A Butterfly Frolicking in the Water Chapter 10, a kimetsu no yaiba/鬼滅の刃 fanfic

We're back to our wavy boy.

"Blah" — Speech

"Blah" — Speech in another language

'Blah' — Thoughts

[ Blah ] — Text

*Blah* — Sound effects in speech

(Blah) — Author's notes

Disclaimer: I do not own any characters of 鬼滅の刃 | Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba; they belong to Koyoharu Gotōge. This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Giyuu walks through the streets as he looks left and right at the buildings. 'Where was it again?' After several more moments of walking, he sighs and stops at a corner before he taking out two slips of paper:

Possible demon in Panzou

Victim was reported to have died from blood loss

and found at the entrance of the forest.

Giyuu Tomioka and Tengen Uzui are to confirm and eliminate demons.

Giyuu sighs at that. 'Why did Uzui requested a partner mission with me? Have we talked to each other before? Could this be a chance... to ask him?' He shakes his head. 'Focus on the mission.' He then looks at the other paper:

I''s busy with something else so my wives will be waiting for you at the town.

Since they're so beautiful I'm sure you will recognize them.

I'll be there fast so you get to bask in my flamboyant presence.

-Tengen Uzui

Giyuu huffs and he stuffs the papers back into his haori. 'What do they look like?' He continues his trek through the town. 'The least he could do was describe them.' He shakes his head. 'It surprises me that Uzui has multiple wives. Is it 2? 3? or 4?' He turns a corner and walks in front of an inn. 'They must be slayers since they are taking missions with—'

"Oi Tomioka-sama!"

Giyuu blinks at the call-out and then turns toward an inn to see three ladies with various packs standing near the entrance. 'Are these his wives? They seem to know my name.' One of the woman who has her black hair and yellow bangs is waving her arm. 'Must've been the one who called me.' He then makes his way towards them.

The woman turns to the one with a black ponytail as she points at Giyuu. "See? Tengen was right with the gloomy handsome face."

Ponytail frowns and pushes Yellow-bang's hand down. "Don't be rude."

'Gloomy?' Giyuu stops in front of them. "Are you three... Uzui's wives?"

Yellow-bang grins and points her thumb at her chest. "Yup. The name's Makio Uzui."

Ponytail bows her head. "My name is Hinatsuru Uzui."

The third woman hides behind them and peeks around Makio's shoulder. "H-Hello. My-my name is..."

Makio scowls and pulls her to the front. "Oi say it to his face."

"Eek! I'm sorry!" The woman bows at ninety degrees. "My name is Suma Uzui! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

Giyuu stares at that display before he looks over all three woman. "Hello to you all. I am Giyuu Tomioka." He looks at the packs placed against the wall. "Have you been waiting long?"

Makio places a hand on her hip. "Yeah like several hours. You took your sweet time."

Hinatsuru's nudge quiets Makio before she smiles at Giyuu. "It was only a couple of hours. You do not have to worry about it."

'It seems that they came into town before I did.' "I apologize for not meeting you sooner." He reaches into his haori to pull out the slip of paper. "He didn't give me descriptions of you three."

Hinatsuru accepts the paper and reads the content. After finishing it, she sighs, "I see. I'm sorry about that Tomioka-sama. He didn't give a meeting point and gave us a 'vague' description of you."

'Kocho wouldn't have done that.' "It's fine. We're here now."

Hinatsuru adjusts her pack. "Have you checked in yet?"

He adjusts his pack and covered blade. "Not yet."

Makio turns and walks into the the inn. "Well then let's do that then."

Everyone stare after her before they followed in and checked in. After dropping their gear in their rooms, they meet up outside again. Giyuu looks at the setting sun. 'Was it really that late?' He shakes his head and turns to the group. "Do you know when Uzui will be coming?"

Hinatsuru is the one who answers. "Maybe in several more hours? He was finishing the last mission when he sent us ahead. In the meantime, what do you want to do Tomioka-sama?"

'What should we do?' Giyuu shifts his weight to one of his legs. 'It feels weird to command these three without Uzui.' "We can gather information on the demons."

Hinatsuru looks to Makio and Suma who nods their heads at each other. She looks back at Giyuu. "How should we proceed?"

Giyuu looks around as people walk about. "We can—"

"Oi oi oi what's all this? You already got two and you're going for more?"

Everyone turns to see Tengen in a yukata with his hair down as he carries large packs under his arms.

"Tengen!" Makio and Suma jog over to the large man where they hug him.

Giyuu looks him over. 'Where is his uniform?' He spots the rectangular boxes. 'What's inside those?'

After all that, Tengen and his two wives walk to the rest of the group. Hinatsuru gives a quick peck on his cheek. "Good to see you here dear."

Tengen straightens his back. "You too Hina."

Suma tilts her head. "How did you find us so quickly?"

The taller man points at the roof where there's a crow. "My crow spotted you all just standing there."

He turns to Giyuu. "Yo Tomioka."

Giyuu nods his head. "Hello Uzui."

Tengen smiles, "So you can speak outside of headquarters." Hinatsuru elbows him. "Oof."

Giyuu stares up at him. "What did you mean by your earlier comment?"

"Hmm?" Tengen then smirks, "Oh that? There's been some talks that you're courting our female Pillars. You like them strong huh? I gotta say though, you kinda flamboyant to go for two ladies." Tengen makes his hand level and gives a little shake. "Not as much as me though."

"...What?" He shakes his head. "Where did that come from?"

Tengen taps his chin. "Let's see... one of the rumors started when you were behind Kanroji in that hospital-estate and the other was you taking Kocho out on a date."

"That's just... ridiculous." 'Who would think like that?'

"Oh?" Tengen leans down. "Care to tell us what really happened then?"

'Why do I have to explain this?' Instead Giyuu elaborates, "Kanroji's hair was unraveled and she came to Kocho's house for help. Kocho wasn't there and I offered to braid her hair for her."

Tengen and the others stare at him.

Giyuu stares back. "What?" 'Was it something I said?'

The taller man shakes his head. "Nothing. So that's why she had a new hairstyle. Also here's a tip for you: I would avoid Iguro if I were you."

Giyuu tilts his head. "Why?" 'Did something happen?'

Tengen shrugs, "I'm sure he would have heard what happened by now and he's not happy with you helping out Kanroji."

"...Did he wanted to braid Kanroji's hair? I could teach him the technique."

Tengen raises an eyebrow as he stares at Giyuu.

Giyuu stares back.

Tengen slowly forms a smile. "Actually, Ignore what I said. You do what you think is best then."

"...Okay." 'If I can teach Iguro the technique, we can have something in common. And if we have something in common, we can be friends.' He then nods to himself. 'This will work.'

"And Kocho?"

Giyuu focuses back to Tengen. "Hm?"

"What's the story of her and the trip to the festival?"

Giyuu shrugs, "I invited her because I wanted repay her kindness. Is that not what friends do?"

"By yourselves?"

"Yes."

Makio retorts, "That sounds like a dat—"

Tengen places a hand on Makio's shoulder and looks at Giyuu. "That's it? Man, that sounds so boring and I thought I wouldn't be the only one going with multiple girls." He drops the boxes and he places his fingers on his face. "But alas, only I can be the flamboyant one."

Giyuu stares at Tengen. "Are you okay?"

"Wha—"

Giyuu steps closer to his fellow Pillar. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No that's not—"

"You can take a rest in the inn if you want to." Giyuu reaches for the boxes. "Would you like for me to hold one for you?"

"Pfft."

"Hahahahaha!"

Giyuu turns to the side to see Makio laughing, Hinatsuru covering her mouth, and Suma fighting to keep her lips turning upward. 'What's so funny?'

Tengen waves them off. "Oh laugh it up will ya?" He pinches the bridge of his nose and mutter to himself. "This has gone for far too long." He looks back to them. "So what were you all talking about?"

Hinatsuru composes herself. "We were discussing a plan to gather intel around the town."

"Oh that?" Tengen waves it off. "We can do something better." He smirks at Giyuu. "Let's go drinking instead."

