Four months had passed since the devastating loss of Kyojuro Rengoku, and Percy found himself in a completely different place emotionally. His heart, once burdened with grief and longing for Annabeth, had found solace and healing in the company of Mitsuri. Their relationship had blossomed into something magical and wonderful.
After Christmas, they had gone on more dates, each one leaving them with cherished memories. Hand-holding and sweet kisses on the cheek had become more frequent, a natural expression of their growing affection for each other. Percy felt that Mitsuri had mended his wounded heart, and he could feel himself moving on from the pain of the past.
As their connection deepened, Percy found himself mustering the courage to take their relationship to the next level. He wanted to ask her to officially be his girlfriend, but he didn't want to rush and risk messing it up. He knew he wanted it to be special and meaningful when the time was right.
In the midst of their romantic endeavors, Percy had also continued his demon slaying duties. He had faced numerous missions, each one pushing his skills and abilities to the limit. With the guidance of Giyuu, he had finally completed all the forms of Ocean Breathing: the Sixth Form, Charybdis' Maw, a swift and ferocious attack mimicking the movement of a striking sea creature; the Seventh Form, Whirlwind Current, which generated a powerful whirlwind to enhance his slashes; and the Eighth Form, Abyssal Torrent, an unstoppable series of diagonal slashes overwhelming opponents like a torrential force.
Through intense training and countless battles, Percy's strength had grown, and he found himself more capable of protecting those he cared about. His determination to become stronger was fueled not only by his duty as a demon slayer but also by his desire to be someone worthy of Mitsuri's affection.
Over the course of the four months, Percy witnessed the remarkable growth and progress of his friends, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke. Tanjiro, in particular, was mastering the Dance of the Fire God more effectively. With Percy's assistance in sword training, Tanjiro was able to use a few forms of the technique before becoming exhausted. The bond between the two friends grew stronger as they supported and encouraged each other on their demon slayer journey.
During this time, Percy also had the opportunity to interact with some of the other Hashiras. Despite Sanemi's initial aloofness and arrogance during the meeting, the two found common ground and mutual respect in their strength and moral principles. They began training together frequently, sparring and exchanging combat techniques.
Another Hashira Percy met was Iguro Obanai, the one with a snake. However, unlike his camaraderie with Sanemi, Percy sensed a coldness and distance from Iguro. No matter how much Percy tried to initiate conversations, the Snake Hashira remained indifferent and dismissive, leaving Percy puzzled about the reasons behind this behavior.
Percy also had brief interactions with Gyomei, the Stone Hashira. Proud of his progress as a demon slayer, Gyomei was known to be the strongest of the Hashiras. As Percy learned more about his fellow demon slayers, a desire stirred within him to prove himself and eventually reach the same level of strength and recognition. He wanted to take Gyomei's title of "the strongest Hashira".
Despite their busy schedules, Percy treasured the moments he shared with his friends and fellow Hashiras. The life of a demon slayer was demanding, and they were always assigned various missions. Still, they found comfort in the camaraderie they had formed within the corps.
The midday sun cast a warm glow over the quiet interior of Butterfly Manor as Percy prepared his lunch. He moved with a sense of calm and purpose, chopping vegetables with precise efficiency. The aroma of the simmering stew filled the air, a comforting scent that brought a small smile to Percy's face. After the intense morning training session, he welcomed this moment of relaxation in the comfort of Shinobu's house.
As he stirred the pot, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. The past few months had been eventful, filled with both trials and cherished moments. Percy had grown stronger in his abilities as a demon slayer, and he had found camaraderie and support in his friends.
But as he stood there, savoring the tranquility, a sharp scream pierced the air, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. Percy's heart skipped a beat, and his body tensed in response to the sudden disturbance. He recognized the voice—it was Aoi.
Without a moment of hesitation, he abandoned his lunch preparations—not forgetting to extinguish the fire, though—and rushed to the window, his instincts kicking in. With a swift and nimble jump, he opened and jumped trough it, landing on the front yard and rolling gracefully to absorb the impact. His senses were heightened, and his eyes darted around, searching for the source of the distress.
And there, he saw her—Aoi—being lifted up by Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira, who also seemed to be reaching for Naho. Percy's jaw clenched in anger and concern as he took in the scene before him. He couldn't fathom why the esteemed Hashira would be acting this way, but he knew he had to intervene to protect his friend.
