"Entertainment District?" Were the first curious and confused words that Kagami spoke.
She tilted her head to the side and stared up at the flashy Hashira, Uzui, with a baffled gaze. Even Tanjiro and Inosuke looked just as confused. Except Zenitsu. His face turned completely red, the line of his cheekbones turning to the color of a bright cherry, and his body beginning to tremble violently at just the thought. She didn't know whether it was out of fear... or anticipation of the upcoming battle. But that would be strange considering he hates going into battles.
Zenitsu slowly turned to the three of them somehow turning even redder. "Y-You know," He began to stammer under their intense stares, "That place with all the beautiful-th-the shapely-You get what I'm trying to say, right? Come on!"
Kagami, Tanjiro, and Inosuke just stared at the nervous chuckling, sweating, and blushing Zenitsu with a mixture of boredom and concern. Not on Inosuke's behalf, but rather Kagami and Tanjiro's. Beautiful and shapely-What?
"LISTEN UP!"
Their attention quickly turned to Uzui at the loud declaration with a soft gasp.
He spun and waved his arms all around him, gracefully and powerfully. The jewel beads hanging from his head lightly clinked together as the strong muscles in his arms flexed, showing off just how strong he really is, before turning back towards them. "I am a god!" He suddenly boasted turning his firm eyes on them. He then pointed his red and yellow polished fingernails in their direction. "You four are trash! That's the first bit of info you need to pound into your heads, so drive it in! You turn into dogs if I say so! Turn into monkeys if I tell you! So be ready to bend over backwards, pander to my every whim, and worship me endlessly! And remember above all else... I AM A GOD!"
All four of them silently stared as Uzui posed. With an arm arch over his head and two fingers angled towards the side of his face, as well as a leg lifted slightly from the ground, a smirk spread across his lips letting a star sparkled from his eyes.
More silence followed.
A god... in human form? Kagami thought to herself curiously staring at the still sparkling Uzui.
"Oh... this guy is crazy," Zenitsu instantly mumbled groaning under his breath.
Tanjiro immediately shot his hand in the air. When Uzui gestured for him to speak, seemingly giving him permission, Tanjiro's face never changed. The determination and concentration only hardened when he brought up both hands near his chest, speaking, "Quick question, Lord Uzui. What exactly are you the god of?"
Zenitsu's disappointed look fell on Tanjiro. "Please tell me he's playing dumb."
"Good question, pupil. You have great potential," Uzui answered with the appreciative nod of his head. Flashing him a cheeky grin, he unfurled his arms and looked serious for a moment. He placed his hand lightly along his muscular and defined jaw, looking deep into their eyes, and more stars and sparkles flashed all around his glorious and beautiful face. His voice dropped low into a sweet, husky tone when he said, "I am the god of festivals, the god of flashiness."
Zenitsu only huffed, "Yeah, there's no doubt about it. He's the god of stupidity and idiots."
Kagami's eyes wavered staring up at his intense gaze, a small sigh shakily falling from her lips. No doubt she didn't want to believe he was a Hashira at first nor a god. But gods are known to be arrogant, harsh, boastful, and sometimes merciless. Was Uzui truly a god in the disguise of a human? She's never read or heard anything on a God of Festivals. Did she somehow miss a volume? If so, did Uzui come down to kill demons? To save the world? He must've! Or else, why else would he be there to recruit their help? One thing she can't argue with, he is quite beautiful... and no doubt flashy!
Inosuke proudly slammed his fists against his waist and bellowed out steams from the nostrils of his mask. "Well, I am the King of the Mountains! It's a pleasure to meet you, God of Festivals!"
All eyes turned on him, and not in the good way. Kagami's were down-turned in disapproval, Zenitsu raising an eyebrow, and Tanjiro's in sad confusion, but Uzui just stared at him as if he were the creepiest thing he ever saw! As if a two-headed chicken suddenly wandered out in front of him!
His arms laid limp at his side, his head tilted, eyebrows furrowed, and eyes wide, a quizzical look deep within the magenta color. All flashiness, sparkles, and boasting seemed to have instantly faded at the words of Inosuke. "I've never heard of you," Uzui didn't hesitate to answer staring down at the boar-headed freak. Then, he added, "That's odd. Something about you creeps me out."
"YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?! You two are a match made in heaven! Cringeworthy!" Zenitsu suddenly screamed in horror even though neither Tanjiro, Inosuke, or Uzui seemed to be listening.
"You want creepy?! I'll show you creepy!" Inosuke growled angrily charging for the Hashira!
"Take it easy now, Inosuke!" Tanjiro pleaded wrapping his arms around him from behind, holding him back.
Uzui didn't seem fazed. Any person would've dodged the attacks or apologized, but he didn't. He simply crossed his arms and stared down at the boar-headed freak with an annoyed glance this time, sighing out, "Super creepy."
"EH?!"