Giyuu could only stare. '...What?' "Why? We should focus on the mission."

Tengen walks over and claps Giyuu's back. "Come on man. This is probably the first time that it's just been the two of us so just loosen up a bit will ya?" He looks down at Giyuu's clothes. "Also get rid of those clothes."

Giyuu looks down as well and plucks his uniform out. "But these can offer protection from demo—"

"Oh please. We're in town and we're Pillars. I bet that the those demons are small-fry so we can take care of them without getting hurt. Besides, I don't want those clothes ruining the mood." He grabs Giyuu's shoulder and turns him to a nearby clothing store. "Here," He drops a sack of coins into Giyuu's hands. "Buy something and change." Tengen points at his pack. "I'll drop off my stuff and meet you out here again."

Giyuu turns his head up to Tengen. "But the demons could still be out there."

Tengen raises a finger up. "Could. There could be demons here." He nudges Giyuu towards the store. "Go on and pick something. Let's celebrate our first meeting together." He walks over to pick up the boxes and turns to wives. "Alright darlings, show me to our rooms."

Suma and Makio lead Tengen into the inn while Hinatsuru lags behind. She turns towards Giyuu with a smile. "Please don't let it get to you. He means well."

Giyuu wants to raise his eyebrow at that. "...Hm." Hinatsuru nods her head and follows Tengen into the inn. Giyuu looks down at the coin purse and shakes his head. 'Unbelievable.' He walks into the clothing store.

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

Giyuu stays behind the group as they walk forward. 'This is ridiculous.' He looks down and scratches his dark-red yukata. 'This would not protect me against a demon's attack.'

"Yo."

Giyuu looks up and stops before he bumps into Tengen. He looks around and notices that Tengen is standing there alone. "Where did your wives go?"

Tengen waves his hands. "They decided to eat out at different restaurants. They didn't feel like drinking." He then waves him over and points at a building. "Come on, let's drink over there."

Once inside, Giyuu notes that the bar starts to fill up. 'Hmm.' He looks outside to see the setting sun. 'I guess they finished with work.

Tap

Giyuu turns to see Tengen pointing a large column table with wooden stools. "There." The both of them walk over to sit down and Tengen raises his hand. "Sir, two bottles please."

The bartender nods his head. "Got it." He puts the bottles and cups on the table.

"My thanks." Tengen puts some coin on the table and pours his cup.

Giyuu stares at his bottle. 'Do I have to drink this?' He looks at Tengen who raises his cup up to his lips. He sighs and pours himself a drink. He drinks it and manages not to grimace from the taste. 'This is awful. Why would anyone like this?' After managing another cup in silence, Giyuu looks up around the room and notices the loud noises around the bar. 'Hm, it seems to be filled to the brim now.' He then turns to Tengen and opens his mouth but the tall man's eyes were unfocused and his head was tilted to the side. 'What is he doing?' Giyuu focuses back on his cup and they drink in silence.

'Maybe salmon daikon could make this drink better.' Giyuu raises his ha—

"So, what made you accept this joint mission?"

Giyuu looks up to Tengen. "What? Weren't you the one to ask for this?"

"Well yeah, but, it's just surprising that you agreed to do this."

After a few seconds, Giyuu responds, "Why would I refuse the request?"

Tengen raises his eyebrow and leans his cheek on his fist. "You always do that loner shtick and refuse to come with the others after the Pillar meetings."

'Oh,' Giyuu tries not to frown. 'Was that how people see me?' "But... a mission and and those hangouts are different."

"Well you're right about that. Those hangouts are more flamboyant than the missions." He tilts his head to the side before he looks back to Giyuu. "But that didn't really answer the question."

Giyuu takes another sip. "I accepted this because Oyakata-sama asked me if I would be willing to work with other people."

"Oyakata-sama huh..." Tengen then snaps his fingers. "Oh yeah, you've done a lot missions with Kocho right? What's that like?"

"Mn," Giyuu mulls over that question. "She's a very competent Pillar and a great person to work with."

"Even when she can't swing her sword?"

Giyuu tries not to frown. "...Even so, she has found other ways to eliminate the demons. Her use of poison and projectiles allow Kocho to take them out efficiently."

"That reminds of a shinobi."

Giyuu tilts his head. "A shinobi?"

"Yeah. Using poison, projectiles, and all that. Though her concoction are more lethal than ours." He tilts his head. "I wonder if she'll share some of hers with us." Seeing Giyuu's stare, Tengen puffs his chest. "Yours truly is the the most flamboyant ex-shinobi along with my girls."

"...Oh."

"A little lackluster, but do you got anything else to add?"

"Hm." Giyuu takes another sip. "In addition to that, she has extensive medical knowledge and can reduce the casualties in our corps." He leans forward. "It's amazing that she made her own breathing technique that overcame her weakness. The way she moves is- What?" Giyuu finally notices Tengen's grin. "What is it?"

"No no no please continue." Tengen leans forward. "You've been thinking about her a lot huh?"

"Yes."

Tengen draws back with both eyebrows raised and his mouth open. "...Wow."

"What is it?" 'This is the first time I've seen him like that.' Giyuu then starts to feel light in his head. 'Ugh,' He leans his elbow on the table.

"Uh, I just didn't expect you to say it just like that. You seem the typ—" He then perks up and looks off the side. "Hold that thought and I'll be back in a bit." He turns to the bartender. "Can I get a few more bottles?" After dropping the coins, he stands up and walks away with the bottles in hand.

'Where is he going?' Giyuu's focus trail after Tengen until the Sound Pillar stops at a table with three men. The tall man sits down and offers the bottles to the strangers. 'What is he doing?'

"Ahem."

Giyuu jolts and looks up to see the bartender. "...Yes?"

The bartender looks at Giyuu's cup. "Would you like another bottle?"

Giyuu shakes his bottle and hears nothing. 'I drank all of it?' "I..." Giyuu looks to Tengen but he seems to deep in conversation with the group. Giyuu looks back to the worker. "...Okay." The man replaces his empty one with a new one and Giyuu pays the price. After a few moments, he pours himself a cup.

Sip

'...Why am I here?' He looks around the room again as the patrons enjoy the night. 'We should be out there and gathering information about possible demons.' He leans on the table and brings the cup up to his lips.

Sip

'But here I am, in a bar with a fellow Pillar and wasting time.'

...oka

Giyuu sighs, 'I wonder what Kocho would do?'

"Tomioka."

Giyuu turns around to see Tengen. "Yes?"

Tengen blinks, "Are you...drunk?"

"...No?"

Tengen holds his mouth and his shoulders shake. "Oh wow, it's your first time. This is- this is great. On our first mission too."

Giyuu frowns, "What about you? How come you're not-" Giyuu pauses, "drunk then?"

He shakes his head. "I got a high tolerance for it. Also," He looks at the bottles. "You didn't have to drink them, you know? I only bought them so they wouldn't kick us out for loitering. But first things first, I got info."

Giyuu straightens up. "Info?"

Tengen tilts his head to the door. "Let's get out of here first yeah?"

Giyuu stands up with his sword-cover but he wobbles on his feet.

"Whoa there." Tengen places his hand on Giyuu's shoulder. "You good?"

Giyuu re-orients himself. "I'm okay."

"Right... Let's get going." Tengen makes his way to the door with Giyuu carefully walking after him. Once outside, they make for a secluded alleyway and Giyuu leans against a wall.

After some time in silence, Giyuu looks at Tengen. "Why are we waiting?"

"Gotta wait for the others."

Just then, Hinatsuru, Makio, and Suma walk into the alleyway. Hinatsuru is the first to notice Giyuu as he leans his head against the wall. "Is Tomioka-sama alright?"

"He drunk. Can you believe this is his first time?"

Makio raises an eyebrow. "Seriously? Already?"

Hinatsuru turns to Giyuu. "How are you doing Tomioka-sama? Are you feeling well?"

He slowly nods his head. "I'm fine." He turns to Tengen. "So what did you find?"

"Right," Tengen turns to his wives. "Ladies?"

