Two weeks had passed since the tragic death of Kyojuro Rengoku, and the wound in Percy's heart was still fresh. Despite the passing time, the pain of losing him weighed heavily on his mind with each passing day. Determined to honor Kyojuro's memory and protect those he cared about, Percy immersed himself in rigorous training, pushing his body and mind to the limits.
On a secluded training ground, Percy practiced his Ocean Breathing stances. He focused on refining his technique, aiming to coat his blade with water, just as he had done in the intense battle against Akaza. The image of Kyojuro's bleeding stomach haunted Percy's thoughts, fueling his determination to become stronger.
With each strike, Percy visualized Akaza's neck, testing his newfound technique to overcome such resistance. The memory of that fateful encounter drove him forward, compelling him to master this technique. Whenever fatigue threatened to overtake him, the vivid recollection of Kyojuro's sacrifice would surge through his mind, renewing his resolve.
Shinobu, who had taken notice of Percy's relentless training, grew increasingly worried about his well-being. She observed him from a distance, seeing how he pushed himself beyond his limits, disregarding his own health in the process. But Percy couldn't afford to care about himself anymore. Not when the demon threat still loomed large, not when innocent lives were at stake with each day that Muzan Kibutsuji remained alive.
"Percy," Shinobu called gently, approaching him with concern in her eyes. "You've been pushing yourself too hard. Please, take a break. You need to rest and recover."
Percy paused, his chest heaving with exhaustion, but his eyes remained determined. "I can't stop, Kocho. Not when there are demons out there who are even stronger than Akaza. I need to be ready, and I need to make sure no one else will suffer like Kyojuro did. Like most of us did."
Shinobu understood his sentiment, but she couldn't bear to see him hurt himself in the process. "Percy, I know you want to protect everyone, but pushing yourself to this extent won't help anyone if you end up injuring yourself."
He met her gaze, the pain in his eyes mirroring hers. "I can't just relax and don't do anything, Kocho. I need to get stronger."
She sighed softly, realizing that she couldn't dissuade him from his path. "Very well, then. But promise me you'll take breaks and not overexert yourself."
Percy nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I promise."
As the days passed, Percy's training became more focused, and he started to gain better control over his Ocean Breathing technique. He would practice tirelessly, remembering the words of encouragement and guidance that Kyojuro had given him during their time together.
During the training sessions, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke would often join him, each with their own reasons for pushing themselves to the limits. They trained side by side, their hearts united in the determination to become stronger and protect their loved ones.
In one of these sessions, Tanjiro asked him how he had managed to control the water back at the train and against Akaza. Percy took his time to explain his origin, not having any reasons to hide his secret anymore.
One evening, as the sun began to set, Percy stood on the training ground, drenched in sweat but with a newfound confidence in his abilities. He looked to the horizon, where the crimson sky reminded him of the flame that Kyojuro had carried in his heart.
"Kyojuro, I won't let your sacrifice be in vain," Percy whispered to the wind. "I will become stronger, and I will protect everyone, just like you did."
The days turned into weeks, and Percy's training continued. The weight of loss never left his heart, but it was accompanied by a newfound determination that burned brightly within him. Each step he took, each strike he made, was a tribute to the fallen Flame Hashira.
With his Ocean Breathing mastered to a new level, Percy stood tall on the training ground, his determination shining in his eyes. It was time to test the technique he had been diligently honing—the Ocean Breathing Fifth Form, Tempest Rain. As he coated his sword in water, he raised it overhead, drawing in the moisture from the surrounding air.
With a forceful downward motion, he unleashed the full power of Tempest Rain. Droplets of water scattered from the blade, forming a swirling vortex of razor-sharp projectiles that sliced through the air like a storm of blades.
The training ground became a tempest of cutting power as Percy's onslaught of water droplets covered its area, creating a devastating mid to long-range attack. His mastery of the technique was evident.
As the last droplet of water left his blade, Percy lowered it, the torrent of deadly rain ceasing. A sense of accomplishment filled him, knowing that he had created a new form for his breathing style.