"What the hell are you doing? Drop her right now!" Percy shouts at the Sound Hashira, his voice firm and unwavering.
Tengen Uzui smirks, his signature shades hiding his eyes. "Well, well, well. If it isn't the demigod himself. I wasn't expecting you to interfere," he retorts, seemingly unfazed by Percy's presence. "I need these girls for a mission. So don't try to stop me."
Percy's heart raced with adrenaline as he stood his ground, refusing to back down. His eyes locked with Tengen's, a fierce determination burning in his gaze.
"I don't care what kind of mission you have. This is kidnapping. They're not going anywhere with you," Percy declared, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Tengen's lips curled into a smirk as he glanced at Kanao and the other girls, seemingly amused by the situation. "You think you can stop me, little demigod?" he taunted. "I'm the flashy Sound Hashira. I do what I want."
Percy's clenched his hand closed in a tight fist, his knuckles turning white. "I don't care who you are," he retorted, a fire igniting in his eyes. "No one forces my friends to do something against their will."
With a sudden burst of courage, Naho found her voice. "I-I'm not even a member of the demon slayer corps," she stammered. "I can't go on a mission."
Tengen's expression faltered for a moment, surprise flickering in his eyes. Percy seized the opportunity, hoping to sway the situation in their favor. "You see? She's not even a member. Let her go," he urged, his voice resonating with determination.
"Whatever. But this one is. So she's coming with me," Tengen replied nonchalantly, his indifference infuriating Percy.
As Tengen turned his back to them and started walking away, Aoi's desperate cries echoed trough the air, who was trying to resist being taken away. Her fists pounded against Tengen's back, but it seemed futile against his formidable strength.
Reacting quickly, Percy rushed forward, his instincts guiding his actions. Much to his surprise, Kanao joined him, grabbing Tengen's shirt from behind to stop his motions. With impressive agility, Percy leaped over Tengen's head, grabbing Aoi from his arms in a fluid motion. He executed a front flip, landing gracefully on his feet, cradling Aoi safely in his arms.
"Are you okay?" Percy asked, his voice laced with concern as he helped her to her feet.
Aoi nodded, her eyes wide with fear and relief. "Th-thank you, Percy," she whispered, her voice trembling.
"What's going on here?" a new voice inquired. They all turned to see its owner, and Percy was relieved to see it was Tanjiro, wearing a confused expression on his face.
"Tanjiro! We..." Percy began to explain, but he found it difficult to put into words what had just transpired. "Uzui was trying to take Aoi and the others against their will for a mission," he finally managed to say.
Aoi stepped forward, her voice firm as she added, "Yeah, and Percy stopped him just in time."
Tanjiro's brow furrowed in concern, and he glanced at Kanao, who nodded in confirmation.
Suddenly, a rush of wind passed him by. Percy's heart pounded in his chest as he watched Aoi vanish from his sight. He quickly turned around and saw Tengen carrying her over his shoulders on top of the roof, his expression nonchalant. The Sound Hashira's taunting words rang in Percy's ears.
"You fools. I am the former shinobi Lord Tengen Uzui. The man who is known as the most flamboyant around these parts. Did you think I would be outmaneuvered by someone like you?" Tengen's arrogance was evident in his voice.
Determined to protect his friend, Percy rushed forward, hoping to stop Tengen's escape. "Enough! Put Aoi down!" he shouted, his voice firm and unwavering.
As the tense standoff continued, Percy's friends joined him, their voices rising in protest against Tengen's actions. Tanjiro's cry echoed through the air, "Give Aoi back!" while Sumi and Kiyo joined in, calling Tengen a pervert.
Tengen's patience wore thin, and he lashed out at the group, his anger shining through. "You damn brats! Who do you think you are mouthing off to here? I have superiority! I am a Hashira, you jackasses!" he yelled, trying to assert his authority.
But Percy was not one to back down easily. Anger burned in his eyes as he retorted, "See if I care! We don't recognize you as a Hashira!"
Tengen's response was filled with disdain. "What do you mean you don't recognize me? You lowly brat! Is your brain completely dead? I need a girl member on the mission, so I'm bringing her along! I don't need Kocho's permission if she isn't her apprentice! She may not be useful, but she's still a member of the demon slayers regardless!" he shouted back.
The tension in the air was palpable, and Percy knew that he couldn't let Tengen take Aoi against her will. He took a step forward, his anger evident. "Even if she's not Shinobu's apprentice, you can't force her to do something she doesn't want to," he said, his voice steady.