Suma shakes her head. "I got nothing from my area."

Makio sighs, "I heard some mentions of the incident but nothing else."

Hinatsuru crosses her arms. "Unfortunately I did not hear anything."

"Huh," Tengen leans his back to the wall. "It seems like I was the lucky one them." He points his thumb to the building he and Giyuu was in. "I met three of his ex co-workers. His name was Taki Tachibana, but I couldn't get the location his house otherwise it would have been too suspicious."

Makio taps her foot. "So what do we do now?"

The group ponder in silence as Giyuu stares at them. 'So they were gathering intelligence.' He looks at Tengen. 'Why didn't he say that in the first place?'

Hinatsuru taps her chin. "Should we try the police station next?" She catches Giyuu's stare. "Since his body was found, they should have a report with his background details."

'Ah.'

Tengen shrugs, "We can try that. If they don't have it, we can ask around for info tomorrow."

"Really?" Everyone turns to Giyuu. "Would the average civilians know about the incident?"

"Ohhoho," Tengen smiles, "People love to gossip about a juicy story. You just have to find the right person." He then looks up at the moon. "Right, it should be a good time to try now since most of the officers should be home. In any case, you should go back Tomioka."

Giyuu tilts his head. "What? Why?"

The Sound Pillar gestures to Giyuu. "Ya feeling tipsy? A little lightheaded?"

...It takes too long for Giyuu to nod.

"Yeah your senses are too dulled. And let's face it, you seem the type to not be that great at these kinds of things. You might as well sleep it off."

Giyuu grits his teeth but after a moment he relaxes, 'He's right. I feel too sluggish and I can't move the way I want to.' "Fine."

"Right," Tengen pushes off the wall. "We'll see you later. I'll be sure to tell what we find."

"Hm."

Tengen walks off with Suma and Makio in tow while Hinatsuru smiles at Giyuu. "Be sure to drink a lot of water. It'll make the hangover easier to handle."

"Mn. Thank you." After everyone leaves, Giyuu starts to make his way to the inn. '...This is terrible. Even though I wanted to gather information, I couldn't even do that. I can't believe I incapacitated myself and had to be sent back like a kid. Is this how a Pillar should act? Da—'

"Oof."

Giyuu stumbles as he tries to right himself. After he stands upright, Giyuu looks at the person who bumped into him.

It seems like a young woman was holding up an older man. Once they stood up, the woman turns around and gives a small bow. "I apologize for that. I wasn't paying attention."

The older man was different story. "Oi watch where you walking brat."

"Sorry." Giyuu finally takes notice of the woman. She was wearing a blue kimono with white flowers design. Her black hair was fashioned into two braids on each side that is tied into a small ponytail with a red braided-cord. Her face is pale, unnaturally so but it makes her ethereal.

"Yeah you better-" The man holds his mouth and stumbles to an alleyway. "Blegh."

Giyuu looks at the man. "Is he okay?"

The woman smiles as she walks over to the man and pats his back. "He's fine. He's just drank a little too much for the night." She looks over Giyuu. "Though the same could be the said to you. Are you okay?"

'Even a civilian can tell. How pitiful.' "I'm fine."

She smiles, "If you say so. Well, it's getting late." The woman escorts the man away. "Have a good night."

Giyuu stares after the couple. "...Bye." After a few moments of staring, He plods his way back to the inn.

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

Giyuu groans as he forces his eyes open and stares at his door. 'My head...' He pushes himself up and cradles his head. 'It feels like my skull is squeezing my head.'

Knock Knock

Giyuu winces, "...Yes?"

"Tomioka-sama? It's me, Hinatsuru. Are you feeling well?"

"...Yes."

"Right. In any case, do you want to join us to eat in our room? We can also discuss what we found last night."

Giyuu looks around the room and spots several empty bottle before he returns to the door. "...Sure. I will need some time to prepare."

"Take you time Tomioka-sama. We're waiting for the food to be delivered. We'll See you there."

"Mn."

Thud

Giyuu makes his way to his bag and changes his clothes. After several minutes, he makes the final adjustments to his uniform and walks out of his room. He way his way towards Tengen's room but stops as the door slides open; three people walked out, bowed, and closed the door. He raises an eyebrow but continues his way to the door and knocks on it. "It's me."

"You can come in."

Giyuu slides open the door to see Tengen and his wives on the ground with the food in the middle.

"Hey the party man is here." Tengen thumps the area next here. "You can sit here."

"Hm," Giyuu walks over to sit down between Tengen and Hinatsuru. "Good morning."

Hinatsuru turns to Giyuu. "It's actually in the afternoon."

'Have I been asleep for that long?' "Oh." Giyuu looks around. "Have you all been out all night?"

"Yeah." Makio opens her box. "We've been on patrol to see if can catch any demons."

"Unfortunately," Tengen goes for his box. "The demons were too scared to be in my flamboyant presence so we'll have to stay here a little longer."

"Mn."

"Here," Hinatsuru slides over a cup of tea. "This should help with the hangover."

"Thank you." He accepts the cup and nods his head to Hinatsuru.

Tengen points his chopsticks to the boxes. "Go pick one."

"Thank you." Giyuu reaches over to pick up a box, open it, and start eating. After a few moments of silence, Giyuu swallows his food. "So did you find any information?"

"Though you'd forget about it since you were drunk but it looks like you remembered yesterday."

'I wish to erase that memory from existence.' "...Yes."

"Hmm," Tengen taps his box. "My lovely ladies found the basic info on the guy." He starts ticking off his fingers. "He moved here with no family. Worked at the factory. No wife." Tengen lowers his hand. "Also the report stated he suffered from heart problems but the girls found some puncture marks with some bruising on his wrists, ankle, and temple."

'So we have confirmation.' "So they bled him dry?"

"That's what it looked like."

"Anything else?"

"We know where his house is."

"Did you find any clues there?"

"We didn't go there yet."

Giyuu tilts his head. "Why not?"

"We decided to wait for you."

Giyuu blinks, "Me?"

"Come on Tomioka. This is a joint mission. What's the point if I did all the work? Though I wouldn't mind since I get to show you how flamboyant I am."

'...He's right. I have stumbled my way since the start of the mission. Just like evefry-' Giyuu pushes that thought away. "In the daylight? Wouldn't people be suspicious?"

"We can make it work. You'd be surprised when people just mind their own business."

"...Hm. So when do we leave?"

"After lunch so let's finish up." Tengen picks up his box and starts to eat.

'He really is the better Pillar. I have to do better to make up for my mistake from yesterday.' Giyuu resumes his eating.

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

"...So we just go through the front?"

"Yup. You just gotta make sure you know what you're doing."

"How does that look like?"

"Be very confident and flamboyant. Do that and people won't interfere with us."

Giyuu watches as people walk about. "And if they do?"

Tengen shrugs, "Just say you're on official business." He looks at Giyuu's uniform. "Those clothes can help your claim. Ready?"

"...Mn." Giyuu squares up his shoulders and take a ste—

"Psst. Oi."

Giyuu and Tengen looks over to see Makio walking up to them. "We found a backdoor at the alley."

"Nice." Tengen turns to Giyuu. "Let's do that instead."

"Okay." Giyuu takes one more look at the front door before he follows after Tengen and Makio. After making their way to the back alley, Giyuu spots Hinatsuru and Suma beside an opened door.

Tengen stops at the door. "Right. Makio, you're with me. You two keep on the lookout." Hinatsuru jumps up on the roof and Suma stays at the door. Tengen, Makio, and Giyuu walk through the door. Once inside, he turns to Giyuu. "Pick a spot and start looking for clues."

"Mn." Giyuu watches as Tengen and Makio go to the living room. He looks around and then makes his way to the bedroom. Sliding open the door, he walks in to see the space filled with a western bed, desk, chair, drawer, and a closet. 'Right. Let's start at the closet.' Making his way there, he slides it open to see rows of clothes. Giyuu moves the clothes one by one until there is nothing left. 'Nothing of value.' He places them back.