"Ocean Breathing... Fifth Form—Tempest Rain. Complete," Percy proclaimed, a sense of pride in his voice. He had come a long way since that fateful encounter with Akaza, and he knew that Kyojuro would be proud of his progress.
As Percy immersed himself in his training, the rhythmic sound of water droplets hitting the ground filled the air. Just as he was about to perform another strike, a familiar caw echoed through the training ground. Nyx, his loyal crow companion, gracefully landed on his right shoulder, his dark feathers ruffling slightly.
"Caw, caw! Percy, caw, urgent message!" Nyx spoke, his eyes sharp and alert. "Caw, demon activity reported in the town of Serenwood, caw. Your partner will be waiting for you there, caw."
Percy's brow furrowed in concern, his mind racing at the mention of demon activity. He had heard of Serenwood. It was a quaint town known for its lush forests and serene ambiance located a few kilometers away from the headquarters, making it an unexpected location for such malevolence.
"Thank you, Nyx," Percy replied. "I'll go to Serenwood right away. Please tell my partner that I'm on my way."
Nyx nodded, understanding the task he was given. "Caw, I'll deliver the message, caw. Be careful, Percy. Caw, demon threat may be significant, caw."
With a nod of reassurance, Percy bid farewell to his crow companion and swiftly made his way to prepare for the journey ahead. Serenwood awaited, and with it, the daunting prospect of facing demons once again.
The journey to Serenwood was a winding path through dense forests and verdant hills, with sunlight peeking through the canopy, creating dappled patterns on the forest floor. The town itself was nestled in a small clearing, surrounded by towering trees, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. Serenwood had an aura of tranquility and serenity, as if untouched by the horrors of the world.
As Percy approached the outskirts of the town, he noticed the warm and inviting wooden structures that made up the town's buildings. Serenwood had an old-fashioned charm, with timbered cottages adorned with colorful flower boxes and intricately carved wooden details. Smoke spiraled from chimneys, and the air was filled with the scent of fresh-baked bread and flowers.
The locals, dressed in simple and humble attire, went about their daily lives with smiles on their faces. Percy could feel their genuine warmth and hospitality as they greeted him with nods and friendly waves. Some townspeople tended to their gardens, while others chatted with their neighbors on wooden benches placed near the quaint fountain at the town square.
Children ran through the cobblestone streets, laughing and playing games, their joy infectious to all who witnessed it. The town seemed like a sanctuary, a place untouched by the horrors of demons, where life flowed harmoniously like the gentle breeze that passed by the town's edge.
Looking around, Percy's heart skipped a beat as he spotted an unmistakable mop of pink hair among the crowd. "No way," he whispered to himself, his eyes widening in disbelief. He couldn't believe his luck, but there she was—Mitsuri Kanroji, the Love Hashira, standing amidst the townsfolk, radiating her warm and caring aura.
With excitement and joy surging through his veins, Percy rushed forward, weaving through the crowd until he was standing before her. Her kind eyes met his, and a gentle smile curved her lips. Her eyes lit up with joy at the sight of him as she spoke.
"Oh, Percy! I got a message that I'd be receiving a partner to back me up on this mission," Mitsuri said, her voice slightly tinged with bashfulness. "But I didn't expect it to be you. I'm so glad you're the one here with me."
Percy couldn't help but feel a warm rush of happiness at her words. He smiled back at her, her own enthusiasm blending with his. "I'm glad too," he replied, his voice soft and genuine. "I wanted to see you again, and I'm happy I got to be your partner."
Percy and Mitsuri stood there, locked in a moment of shared understanding. Their eyes met, and for a few seconds, time seemed to stand still. Percy felt a strange warmth spreading through his chest, and he momentarily forgot why he was there, captivated by the depth of Mitsuri's green orbs.
But then, reality came rushing back, and Percy quickly averted his gaze with a light blush tinting his cheeks. "So, did you get anything about the mission?" he asked, trying to steer the conversation away from the sudden rush of emotions.
Mitsuri blinked, seemingly taking a moment to process his words before nodding with a shy smile. Her cheeks flushed a light of pink. "Yes, I have," she replied, her voice gentle and warm. "Our mission is to investigate a series of disappearances that have been happening here in Serenwood. There have been reports of people going missing, and the townsfolk are growing worried."