It was Kagami's turn to step in this time. Uzui didn't flinch or wince when Inosuke attempted to claw his face, or threatened to remove his jewels and shove them where the sun couldn't shine. Or tear his flashy face off. She actively pressed her weight down on his shoulders, huffing and puffing, struggling to calm him down, as Tanjiro kept pulling him back. Inosuke's pride and ego was easy to shatter as well as easy to poke fun of. She just wished she and Tanjiro weren't always on boar-taming duties.
With an eye roll, Uzui turned around facing back towards the trail. "That's enough fooling around. Let's go," He huffed. "Follow me."
He got into a running start position. With his back angled straight, head tilted down, he pressed down on his left foot-
The ground suddenly tremored underneath them violently nearly pushing them off balance! A large gust of dirt was kicked up in their face. Yelps of surprise fell from their mouths as they brought their arms up to shield themselves. The moment they opened their eyes, the moment the dirt fell back to the ground where it originally laid, where Uzui stood was nothing but a large foot-size crater!
"Huh? He disappeared!" Zenitsu shrieked. Then, he pointed down the path, shrieking once more, "Look!"
Their eyes fell on a tiny figure running in the distance away from them! Was that Uzui?!
"He's all the way over there already? He's the size of my fingernail!" Kagami gasped in horror seeing the speed of which Uzui ran.
Inosuke, who had stopped fighting in Kagami and Tanjiro's grip, began to tremble and quiver staring at the now almost disappeared figure of the Hashira. He lifted up a shaking finger, the anger she felt emitting from him dissipating into fear, and choked out, "So this is the power of the God of Festivals!"
"No way," Tanjiro chuckled lightly with a smile. "He's just Mr. Uzui Tengen, a Hashira."
Zenitsu didn't bother to stop and wait for them. He immediately took off in a run, screaming over his shoulder, "What are you waiting around for?! We have to go after him!"
The four of them quickly took off in a run after Uzui to the encouraging shouts of Sumi, Fuji, Naho, and Kiyo from behind them. They didn't know where the Entertainment District was or, to be honest, what it was still. Zenitsu never gave them a straight answer. Afraid they would lose their way and their guide, Kagami followed the powerfully confident and arrogant aura that was Uzui Tengen. Soon, by the time the sun fell and dusk greeted them, they were on the outskirts of what appeared to be a lively city. Kagami didn't have time to admire the beautiful architecture. Uzui had paid for two rikishas to take them... somewhere.
With Uzui riding in one, and the rest of them bunching in the other, their transport began to take them through the city. Much like Asakusa, there were large, beautiful buildings lit up like the sun. People shopped, walked, and laughed along the road and sidewalks. They wore luxurious outfits fit for royalty. Men in shiny, formal-printed yukatas and women in their enchanting kimonos. Her eyes widened and sighs of amazement fell from her lips at the most glamorous objects sold in nearby shops. Hairpins, kimonos, sandals, and even desserts caught her eyes.
She had hoped to window-shop, at least for a minute, but the rikisha kept moving past everything she was beginning to adore. Disappointment began to seep in her core but it quickly faded when they approached another part of the city.
The now-darkened sky illuminated the large brick wall that bordered the district. Long, iron, spike-tipped rods were embedded at the very top to possibly keep intruders from climbing over. Soft gasps fell from their mouths when their ride turned the corner revealing an extravagant archway. It was sculpted like the raging waters of the blue sea with bright golden flowers blossoming out of the strong current. Revealing itself from beneath the darkened depths was a beautiful, wicked siren holding a lute and a lamp above her head. A metaphor, perhaps, but for what? Kagami didn't want to know.
Her eyes widened at the district that shined as bright as daytime. Buildings of multitude of colors, red, green, yellow, and white lined the entire district! The beautifully painted red wood glowed against the bright yellow lights adorning the walls and tiled ceilings of each. Red, yellow, and white paper lanterns were strung up and decorated the large, thick pillars that bared the weight of everything and everyone inside. The patios were littered with artfully tasteful signs promising to fulfill the grant of wishes and desires. The balconies of the second-story floor stretched from one end of the building to the other. Each one held beautiful women adorned in simple kimonos but make-up she hasn't seen before with sparkling jewels and pins dangling and digging in their exquisitely done, shiny hair.
Crowds of men walked along the sidewalks and street with delirious smiles and smirks on their faces. The women looked down at them and gave them kind, alluring smiles as they went by. Their giggles echoed from where they stood and their eyes sparkled in the night. As Kagami gazed up at them, noting how petite, delicate, and feminine they were, she couldn't help but glance down at herself... and hug her arms to her body, hoping to shield it from their eyes.
"Listen, you four," Uzui started to speak from his rikisha, "Try not to stand out. We're only here to case the joint. And whatever you do, don't get out of the carriage."
Almost immediately afterwards, Zenitsu jumped out.
"Zenitsu!" Kagami huffed after him.