Giyuu then moves to the drawers and opens each slot. 'Just more clothes and writing utensils.' He closes them and walks to the desk where he sits down on the chair. Looking at the surface, he spots numerous papers and a large rectangular book littering the area. He starts sifting through the paper. 'Hmm, just schedules and letters to work.' He opens the book and notices that they are drawings of various locations. 'Oh,' What catches his eye is the amount of detail this 'Taki' draws out into his sketches. 'Impressive at how realistic it looks. It almost looks like a picture.' Giyuu turns to another sketch piece. 'Why is he working at a factory? I'm sure he can make more from his painting.'

Giyuu flips the page to see the last painting and he blinks several times. '…Isn't this is the woman from yesterday?' He flips the book to get better look. Out of all the sketches, this one was fully colored. 'So this is how she looks like. Hm,' Giyuu peers closer to the picture. 'She looks livelier than the last time I saw her.' He then narrows his eyes. 'Who is she and how is she related to Tachibana? Maybe she can tell us more. I should relay to Uzui and the others.' Giyuu turns around and rise u— 'Hm?'

Underneath and behind the bed there is something sticking out. Giyuu walks over to pull it out and brings it up to his face. 'What's this?' It is a medium hard-cover notebook. 'Maybe there could be a clue in here.' He sits down on the bed and places the sketch book down beside him. With his hands free, Giyuu opens the first page:

So mom gave this book as a gift for me. Told me to write down my thoughts and important stuff. She said that I kept getting too distracted with drawing…

'Not relevant.' Giyuu quickens his heading and flips through the pages.

…Paint… flip

…Arranged… flip

Flip

…Moved… Fli—

'Wait.' Giyuu goes back:

Huh. I forgot I had this. Must've gotten in one of the boxes. But anyway, I moved out of home and got my first house. I wanted to get commissions but I couldn't find anyone who was interested. Luckily I got a job at the metal factory to pay for rent and food. Well that's that. I found a good place to sketch.

Flip

I saw the most beautiful lady ever. I was completely enamored with her but I always see her with different people. Is she an escort? I asked around but no one really knows who she really is. Regardless, I'm going to ask her tomorrow night.

Flip

I did it! I asked her and she agreed (though I had to bring some money for the night.) She told me to meet at the same spot tomorrow.

Flip

Giyuu notices several marks at the top of the page.

…I can't remember much from yesterday. I could only recall the sensation and she likes to bite.

Giyuu narrows his eyes.

Flip

I met her again and apparently she was on her 'job'. So I figured I should actually ask her out on a date (I still paid for her time). For some reason, I really want to get to know about her. I was really shocked that she said yes. So we walked around town for a bit (didn't have a plan) and settled at a bench. Luckily I had my portfolio and showed her my sketches. She was all over of them and was enraptured by them; she really liked the lake sketch. This was the first time I felt proud of myself. After that, I really enjoyed our time together and I could tell she did too. So I asked her if she was free during the daytime since it's more beautiful to see the landscapes.

But she said she can't and I was an idiot for not realizing sooner since she must be tired from her night job.

Still, I asked her if she wants to do this again during the night and she said yes.

I also got her name. Mitsuha.

Giyuu looks through several pages as Taki writes out their dates together. He then stops at a particular part as he noticed a large amount of dots at the beginning of the log. 'Something made him hesitant.'

…I don't know if I should write this down, but I can't stop thinking about it…

Last night Mitsuha actually came to my house. She kept fidgeting and wouldn't look me in the eye. I thought something had happened and I led her inside. The moment she sat down, she just stayed silent. After some time, I asked what was wrong and then she told me who she was. Some kind of demon. She proved it by showing her fangs and changing her eye-color.

I just sat there and couldn't say anything to her. All those times we went to that place. The haziness. The biting. Why I was so tired.

She said she felt guilty and she didn't wanted to keep lying to me. After that she stood up and walked to the door. Before she left, she wished to go to all the places that I drew.

Why?

Why did she say that?

Flip

Thump

Giyuu jolts and looks up as Tengen voice is heard throughout the house. "Tomioka we gotta go."

Giyuu picks up the books and races out of the room- 'Wait,' He turns around and closes the door behind him. He runs to the back entrance to see Tengen outside and waving at him.

"Come on." After Giyuu gets past the door, Tengen closes and locks the door. "Split up. We'll meet back at the inn."

"Okay." Giyuu picks a direction and starts running. After several turns, he stops at a main street and covers his eyes from the sun. Now in the open, he starts walking back to the inn.

Twitch

'No,' Giyuu stops his hand. 'I can read it when I get back.'

Sigh

'Dammit.' Giyuu stops and looks around the area before he stops at an empty bench. 'It'll do.' He walks over there and sits down. Giyuu looks left and right before he opens the notebook. 'Now where was I?' It takes several flips but he reaches the spot he stopped:

Why am I still here? I should get out of here.

Flip

Damn it. I went to see Mitsuha again.

Flip

I brought her back to talk about everything.

She told me that her kind needs human blood and meat to survive. Luckily, her leader decided it was safer to have a consistent supply of just blood in exchange for…sexual services.

I asked her about the haziness and she told me that it was to make sure no one can remember clearly and come back for more.

I asked her if she likes it but she said she resigned to it but it's hard to control the urges. She also doesn't feel too close with her fellow demons but she doesn't know where else to go.

I asked her if Mitsuha was her real name but she said that she can't remember her human life.

After talking with, I said the craziest thing: We should run away together.

It took a long time to convince Mitsuha but in the end she said yes. Now we should plan it out and get money for it.

Giyuu reads through several pages of Taki's thought process. 'Unbelievable. They've been planning this for months. Not only that, but to put a demon inside a box?' Giyuu shakes his head. 'Then again, demons wouldn't need air or water to survive.' He turns the page:

This is it. Just one more week before we can get on the train. I already got the box custom-made and shipped here. I checked it out and everything is in perfect order. Now I should start packing what I need.

I wonder how Mitsuha is doing.

Flip

I saw one of the demons following me

How did they know

I can hear the lock

If anyone finds this please tell my parents I love them

I don't know if this a good idea or if they caught you

But please give this to her

Mitsuha I love you and I'll see you again

'So that was when he hid the book and got taken away.' Giyuu looks in front of him. 'It seems we have confirmation of multiple demons and a demon nest. The main problems are the unknown number of demons, and the presence of civilians inside the nest. Another one is the location and the layout of the nest... We need more information.' He starts to tap his finger. 'Wait,' Giyuu flips several pages until he found it. '…Services…' He drums all of his fingers. 'Hmm… yes… that one won't work… maybe that one…' He nods his head. 'It'll be similar to what I did on the first mission with Kocho but with more risks. However, it can be done. It needs to be.' He turns to the last page and starts at the last line. 'Can there really be love between a human and a demon?' He sighs and closes the book as he stands up. 'I should tell the others.'

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

Giyuu slides open the door.

"Well look who it is." Tengen is sitting on the floor. "Took you long enough. Did you take the scenic route or something?"

Giyuu closes the door behind him and nods to Tengen. "Apologies for the delay." He looks to Hinatsuru. "Did you see anyone that warranted our escape?"

The pony-tailed kunoichi nodded her head. "Yes. I recognized some of the officers when we sneaked into the station last night."

"I see." He looks back to Tengen. "Did you two find anything of note?"

Tengen shrugs, "Now much. Besides a big box, we didn't find anything else that stood out."

'The box is still there.'

"And what about you?" Tengen looks at the books in Giyuu's hands. "Find anything good? Otherwise this was a bust and we'll have to look for them the old-fashioned way."

"Mn." Giyuu walks over and presents the books. "I found Tachibana's journal and art book. I'll explain what I read."

"Ohhh." The wives all sit down and crowd around Tengen.

. .

Summarizing...

. .

Whistle

"Damn!" Tengen looks at the picture. "I can see why he fell for her. Look at the detail."

Makio and Suma are looking at the notebook. "This kid was crazy for thinking of that plan."

"Do you think it would have worked? Hiding in a box?"