Percy listened intently, his focus shifting back to the task at hand. "Disappearing people in the forest..." he mused, his mind already working. "It does sound like the work of demons."
Mitsuri nodded in agreement. "It does," she said. "But it's strange. The disappearances are all happening near the same place, and demon activity is usually minimal around here. It's like they're deliberately targeting this particular spot."
"We'll have to be cautious," Percy said. "If there's something drawing people to this area, we need to be prepared."
Mitsuri nodded again, her expression turning serious. "I agree. Let's stick together and keep an eye out for any signs of danger."
With their plan set, Percy and Mitsuri set off into Serenwood, their footsteps falling in sync as they navigated the dense foliage. The forest was a maze of towering trees, sunlight filtering through the leaves in scattered patches. The air was filled with the earthy scent of damp soil and the distant sound of rustling leaves.
As they ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, they encountered a few locals who informed them of the current situation. The townsfolk spoke of their fears, sharing stories of loved ones who had vanished without a trace. Mitsuri listened to each account with compassion, offering kind words of comfort to those who were grieving.
Percy couldn't help but be impressed by Mitsuri's ability to connect with people. Her presence was like a calming breeze, soothing the worries of those around her. He admired her genuine care for others, seeing that it was one of the many reasons she was hailed as the Love Hashira.
As night descended upon Serenwood, Percy and Mitsuri decided to rest for a moment, taking shelter under the canopy of trees. They sat side by side, their shoulders brushing lightly, a comfortable silence settling between them.
In the dim light, Percy stole glances at Mitsuri, admiring her strength and grace. He felt a connection with her, something he couldn't quite put into words but knew was special. He was drawn to her, not just as a fellow demon slayer, but on a deeper level.
Percy's heart pounded in his chest as she turned to face him, her head tilted slightly in a curious gesture. Her bright, kind eyes searched his, and he found himself momentarily lost in their depths.
"Is something wrong?" she asked, her voice gentle and filled with genuine curiosity.
Percy's cheeks grew warm at being caught, and he hurriedly averted his gaze, focusing on the ground before him. "Oh, um... It's nothing," he stammered, trying to hide the blush that crept up his cheeks. "I was just... thinking about the mission, you know."
Mitsuri smiled warmly, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder in a comforting gesture. "It's alright," she said softly. "We've had quite the travelling day. It's natural to be lost in thought."
Percy felt a rush of warmth at her touch, a feeling of reassurance and comfort that he couldn't quite explain. He appreciated her understanding and the way she seemed to sense his emotions even when he couldn't put them into words. All too soon, tough, she removed her hand from his shoulder.
As Percy and Mitsuri prepared to resume their mission, Percy offered his hand to help her stand. Mitsuri smiled gratefully and took his hand, the contact sending a jolt of electricity through him. They stood up together, their shoulders still brushing lightly, and shared a brief, wordless moment.
As they began to walk further into the heart of Serenwood, a continuous sound reached their ears. It was a haunting melody, one that seemed to resonate through the very trees around them. The sound was both enchanting and eerie, filling the night air with an otherworldly atmosphere.
Percy furrowed his brow, trying to identify the source of the sound. "Do you hear that?" he asked Mitsuri, glancing at her.
Mitsuri nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Yes, it sounds like a flute," she replied, her voice hushed. "But there's something strange about it... It's as if it's calling out to us."
Percy couldn't shake the feeling of familiarity that washed over him. The melody reminded him of something, though he couldn't quite place it. He felt a strange tug in his chest, as if the music held some deeper significance. It urged him to follow the sound.
"Let's follow it," Mitsuri suggested, her eyes filled with determination. "It might have something to do with the demon activity."
With a shared nod, they continued on their path, guided by the haunting melody. The flute's notes seemed to grow louder and more intense as they ventured deeper into the forest, leading them to a secluded clearing.
As Percy and Mitsuri cautiously approached the clearing, their senses heightened by the enchanting melody, they couldn't help but take in the beauty of their surroundings. The moonlight filtered through the dense canopy of ancient trees, casting a silvery sheen upon the clearing's lush greenery. Tall ferns and delicate wildflowers lined the edges of the clearing, their colors vibrant and inviting against the backdrop of the dark forest.
