SIDE STORY 1 – BERRIES ARE THE BEST MEDECINE

Shinobu: What? You want to create a garden to grow berries of your world?

Kanae: Why?

Asked Shinobu and Kanae confused. Natsuki wanted to ask to the Kocho sisters if she could have their permission to use the back of Butterfly Mansion to create a garden for her berries.

Natsuki: Yes. The berries from my world have many health properties and benefits for both my Pokémon and humans. They are also completely safe. Plus, they can be used in cooking.

Shinobu thought a bit.

Shinobu: Those berries… are the same you used to cure Oyakata-sama?

Natsuki: Yes.

Both the Kocho sisters were a bit skeptical and Natsuki noticed it, then she got an idea.

Natsuki: How about his, if I'll show you how good my berries can be and I'll explain their proprieties. If it works, you will give me your permission to create the berry garden.

Shinobu and Kanae looked at each other and they agree. Shinobu decided to use one of her patients, a young boy Demon Slayer, in one of the rooms of the Butterfly Mansion. The young boy was paralyzed in the bed. Shinobu explained to Natsuki that the reason she couldn't move was because she encountered a demon whose venom can paralyze its prey. Natsuki accepted to help and she took out from her bag two Oran Berries, one Cheri Berry and one Lum Berry. After she mixed, the black-haired girl gave it to the Demon Slayer and in a few seconds, he wasn't paralyzed anymore. Kanae and Shinobu were surprised to see that the berries worked and they decided to give Natsuki the permission to plant her berries.

Kanae and Shinobu were in the garden at the back of the Butterfly Mansion. After the three girls planted the seeds, Natsuki decided to ask Serperior to use her to use her Grass type powers to grow the plant. The Regal Pokémon nodded and – ash she used the Grass type powers – in a few seconds the plants grew up immediately. Kanae and Shinobu were surprised to see the Regal Pokémon's powers.

Natsuki: Perfect! Now, let's start with the lesson! Let's start with the first berry, the Oran Berry…

A few minutes later…

Natsuki: The Lum Berry can cure from any status of problem such as poisoning, and it can also cure the side effect of the move called Curse. And lastly the Persim Berry can cure the victim from confusion.

Shinobu: Interesting…

In the next few minutes, Natsuki explained to the Kocho sisters about the berries, their proprieties and what they can do.

Kanae: With these berries, we don't have to worry how to find the cure for every type of status problems.

Natsuki: Here. Take this manual. I wrote it during my travels.

Said Natsuki as she handed to Shinobu a manual.

Shinobu: What's in there?

Natsuki: I have written several healing formulas for different types of health problems. So that way you know how to do it.

Shinobu: I see. Thank you, Natsuki.

Kanae: Thank you very much.

Natsuki: You're very welcome. If you have any doubts, do not hesitate to ask me.

Shinobu: Will do.

The next morning, Natsuki was teaching to Rui how to read and write along with Rotom Pokédex. Suddenly, the three of them heard a loud scream. Natsuki, Rui and Rotom started to run, they arrived in the Training Room and they saw Inosuke screaming in pain while he was breathing fire; they also noticed Tanjiro and Zenitsu panicking as they were trying to help their friend. Even Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi and Naho were worried.

Natsuki: What is going on?! Why is Inosuke screaming?!

Tanjiro: Inosuke ate a strange tomato and then he started to scream in pain! Will he be okay?!

Natsuki: I- Hold on a second! I'll be right back!

Natsukii ran, and after a few minutes, she returned to the Training Room with two bottles of Momoo Milk. She tackled Inosuke on the ground, opened one bottle and put the milk inside Inosuke's mouth. She opened the second bottle and put it in his mouth once again. In the end, Inosuke was fine and he started to breath. Everyone sighed in relief.

Natsuki: Phew. Made it. Now, can someone explain to me what happened?

Tanjiro: Me and Zenitsu were training and we were trying to learn Total Concentration. Inosuke wasn't with us, so we thought he was still sleeping.

