As a demon with a Blood Demon Art, the Swamp Demon's true ability lay in his use of the Three Bodies technique. It didn't mean there were three separate demons, but rather that he could create independent clones of himself. As long as all three bodies weren't destroyed simultaneously, he remained undefeated.
"If I can just get away from here... I'll find another place to feast," the last remaining body— the One-Horn—muttered as he sank back into the ground, planning to escape through his swamp.
"You're not going anywhere!"
Iron Lump!
Mitsuri Kanroji's iron-hard fist slammed into the earth with titanic force, sending cracks spider webbing across the ground. The earth crumbled into ruins beneath her blow.
The One-Horn, attempting to escape using his swamp, was instantly forced out by the sheer force that disrupted the terrain.
"Vanish already!" Mitsuri shouted, her sword flashing in a fiery arc as she severed the One-Horn's head from his body in a clean strike. She left him no opportunity for tricks, no time to beg for mercy.
"I... I..." the One-Horn choked, his severed body crumbling like ash on the wind.
All that remained were scattered hairpins and ornaments on the ground.
These trinkets… they belonged to the girls he had devoured. Kanroji stared at the so-called "trophies" in disgust. Letting him die so swiftly felt far too merciful.
"Mitsuri, at the very least, you avenged them," Yohan said softly beside her.
"…Yeah." She sighed, her gaze lingering on the fallen accessories.
Turning to Keimi, she asked gently, "Keimi, could I ask you to return these to their families?"
"O-of course… I'll make sure to deliver each one personally," Keimi replied, eyes reddened with tears. Among the ornaments, she had found the one that belonged to her best friend.
"My condolences," Yohan said, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Together, the three quietly made their way back to Keimi's home.
…
Later that day, after heartfelt goodbyes from the entire family, Kanroji and Yohan resumed their journey—this time, heading toward Asakusa.
As they left the now peaceful little town behind, its outline fading into the distance, both of them silently hoped this place could find a new beginning.
Inside the carriage, Mitsuri sat with her eyes closed, quietly reflecting. Since the battle with the Swamp Demon, she felt her understanding of her Breathing Style deepen. Something within her had awakened.
Meanwhile, Yohan, walking beside the carriage with a wildflower in his mouth, seemed to drift lazily once more.
"What a peaceful moment this is…"
…
Meanwhile, in the heart of Asakusa, hidden within a Blood Demon Art-protected barrier, a secret residence stood.
A young man with short teal hair and a white lab coat stepped inside.
Inside the house, a woman with long black hair tied in a low, elegant bun, wearing a deep purple kimono and a beige obi, put down the test tube she had been holding and turned around.
"Yushiro, is something wrong?" she asked calmly.
"Lady Tamayo, you're as beautiful as ever today…" the young man murmured with dreamy eyes.
"Stick to the matter at hand, Yushiro," she said with a firm tone.
Snapping back to his senses, Yushiro quickly responded, "Yes, of course, Lady Tamayo! Well, as per your orders, I've been monitoring demonic activity… and I believe I've discovered something."
"It seems someone recently clashed with one of the Upper Moons."
"The Upper Moons?" Tamayo's expression immediately darkened with concern.
"That's part of the Twelve Kizuki…"
"Yushiro, keep investigating. We must find out what truly happened," she instructed, her voice turning cold with resolve.
"But Lady Tamayo, the more we use the barrier, the more likely our location will be discovered…"
"No, Yushiro. Say no more," she interrupted. "I cannot afford to ignore any opportunity. Not now."
Realizing that her mind was made up, Yushiro sighed. "Then please, Lady Tamayo, remain here. Let me handle the investigation on your behalf."
Tamayo nodded silently as she watched him leave once more. Then she turned her gaze toward the test tubes on her desk, her eyes flashing with a sudden, fierce determination.
"Muzan Kibutsuji…"
…
"Wow! So this is Asakusa?!"
Mitsuri's eyes lit up as she gazed at the bustling streets on either side.
They had arrived in Asakusa just before sunset. The streets were packed with people, the stores were ablaze with lights, and streetcars rattled along the rails down the center of the road.
This was a city that never slept.
The buildings were taller than anything they'd seen before, and unlike the quiet, shadowy towns they'd passed through, Asakusa pulsed with vibrant energy. The scent of food drifted through the air, strange shop names lit up in dazzling colors, and the entire place glowed with life.
"Even though I expected it… the contrast is just insane," Yohan remarked, unable to resist commenting.
He wasn't quite as shocked as Mitsuri—after all, he'd seen even more dazzling cities in his previous life—but even he couldn't help feeling a tug of homesickness. This place felt like a different era entirely compared to the rest of the Demon Slayer world.
"Yohan! Yohan! Yohan!" Mitsuri grabbed his arm excitedly. "Let's go shopping! Come on!"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Yohan smiled at her childish enthusiasm. She was already dragging him toward the glittering shops before he could reply.
With all the unfamiliar things around them, the strange store signs, the sparkling lights, and the heavenly smell of food wafting through the streets, Mitsuri looked like she was about to burst with excitement.
Asakusa!
She had arrived!
Dragged along by the overjoyed Kanroji, Yohan couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, Mitsuri. Let's really enjoy ourselves this time."
"Mm!"
The two of them didn't even bother finding a place to stay—they just dove into the streets, hand in hand, swept up in the city's energy.
Inside a clothing store, Mitsuri was trying on new outfits. Ever since leaving her home, she had only worn the clothes she brought along. Yohan figured it was about time to treat her to something new.
After all—wasn't it a boyfriend's job to spoil his girl a little?
"How do I look, Yohan?" Mitsuri emerged from the dressing room.
She was wearing a pink haori over a short skirt, paired with pure white thigh-high socks. Combined with her vibrant hair and sparkling eyes, she looked like a dream.
Yohan stared, completely stunned, gulping without even realizing.
"D-don't stare at me like that, you dummy!" Mitsuri stammered, shrinking back with a face as red as a tomato. "Just tell me if it looks good or not…"
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"It looks… amazing. Mitsuri, you look perfect."
Ignoring her half-hearted protests, Yohan bought every outfit she'd tried on.
Because if anyone was going to spoil this girl, it was going to be him.
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