Makio shrugs, "I don't know. The box I looked at had no holes or slits so,' She levels her hand and shakes it. "Maybe?"

Giyuu looks at the group. "Any plans on how to proceed?"

Hinatsuru taps her chin. "We could comb through the town and find these demon escorts. When we do, we can follow after them to their nest. From there, we can learn the layout and their total numbers."

"That should be easy," Tengen flips the art book. "We got a good picture of a lead right here."

Suma plays with her hair. "But that's still one demon in this large town. It could take days to find her."

Tengen puts the book down. "We'll make do and start off near Tachibana's place."

'That will take too much time.' "...I have a proposition that can expedite this."

"Oh? What you got Tomioka?"

Giyuu takes a moment before he points the book. "I can infiltrate their nest by hiring her services."

"Hahahahahahaha!" Tengen slaps his thigh. "Hot damn Tomioka, I didn't know you can joke like that."

Giyuu stares at Tengen.

Tengen's laughter slowly peters off. "...You're serious." He stands up. "Why?"

"This plan can speed up the process of finding their nest, mapping the layout, and verifying how many demons there are."

"Wait," Makio cuts in. "You make it sound like you know where she frequents at."

"...Yes."

Tengen rolls his arm. "Then just tell us where she is. We can just follow her from there."

Giyuu shakes his head. "With me, there is one less civilian that can be ensnared by them."

"But Tomioka-sama," Hinatsuru picks up the note book. "If what Tachibana says is true, there is a demon with a possible Blood Art that can alter your memory. There is a chance you might not remember what you see or find."

"At the very least I can be the bait where you can follow me to their nest. After I am...released from them, we can plan our next course of action."

Tengen stares at him.

'...Hm, I think Kocho said that I should reassure people.' "I have done a similar plan like this before."

All of them stare at Giyuu.

Giyuu stares back. 'Did it work?'

Tengen crosses his arms. "And if you get hurt?"

"So long as the mission is finished, then so be it." 'Not like I have much value.'

Tengen's face twist—

"Alright."

Giyuu blinks and looks at Tengen's smile. 'Did I imagine that?'

Tengen keeps his smile. "We can do it your way but why don't I go instead?" He uncrosses his arms and places a hand on his hip. "I'm an ex-shinobi and I know how to smooth-talk a lady."

"Hah!" Makio shakes her head and exaggeratedly looks up at Tengen. "You're too big and tall for that."

"Your face also stands out, honey." Hinatsuru waves at Giyuu. "Tomioka-sama on the other hand, can be mistaken as a citizen."

"Hmm," Suma peers at Giyuu. "Maybe a good-looking citizen?"

"Oh," Tengen places his fingers on his face and tilts his head back. "My glorious body is too flamboyant for the denizens of this town."

Giyuu tries not to huff. 'This man...'

Tengen looks at Giyuu. "By the way, you know what to do right?"

Giyuu nods, "Yes. I find her and give her the money for the service."

They all stare at him.

Giyuu tilts his head. "That's correct right?"

"Ha!" Tengen covers his smiling face. "It's like I'm meeting a different you in comparison to the gloomy you at the meetings. I'm so glad I asked for this mission." He claps his hands. "Alright! You're in luck Tomioka."

"How so?"

Tengen gestures to himself. "You got Tengen-sensei and," He then gestures to his wives, "My lovely assistants to help you on how to talk to the ladies and in this case, hire an escort."

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

Giyuu fiddles with his newly-bought dark-blue yukata. 'I'll never get used to these kind of clothing.'

"Stop playing with that."

Giyuu looks up at Tengen who was leaning against the wall. "Apologies."

"Anyway, why do you still have your haori? With that, you stand out more than me."

Giyuu holds onto it. "It stays. And besides, she already saw me with it. It would be suspicious if I didn't have it."

"I guess." Tengen pushes of the wall. "You got everything?"

Giyuu pats himself at certain locations. 'Tanto, money, and notebook.' His hand lingers at the last item. 'My apologies Tachibana, but I will have to use it to map the area and write down information.' He looks to Tengen. "I'm ready."

"Alright. We'll be near you if anything happens." Tengen turns around. "Good luck."

"Thank you."

Tengen jumps and clambers his way to the roof.

'Right.' Giyuu straightens his yukata and walks out of the alleyway. 'Let's find her.' He makes his way to that area from yesterday. Once there, he traces the direction she came from. 'Now Uzui said that escorts have patrol areas so I should be able to 'meet' her by chance. Then again,' Giyuu glances upward to see a shadow on the roof and a couple of crows circling around the area. 'Having extra eyes will help.'

"Hey are you new in town?"

"...Yes."

"Are you single by the way?"

"...Yes?"

For the past couple of hours, Giyuu looked for the demon while avoiding some courageous woman who tried to talk to him. 'Damn, no sight of her.' Giving one more sweep of the area, Giyuu moves to another location before someone is brave enough to talk to him. 'Same with the others.' Giyuu huffs and moves to the next spot. As he walks through the somewhat crowded street, Giyuu looks at the few night stalls. 'This is more difficult than I thought.' He stops at a corner of a building and leans against it. '...Maybe I should join with the others up in the rooftops. At the very least I could avoid these kinds of talks.' After several minutes of scanning, Giyuu sighs and pu—

Caw

Giyuu looks up to see Tengen's crow fly over a building and catches Makio leaning over the ledge; she signs hand gestures to Giyuu before she points down at the street beside her building. He looks down and soon enough their target arrives in view. 'It's her.' This time she is wearing a light-blue kimono and some of her hair is at of place. The escort looks left and right as if she was looking for something.

'Focus.' Giyuu straightens his yukata as he recalls Tengen's lessons. 'Right, Uzui said that I should not be straightforward but to be subtle. It should be an accident that I bump into her and- Wait. She's coming this way.' Sure enough, Mitsuha is walking toward Giyuu's direction while her heads turns to different angles. As they come closer, Giyuu turns his head but she was already looking at him.

Giyuu blinks at the sudden action. "I... Hello?"

"Hello..." She then widens her eyes before her turns her head and covers her nose.

Giyuu quickly brings his sleeve up to his nose to smell Tengen's cologne. 'Did Uzui use too much?'

The woman quickly controls her expression and smiles at Giyuu. "I'm so sorry about that. I had something caught in my nose."

"...It's fine."

"Say," She rubs her chin as she looks at Giyuu's face. "You look somewhat familiar."

'Right. He said to have some kind of connection.' "Now that you mention it, you do look familiar as well."

"Hmm," She closes her eyes for a moment but then snaps her fingers and Giyuu flinches. "Oh right!" She opens her eyes again. "You're the drunk guy from yesterday."

Giyuu slowly releases the loose collar of his yukata and brings his hands to his side. "...Yes. I apologize for that shameful sight."

"It's fine." She waves it off. "You young men get drunk from time to time. Hmm," She tilts her head. "Are you new to town perhaps? Haven't seen you around here."

"Yes. I actually came here for vacation."

"Vacation huh..." She takes a step toward Giyuu. "In that case, do you want to have a fun time?"

Giyuu relaxes his legs. 'This seems more straightforward than what Uzui said.' "...What kind of fun?"

She walks into an alleyway and makes a 'follow me' gesture to Giyuu. With them away from other people, She turns to Giyuu and shows her pale collar. "How about a night with me? I'm sure it will be... sensational for the both of us."

Giyuu blinks, "Umm..." '...This is too straightforward.' Giyuu wants to look for Tengen but stops himself from moving his head. 'So much for the lessons.' "Okay." He takes out a small bag of money and offers it to the escort. "Is this enough?"

The woman accepts and starts counting. Under her breath, she mutters, "This is way more than enough." She looks up and smiles, "Well then," She offers her elbow. "Shall we go somewhere more... private?"

Giyuu stares at the limb. 'For the mission for the mission...' He manages to not shudder as he loops his left arm through her elbow. 'I should be able to draw my blade in this angle.'

"Right then, off we go." She takes a step- "Oh right," She turns to Giyuu. "I apologize for not asking for your name. I'm Mitsuha by the way."

