As Percy continued his journey along the main road, the landscape unfolded before him like a picturesque painting. Lush green fields stretched out on either side, dotted with colorful wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. The scent of blooming flowers filled the air, adding a touch of sweetness to the atmosphere. The road itself was well-worn, its gravel surface glistening under the warm sunlight.

With each step, Percy's confidence grew, his muscles honed by his rigorous training. He felt a surge of strength within him, ready to face the challenges that awaited him. His gaze wandered across the breathtaking scenery, admiring the harmonious blend of nature's beauty and tranquility.

As he continued on his path, his sharp eyes caught sight of two figures standing in the middle of the road up ahead. A smile graced Percy's face as he recognized the familiar black and green haori worn by his friend Tanjiro.

"Tanjiro! Hey! It's me, Percy!" he called making Tanjiro turn towards him, his voice filled with genuine excitement, and quickened his pace to catch up with him.

As Percy drew nearer, he noticed the substantial wooden box resting on Tanjiro's back, its weathered brown surface revealing its long journeys. It dawned on him that this must be the arrangement Tanjiro had made to transport Nezuko during the daytime.

Among the trio, Percy's gaze fell upon a young boy with vibrant yellow hair, instantly triggering a spark of recognition in Percy's mind. It was the same boy he had encountered during the aftermath of the grueling final selection, one of the few survivors who had endured the trials alongside him.

But the boy's current state was a stark contrast to what Percy remembered. He was on his hands and knees, his face hidden as he sobbed uncontrollably, his cries echoing through the serene surroundings. His wide, teary eyes displayed a mix of sadness, despair, and anguish.

Percy approached the duo, his concern for the boy growing. His eyes shifted between Tanjiro's welcoming smile and the boy's distraught state. The sight of a familiar face amidst their shared journey brought a renewed sense of camaraderie and determination within him.

Percy's steps quickened as he closed the distance between himself and Tanjiro. A warm smile adorned Percy's face as he called out his friend's name. "Tanjiro!"

Tanjiro turned towards the sound, his expression lighting up with genuine joy. "Percy! It's great to see you!" He greeted him with open arms, embracing Percy in a friendly hug.

Returning the embrace, Percy felt a surge of familiarity and comfort. "I didn't expect to see you so soon after we said our goodbyes. Where are you going?"

Tanjiro released Percy from the hug, his eyes gleaming with determination. "I'm on my way to a mission and just stumbled into Zenitsu here."

Their conversation continued, but Percy couldn't ignore the piercing cries emanating from the boy on the ground anymore. His concern grew, and he could no longer refrain from addressing the situation. "Tanjiro, forgive the interruption, but what's happening with our companion here?" Percy motioned towards the sobbing boy.

In an instant, the boy sprung to his feet and lunged at Tanjiro, clutching his haori with a frenzied grip, shaking him back and forth. "It's all your fault! All your fault that I didn't get married!" His voice echoed with a mix of anguish and anger, tears lingering at the corners of his eyes.

Both Tanjiro and Percy stared at the distraught boy, their expressions void of emotion, which seemed to only fuel Zenitsu's desperation. "Say something! Don't look at me with those pitying eyes! I'm as good as dead! I'll definitely die on my next mission! I'm pathetically weak, and don't you dare think I'm exaggerating! You have to protect me before I finally get married!"

Tanjiro seemed poised to respond, but Percy intervened before he could utter a word. "Listen, Zenitsu, was it?" Percy said calmly, his voice filled with a tinge of authority. "I may not know the full story here, and I'm not certain I even want to, but you were one of the few survivors of the final selection. That makes you a fellow demon slayer, which means you possess strength, even if you don't realize it yet."

However, Percy's words did little to console Zenitsu. The boy continued to pour out his grievances, his voice rising in a mixture of fear and frustration. "I was forced into becoming a demon slayer," he bellowed. "It's all because I was deceived by a woman, and now I've got a buttload of debt! That guy I owe money to says that I need to repay the debt the woman owes him as well, so he "groomed" me! I went trough a hellish training regime every day, and during that time I really thought I might as well just die! And I thought I really was going to die during the final selection! In the end I was lucky and I survived. Then I ended up back in that hellish lifestyle again! Ah! I'm so scared! Waaaah! This isn't what I wanted! This isn't what I wanted at all! Save meeee!"

With those words, Zenitsu collapsed to his knees once again, wailing loudly as he clung desperately to the hem of Tanjiro's pants. Percy's right eye began to twitch uncontrollably, a clear sign of his growing annoyance. He could see the impatience flickering in Tanjiro's eyes as well.

