the three Demon Slayers, and we have them, don't we?"
"…Yes."
"And conquering your enemies and rivals is much better than just killing them, right?"
"Indeed."
"The Demon Slayer Corps. is dismantled, the humans are powerless and at our mercy, and we also have more high-ranking demons. All of this happened because we took down the Hashiras. Now there is absolutely nothing in our way and—"
Before she could finish, Muzan's lips collided with hers and his tongue explored the crevices of her mouth. Mujōna moaned into the sudden, erotic kiss and responded with such love and vigor.
Then they withdrew when they heard the chime of the beru oni and shortly after, the sound of soft footsteps coming from above.
MUGOI & MUJIHI
Upon hearing the silvery chime of the beru oni's bell, Mugoi and Mujihi awakened from their slumber with quiet yawns. The veils of their luxurious beds opened by themselves and sunlight shone across their adorable faces.
Mugoi turned to Ravager, who was fast asleep and curled up beside him. "Good morning, Ravager," he said, petting all three of the Cerberus puppy's heads.
Ravager drowsily lifted his head and yawned in response. Then he closed his eyes and laid back down, wagging his tail.
The beru oni playfully rang its bell again, which made Ravager somersault through the air and bark joyously.
The twins giggled and laughed at the spectacle, then went to start their day.
Mugoi and Mujihi counted their steps as they slowly went down the stairs. While Mugoi held Ravager, Mujihi held his teddy bear, Bonbon.
"Ichi… Ni… San… Shi… Go—"
✧TRANSLATION: "One… Two… Three… Four… Five—"
The twins paused when they saw a grand stained-glass window on the staircase. They rushed towards it to look outside, then gasped in awe at the wonderous land below.
The outside surroundings of the Eien no Kyūden depicted a gorgeous spring scenery.
Wisteria and sakura beautifully mingled across the land, surrounded by bridged creeks filled with enchanted fish. The grass was a lush green, and the sky was a light cerulean, complimented by wispy clouds.
Lighthouses, statues, teahouses, and lanterns were perfectly scattered around the area with precision.
And last but not least, bushes of white roses and patches of red spider lilies were placed in elaborate patterns through the stone walkways.
Ravager wildly barked and squirmed in Mugoi's arms, panting. It was clear that the Cerberus puppy wanted to play outside.
"Not yet, Ravager," Mugoi said. "We have to take a bath before we play."
Mujihi held Bonbon over the staircase's railing so the teddy bear could 'see' below. "Bonbon, what do you see?"
Silence.
"Mama and Otōsan," Mujihi said. Then he slowly descended the stairs with Mugoi following behind him.
The two adorable little boys continued their journey and walked through the palace's opulent halls. The doors opened for them by themselves and whenever they needed guidance, the beru oni would assist them.
Soon, they found their parents waiting for them near one of the many luxurious bathrooms. Their father looked at his clock and said, "You're late."
The twins gasped and frowned at the news. Their schedule was precise and very important to them; time mattered and held a lot of weight.
"Otōsan, we got lost," Mugoi said sorrowfully. "And Ravager was really sleepy!" The Cerberus puppy yawned and snuggled against his chest.
Mujihi went to his mother and held his teddy bear up to her. "Mommy, you are very pretty."
"Oh, thank you, Koibito," she cooed, kissing his and his brother's cheeks. "Now, let's get you two washed up."
After their parents gave them baths, the twins donned matching robes and followed them to a dressing room.
Mujōna made Mujihi sit in her lap so she could comb his long, straight hair, and Mugoi sat upon a stool with his father behind him.
The golden-eyed boy's curly hair covered his eyes as he looked at his reflection in the mirror. The saccharine scent of jasmine and vanilla wafted in the air because like their mother, the twins' hair carried a natural fragrance as well.
The Demon Lord moved his son's hair out his face, revealing an adorable little boy with glistening gold eyes and soft freckles. "Mugoi, this will be your first haircut," he said, smiling. "Are you excited?"
"Yes, Otōsan!" Mugoi giggled.
"Wonderful, my boy. Now, close your eyes and assist me in counting down, hm?"
"Okay. Juu."
✧TRANSLATION: "Okay. Ten."
"Kyuu."
✧TRANSLATION: "Nine."
"Hachi."
✧TRANSLATION: "Eight."
"Shichi."
✧TRANSLATION: "Seven."
"Roku."
✧TRANSLATION: "Six."
"Go."
✧TRANSLATION: "Five."
"Shi."
✧TRANSLATION: "Four."
"San."
✧TRANSLATION: "Three."
"Ni."
✧TRANSLATION: "Two."
"Ichi!"
✧TRANSLATION: "One!"
The Demon Lord cut his son's hair so fast, it looked to be a blur. Once he finished, he tapped Mugoi's shoulder and said, "Open your eyes and take a look."
Mugoi slowly opened his eyes, then gasped at the sight.
Staring back at him was a new and improved version of himself. His curly hair was much shorter and stopped just below his ears.
