Tension electrifies the atmosphere, wrapping around the scene like an invisible shroud. The wind, now a raging tempest, howls with an eerie resonance, as if it, too, senses the impending battle about to unfold. All eyes are locked on the man with the boar mask, their gaze burning with a mix of fear, determination, and fury.
In the midst of this charged stillness, Percy's piercing gaze remains fixated on the masked figure, his eyes blazing with an intense anger that emanates from the depths of his being. His grip tightens around Riptide, the weight of the sword serving as a reminder of the imminent clash that awaits.
The man, oblivious to the looks he is getting and still focused on Zenitsu's form, raises his right hand, holding his sword as if it were a dagger, and declares, "I'm going to skewer you along with the box!" His arm begins to descend, fully intending to impale both Zenitsu and Nezuko.
The man's descent towards Zenitsu and Nezuko is abruptly halted by the synchronized efforts of Percy and Tanjiro. Percy swiftly intercepts the descending blade with his own, their swords clashing in a shower of sparks. Meanwhile, Tanjiro seizes the opportunity presented by the man's momentary surprise and delivers a powerful punch with all his might, propelling the man backward. The force of the impact sends him hurtling through the air, his body colliding with a nearby tree with a bone-chilling crack, leaving no doubt that his bones have suffered the brunt of the blow.
Percy, his eyes fixed on the fallen adversary, gently takes hold of Zenitsu, carefully guiding him away from the danger. He leads Zenitsu to a nearby tree, positioning him against its sturdy trunk for support. With a comforting tone, Percy speaks to his injured comrade, "Well done, Zenitsu. You endured so much to protect the box. I told you before, and I'll say it again: you truly are strong, even if you don't realize it yet. Leave the rest to us, okay?"
Touched by Percy's kind words, Zenitsu's tears flow freely, a mixture of relief and gratitude washing over him.
Tanjiro's voice reverberates with a mix of anger and disappointment as he confronts the fallen man. "Stop! Aren't you a member of the Demon Hunter Corps? Do you even understand why Zenitsu refused to unsheathe his sword? It's because it's taboo for team members to resort to violence against one another!" The intensity in Tanjiro's words grows with each passing moment. "While others are in pain, you find pleasure in causing harm? Your actions are truly despicable!"
As the man on the ground begins to recover, a sinister laughter escapes his lips, echoing through the surrounding trees. "Gehahahaha! So, that's how it is," he taunts, a deranged gleam in his eyes. "I'm sorry. Let's duel with our hands then!"
With an unnerving display of agility and flexibility, the man swiftly propels himself to his feet, his body contorting in a seemingly unnatural manner.
Tanjiro's eyes widen in disbelief as the man remains defiant, refusing to comprehend the gravity of the situation. "No, you still don't understand," Tanjiro retorts, his voice laced with frustration. "Team members who are both demon hunters are not allowed to engage in duels! This issue cannot be resolved through brute force alone!"
However, the man pays little heed to Tanjiro's plea. With a swift and powerful swing of his leg, he launches a ferocious kick aimed directly at Tanjiro's head. Reacting with instinctive agility, Tanjiro manages to evade the blow by inches, his body shifting backward just in the nick of time. The wind from the impact brushes against his face, a chilling reminder of how dangerously close the attack passed him by.
Percy's eyes widen with concern as he witnesses the intense exchange between Tanjiro and the boar-like man. Despite his growing worry, Percy fights the urge to step up and assist his friend. He has faith in Tanjiro's strength and capabilities, believing that he can handle himself in this battle. It is this belief that stays Percy's hand, as he recognizes Tanjiro's resilience.
Taking a step back, Percy takes his time to analyze the unfolding battle. He carefully observes the man's relentless strikes, noting the low posture and targeted attacks aimed mostly at Tanjiro's midsection and legs. The peculiar fighting style, akin to that of a quadruped animal, raises Percy's curiosity for the man's unorthodox approach. It's almost like Tanjiro is brawling a wild boar.
As Percy continues to observe, he notices Tanjiro responding to the man's low strikes by adopting an even lower stance, preparing to unleash a spinning kick aimed at the man's hips. However, the man's agility and flexibility seem impossible to match, as he effortlessly opens his legs in a perfect split to duck under Tanjiro's kick, displaying an astonishing range of motion.
Then, in a display of even greater prowess, the man executes a breathtaking move. With both hands planted firmly on the ground, he arches his right foot in a sweeping arc over his back, delivering a forceful kick that finds its mark on Tanjiro's head. Percy's eyes widened in astonishment as his friend crashes to the ground.