"...Tomioka."

"Would Tomioka-san be okay?"

Giyuu tries not to flinch. "No need for that."

"Alright then Tomioka. It'll be a pleasure to be with you."

"Hn." The both of them through the alleyway as four figures shadow after them.

. . .

. . . . .

. . . . . . .

. . . . .

. . .

With a series of turns through the alleyways and public streets, they reach to the outskirts of town. Throughout the journey, Mitsuha asked questions about Giyuu who in turn gave curt and vague answers but it seems the escort was causal by it.

They stop in front of a two-story building. 'Is this their hideout? It feels...underwhelming.'

Mitsuha starts walking toward the side-alleyway. "We're almost there."

'Oh?'

They then turn the corner and make their way to a back door of a smaller building.

'Oh. I see now.'

Once there, Mitsuha knocks at a specific pattern on the door.

A panel on the door slides open and a pair of eyes come into view; even in the dark Giyuu can make out the pupils to be vertical slits. 'This is it.'

The eyes look at Giyuu and then to Mitsuha. "Hm," The panel closes.

Click

The door slides open to reveal a female demon with a stocky frame. Other than her pupils, she just seems to be a tall and pale woman. She then moves to the side.

"Thank you." Mitsuha leads Giyuu into the house and to what seems to be the empty bedroom with a large door in the floor.

Giyuu blinks at that. 'So this house is a fake?'

Mitsuha turns and smiles, "Just a wait a while longer."

"Hm." Giyuu follows after the demon escort into the tunnel. As he walks down, he blinks at the wooden floor, walls, and ceilings. 'It's like I'm in a mansion.' Mitsuha leads him through a long hallway and into ornate double doors. As they reach it, Giyuu starts to feel hazy and almost stumbles onto the door. 'What is this?' He takes a glance as Mitsuha does not look affected nor concerned. 'A blood demon art then.' He breathes in deep as the escort slides open the door. 'Total Concentration Breathing.' His mind starts to clear up but he still feel the effects. 'Better than nothing.'

Mitsuha leads Giyuu to a railing where he looks down to see a large open area with various furniture placed there. He can see patrons laying on the furniture with unfocused eyes as they're accompanied with pale escorts. At the very center, there is a woman laying on an expensive couch blowing smoke from a pipe, but Giyuu squints at the tool in her hand. 'There's no smoke coming from the pipe.' He looks at the demon's face. 'So this is her power then.' He looks around to see rooms on his level and on the floor below. He notices a patron stumbling into one of the rooms with an escort.

Giyuu tries to memorize every detail of the area before he stops as Mitsuha tugs his arm. "Come on. My room is at the bottom."

'Right, I need to pretend.' Giyuu nods and 'stumbles' as Mitsuha leads them. As they go down the stairs, Giyuu takes in more details of the area and starts to notice more decorations. 'How long have they been here? Hm?' He notices several vases of water placed on the floor. 'That seems odd to have these in comparison to others.' He then notices that there are a lot of demons mulling about. 'Hm.' As he walks through the smoke, he can slowly feel the haze creep back into his mind. 'Damn. I hope I can still remember tonight.'

"Ah."

Giyuu fights his blush as he hears faint grunts and moans as he passes the rooms. He spots a couple of escorts passing by and one of them sneers in their direction. 'Did I get caught?' His hand twitches to his collar but he stills it when they continue their way. 'Control yourself.'

It takes several seconds before they reach a door with a shooting star as its decoration. Mitsuha turns Giyuu. "Well here we are." She slides open the door. "Please come in."

Giyuu pauses for a moment. 'This pretend act is getting dangerous. If I do anything else she might know something is wrong.' In the end, he complies and walks into the room first. The room itself is surprising plain as there is a bed, closet, some drawers, a table with a vanity mirror, and some wall paintings.

Click

Giyuu turns and catches Mitsuha reaching for his face. 'Damn it!' He slides to the side as Mitsuha passes over. Unfortunately the sudden movement causes his vision to tilt and he leans against the wall. 'This is bad. I need to—'

"Wha-?" Mitsuha stumbles but she recovers and pivots on her foot to face Giyuu. She then launches herself and thrusts one arm to his neck. At the last second, Giyuu pulls his head to the side and Mitsuha's hand pierces the wall.

THUMP

Mitsuha raises her other arm to make a go for his neck again but Giyuu draws the Nichirin tanto and stabs her hand.

Shink

Mitsuha hisses and instinctively wraps her hand around the amber-colored blade. Giyuu grunts as they struggle against one another. 'The blade is too short and I don't have the leverage.'

"Why?" Mitsuha grits her teeth. "Why do you smell like Taki?"

"...What?"

Mitsuha then stares the blade. "Wait, that—"

Thump

"Hey we heard something loud and shaking. Anything wrong in there?"

The both of them pause in their actions and Giyuu's mind works overtime. 'Can I cut her head in one swing? Should I make a run for it?'

After a few moments of staring, Mitsuha tilts her head to the door. "...Everything's fine. My...friend got a little excited and I accidentally pushed too hard. He's fine."

"Okay. Make sure there aren't any visible bruises."

"Got it."

They listen as the footsteps fade away but Giyuu catches some of their conversation.

"...old you that she moved on."

"Don't know why she's still here..."

Giyuu then stares at the demon. '...What? Why would she do that?'

Mitsuha goes back to Giyuu. "Look, I'm not going to hurt you so let me pull my hand out."

Giyuu stares at her.

"...if you attack, I'll scream."

Giyuu clenches his jaw. 'There's an unknown number of demons and civilians out there. In addition, I don't know if the other demons have their blood art... dammit.' He gives a small nod.

"Okay." Mitsuha slowly pulls her hand out of the wall and keeps it open. She then pulls her other hand and hisses as the blade slip out. "See?" She holds her hands open. "I'm not going to attack anymore. Can we talk?"

Giyuu stares her for several seconds and slightly lowers his blade.

"Right then." Mitsuha looks at her still-wounded hand. "I guess the stories are true." She then gestures behind. "Do you want to come farther in?" Giyuu narrows his eyes. "So no one can listen to our... talk."

Giyuu finally nods again and the both of them walk while keeping a good distance from each other.

"So..." They stop near the bed and Mitsuha turns to the Pillar. "Why do you smell like Taki?"

Giyuu thinks back on what he did. 'Oh right.' "I was at his apartment."

"But why do I smell it so strongly in the middle of your clothes?"

Giyuu pats the area and feels the notebook. 'Ah.' He then remembers Taki's last message. '...Should I give it to her?' He sighs, 'His death was what brought us to here. At the very least I should respect his last wish.' "I'm going to bring something out from my yukata."

She nods her head. "Okay."

Giyuu slowly reaches into his collar and pulls out the notebook. He walks to the bed and places it on the mattress. "Here," He backs away. "I believe you should read it."

She raises her eyebrow, "Okay?" She sits down on the bed and takes the notebook. Mitsuha opens the first page and start reading.

Giyuu watches Mitsuha as she reads the book. In the meantime, he thinks of his situation. 'The entrance of the nest seems be a typical building that leads to the first floor and an underground level. I assume that if they tried to make the nest above ground, it would raise some questions. Based on what I saw, I spotted at least twenty doors on the first level.' He narrows his eyes. 'This is alarmingly large for a nest. How did they get to this size? If Mitsuha's words from the book are true about no killing, they could stay undetected from us for decades. If that is the case, most of these demons might not have blood arts beside the one in the central room.' Remembering this makes his head ache. 'Kami, I want to get out here. Anyway, if they followed the 'no-killing' rule for so long, what made them kill Tachibana?' He refocus back on Mitsuha. 'There has to be more.'

Gasp

Mitsuha covers her mouth as she stares at the book.

Drip

Tears roll down her cheeks and plop to the book. After a few moments, the book falls from her hand and she leans on her knees as she covers her face. Her shoulder shake as she cries into her hands. "I love you too Taki."

