Both Hyakkimaru and Kokoshibo watched each other carefully, stance ready to attack at any given moment at a slight opening as they stood a few feet apart from each other. They had moved to the courtyard, with Kaguya, Muzan and Giyu silently watching from the open room.
Hyakkimaru gripped the sword in his hand, the original one he brought with him still sheathed by his side. He could feel the sword hum with anticipation, but he ignored it as he watched the opposite demon's movements. He could see no outward sign of which way he would attack, the stance close to his own.
He noted the bright red hair pulled up in a long ponytail and the dark fiery eyes that watched him without expression. He could have mistaken the demon as a descendant of the other demon slayer Giyu took under his wing, Tanjiro, but he had heard there were ties to the younger man's family. He was currently in human form, his demon form rumored to be of multiple gazes and a skill with the sword as if he had multiple appendages. Hyakkimaru wondered if the demon opposite him would have the same strength even while human form.
Before either one of them could make a move, a soldier appeared by Kaguya's side. Muzan raised a hand, to which Kokoshibo immediately sheathed his sword and bowed, awaiting instructions. Hyakkimaru lowered his sword, anticipating the news.
Kaguya's expression was somber, glancing at the scroll in his hand as he dismissed the soldier. "My apologies, there seems to be a commotion in the eastern mountains."
Muzan slightly frowned and his gaze darkened, as if reaching out to his moon demons. "Rumors of a new type of the devolved demons." He murmured, his gaze returning to normal as he broke connection. "They exhibit peculiar behavior. It is as if they are being possessed and directed under command."
Muzan looked to Kokoshibo, who nodded once and disappeared. "That area is under my protection. I will not tolerate disorder." His voice coldly rang out.
Giyu shifted in his position and bowed towards Kaguya. "I will gather some of the slayers and investigate as well."
Muzan raised an eyebrow as Giyu prepared to leave the room. "Kaguya-san, it is a pity we could not test that sword."
Hyakkimaru walked towards the edge of the porch and waited for instruction.
Kaguya took a sip of his freshly poured tea. "Hyakkimaru, it is unprecedented, especially with your training not yet complete, but I would like your assistance with this matter." He announced.
Hyakkimaru nodded, hopping up on the porch to stand beside Giyu. "If I can be of any help, I will do so."
Giyu nodded in approval but Hyakkimaru hesitated.
"Kaguya-san, I respectfully ask of a favor."
Kaguya nodded, a serene smile on his face as if he already knew what would be asked of him.
"Mika and her friend, they must stay protected here in the interim."
"Of course. I offer them my protection for as long as they require it." Kaguya nodded and Hyakkimaru bowed again before leaving with Giyu. Once they left, Muzan leaned forward and picked at the snacks on the table in amusement.
"You let him leave with the sword, just like that? You surprise me, Kaguya."
Kaguya glanced out at the courtyard. "There are destinies unfolding before us, Muzan. We can stand still and allow the flow of it pass by or we can move with it and encourage it to flow as it should."
Muzan sighed, thoughtfully chewing on a sweet. "I have lived a long life, and yet it feels like time is slipping through our fingers, my dear friend. I fear it is flowing so quickly we cannot grasp it much longer. I'm starting to suspect we could never grasp it all."
The two sat silently, the sound of the breeze bustling through the trees and the smooth flow of the water in the pond a comfortable sound between them.
Tanjiro trained in the courtyard at the Kocho household, his brows furrowing in concentration as he sat cross legged on the hard ground. He could hear Inosuke and Zenitsu in their usual antics, chasing each other across the yard. In another corner, he could hear the faint sounds of laughter as his sister, Nezuko sat with Kanao on the porch.
His heart felt at peace at the sound of his friends and family, but he felt his resolve strengthen, knowing he must train harder.
To protect this peace and to continue to protect those he loved.
"Tanjirooooooo!"
He ignored the sound of Zenitsu screaming for him, most likely to get Inosuke away from him and continued his breathing exercises.
"Ara-ara! What's going on here?"
He promptly opened his eyes at the sound of Shinobu's amused laughter.
Zenitsu stopped running long enough to have Inosuke bump into him while Nezuko raised her head from Kanao's lap to leap into Shinobu's arms to hug her.
Shinobu patted her head and smiled at Kanao, who remained seating.
"Prepare to leave by the hour, kids!" She cheerfully announced.
"What?! Again?! We just got back from a mission!" Zenitsu began to wail. Inosuke ignored him and sat down on the ground, already polishing his swords.
Tanjiro brushed at his pants as he walked towards the ladies by the porch. "What of Mika and the others?"
"We need to investigate the eastern mountains. Mika and Mio will stay here to recuperate." Giyu appeared beside Shinobu. She peered up at him.
"Casualties?" She asked, concern in her face.
"Unknown for now. Muzan has sent some of his own to investigate. He will let us know."
Shinobu tapped her chin. "Hm, in that case, Kanao and I will stay and prepare some poisons. You may never know."
Giyu nodded in agreement. "I will take Tanjiro and the others to scout. The ravens will provide you with updates."
Nezuko tipped her head sideways. "Shinobu-san, shall I ask Tamayo-san to prepare the mixture?" She asked, a concerned look on her face for the potential casualties.
Tanjiro looked to Giyu. "Surely we don't need Nezuko's demon abilities for this? Can she stay here with the others as well?" He looked worriedly at Nezuko.
"Onii-san, I wish to help." Nezuko insisted, even as her trembling hands pulled at his patterned kimono.
Tanjiro touched her shoulder. "There are enough of us going."
Nezuko stood her ground, her eyes pleading.
Giyu made the decision for the siblings. "I'm afraid we may need her strength, Tanjiro. I was told these devolved demons are different from the usual ones we have encountered."