The Butterfly Manor stood as a refuge, a haven of healing for the battle-weary Demon Slayers. As Percy settled into his new surroundings, he witnessed the physical toll that their recent encounters had taken on his friends. In the infirmary, Zenitsu lay writhing in pain as he awaited the regrowth of his limbs, his cries echoing through the halls. Aoi, a determined and fiery Demon Slayer under Shinobu's care, scolded Zenitsu incessantly for his refusal to drink the necessary medicine. After Percy, Tanjiro and Inosuke entered Mount Natagumo, Zenitsu didn't want to be left behind, so he went trough as well and faced an Oni that almost transformed him into a spider. If not for Shinobu's quick arrival, he would most likely be fully transformed. Despite this, Percy was proud that his friend was able to overcome his fear.
Meanwhile, Tanjiro and Inosuke focused on their own recovery, engaging in rigorous training sessions to regain their strength. Percy occasionally joined them, his agility and quick reflexes allowing him to outmaneuver Shinobu's apprentice, Kanao, in a friendly game of tag. But as the majority of their training revolved around gentle exercises to aid in their physical recuperation, Percy found himself dedicating most of his time to his own training regimen.
In the backyard of the Butterfly Manor, Percy honed his combat skills. He swung Riptide with fluid precision, each movement reflecting the countless battles he had faced in his own world. He tirelessly practiced his water manipulation techniques, summoning droplets from nearby sources and directing them with precision. His connection with water remained strong and seemed to grow with each passing day, a true testament to his heritage.
Under the watchful eye of Shinobu, Percy began his journey towards harnessing the power of Total Concentration Breathing, a technique all of the Hashira were constantly using to enhance their body's strength and stamina. The technique consisted on always being on the state of controlled breathing, which Percy found out to be really exhaustive. He focused on controlling his breath, expanding his lungs with each inhalation and exhaling with purpose. Through this practice, his body gradually transformed, becoming a vessel for heightened strength, swiftness, and durability.
Day after day, Percy pushed himself to the limits, tirelessly honing his technique from dawn until dusk. His commitment to training knew no bounds, driven by his desire to be of utmost use to his newfound comrades. He believed that his divine heritage granted him the resilience to withstand the intense physical demands, despite Shinobu's concerned glances and subtle scoldings for pushing himself too hard. Even if she always wore that gentle smile of hers, Percy could see she was very angry at him for exaggerating on his training. His argument was that since he was not completely human, he could handle it, even if he did need to rest his body once in a while.
His progress was undeniable. The once unfamiliar technique became second nature to Percy, a wellspring of power that coursed through his veins. With each breath, he felt a surge of energy, an indomitable force that propelled him forward. His movements became more fluid and precise, his strikes infused with newfound strength.
Percy's training journey extended beyond the physical realm. He recognized the importance of nurturing his spirit and sharpening his mental fortitude. In the serene afternoons, he withdrew from the intense physical training and turned his focus inward, delving into the realm of meditation.
As Percy settled into a state of deep concentration, he synchronized his breathing with the rhythm of his thoughts. With each inhale and exhale, he reinforced his connection to the Total Concentration Breathing technique. The tranquility of the surroundings enveloped him, and he sought to channel his inner strength.
During these moments of meditation, Percy confronted the memories of past encounters with powerful Onis. He remembered Eve and the Oni that killed Emi. Both of them possessed control over some type of magic that could render him nearly useless in a battle. He knew that in order to protect his friends and win the fight against Onis, he would have to train his mind to be able to overcome this. Their supernatural abilities and cunning tactics lingered in his mind, a reminder of the diverse challenges that awaited him in the battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. To fortify himself, he sought to enhance his spirit, to cultivate the resilience needed to resist mind-altering powers and protect his comrades.
The training extended beyond the confines of his own mind. Shinobu, recognizing Percy's progress, entrusted him with a special task—a gourd capable of containing a significant amount of water. His mission: to explode the gourd by blowing into it with the force of his breath alone. It was a test of his mastery over the Total Concentration Breathing, a demonstration of his control and power.