In the heart of the clearing, a small pond glistened under the moon's gentle caress. The water's surface was like a mirror, reflecting the heavens above and the mysterious figure at its shore. Lily pads floated serenely on the pond's surface, their emerald leaves adorned with delicate white blossoms that seemed to glow in the moonlight.
Percy and Mitsuri were not alone, however. In the center of the clearing stood a lone figure, playing the flute with skillful precision. The moonlight bathed the figure in an ethereal glow, revealing a demon with elegant features and an enigmatic aura. Long, obsidian hair cascaded like a waterfall down his back, shimmering with iridescent streaks of deep indigo and midnight blue. It swayed in perfect harmony with the music, an extension of the enchanting performance.
Percy and Mitsuri exchanged a glance, both of them alert and ready for any sudden movement. The demon turned its gaze towards them, and a sly smile tugged at the corners of its lips.
"I've been expecting you, demon slayers," the demon said, its voice like honey, smooth and alluring. "My melody has lured many to their doom, and now you too shall dance to its tune."
The flute's melody intensified, filling the air with a sense of foreboding. Percy felt a shiver run down his spine, but he tightened his grip on his sword, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.
Mitsuri stepped forward, her eyes narrowing as she addressed the demon. "We're not here to dance," she said firmly. "We're here to stop you and protect the innocent."
The demon's smile widened, and it raised the flute to its lips once more, the haunting melody reaching a crescendo. Percy and Mitsuri steeled themselves, their hearts beating as one, as they prepared to face the powerful demon before them.
As the haunting melody filled the air, the forest around Percy and Mitsuri seemed to come alive with malevolent energy. Animated trees with gnarled branches and glowing eyes emerged from the shadows, their limbs poised to strike. The ground beneath them churned, and roots snaked towards the demon slayers, attempting to entangle them.
Mitsuri wielded her unique pink sword with grace and finesse, her fighting style as mesmerizing as the music that surrounded them. As she moved, Percy marveled at the flexibility of her blade, which seemed to flow like a huge, sharp ribbon. Mitsuri's swordsmanship was like a dance, filled with spins, pirouettes, and fluid maneuvers that allowed her to swiftly evade the attacks of the animated trees.
With each precise strike, Mitsuri's pink blade cut through the animated trees like a hot knife through butter. Her swordsmanship was a beautiful and deadly display of skill, and Percy couldn't help but be captivated by her fighting prowess.
As they continued to battle, the forest itself seemed to conspire against them. Leaves turned into razor-sharp projectiles, flying towards Percy and Mitsuri like a storm of blades. Percy deftly dodged and weaved through the onslaught, but he couldn't escape unscathed. A few leaves grazed him, leaving shallow cuts that stung with pain.
Mitsuri danced around the attacks with astonishing flexibility, her movements almost hypnotic. She twirled and leaped, her pink sword leaving streaks of deadly light in its wake. With each swing, she carved her way through the animated trees, her sword leaving a trail of glowing pink arcs.
"Percy, we need to find a way to get to the demon!" Mitsuri called out, her voice determined. "I'll distract the trees while you go for him!"
Percy nodded, agreeing to her plan. "Alright, be careful! Don't take unnecessary risks," he warned.
Mitsuri flashed him a reassuring smile, her eyes filled with confidence. "You too! I know you can do this!" she replied before gracefully springing into action, twirling and spinning to fend off the animated trees.
As Percy charged towards the demon, determination burned within him. He called out, "Ocean Breathing... First Form—Wave Crash Slash!" His blade sliced through the roots and branches, creating a path forward.
The demon, still playing his flute with a maniacal grin, turned his attention to Percy. "You think you can stop me, little demon slayer?" he taunted.
Percy's grip on his sword tightened. "I don't just think—I know!" he retorted. "Your time is up!"
Mitsuri continued to dance and spin, her pink sword flowing like a ribbon as she expertly maneuvered through the forest beings' attacks. She called out to Percy, "Now! Go for it!"