The man didn't miss the opportunity to brag, rising to his full height, his laughter echoing through the air like a symphony of madness. "I'm awesome, right? I'm awesome, right? I can even manage this position!" he boasts, his voice dripping with twisted self-adulation. And with that proclamation, the man contorts his body in an unimaginable display of flexibility. His spine bends backward, his head sinking between his legs, while his hands reach back to clasp his feet.
The sight is both grotesque and mesmerizing, leaving Percy and Tanjiro stunned, unable to comprehend the extent of the man's physical contortions. But amidst the unsettling scene, Tanjiro revealed his concern.
"Don't subject your body to such extreme positions!" His voice resonates with a mixture of urgency and compassion. "You're going to cause problems for your bones! You better not do that, or else your body will deteriorate."
The man's laughter swells, reverberating through the surroundings, as he defiantly responds, "Deterioration is good! Nothing can be compared to that sudden thrill I felt just now!"
Tanjiro didn't seem convinced. His eyes narrowed with determination as he takes a step forward, his voice filled with conviction. "Think about your future. Calm down!" And in an act of swift resolve, he unleashes a sudden headbutt, his forehead colliding with the man's face.
The impact reverberates through the air, momentarily silencing the man's maniacal laughter. He staggers backward, disoriented and stunned, as a trickle of blood streams down the nose of his mask. Zenitsu's despair-filled cry breaks the silence, "Uwahhhhhhh! This sound! Are their skulls still intact?"
The boar-like man tumbles backwards, his body bearing the full brunt of Tanjiro's headbutt. Remarkably, Tanjiro himself remains seemingly unscathed, as if his forehead were made of steel, impervious to the aftershock of his own attack. The force unleashed by Tanjiro is so tremendous that the man's mask disconnects from his head, cascading to the ground with a resounding clatter.
In that moment of revelation, an unexpected sight emerges. The man's face, now unveiled, exhibits delicate features that defy the assumed ferocity of his appearance. Possessing captivating green eyes and shoulder-length hair, predominantly black with striking azure-colored ends, it is a visage of ethereal beauty that belies conventional expectations. Percy's eyes widen in astonishment, a whirlwind of thoughts cascading through his mind.
Zenitsu, equally taken aback by the revelation, shouts in astonishment, his voice tinged with disbelief, "Eeeh? Woman face?"
Unfazed by their reactions, the man raises a hand to his bleeding forehead, a twisted smile dancing upon his lips. His gaze locks onto Zenitsu, his voice taking on a deep, menacing tone as he challenges, "What did you say just now... Do you have any complaints about my face?"
Zenitsu's panicked plea rings out, seeking refuge behind Percy's protective figure. He trembles in fear, his voice filled with desperation, "Percy! Protect me from the boar-man-woman! He wants to kill me again!"
"Calm down, Zenitsu," Percy said calmly. "I won't allow anyone to hurt my friends. Plus, Tanjiro got this."
His years of battle experience allowed Percy to see the effects of Tanjiro's headbutt. The boar man, while standing up, was swaying slightly on his feet. Percy knew it was only a matter of time before his body gave up on him.
Meanwhile, Tanjiro and the enigmatic man engage in a peculiar exchange, their words taking on a mixture of hostility and banter. Tanjiro initiates the back-and-forth, attempting to defuse the tension with an unexpected compliment, "I don't have any complaints about your face! Clean and neat, with a hint of red within the white. It's pretty good, isn't it?"
The man, now responds with aggression, his voice laced with animosity, "I'm going to kill you, you bastard! Bring it on if you've got the balls!"
Tanjiro, displaying his fatigue, dismisses the challenge, "I can't, I'm too tired!"
Refusing to back down, the man goads Tanjiro further, goading him to try another headbutt, to which Tanjiro retorts, "Not doing that! Just take a seat! Are you okay?"
The man takes a moment to introduce himself, his words carrying a hint of arrogance, "Hey, wide-forehead! My name is Inosuke Hashibira! Remember that!"
"How do you write your name?"
It was a simple question, but Inosuke seemed taken aback. He ponders the question, his confusion evident, "Write? Write... I don't know! It's written on my pants, though."
As the exchange unfolds, Percy can't help but sweat drop at the bewildering interaction, silently contemplating the strange turn of events.
Suddenly, Inosuke stopped talking, as if a switch had been turned off on his brain. Percy say his eyes rolling backwards and becoming pure white, his legs failing as he falls on his back. As Inosuke collapses to the ground, foam escaping from his mouth, a hushed silence befalls the group. They watch with a mix of concern and curiosity, unsure of the true extent of his condition. Zenitsu's panicked voice breaks the silence, his words tinged with fear, "Uwah! He fell over! Is he dead? Is he dead?"