Percy devoted himself to this task with unyielding determination. Time and time again, he channeled his breath into the gourd, straining against its resistance. Each attempt brought him closer to his goal, but the gourd remained intact, mocking his efforts. But he refused to be discouraged, drawing strength from his indomitable will.
Tanjiro, witnessing Percy's resolve, felt inspired to join him in his meditative practice. He too received a gourd, mirroring Percy's determination to master the explosive potential of the Total Concentration Breathing. Together, they embarked on this shared journey, encouraging and challenging each other to push beyond their limits.
As the weeks progressed, the gourds remained unexploded, but Percy and Tanjiro refused to relent. Their dedication became a source of inspiration for the Demon Slayers around them. Shinobu observed their progress with a mix of pride and concern, recognizing the boundless potential within each of them.
One month after his arrival at Butterfly Manor, Percy's training journey reached a pivotal moment as he stood before the neatly cut row of bamboos. He wanted to develop his own breathing style, a unique expression of his skills and abilities. With a sense of pride and anticipation, he surveyed his work—a row of twelve bamboos, seemingly untouched to the untrained eye.
A satisfied grin spread across Percy's face as he approached the row of bamboos. Each step carried an air of confidence. He raised his hand, and with a swift flick, a single bamboo fell to the ground, cleanly cut in half. The remaining bamboos followed suit, succumbing to the domino effect initiated by Percy's touch.
As Percy admired the fallen bamboos, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. The perfect cuts stood as a testament to his hard work and dedication. He ran his fingers along the edge of his sword, feeling the lingering energy that flowed through it.
"Ocean Breathing... First Form—Wave Crash Slash. Complete," Percy proclaimed, his voice filled with pride and satisfaction. He had successfully created the first form of what would be his own signature style. The technique involved channeling his breath into the blade, unleashing a wide arc that mirrored the crashing force of an ocean wave. The resulting slash possessed incredible power, capable of cleaving through multiple opponents or obstacles with ease.
An applause resonated in the tranquil air, drawing the attention of Percy. Percy turned to the source of the sound, wiping the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, and was surprised to see Shinobu staring at him with her ever present smile.
"What an amazing cut," she praised, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "I see you are also using the Total Concentration Breathing. You are making rapid progress, Percy."
Percy scratched the back of his hair, feeling a hint of flattery at Shinobu's kind words. "Thanks, Kocho. I'm actually pretty proud of myself, but I'm not done yet. This is only the first form, and I plan on developing more."
Shinobu's smile widened, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Oh, so you're creating your own style? That takes a lot of dedication, you know? What are you basing it off?"
Percy paused, considering his answer. "Well, I've trained with Tanjiro and Mr. Urokodaki before, so I guess I'm basing it off of Water Breathing. And, well, I do have a deep connection to the water, so it makes sense."
Shinobu made a long hum of understanding, her eyes filled with contemplation. "Oh, I understand. In that case, why don't you look for the Water Hashira, Tomioka? He may be silent, but I think he would give you some pointers. I might be able to help a little since my Insect Breathing is based off my sister's Flower Breathing, which, in turn, is based off Water Breathing. But Tomioka can explain the style better than me."
Percy's eyebrows furrowed with curiosity. He hadn't seen another woman residing in the manor, so he asked, "Oh, I didn't know you have a sister. Does she live somewhere else? I haven't seen anyone else at the manor."
A shadow fell upon Shinobu's face, her smile fading into sadness. She took a moment to compose herself before responding, her voice filled with a mixture of grief and determination. "My beloved sister was killed fighting an Oni. The whole reason I became a Hashira was to avenge her death. I spend most of my days developing different poisons to kill the Oni that took her away from me, as I lack the physical strength to sever a Demon's neck."
A pang of regret filled Percy's heart as he realized the weight of his question. He quickly offered his sincere apologies, "I'm sorry, Kocho. I should've thought before asking. I know the pain of losing someone you love, and sometimes, it's best not to be reminded of such loss."
Shinobu regained her smile, though Percy could discern the faint traces of sadness behind it. She reassured him, "It's no problem, Percy. I wish I could help you right now, but I have to check on the boys' conditioning. See ya, and don't forget to look for Tomioka!"
