Chapter 5 – Wisteria House
Sometime later, night came and the Kamaboko squad – as Natsuki decided to call it – were in front of a wooden door with a symbol on it.
Tanjiro: A wisteria family crest…
Tanjiro's crow: CAW! It's time to rest! It's time to rest! You've all had a tough day. Rest up now! This house with the wisteria family crest belongs to a family that was rescued by demon slayers! They'll house free of charge!
Tanjiro: Is it really okay for us to rest? I suppose I have been ignoring my injures…
Tanjiro's crow: Kekekeke
Tanjiro: Is that a laugh, or…
Inosuke: Let's eat this thing.
Suddenly, the door opened and an old lady came out, greeting the group.
Old lady: Yes?
Tanjiro: Oh, sorry to bother you this late at night.
Zenitsu: A MONSTER! IT'S A MOSNTER!
Exclaimed Zenitsu, hiding behind Natsuki. Both Natsuki and Tanjiro glared at the yellow-haired boy.
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Hey!
Inosuke: Who the hell are you?!
Said Inosuke walking towards the old lady.
Old lady: Should I presume that you are all Demon Slayer?
Inosuke: We are, what's it to ya?!
Tanjiro scolded Inosuke for his behavior.
Tanjiro: Inosuke!
Natsuki: I'm so sorry for my friend's behavior.
Said Natsuki apologizing to the old lady.
Old lady: No worries. Please, come in.
[INTRO]
Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke and Natsuki and her Pokémon followed the old lady.
Zenitsu: That old lady sure walks fast!
Old lady: This is where you'll be staying.
The old lady led the group into the manor, giving them food and new clothes.
Old lady: A change of clothes to clean your bodies. And a warm meal to clean your souls.
Zenitsu: She has to be a monster, Tanjiro! That old lady's a monster! She's so quick, it's eerie! She's a monster! A monster hag-
Tanjiro smacked Zenitsu on the back of the head, before they could start to eat, the old lady took the black-haired girl to another room.
Old lady: Young lady, you will have your own room and it will be next to your friends'.
Natsuki: Thank you ma'am. Is it okay if I can eat with my friends, please? I don't like eating alone without them around.
Old lady: Of course, my dear. Ah, I wanted to ask if those creatures that are with you need some food?
Natsuki: Thank you, but there's no need, I have food for them. Thank you for everything.
The old lady nodded and left the room. After Natsuki changed her clothes with the kimono that the old lady gave it to her and giving Pokéfood to her Pokémon, she walked to the other room where she saw her friends sitting on the ground, ready to eat dinner.
[My Home - Pokémon Sun and Moon OST]
Tanjiro: Natsuki, you've came!
Zenitsu: My angel, you look very pretty.
Inosuke didn't say anything, he just started at her.
Natsuki: I asked to the madam of the house if I could eat with you guys and she said that it was okay.
Tanjiro: I'm glad to hear. Come on, let's eat.
So, everyone started to eat, but it wasn't a peaceful dinner. Inosuke started to eat very fast using his hands.
Natsuki: Inosuke, that's bad manners.
Zenitsu: Yeah, use your chopsticks…
Said Zenitsu annoyed, but Inosuke didn't listen and he stole some of Tanjiro's food. The black/blue-haired boy grinned and snickered at Tanjiro. The burgundy-haired boy, instead of getting angry, just smiled at Inosuke and picked up one of his bowls, offering to the black/blue boy.
Tanjiro: If you're really that hungry, Inosuke, go ahead and have this bowl as well.
Inosuke got angry as he saw that Tanjiro didn't try to fight back.
Inosuke: Aaahhh!
Tanjiro: Take it.
Inosuke: I refuse!
[End of My Home - Pokémon Sun and Moon OST]
Sometime later, the old lady prepared the beds for the group, starting with the three boys.
Old lady: Your bedding is ready, gentlemen.
Zenitsu: Again?! The monster-
Tanjiro smacked Zenitsu's head once again, while Inosuke jumped on the futon he chose.
Inosuke: I'm taking this one here! First come, first served!
Tanjiro: That's fine. You can sleep wherever you want.
Once again Inosuke didn't like Tanjiro's response. An irk appeared on the black/blue-haired boy.
Tanjiro: Where do you want to sleep, Zenitsu?