Zenitsu: After a few minutes of training, we saw him running towards us and we saw that he was holding a strange tomato with spikes.

Tanjiro: He showed it to us, then he ate it and he started to scream as he breathed fire.

Tanjiro and Zenitsu explained the situation and the black-haired girl sighed in annoyance.

Natsuki: I can't believe it! Inosuke, did you go to the Berry Garden and stole a Tamato Berry, the spiciest berry?!

Inosuke didn't say anything, he was still catching his breathes.

Tanjiro: Tamato Berry? That's what it's called?

Zenitsu: And what do you mean by Berry Garden?

Natsuki: You see, yesterday I asked the Kocho sisters if I could create a garden to plant the berries from my world, as for medical and culinary supplies. They gave me the permission and I created the garden. Aoi and the little butterflies girls also saw the garden. I thought nobody would go there and steal one of my berries, but it seems that I was wrong. I hope this will serve yoy as a lesson of not trespassing someone else's private property, Ino!

Said Natsuki as she turned to the black/blue-haired boy, who was still breathing. Then, the black-haired girl turned to Tanjiro and Zenitsu.

Natsuki: If you want, I can take you to the garden so you can see it. You too, Rui.

Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Rui nodded and Natsuki led the three boys to the back of the mansion. When they arrived, Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Rui were awed to see a big garden with a lot of berries. Natsuki explained shortly the berries' properties, until Zenitsu grabbed two Pinap Berries and gave it to Tanjiro. Natsuki tried to stop them from eating the berries, but it was too late and they started to fall on the ground with their mouths closed due to the sourness of the berry – luckily Rui didn't touch any berries – Natsuki sighed and she decided to put some warning signs, hoping that no one would take the berries without knowing their tastes.

SIDE STORY 2 – TEAMWORK IS THE KEY

Tanjiro/Zenitsu/Inosuke: Teamwork?!

Exclaimed the trio of boys in shock. Natsuki decided to help her friends in training, she thought that if they want to defeat powerful demons and Muzan in a distant future, they have to learn how to work together. But it seems that neither the boys were eager to try, especially Zenitsu and Inosuke (his voice was back to normal thanks to the Tamato Berry) for obviously reasons. Rui was also there, he wanted to see Natsuki and her Pokémon in action. Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi and Naho were there to assist the group in case there will be any accidents.

Insouke: Why should I work with other people?! I can handle myself! I'm way stronger than those two pipsqueaks! I don't want work with other people!

Zenitsu: Why do you think that I will work with boar head here?! He's crazy and… and… rude!

Insouke: What did you say to me, you mop head?!

Zenitsu: See?!

Tanjiro: I know what you mean and I agree with you, Natsuki. But I don't think it will be easy if none of us want to work together because of you-know-what.

Natsuki sighed, she knew that they would say those things.

Natsuki: I know you guys don't get along because of your… uniqueness and… personal matters. But it's important for you to learn how to work together, especially if one day you are going on a dangerous mission and you have to fight against powerful demons.

Tanjiro: I know about that, but-

Rui: Big sis is right. You three are not ready to fight Muzan nor an Uppermoon. How will the three of you fight against an Uppermoon if you don't know how to work as a team? I don't know much about the details of the Uppermoons, but let me tell you something. If you ever cross paths with one of the strongest demons, there is a high chance that you won't make it out alive.

Aoi: I'm with Rui and Natsuki. If you don't learn how to master the Total Concentration or work as a team, you will be dead for sure.

Natsuki: Rui and Aoi are right, Tanji. Teamwork is a way to put everyone's strength all together to be stronger. And since I've already knew that it will be difficult for you to work as a team, I decided that we will use one of my Pokémon.

Natsuki whistle, and from the Training Room's door, they appeared some strange little creatures wearing an armor. They walked towards Natsuki and went in front of her.

Natsuki: Guys, these little ones are Falinks, one of my Pokémon.

