Chapter 2: Red Hair Like her Dress
The continuous rhythm of Kyoshi's sandals hitting the ground filled the silence, both in the bright light of day and the encroaching dusk. Three days had passed since he embarked on his journey, relentlessly traveling southward with a slight westward inclination. His body doesn't require sustenance or rest, his body fueled by the void. His soul gauge remained full, a result of the sparse yet steady stream of soul provided by the surrounding trees. It was a valuable resource, one that he had grown accustomed to relying on during potential encounters with adversaries. However, as nightfall approached, he knew he had to be cautious with his soul usage, for the trees ceased their production, leaving him with limited reserves. The cost of his expanded soul gauge remained unknown, as he had never tapped into its depths prior to the battle that changed his existence. Furthermore, he had lost all of his familiar items and artifacts, leaving him to adapt to his new circumstances.
Suddenly, a piercing scream shattered the tranquility of the air. Kyoshi's mask snapped in the direction of the noise, and without hesitation, he followed its trajectory. The sound led him through a forest, the surroundings barely registering in his consciousness as the cries grew louder. Beneath the panicked screams, he discerned the primal roars of a beast, accompanied by the unmistakable sound of imminent danger. Kyoshi channeled a portion of his soul, enhancing his body's capabilities as he accelerated toward the source of distress. His mask scanned the scene before him, revealing a daunting sight—a massive bear in pursuit of a young man, his features betraying both fear and desperation. Kyoshi sprang into action, executing a soul-infused leap towards the bear. Drawing upon his ingrained muscle memory, he effortlessly unsheathed the broken katana and gripped it with practiced ease, employing a single-handed grip. Taking a deep breath, he swung the blade with precision, a resounding crack slicing through the air as the headless body of the bear stumbled and collapsed. The man, his screams abruptly silenced, turned to look behind him, his breath coming in ragged gasps. A nervous, hysterical laughter escaped his lips.
"Oh, hahaha," he managed to utter between breaths, his voice tinged with a mix of relief and lingering adrenaline. "Thank you for saving me, sir-" His words faltered as Kyoshi emerged from the shadows, stepping into the light. The man's gaze locked onto Kyoshi's form, his eyes widening in disbelief. "Y-your a kid?!" he blurted out, his voice verging on a shout. Kyoshi simply nodded in response.
XXX
An hour had passed since Kyoshi had been offered a night's rest by the man, despite feeling no fatigue himself. Nonetheless, he had accepted the kind gesture. Although sleep eluded him, he saw it as an opportunity to gather his thoughts and prepare for what lay ahead. Lying on the small futon, he stared at the simple wooden ceiling of the humble abode. The modest size of the house stood in stark contrast to the grand estate he once called home, but Kyoshi found solace in the simplicity.
Beside him, his mask lay undisturbed, along with his sheathed katana, neatly folded kimono, and arranged sandals. Kyoshi's face, displaying a maturity that belied his tender age of twelve, retained an air of tranquility. His eyes, framed by long black lashes, held a distant, introspective gaze. The soft contours of his cheeks hinted at the remnants of youthful innocence. His hair, once soiled and unkempt, had been washed and now cascaded down his back in pristine, white waves.
As he lay there, lost in thought, a sudden yell shattered the serenity of the night. It was a cry not of fear, but of unwavering resolve. The sound of hurried footsteps reverberated through the air, drawing Kyoshi's attention like a magnet. Without hesitation, he rose from the futon, swiftly donned his kimono, and secured his sandals. The mask, a symbol of his true nature, remained untouched for now, a conscious choice made in the name of efficiency. Tightening his belt around his waist, he fastened the sheathed katana securely to his side. With the grace of a seasoned warrior, he leaped out of the adjacent window, defying gravity as he effortlessly scaled the walls. Guided by the fading echo of footsteps, he traversed the rooftops with fluid agility, his movements a testament to his honed skills.
In the moonlit night, Kyoshi moved with the grace of a fleeting shadow, his form blending seamlessly into the darkness. Driven by determination, he closed the distance between himself and the source of the distant cry. Each leap and bound brought him closer to his destination, his focus unyielding. Finally, he landed on a rooftop that provided a clear vantage point of the unfolding scene.
There, Kyoshi's gaze fell upon a boy, not much older than sixteen, adorned in a vibrant haori decorated with a striking green and black checkered pattern. The boy's fiery red hair resembled the hue of hornets' attire, and a scar marked the left side of his face. Much like Kyoshi, the young man carried a gleaming black blade by his side. With swift and precise movements, the boy thrust his blade into the ground, and from the earth emerged a gushing, dark green liquid, cascading like a magnificent fountain. Kyoshi's attention sharpened as the boy reached into the liquid, rescuing a young girl with deftness and agility. However, as the boy made his escape, a presence akin to Kyoshi's father materialized from the liquid, its malevolent gaze fixed upon the intruder with seething hostility.
