The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden hues over the bustling train station. The air was alive with the sounds of chatter, the shuffle of hurried feet, and the occasional piercing whistle of steam as the Mugen Train loomed ahead. Its dark carriages seemed foreboding, exuding an ominous energy that sent a shiver down Tanjiro's spine.

He led the group through the crowded platform, Nezuko's box secured firmly on his back. Behind him, Zenitsu darted his eyes nervously around the crowd, clutching his bag like a lifeline. Inosuke, as always, pushed forward with reckless energy, grumbling about how "this metal beast" wasn't fast enough for his liking.

Kuri, however, trailed slightly behind, her silver eyes wide and darting from face to face. The oppressive emotions of the bustling crowd pressed against her sensitive empathy like a crashing wave—fear, excitement, frustration, and exhaustion all mingling together in a cacophony she couldn't block out. Her wings twitched beneath her cloak, a faint tremor running through her as she stumbled slightly.

"Kuri?" Tanjiro stopped and turned, his warm brown eyes filled with concern.

"I'm fine," Kuri said quickly, her voice tight. But her trembling hands and tense posture told a different story. She took a shaky breath, the emotions of the crowd weighing heavily on her as the noise seemed to swell.

"Oi, what's with you?" Inosuke barked, stopping mid-step. He tilted his head, his boar mask gleaming in the afternoon light. "Are you scared of a bunch of humans?"

"Shut up, Inosuke!" Zenitsu snapped, whirling around and glaring at him. "You don't even understand what's happening! Kuri's—"

"I'm fine," Kuri interrupted sharply, but her voice wavered.

Tanjiro stepped closer, his calm presence a grounding force. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, his touch steady and reassuring. "Kuri," he said softly, "just focus on me. You're not alone."

She looked up at him, her silver eyes meeting his, and for a moment, the chaos of the crowd faded. His warmth radiated through her like a steady flame, and she nodded, moving closer to him.

As the crowd surged again, she found herself instinctively cowering against him, her shoulder brushing his arm. Tanjiro didn't hesitate, positioning himself slightly in front of her to shield her from the bustling masses.

Zenitsu noticed the interaction, his brows furrowing. "Why do you get to be the one she clings to?!" he whined, clutching his chest dramatically. "Kuri! I can protect you too! I'll—"

"Move, slowpoke!" Inosuke shouted, shoving past Zenitsu. "The sooner we get on this thing, the sooner I can fight whatever's inside!"

Tanjiro sighed, casting an apologetic look at Kuri. "Let's just get to the train," he said gently, leading the way.

XXX

When they finally approached the Mugen Train, its size and power seemed to loom over them like a living entity. Kuri hesitated for a moment, the oppressive energy emanating from the train tugging at her senses. She gripped the strap of her bag tightly, her wings twitching beneath her cloak.

As they neared the first carriage, a familiar voice called out.

"Tasty!"

Rengoku stood near the entrance, his flame-patterned haori catching the last rays of sunlight. He was holding a bento box in one hand, eating enthusiastically as though the station chaos didn't exist. When he noticed the group, his golden eyes brightened.

"Kamado! Agatsuma! Hashibira!" he greeted, his booming voice carrying over the noise. His gaze shifted to Kuri, and his smile widened. "And you must be the priestess I've heard about."

Kuri blinked in surprise, her silver eyes meeting his fiery gaze. "I… yes," she said hesitantly, bowing slightly.

Rengoku returned the bow, his tone warm but respectful. "Kuri-dono, it's an honor to meet you. Your work in protecting others is admirable.

Kuri's cheeks flushed faintly, and she straightened, unsure how to respond. "Thank you, Rengoku-san," she managed, her voice soft but steady.

Tanjiro smiled at the interaction, pride swelling in his chest as he noticed Kuri's posture relax slightly under Rengoku's kind words.

"Now then!" Rengoku said, clapping his hands together. "We have much to discuss aboard this train. I hope you're ready!"

As the group boarded the Mugen Train, the oppressive energy inside felt even stronger. The faint hum of Muzan's influence lingered in the air, a reminder of the dangers they were about to face.

Kuri stayed close to Tanjiro, her silver eyes scanning their surroundings. She couldn't shake the feeling that this train carried more than just passengers—it carried something dark and dangerous, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The group found their seats, the sound of the train's whistle cutting through the night as it prepared to depart, carrying them toward their next battle.