With those words, Shinobu turned away, leaving Percy alone in the backyard of the manor. He berated himself for his thoughtless words, cursing his own stupidity. "Why am I so stupid? Her sister is a demon slayer, which in itself is a warning, and the fact that she is not here should make you at least not bring her up. Stupid!" he muttered to himself in frustration.
He let out a resigned sigh, realizing that he couldn't undo what had been said. "Well, I guess it can't be helped now. Sorry, Shinobu. I think I'll look for Giyuu right now." Just then, his stomach let out a loud growl, reminding him of the passing time. Glancing up at the sun, he realized it was already noon. "Wow, I've been training for over four hours. Before visiting Giyuu, I'll stop on my way to get something to eat."
Heading inside the Butterfly Manor, Percy changed into traditional clothing and stepped out onto the bustling streets. He followed the aroma of food, searching for a nearby eatery where he could satisfy his hunger. As he weaved through the crowd, his mind wandered, contemplating the encounters and training that awaited him on his journey.
Percy found himself strolling through the lively streets, his steps carrying him in no particular direction. He was on a quest to find the Water Hashira, but he had no clue where the esteemed swordsman resided. However, he figured he would ask along the way, trusting that fate would guide him to the right place.
His wandering path led him to a small cafe called "Noodles & Matcha." The tantalizing aroma of food wafted through the air, drawing him closer. Intrigued, he pushed open the door and stepped into the bustling establishment. The place was abuzz with activity, filled with customers enjoying their meals and engaging in lively conversations.
Percy quickly found a vacant table tucked away in the corner and took a seat, observing the vibrant atmosphere around him. Moments later, a waiter approached him, clutching paper and ink in his hands. With a polite smile, the waiter greeted Percy, "Good afternoon, sir. What may I get you today?"
Percy glanced at the menu, his eyes scanning the array of options. Feeling adventurous, he decided to venture outside his culinary comfort zone. "I would like a pork ramen, please," he requested, eager to try this traditional dish that had captivated the locals.
The waiter nodded, scribbling down Percy's order on his notepad. "Right away, sir," he replied before disappearing into the bustling kitchen, leaving Percy to his thoughts.
Percy observed the bustling restaurant, his eyes scanning the crowded space filled with waiters rushing back and forth to tend to the customers' needs. The pleasant aroma of freshly cooked food permeated the air, further intensifying his hunger. His anticipation grew as he eagerly awaited the arrival of his pork ramen.
While surveying the lively scene, his gaze unexpectedly fell upon a familiar sight. Across the room, sitting alone at a table in the opposite corner, was the woman with the distinctive pink and green hair whom he had encountered during the Hashira meeting. A sense of fortune washed over him, realizing that this could be an opportunity to gather information about Giyuu Tomioka's whereabouts.
Determined, Percy rose from his seat, carefully navigating his way through the bustling restaurant, mindful not to collide with any of the busy waiters. With each step, his nerves tingled, unsure of the reception he would receive. Finally, he approached the woman, who appeared lost in her own thoughts as she stared out of the open window.
Summoning his courage, Percy cleared his throat to gain her attention. "Umm, excuse me, miss," he began, his voice tinged with nervousness. "Can I sit down? I would like to ask you something."
Her eyes widened in surprise, her vibrant green gaze fixed on Percy. She nodded, her words caught in her throat as her initial shock rendered her momentarily speechless. Percy took a seat across from her, noting she was wearing her demon slayer uniform and had a faint hint of blush on her cheeks. He couldn't help but feel a strange mixture of shyness and intrigue in her presence.
Breaking the silence, Percy mustered his courage once more. "Umm... sorry, what is your name?" he asked, hoping to break the ice and establish a connection.
The woman's voice was soft and timid as she replied, her gaze averted slightly. "I'm Mitsuri Kanroji," she said, her words almost a whisper.
Percy felt his throat grow dry, his heart beating a little faster in his chest. He couldn't understand why he suddenly felt so shy in her presence. Gathering his thoughts, he continued, "Okay, miss Kanroji..."