Before Zenitsu could say something, Inosuke angrily threw his pillow at the yellow-haired boy's face, shocking both Tanjiro and Natsuki. After settling in, the old lady arrived in the boys' room with the doctor, who came to check on their healthy.
Old lady: Our doctor is ready to see.
Doctor: Greeting
Tanjiro, Natsuki and Zenitsu, Inosuke opened their yukatas, accidentally, Tanjiro looked briefly at Natsuki as he saw her chest – noticing that there were some scars on her – but nonetheless, he blushed as he closed his eyes and turned his head to the other side.
Tanjiro: Zenitsu! Inosuke! Close your eyes and look the other side!
Both Zenitsu and Inosuke raised an eyebrow, confused by Tanjiro's request.
Zenitsu: Why?
Tanjiro: Just do it!
Exclaimed Tanjiro and the two boys did what he asked for. Natsuki looked at her friends, she saw that the three of them had their eyes closed. She didn't know the reason. Then the doctor walked towards the group and checked over them.
Doctor: Hmm… Yes… I see… Hmm… Well, it's bad.
Sometime later, Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke lied in their bed, while Natsuki sitting beside Zenitsu with Eevee, Pikachu and Poipole sleeping on her lap.
Zenitsu: Who would've guessed… All four of us had broken ribs?
The doctor told the group that they had broken ribs, Zenitsu had 1, Natsuki had 2, Tanjiro had 3 and lastly Inosuke had 4. Inosuke removed some of his hair, uncovering the bump on his head.
Inosuke: This bump hurts a lot worse.
Tanjiro: Sorry.
Natsuki: I want to apologize too for attacking you and using my Pokémon to hurt you.
Zenitsu: 'Scuse me, where's my apology? I'm hurting too. You hurt me and beat the crap out of my angel earlier. You sorry?
Inosuke: Not really.
Zenitsu: Just apologize!
Inosuke: Forget it!
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Hey! Be nice!
Zenitsu: Look Inosuke, we just won't eat with you if you act that way.
Inosuke: Huh?! How is that related?
Zenitsu: Because meals always taste better when you eat together, you know.
Tanjiro: He's right about that.
Natsuki nodded in agreement.
Inosuke: Did the three of you hit your heads or something?
Zenitsu: Like you're the one to talk like that?!
Suddenly the old lady appeared behind d the doorway.
Old lady: Is there something I could help you with?
Zenitsu: Aaahhh! M-Monster!
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Hey!
A few moments later, Natsuki managed to calm Zenitsu down (she gave him some headpats).
Tanjiro: According to the crow, this house with the wisteria family crest is owned by a family that was once rescued by Demon Slayers. That's why they take care of Demon Slayers for free. But I never thought that they would show us this much hospitality.
Natsuki: Now that you've mentioned it, I think I heard something like that to the chief village where I used to live there. That's why I need to think a way to repay their generosity!
Tanjiro and Zenitsu smiled at Natsuki.
Inosuke: Just how great is the Demon Slayers Corps anyway?
Said Inosuke with his hands behind his head and with a smile.
Tanjiro: Now that I think about it, what made you decide to join the Corps?
Inosuke: Huh?
Zenitsu: Well, you must have some kind of reason.
Natsuki: I'm curious too. Other than Tanjiro and Zenitsu, I've never met another Demon Slayer during the journey, but what's your reason for joining the Corps, then?
Inosuke: A member of the Demon Slayers Corps barged in on me on my mountain, so we competed to see who was stronger. I took his blade as a reward.
Said Inosuke with pride, while Tanjiro, Natsuki and Zenitsu looked at them dumbfounded.
Zenitsu/Natsuki: I feel sorry for that guy.
Zenitsu and Natsuki thought. Inosuke continued to tell them the rest of his story.
Inosuke: And then, I heard of this thing called the "Final Selection". I found out demons really exist.
Tanjiro: So that's what drew you to the Demon Slayer Corps. And hey, you grew up in the mountains! Same goes for me.
Inosuke: Don't lump me in with you! I don't have anyone I could call family! Only one thing gives me comfort in this world…
Inosuke grabbed his boar mask and put it on.
Inosuke: …And that's testing my strength against others!
Tanjiro and Natsuki were a little sad to hear it.
Tanjiro: Is that so? How sad…
Zenitsu sit up and looked at Natsuki.