Everyone was fascinated by Falinks, but also confused of how this Pokémon can help with the training.

Rotom Pokédex: Let me explain.

Falinks, the Formation Pokémon. A Fighting type. The six of them work together as one Pokémon. Teamwork is also their battle strategy, and they constantly change their formation as they fight. Five of them are troopers, and one is the brass. The brass's orders are absolute.

The trio's eyes widened to hear this information.

Natsuki: Exactly. This is why it's the perfect Pokémon for this lesson. And no Inosuke, you are not going to fight Falinks.

Inosuke clicked his tongue in annoyance. He wanted to fight Natsuki's Pokémon.

Natsuki: Falinks will demonstrate you how to work as a team by challenging Pikachu.

Natsuki took out Pikachu's Pokèball and threw it in the air as Pikachu came out.

Natsuki: Hey, Pikachu. Listen, I have to show our friends how to work as a team with the help of Falinks. Is it okay for you to fight against Falinks with me?

Said Natsuki as Pikachu thought a bit, then he nodded. Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Rui, Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi and Naho were sitting as they watched the fight. Natsuki and Pikachu were in their position as well as Falinks.

Natsuki: Okay, remember Falinks and Pikachu, we have to show the boys how to work as a team!

Falinks cried in agreement.

Rotom Pokédex: I'll be your referee. Now, let the battle BEGIN!

Natsuki: Pikachu, let's start with Thunderbolt!

Pikachu jumped and his body was surrounded in yellow electricity, then he released a powerful bolt of yellow electricity from its body aiming to Falinks. The Formation Pokémon formed a pyramid stock and use Protection, blocking Pikachu's move.

Zenitsu: Wow!

Tanjiro: They use Protect for defense! And look at how they create a triangle!

Natsuki: Pikachu, use Electro Ball repeatedly!

Pikachu jumped once again a from his tail an orange-yellow orb of electricity appeared. Pikachu then flung the orb at Falinks, but they dodged it every time Pikachu release an Electro Ball.

Rui: Look at that! They are dodging his attack in sync!

Aoi: That's incredible! So that's how their teamwork work!

Then Falinks decided to use Megahorn and the leader of Falinks' horn started to glow light green and grew in size. They started to charge towards Pikachu and they hit the Mouse Pokémon, who flew in the air and hit the ground. The group gasped in worried.

Tanjiro: Pikachu, are you okay?!

Aoi: Please, stop this fight already!

Natsuki: You don't have to worry, guys! It's normal in Pokémon Battles!

Pikachu got up and he cried to the public, saying that everything is okay.

Natsuki: Now, use Quick Attack!

Pikachu's body becomes outlined in a light blue aura and he charged with incredible speed at Falinks. Falinks got separated, and Natsuki smirked.

Natsuki: Alright, now, use Volt Tackle to attack all Falinks!

Pikachu's body was surrounded electricity and it tackles Falinks with an incredible speed, hitting all of them.

Falinks, even if they got hurt, stood up and went back in position. Falinks went in attack mode (arrow) and they use Bulk Up to increase their strength. Then, Falinks – still in their attack mode – decided to use Reversal to finish off Pikachu. Soon, a wave of orange energy bursts out of the ground around Falinks and the leader of Falinks' head was surrounded by an orange energy. They charged towards Pikachu, but Natsuki decided to use a move to counterattack.

Natsuki: Use Iron Tail to counterattack!

Pikachu jumped once again and his tail glowed white/silver, he swung and hit Falinks to block their attack. Because of the power that the two Pokémon were using, suddenly a mini explosion happened. Everyone yelped in surprise. Soon, the smoke disappeared, everyone saw Pikachu and Falinks still standing, but they soon realized that they were panting from exhaustion.

Rotom Pokédex: That's enough! The battle is over!

Natsuki: Great job, guys! You were great!

Pikachu and Falinks cried in happiness. Natsuki turned to her friends.