"Mitsuri," she interrupted him. Realizing what she just did, she widened her eyes, bringing a hand in front of her mouth.
With a nod, Percy continued, "Mitsuri. I'm looking for the Water Hashira, Tomioka. I was wondering if you know where he lives?"
Mitsuri's reaction was unexpected. She began mumbling behind her hand, seemingly unaware that it still covered her mouth. Percy watched as she crossed her eyes to peer at her own hand, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Realizing her slip, she quickly removed her hand and composed herself.
"Yes, I do know where he lives," Mitsuri finally answered, her voice regaining its softness. "I happened to see him entering his house once when I was returning from a mission. It's not far from here. I can take you there, if you want."
A smile formed on Percy's lips as a sense of gratitude washed over him. "That would be wonderful," he replied sincerely. "Thank you."
For reasons he couldn't quite fathom, Percy found himself feeling unexpectedly happy at the prospect of Mitsuri's company. He couldn't help but be drawn to her warm and gentle nature, and the thought of exploring the path to Giyuu's residence alongside her filled him with a sense of anticipation.
An awkward silence settled between Percy and Mitsuri, the air heavy with a mixture of nerves and anticipation. Percy's mind raced, urging him to break the silence and engage in conversation. Finally, he mustered the courage to speak.
"So, Mitsuri," Percy began, his voice filled with warmth, though he couldn't deny the flutter in his heart when her eyes met his. "Tell me, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Any hobbies or interests?"
Mitsuri's eyes lit up with enthusiasm, a wide smile spreading across her face. The sound of her giggle sent a wave of butterflies fluttering in Percy's stomach.
"Oh, I love cooking!" she exclaimed, and Percy couldn't help but notice the way her smile reached her eyes. "I find it so fulfilling to create delicious meals and see the joy it brings to others. And I also enjoy gardening. There's something magical about tending to plants and watching them flourish."
Percy nodded, his gaze drawn to her animated expression. Her happiness seemed contagious, filling him with a warmth that spread through his veins. "That's nice!" he exclaimed, his voice reflecting genuine interest. "My mom also enjoyed cooking. We even had a thing among us where she would cook blue food as an internal joke. I can tell you have a deep passion for it."
Mitsuri blushed at his words, her gaze shifting to her hands. Percy couldn't help but find the sight endearing, his curiosity peaking as he watched her. "Thank you, Percy. What about you? Do you have any hobbies or things you enjoy doing?"
Percy's mind raced, his thoughts momentarily consumed by the way her smile made him feel. He took a moment to steady himself, feeling the fluttering sensation intensify. "Well, I have a deep connection to water," he replied, his voice filled with honesty. "So I've always loved swimming and being near the ocean. As I mentioned back then, my father is the sea god, so I can breathe underwater and stay there for as much as I want. It's like a source of calm and strength for me."
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with interest, and her giggle rang through the air. The sound reverberated in Percy's chest, the butterflies in his stomach growing more lively. He once again wondered why her mere presence affected him so profoundly. "That sounds amazing. I can imagine you diving into the depths of the ocean and seeing its beauty. It must be so exciting."
Percy chuckled, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Yes, it truly is. I've made friends with a few aquatic animals before. I even named one of them Bessie. But meeting new people and having conversations like this is also very great."
Mitsuri's smile grew wider, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. Percy found himself mesmerized by the way her smile transformed her face, his own lips mirroring her joy. The butterflies in his stomach fluttered with an intensity he couldn't ignore, and though he couldn't understand why, he cherished this newfound connection with Mitsuri. He wanted to learn more about her.
"So," Percy continued, his voice filled with a gentle warmth. "Tell me more about yourself. What led you to becoming a Hashira?"
Mitsuri blushed, her eyes flickering with a mix of shyness and excitement. "Well, the reason I joined the corps is... is because I want to meet the gentleman who will make me happy forever!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a hurried fashion. Her cheeks reddened, prompting her to bring both of her hands to cover them as she continued, "I joined the Corps to find someone stronger than me who could protect me! I had to train really hard to become a Hashira and meet the man of my dreams! Especially after my suitor rejected me in marriage..."