Zenitsu: Hey Natsuki, I have a question.
Natsuki: Sure.
Zenitsu: When we first met, you said that you're a 'Pokémon Trainer' and you also mention a place called 'Paldea region'. I never heard them, so I wanted to ask.
Natsuki and Tanjiro looked at each other. They knew that one day they would have to tell as to how Natsuki's identity would be discovered. But who could blame them? And above all, how could they tell? The girl is from another universe and no one knows what Pokémon are.
Natsuki: Alright Zenitsu, but I warn you, what I am going to tell you is gonna be hard to believe.
Zenitsu looked at her with a confused look as he was waiting for the answer.
[Zinnia Sorrow - Pokémon Omega Rybu & Alpha Sapphire OST]
Natsuki: I'm not from around here, in fact, I am from another universe.
Zenitsu: Huh?! Another world?!
Tanjiro: Zenitsu, don't scream.
Said Tanjiro, scolding Zenitsu.
Natsuki: Anyway, the universe where I'm from, Pokémon and humans coexist, some of Pokémon are wild and they live freely in the nature, while others are domesticated and may be part of the family, staying at their Trainer's side. As for me, I'm a Pokémon Trainer, basically I catch, train, take care for, and battle Pokémon.
Zenitsu: What about 'Paldea region'?
Natsuki: Paldea region is the name of one of Pokémon region that I had travelled a long time ago.
As Natsuki finished to explain to Zenitsu, the yellow-haired boy was shocked and he looked at Tanjiro.
Tanjiro: It's true. Before Natsuki and I met you, she told me everything about her wolrd. But I promise you, she is not lying. You're not mad, are you?
Zenitsu looked down as he was trying to process everything.
Zenitsu: No, I'm not mad.
Natsuki and Tanjiro were shocked.
Zenitsu: In fact, I already knew it from the first day we met and this is was because of your sound.
Natsuki: My sound?
Zenitsu: Yeah. I have the ability to listen every sounds. All living creatures have their own sound. By listening closely, I could tell what someone was thinking. Breathing, heartbeats, the sound of blood circulating. When I met you, I heard your sound and it was very unlikely, and after you said the truth about yourself now, I didn't sense fakeness, just pure sincerity. That is why I believe you.
Zenitsu smiled at the black-haired girl, who was surprised by his statement. She gently put her Pokémon on the floor and hugged the yellow-haired boy.
Natsuki: Thank you.
Said Natsuki in a low voice. Zenitsu, on the other hand, was having his moment. The girl he likes was hugging him. After that, Natsuki broke the hug, she picked up her Pokémon and started to get up and walked towards her room. Before she could enter, she looked back at the trio and smiled at them.
Natsuki: I'm going to bed. I'll see you tomorrow guys. Thanks again for believing me Zenitsu. Goodnight.
Natsuki, after putting her Pokémon on the floor, went to her bed and slept with a smile on her face.
[End of Zinnia Sorrow - Pokémon Omega Rybu & Alpha Sapphire OST]
The next morning, Tanjiro, Zenitsu and Inosuke, as they were sleeping in their own bed, smelled something very delicious. They got up and went to the room where they eat, and when they opened the door, they found Natsuki putting something. The black-haired turned her head and saw her friends at the entrance of the room, she smiled at them
Natsuki: Good morning! Did you sleep well?
Tanjiro: Good morning Natsuki.
Zenitsu: Good morning, my angel~
Inosuke as usual didn't say anything to her.
Tanjiro: What are you doing here?
Asked Tanjiro.
Natsuki: Oh, I was just putting on our tables the breakfast that I made.
Zenitsu: You… Did you really prepare food for all of us?
Natsuki: Of course. I asked madam Hisa if I could use the kitchen to prepare our breakfast.
Tanjiro: Madam Hisa?
Natsuki: The old lady who is hosting us here. She was starting to prepare some food, but I told her that I wanted to cook for all of us instead of her. At first, Hisa refused to let me cook, but I insisted, so here I am.
Natsuki backed away with a grin to give her friends a full view of what now rests there on their tables: a hearty breakfast in Pokémon style. The trio had their eyes widened and their jaws were dropped a little in surprise.