"How do you like it?"
"Watashi wa sore ga sukidesu… takusan! Arigatou, Otōsan!"
✧TRANSLATION: "I like it… a lot! Thank you, daddy!"
Mugoi rushed to his mother, who humming a familiar melody with Mujihi. Mujōna gently combed her son's hair as she softly sang with him.
"Okasan, do you like my hair?" Mugoi asked.
"Oh, yes I do, Mushi-kun," she cooed. "You looked perfect before, but now you're even more perfect because we see your beautiful face." Then she kissed his cheeks and he returned the gesture.
Mugoi and his mother rubbed their noses and foreheads together. "Mush mush," he said.
"Mush mush," she replied.
✧MUSH MUSH: An adorable saying Mugoi and Mujōna created that's a play on the phrase, 'Moshi moshi,' and Mugoi's nickname, 'Mushi.'
"I love you, Mama."
"I love you, too, Koibito."
"Mujihi, koko ni kite," Muzan said, pointing to the stool. "It's your turn."
✧TRANSLATION: "Mujihi, come here," Muzan said, pointing to the stool. "It's your turn."
Quivering, Mujihi held his teddy bear to his chest as he sat upon the stool. Light reflected off the silver pair of scissors and made him wince. "Otōsan…"
"Mujihi, this is your first haircut as well. Are you ready?"
"N-no," he whispered, tears welling in his eyes. "I'm not."
"Why are you frightened, Mujihi? There is nothing to be afraid of. Didn't you see how well your brother went through it?"
"Yes, but… Oh no!" he said, then he burst into tears and sobbed.
The Demon Lord held a lock of his hair and said, "Would you like to help me countdown?"
"No, no, no! I don't want to countdown!" Mujihi sobbed. "Daddy, will it hurt?"
"No, I promise that it won't hurt."
Mujihi sniffled as he tightly shut his eyes. "O-Okay…"
Just as the scissors moved to cut a lock of Mujihi's hair, he let out a powerful shockwave that shattered the mirror. The tips of his pointed ears and cheeks turned a deep rouge as he hyperventilated and uncontrollably sobbed.
"Mujihi, I haven't done anything yet," Muzan said, a questionable eyebrow raised.
The orange-eyed boy opened his eyes and saw that his father was telling the truth. "Otōsan, I am sorry."
"Ah, never mind that, my boy. Mujihi, I need you to be very brave. Very, very, very brave. A warrior such as yourself cannot be seen as weak in any way, shape, or form. Now, could you be brave and let me trim your hair?"
"O-okay, daddy. I'll be strong!" The orange-eyed boy took a few deep breaths, then closed his eyes. Strands of hair fluttered across his face and the snipping of scissors filled the room.
"Open your eyes and take a look, Mujihi."
Mujihi braced himself and shakily opened his eyes, then gasped at the sight.
Staring back at him was a young boy he didn't recognize. Instead of having long, straight hair, his hair was short and parted to the side.
"So, how do you like—"
"I love it so much!" Mujihi exclaimed; his arms outstretched. "Thank you, daddy!"
Then he ran to his brother and said, "Mugoi, look at me!"
"Yeah, I see you, Mujihi," Mugoi said. "Look at me."
"I see you, Mugoi. Yeah, I see your face now."
"Yeah, I see my face, too."
"We have the same face!" Mujihi giggled.
The two little boys paused, then burst into laughter and embraced each other.
Muzan came out of the wardrobe with two small suits and said, "It's time for both of you to get dressed."
After their mother added the last finishing touches, the twins stood side by side.
Mugoi wore an embroidered tuxedo with oriental bird designs, and Mujihi wore an embroidered tuxedo with dragon designs. They both wore black fedoras and dark brown loafers with gold buckles.
In other words, they looked like young, miniature versions of their father.
"Oh, you two are just so precious and handsome!" Mujōna gushed, blushing. Then she smothered them in kisses and perfected their bowties.
"I don't want to wear the hat," Mugoi said softly. "My hair…"
"You can take it off once we settle in," Muzan said, buttoning his cufflinks.
The golden-eyed boy's head hung low as he twiddled his thumbs and said, "But what if— But what if someone touches my hair?"
"Mugoi, if someone touches your hair, I'll bite them!" Mujihi cried. He bit his fist to show that he was serious, but bit down too hard and burst into tears. "Ow! Oh no!"
Because the twins were so young, they regenerated slowly and weren't as tolerant to pain.
Mujōna crouched to his level and held the sobbing boy's hand. "Oh, Koibito. It's alright," she cooed, kissing his wound. As she kissed his fist, a white aura emanated from her hands and healed him. "All better?"
The orange-eyed boy gaped at his fist in awe, amazed at how it looked like nothing happened. "Yes, Mama. I love you!"
"I love you, too, Muji-kun."
The Kibutsujis went to the main entrance of the Eien no Kyūden to leave the dimension.