Natsuki: And that's the power of teamwork, my friends! As you can see, Falinks was able to put their efforts during the battle as well as Pikachu and me. Falinks were able to be synchronized in both defensive and attack mode without arguing. As for me and Pikachu we did the same thing by observing and thinking how to do it.

Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke understood now how important teamwork is. Falinks, Pikachu and Natsuki were able to fight against each other by working together. They work as a real team.

Natsuki: It is true that everyone has their own strength, but by working with together and combining everyone's skills and strength, you can outsmart and defeat any opponent. Unity is strength.

Everyone smiled, impressed by Natsuki's speech.

Tanjiro: Natsuki, if you think that we are strong enough to work alone, then I want to give a chance to work as a team with Zenitsu and Inosuke!

Zenitsu: I'm with Tanjiro! Even if I don't want to, I want to give it a try.

Inosuke didn't say anything.

Natsuki: Ino, I know you are strong and you don't want to do this, but you can become even stronger if you work together with other people.

Inosuke grumbled with his arms crossed.

Inosuke: Fine. I'll… try.

Natsuki: That's the spirit! I know that one day you three are going to be a great team!

SIDE STORY 3 – FIRST MISSION, FIRST FRIEND

Rotom Pokédex: Now, Rui, next question. Can Pikachu, an Electric type, win against Kantonian Dugtrio, a Ground type?

Asked Rotom Pokédex to Rui. Natsuki though that if Rui wanted to become a Pokémon Trainer like her, he needs to know the basic of types Pokémon. Natsuki explained Rui the types and how it works during the battles.

Rui: No, Pikachu cannot win because Electric type moves have no effect against Ground type.

Rotom Pokédex: That's right!

Natsuki: Good job, Rui! Keep it up like that and one day you'll be a Pokémon Trainer like me!

Rui smiled at his older sister. Suddenly, they heard a sound outside, and when they went outside to see what was it, they saw a Japanese sparrowhawk flying towards them.

Every Demon Slayer has their own Kasugai Crows, but there are exceptions when a Demon Slayer receive a different type of bird and Natsuki is one of them. After she became a Hashira, she got a Japanese sparrowhawk as her own "Kasugai Crow". The Japanese sparrowhawk is a female and her name is Blaze, she's a smart and outgoing one, and despite her serious expression, she's kind, especially towards Natsuki and her Pokémon.

Blaze landed on the porch and she started to scream.

Blaze: SQUAWK! Master Natsuki, you have a mission! Many young men and women are disappearing in a village at Northwest! You will be accompanied by Master Tomioka, the Water Hashira! SQUAWK!

Natsuki was surprised to hear that. It's her first mission as Demon Slayer. She was excited, but she was also worried.

Natsuki: Is that so? Thank you for telling me, Blaze. Here, take this sunflower seeds.

Blaze's eyes sparkled and she ate happily the seed, while Natsuki started to prepare to go. Before the black-haired girl could ask to the Japanese sparrowhawk, someone knocked the door.

Natsuki: Coming!

As Natsuki walked towards the door and opened it, she saw Shinobu and Kanae in front of her.

Natsuki: Hey, Shinobu! Kanae! What are you doing here?

Shinobu: We came here because we saw your Japanese sparrowhawk flying here.

Kanae: We wanted to know if she was here to deliver a message

Natsuki: Ah, yes, Blaze came here to deliver in fact the message. She told me that I have a mission in a Northwest village and the Water Hashira and I will be partners.

Shinobu: Oh my! Tomioka is your partner?

Natsuki: Yes. Is… there a problem with that?

Kanae: No, there is no problems, it's just…

Shinobu: He's not very social and he doesn't talk very much.

Natsuki: I already knew that during the trial, but I don't think I have problems with that. I knew someone in my world who was like him.

Shinobu chuckled, which confused Natsuki.

Shinobu: Let me give a piece of advice. If you want become his friend, or at least try to talk with him, try to poke him or make some comments about him.