"Where are those girls you kidnapped?" the boy demanded, his voice firm, his grip on the rescued girl unyielding. The demon responded with grinding teeth and a searing glare, its animosity palpable. Unfazed, the boy pressed forward, undeterred by the demon's silent resistance. "I've got two more questions for you!" he declared, his resolve unshaken. Yet, the demon's only reply came in the form of intensified teeth grinding and a furious stare, attempting to pierce through the boy's determination.
Observing the demon retreat into the depths of its murky abode, Kyoshi took a deep breath, readying himself for the next move. Without hesitation, he leaped from the rooftop, his agile form propelled toward the demon. With a swift swing of his blade, Kyoshi cleaved through the upper half of the demon's head, leaving a gaping wound but failing to fully decapitate it. The demon hissed in agony before retreating into the safety of its watery sanctuary. Landing gracefully, Kyoshi returned to the side of the boy and the unfamiliar companion who had joined their ranks. The boy's eyes widened briefly before he nodded, his focus unwavering.
The unfamiliar companion, his astonishment evident, broke the silence, his voice tinged with hesitation. "Who was that? And who are you?" he inquired, seeking answers to the enigmas that unfolded before him. However, Kyoshi and the boy disregarded the question, their attention fixed on the imminent dangers that lay ahead. Instead, the boy directed his words to Kazumi, the man who had accompanied them. "Kazumi-san, please stay close and look after this person," he instructed, to which Kazumi complied without hesitation. Turning his gaze to Kyoshi, the boy sought reassurance in his abilities, asking a simple yet significant question. "Can you protect Kazumi-san and this girl?" he inquired, to which Kyoshi responded with a solemn nod. Although Kazumi seemed poised to voice his thoughts, he wisely chose to remain silent, acknowledging the weight of the situation at hand.
With the boy's sword poised in readiness and Kyoshi standing steadfast beside Kazumi, his blade held at his side in a one-handed grip, they awaited the next onslaught. The boy seemed to analyze the air for a moment, closing his eyes briefly. Kyoshi, unaffected by such senses in his previous life, relied on his instincts and the tremors beneath the ground. He could sense the demonic presence splitting into three separate entities, their intentions dripping with malevolence. The boy's eyes snapped open, his focus unyielding as he swiftly spun on his heel, sprinting towards the trio of demonic entities. Kyoshi matched his movements, running in unison, his expression resolute as the surge of demonic energy reverberated through the earth.
Suddenly, a splash disrupted their path, catching the boy off guard and causing a momentary stumble. A flicker of surprise flashed across the boy's face, but Kyoshi remained composed, drawing upon the essence of his soul. Empowering his form, he acted on instinct, swiftly maneuvering between the trio of demons. Uttering a whispered invocation, barely audible to anyone but himself, Kyoshi called upon the power of the Void. "Mu no Kokyū, Ichi no Kata: Eikage" (Void Breathing, First Form: Sharp Shadow). With a calculated swing of his blade, he severed one head and two arms, their gory remnants falling to the ground. This was only a fraction of soul he had previously expended.
Meanwhile, the boy unleashed his own technique, his arms crossing as he proclaimed, "Ichi no kata: Minamo Giri!" (First Form: Water Surface Slash). His blade cut through the air in a horizontal arc, aimed at the remaining demons. Swift and agile, the two demons evaded the attack, retreating back into the safety of the earth. The man standing beside them couldn't help but emit a startled noise, his eyes widening at the display of skill. Sensing the impending danger closing in on the man and the girl, the boy sprang into action once more, his movements graceful and decisive. "Ni no kata: Mizu Guruma!" (Second Form: Water Wheel), the boy exclaimed as he executed a frontflip, his blade tracing a vertical path through the demon's shoulder. Observing the boy's actions, Kyoshi's body instinctively followed suit, his movements guided by his honed combat instincts. Together, their synchronized assault showcased their unwavering commitment to shield the man and the girl from harm.