Tanjiro reassures his anxious friend, his tone calm and collected, "He's not dead. Probably just got a concussion because I used all my strength to ram him with my head."
Percy's gaze shifts between Inosuke's unconscious form and Tanjiro's seemingly unscathed forehead, a tinge of awe and curiosity playing in his eyes. He marvels at the resilience and strength exhibited by the demon slayer.
Changing the subject, Tanjiro's thoughts turn to the tragic fate of those who fell victim to the demon within the house. A somber determination fills his voice as he addresses his companions, "Guys, a lot of people were killed inside that house. I would like to give them a proper burial before we leave."
Without hesitation, Percy agrees, his voice resonating with compassion, "That's a good idea. Zenitsu and I will help you." Zenitsu, though visibly apprehensive about reentering the house, musters his courage and follows his friends.
Time stretches out before them, the hours blending into a melancholic afternoon as the trio solemnly carries out the task of burying the fallen. Each grave dug, each life honored, brings forth a sense of sadness and reflection, a reminder of the price paid in their battle against the forces of darkness.
As the trio solemnly continues their burial duties, the fading light of the setting sun casts an ethereal glow over the scene. The weight of their task, coupled with the somber atmosphere, fills the air with a sense of introspection and reverence for life's fleeting nature.
Suddenly, a furious yell pierces the tranquility, drawing their attention to a few meters away. It is Inosuke, awakening from his slumber with a palpable anger emanating from him. Zenitsu's panicked shriek echoes through the air, "Uwaaah! He's awake!"
Inosuke, brimming with energy, bellows with a challenging tone, "Let's fight!"
Zenitsu, exasperated, responds with a mixture of disbelief and exasperation, "You're going to fight the moment you wake up? I really can't deal with this."
As Inosuke's attention shifts, he notices the ongoing burial and points accusingly at the trio, demanding to know their purpose. Tanjiro, ever composed, answers calmly, "We're burying the dead, of course. Do you want to help us? A lot of people were killed in that house."
Inosuke scoffs at the notion, declaring, "Burying the remains of living organisms? Who would even think to do that? I'm not helping you! Instead, how about you fight me?"
Percy, seizing an opportunity to redirect Inosuke's energy towards a more constructive task, devises a taunting plan. With a mischievous glint in his eyes, he retorts, "Well, if you can't handle it or you're too tired or injured to assist, you can just tell us. No one will judge you. After all, we all have our weaknesses."
Inosuke, falling for the taunt, becomes incensed, a twitch forming on his eye as he roars, "Weakness? I'll show you weakness! I'll bury more bodies than the three of you combined! Don't underestimate the great Master Inosuke!" With his declaration, he dashes towards the house, swiftly returning mere moments later with two bodies slung over his shoulders, all the while proclaiming his own greatness.
Percy can't help but smile at his successful ploy, knowing that Inosuke's enthusiasm will expedite their task. They work in tandem, driven by Inosuke's fervor, and within a matter of minutes, the final remnants of their grim duty are put to rest.
As the sun paints the sky with hues of orange, signaling its impending descent beyond the horizon, the four stand before the completed graves. They offer a silent prayer, a collective moment of reflection for the lives lost and the fleeting nature of existence.
In the fading light, they find solace in their accomplishment, knowing that even in the face of darkness, they have honored the fallen and brought closure to the tragic events that unfolded within the house. And as the sun disappears below the horizon, leaving behind a gentle twilight, they depart, their souls burdened yet filled with a sense of purpose and unity.
"So," said Percy, turning to his three new companions, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "Where do we go now?"
As if on cue, a Karasu crow perched on a nearby tree let out a piercing caw, capturing their attention. "Follow me! Caw!". Its call echoed through the air, a clear invitation to follow. The four exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the crow's guidance, and bid farewell to the children they had helped. With determined strides, they ventured into the dense woods, following the crow as it led the way.
During their journey, they seized the opportunity to learn more about one another. Inosuke's origins emerged as a captivating tale—raised in the mountains by wild boars, his love for combat and showcasing his strength knew no bounds. Tales of his audacious feats, including stealing a demon slayer's swords atop the very mountain he called home, elicited both awe and amusement among his companions.
However, it soon became apparent that Inosuke had a peculiar habit of mispronouncing names. Percy couldn't help but snicker at Tanjiro's indignant face when Inosuke referred to him as Gonpachiro Kamaboko. However, his amusement faded swiftly when Inosuke turned his attention to Percy, dubbing him Pudding Javelin. The uncanny resemblance to a certain wine god back at Camp Half-Blood irritated Percy, causing a subtle twitch of annoyance.