"Alright, listen," Tanjiro began, his voice adopting a sharper edge. However, before his words could reach Zenitsu's ears, a Karasu Crow suddenly appeared before the trio, interrupting the scene.

"Cawww! Hurry up! Hurry up, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Percy, start running. The three of you will move forward to your next location!," the crow proclaimed.

"AAAAAH! THAT CROW JUST SPOKE!" Zenitsu screamed, comically toppling backwards.

Percy, once again fighting the urge to pinch his nose, suppressed a sigh. It seemed they were destined to work together on this mission, meaning he would have to endure Zenitsu's lamentations. Well, at least he would have Tanjiro's company throughout.

And so, with determination gleaming in their eyes—well, in Percy and Tanjiro's eyes—the trio embarked on their path towards the next location, prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them.


As Percy, Tanjiro, and Zenitsu continued their journey, their path led them up a winding hill that stretched before them like an ancient serpent. The hillside was adorned with vibrant wildflowers, their delicate petals dancing in the gentle breeze. The sun, filtered through the emerald canopy above, cast dappled patterns of light and shadow on the ground, creating a whimsical ambiance.

Step by step, they ascended, their footsteps leaving faint imprints on the earth beneath them. The air grew slightly cooler as they delved deeper into the heart of the forest. Towering trees stood sentinel on either side, their branches reaching skyward in a symphony of intertwined limbs. The forest enveloped them in its tranquil embrace, filling their lungs with the earthy scent of moss and dew-kissed leaves.

After traversing the winding path, the trio emerged from the embrace of the forest to behold a sight that commanded their attention. Before them stood a grand house, its weathered facade speaking of bygone years. The walls, fashioned from timeworn wood, bore the scars of countless seasons, each groove and scrape etching a story into its surface. Faded paint clung stubbornly to its exterior, a testament to years of neglect and the passage of time.

The house exuded an air of solemnity and mystery. Its imposing presence loomed over the travelers, a silent witness to the secrets it held within. The mansion's architectural design reflected a blend of traditional and rustic elements, with intricately carved eaves and pillars that hinted at a rich cultural heritage. Moss clung to the edges of the roof, adding an organic touch to the weathered structure.

Windows, now obscured by time and neglect, peered out from behind overgrown vines that draped the walls. The soft whispers of the wind played a haunting melody as it rustled through the foliage, lending an eerie aura to the scene. The grounds surrounding the mansion were overgrown, nature slowly reclaiming its territory with unruly grasses and tangled undergrowth. It reminded Percy of Ravenwood Manor, where he fought three Oni at the same time and met Gyomei.

Percy, Tanjiro, and Zenitsu stood in awe, their gazes drawn to the enigmatic structure before them. It was as if the mansion held its breath, beckoning them to step forward and unlock the secrets it held within its ancient walls.

"There's a smell of blood in the area… But this smell is…" began Tanjiro, before having his saying interrupted.

"Eh? A scent?" Zenitsu questioned, his confusion mirrored by Percy, who glanced at Tanjiro in awe. Did Tanjiro possess an enhanced sense of smell?

"This is a smell that I've never encountered before," Tanjiro concluded.

"I can't smell anything at all, but can you hear a sound coming from over there?" Zenitsu inquired. "Seems like we're going to need to work together in the future as well."

"Sound?" Tanjiro queried, his confusion deepening.

Percy, feeling somewhat excluded, pondered his own abilities. "So, Tanjiro has enhanced smell, and Zenitsu has enhanced hearing. Where does that leave me?" he thought. Ironically, though, it was Percy's keen eyes that caught sight of two figures concealed within the bushes a few meters away.

The two figures, a young boy and a slightly younger girl, bore a striking resemblance, suggesting they were siblings.

"Guys," Percy interjected, pointing towards the children. "We're not alone."

Tanjiro and Zenitsu's expressions shifted to one of surprise.

"Kids?" Zenitsu exclaimed.

"What's going on with them?" added Tanjiro. Tanjiro, seeking answers, reached for both of them. "What are you doing here?" he asked them.

Percy approached as well, noting the children's shocked state with pale faces and wide eyes. Tanjiro must have noticed the same, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

"Ta-da," Tanjiro exclaimed, retrieving a sparrow from his haori.

"A sparrow? Where did he even get that?" Percy wondered.

"A sparrow in my palm," Tanjiro continued, oblivious to the surprised looks Percy and Zenitsu were sending him. "Cute, right?"