"What are you doing?!" Tanjiro softly screamed after him.
Inosuke then followed suit.
"Where are you going?! Come back, you two!" Tanjiro gasped and quickly jumped after them.
Kagami watched all of her friends disappear into the bustling crowd. She groaned to herself watching them go. Then even harder when the rikishas stopped in their tracks. Uzui jumped out of his and his face instantly contorted to a mixture of anger and annoyance seeing Kagami the only passenger left. "What a bunch of hardheaded idiots!" He growled loudly staring at the empty, red leather seats Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke were supposed occupy. "You! Help me find those brats!" He screamed pointing a finger at her.
Jumping out, she tried to sense their auras. Wave after wave, hundreds upon hundreds, came bearing down on her all at once. She clutched her stomach uneasily and shook her head clear. That was not going to work-but it didn't need to. Tanjiro and Inosuke didn't move far. They were merely at the end of the street.
"Settle down, Inosuke," Tanjiro said softly grasping the overwhelmed Inosuke's shoulders.
"Get back here, damn it!" Uzui screamed racing for them.
Zenitsu revealed himself from a crowd nearby, cheeks bright red and eyes sparkling with delight.
Uzui turned his angry eyes on him next, screaming, "I'm talking to you too! Are you listening to me?!"
When Uzui finally gathered all of them together, they completely abandoned the rikishas. They were already deep into the heart of wherever they were. From where she stood, she noted the dangling white lights that reminded her of constellations from numerous buildings. Poles with dozens of electrical wires ran from somewhere to nowhere. It had no end. Glowing red and orange trees divided the streets down the middle leaving the occasional space for people to walk through and gaze upon the beautiful bits of nature allowed to bloom.
"Allow me to introduce you to the Yoshiwara Entertainment District, awash in vanity and desire. Flashy, isn't it?" Uzui announced with a light chuckle and a smirk.
Clenching his fists, Inosuke screamed in absolute delirious, "What kind of place is this?! There's too many people to even count!"
Their eyes widened in confusion, horror, and slight fear seeing the eyeballs of his boar-mask spin and spin. Not to mention the incoherent babbling that was spilling from his mouth. "Make way, chumps, 'cause I'm coming through!" He suddenly exclaimed in determination charging towards a large crowd! They watched as men started flying into the air following a mushroom cloud of dirt from his rampage!
"HEY! Get back here, moron!" Uzui growled giving chase.
Not a moment later did he return with an unconscious Inosuke draped over his shoulders. A large bump the side of Kagami's hand formed at the top of his head, protruding through the boar-mask. "Hey! Where'd the annoying kid with the yellow hair go?!" Uzui demanded looking almost frazzled.
"What?!" Kagami and Tanjiro gasped spinning around to find no Zenitsu!
How did he... Where the hell did he go?!
"There!" Tanjiro quickly pointed behind them.
Zenitsu, face flushed completely red and desire written all over, was rapidly approaching a building full of giggling women! He looked like he was in heaven gazing up at the girls who watched him grow near. Their eyes sparkled, hands delicately holding pieces of candy in between two fingers, and they waved friendly, almost enticingly, down at the idiot boy who was supposed to stay by Uzui's side! "Beautiful ladies who make the first move? What am I gonna doOOOoo?!" She heard him squeal in pure ecstasy.
"NOT SO FAST!"
A large fist slammed hard down on the top of his head.
Kagami and Tanjiro winced, supporting the waking Inosuke between them, seeing Zenitsu collapse to the ground. A hand-size bump formed on his head. They watched Uzui grab the scruff of his Demon Slayer Corps uniform, huffing "You're too young for that kinda stuff," as he dragged him away across the ground back to their group.
Huffing out his frustration at needing to deal with not just one, but two teenagers who couldn't handle how overwhelming the Entertainment District is, Uzui slouched his shoulders forward. Kagami almost felt bad for him but it dissipated to one of admirable when he placed his fists against his hips and let a cheeky smile spread on his lips once more. "Take notes, you four. During the day, this place is quiet as a ghost town, but at night, it roars to life with all kinds of people, ideal circumstances for a demon," He explained with a boisterous tone.
Kagami and Tanjiro softly gasped at the word 'demon.' Is that why they're there? Because there's a demon?
"The women here are also unique. Many become courtesans and are sold off to pay their debts. In return they're given food, clothing, and lodging, and if they climb up the ranks, a rich man might buy out their contracts. The highest-ranking courtesan is referred to as oiran, and she's on a whole different level. Her beauty and intelligence are unrivaled, and she's mastered every traditional art. A woman of distinction bathed in her house's resources to become their shining star," Uzui finished with a small flair of his hand.
Tanjiro's eyes wavered and he breathed out, almost dreamily, "She sounds amazing."
"I think that's enough reconnaissance for now. Let's go," Uzui added walking back the way they came and towards the city that was fast asleep, a complete opposite of the Yoshiwara Entertainment District.