The journey pressed on, their footsteps weaving through the moonlit forest. An hour passed, the sun long gone, and the moon became their only natural source of illumination. Finally, their destination came into view—a house adorned with the unmistakable crest of a wisteria. The Karasu crow flapped its wings and cawed insistently, urging them to find respite within.
"Caww—rest! Rest! The injured will rest until fully healed," were its last words before it flew away, leaving the four companions standing before the open door of the wisteria-adorned house.
Tanjiro, weary from his recent battles and nursing lingering injuries, welcomed the prospect of much-needed rest. Percy, too, recognized the value of a brief respite. Despite his ability to enhance his healing with water, the relentless encounters and constant peril he had faced left him yearning for a moment of reprieve. Together, they approached the door, anticipation and gratitude intertwining within their hearts.
As the door swung open, revealing an elderly woman standing in the threshold, the weariness of their journey melted away, replaced by a sense of warmth and gratitude. The woman's voice carried a gentle serenity as she spoke, "You are the demon hunters, right?"
Tanjiro, filled with gratitude for their gracious host, bowed deeply and replied, "Yes! We are so sorry for disturbing you so late at night!"
The old lady, her demeanor radiating kindness, offered a reassuring smile. "Please come in," she gestured, her bow inviting them to enter. With a sense of reverence, the companions crossed the threshold, their weary bodies finding solace within the sheltering walls of the house.
Inside, a soothing tranquility embraced them, a refuge from the trials they had faced. Soft light bathed the space, casting gentle shadows upon the tatami floors. The air held a delicate fragrance of incense, its subtle presence soothing their senses.
The old lady guided them further into the house, leading them to a room where they could find respite. The walls bore intricate paintings, depicting scenes of nature and serenity. Sliding doors allowed glimpses of a beautifully manicured garden, a haven of peace that mirrored the calm within their souls.
With a humble bow, the old lady left them to their rest, closing the door behind her. The companions took a moment to appreciate the stillness that enveloped the room. Tanjiro's eyes met Percy's, a shared understanding passing between them—a rare chance to recharge, to heal, and to prepare for the battles that awaited them.
They settled into their respective spaces—well, Inosuke tried to steal the bed Tanjiro was going to, which Tanjiro really didn't mind, frustrating Inosuke and making him throw his pillow full strength at Zenitsu's face. The room became a sanctuary of healing, a sanctuary where their wounds would mend and their spirits would rejuvenate.
They stayed two weeks within the sanctuary of the wisteria house, enveloped by the gentle embrace of healing and recovery. The old lady, true to her word, arranged for a skilled doctor to attend to their injuries, unveiling the extent of their physical toll. Broken ribs were the shared affliction among them all, each rib a testament to the battles fought and the strength required to endure.
Inosuke, ever the restless spirit, bore the weight of his injuries with a brash resilience. In addition to his broken ribs, he carried the burden of a minor skull fracture, courtesy of Tanjiro. Throughout their stay, he goaded Tanjiro and Percy into bouts of combat, taunting them with his ceaseless desire to test his own strength. Yet, despite the relentless provocation, both Tanjiro and Percy steadfastly declined, understanding the importance of rest and recovery in their arduous journey.
Amidst the backdrop of their physical mending, a quiet dialogue unfolded one night, capturing Percy's attention as he lay on his bed, seeking solace in the embrace of sleep. Zenitsu's voice carried a mixture of curiosity and apprehension as he broached a topic that had been nagging at him.
"Tanjiro," Zenitsu began tentatively, his words hanging in the air. "I want to ask you something, even though nobody asked you yet. Why are you carrying a demon in that box?"
Percy's eyes widened, his curiosity piqued by the unexpected query. Tanjiro's response resonated with determination, his voice carrying the weight of a promise made.
"Nezuko," Tanjiro began, his words infused with conviction. "She won't hurt humans. I swore that I would find a way to turn her back into a human, no matter what it takes."
As if responding to her name being called, a rustling sound emanated from the box tucked away in the corner of the room. The faint vibration reached their ears, igniting a spark of anticipation and unease. Zenitsu's voice trembled with fear, his panic reverberating through the air, "Uwaaah! The demon is coming out! The demon is coming out!"
Tanjiro hurriedly moved to calm his anxious friend, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Zenitsu, it's alright. Nezuko won't harm us. She's different from other demons. Trust me." His voice carried the weight of unwavering faith and a profound understanding born from countless encounters with his sister.
Zenitsu's wide eyes darted from Tanjiro to the box, his fear palpable in the dimly lit room. "What do you mean it's okay?" he stammered, his voice laced with trepidation and confusion.