Aoi, who had been silent throughout the confrontation, finally found her voice. "He's right," she said, her tone firm. "I don't want to go on a mission. I never agreed to it."
Tengen's face contorted with frustration, but he seemed to hesitate for a moment. Percy saw an opportunity to reason with him, to appeal to the better part of his nature.
"You were once a shinobi, right? You must understand the importance of freedom and choice," Percy said, trying to appeal to Tengen's past as a former shinobi. "Forcing Aoi to go against her will goes against everything you once stood for."
Tengen's expression flickered with conflicted emotions, but he quickly masked it with a smirk. "You think you can lecture me about morals, brat?" he scoffed, but there was a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Percy didn't back down, his determination unwavering. "I'm not trying to lecture you. I'm just asking you to do the right thing. Let Aoi go and respect her decision."
As Tengen contemplated his words, Tanjiro stepped forward, determination in his eyes. "We'll go with you!" he declared, his voice steady and unwavering.
At that moment, Inosuke and Zenitsu appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, leaping over the walls with impressive agility. Percy couldn't help but be impressed with their timing, joining the group just in time to confront the Sound Hashira.
Zenitsu, though trembling with fear, summoned his courage and spoke up, "L-l-l-et go of Aoi!" he stammered, his voice shaking but resolute.
Tengen let out a disgruntled humph, appearing to be deep in thought. Finally, he relented, "Fine. I guess I'll have you guys come with me then. But don't you dare defy me, punks."
With that, he released his hold on Aoi, allowing her to fall to the ground. However, before she could hit the hard surface, Inosuke swiftly caught her, preventing any harm from befalling her.
Percy watched the scene unfold with a mix of relief and apprehension. While they had succeeded in stopping Tengen from taking Aoi against her will, now they were headed on a mission with the unpredictable Sound Hashira.
As the group set off together, Percy knew that this mission would be unlike any they had faced before. With Tengen's flamboyant and unpredictable personality, it was bound to be an eventful journey.
"Where are we going, old geezer?" Inosuke's blunt question earned him a glare from Tengen, who didn't seem too pleased with the nickname. However, the Sound Hashira decided to answer, "We're going to the most flamboyant place in all of Japan, filled with lust and greed. The Red Light District, where the demons live."
The mention of the Red Light District caught Percy off guard. He had heard about this place before, a district known for its vibrant nightlife and pleasure-seeking activities. It was infamous for being a hub of indulgence.
Tengen turned to face all of them, his confidence evident in every gesture. "If I'll be leading this mission, you need to understand a few things first. I am god, got it? And you are trash," he proclaimed, his voice oozing with conceit. "First off, get that right into your skulls. If I tell you to become a dog, become a dog. If I ask you to become a monkey, become a monkey. You will always humor me while stooping down and imploring me for favors. And do your best to flatter me! I'll say this one more time. I'm a god!"
As Tengen revelled in his grandiose declaration, Percy felt his eye twitch in irritation. The Sound Hashira's arrogance was unlike anything he had encountered before, and it took all of Percy's patience to keep himself in check.
Despite the absurdity of Tengen's claims, Tanjiro raised his hand innocently, asking him what does he rule over, prompting Percy to facepalm in disbelief. He knew Tanjiro's intentions were genuine, but he couldn't help but dread the response.
Tengen nodded in approval at Tanjiro's question, seemingly pleased by his curiosity. "Nice question. I have high hopes for you. I'm the god who rules over flamboyance... the god of festivities!" he proclaimed proudly, puffing out his chest.
Percy couldn't help but facepalm in disbelief at Tengen's self-proclaimed title. "He's stupid. Nothing more," he thought to himself, trying to keep a straight face.
Inosuke, never one to hold back his thoughts, stepped forward with a challenging look in his eyes. "I am the king of the mountains! Nice to meet you, god of festivities!" he declared with his usual bravado, though his voice still held a hint of uncertainty.
Tengen's expression turned to one of puzzlement as he looked at Inosuke. "What are you talking about? You are just disgusting," he retorted, dismissing Inosuke's claim.
Percy cringed inwardly at the hypocrisy of Tengen's words. While the Hashira declared himself a god, he didn't seem to have much respect for others' unique traits or titles. However, Percy knew it wasn't the time to argue with the arrogant Hashira.