Tapping into his connection to the void, Kyoshi whispered, "Mu no Kokyū, Ni no Kata: Yami Nomu" (Void Breathing, Second Form: Swallowing Darkness). Without missing a beat, Kyoshi dashed to the left of the boy, spinning in a horizontal cyclone, his blade echoing with ethereal whispers. The blade sliced through the demon's neck, leaving a deep gash, but stopping short of decapitation. Defeated once again, the demon recoiled, retreating into its liquid form, leaving only ripples on the surface. Kyoshi and the boy stood shoulder to shoulder, their unwavering gazes fixed on the battleground, ready for whatever threat might emerge. The weight of their mission hung heavy in the air as they braced themselves for the upcoming battle. Kyoshi's instincts sharpened, sensing the faint tremors beneath the earth's surface. Leaning closer to the boy, he whispered, "Stay still, we are surrounded." The boy nodded silently, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
Suddenly, a demon burst forth from the ground beside the boy, its grotesque teeth grinding together in anger. "You wretched creatures!" it screeched, its voice filled with malice. "Not only did you extinguish one of my brethren, but now you plan to let that girl wither away!" Kyoshi maintained his focus, his gaze fixed straight ahead as another demon emerged from the other side. It smirked, its eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, dear counterpart, calm yourself," it taunted. "I have already feasted on numerous young girls in this town, each one a delectable meal. I am already satiated."
The first demon's rage burned brightly, its eyes locked on its other self. "Well, I am not satisfied, my doppelgänger. I crave even more!" it growled, its animosity evident in its voice. The man who held the 16-year-old girl captive couldn't bear it any longer and shouted, "You fiend! Release Satoko immediately! The girl you abducted two nights ago!" The grinding of teeth filled the air as the demon facing the boy pulled open its leather jacket, revealing a chilling sight. "Satoko? That name means nothing to me," it sneered. However, a haunted expression overcame the man's face as he continued, "But if her hairpin is among the trinkets I possess, then I have devoured her."
An eerie silence descended upon them, punctuated only by the sound of the man's tears hitting the ground with a hollow clatter. Kyoshi could feel the weight of his anguish, his heart aching for the loss he had suffered. The boy's grip on his katana tightened, his resolve burning bright in the face of such cruelty. And then, the sound of shifting earth reached their ears once more as the demons disappeared beneath the surface, only to resurface beside the boy, their presence looming dangerously close.
Kyoshi's fury surged within him, the essence of the void lashing and churning, manifesting as ethereal shadows that coiled and danced around the child. The shattered katana in his grip tightened, and his bangs cascaded over his eyes, obscuring the gaze that lay beneath. Veiling the turmoil of emotions within his eyes, he materialized before the boy in a split second, his swift movements severing the demon's arms, chest, and torso. The boy's eyes widened, and the wounded demon recoiled, its brethren emerging from the walls, only to be met with a violent kick from the person confined within the box.
A girl emerged from the confines of the box, her slitted eyes ablaze with fierce anger. Though Kyoshi couldn't discern her exact age, he sensed the familiar demonic energy that emanated from her, albeit different from the others. He took this revelation in stride as the demon he had just kicked was sent hurtling onto the floor. Her eyes had lost the slits, and what replaced it was an empty gaze of pastel. She walked to Kyoshi, Kazumi, and the sixteen-year-old girl. She gently cupped Kazumi's face for a second and then patted Kyoshi on the head, her strokes reminiscent of how Hornet used to pat him between the horns when he did a good job. The swashing of water caught Kyoshi's attention as the other demon popped its head out. Kyoshi seized the opportunity and dashed toward the demon, his blade slicing through its face, leaving a trail of crimson in its wake, followed by a powerful roundhouse kick to its head. In that moment, memories of martial arts training from Oro resurfaced in his mind—a distant recollection, yet one he had clung onto. Oro, as gruff and reluctant as he had been, had imparted his knowledge, perhaps to prepare Kyoshi for the battles that lay ahead or merely to ensure his own peace. Whatever the motivation, it mattered not now.
The demon fell back into its realm, and Kyoshi followed. The water surrounding Kyoshi grew darker as he hovered in place, the only light coming from the entrance. His gaze scanned the depths. There, amidst the murky expanse, he discovered a macabre collection of clothing belonging to the unfortunate victims of the demon. Belts, pins, and various accessories lay scattered, testaments to lives extinguished. Unforgivable, Kyoshi's thoughts echoed in the silence as he continued his search for the demon.
His eyes locked onto its hovering form a few meters away, its glare met with a smirk playing on its lips. The demon attempted to taunt Kyoshi, its words dripping with malice. "Getting hard to breathe, brat? There is hardly any air in this swamp." But Kyoshi knew that he no longer required the sustenance of air. His innards, shaped by the void, mirrored those of a human, just as a vessel's body mirrored the innards of a bug. He still held air in his lungs, yet he possessed only three techniques at his disposal- Sharp Shadow, Swallowing Darkness, and Path of Pain. However, launching off a surface was not an option, and the Path of Pain required an exorbitant amount of soul. For now, he would rely on Swallow Darkness.
