As the demon slayers returned from the Swordsmith Village, victorious and relieved, they all gathered at their headquarters to celebrate their triumph. There had been another demon at the village, the Upper Moon Five, but Muichiro had managed to kill it all by himself. The news of the Mist Hashira's remarkable display of power spread like wildfire among the ranks, earning him admiration and respect from his fellow demon slayers.
The Swordsmith Village was mostly destroyed, but it was fortunate that they had few casualties. With the location of the village discovered by the Onis, they would have to move somewhere else. But it was fine—they had survived against two Upper Moons. The fact that they were alive was something to celebrate.
With two Upper Moons vanquished, a weight seemed to lift off their shoulders. The villagers were safe, and their victories against the demons were becoming more frequent. Amidst the jubilation, Tanjiro shared the heartwarming news about Nezuko's progress. The bamboo muzzle, once a symbol of restraint, was now a thing of the past, and Nezuko's newfound ability to speak was a cause for celebration.
Tanjiro beamed as he relayed the story of how Nezuko managed to survive the sunrise and now spoke in easy sentences. Inosuke, always the wild and boisterous one, couldn't contain his excitement as he urged Nezuko to repeat his name, eliciting laughter and joy from everyone around them.
As the days went by, Percy and Mitsuri became almost inseparable. They spent their free time together, training side by side, and sharing moments of laughter and joy. The demon slayers couldn't help but notice their affectionate interactions, and soon rumors began to circulate about their blooming romance. Percy couldn't help but smile when he heard them speaking, but couldn't deny the truth of their suspicions.
And now, at this very moment, Percy found himself with the other Hashira at the mansion of Master Ubuyashiki, all of them sitting down on the floor. After they reported what happened at the village, an emergency meeting between the Hashiras was called, and they were all gathered at the master's house. Percy was still unsure why he was invited to the meeting.
Percy glanced around the room, taking in the serious expressions of the Hashira. Mitsuri, Sanemi, Shinobu, Gyomei, Gyuu, Obanai, and Muichiro all looked attentive, waiting for Master Ubuyashiki's to arrive.
Sanemi's gruff voice broke the silence, filled with annoyance. "Argh. I envy you guys, dammit. Why can't I bump into Upper Moons?"
Obanai chimed in with his usual calm demeanor, "It's not like people bump into them all the time. But how are you two doing, Mitsuri, Tokito?"
Percy couldn't help but notice that Obanai didn't ask him how he was doing. Instead, the Snake Hashira seemed to be glaring at him, which left him feeling uncertain and uneasy. He wondered if Obanai held some sort of grudge against him, but he decided to stay quiet and not provoke any unnecessary conflict.
Mitsuri beamed, her hand squeezing Percy's in excitement. "Oh! Yes! I'm feeling a lot better! Thanks to Percy's help, of course!" and Percy noticed Obanai's eyes narrowing at her gesture.
Muichiro, who was walking beside them, nodded in agreement, his stoic expression showing a hint of a smile. "I... am not at full strength yet. But I will recover."
"If we lose any more Hashiras, the demon slayers will be in trouble," Gyomei said, his hands held in his familiar praying gesture. "But defeating two Upper Moons without a casualty is a very noble deed, indeed."
Shinobu's inquisitive nature couldn't be contained, and she questioned Mitsuri, Muichiro, and Percy about their rapid recovery. "You three recovered incredibly fast from this. Did something happen?" she asked, her eyes soft and caring.
Percy opened his mouth to talk, but Gyuu answered in his usual neutral voice, "The Master probably wants to talk to us about everything, including this."
Suddenly, the door to the room opened. But it was not the Master who stepped trough—it was his wife.
"I'm very sorry for the wait," she said, her voice carrying both strength and compassion. "For our Hashira meeting today, I, Amane Ubuyashiki, will be attending in place of Kagaya Ubuyashiki. Right now, the disease affecting our Master has gotten worse. And he sends his apologies for being unable to attend this meeting in front of you all."
Percy's eyes widened in worry as he absorbed the news. He exchanged glances with Mitsuri and the other Hashiras, and he could see the shared concern in their expressions.
Gyomei, the Stone Hashira, stepped forward and spoke with unwavering faith, "Understood. I will pray for Master to stay strong. We must continue to fulfill our duties, knowing that our efforts honor him."