Suddenly getting serious, Tengen passed his gaze trough each of them, before saying, "Before going to the Red Light District, we'll stop by Wisteria House on the way. We'll prepare there. Try to keep up, if you can." And with that, he vanishes in a puff of smoke, leaving Percy and his friends to catch up. Percy's trained eyes diligently follow Tengen as the Hashira disappears, leaving them to chase after him. Without hesitation, Percy breaks into a sprint, urging his friends to keep up with Tengen's brisk pace.
The chase continued for several hours until they finally arrived at the Wisteria House, a place known for its demon slayer training and preparation.
Tengen appeared completely unfazed by the long run, as if he hadn't just covered a significant distance at lightning speed. Percy, although in excellent physical condition, couldn't help but feel a bit winded from the intense chase. However, he masked his fatigue and tried to regain his breath, not wanting to show any weakness in front of the Hashira.
His three friends, on the other hand, were clearly struggling to catch their breath. Tanjiro leaned on his knees, panting heavily, while Inosuke took deep breaths through his boar mask, his chest heaving with effort. Zenitsu had a hand on his chest, trying to steady his rapid heartbeat.
As Percy's breathing steadied, he looked around at the Wisteria House, a place filled with tradition and history. Nostalgia invaded him as he remembered the first time he went there with Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke. The training grounds were impressive, surrounded by tall wisteria trees with their beautiful, lilac-colored blooms. The scent of wisteria filled the air, calming Percy's senses as he took in the serenity of the place.
"Once we infiltrate the Red Light District, we first have to look for my wife. I'll be looking around for information on the Oni as well."
They all looked attentively at the Sound Hashira as he explained the situation. The seriousness of the mission was evident, and they knew that they needed to be prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
However, their serious atmosphere was quickly interrupted by Zenitsu's outburst. The blonde demon slayer couldn't help but voice his concerns and frustrations, "We won't play around with a demon so you can find a woman for yourself! Don't use your subordinates to look for personal brides!"
Tengen, annoyed at the outburst, countered immediately, shoving a stack of letters in front of Zenitsu's face as he yelled back, "Don't misunderstand, you brat! My wife infiltrated the Red Light District to collect information on the Oni! Our regular contact was cut off, so now I'm going too! Here are the letters she sent me!" His voice was loud and assertive, making it clear that he had a serious purpose for being here.
Percy's curiosity was piqued as he glanced at the pile of letters. There were dozens of them, which indicated that Tengen's wife had been away for quite some time. He couldn't help but remark, "Wow, there are a lot of letters there. How long has she been there?"
Tengen, in his usual flamboyant manner, responded nonchalantly, "I have three wives."
Zenitsu's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in shock as he yelled, "Three! Wives… Th… Three! You… You bastard! Why do you have three wives? Cut the crap!"
Tengen's patience seemed to wear thin at Zenitsu's outburst, and without hesitation, he swung his fist, landing a powerful punch on Zenitsu's face. The blonde boy collapsed, knocked out by the force of the blow. As Tengen asked, "Any more complaints?" Percy winced at Zenitsu's state on the floor, silently hoping he'd wake up soon and that this mission wouldn't be further derailed by their internal disagreements.
The Sound Hashira's actions were certainly unorthodox, and while Percy had his own questions about Tengen's three wives, he decided it was best to keep them to himself for now. He knew that pushing the flamboyant Hashira further might not end well, and they had a mission to focus on.
Suppressing his curiosity, Percy stepped forward and said firmly, "No complaints from me. Let's just focus on the mission and find your wives and gather information on the Oni. How are we going to keep our arrival hidden from the Oni?"
Tengen sighed in response to Percy's question and explained, "Well, we're going to disguise ourselves. As much as I hate the idea, be plain. You guys just have to do a certain something, then infiltrate. When I infiltrated as a costumer, I couldn't find any trace of demons. So for that reason, we went a little deeper than costumers. We've narrowed the number of suspicious houses down to three. So you guys will look for my wife there and gather intel. Suma in the Tokito House, Makio in the Ogimoto House, and Hinatsuru in the Kyougoku House."
Inosuke, being his usual brash self, couldn't help but ask, "Aren't your wives already dead?" before absentmindedly scratching his boar mask's ears. Before anyone could react, Tengen swiftly knocked him out just like he did with Zenitsu, leaving Inosuke sprawled on the ground.
Percy, now witnessing two of his friends unconscious, felt a mix of frustration and worry, but he knew he had to stay focused on the mission. "Alright then," Percy said, trying to keep his cool. "Let's get to work and find your wife and the information on the Oni."