Tanjiro gently shooshed him, casting a warning glance towards the door. "Keep your voice down, Zenitsu. It's the middle of the night. I assure you, Nezuko won't harm us." The soothing timbre of his voice and the reassurance in his gaze gradually began to pacify Zenitsu's racing heart.
Percy, giving up on falling asleep, observed the unfolding scene with a mix of curiosity and empathy. The flickering shadows danced upon his face as he sat upright on the bed, his eyes fixated on the trio. He knew the truth of Nezuko's nature, having witnessed her gentleness and compassion firsthand.
"Zenitsu, it's really okay," Percy interjected, his voice a calm balm to quell the rising anxiety. "I've met Nezuko before, and she is a very docile and kind girl. You don't need to worry." His words carried the weight of assurance and the warmth of understanding, seeking to ease Zenitsu's troubled mind.
And just as their conversation reached its crescendo, the door of the box creaked open, making Nezuko emerge. Zenitsu's grip on Tanjiro's arm tightened, his panicked cries gradually fading into silence as he beheld the awe-inspiring sight before him.
Nezuko began to grow, her form expanding, radiating an undeniable cuteness and kindness. There was no trace of hostility or malevolence in her eyes.
Percy watched with a smirk as Zenitsu's initial panic transformed into a mixture of astonishment and wonder. The transformation revealed the depth of Nezuko's essence, dispelling any lingering doubts or fears.
Zenitsu then got a dark expression on his face, his hair shadowing his eyes. He shouted at the top of his lungs, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and betrayal. "So you were carrying such a cute girl with you? You were carrying such a cute girl with you every single day and going about your journey with such joy? Give me back the blood I bled for you!"
Tanjiro tried to explain that Nezuko was his sister, but Zenitsu seemed momentarily deaf to his words. His emotions consumed him, and he directed his attention towards chasing Nezuko through the room. Percy couldn't help but laugh at their interaction.
The sudden commotion jolted Inosuke awake from his slumber. With a thunderous yell, he joined the chase, his competitive spirit igniting as he sought to catch up with the others. The room transformed into a chaotic playground, filled with laughter and the exhilarating pursuit.
Percy remained perched on his bed, an amused grin spreading across his face. He marveled at the dynamic between the four, their interactions filled with energy and a unique camaraderie that only they shared. As he observed their playful chase, he couldn't help but appreciate the bonds that had formed amidst their shared trials and triumphs.
"I've made some truly unexpected friendships since becoming a slayer," Percy mused in his own thoughts. "But in these moments, I find a sense of belonging, a reminder that I'm not alone on this journey."
And so, Percy settled back into his bed, his heart filled with gratitude for the peculiar friendships that had blossomed in the face of adversity. He knew that these shared moments of laughter and camaraderie would serve as pillars of support as they faced the challenges that lay ahead.
"We'll be going. Thanks for your care," Percy gratefully expressed his appreciation to the kind old lady as they prepared to depart. The two weeks of rest and recuperation had brought solace to their weary bodies and souls, but now it was time to forge ahead on their new journey. Just moments before their departure, a Karasu crow arrived, delivering a message of urgency. Their next destination was Mount Natagumo, and they were instructed to make haste without delay.
With resolve in his eyes, Tanjiro said his departing words to the elderly woman, his voice filled with determination. "Thank you very much!" The lady, well aware of the perils that awaited them, offered her support in a unique way. "I shall light some sparks for you," she declared.
Percy, not entirely familiar with the significance of this act, contemplated silently, surmising that it might be a customary ritual to bestow luck or protection upon them. Inosuke, true to his impulsive nature, showed no restraint in his words, questioning the old lady brashly, "What are you doing, you old hag?"
Zenitsu was quick to admonish Inosuke, intervened with a scolding tone. He chided Inosuke for his lack of understanding, emphasizing the importance of the old lady's actions. "Are you stupid? She is helping us ward off evil spirits! We're about to embark on a dangerous mission!"
Zenitsu's genuine concern for their well-being echoed in his words. The old lady, her gaze filled with wisdom, offered her parting words, conveying her sincere wishes. "No matter what may happen, please live your lives with your heads held high. I wish you luck on your incoming battles."
With those heartfelt blessings resonating in their hearts, the four companions steeled themselves for the arduous journey that lay ahead. Mount Natagumo loomed on the horizon, shrouded in mystery and danger, yet they embraced the unknown with unwavering resolve. Their paths intertwined, their spirits united, they ventured forth into the depths of uncertainty, bound by a shared purpose to eradicate the demons and safeguard humanity.