It seemed to have the wished effect. The sight of the sparrow brought a modicum of calmness to the children's faces. Percy, recognizing this, decided to engage them gently.

"What happened?" he inquired, adopting a soft tone akin to soothing a frightened animal. "Is the house over there your home?"

The boy turned his gaze toward Percy, hesitating for a few moments before speaking in a trembling voice. "No... it's not... it's... the home of the monster," he managed to say.

"The monster?" Percy asked, concern etched across his face as he exchanged a knowing look with his fellow demon slayers. "Do you have any more information? We're here to help, and any details can be helpful," he reassured them softly.

Tears welled up in the boy's eyes as he continued through sobs, "Our older brother was captured by the monster. We were traveling at night... the monster appeared, but it ignored us and only took our brother away..."

"The monster entered that house over there?" Tanjiro questioned, receiving an affirmative nod from the boy. "So the two of you followed it all the way here? That's impressive. You guys are strong."

At this point, tears were streaming down the boy's cheeks. "We… we were following our brother's blood trail," he explained between sobs. "He's hurt…"

Percy and Tanjiro exchanged concerned glances. Tanjiro swiftly reassured the boy, "Don't worry. We'll defeat the monster and rescue your brother."

"Really? Do you really mean it?" asked the girl in a small voice, talking for the first time.

Percy responded before Tanjiro had a chance, his voice brimming with conviction. "Yes, don't worry. We'll definitely kick the monster's butt and save your brother!" He exclaimed, eliciting a giggle from the girl.

"Tanjiro, Percy," interrupted Zenitsu anxiously, seeming to be worried by something. "What is this sound? Feels really uncomfortable… It keeps on ringing. Is that a drum?" he asked, completely unaware that he was the only one hearing the sounds.

Before Percy could respond, a body was abruptly flung from the balcony of the house with immense force, crashing onto the ground before them, its form drenched in blood. Reacting swiftly, Percy and Tanjiro rushed to the body, hoping to find signs of life.

Tanjiro knelt down beside the now-visible man's side, while Percy rummaged through his backpack, searching for bandages and medicines to stem the bleeding.

"Are you alright?" Tanjiro asked, concern evident in his eyes. "Please hold on…"

As Percy applied the first aid techniques he had learned at camp, his gaze fell upon a particularly severe wound and he couldn't help but wince at its sight.

"That cut is deep. Whatever Oni made this must have some pretty big claws. We must be extra careful when entering the house," he contemplated. The man, realizing it was no longer in the frightening house, began to speak.

"Ah… ah… I finally got out," he said, gathering his strength among deep breaths. "Got… out… side…. Am I… going… to die?" he asked, beginning to tear up.

Percy looked at his wounds and saw that there was no way he could survive these even with his administrations. Realizing the man's injuries were beyond his help, Percy clenched his fists in anger, vowing that no more lives would be claimed by the demon within the house.

Coming to the same realization, Tanjiro embraced the man tightly, tears streaming down his face. As life ebbed away from the man's eyes, Tanjiro gently laid him on the ground, gazing determinedly at the sky.

"Percy," Tanjiro asserted, his voice filled with purpose. "We need to go now. We don't know how many lives are at stake inside that house, and the longer we delay, the higher the chances of more casualties."

Percy nodded, fixing his determined gaze upon the house.

Suddenly, a thunderous sound shattered the brief silence enveloping them. "GROOOOOOWR." It emanated from within the house. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Tanjiro's caught off guard look and Zenitsu trembling in fear.

"Zenitsu," Tanjiro exclaimed, swiveling his head to gaze at his yellow-haired companion. "Let's move!"

However, Zenitsu remained rooted in place, his eyes devoid of vitality. He stood there, completely frozen and paralyzed by his own shock.

Understanding Zenitsu's state, Tanjiro lowered his head, his hair casting a shadow that concealed his eyes from view. "I see," he murmured, his disappointment palpable. "I understand," he added.

Tanjiro's reaction snapped Zenitsu out of his daze. "Yaaaahhh!" he cried out. "What's the matter? Don't glare at me with that furious expression! I'll come along, okay?"

"I don't plan on forcing you," Tanjiro retorted, his voice resonating with anger and intensity. Percy could almost visualize the storm of fury brewing above his head.

Ignoring Zenitsu's protests of willingness to join, Percy observed as Tanjiro carefully placed the box he carried on his back in front of the children.

"I'm placing this box here in case of any danger," Tanjiro explained. "No matter what happens, it will protect you both."