Amane bowed her head in thanks, addressing the gathered demon slayers, "He would like to give his thanks to all the Hashiras. I'm sure you've all heard this, but we have a demon who has conquered the sun, and she is here. Muzan Kibutsuji has most likely altered his goals to go after her so that he can conquer the sun himself. The time for an all-out battle is approaching."
Percy's thoughts went to Nezuko. He would never allow the girl to be taken. Amane continued, "Also, we have reports of strange marks appearing on Kanroji and Tokito during their battles against Upper Moons Four and Five. So I would like to ask you two about how you got these marks and what are the conditions to obtain them."
Percy observed Mitsuri's expression shift from surprise to confusion. It seemed she hadn't even noticed the mark on her neck during her intense battle. Percy's curiosity piqued. He wondered if these marks held a greater significance and if they were somehow linked to her newfound powers. He did remember she got faster and stronger when it appeared.
Before he could dwell on it, Amane continued, "During the Sengoku era, there were some swordsman of the first breathe who were one step away from ending Muzan Kibutsuji. They all had marks that resembled demon crests. This knowledge has been passed down, though, so some people should know about this."
Sanemi raised his voice slightly, intending to be heard over the murmurs of the Hashiras. "But I haven't heard of it. So why are we hiding this?"
Amane's face remained impassive as she answered "Because a lot of people were brooding over the marks never appearing. That's why. A lot of information about the marks became hazy with time. Maybe because it was never laid out in stone back then. But we do have one piece of information about them. Once one person has that mark on them, it starts spreading to others, as if they're resonating. That was how one of the swordsmen of the first breath put it."
The room fell into a momentary silence as Amane's words hung in the air. Percy's mind was racing, connecting the dots from what he had heard about the mysterious marks. He remembered Tanjiro's mark against Gyutaro and against Upper Moon Four. The significance of this revelation was not lost on Percy, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Wait, so, you mean Tanjiro…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Amane calmly affirmed, "Yes. Tanjiro Kamado was the first one with the mark. But when we asked him about it, he had a hard time explaining how he received it. We could have left it off there, but then we heard that two of the Hashiras also received those marks. So please inform us, Kanroji, Tokito."
The room buzzed with curiosity, and all eyes turned to Mitsuri and Muichiro, eager to hear their accounts. Mitsuri exchanged a worried glance with Percy, unsure of how to respond. She hadn't even realized the mark had appeared on her neck during her battle, and now she found herself in the center of this mysterious phenomenon.
"O-okay! So, like, back then, by body was like, super light. And, uhh… It was like badaam! And durrr! And budaaah! And my heart went badum badum, and my ears went screee! And tankle tankle too!"
And Percy had to facepalm at that. Before she could embarrass herself any further, he squeezed her hand making her stop and look at him with a tilted face. He simply shook his head, signaling her to stop talking. Realizing what she just did, she immediately did a low bow, both of her hands touching the ground.
"I'm so sorry. I will go hide in a tiny hole now," she mumbled.
"I wasn't aware of any marks." Percy turned his head to look at Muichiro, who was looking up with a thoughtful expression, as if trying to remember that night. "But looking back, I became aware that a number of things were different. If you fulfill these conditions, then maybe everyone can get these marks."
As all gazes shifted to pay attention on him, Muichiro continued, "I couldn't move during the previous battle because I got poisoned. I was using my breaths to try and delay the poison from circulating trough my bloodstream. But a boy who tried to save me nearly lost his life, and my old memories came back. Then I got so angry that I lost complete control of my emotions. I think my heartbeat went over 200 beats per minute. And my body became burning hot. I think my body temperature went over 39 degrees."
Silence enveloped the room as his words hung in the air, the Hashiras processing the extraordinary events he had described. Shinobu, the Insect Hashira, voiced everyone's thoughts, her voice tinged with concern, "But can you move in those conditions? That would've been life-threatening."
Amane's expression remained neutral as she asked, "A heart rate over 200 beats per minute and a body temperature of 39 degrees?" Muichiro confirmed, explaining that Shinobu's thermometer had indicated those readings while she tended to his wounds.
Sanemi couldn't help but voice his arrogance, "Tch. So it's that simple, huh?"
Gyuu chimed in with a hint of sarcasm, "I envy those simpletons who can say this is simple" Percy raised his eyebrow. It was very unusual of Gyuu to make comments like these.
Shinobu spoke up, her voice thoughtful, "So I guess getting this mark to appear will now be a high priority for the Hashiras?"
Gyomei nodded solemnly, "Agreed. Please inform the Master that we will do something about it."