Natsuki: Poke him? Comment him? It seems like a way to annoy him.

Natsuki thought as she was unsure about the Insect Hashira's advice.

Natsuki: Listen, I appreciate your help, but I don't think it's the right way to befriend with him. All I know is the more you annoy him, the more he will lose patience anytime, and I can assure you that the result will not be pretty. Thank you for the advice, but I don't think I will follow it.

Shinobu was surprised to hear it, but she nodded.

Shinobu: I see. Well, I wish you good luck on your first mission.

Kanae: Good luck and be careful.

Natsuki: Thank you. I'll head out at the entrance of the mansion.

Natsuki walked to the entrance along with Rui and Rotom, ready to leave the place, but before she could do that, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Aoi, Kiyo, Sumi and Naho screamed Natsuki's name and the black-haired girl, the little boy and the Pokémon turned their heads to see them.

Natsuki: Hey guys! What are you doing here?

Tanjiro: We heard from Shinobu that you are going on your first mission.

Natsuki: Ah, it's true. I was so focused to go immediately on mission that I forgot to tell you.

Kiyo/Sumi/Naho: We are going to miss you, big sis Natsuki!

Said Kiyo, Sumi and Naho as they were crying a bit. Natsuki petted their heads and turned to the others.

Aoi: We also brought you some snacks for the travel.

Said Aoi as she gave to Natsuki a bento. Natsuki smiled at her and she thanked her. Zenitsu lunched towards Natsuki and hugged her wraist.

Zenitsu: M angel! Please, don't go! I don't want you to go!

Tanjiro: Cut it out, Zenitsu!

Natsuki smiled and she petted Zenitsu's head. The girl was soon released from Zenitsu as Tanjiro grabbed his friend by grabbing his clothes.

Natsuki: I'll be back, so don't worry. Besides, I am fully aware that this mission is dangerous, but I'll be careful. Besides, Rotom Pokédex will be with me in case something will happen.

Said Natsuki, reassuring to her friends. She turned her head to Rui, who was sad to see his big sister leaving. The black-haired girl patted his head.

Natsuki: Don't worry, Rui. I'll be back. Promise me that you'll listen to Aoi and don't get hurt.

Rui nodded and he gave her a hug, which she returned it. After everyone wished Natsuki good luck, the girl took out a Premier Ball and Corviknight came out. Everyone – aside Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke – got surprised to see a giant crow, Natsuki climbed onto Corviknight's back and she looked at Blaze.

Natsuki: Okay, I'm ready Blaze. Lead the way!

With that, Corviknight started to fly, following the Japanese sparrowhawk.

A few minutes later, Natsuki arrived at the village. Corviknight landed on the ground and he was returned to his Premier Ball.

After a few minutes of flying, they arrived at the village. In order not to attract too much attention, Natsuki returned Corviknight. Before she could walk in the village, the black-haired girl heard a voice.

?: You're here.

She yelped in surprise and she saw the Water Hashira standing on a tree with his usual stoic expression.

Natsuki: Oh, hey! You're Giyu Tomioka, right?

Giyu didn't say anything.

Natsuki: I heard that were gonna be partners.

Giyu and Natsuki started to walk in the village as they started to look around in search of some evidence.

Natsuki: So, do you know where the demon could be?

Giyu didn't say anything, which Natsuki sweatdropped.

Natsuki: Not much of a talker. That's okay.

Then, the black-haired girl pointed to a ramen shop.

Natsuki: Hey, how about if we eat something before we can continue to our mission?

Natsuki grabbed Giyu's hand and she dragged him to the shop. Natsuki ordered two ramen with ham. As their orders arrived, they started to eat, while Natsuki talked with him.

Natsuki: As I was riding Sharpedo, I saw a Bruxish appearing out of nowhere. I asked Sharpedo to scare it off and then Bruxish swam away. Funny, right? Anyway, enough about me, tell me about you. Since I told you some things about me, it's only fair if you tell me something about you. And if you don't want to, don't worry, I'll wait until you feel comfortable with me. I won't force you.