"So it really is Nezuko. It's admirable that he is willing to travel carrying her for so many hours. The fact that he endured so much even for the slightest of chances of turning her back into a human… his love for Nezuko is truly unparalleled," Percy thought, his respect for his red-haired friend growing stronger.

"We've delayed enough. We must go now," "We have delayed enough. It's time to proceed," Percy declared, receiving a nod of agreement from Tanjiro and an even louder protest from Zenitsu. Together, the three of them pushed open the door to the grand house, stepping into the labyrinthine corridors that lay before them.

As they pressed deeper into the house, Zenitsu's ceaseless wails echoed through the corridors.

"Tanjiro, Percy, are you listening? You'll protect me, right? You'll definitely protect me, won't you?" he pleaded, tears welling up once again.

Tanjiro abruptly halted, turning to face Zenitsu with a neutral expression. "Zenitsu, there's something I must apologize to you about," he stated, his tone serious. "Actually, my ribs and leg both have fractures that haven't healed yet due to my last battle. So…"

Before Tanjiro could finish his sentence, Zenitsu descended into a state of panic.

"EEEEHHHH? WHY DO YOU HAVE BONE FRACTURES? HOW D OYOU HAVE BONE FRACTURES? IF YOU HAVE BONE FRACTURES, WHO'S GOING TO PROTECT ME? I'M GOING TO DIEEEE!" Zenitsu's gaze then shifted to Percy, his eyes filled with hope and desperation. "PERCY! YOU WILL PROTECT ME, RIGHT? YOU HAVE TO PROTECT ME. OH MY GOD, I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIEEEE."

Percy thought to himself that if he had a dollar for every cringe-inducing moment caused by Zenitsu, he would be a quite wealthy man.

"Hey, hey, calm down, Zenitsu. You'll be fine. I know that you..." Percy's reassurance was abruptly cut off, but this time it was Tanjiro's doing.

"You guys can't come in here!" Tanjiro shouted, his gaze fixed on the corridor behind Percy.

Curiosity sparked in Percy's eyes as he turned around, and he noticed the two children from earlier running towards them. Percy arched an eyebrow at their behavior. Weren't they explicitly instructed to stay outside the house? What unexpected turn of events had occurred?

"It's… It's because that box is rattling around…" he stammered, but Tanjiro interjected.

"Even so, you guys can't just leave it there," he declared firmly. "That box is something even more important than my own life!"

But suddenly, their conversation is brutally shattered by a thunderous cacophony of drums. The sound crashes into their ears, and Zenitsu's fear reaches a crescendo as he screams, desperately trying to shield himself from the deafening noise.

Percy's mind races, trying to make sense of the situation. Could this be the same haunting rhythm that Zenitsu had heard outside the house? Before he can dwell on it any further, the room undergoes a mind-bending metamorphosis. The very fabric of reality seems to twist and contort, replacing the familiar surroundings with an otherworldly scene.

Percy's eyes dart around in disbelief, searching for his companions. But they are nowhere to be found. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and the two kids have vanished, leaving Percy alone in this enigmatic chamber. A surge of confusion and concern washes over him, his mind struggling to grasp the gravity of the situation.

"Damn," he cursed. "It's one of those Onis that can do magic. I have to be extra careful here. Surely, this creature isn't pleased with our intrusion. Even a small mistake can cost me my life here."

As if making cue to his thinking, a swift gust of wind brushes against his ear, carrying with it the unmistakable sound of air being sliced apart. Instinct takes over as Percy swiftly sidesteps, narrowly evading an unseen attack.

His heart pounds in his chest as he gazes at the ground where he had stood moments ago. Three colossal gashes mar the surface, as if gargantuan invisible claws had ripped through the very fabric of reality.

Percy's mind races, trying to comprehend the sudden onslaught. What just happened? Where did that attack come from? Before he can make sense of it all, a sickening squelching sound reaches his ears, causing him to turn swiftly. To his dismay, two grotesque Onis materialize before him.

One of the Onis possesses a humanoid form, its menacing presence exuding an aura of danger. Its twisted features are etched with malice, a haunting sight that sends shivers down Percy's spine. The other Oni, however, is a repulsive amalgamation of slime and jello, its gelatinous body wobbling with each step. A solitary eye stares back at Percy, an unsettling gaze that oozes malevolence.

"I can't afford to waste any time here," Percy grits his teeth, his voice resolute. "I'll go all out."

Drawing a deep breath, Percy focuses his breathing, uncapping Riptide and assuming an aggressive stance. He recalls his training, a surge of confidence courses through his veins as he realizes the extent of his own speed.