The demon swiftly propelled itself towards Kyoshi with astonishing speed, zigzagging like a fish in water. Kyoshi tightened his grip on his blade with his left hand as the demon lunged. Kyoshi deftly swerved his head to the left, simultaneously shifting his body. Seizing the opportunity, he grabbed the demon by its collar with his right hand, initiating a powerful spiral motion. Kyoshi's leg connected with the demon's chest, propelling him forward as he ignited his soul. "Ni no Kata: Yami Nomu" (Second Form: Swallowing Darknessl). The familiar spin reminiscent of his surface combat swirled in the water, a whirlpool forming around the duo. The sound of slicing through the water resonated, accompanied by ethereal voices seemingly emanating from the blade itself. The very essence of the swamp grew darker as Kyoshi swiftly severed the demon's head.
With the immediate threat neutralized, Kyoshi's gaze turned towards the light filtering through the murky depths from above. Determined, he swam towards the beckoning light, propelled by an unwavering resolve. But before he could jump out, he grabbed a tattered piece of the demon's jacket.
Tanjirou's Pov:
Tanjirou and Nezuko had successfully cornered the swamp demon, leaving it defenseless on the ground with both of its arms severed. Tanjirou's katana pointed menacingly at the demon, his expression filled with disdain. The putrid scent of rotten oil emanated from the creature. "How many people have you killed?" Tanjirou questioned, his brows furrowed in anger. It wasn't the question he truly wanted to ask, but the weight of all the lives this demon had taken burdened his heart. The demon responded with a shout, trying to justify its actions. "If women live any longer, they turn ugly and start tasting like crap! So we killed them for their own good!" Tanjirou's anger surged within him, his grip tightening on his sword.
"You should be thankful to us demons—" The demon's words were abruptly interrupted as Tanjirou's blade swiftly ended the demon's tirade. "Nevermind," he muttered, his determination unwavering. He needed answers, and he needed them now. The demon, backed against the wall, realized its futile attempts to escape as Tanjirou positioned his blade once again. "You're going to tell me what you know about Kibutsuji Muzan," Tanjirou spoke calmly, his voice carrying a hint of authority. The demon froze, a haunted expression etched on its face. It began to whimper, its cries sounding more pitiful than menacing. "Tell me," Tanjirou demanded, his patience waning. The demon's eyes met his gaze, its voice filled with fear. "I can't tell you," it muttered through gritted teeth. "I can't tell you." Its whimpering intensified, refusing to divulge any information.
In Tanjirou's periphery, he noticed the presence of the white-haired boy from before. His hair was damp from the swamp water, and Tanjirou wondered why he couldn't smell the foul odor that usually resonated with the swamp water. The boy stepped forward, positioning himself in front of the trembling demon, grasping one of its horns firmly. He locked eyes with the terrified creature and spoke in a calm tone, infused with an underlying power that resonated with Tanjirou. "Who is Kibutsuji Muzan?" the boy inquired, his voice carrying a weight that demanded a response. Tanjirou could almost feel the surge of energy coursing through the boy's words, adding an air of power to his presence.
The demon remained frozen, its gaze focused elsewhere. It spoke in a hollow monotone. "Kibutsuji Muzan," the demon began, "He is the Demon King, the first of his kind, and the progenitor of all other demons in existence." Tanjirou absorbed the information, his heart sinking with the weight of this newfound knowledge.
Without turning to face Tanjirou, the boy who had accompanied him in this perilous encounter calmly inquired if there were any more questions to be asked. Tanjirou seized the opportunity, his voice filled with desperation as he shouted, "Is there a way to turn my sister back into a human!?" The boy repeated the question in his emotionless tone, prompting the demon to respond. But the answer that followed wasn't what Tanjirou had hoped for. "I don't know," the demon admitted simply, leaving Tanjirou with a mix of disappointment and lingering hope. The enigmatic boy asked if there was anything else he wanted to know. Tanjirou's mind went blank for a moment, his emotions swirling within him, and all he could manage to utter was a defeated "No."
With a nod, the boy asked his own question, "Where is Kibutsuji Muzan right now?" Tanjirou would have facepalmed at his own forgetfulness. The demon answered again, this time providing actual good news. "Tokyo City." The boy didn't react and instead swiftly severed the demon's head from its body, bringing an end to its existence. Tanjirou let out a heavy sigh, feeling a sense of determination wash over him. He sheathed his blade and turned his gaze towards Nezuko, who lay peacefully asleep on the wall, Tanjirou's heart filled with both guilt and determination. He crouched down beside her, his voice barely above a whisper as he spoke to his sister, "Nezuko, just wait a little longer, okay? We're close." No response came from Nezuko, but Tanjirou wasn't expecting one. He gently guided her resting form back into the safety of the box, vowing to find a way to save her.