Her voice trailed off, sadness creeping into her eyes as she cast her gaze downward, lost in the memory of that rejection.
Percy felt his own eyes widening. He couldn't deny that Mitsuri is a very beautiful woman, and learning that someone had rejected her made him astonished. Besides, it felt good talking to her. He had only spoken to Mitsuri for a few minutes, and he already found himself greatly enjoying her presence. Trying to lift her spirits, he reached out to grab her hand in a comforting gesture, marvelling at how soft and small it seemed to be inside of his own hands, and voiced his thoughts.
"Well, I think he's just plain dumb. From the little I've known you, I can see you are an amazing, strong, independent woman. Not to mention your divine looks. Trust me, I've met a few goddesses before, and you could easily be mistaken as one of them."
The words came out before he could stop them, most likely due to his ADHD. Percy didn't know why he voiced it like that. It wasn't like he was trying to flirt with her — his heart belonged to Annabeth only — but Mitsuri seemed to appreciate his words. Her cheeks flushed an even deeper shade of red, and her wide smile filled the air with warmth. Percy couldn't help but feel another flutter in his heart, accompanied by a peculiar sensation in his stomach. It was a strange mix of excitement and nervousness, unlike anything he had experienced before. He wanted to protect that smile.
As he noticed he was still holding Mitsuri's hand, Percy quickly released it, a light blush adorning his cheeks, already missing its warmness. He couldn't deny the undeniable connection he felt with Mitsuri, but he reminded himself that his heart already belonged to someone else.
Mitsuri, now blushing so hard se resembled a tomato — a very cute tomato, he couldn't stop himself from thinking —, laughed softly to hide her embarrassment, her voice a melodic sound that seemed to chase away any remnants of awkwardness that lingered between them. "P-P-Percy," she said, her stutter an evidence of her embarrassment. "T-thank you… That's the kindest thing anyone has ever told me…"
Percy couldn't help but smile back at her, a genuine warmth radiating from within. "It's just the truth," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
They sat there for a moment, the bustling sounds of the café fading into the background as they continued to talk, sharing stories, and discovering more about each other. Percy found himself captivated by Mitsuri's infectious energy and her genuine nature. As time passed, the conversation flowed effortlessly, as if they had known each other for much longer than they actually had.
After a few minutes of getting to know each other, the waiter finally arrived with their order—an impressive spread of delicious dishes. Percy's mouth watered as he watched the waiter place his steaming bowl of pork ramen in front of him. The savory aroma filled the air, making his stomach growl with anticipation.
To his surprise, the waiter continued to bring plate after plate, placing them all in front of Mitsuri. The assortment of food seemed never-ending, and Percy couldn't help but gape at the sheer quantity before her. Mitsuri's face turned slightly pink, her eyes downcast, clearly feeling shy at the attention she was receiving.
As she hesitantly reached for her chopsticks, Percy couldn't help but wonder how Mitsuri managed to maintain her figure while indulging in such a feast. Mitsuri's voice, timid yet filled with vulnerability, broke the silence. "Do you find this weird? That I eat so much..."
Percy looked at Mitsuri, his gaze warm and reassuring. He could sense her unease, and he wanted to put her at ease. "It is uncommon, for sure, but it's not a bad thing," he replied, his voice sincere. "After all, why should I concern myself with how much you eat? As long as you are satisfied, there's no reason for anyone to judge you."
Mitsuri's eyes widened at Percy's honest response, a radiant smile gracing her lips. Her joy was evident in her eyes as she expressed her gratitude for his acceptance of her unusual eating habits. Without hesitation, she dove into her meal with gusto, savoring each bite. Percy couldn't help but smile at her exuberant display, finding himself captivated by her unabashed love for food.
Joining her in enjoying his own bowl of ramen, Percy savored the rich flavors of the broth and the tender slices of pork. As they ate, their conversation continued effortlessly, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment. Percy found himself immersed in Mitsuri's infectious laughter and genuine joy, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity in her presence.
They sat there, two souls brought together by chance, enjoying each other's company and the simple pleasure of a shared meal. Little did they know that their meeting would mark the beginning of a journey that would change both of their lives in ways they could never have imagined.
