A/N: - I own none of the characters mentioned in the story.

Enjoy the chapter~

I was feeling a little restless about this sudden call of the master. There was still some time for the semi-annual meeting of the hashiras which further elevated my anxiety regarding this sudden call. Nevertheless, it was the person whom I truly respect other than my late sister, I undoubtedly heed his call and currently was sitting inside the minka while waiting for Oyakata-sama.

There was another person who has been invited to this sudden meeting, and considering his natural persona I have only exchanged greetings with him before he fell into a...daze?

Seriously, I sometimes wonder what would happen if the love pillar Mitsuri-san was to be left with the boy beside me, Muichiro Tokito. I myself was not a talkative person but the way Tokito-kun seems to be zoning out all the time other than when Oyakata-sama is speaking, I truly doubt how he generally tends to be around strangers during missions.

"Is something the matter, Shinobu-san?"

Was I obvious with my gaze just now? If it was enough to bring him out of his daydream then I must be staring at him pretty intently, and that was bad on my part.

"None of it."

I replied with a forced smile. I knew it must be pretty unusual for me to think this, but sometimes Tokito-kun really creeps me out. Or was I just paranoid about mysterious people? Well, considering the circumstances he has been through, Tokito-kun must be pretty contemplative of his entire life for sure.

'The tea sure is nice... '

Amane-san really brews a fragrant and satisfying tea. My fatigue already seemed to be falling off my shoulders. I have been a little too occupied in my office with my experimentation these days, more so when the time is nearing.

Then there is Kanao-chan as well.

"Oyakata-sama has arrived."

I carefully placed my cup to the side and with a single side glance, I saw Tokitu-kun doing the same before we both moved from our seats and knelt to greet the person who has been performing the role of those chains who has brought all the demon slayers together to fight against our common enemy.

The person who has shouldered so many responsibilities takes care of so many young individuals and despite falling toward his deathbed, I have never seen a single strain of stress over his limited life span.

"Greetings to the master."

Our voices came out simultaneously, courtesy to the man whom everyone seemingly respect the most in the Demon Slayer Corps—Ubuyashiki Kagaya—the 97th leader of the Corps and current patriarch of the Ubuyashiki family.

The most selfless person I have ever come across and also one of the many who has been the pillar through generations against the Demon progenitor, Kibutsuji Muzan.

This Corps and Ubuyakishi family's utmost priority stands to destroy all the demons from the plane and create a peaceful life, even if we the Demon hunters fall on the way, it would not be a life wasted for nothing.

"Calling you both so suddenly, I apologize for that."

My eyes slightly widened before I shook my head and asked our master to not bow his head.

"Please don't lower your head Oyakata-sama. We both know that nothing you ask for us is a selfish desire of yours."

Tokito-kun was continuously nodding in agreement with my words, signifying the gesture from the master was anything but needed.

Oyakata-sama smiled, finally giving up the apology before he sat across facing both of us. I and Tokito-san also settled back in our seats as we patiently waited for Oyakata-sama to speak.

"There have been some suspicious movements transpiring on Mount Natagumo for some months and if not for the regular interference of several demons I wouldn't have called two of our pillars for this emergency meeting."

My expression remained the same but inwardly I was frowning hearing that specific place being mentioned by Master. The reports about Mount Natagumo were not unheard of since some months ago many young slayers went missing during the investigation.

I was so occupied at that time to entirely focus on the matter but now that Oyakata-sama has mentioned something irregular happening around the place, it surely needs to be surveyed.

"Is it one of the twelve Kizuki?"

Tokito-kun, unusually focused at the moment, asked in a crisp tone, and by that look, I could tell he had no motive to refuse the request master has proposed.

Oyakata-sama seemed skeptical for a bit, or maybe I still was not good at reading expressions but his wife's following words indeed proved that Oyakata-sama is a bit perplexed in this case.

"No evident proof has been collected and all those who had been sent on prior dates for investigation returned in a state of daze and the last thing they remember was an overwhelming sensation influencing their sanity but no physical injury was noted." Since Oyakata-sama has been falling into deeper depth because of his illness most of the prolonged conversation was done by Amane-san.

Strange was the only word I could think about upon hearing the circumstances which indicated that there had been no demon involvement on the mountain yet somehow we still had no evidence regarding what going on there.

If it was some blood demon art that was putting all the intruders in an illusion then wouldn't they have been hunted as well? Naturally, the foremost need and desire of every demon are to slaughter mankind to grow their strength and expand their terror.

Since it's Oyakata-sama who has been keeping an eye on Mount Natagumo it was impossible that some slayers would have been keeping outside the count, concluding that no casualty has been measured whatsoever.

It was astonishing and slightly alarming in its own right.

"The concerning fact emerges from the recent movements of stray demons who have been advancing toward the same mountain yet they were never spotted returning from there. Not even a single demon was seen ever again, once they climbed the mountain."

"!!!"

My eyes definitely gave away the inner turmoil I currently was thrown into hearing Amane-san's words since this news was anything but settling.

To hear that all those demons who have been going up there for some reason for months now, have yet to be spotted again?! Is it some kind of abomination they have been preparing there since other than that I could not imagine anything inviting those inhumane creatures.

Or was there something that has been vanquishing demons in our stead without coming to light? Concerning how isolated that place is and how perfect the mountain is for demons to nurture, I highly doubt such a possibility.