Percy's eyes never left his target as he closed in on the demon, coating his blade in water. "Ocean Breathing... Third Form—Current Spiral!" he called out, spinning on his heels and using the momentum to empower his strike.
His attack was countered with a barrier of twisted branches as the demon shielded himself from Percy's attack. "You won't defeat me that easily!" he growled.
Mitsuri noticed the demon's defense and swiftly changed tactics. With a graceful leap, she soared above the barrier, her pink sword trailing behind her like a ribbon. "Watch out, Percy!" she warned.
Mitsuri descended upon the demon, her sword arcing down with incredible speed and precision. "Love Breathing... First Form—Shivers of First Love!" she declared, her multiple strikes hitting the demon's barrier with force.
The demon's barrier shattered under Mitsuri's powerful attack, and Percy immediately took advantage of the opening. "Ocean Breathing... First Form—Wave Crash Slash!" he shouted, his gaze fixed on the demon's neck, his sword moving in a straight line towards it.
The demon saw his attack coming, however. In an incredible display of quick thinking, he raised his flute and pressed it against Percy's sword, stopping it in its tracks. But Percy was quicker, switching his stance to the Ocean Breathing Second Form—Tidal Surge and delivering multiple slashes to the Oni's flute, cutting it in various small pieces.
The demon let out a pained scream as his flute was severed, and his control over the forest beings faltered. The animated trees crumbled into lifeless husks, and the leaves fell harmlessly to the ground.
The Oni's enraged voice echoed through the forest as his flute was severed. "You bastard! When I kill you, I'll prove my worth to Master Muzan and I'll finally become an Upper Moon!" he spat, his eyes filled with malice. "I just have to bring him your rotten head, and I'll be covered in glories! Blood Demon Art… Rage of the Forest!"
In an instant, the fallen husks and leaves surged towards the demon with alarming speed. It was as if he was drawing the entire forest's wrath upon himself. Percy and Mitsuri quickly realized the danger and instinctively leaped backward, putting some distance between them and the onslaught.
The debris swirled around the demon, forming a chaotic maelstrom of sharp branches and razor-like leaves. It was a formidable defense, one that could easily cut down any approaching foe.
"We need a plan," Percy said, his mind racing. "We can't let him continue absorbing everything around him."
Mitsuri nodded, her expression focused. "I'll create an opening for you, Percy," she said, her pink sword gleaming in the dim light. "Keep an eye out for any weaknesses in his defenses."
With that, Mitsuri launched into action, her curved sword dancing gracefully through the air. She moved with an almost ethereal grace, spinning and twirling as she attacked. Her Love Breathing infused her strikes with fiery power, destroying the surrounding debris.
As the vortex of leaves and debris swirled around the demon, Percy seized the opportunity to make his move. With Mitsuri's graceful and fiery assault keeping the demon occupied, he muttered under his breath, "Ocean Breathing... Fifth Form—Tempest Rain."
With a swift and sweeping motion, Percy swung his water-coated sword downward, unleashing a torrential rainstorm of razor-sharp water droplets towards the demon. The droplets cut through the air like deadly projectiles, converging on their target.
Amidst the chaos of the tempestuous rain and Mitsuri's fiery display, Percy strained to see the result of his attack. The vortex of leaves obscured his vision, making it difficult to discern the outcome.
"Did I do it?" Percy wondered anxiously, hoping that his attack had found its mark.
As the dust and debris settled, the silhouette of the demon became visible once more. His body was riddled with cuts and gashes from the onslaught of water droplets, and his once-mighty form now faltered. However, he was slowly healing.
Percy's determination surged as he seized the opportune moment to strike the healing demon. With Mitsuri drawing its attention, he lunged forward, his blade poised to deliver the final blow. But just as victory seemed within reach, his body froze in midair, restrained by a powerful root emanating from the Oni's form.
Surprise gripped Percy's heart as he looked back, only to find himself impaled by a sharp branch, driving into his back. Amidst the pain that coursed through him, he could hear Mitsuri's panicked voice, calling his name.