Tengen nodded, a more serious expression crossing his face. "Good. Now, we'll disguise ourselves and make our way into the Red Light District. Remember, we have to be careful and stay hidden from the Oni."
With that, they all began to prepare, donning simple disguises to blend in with the crowds. Percy couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation mixed with trepidation as they stepped into the bustling streets of the Red Light District, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
In the midst of the Red Light District, Percy couldn't help but feel a mix of embarrassment and awkwardness. He, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke were now dressed up as women, wearing elaborate kimonos adorned with vibrant colors and patterns. Percy's attire was a mixture of red and blue, and the intricate floral designs on the fabric seemed to scream for attention.
However, what truly made him cringe was the excessive amount of makeup he had on. His face was powdered to perfection, accentuating his features with thick eyeliner and exaggerated blush. His lips were coated in a bright red hue, and his eyebrows were artfully drawn into delicate arches. Percy had never worn any makeup in his life, and he felt like he had been transformed into a completely different person.
"Okay, that's NOT what I had in mind when you said disguise," Percy muttered, glancing at his reflection in a nearby mirror. He couldn't believe how different he looked. The transformation was so drastic that even he struggled to recognize himself.
Tanjiro, who was standing beside him wearing just as much makeup, couldn't help but snicker at Percy's appearance. "You look... different," he said with a grin, trying to hold back his laughter.
"Yeah, thanks," Percy replied, rolling his eyes. "I feel like I'm in some sort of theatrical performance."
Zenitsu and Inosuke, who were equally dressed up, couldn't contain their amusement either. Zenitsu giggled nervously while Inosuke let out a boisterous laugh, his deep voice causing some heads to turn in their direction.
"I don't know how you guys can take this seriously," Percy grumbled, adjusting his kimono in an attempt to feel more comfortable. "Let's just find Tengen's wives, kill the demon and get out of here."
As they moved through the crowded streets, Percy couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. The attention they received from passersby only added to his discomfort. Despite the ridiculousness of their disguises, he had to admit that they were effectively blending in with the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the Red Light District. But he couldn't wait for the mission to be over and for the chance to change back into his normal clothes.
They walked through the narrow streets of the Red Light District, attracting curious glances from passersby. Percy felt increasingly self-conscious as they reached the Tokito House, the sign above the door clearly indicating their destination. He tried to walk gracefully, but the unfamiliar weight of the elaborate kimono and the awkwardness of the geta sandals made each step feel like a challenge.
Tengen confidently led the way, knocking on the door with a flourish. The door opened, revealing an elderly lady and man, the proprietors of the Tokito House. Percy could see them exchanging curious glances as they took in the unusual sight before them.
With an air of confidence, Tengen spoke up. "Good day to you both! I've brought these lovely girls for your esteemed house," he said, gesturing towards Percy, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke.
The elderly lady peered closely at them, her eyes scrutinizing their disguises. "Hmm, those are some ugly girls," she remarked bluntly, causing Percy to inwardly cringe.
Tengen, with his extravagant appearance, put on a charming smile. "Ah, you see, looks can be deceiving," he said smoothly. "These girls are the finest companions you'll find in the district."
The woman smiled dreamily at Tengen, nodding her head in an aloof way. She was quick to grab her husband by the shoulder and guide him to a secluded place. The elderly couple exchanged a whispered conversation, nodding in agreement. "We'll take those two," the lady decided, pointing at Tanjiro and Percy. "The other two, not so much."
Percy's heart sank a little at the lady's comment, but he knew he had to keep up the act. Tanjiro seemed to take it in stride, and Percy followed his lead, smiling gracefully and expressing gratitude for the opportunity.
Inside the Tokito House, they were led to a lavishly decorated room, adorned with vibrant fabrics and intricate designs. Percy couldn't help but be impressed by the opulence, despite feeling uneasy in his disguise. The elderly lady offered refreshments, which Percy politely declined, trying to maintain the image of a demure young lady.
Despite the discomfort of their disguise and the unexpected turn of events, Percy was determined to work hard. He knew they were on the right path to uncovering the mysteries of the Red Light District and finding Tengen's wives. With his friends by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges awaited them in this unfamiliar territory.