And even if there's someone out there helping us and trying to annihilate demons, then why they haven't shown themselves until now?

"My children, I want you to be cautious when you infiltrate that place and do as you find necessary in probable scenarios."

That was all I and Tokito-kun needed to hear before we bowed our heads and left the place together. It was given that Oyakata-sama was giving us a free hand on the matter to decide what should be done with this situation. He knows that if there is something dangerous lurking there, we would not falter from bringing it to dust, and if really there someone comes out to be a helping hand out there...

...then a strong addition to the Corps might be nearing.

'The moon is pretty dreamy today... '

A perfect atmosphere to take a nap bloomed tonight yet I was on a run to accomplish the mission, Oyakata-sama handed over me and my fellow hashira Kocho Shinobu-san.

If not for our master I would have taken a lot of time to get here where we currently were and would have taken a break tonight as well to fulfill my sleeping hours but since this situation required immediate attention we have been resting a little to no time during our three days travel to Mount Natagumo.

Thanks to the fact that Shinobu-san was fast on her feet we were able to cross the distance in the least time from the Ubuyashiki estate. And also, her reserved personality, apart from some teasing she does from time to time, helped me remain somewhat comfortable around her as well.

"We are here."

Halting our pace near the foot of the mountain, my eyes roamed around and my senses on alert to detect any unnatural movements but I was met with complete stillness.

Even though the place seemed decently big and covered with numerous trees, which could have proven a suitable location for a demon's shelter, I sensed no animosity whatsoever.

"The air seems strangely calm and the atmosphere is making me feel like nothing could go wrong about this place."

Shinobu-san voiced it and I had the same thoughts in mind. The breeze was cool and inviting for a quick nap but unlike usual I have found my focus for this mission since something was definitely not good about this place.

"Should we proceed?"

"Yes, we should."

I responded before we both began walking this time cautiously toward the elevated landform which led toward the top but just upon crossing a certain distance, something ominous rang in my senses bringing an abrupt halt in an instant.

This sensation...was dreading and malicious enough to recount the demons I have faced until now. But even if I accumulate all those negativity at once this feeling would far surpass it. My legs for the first time in a while I remember, became shaky, and before I knew it both of my hands were holding the hilt of my blade in cautiousness.

Turning my gaze I saw Shinobu-san in the same state, albeit she seemed slightly more worked up with her brows covered in sweat and her demeanor oozing with fright. I could relate to that since this was the first time I have experienced something like which made me think about whether we were going to face the Demon King himself tonight.

"S-Should we retreat and call for backup, Tokito-kun?"

Shinobu-san whispered in a tone that probably I was able to hear still being on guard and I understood the reason for her sudden plan to back out since what Oyakata-sama informed us, this undoubtedly was way out of that league. Something has changed in a few days and venturing forward might prove to be fatal.

But...

"Even if we don't engage in battle, we must get some information back with us."

That would be the least we could do considering that we were the highest-ranking slayers, Hashira, in the corps. If we fail to fulfill our duty then who would do it in our stead? And if Shinobu-san really does want to fall back I would gladly let her go since I do not plan to walk back from this point.

"Right. Sorry for being impulsive."

I did not answer her before I began walking forward followed by my companion as we made our way toward the crown with alerted steps, ready to slice the blade whenever required.

Apart from this heavy sensation continuously weighing dow my shoulder, I have yet to find a single other presence around the forest. Neither human nor demon's remains came into view but the heavy feeling never faded even for a moment.

"Shinobu-san wait. "

I raised my hand to stop the lady since something finally came into my view. It seemed the insect pillar also sensed the source of this negative vibe as her eyes trained in the same direction as mine.

"What is that thing..."

I would like to know the same since I have never seen so unnatural demon before. Long forelimbs were attached to its body with a massive head protruding numerous long sharp fangs and several white rope-like tendrils attached to its head and back. In place of legs, there was a black serpent-like tail flowing down. The demon seemed to be levitating in mid-air with its movement currently still at its place.

At a glance, I could tell, the ominous sensation we have been feeling since earlier was of this creature.

I already had my target locked which required only one thing further.

My feet were on the move toward the demon with my hand resting over my hilt. My gaze locked at nothing but my target and my breathing provided me the strength I require to suppress this sensation and do my job as a Demon Slayer.

'First Form: Low Clouds, Distant Haze.'

My speed exponentially increased as my blade traveled at a high pace toward the demon's throat and within seconds I was already inches apart from my target. I ignore the fact that the demon has not moved even slightly since then even though it must have sensed me.

If my calculations are right my blade would have reached the demon in half a second that close I was but something blocked my path and despite not wanting my blade deflected and movements of my feet faltered.

I couldn't comprehend what changed so suddenly and how I was dodged by another blade when the demon surely didn't possess any weapon at all.

However, upon turning back I saw something I could not have believed to be true if not for my own eyes watching the scene.

There stood a boy in his teens with a katana in his hand and his other hand resting over the demon's head as he tamed it. But that was not the thing that made me baffled the most rather the eerie sensation I have been feeling until now was actually leaking out of this person?!

"You know...it's kinda rude to intrude at my place and the first thing you did is to try hurting Rika-chan."

A/N: - Drop a comment. Tell me whom should I pair Yuta within the reviews.

Well, I already one have in mind and sadly it's not Shinobu.