As he was thrown backward, his body didn't meet the harsh ground but landed on something soft. Blinking through the pain, Percy gazed up to see Mitsuri's worried and teary eyes, her arms cradling his injured form with tenderness and concern.
"Mitsuri..." he managed to say, his voice strained and weak.
"Stay still," she said, her voice trembling. "Don't move, Percy. You're injured."
Percy could feel the warmth of her hands on his skin, her gentle touch offering some comfort amidst the pain. He tried to sit up, but the pain intensified, forcing him back down.
"No, you need to rest," Mitsuri insisted, her voice firm but filled with emotion. "I'll take care of the demon. Just hold on, Percy."
Percy nodded, his vision slightly blurred from the pain. He watched as Mitsuri turned back to face the demon, her pink sword gleaming in the moonlight. Despite his injuries, Percy couldn't help but admire her determination and strength.
As the two of them laid on the ground, the Oni seized its opportunity to grow bigger. It now towered over 3 meters in height, making it a giant intimidating sight. His body was made out of trunks, leaves and bushes, a true monstrosity made out of natural elements. He didn't want to let Mitsuri face it alone, but he knew that needed to take the time to heal his wound. He also trusted her to take care of herself.
Percy's gaze fixated on the once pristine pond nearby, now marred by the swirling muck churned up by the demon's violent rampage. He knew that if he could reach the water, it could become a vital asset in turning the tide of their battle. A silent but urgent communication passed between him and Mitsuri as he gently squeezed her arm and nodded towards the water source.
Mitsuri understood Percy's unspoken plan. She crouched slightly, allowing Percy to climb onto her back with surprising ease. There was no strain in her movements as she carried him towards the edge of the pond, her steps hurried but careful not to shake him too much.
As they reached the water's edge, Percy released his grip and allowed himself to fall into the pond's murky depths. The moment his body submerged into the water, a rush of healing energy enveloped him. The tainted waters seemed to recognize him as an ally, and their gentle embrace began to cleanse and rejuvenate his battered form.
Percy's wounds closed, and his strength returned with each passing moment. His vision cleared, and he felt an exhilarating surge of power coursing through his veins. He allowed himself to sink towards the pond's bottom, lazily waiting for the water to make its effect on him.
Meanwhile, Mitsuri launched into action once more, her graceful movements like a mesmerizing dance. She moved with purpose, her pink sword cutting through the air with precision and power. Her Love Breathing was like a beacon of hope, driving her forward even in the face of danger.
The Oni was relentless, swinging its massive limbs and unleashing torrents of leaves towards Mitsuri. Yet, she danced around the attacks effortlessly, a calm determination evident in her every move.
Amidst the dense forest, the relentless Oni thrashed its massive limbs, summoning a storm of leaves and debris towards Mitsuri. Yet, the Love Hashira moved with an almost ethereal grace, her pink sword cutting through the air as she danced effortlessly around the onslaught.
At the pond's depths, Percy's eyes snapped open, and he pushed off from the pond floor with incredible force. Like a missile, he rocketed towards the surface, trailing a swirling vortex of water in his wake. As he emerged from the pond's depths, he was surrounded by a mesmerizing whirlpool of water, the liquid spiraling around him in a powerful and controlled dance.
Then, in a moment of breathtaking drama, Percy made his grand entrance into the battle. The swirling water tornado that had surrounded him carried him through the air, propelling him towards Mitsuri's side like a guardian angel descending from the heavens. His form seemed to defy gravity as he soared, the water's power lifting him higher and higher until he descended gracefully beside her.
With renewed strength, Percy joined Mitsuri in the fierce dance of combat. Their swords flashed as one, each strike a testament to their unity. The Oni, caught off guard by Percy's sudden and dynamic entrance, struggled to keep pace with their combined assault.
The Oni roared in fury, lashing out at both of them with its deadly appendages. But Percy's agile movements allowed him to dodge and parry its attacks. He saw an opening and took advantage of it, slashing at the Oni's arm with his water-enhanced sword. The blade cut deep, and water droplets mingled with the demon's blood as it howled in pain.