Natsuki: I prepared for all of us a Fluffy Eevee Pancakes with delicious Moomoo Milk, but each of our drinks is different. Tanjiro and I have a chocolate/strawberry Moomoo Milk, Zenitsu strawberry Moomoo Milk and Inosuke chocolate Moomoo Milk. Come on, let's eat.
With that saying, the three boys walked towards their own tables – Inosuke and Zenitsu were actually running – they grabbed their fork and took a piece of from the pancakes, putting it in their mouth. Natsuki noticed that they didn't say anything nor they moved, she got worried, until she saw that the boys started to devour the pancakes and drink fast their milk. They loved their breakfast.
Tanjiro: This is the best breakfast I have ever had in my life!
Zentisu: You said it! I didn't know your food could be this good Natsuki!
Natsuki put a grin on her face.
Natsuki: Wait until lunch, I have in my mind some food that you're gonna love it.
Inosuke: Maruski! I demand more food now!
Zenitsu: Hey! Don't talk to my angel like that, you stupid! And her name is Natsuki!
Inosuke: What did you say to me?!
Natsuki: It's okay Zenitsu. In fact, I already predicted that Inosuke would ask me, so I prepared a snack exclusively for him.
Natsuki got up and went to the kitchen. Later, she came back and the trio saw what the black-haired girl had in her hands. A big fried bread full of cream and honey. Natsuki gave it to Inosuke. At first, the black/blue-haired boy was just looking at the bread, then he grabbed it and took a bite. Just like before, he didn't say or do anything, until he started to devour it entirely.
Natsuki: Did you like it?
Asked Natsuki. Inosuke just stared at her as he was feeling something inside of him. Something fuzzy. He snapped out of his thoughts, he looked away and nodded. Natsuki turned to Tanjiro and Zenitsu.
Natsuki: Don't worry guys, I can prepare as many as Malasada you want.
Tanjiro: Malasada?
Natsuki: Malasada is a sweet fried bread that is very popular in Alola region, my native region.
Tanjiro and Zenitsu couldn't take it anymore. They wanted to know about Natsuki's world. They started to ask many questions, even Inosuke chame in. The black-haired girl didn't expect it, but she gladly answered their questions.
[Pokémon Holiday - Pokémon OST]
In the following days, Natsuki and her new friends, as they rest in the Wisteria House, started to get to know each other.
Natsuki told to the boys about her hometown, her adventures in every Pokémon region, her victories and her heroic actions against villains. Rotom Pokédex even showed the group some photos of her adventures. Tanjiro's favorite photo and story was about Natsuki's farm life and her hometown. He wanted to go to Akala region and living with her sister away from demons and the other horrors of his world. Zenitsu wished to live in Akala Island and to rest forever without having to work, but he also wishes Natsuki's parents not only to ask them for their approval to marry Natsuki, but also to be able to ask to be part of their family. Inosuke wanted to explore all Pokémon region and meet the strongest Pokémon Trainer, especially the ones who practice martial arts. He also asked Natsuki to fight with her Pokémon, but she refused.
Other than bonding with the boys, Natsuki bonded with the old lady of the Wisteria House, she even revealed her name, Hisa. Hisa and Natsuki formed a grandma-granddaughter relationship, the black-haired girl likes helping the owner of the house, from cooking to cleaning. The young girl even prepared some of her world's food, mostly healthy, and Hisa really love Natsuki's cooking.
Natsuki started to bond with each boy. Since they were on the same group, the black-haired girl wanted to get know the boys.
Starting with Tanjiro, the burgundy-haired boy and the black-haired girl really hit it off, even more when they met for the first time. Tanjiro told Natsuki about his family. He came from a big family, aside for Nezuko – revealing that the girl demon is the second oldest – he used to have 4 siblings (Takeo, Hanako, Shigeru and Rokuta). His father, Tanjuro, died due to illness, and Tanjiro took the role of the breadwinner of the family and the boy worked as a coal seller. Tanjiro was also a great at repairing things and taking care of children. Natsuki was really sad to know that Tanjiro's life was hard, especially after his family's death. Tanjiro revealed that a long time ago, when he was a little kid, his father had performed something called Hinokami Kagura, a ceremony as an offering to the Fire God for protection from death and illness. Tanjiro used to watch his father dance all night, even in the coldest winters. Natsuki told Tanjiro about her encounter with a demon as he called her "Marechi" but stronger and sweeter than an average one. When she asked, the burgundy-haired boy told her that a Marechi refers to a special blood type that, in terms of nutritional value for a demon, is akin to eating as many as hundred normal humans. Tanjiro then promised to Natsuki that he will protect her from being eating for having rarest blood.
