Chapter13

The next day, Oiran Koinastu was speaking with the two young girls. They wanted her to read the books that they chose before bed. Koinastu handed them two hairpins, saying they were gifts to them. While that was happening, Tanjiro and Rengoku were both listening to their conversation without being noticed. They both smiled, happy to see these three enjoying themselves.

Later In The Day

"I told you! There was a demon at my house alright!" Inosuke was saying. He, Tanjiro, and Rengoku were on the rooftop of a building. Rengoku has an umbrella with him to protect him from the sun. Apparently, Tanjiro tried to convince Rengoku not to come and meet up with Inosuke but Rengoku insisted he would go, saying he will be okay with just an umbrella for shade.

"I'm telling you it looked like this!" Inosuke said as he tried to show Tanjiro what the demon looked like. "You know, like this!"

"Yeah. I totally believe you." Tanjiro said, still unsure of what Inosuke was talking about. "Just hold on a second."

"Like this! Can't you see what I'm saying!" Inosuke said, wriggling his fingers.

"Anyway, Mr. Uzui and Zenitsu should be arriving soon." Tanjiro said.

"Zenitsu won't be coming." Tengen said out of nowhere.

Tanjiro and Inosuke looked at him with surprise. Uzui has shown up with nothing but quietness.

There's no doubt. This guy's the real deal. He didn't make a sound. Not even the slightest puff of air.

"Wait, Zenitsu's not coming? What do you mean by that?" Tanjiro asked, worry on his face.

Rengoku looked at Uzui, no longer having a smile on his face.

Uzui has his back turned to them. "I feel bad now about putting you all through this. It seems I was so desperate to rescue my wives in time I made some poor decisions regarding the mission. As it stands, Zenitsu's missing. There has been no contact since last night."

"You two should leave now. Your ranked too low for this. If the demon here turns out to be an Upper Rank, you'll be dead weight. If you vanish from here, they'll just assume that you're dead."

"Therefore, I'm continuing this mission on my own."

"Please Mr. Uzui, we can help!" Tanjiro pleaded.

"Don't be ashamed. Life is all about survival. So take this chance and get out." Uzui said.

"But Mr. Uzui! What about Rengoku!?" Tanjiro asked.

"Rengoku can stay. After all, he's a Hashira..." Uzui looked over his shoulder to eye them. "And he's also a demon."

"But you've seen what happened! What if he-"

"Don't worry," Uzui cut off Tanjiro. "I can handle Rengoku if things were to come to that."

"Uzui, maybe you should reconsider. Young Kamado and the Boar-Headed Lad have shown me how strong they can be in intense dire moments. Surely they can handle this one." Rengoku said.

Uzui sighed. He stood up. "Like I said, you're too low for this mission. I know you're passionate about these two Rengoku, but it's not worth their lives to put them through this mission. So, pack up your things and go." With that, Uzui left.

Around Sundown

"Oiran, we brought you your tea." said one of the young girls serving the Oiran. She placed a cup of tea next to Oiran Koinastu.

"Why thank you!" Oiran Koinastu said with delight. "I can do the rest of it myself. You two go on and have dinner."

Oiran Koinastu watched the two young girls leave. When they closed the door, she busied herself looking into a small round mirror.

"Miss Koinastu."

Koinastu turned around and saw Tanjiro Kamado behind her on his knees. "Oh, Sumi. It's you."

"Forgive me for intruding just now. However, I have a favor to ask. I'm leaving the Tokito House after this. Would you give Master the payment for my lodging?" Tanjiro slid a small envelope towards Koinastu.

Koinastu looked at Tanjiro with surprise. "What's going on? And why are you dressed so..."

"I had to dress as a woman for my mission. But I'm actually a guy." Tanjiro told her.

"Oh. I already knew that." Koinastu said simply. "Your voice gave it away. Sorry."

"What?" Tanjiro said. He was confused. Did she take a lucky guess or did she know the entire time?

"Well, it was obvious from the start. I've known the whole time. I admit I was a bit curious as to what you were up to." Koinastu said.

I guess I was busted from the beginning.

"But you must have your reasons, right? Were you worried about Suma for real or was that a lie?" Koinastu asked.

"No! I was telling the truth. I would never lie like that. As for everyone that vanished, I promise I'll rescue them." Tanjiro said.

"Why thank you. I think I needed to hear that. Because you see, I'm actually leaving this district for good tomorrow."

"No way, are you really? You must be so ecstatic about that!" Tanjiro exclaimed.

"It seems someone wanted me as a wife. Which makes me so happy but that could be why I've been worried sick about leaving everyone behind. Even though I thought I knew something was wrong, I have no way of looking into it." Koinastu said.

"But that isn't your fault. Please don't worry about it. All you can do is move forward." Tanjiro said, feeling sympathy for her.

"And you too. I don't want you to disappear either Sumi. Be careful." Koinastu said.

Tanjiro looked at her with surprise and then he smiled. "Now then, I'll be off. I wish you the best."

"Thank you, Sumi. Best of luck to you. And I'm counting on you to save Suma."

"Right." Tanjiro was about to leave but then he turned back around. "Oh! And one other thing. You know the girl I came with, the one you know as Rena, she's also a guy too."

Koinastu smiled. "I figured as much. Is he leaving as well?"

"No. Not yet at least. I asked him to stay and keep an eye out on things and to protect you." Tanjiro told her.

Koinastu smiled again. "Thank you, Sumi."

Tanjiro bowed and he closed the door behind him.

Koinastu went back to what she was doing. Then she heard something behind her. "Oh. Did you forget something?"

"No, but thank you. However, I really should devour you before I forget. Since tonight happens to be your last night here. You can't leave without saying goodbye." Daki said.

Koinastu looked on with fear as she became surrounded by Daki's ribbons.