Percy continued sweeping the corridor with a broom, trying his best to maintain the illusion of a courtesan going about her duties. As he worked, he noticed Tanjiro carrying multiple heavy boxes with apparent ease, humming a cheerful tune. Percy's eyes widened in surprise at his friend's blatant show of strength.
He quickly set the broom aside and followed Tanjiro, catching up to him in the hallway. "Tanjiro, wait," Percy said in a hushed tone, not wanting to draw attention. "You need to be more careful. Courtesans aren't known for their strength, and it's not common for them to be carrying heavy boxes like that."
Tanjiro's eyes widened in realization, and he glanced down at the boxes he was holding. "Oh, you're right," he said, sheepishly. "I got carried away. I'll be more careful."
Percy nodded, relieved that his friend understood the importance of maintaining their appearances. "Good. Remember, we're here to gather information, not to stand out. We need to blend in and act like regular courtesans," he reminded him.
Tanjiro nodded, his expression determined. "I got it. I won't overdo it," he assured Percy.
"And that includes not overdoing any physical activity, even if it's just cleaning the floor," Percy added with a smile, trying to lighten the mood.
As the day drew to a close and their duties as courtesans came to an end, Tanjiro and Percy discreetly slipped out of the Tokito House. They found a secluded alley nearby and quickly made their way to the rooftop of the building. There, they spotted Inosuke, who was already waiting for them, not wearing his boar mask and his senses on high alert.
"Hey, Inosuke," Tanjiro greeted in a hushed voice as they joined him on the rooftop.
Inosuke turned to face them, his eyes eager and anxious. "There's an Oni at my place. He was like this! I know that much!"
Inosuke began making wide gestures with his arms, trying to describe the Oni he encountered. Percy observed his friend's animated movements, attempting to create a mental image of the creature. Though Inosuke's gestures were wild, Percy believed in his friend's instincts and knew they had to take it seriously.
Tanjiro intervened, gently placing his open hands forward in a soothing gesture. "Let's wait for Zenitsu and for Uzui. They will also meet us here shortly..."
Before Tanjiro could finish his sentence, Tengen's voice cut through the night air, surprising Percy, who hadn't noticed him approaching.
"Zenitsu is not coming," Tengen stated firmly, putting an end to any further discussion on the matter. The Sound Hashira had his back turned to the trio, disallowing them to see his face. Despite that, his body language spoke for his worry and unsatisfaction.
Worry creased Percy's brow, and he exchanged concerned glances with Tanjiro and Inosuke. Did something happen to their loud friend?
"What happened to Zenitsu?" Tanjiro inquired, voicing their collective concern.
As Tengen still doesn't turn to face them, looking at the street down below, he says, "I think I put you all in great danger. The desire to save my wives has caused me to commit a grave error. Zenitsu's whereabouts are currently unknown. He stopped contacting me last night. You three, get out of here now. Your ranks are way too low. If the demon here is an Upper Moon, you can't deal with it. I will regard people who stopped sending me letters as dead. From now on, I'll go alone."
Percy's heart raced as Tengen's words echoed through the night air. The concern etched on his face deepened, and he couldn't fathom the idea of leaving Zenitsu behind.
"Uzui, we can't just leave Zenitsu behind," Percy protested, his voice unwavering. "He's our friend, and we can't abandon him, especially when he might be in trouble."
Tengen remained stoic, his back still turned to the trio. "I understand your concern, but we can't risk the lives of all of you for one person. Zenitsu is most likely gone."
"No, I can't accept that," Percy retorted, his tone firm. "Zenitsu is strong, and we've been through too much together. I won't believe he's dead until I see it with my own eyes."
Tanjiro and Inosuke exchanged glances, sharing Percy's sentiment, though they remained silent, allowing Percy to voice their collective determination.
Tengen sighed frustration evident in his posture. "Pursuing a corpse is foolish and dangerous. It'll get you and your other friends killed."
"I won't abandon my friend," Percy insisted, his eyes narrowing with determination. "We've faced a lot of stuff together. I won't turn my back on him now."
Tengen turned slightly, enough to cast a stern gaze over his shoulder. "This is an order. You have to leave. I won't have you jeopardizing your lives for a lost cause."
Percy stood his ground, unyielding. "I won't follow that order. I won't leave Zenitsu behind. I'm staying. I believe in Zenitsu, and won't rest until I know he's okay."
Tengen's frustration boiled over, and he faced them fully, his eyes narrowing. "You're being foolish. If you don't leave now, you're not just risking your lives; you're defying a Hashira's order."