Zenitsu and Natsuki's relationship was really peculiar, but they got along very well. Zenitsu told Natsuki that he didn't know his parents, so he wasn't raised by them and he grew up alone and isolated by everyone because of his personality. One day, he fell in love with a girl and to show her that he loved her, he gave her all his moneys. However, the girl run away with another guy, leaving Zenitsu with a big debt. As he was in financial with debt collectors, an old man called Jigoro Kuwajima paid off the debt for him and in return, Jigoro decided to train him as a swordsman of a breathing technique called Thunder Breathing. Zenitsu began to refer Jigoro as "grandpa" and there was another student that Jigoro took in, Kaigaru. Zenitsu told Natsuki that Kaigaku didn't like him and he always criticize and insult him. Zenitsu hated Jigoro's training and he tried to run away, but he always failed. Natsuki asked if his "grandpa" gave up on him, and Zenitsu told that Jigoro didn't give up and he continued to train him. Zenitsu told the black-haired girl that one day he climbed up a tree out of fear that he was being trained to death and in a moment of panic, a lightning struck him, turning his hair blonde. Natsuki was shocked and surprised to hear it.
Inosuke and Natsuki's relationship was strange. Both of them didn't know how to communicate, the only time they interact is when the girl prepares food. Inosuke loved her cooking along with Hisa's. Another time they interact is when he saw Natsuki outside eating some Cheesy Rowlet Pizza. The black-haired girl noticed the boy's presence and she invited him to eat the little pizza. As they were eating, Natsuki asked Inosuke's life, the black/blue-haired boy told her that he grew up in a family of wild boars in a forest at the foot of the mountain. His life is practically survival, it's about to kill or be killed. Natsuki told to Inosuke that when she was 12, she once survived in a forest alone without eating for a day and she had to find some food.
Natsuki and Nezuko only interact during the night, the girl demon loves the black-haired girl, she saw her like a sister to her. Even if Nezuko can't talk, Natsuki liked to say many things about her world and she made a promise on herself that after they found a cure for her, she would like to take Nezuko to see some Coordinators shows.
Another thing that happened is the trio of boys love Natsuki's food. One day the black-haired girl decided to cook curry for them as they stated that they never eat curry. She decided to prepare for Tanjiro a Solar Power Tomato Curry, Zenitsu a Plenty-of-Potato Curry and Inosuke a Smoked-Tail Curry. The three of them, after eating a piece, started to love curry.
From that day Natsuki took notes about her friends' food preference.
Tanjiro loves Decorative Curry, Solar Power Tomato Curry, Whipped-Cream Curry, Salisbury Steak with Fried Fixings, Glossifleur Combo Plate, Limber Corn Stew, Moomoo Caprese Salad, Klawf al Ajillo, (Sweet) Malasada, Lucky Chant Apple Pie, Chocolate Banana Crepe, Mint Chocolate Ice Cream, Moomoo Milk, Roasted Furret Tea Latte and Lemon Soda.
Zenitsu loves Plenty-of-potato Curry, Hearty Cheesburger Curry, Piquant Pikachu Curry, Four-Piece Sushi (Flower Set), Potato Tortilla, Klawf al Ajillo, Quesadilla, Soft Potato Chowder, Gratin a la Pumpkaboo, Greengrass Salad, Strawberry Whipped Cream Crepe, Flower Ice Cream (cup), Nutty Buneary Frappé and Warm Moomoo Milk.
Inosuke loves Smoked-Tail Curry, Burger-Steak Curry, Boiled-Egg Curry, Superpower Extreme Salad, Klawf al Ajillo, Mapo Tofu, Torchic Rice over Omelet, Cheesy Whimsicott Meatloaf, Pinchitos, Paella de Paldea, Big Malasada (Cream), Flower Ice Cream (cup), Moomoo Milk and Poppin' Pachirisu Float.
Natsuki was happy to see that her friends really like her cooking and she hoped that one day she will cook for other people that they will meet in the future.