Amane bowed in gratitude, acknowledging their commitment to the cause. She then added, "But I do have one thing to say regarding your mark training. Those who have manifested the mark must participate. No matter who has it appeared for, and there will be no exceptions."
Gyomei spoke up again, his faith unwavering, "Understood, Lady Amane. We will all participate in the mark training, and we will overcome whatever trials await us."
"Before I leave, here is an announcement to be made. Percy, you must have been wondering why you were invited as well, right?"
Percy look at Amane in surprise as she said this. He was indeed curious about it, and he nodded his head in agreement, acknowledging his curiosity.
Before he could say anything, however, Amane continued "After hearing from your friends and from the villagers, as well as adding to your old deeds, the Master saw fit to promote you to Hashira ranking. As of now, you are the first Ocean Hashira. Congratulations."
Percy's jaw dropped in shock, his mind struggling to process the enormity of the honor bestowed upon him. He looked around the room, meeting the surprised and congratulatory gazes of his fellow Hashiras. A wave of pride and humility washed over him, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for the recognition of his efforts.
Before the reality of the promotion fully sank in, Mitsuri's delighted squeal broke through his thoughts. She threw herself at him, embracing him tightly in her arms. Caught off guard, Percy blushed but quickly returned the hug, cherishing the warmth and support she offered.
Mitsuri noticed their intimate public display and blushed as well, pulling away with a sheepish smile. "Congratulations, Percy. I'm so happy for you!" she said, her eyes shining with admiration.
Percy's heart swelled with love for the gentle and caring Hashira before him. "Thank you," he replied, feeling truly honored and blessed to have her by his side.
As Amane left the room, Gyuu, the Sound Hashira, suddenly stood up, drawing everyone's attention. He spoke in his usual neutral voice, "Now that Lady Amane is gone, I'll take my leave."
Sanemi, the Wind Hashira, was quick to protest, "Whoa, hold it. Don't leave just yet, man. We have to make our future plans now, right?"
The Water Hashira, however, did not seem to want to say, because he said "Then you six can talk about it. It's got nothing to do with me."
However, Sanemi was not willing to let the matter go so easily. He called out, "Wait!" and Shinobu joined in, her gentle voice imploring, "Tomioka, please just tell us why. You're leaving out a lot of details."
Gyuu didn't even turned to look at them as he answered, "I'm not like you guys" and resumed walking out.
Percy couldn't help but wonder what Gyuu meant by that statement. His eyes flickered between the Hashiras, sensing the underlying tension in the room. Sanemi, however, took offense at Gyuu's words and retorted, "Wow, you're pissing me off. You said the same thing before, Tomioka. Are you making fun of all of us?" In an instant, he stood up, his fist clenched and ready to strike.
Mitsuri hurriedly stood up as well, her voice trembling with nervousness. "N-no fighting, you guys! Let's be..." Her plea was interrupted, however, as Sanemi made a sudden move, rushing towards Gyuu with his fist pulled back, seemingly intent on starting a brawl.
But before any punches were thrown, the room was filled with a loud clap as Gyomei brought his hands together forcefully. The sound echoed through the room, instantly grabbing everyone's attention and halting Sanemi in his tracks. Percy couldn't help but be impressed by Gyomei's strength. The fact that he could stop Sanemi, who was known for his aggression, so effortlessly was a testament to his power.
Gyomei's voice was calm and steady as he spoke, "Take a seat... Let's talk a bit more... I have a proposition." His words resonated with authority, and the Hashiras complied, sitting back down to hear what the Stone Hashira had to say.
Inside the cozy ambiance of "Noodles & Matcha," the old teahouse where Percy first met Mitsuri, the atmosphere was filled with a mix of excitement and contentment. The wooden interior exuded a nostalgic charm, and the aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted through the air.
Seated around a large, low table were Percy, Mitsuri, Sanemi, Shinobu, Gyomei, and Muichiro. They all exchanged smiles and lively conversation as they eagerly awaited their food to arrive. The clinking of tea cups and the soft murmur of their voices created a harmonious symphony, a stark contrast to the battles they had recently faced.
It was Mitsuri's idea. After Gyomei voiced his idea of training every single member in the Demon Slayer Corps in order to prepare them for the final battle, Mitsuri had suggested them to go out and celebrate Percy becoming a Hashira. Percy felt shy under their looks and didn't really want to go, but he couldn't say no to Mitsuri's hopeful face. So, there they are now.