The Water Hashira's eyes widened in shock and surprise. It was the first time that someone asked him about himself and that are willing to wait until he was ready to open up. He knew that he didn't talk very much or show his emotions very often. He either was teased by Shinobu or insulted by Sanemi and Obanai. But Natsuki was different. For some reasons, Giyu felt that Natsuki was different from the other Hashiras.

Natsuki: As for our mission, I thought that if we want to find our demon, we should go to the places where the demon attacked the victims, from first to last.

Giyu nodded. After they paid for their food, they exited from the shop and started to walk again.

Later…

Natsuki: Okay, this is the last spot the demon appeared.

Night came, Natsuki and Giyu were in an alley where the demon attacked last time. Rotom Pokédex – who was out from Natsuki's bag – showed to the duo the photos of the crime scenes that the Pokémon took when Natsuki and Giyu arrived at the spots.

Rotom Pokédex: Okay, with these photos I took, we now know that the victims were killed in the alleys, but I think there is one thing that these places have something in common.

Natsuki and Giyu, as they were seeing the photos, noticed indeed something. It was an "X" craved on the wall.

Natsuki: This "X" is craved in every wall we were. But the question is, how the demon attracted the victims in the alleys? It' not a coincidence that these people were out in the middle of the night. If I remember, this village has a strict curfew at 21 p.m. as the old man of the village stated to us. The demon must have a Blood Demon Art that attract people.

Giyu: The demon has Manipulation Blood Demon Art

Natsuki and Rotom Pokédex turned their heads, surprised to hear Giyu speak.

Giyu: My crow told me that he saw one of the victims, a young couple, hearing a voice, they walked out from their house, trying to find the voice. When they arrived in the alley, the demon attacked the couple by slashing their throats.

Natsuki was shocked to hear it.

Natsuki: So, they can manipulate their victims by using someone else's voice. Anything else other than Voice manipulation?

Giyu: I heard from a group that a young woman was in the garden of her house, then she saw a shadow. She exclaimed 'mother' and she started to follow the shadow, then she arrived in the alley and she was killed by the demon. I also heard from one of the victims' neighbors who stated that a young boy was sleepwalking down the street.

Natsuki: Wow. Those are a lot of information. You did a great job, Tomioka!

Natsuki was surprised to Giyu and she gave him a pat on his shoulder, which he yelped in surprise and shock.

Natsuki: Okay, now we know how the demon manipulates the victims. Voice manipulation, Shadow manipulation, Sleep manipulation. Do you have any ideas where the demon could attack the next victim.

Giyu: Yes, follow me.

A few minutes later, the two Hashiras were hiding behind the walls, waiting for the victim being fooled by the demon. Then, they heard some footsteps, they peeked in and saw a couple walking in their sleep. Then, they noticed a black hole appearing on the ground. Natsuki looked at Giyu, as he was gripping his swords, ready to took it out, while she took out a Dusk Ball out. Then, the demon appeared, as he was about to attack, suddenly he was attacked. He was launched against the wall, then the couple woke up from the spell, confused.

Natsuki: You two, go back to your house! This demon is trying to kill you! GO!

Exclaimed Natsuki to the couple as they turned their heads to see the demon. They screamed and ran away. After the couple left the place, Giyu and Natsuki took a good look on the demon.

The demon has blue dark skin with black tiger-like stripes. Four canines protrude from his mouth, long, sharp, black claws, black sclera with red eyes and short, spiky black hair. He was wearing only a pair of brown pants.

The demon growled in pain, until he stood up, glaring at Giyu and Natsuki.

Demon: You are Demon Slayers!

Natsuki: Not just normal Demon Slayers! We are Hashiras!

Demon: Hashiras?!