Natsuki revealed to be a great singer and musician. One night, Natsuki, who couldn't sleep, took out an ocarina and played a music that she once listened during her journey at Alamos Town. Everyone, including Nezuko, listened to the music and they were amazed by the sound. Tanjiro noticed that Nezuko was asleep and he and Natsuki understood that the music played by her was so good that Nezuko relaxed.
Another thing that happened, Natsuki saw his friends creating a bond with her Pokémon. The girl was happy to see that even her Pokémon like her friends, despite their personalities.
[End of Pokémon Holiday - Pokémon OST]
One day, when dawn came, Natsuki, Eevee, Pikachu and Poipole were in front of Nezuko's box, waiting for the girl to come out. Then, the box opened and Nezuki emerged from it. She saw the black-haired girl and hugged her. Suddenly, their moment was interrupted when someone called them.
Zenitsu: Nezuko~! Natsuki~!
It was Zenitsu. He smiled happily when he saw the two girls. Nezuko was confused, but not Natsuki. She knew that his friend has romantic feelings both her and Nezuko. Tanjiro told Natsuki that Zenitsu met his sister when they arrived at the Wisteria House. The yellow-haired boy attacked Tanjiro, thinking that he and Tanjiro had a relationship along with Natsuki, but after the burgundy-haired boy explained to Zenitsu that Nezuko is actually his sister, he apologized. Now, Zenitsu has developed a crush both on Nezuko and Natsuki. Zenitsu approached the two girls while giggling. The two girls seem a little uncomfortable and they started to run around the room, while Zenitsu playfully chased them. As for Natsuki's Pokémon were just watching the scene in confusion without doing something to stop the boy.
Zenitsu: Nezuko~! Natsuki~!
The two girls stopped, as the yellow-haired boy was taking another step, Tanjiro stepped in and stopped Zenitsu.
Tanjiro: Cut it out, Zenitsu!
Zenitsu looked at Tanjiro for a few seconds until he put a goofy smile on his face.
Zenitsu: Tan… ji… ro! Hehehe!
Tanjiro was confused, but then the yellow-haired boy grabbed Tanjiro's hands.
Zenitsu: Nezuko is your little sister, right? And Natsuki is your friend? Ehehe. Let's be best friends, Tanjiro!
Suddenly Zenitsu begun chasing Tanjiro, Nezuko and Natsuki. The burgundy-haired boy tried to tell Zenitsu to stop, but it didn't work.
Tanjiro: Zenitsu! Why're you following us around like this?! Stop it!
Zenitsu: Oh, come on, don't be a stranger, Tanjiro!
Outside of the room, Inosuke was sitting on the porched, until he heard his stomach growling in hunger.
Inosuke: Man, I'm hungry.
Hisa walked towards to Inosuke with a change of clothes for Inosuke in her arms.
Hisa: Pardon me, sir. Those clothes of yours are quite soiled, I see. I'll clean them for you, so please wear these in the meantime. These are pleasant to the touch and quite comfortable.
Inosuke felt again that fuzzy feeling inside of him.
Hisa: Tonight, I'll cook instead of Natsuki. But what would you like for dinner? I was thinking of making some tempura? You know, something covered in batter and fried golden brown.
Hisa left to go to the kitchen, leaving the clothes to Inosuke. Then the black/blue-haired boy opened the door and screamed. Everyone in the room saw Inosuke, until he headbutted Tanjiro's back. Natsuki and her Pokémon walked towards the burgundy-haired boy, worried for him and they glared at Inosuke.
[Silly Psyduck - Pokémon OST]
Tanjiro: Wh-What was that for?!
Natsuki: Inosuke! What the heck?!
Pikachu: Pika Pi! Pikachu! Chu! (Why did you hurt him?)
Eevee/Poipole: Eevee! Vee! Vee!/Poipole! Pole! Poi! (You big meanie!)
But Inosuke just screamed and started to chase Tanjiro while Zenitsu chased both of them. As for Nezuko, Natsuki and her Pokémon, they just stepped aside and watched.
Tanjiro: Hold up, hold up! Stop chasing us, Inosuke!
Zenitsu: Tanjiro!
Natsuki sighed and lightly shook her head.
Natsuki: Those three are something else.
[End of Silly Psyduck - Pokémon OST]
The next morning, the doctor came back to the Wisteria House to check out the group's health.
Doctor: You're fully recovered.