Mitsuri's eyes sparkled with joy as she leaned in closer to Percy. "I'm so proud of you, Percy. Becoming the first Ocean Hashira is such an incredible achievement!" she gushed, her hand resting gently on his arm.
Percy blushed, his heart swelling with happiness at Mitsuri's words and touch. "Thanks. But I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends," he replied, glancing around the table at his fellow Hashiras.
Sanemi rolled his eyes but couldn't hide a faint smile as he took a sip of his tea. "Don't let it get to your head, newbie," he grumbled good-naturedly. "We still need to see how you handle yourself in the upcoming battle."
Gyomei nodded in agreement, his gentle expression radiating warmth. "Indeed, your dedication to protecting humanity is commendable. I am very glad that I found you back at that house. We will all be training together to prepare for the final battle against Muzan Kibutsuji."
Just then, a waitress arrived with trays of steaming noodles and bowls of matcha tea, setting them down in front of each demon slayer. The delectable aroma filled the air, and they all dug into their meals with gusto.
Between mouthfuls of noodles and sips of matcha, the atmosphere at the table grew even livelier. Laughter and friendly banter echoed through the teahouse as they celebrated Percy's promotion.
As the meal went on, Percy couldn't help but notice the absence of Gyuu Tomioka. He knew Gyuu had refused the invitation, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something was bothering the Water Hashira. Iguro also decided not to come, which strengthened Percy's suspicions that the Snake Hashira didn't like him too much.
Percy decided to bring it up with Mitsuri later, but for now, he wanted to savor this moment of camaraderie and celebration. They were all in this together, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The night sky shimmered with stars above as Percy stood nervously in front of Mitsuri's door. His heart pounded in his chest, and he took a deep breath to steady himself. This was the night he had been waiting for, the night he would ask Mitsuri to be his girlfriend. He wanted everything to be perfect.
After the Hashiras separated themselves—it was still weird for Percy to think of himself that way—he had whispered into Mitsuri's ear that he wanted to go on a date with her tonight, to which she quickly agreed. And now, here he was, waiting for her in front of her house.
Just as he was starting to feel the weight of anticipation, the door opened, and there stood Mitsuri, looking radiant and ready for their date. Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and a warm smile graced her lips.
"Hey, Percy!" Mitsuri greeted, her voice filled with joy. "You look handsome tonight!"
Percy couldn't help but blush at the compliment. "Thanks, Mitsuri," he replied, feeling a mix of nervousness and happiness wash over him. "You look absolutely stunning as always."
Mitsuri giggled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Oh, stop it. You're making me blush," she said, her cheeks turning a faint shade of pink.
Percy's nerves melted away in the presence of her infectious smile. He extended his arm, offering it to her. "Shall we?" he asked, trying to sound confident.
Mitsuri's eyes lit up, and she looped her arm through his, leaning in slightly. "We shall," she said playfully, her enthusiasm evident. Percy took the chance to lean in and peck her lips, grinning at the shy smile she showed him.
As the night embraced the city, Percy led Mitsuri by the hand, their fingers interlaced. They walked along the softly illuminated streets, the occasional gust of wind carrying the scent of cherry blossoms.
After a short walk, Percy stopped in front of a renowned restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine. Mitsuri's eyes widened in surprise as she recognized the place. "Percy, this is one of the best and most expensive restaurants around," she said, her voice tinged with awe. "This is too much"
Percy smiled warmly, looking deeply into her eyes. "You deserve this and much more," he said sincerely. "Tonight is special. I want it to be perfect for both of us."
Blushing at his words, Mitsuri let out a soft giggle. "Thank you, Percy," she replied. "I'm really grateful."
They spent the evening savoring delicious dishes, sharing playful banters, and engaging in heartwarming conversations. They spoke about their dreams, the future, and the bonds they had formed. Percy listened intently to Mitsuri's every word, captivated by her warmth and passion for life.
After the sumptuous meal, Percy guided Mitsuri to a nearby park, where a small picnic awaited them. On a blanket beneath the moonlit sky, there was a basket full of sakura mochis. Mitsuri's eyes widened in delight. "You remembered! Sakura mochis are my favorite," she exclaimed, giving him a sweet peck on the cheek.
Percy grinned, pleased to see her happy. "I wanted tonight to be special for you," he said, his voice soft. "And I couldn't think of anything better than sharing your favorite meal with you under the stars."