Then, suddenly he was attacked once again. As he was grunting in pain, the demon looked to see a… rag doll? Its attacker was a doll.

Natsuki: Good job, Mimikyu!

Exclaimed Natsuki, praising to her Pokémon Mimikyu. Then, the demon's eyes widened in shock.

Demon: You… You're the human who can control beasts. My master told me about it!

Natsuki and Giyu were shocked. The demon darkly chuckled.

Demon: If I'll bring you to him, he'll reward me and make me an Uppermoon!

Natsuki: Is that so? Well, then, how about no. Mimikyu, use Play Rough!

Mimikyu jumped towards the demon and the Disguise Pokémon hit the demon multiple times with her stick. After that, Mimikyu stopped and went in front of her Trainer.

Demon: You really are getting on my nerves!

The demon started to launched towards the girl.

Natsuki: Stop him with Wood Hammer!

Exclaimed Natsuki, Mimikyu's stick-like tail grows larger and her tail was surrounded in a wispy, dark-purple aura. Then, the Disguise Pokémon struck with her tail onto the demon. The demon screamed in pain. In the meantime, Giyu was very surprise to see how Natsuki was handling with the demon.

Natsuki: Let's finish our battle with our Z-move, Mimikyu!

Then, Natsuki and Mimikyu started to perform a pose while Natsuki's Z-Ring activated. Suddenly, Mimikyu started to run everywhere, which made both the demon and Giyu confused. Then, out of nowhere, Mimikyu jumped towards the demon as she expanded the size of her disguise, landing over the demon and covering it. Giyu was shocked, he couldn't believe that a small creature like Mimikyu could trap a demon that was twice his size.

Natsuki: Let's show this monster you power girl! The power of Mimikyu, Let's Snuggle Forever!

Exclaimed Natsuki as she gave a thumbs up to the Disguise Pokémon, and it was at this moment that Mimikyu started to attack the demon inside her rag. After that, Mimikyu kicked the demon out and the Disguise Pokémon ran towards her Trainer and Natsuki kneeled down to pet her. Giyu was now even more shocked, he didn't know that this Pokémon was very strong. Natsuki turned to Giyuu with a determined smile.

Natsuki: Giyu, it's your turn. Finish the demon off.

Giyu calmed down, then he nodded. The Water Hashira turned to the demon and then in a low yet calm voice he started to performed Water Breathing.

Giyu: Water Breathing. Eleventh Form. Dead Calm.

The demon started to slowly get up, then the demon saw Giyu slowly walking towards them, and when the demon blinked Giyu wasn't there, instead the demon felt the blade cutting his neck, its head fell down. He was decapitated. Then, dawn came and the demon started to become in ashes and died.

Natsuki: Great job, Tomioka!

Natsuki held out her hand to the Water Hashira, who just glanced at her in confusion. The black-haired girl understood that people in Japan don't know what a high five was.

Natsuki: You slap my hand, it's a way to celebrate when something good happens like victory.

Giyu slowly slapped with his hand to Natsuki's.

Natsuki: Exactly like this. You're a quick learner.

Natsuki smiled. Giyu could feel his cheeks heating up a little.

Rotom Pokédex: How about if we celebrate our victory eating something.

Later, Giyu, Natsuki, Rotom Pokédex and Mimikyu are at a ramen restaurant, the same one they ate yesterday.

Giyu: Can you tell me about about your Pokémon that looked like a rag doll?

Asked Giyu in a low voice, almost timid.

Natsuki: That's Mimikyu.

Rotom Pokédex: Mimikyu, the Disguise Pokémon. A Ghost and Fairy type. It wears a ragged head cover to look like a Pikachu, but little is known about this Pokémon. It's said that a scholar who once tried to look inside met his end.

Giyu was a little scared after hearing Mimikyu's description.

Natsuki: You don't have to be scare. It's actually cute when you get to know. I caught her after she had been alone for a long time.

Giyu raised an eyebrow.