Sometime later, a Kasugai crow flew into the Wisteria House. It entered into the room and perched on Tanjiro's hand.
Kasugai Crow: Tanjiro! Zenitsu! Inosuke! Natsuki! I have your next mission! Listen up, now! North-northeast! North-northeast! Your next mission is north-northeast! Tomorrow morning go to Mt. Natagumo! Go to Mt. Natagumo!
Zenitsu: Urgh, right when we finally started to feel better…
Inosuke: All right! You can count on me!
Natsuki: What's going on?
Asked Natsuki as she lifted her head out from her room.
Tanjiro: The Kasugai Crow said we had a new mission since we are fully recovered.
Natsuki: Really? Then, wait me that I'll go change my clothes.
A few minutes later, Natsuki came out of her room with a new outift. She was wearing a red jacket with a hood, white cuffs and pockets with white buttons over a white shirt which is tucked inside her navy shorts. She is also wearing white socks and a pair of white shoes with black accents. Her hair is in a ponytail tied with a black bow. Tanjiro and Zenitsu blushed, while Inosuke didn't say anything, but he could feel his cheeks heating up a little under his mask.
The group went outside of the Wisteria House, ready to leave for the next mission.
Tanjiro: We're heading out now. Thank you for everything.
Natsuki: Thank you for letting us, Hina.
Lucario: Rio. (Thank you)
Rotom Pokédex: Thank you for everything madam.
Hina: I'll bestow good luck upon you.
Tanjiro: Thank you so much!
The group, except Inosuke, turned around and Hisawalked forward them with a stone and grinder and she struck the stone against the grinder a couple of time. Inosule didn't understand what is she doing and he got angry.
Inosuke: What do you think you're doing, old hag?!
Tanjiro, Natsuki and Lucario tried to stop Inosuke from attacking Hisa.
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Inosuke!
Zenitsu: Stop that, you idiot! It's ceremonial! We're going on a journey, and striking sparks is for good luck!
Inosuke: Huh?!
Hisa: Always live your lives in a fashion where you are able to hold your heds up high. I wish you luck in battle!
Inosuke: The hell does that even mean?!
Zenitsu: Can you just drop it? Let's go!
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Thank you!
[March - Pokémon Journey OST]
The group set off. During the trip, Inosuke couldn't get off in his mind Hisa's words.
Inosuke: "Heads up high"? "Luck in battle"? What's that mean?
Tanjiro: To be honest, it is a little bit difficult to explain… I guess it means whatever hand you're given in this life, you're able to conduct yourself in a way that's honorable so you're never ashamed. And whishing "luck in battle" just means she's praying for our safety.
Inosuke: Well, what about the "hand you're given"? we have two already! And why should we be "ashamed"?
Tanjiro: Well, I guess-
Inosuke: What does "honorable" mean, anyway? And why is that old hag praying for our safety in the first place? She has nothing to do with us. So what's her game, huh?
Rotom Pokédex: You talk too much, you know.
Tanjiro didn't say anything and he started to run ahead faster than Zenitsu, Inosuke, Natsuki and Lucario.
Natsuki: What the... Tanjiro, wait for us!
Natsuki and Lucario speeded up, trying to reach Tanjiro. Even Inosuke speeded up.
Zenitsu: Wait up!
[End of March - Pokémon Journey OST]
Taisho Secrets
- Hisa knew from the begging that Natsuki wasn't a Demon Slayr, but she didn't say anything
- Zenitsu has extraordinary hearing, so he sensed the other Pokémon in Natsuki's bag
- The trio of the boys really wanted to go Natsuki's world and become Pokémon Trainers like her
- Zenitsu developed a crush on Nezuko, but he seems to be more in love with Natsuki
- Inosuke don't know the feeling he is feeling everytime Natsuki did something nice to him
- The trio of the boys wanted to eat more Natsuki's food, especially curry and desserts
- Natsuki decided to let Pikachu, Eevee and Poipole in their Pokéballs, so she let Lucario be her partner for a while
Hey guys! I'm writing this massage to thank you all for the comments and favs. I don't know what to say, I didn't know that you guys like this story, I'm very surprised.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Now, I'll try to write the story of the Mt. Natagumo ARC, since it will be difficult especially with the battle. Don't worry we're almost there for the Hashira's meeting. See you!