The Demon Lord snapped his fingers, which made the door open and reveal a portal to the Dimensional Infinity Fortress. "Our belongings have already been transferred. I've already taken care of the—"
Suddenly, Ravager barged into the room and barked as he dashed around. He ran in circles around the twins' feet and panted obnoxiously.
"Hi, Ravager!" Mujihi giggled as he petted the Cerberus puppy's three heads.
"Ravager, you're here!" Mugoi exclaimed. "Otōsan and Okasan, can Ravager come with us?"
"No, he may not," Muzan said, his face twisted in disgust. "He shall stay here, which is right where he belongs."
Upon hearing that, Mujihi burst into tears and buried his face in Ravager's silky black coat. "Oh no!" he sobbed.
The golden-eyed boy looked to his mother, who smiled faintly and said, "I'm afraid that I agree with your father, you two. It wouldn't be wise for Ravager to come with us."
Mugoi's nose began to wiggle frantically, which was a telltale sign of him being stressed. "But who will take care of him?"
"You mustn't worry about that, Mugoi," Muzan sighed, a vein throbbing upon his forehead. "Yèyīn will take care of him."
"It's time to say goodbye, My Sweethearts," Mujōna sang melodiously.
Through sniffling sobs, the twins patted all three of Ravager's heads and snuggled against him with glassy eyes. The Cerberus puppy whined and wagged its tail with great sorrow because he knew that he wouldn't see them for a while.
"Goodbye, Ravager. I love you," Mugoi whispered.
"Yeah, goodbye, Ravager! I love you, too!" Mujihi sobbed, tears streaking his face.
The arm of the beru oni extended from above and rang its bell, which comforted them. The twins whimpered as they reached to touch the demon's arm.
The precious, heartwarming sight made Muzan smile internally, but he kept a straight face. "Alright. Now, we must get going."
"Goodbye, Yèyīn," Mujihi cried.
Mugoi tightly held the beru oni's hand and softly said, "Beru oni ga koishī."
✧TRANSLATION: Mugoi held the beru oni's hand and softly said, "I will miss the bell demon."
Suddenly, many arms of a grayish-green complexion descended from above, ringing many bells.
The harmonious tolling of the many bells mesmerized and enthralled the two little boys. The twins laughed and happily frolicked around the room, their arms high in the air.
"Yèyīn!" Mujihi cried. "I'll miss you!"
"Me too!" Mugoi exclaimed. "I love you, Yèyīn!"
An arm much larger than the others descended from above and opened its palm, revealing two bells: one gold, and one silver. The bells gleamed with an iridescent light, which meant that they were enchanted.
Mugoi took the silver one and Mujihi took the golden one. "Thank you, Yèyīn," they said in unison, then they put the bells in their pockets.
The Kibutsuji Family walked through an empty corridor of the Dimensional Infinity Fortress in perfect synchronicity. The Demon Lord concealed each of their presences and only let Kokushibou know of their arrival.
As they walked through the halls, Mujōna reiterated the rules.
"My Sweethearts, I and your father expect the utmost behavior from you two," she said. "To take even further precaution, I'll tell you the main rules you must obey during our stay once again. One: No walking on the ceiling or walls."
"Yes, Okasan," the twins said in unison.
"Two: No running through the halls."
"Yes, Okasan."
"Three: No breaking people's noses or tugging their hair."
"Yes, Okasan."
"Four: You must be polite and courteous at all times."
"Yes, Okasan."
Then she looked at them directly and said, "And finally, no crying in public, especially for you, Mujihi."
Mujihi scrunched his face and looked to be on the verge of tears, but stopped himself. "Y-yes, Okasan," he sniffled, his nose wiggling frantically.
"Anata, is there anything you'd like to add?" Mujōna asked.
The Demon Lord crouched to his children's level and touched both of their shoulders. "I only have two requirements: the first one is that you must keep your emotions under control. When you see a specific person you… adore, do not let your emotions control you."
The twins questionably tilted their heads and stared at him, perplexed.
"What if— But what if I see Kabuma?" Mujihi squeaked, clutching his teddy bear. "I'll be really, really happy if I see Kabuma."
"And what if I see Koko?" Mugoi asked in his soft, tiny voice.
"Sō sureba, anata wa tsuyoku nari, jibun jishin o shori surudeshou," Muzan replied. "Watashi to anata no okāsan wa, anata no yōna tsuyoi senshi no Ōji ga nani demo dekiru koto o shitte imasu."
✧TRANSLATION: "Then you'll be strong and handle yourselves," Muzan replied. "I and your mother know that strong warrior Princes like yourselves can do anything."
Hearing their father's words comforted and encouraged the twins to behave.
"And lastly, my second requirement is that you mustn't injure yourselves," he said. "You must be cautious at all times and make sure that you do not cut yourselves. Do you understand?"
Mugoi and Mujihi bowed and said, "Yes, Okāsan and Otōsan. We will behave."