Without hesitation, Percy launches himself towards the demonic duo, his movements a blur of precision. With a swift strike, he slays the humanoid demon, his blade slicing through the air with deadly accuracy. Victory is within reach, or so he believes.

As Percy turns his attention to the slimy Oni, his sword poised for the final blow, the room once again undergoes a disorienting transformation. The entire structure tilts sideways, and Percy's balance is instantly lost. He crashes to the ground with a resounding thud, pain shooting through his arm upon impact.

Grimacing, Percy cradles his injured limb, his gaze darting around the sideways room. To his dismay, the Oni effortlessly oozes through the walls, its liquid-like composition enabling it to escape through the narrow gaps. Percy finds himself alone, separated from his foes and companions alike.

Determined not to succumb to despair, Percy pushes himself up, ignoring the throbbing pain in his arm. He knows he must press on, no matter the odds. With resolute determination, he grabs his arm and twists it back to where it should be, opening his mouth in a silent scream of pain.

Percy grits his teeth, his determination amplified by the agonized scream that just echoed through the chamber. Zenitsu is in danger once again, and Percy cannot let anything hinder his actions. Ignoring the throbbing pain in his shoulder, he tightens his grip on Riptide and rushes towards the source of the distress.

As he sprints through the corridor, a young boy's desperate cry reaches his ears from the left. Percy instinctively turns his head, his gaze locking onto a closed door. Without hesitation, he slides it open, revealing a scene that takes his breath away.

Inside the room, Zenitsu stands in a poised and attacking stance. One leg is extended while the other is bent at the knee, his body coiled like a spring ready to unleash its energy. In one hand, he clutches the sheathed blade, while the other hand firmly grips the hilt. Both of his eyes are tightly shut, his focus seemingly honed on the impending strike.

Percy's heart quickens as he witnesses the incredible sight before him. Zenitsu mutters under his breath, his voice infused with determination. "Thunder Breathing... First Form—Thunderclap and Flash."

A crackling energy fills the air, anticipation building to a crescendo. With lightning-like speed, Zenitsu launches himself forward, a yellow blur that defies the limits of human agility. Percy's eyes struggle to keep pace with the onslaught of movement, witnessing the awe-inspiring display of Zenitsu's Thunder Breathing technique.

In an instant, like a bolt of lightning, Zenitsu blazes through the air. The demon before him stands no chance as its head cleanly separates from its body, severed by Zenitsu's swift and precise strike. The room is filled with a triumphant silence as the defeated creature dissolves into nothingness.

Percy stands there, stunned and in awe of Zenitsu's extraordinary abilities. His admiration for his comrade grows, as does his resolve to overcome the challenges they face in this treacherous realm.

Zenitsu suddenly raised his head up, his wide eyes scanning, confusion etched across his face. He quickly spots Percy and his expression shifts from bewilderment to pure elation. Without a moment's hesitation, he throws himself at Percy, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

"AAAAAH! PERCY! MY SAVIOUR! YOU SAVED MY LIFE! MY HERO! WHEN THAT DEMON APPEARED FROM THE WALLS I THOUGHT I WAS REALLY GOING TO DIE!" Zenitsu exclaims, his voice filled with gratitude and admiration. Percy, caught off guard by the sudden display of affection, awkwardly pats Zenitsu's back, a bemused expression on his face. He thinks to himself, "What in the world? Does he not realize what he just did?"

Percy is about to clarify that it was Zenitsu's own prowess that dispatched the demon, but before he can utter a word, the sound of air being sliced once again pierces the chamber. Reacting swiftly, Percy grabs Zenitsu and the young boy, propelling them both to the side, narrowly evading the invisible claws.

As they regain their footing, Percy rises and pulls Zenitsu and the boy up by their shirt hems.

"If Zenitsu is able to move like that, his help would really come in handy against this Oni. But," Percy thinks, looking at the yellow haired boy's frightened expression. "He doesn't seem to do it intentionally. I should go alone," he concluded.

"You should both leave. Now," Percy asserts, his voice filled with determination. "I'll find Tanjiro and defeat the Oni that controls this house." Without waiting for a response, he swiftly darts down the corridor, his footsteps echoing with purpose.

As Percy darts trough the ever winding hallways, he hears the distant sounds of battle and strengthens his resolve, his legs carrying him as fast as they can. With each stride, his determination intensifies. His mind becomes singularly focused on one thought: "Please, Tanjiro, hold on just a little longer. I'm coming for you."