Turning his attention to Kazumi and the girl he had protected, Tanjirou approached them, with Kyoshi following closely behind. As Tanjirou knelt down, his voice softened, reaching out to Kazumi, who was still grieving the loss of his fiancée. "Kazumi-san, are you alright?" he asked, his empathy evident in his tone. Kazumi's broken voice trembled as he replied, "I've lost my fiancée... How can I be alright?" Tears welled up in the man's eyes, his pain etched on his face. Sensing the profound sadness within him, the boy pulled something out from his kimono - a piece of the demon's jacket. He handed it to Kazumi, who looked at it in astonishment. "Kazumi-san, no matter how many souls you may lose, one learns to persevere," the boy's voice carried a comforting warmth despite its lack of emotion. "No matter the devastating strikes that life deals." Kazumi stared at the fabric in his hands, tears streaming down his face, as he clutched the bright red bow that adorned it. Tanjirou offered a gentle smile, a glimmer of hope shining through his eyes, as he watched Kazumi hold onto the bow tightly.
Tanjirou turned to the boy and extended his hand in a friendly gesture. "Excuse me, but I have never gotten your name. Mine is Kamado Tanjirou," he introduced himself. Kyoshi's gaze averted slightly, his eyes fixated on a distant point. After a brief moment of silence, he replied, "My name is Akatsuki Kyoshi. It is nice to meet you, Kamado-san." He acknowledged Tanjirou's presence with a polite bow, but his eyes remained veiled. Tanjirou smiled warmly, even if Kyoshi wasn't looking at him. "Tanjirou is fine," he said, trying to establish a sense of familiarity. Kyoshi nodded in response, "Well then, you can call me Kyoshi," he said, maintaining his gaze slightly downward. Tanjirou attributed it to shyness or modesty.
Tanjirou decided to extend an invitation. Kyoshi obviously wanted to take down Kibutsuji as much as he did, so why not? "Kyoshi, would you like to accompany me on my travels?" he asked earnestly. "This is just an assumption, but you would like to take down Kibutsuji as much as I do, right?" Kyoshi's answer was immediate. "Yes, I do," he replied, his eyes shifting uneasily, his focus still distant. The silence lingered for a moment, adding an air of tension to his response. Finally, Kyoshi raised his eyes ever so slightly, avoiding direct eye contact with Tanjirou. "The demon in your box, is she contagious?" he asked in his monotone voice, though with a sense of urgency that Tanjirou didn't understand. Tanjirou unconsciously put his hand over the box. "No! Nezuko has never eaten anyone before." Kyoshi thought for a few more seconds and finally gave an answer. "Yes, I wouldn't mind, though I would have to go pick up my belongings from the house I was staying at." Tanjirou nodded understandingly, although a flicker of curiosity crossed his mind. "That's perfectly fine, Kyoshi. Take your time and meet me at the front of the village near the bridge. Does that sound good?" he suggested.
Kyoshi gave a subtle nod, and leaped on the roof of a building and set toward Tanjirou what would assume was the house the boy was staying at.
XXX
Tanjirou had left the girl in the man's hands, confident that they would be okay. And with the rumors of demons within Tokyo city, Tanjirou couldn't help but wonder if it was a coincidence. It had been twenty-five minutes since Tanjirou last spoke to the boy, who had mentioned going to retrieve his belongings before they departed. Now, Tanjirou found himself sitting on a wooden bench with Nezuko's box beside him. In the distance, he spotted a figure a few meters away, wearing a familiar gray-blue kimono on a short frame. Tanjirou attempted to stand up but paused as his gaze landed on a strikingly familiar fox-mask. Though it lacked Sabito's scar and the red coloration of the ears and rope, it resembled the masks made by Urokodaki. Perhaps it was a base mask that Urokodaki would carve and paint for the user. Tanjirou made a mental note to ask Urokodaki about it when he next saw him.
As Kyoshi approached, his long ponytail swayed gently with each step. Tanjirou couldn't help but smile. "Ready to go?" he asked, and Kyoshi nodded, causing the bangs on the mask to bob. "Alright then, let's set off!" Tanjirou said with excitement. He had never had any friends other than his siblings, so having Kyoshi by his side would be a nice change of pace.