"So you made her swallow the toilet water? That's hilarious," Mitsuri exclaimed, her laughter ringing out like music. Percy grinned as he recounted the story of his first day at Camp Half-Blood, the challenges he faced, and the unexpected encounters that shaped his journey as a demigod. Mitsuri hung on to his every word, her enthusiasm and genuine interest lighting up her eyes.
Percy and Mitsuri had both finished their delightful lunch and found themselves strolling together towards Giyuu Tomioka's house. Their laughter filled the air, a testament to the ease with which they had connected. Percy couldn't help but be drawn to Mitsuri's infectious laughter and vibrant spirit.
Percy chuckled, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Oh, you should've seen her face when I beat her at capture the flag. It was priceless. If she normally looked like a pig back then, at that moment she looked just like Inosuke's mask," he said, recalling the hilarious memory. Mitsuri's laughter echoed through the streets, their footsteps creating a joyful rhythm as they continued their leisurely walk.
As they walked side by side, Percy noticed the soft glow of the afternoon sun casting a warm hue over Mitsuri's features. Her pink and green hair shimmered in the gentle breeze, and he couldn't stop his heart from skipping once again. It was an inexplicable feeling, one he couldn't quite comprehend. Was it simply the joy of their newfound friendship, or was there something more?
As they strolled side by side, their conversation flowed effortlessly. Mitsuri shared stories of her training as a Hashira, recounting the rigorous exercises she endured under her teacher, who's now the Flame Hashira, and the battles she fought against powerful demons. Her animated gestures and passionate expressions captivated Percy, drawing him even deeper into her world.
Percy, in turn, regaled her with tales of his adventures at Camp Half-Blood, describing the harrowing quests he undertook and the mythical creatures he encountered. He recounted the exhilaration of battling monsters and the camaraderie he found among his fellow demigods. Mitsuri listened with rapt attention, her eyes sparkling with wonder and admiration.
With each story they shared, their bond grew stronger. Percy found himself opening up to Mitsuri in ways he hadn't expected. Her genuine interest and supportive presence made him feel understood and accepted. There was a comfort in her company, a sense of connection that went beyond mere friendship.
As they approached Giyuu Tomioka's house, a mixture of anticipation and reluctance filled the air. Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, a world of unspoken understanding passed between them. It was a moment frozen in time, a connection that transcended words. Percy could feel the warmth of Mitsuri's presence beside him, her vibrant energy pulsating in the air.
Taking a deep breath, Mitsuri broke the silence. "So... we arrived. This is Tomioka's house," she stated, her voice tinged with a touch of melancholy.
Percy nodded, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "Yes... thank you for bringing me here," he replied, grateful for Mitsuri's guidance and the unexpected bond they had formed.
A brief pause hung in the air, their hearts yearning to linger in each other's company, reluctant to say goodbye. It was Mitsuri who turned to leave, ready to take her leave and continue on her own path. But before she could step away, Percy's voice broke through the stillness.
"Wait!" he called out, his voice betraying his inner turmoil. Mitsuri turned, her eyes meeting his with curiosity and hope.
Percy took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. The words spilled forth, his voice laced with nervousness. "Um, I really enjoyed talking to you. I was wondering... if maybe you wanted to meet again some other day?"
A moment of anticipation hung in the air, and then Mitsuri's face erupted into a radiant smile that illuminated the surroundings. Percy could swear her smile was more radiant than Apollo's. Her eyes danced with joy as she nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm spilling over. "I would love to! I had such a wonderful time with you. It would be great to meet again."
Relief washed over Percy, a wave of happiness mingling with his nervousness. He couldn't help but smile back at her, his heart lighter knowing that their paths would cross once more.
In that moment, Percy couldn't deny the growing connection between them. There was an unspoken bond that seemed to transcend their short encounter, drawing them closer with each passing second. And though Percy's heart still belonged to Annabeth, he couldn't help but wonder what this newfound friendship with Mitsuri would bring. As he watched her walk away, his heart beating rapidly, his only thought was "What did I just get myself into?"
And, if he was honest with himself, he couldn't wait to find out.