Natsuki: You see, Mimikyu was once someone else's Pokémon, but they died due to an illness. Mimikyu then was caught by another Trainer, but she abandoned her after some bad guys tried to take Mimikyu away from her Trainer and then they hurt the Trainer very bad that Mimikyu felt responsible for this tragedy that she ran away and never came back.

Giyu was shocked to hear it. Mimikyu was loved by two people, but the people she loved she lost and Mimikyu was left alone in the world.

Giyu: How were you able to become her new friend?

Natsuki: Well, I found her one day in a beach. At first, Mimikyu ran away from me, but I kept visiting her every day, and one day Mimikyu slowly started to approach me. This kept for four weeks, until one day, some bullies tried to hurt me, but Mimikyu saved me and it was at this moment that Mimikyu wanted me to be her Trainer.

Giyu nodded, impressed Natsuki's kindness and patient.

Natsuki: You know, before the Hashira meeting, Tanjiro told me about the day you met him and his sister. Tanjiro also told me how you spared Nezuko and decided to send him to train with Sakonji to become a Demon Slayer. I was very impressed.

Giyu's eyes widened.

Natsuki: I don't know what the others thought about you, and even if I don't know you very well, I know you're a good person, despite that your stoic expression, you're very cool. Ah, that reminds me, I have a gift for you.

Natsuki grabbed her bag and took out a Mystic Water.

Giyu: What's that?

Natsuki: It's a Mystic Water, it's used to power up Water-type moves. I don't know if it works with Water Breathing, but I believe it will.

Giyu: Why… Why are you giving me this?

Natsuki: Because we're friends.

Giyu: Friends?

Natsuki: Yeah. So, take it and put it on your neck or on your arm, it could be your lucky charm.

Giyu, shocked and surprised, slowly grabbed the Mystic Water.

Natsuki: So, Tomioka-

Giyu: Giyu.

Natsuki: Huh?

Giyu: Call me Giyu.

Natsuki: Okay, then you can call me Natsuki.

Natsuki then noticed a little smile on Giyu and she smiled.

Natsuki: You smiled! That smile is very pretty. You should do that more often.

Giyu's eyes widened in surprised, he blushed a bit and he could feel his heart beating a little faster. Giyu turned his head to the other side as he didn't want Natsuki saw him like that, which confused Natsuki.

Natsuki: Listen Giyu, I was thinking, since we're friends, would you like to hang out and talk sometimes. Maybe when none of us have have any missions, we could go to a restaurant or go to your Estate or mine Estate, whatever you like.

Giyu: You don't mind?

Natsuki: Not at all. My Pokémon would also be happy to meet you.

Then, Mimikyu climbed onto the table and walked towards Giyu. The Water Hashira noticed the Disguise Pokémon. Giyu was confused, Natsuki giggled.

Natsuki: She wants you to pet her.

Giyu slowly brought his hand on Mimkyu's head and started to pet her, which the Disguise Pokémon enjoyed it.

Natsuki: She likes you.

Giyu: I'm… glad.

Giyu smiled a bit. Not only did Natsuki's Pokémon like him, but he was also a little happy to know that someone wanted to become his friend without making fun of him or saying any mean comments or insulting him.

The Water Hashira can't wait to get to know the Pokémon Hashira, his first real friend.


Taisho Secrets

- Shinobu is happy to have new medicine and she asked Natsuki about

- Inosuke learnt his lesson and he promised that he won't steal any Natsuki's Berry from the Berry Garden anymore

- The battle between Falinks and Pikachu was the first Pokémon Battle in the Demon Slayer Universe

- Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke, despite not liking the idea about teamwork, are willing to give it a try

- Shinobu and Kanae were surprised that Natsuki was paired with Giyu

- Mimikyu took a liking on Giyu (and she secretly wants Giyu to be Natsuki's boyfriend)

- Giyu is slowly developing some feeling on Natsuki

- Giyu is happy to know that Natsuki is his real friend