Giyuu feels uncomfortable as he stares at the escort in front of him. He stares off to the side but still keeps her in his peripheral vision. 'This is...' The slayer waits as the demon continue to sob.

Sniff

Mitsuha wipes her face on her sleeves and finally looks at Giyuu. "Thank you for giving this to me. I know you didn't have to but thank you."

Giyuu shifts from one foot to the other. "...You're welcome."

Sniff

"So, you're the so-called Demon Slayer huh?"

"...Yes."

"I heard stories about your group from the older girls."

"..."

Mitsuha sighs and leans back on her bed. "I guess you're here to kill us."

"..."

"I can help you with that."

Giyuu blinks at that statement, "...What?" 'Is the blood art finally getting to me?'

"I said I'll help you."

"...Why?" Giyuu uses his free hand and points to the door. "Are they not—"

"What? Companions? Friends? Ahahahaha!" That laugh sounds guttural coming from the escort as her face suddenly twists into a snarl. "They held me down and hid me when they took Taki to the woods. The Mistress wanted to teach me a lesson and made me watch as my 'friends' sucked his blood. Every bite, I can see how he becomes weaker and weaker until-" Mitsuha's breath shudders but she takes several breaths to calm herself. "She used me as an example to show the others what happens if they step out of line. They can all die for all I care."

'Mistress? Is that their leader?' Giyuu shakes that thought off and looks over the demon escort in front of him. '...Should I even entertain it?' Giyuu lowers his tanto again. "If I agree, what can you offer me?"

"First, information. Isn't that what you came here for?" She tilts her head. "Unless you were planning to to slay everyone here with that small sword by yourself?" Mitsuha blinks, "Are you by yourself by the way?"

"I came here by myself. Also," Giyuu points at the notebook. "I would have used it to collect information."

"Even if you have perfect memory, you wouldn't have noticed the extra rooms we have." She looks up and down at Giyuu. "Also I'm surprised you're still sober."

Giyuu fights off the lightheadedness. "...It's no effort."

"Hm. Anyway, you have a major problem in your plan." She tilts her head to the door. "Every time we 'finish' with our client, another older escort here alters all of the clients' memories before we leave the door."

"...What?" He then looks at the notebook. 'It seems to match up to what Tachibana wrote down.' He bites his cheek. 'Is it total alteration? This complicates the situation. Even if we know the location, we wouldn't know the inside.' Giyuu looks at the book. 'Maybe I could write it down now-' His mind feels heavy. 'No. I can't trust myself to provide accurate and correct information.'

Cough

Mitsuha lowers her hand. "I also know where the secret tunnel is."

The slayer stares at the demon as the adrenaline dies down and some clarity comes back to his mind. 'Great... even if we can launch an attack, some can escape.' He takes a breath. 'Dammit. This the best option.' He sheathes the tanto. "...Fine."

Mitsuha smiles, "Great! Oh, and I have another condition."

"...What is it?"

"Before you came, I thought I would be trapped forever with these people. But you've give me the best and only opportunity I could ever ask for. And besides," Her smile lowers a fraction. "I want to see him again."

Giyuu looks between Mitsuha and the book. 'Is their feelings for each other that strong? I wonder... would Uzui and his wives do the same?'

Mitsuha shakes her head. "Sorry about that. My condition is that I want to go to the lake that we were planning to live there. Taki has a painting of it and he wanted to build a cabin for us. I think he wrote it in his journal." She picks up the book and flips through it before she stops at the middle. "There. It's close to the town called Miyahama. You can even use the box to take me there. Once we get there, can you send me to see Taki?"

Giyuu remembers the picture. 'Ah that one.' He mulls over the condition. 'Surprisingly, it's a small price for all of that information, but this so odd.' He resolves himself. "Okay."

"Great! We have ourselves a deal." She then stands up with the book and walks over a drawer. Mitsuha opens it and rummages around and finds a pencil. The escort flips the book to an empty page and starts writing. After a while, she stops, "And there."

"What is it?"

She turns around and steps back. "It's a contract and something for you to remember. Here, take a look."

Giyuu walks over and looks over the contract with her name on it and notices a layout.

"A little something to sweeten the deal. You can write other things as well."

"Hm." Giyuu picks up the pencil with his left hand and start to write down all the details of what happened here. After he finishes, he writes his name.

"Oh!"

Giyuu tenses and looks over to see Mitsuha holding a pocket-watch, "What is it?"

"We've been at this for a long time. The others will get suspicious for me to taking so long for one client. We should meet up tomorrow."

'That should give me time to talk to the others.' "Hm."

She then smacks her lips. "I might have to get another one after I drop you off."

'Is she hungry?' "Wait."

"What?"

"Stop going after the humans."

Mitsuha blinks, "Tomioka, I need blood or I'll get hungry and attack someone." She looks at him. "Can I have some of yours?"

Giyuu's hand twitches, "No."

"Well then I need to go after clients. Don't worry, we don't kill."

'There has to be another way.' "Is there a way to reduce your need for blood?"

Mitsuha taps her chin. "If I don't move too much, then I think I can prolong it, but the Mistress wants me out to get money and sustain ourselves."

Giyuu narrows his eyes. "Why?"

Mitsuha sighs, "She is thinking of leaving this place for a new home and that's not cheap venture."

"For what reason?"

"It's because of my... actions. She is probably worried that someone would catch on and find us." She looks at Giyuu. "I guess she underestimated her time-frame since you came early."

'This situation is getting worrisome.' "...If I were to hire you for the whole night, would my blood be enough to sate you?"

"I thought you said no."

"The situation has changed. Can you do it?"

Mitsuha hums, "I believe I can make it through the night with just your blood. But what about the money?"

"How much would it be for the whole night?"

She does the calculation on the book and points at it. "About this much."

Giyuu looks at the number. 'The amount seems much, but I'll have to call the kakushi to ask for more money.' "It can be done. Also, how much would it speed it the process of your... mistress's project."

She purses her lips. "I don't have the exact date, but maybe down to two or three weeks?" She shrugs, "I don't know how much the other's are making..."

'Some breathing room.' "What day is when your nest is the least active in getting... clients?"

"Nest?" Mitsuha then perks up. "Oh you mean this place? Well, actually, it was tonight since this is the day when the humans start their work week."

'Is that why there are a large amount of demons loitering around? In any case, we can strike next week. Or maybe...' "What is the situation like during the day?"

"Well," She taps the book. "Almost all of us go to hibernation. What, are you trying to attack during the day?" She looks at Giyuu. "Going to be honest, I doubt that you're enough to take everyone on."

'This can work for us.' "I'll call for assistance."

"Even then, I wouldn't recommend it. The building above us is a massage parlor so I don't know how you'll get in."

Giyuu blinks, "You have humans working for you?"

"Well yeah, got to have something otherwise the mayor would find it suspicious to have an empty building."

'Please don't tell me...' "Do they know who they work for?"

"What? Of course not. They've never seen the 'owner's' face before but we pay them a decent wage and they won't get curious." She shrugs, "We also got lucky to get a constant flow of customers but not too much to catch unwanted attention. Another thing, Mistress has a overseer that would alert and wake us if trouble is coming." She points at the closet. "We have our supplies ready if we need to escape."

Giyuu stares at Mitsuha. "...I see. Will you tell me where that tunnel leads then?"

"It leads to a warehouse that the Mistress owns and it's near the the train station." she must have caught Giyuu's line of thought as she sighs, "She also has a watcher during the day shift to watch the area and we were taught the same protocol as the one here." She tilts her head. "Well not exactly the same since she'll snuff out the traitor since it is a secret tunnel."

"So that watcher is there for the whole day?"

"Well that post has the day and night shift. The night shift comes after they had their fill of blood and allows the day shift to come back and get blood." Mitsuha taps her chin. "Hmm, I think mine is in two weeks."

"Hmm," 'So in the end, we're back to a night operation.' Giyuu internally sighs, 'At least in this method, there will be less civilians caught in the battle. In addition, these demons will underestimate us and would most likely attack us rather than run away. I'll have to talk Uzui about formulating a plan.' Giyuu catches Mitsuha taking out her pocket-watch again. "Are we out of time?"