Mitsuri continued to dance around the Oni, her attacks infused with the power of Love Breathing. Her pink sword moved like a flexible ribbon, leaving trails of deadly light in its wake. With each precise strike, she carved through the Oni's defenses, leaving it wounded and vulnerable.
Percy felt a connection with Mitsuri as they fought side by side, their movements complementing each other effortlessly. As the battle raged on, they fought as a cohesive unit, their combined efforts pushing the Oni into a corner.
In a moment of sheer brilliance, Mitsuri twirled her flexible sword with fluid grace, its pink blade snaking through the air like a living ribbon. With precision born from countless hours of training, she wrapped the sword around the Oni's limbs, rendering the demon motionless, like a fly ensnared in a spider's web. The Oni roared in futile frustration as Mitsuri's weapon coiled around it, constricting its movements with each precise maneuver.
Percy, seizing the opportunity created by Mitsuri's masterful control, launched himself into action. With a leap that defied gravity, he closed the distance between himself and the immobilized Oni in an instant. His sword gleamed with deadly intent as he swung it in a perfect arc, the blade cleaving through the air with surgical precision.
As Mitsuri continued to tighten her grip, Percy's blade found its mark. With a powerful and decisive strike, he severed the demon's head from its body. Time seemed to freeze for a heartbeat as the Oni's lifeless form crumpled to the ground, defeated at last.
The demon's last howl echoed through the now-calm Serenwood as it dissolved into ash. Percy's body trembled with both exhaustion and pain, but he managed to remain on his feet with Mitsuri's support, leaning into her shoulder. The battle had taken a toll on him, but they had emerged victorious.
"You were incredible," Percy said, his voice filled with admiration. "I've never seen anyone fight like that."
Mitsuri smiled warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. She sheepishly put a hand on the back of her head, clearly embarrassed by his compliment. "Aww, you really think so? Thank you, Percy. But you were so were amazing too! It was so beautiful and cool to watch the water move around you! I'm grateful you were my partner."
Percy's heart skipped a beat at her words, and he felt a rush of happiness. He laughed, but regretted doing so, as it made him cradle his lower back in pain. It seems that this wound was far too deep to be healed solely by the water.
Mitsuri's expression changed, her eyes filled with concern. "Percy, you're badly injured. We need to get you back to headquarters for proper medical treatment," she said, her voice soft and worried.
Percy shook his head, attempting to hide the pain in his voice. "I'll be okay. It's not as bad as it looks," he said, giving her a weak smile.
But Mitsuri wasn't convinced. "You're being too stubborn. We can't take any chances with your injuries," she insisted, gently supporting him as they started to make their way out of the forest.
Percy wanted to protest, to reassure her that he would be fine, but he knew she was right. He needed medical attention, and he didn't feel like staying in the woods any longer.
As they walked back, Percy found himself looking at Mitsuri. Even in the dim light, she looked radiant, her pink hair and warm smile shining like a beacon.
"I meant what I said. Your fighting style is incredible, unlike anything I've ever seen," Percy said, trying to take his mind off the pain. "Your Love Breathing is like a beautiful dance."
Mitsuri blushed, looking slightly flustered. "Do you really think so? Oh, Percy, you're too kind," she said, her voice soft.
Walking side by side with her, Percy couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them. He found himself drawn to Mitsuri's presence, her kindness, and her strength. The way she had fought with such grace and determination had left a deep impression on him.
As they exchanged light-hearted banter and laughed together, Percy's heart fluttered inexplicably. He had always admired Mitsuri's character and skills as a Hashira and enjoyed her company, but now there was something more. He felt a warmth in his chest whenever she smiled, and he couldn't help but steal glances at her whenever he thought she wasn't looking. It was an emotion he hadn't felt in months, one that only Annabeth made him feel before, and he wasn't sure what to do now that it returned.
Lost in his thoughts, Percy didn't realize that he had fallen silent until Mitsuri's voice brought him back to the present. "Is something on your mind, Percy?" she asked, her gaze gentle and caring.
He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should tell her what he was really thinking. He settled for "Nothing. Just tired, I guess."
Continuing their walk, Percy's couldn't stop himself from thinking that he might be developing a feeling more profound than friendship for her.