As they sat together, they leaned against each other, watching the moon and stars twinkle above. They stayed there for a few hours, making small conversation, when suddenly a shooting star streaked across the night sky. Mitsuri gasped in excitement, pointing at it with joy. "Percy, quick! Make a wish!"
Percy smiled at the child-like gesture. Closing his eyes, he focused on what he wanted the most. When he opened them again, he was stared down by a pair of beautiful light green eyes filled with curiosity.
"What did you wish for?" she couldn't resist asking him.
Percy smiled, his heart racing with both joy and nervousness. "It's a secret," he teased, trying to playfully dodge the question.
Mitsuri pouted, making an adorable face that tugged at Percy's heartstrings. "Come on, Percy," she said, her voice playful yet insistent. "You can tell me! We're dating now, right? It means you have to tell me everything! No secrets between lovers, right?"
He chuckled, finding her persistence endearing. "Alright, alright," Percy relented, leaning in closer to her. "My wish is for you to... accept my proposition."
Her heart skipped a beat, and a blush painted her cheeks. "Your proposition?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Percy leaned in, his lips just inches away from hers, and whispered, "My wish is right in front of me."
Her heart skipped a beat as he spoke those words, and she felt a rush of warmth spread through her. Mitsuri leaned closer, her eyes closing in anticipation of his kiss. "Tell me," she whispered, her lips almost brushing against his.
But instead of answering, Percy closed the remaining distance between them, pressing his lips tenderly against hers. It was a sweet, slow kiss, filled with all the affection and tenderness he held for her. The world seemed to fade away around them as they melted into each other's embrace.
Mitsuri's heart soared, and she responded to his kiss with equal fervor, her arms encircling his neck. It felt like a beautiful dream, one she never wanted to wake up from. The taste of his lips lingered on her own, and she couldn't help but smile against his mouth.
When they finally parted, Mitsuri's eyes slowly opened, and she looked up at Percy with a dazed and enchanted expression. "Wow," she whispered, her cheeks flushing with a rosy hue.
Percy smiled affectionately, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. "Mitsuri Kanroji," he said, his voice filled with love and adoration. "I wish for you to be my girlfriend."
Mitsuri's heart swelled with happiness, and her eyes shone with tears of joy. With a beaming smile, she nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes, Percy! I would love to be your girlfriend! It's what I want the most!" she replied, her voice filled with excitement and love.
Percy's smile widened, and he pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her close to his heart. Mitsuri nuzzled against him, feeling the steady thump of his heart against her cheek. It was a moment of pure bliss, and she knew in her heart that this was the beginning of something truly special.
As they stood under the twinkling stars, wrapped in each other's arms, Percy and Mitsuri felt a profound sense of connection. They had faced many challenges together, and now they were embarking on a new journey, hand in hand.
"I promise to be the best girlfriend I can be," Mitsuri whispered, her voice tinged with emotion.
Percy chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And I promise to always cherish and support you," he said, his voice gentle and reassuring.
They exchanged a tender kiss, sealing their new commitment to each other. It was a kiss filled with love, hope, and the promise of a bright future together.
As they finally pulled back, Mitsuri beamed up at Percy, her heart overflowing with love and happiness. "I can't believe we're finally together," she said, her voice tinged with wonder.
Percy smiled down at her, his eyes sparkling with affection. "Me neither," he admitted. "But I wouldn't have it any other way."
Hand in hand, they walked back to Mitsuri's home, feeling a sense of contentment and excitement for what the future held. They knew that their journey as a couple has just begun, but they were ready to face whatever challenges came their way, knowing they had each other's unwavering support.
As they reached Mitsuri's doorstep, Percy leaned in for one last kiss, savoring the sweetness of the moment. "Goodnight, my girlfriend," he whispered against her lips.
"Goodnight, my boyfriend," Mitsuri replied, Percy's heart fluttering at the sound of that word.
With one final smile, Percy bid her goodnight and walked away, his heart full of happiness and love. Looking back, he saw Mitsuri watching him go, a soft blush on her cheeks, feeling like the luckiest man in the world. He waved, and she waved back.
As Percy watched Mitsuri disappear inside her home, his heart swelled with a mixture of happiness and disbelief. He couldn't believe that he had found someone like Mitsuri. It felt like a dream come true, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of euphoria wash over him.
As he reached his room in Butterfly Manor, Percy couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He felt like the luckiest man alive to have her in his life. He knew that their journey as a couple would be filled with adventures, challenges, and unforgettable memories, and he was ready to embrace it all with open arms.