"Almost so we should be going." She looks at Giyuu. "How do you want to do this?"

'...Right.' Giyuu mentally goes through the list. 'Where would a demon drink blood from? Most of of time they would just eat them.' He then perks up. 'Oh right. In my first partner mission with Kocho, she mentioned that they drained my blood from the crook of my arm.' He raises his left arm and pulls his sleeve up to show the area where the arm bends. He points at it. "You can drink it from here."

"Alright." She walks forward but stops as she notices that Giyuu unsheathes his tanto again. "Think you can put that away?"

Giyuu shrugs, "Insurance."

Mitsuha stares at Giyuu.

Giyuu stares at Mitsuha.

Mitsuha sighs, "Right." She makes her way to Giyuu's left side. "Thank you for this." The demon bites the area.

Giyuu clenches his teeth and fights his urge to swing his blade as she drinks his blood. His concentration starts to slip as the haze creeps up again. 'That blood art has to be the first to be taken out.'

After a few moments of silence, Mitsuha unlatches from Giyuu's arm. "Ahh," She takes a handkerchief and dabs her mouth. "That should be enough until the next day. Are you ready to leave?"

"Yes." Giyuu sheathes his blade and picks up the book—

"Ah," Mitsuha had her hand outstretched but she stopped herself.

Giyuu looks at the book and then to the demon. "I'll bring it back tomorrow."

Mitsuha coughs into her hand. "Right. Of course." She gestures to the door. "Let's get going." After the reach the door, she turns to the slayer. "Now just keep acting like you did before but keep your eyes in one general direction and try not look around."

"Hm." He tucks the book inside the yukata.

"Also, Oriko has to have hand-contact to your head in order for her blood art to work. Try not to react too much since the other clients don't react to it."

'More demon contact...' Giyuu slouches down and starts swaying. "I'm ready."

"Alright then." Mitsuha hooks her arm over Giyuu's left arm and slides open the door. "Hm, guess we have a queue."

Giyuu keeps his focus forward and notices the line at the start to the steps. He lowers his voice as Mitsuha 'guides' him to the line. "Is that bad?"

Mitsuha lowers her voice as well. "Actually it'll be better for us since Oriko is an impatient person."

"Hm." They reach to the end of the shortening line. At the front, Giyuu notices a demon who holds the human's for a few seconds and then releases him.

She jerks her thumb over her shoulder and gestures to the couple in front of the duo. "Next."

Tap

Giyuu looks over to see in time to catch Mitsuha pursing her lips before she relaxes her expression. 'What was that?'

"Next."

Giyuu looks down as Mitsuha leads them to the demon. He feels cold hands grasp his head—

Throb

Giyuu does all he can to not flinch as he stays still. 'Breathe. Breathe.'

"...ₓₜ"

Giyuu barely hears anything and stares down as they walk up the stairs. Every step they took felt like a step upward a mountain. 'Remember. Remember.' Already there are large patches of what happened in the past couple hours are missing. 'Demon. Deal. Partnership.'

Throb

Step

After what feels like an eternity, they reach the top and Giyuu feels am arm encircle his waist and he starts to struggle.

"Stop struggling." The demon hisses into his ear. "It's me Mitsuha."

A demon crying into her hands

Giyuu stares for a moment longer and calms down. "...Right."

Mitsuha looks around and helps Giyuu toward a door that was different from the entrance they came from. "We need to get you outside with fresh air." Once there, she opens the door and Giyuu stumbles through before leaning against the wall. After closing behind her, she takes him and leads him through a hallway that leads to a small flight of stairs with a door at the end.

The escort opens the door and Giyuu is faced with a an alleyway that is between two buildings. "This is..."

"We're at the side of the building. We do this to avoid other people." Mitsuha looks left and right before urging Giyuu forward. "Come on. We should put some distance to make sure none of my 'friends' see us." They continue for several more blocks away from the nest and Giyuu's mind start to clear up but the pain starts to become more sharp.

"Wait." Giyuu stops and leans his head against the wall.

"Hey Tomioka," Mitsuha stays close to him. "Do you... remember me?"

He takes several breathes as his spotty memories starts to come back. He winces from the intense throbbing in his head, but he controls his expression. 'It feels like someone stabbing a sword inside my head.' "Yes." He turns around and holds in a groan. "I can remember what we talked about."

Mitsuha blinks, "Oh...huh."

Giyuu looks at her. "You sound surprised."

She shrugs, "This is the first time this has ever happened." She then cups her chin. "Maybe it has to do with you resisting the smoke? Also, we were taught to be efficient to save blood consumption so maybe Oriko didn't use that much power."

'It makes sense. The humans were be heavily under the haze and that demon wouldn't have to use much of her powers to alter their memory.' He feels something ruse up from his stomach and he clasps his hand over his mouth. "Urp."

Mitsuha reaches over with her hand. "Are you al—"

Giyuu catches Tengen falling with his swords drawn. "Move!" He tackles Mitsuha off to the side.

"Ah!"

Crack

The ground breaks under Tengen dual cleavers.

Giyuu and Mitsuha roll for a second with the demon separating from him.

Whistle

Giyuu rights himself before the demon while he draws the tanto and blocks the kunais.

Clink

"Wait!" Giyuu holds up his hands as Mitsuha picks herself up. "This demon is not to be attacked." He feels the throbbing come back to his head.

Giyuu sighs, 'At least they stopped.'

Tengen furrows his brows as he turns to Giyuu. "...What the fuck is going on Tomioka?"

"She and I have made a deal to destroy her nest."

"...What are you talking about?" Tengen's eyes narrow. "Are you under a demon blood art?"

'I wish it was.' "No I'm not. With her, we can exterminate the nest with little to no civilian causalities. "

Mitsuha dusts herself off. "Kami, that was dangerous. I thought you said you were alone."

Giyuu slightly move his head. "I said that I came in alone."

Mitsuha looks at Tengen and then upward to the roofs. "Well there are some strong allies you got. I'm glad I took my bet with you."

"Oi." Tengen places one cleaver on his shoulder and waves the other blade around. "Mind explaining this shit?"

Giyuu opens his mouth—

"Psst."

"What?"

"Look, I know this is a very tense situation, but I need to get back or the Mistress will get suspicious."

Giyuu looks to Tengen. "Can she go?"

"Uh, no?"

Mitsuha peeks around Giyuu. "If I don't come back, Mistress will send someone to look for me." She looks up and then to Tengen. "Since you're all allies, I assume that you all read Taki's journal?" Silence. "I'll take that as a yes. Look, she's suspicious enough of me and would know something would be wrong if I don't come back. I want revenge and this is the perfect opportunity to get it. I swear on Taki's name that I can help you all."

She spreads her arms. "We do not kill the humans."

"Besides your boyfriend?"

"...That never should have happened."

'He's not going to budge.' Giyuu takes a deep breath before he speaks, "If she lies to us, I will commit harakiri after we exterminate the nest."

"Tch." Tengen waves his sword. "Get the fuck out of here before I change my mind."

"Thank you." Giyuu turns his head to Mitsuha. "Go."

Mitsuha stares at him with her mouth open before she recovers. "U-Uh right. Same place?"

"Hm. At an earlier time."

"A-Alright. See ya." Mitsuha backs away before she turns away and starts jogging away.

Giyuu watches her for a few moments before he turns around to see Tengen's wives there.

Tengen places his cleavers on his back. "So are you finally going to tell us what the fuck is going on Tomioka?"

"Good question." Giyuu bends over and vomits.

And le fin

Phew! Who knew that Giyuu would do something crazy like making a deal with demons? That sounds sketchy. Now onto some notes:

-With no official last name, I'm assuming the wives took Tengen's family name after the marriage.

-So I wrote this before the season came out so it was interesting to see the difference in Tengen's character.

So with all of that, I'll be sure to see you all in the next chapter. Bye for now.

Thanks for reading

Constructive criticisms are appreciated

Bravo Tango out.