Percy met Tengen's gaze with unwavering determination. "I'll take that risk. I won't abandon a friend in need."
Uzui's expression was livid as he faced Percy. "You better think on your actions, boy. If I see you lurking around, I'll be forced to take measures I don't want to."
"Wait, Uzui, we..." Tanjiro began to protest, but Tengen cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Don't be ashamed. Winners stay alive. Don't mess this opportunity up," and, in a burst of smoke, he vanished from their sight, ignoring Inosuke's plea for him to wait.
Tanjiro's brows furrowed, and he looked down at the ground, lost in thought. "I wonder if Uzui didn't want our help because we're still at the lowest rank," he said with a hint of sadness in his voice.
Inosuke scoffed, dismissing the idea. "You're wrong. We're currently rank 6," he declared confidently, closing his fist to reveal the kanji for "Six." "Remember how itchy your hands got after the final selection? That's why."
Percy recalled the irritating sensation, and curiosity got the better of him. Closing his hands, he saw the kanji for "Three" slowly appear, causing surprise to flicker across his face.
Inosuke also noticed it. He widened his eyes at the sight, clenching his fists and yelling loudly, "What? How are you rank three already? Ah, whatever! Don't let this make you forget that Lord Inosuke is the strongest, though!". He put both hands on his hips and raised his nose to emphasize his point.
Percy chuckled, amused by Inosuke's competitive spirit. "Rank three or not, I have no doubt you're strong, Inosuke," he replied, giving his friend a playful pat on the back. "And you're right, we should focus on dealing with the demon at your place first. I don't care if that guy is a Hashira. He won't stop me from doing what's right."
Tanjiro put a hand to his chin, assuming a thoughtful position as he pondered aloud, "You know, guys, it occurred to me that the Oni might be hiding inside the house. They wouldn't want to risk being noticed by humans. And there's still a chance that Zenitsu and Uzui's wives are alive. We need to hurry. Percy, let's grab our stuff at Tokito House."
Inosuke morphed his expression to a confident smile. "Heh, that's what I was trying to say," he said.
As Percy and Tanjiro bid their farewell to Lady Koinatsu, they expressed their gratitude for her hospitality. It turns out she knew they were men, but allowed them to stay nonetheless because it seemed that they needed it. They left a generous sum of money as a token of appreciation for the care they received during their stay at the Tokito House.
As they walked away from the house, Percy could sense a feeling of warmth in his heart. Despite the dangers that surrounded them as demon slayers, there were moments like these that reminded them of the kindness that still existed in the world.
However, their peaceful walk was suddenly interrupted when Tanjiro clenched his nose tightly and dropped to one knee. Concerned, Percy quickly knelt down beside him, patting his friend's back gently. "Tanjiro, what's wrong? Are you okay?" he asked with worry in his voice.
Struggling to speak through the unpleasant smell, Tanjiro managed to say, "There's a stinky smell of demon coming from the Tokito House. I need to go back and check."
Percy's eyes widened in surprise and concern. "I'm coming with you," he said, urgency in his voice.
Tanjiro nodded, appreciating the support, and together, they hurried back towards the Tokito House. As they approached it, Percy and Tanjiro readied themselves for a possible confrontation. They knew that they couldn't afford to be careless, as demons were known for their cunning and ruthlessness.
Inside the house, Percy and Tanjiro's eyes widened in horror as they witnessed the distressing sight of Lady Koinatsu being wrapped by a sinister, pink band. Her body was slowly merging into it, and the pained expression on her face was heart-wrenching. Even if there was no blood present, they knew they had to act quickly to save her.
As they moved closer, Percy couldn't help but notice the demon's appearance. With long, flowing black hair that reached her legs, she possessed an eerie, feminine aura. But what sent a shiver down his spine were her eyes, which bore the unmistakable symbol for "Upper Six," marking her as a powerful and dangerous demon.
Summoning their resolve, Percy and Tanjiro tightened their grip on their weapons, ready to face the formidable foe before them. The demon spoke with a mocking tone, her voice dripping with malevolence, "Are you demon hunters? So you finally came."
Ignoring the taunt, Tanjiro stepped forward, his expression resolute. "Release Lady Koinatsu immediately," he demanded, his voice firm and unwavering. Yet, even if their hearts were filled with desire, Percy knew that they couldn't act brashly. They would need to unite their forces and strengthen their bond if they wanted to beat an Upper Moon.