Time skipped forward one year. Deep within the southern mountains, a swift demon-slaying battle was unfolding.
Kamado Tanjiro gripped his Nichirin Sword tightly, the orange-red flame of the Hinokami Kagura flowing across the blade.
"Hinokami Kagura: Burning Bones, Summer Sun!"
His strike was precise and fierce, the blade's arc cutting cleanly through the demon's neck. His movements were faster than a year ago, his breathing perfectly steady.
Beside him, Tō simultaneously wielded Water Breathing and Wind Breathing. His twin-colored sword wind—pale blue and light green—intertwined and intercepted another demon's counterattack. Their teamwork was seamless. Within moments, the two demons were decapitated without Giyu needing to step in.
Standing under a nearby tree, Tomioka Giyu watched the two boys sheathe their swords, a faint look of approval flashing in his eyes.
In this past year, Tanjiro had mastered up to the Seventh Form of Hinokami Kagura, while Tō had perfected the alternating rhythm of Water and Wind Breathing. Both had grown into capable Demon Slayers—dependable comrades he could now rely on in any mission.
As for Giyu himself, his growth had far exceeded expectations.
He had fully adapted to his eighteen-year-old body, and his control over Sun Breathing deepened steadily. He could now briefly ignite the Bright Red Blade—its glow like the sun, doubling its power against demons.
Though he could not awaken a Demon Slayer Mark—since he was not the first of this era to manifest one—his mastery of Sun Breathing allowed him to approach that state infinitely. His strength now equaled, or even surpassed, what he'd achieved during the Infinity Castle battle of his previous life, especially in versatility and combat experience.
Over the past year, he had also accomplished something crucial—recording in detail all key information from his past life: Upper Moon One, Kokushibo's "Moon Breathing" techniques; Upper Moon Three, Akaza's "Destructive Death"; the shared existence of Upper Moon Six siblings, Daki and Gyutaro…
Information once reserved for the Hashira Meetings now served as his foundation for early strategy.
At this moment, his gaze rested on one particular page of his record—"Entertainment District: Upper Moon Six."
According to his memory, Upper Moon Six, Daki, hid within the Entertainment District under the guise of an oiran, while her brother Gyutaro dwelled inside her body. To destroy them completely, both had to be decapitated simultaneously. Moreover, Gyutaro's sickles carried lethal poison.
In the previous timeline, Sound Hashira Uzui Tengen had slain them but lost his left arm and one eye, forced into early retirement by the poison's aftereffects.
Giyu was determined not to let history repeat itself. This time, he would plan ahead—and ensure Uzui survived.
The Hashira Meeting convened in the main hall of the Ubuyashiki Mansion.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya sat at the head of the room. Around him were Stone Hashira Himejima Gyomei, Sound Hashira Uzui Tengen, Flower Hashira Kocho Kanae, Mist Hashira Tokito Muichiro, and Water Hashira Tomioka Giyu.
"Master, fellow Hashira," Giyu began first, placing a record book filled with gathered intelligence in the center of the table.
"After six months of investigation, I've confirmed that Upper Moon Six, Daki and Gyutaro, are hiding in the Entertainment District. Daki operates as an oiran. The siblings must be beheaded at the same time, and Gyutaro's sickles are highly poisonous.
I request to dispatch two Hashira with me to infiltrate the district. Once we identify Daki's true identity, we'll strike and eliminate them together."
The hall fell silent for a moment before Kocho Kanae spoke warmly. "As expected of Giyu-san. To confirm an Upper Moon's whereabouts so quickly—and uncover so many details—is truly impressive."
Himejima Gyomei nodded slowly, his deep voice calm and approving. "The information is detailed. The plan is sound. I am willing to accompany you."
Uzui Tengen raised a brow, spinning his hairpin between his fingers with a smirk. "Oh? Upper Moon Six hiding in an Entertainment District? Didn't think you'd be investigating such glamorous places, Giyu. Quite a flashy bit of detective work, I must say."
Tokito Muichiro quietly looked down at the documents, not speaking, but the slight nod he gave showed his agreement with Giyu's plan.
Giyu glanced around the room. The position of Flame Hashira would soon be filled by Rengoku Kyojuro, likely within the year. The Serpent and Love Hashira would not yet appear for another one or two years.
For this mission, stealth and infiltration were key.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya smiled gently, his eyes full of trust. "Since both your intelligence and plan are thorough, I'll entrust leadership of the Entertainment District mission to you, Giyu. You may select the team as you see fit."
"Understood," Giyu replied, bowing deeply.
After the meeting, however, Giyu faced a dilemma.
He recalled the incident one year ago, when he and Tō had entered a brothel to slay a demon—only to cause chaos after failing to disguise themselves. They had slain the demon, yes, but left the entire house in an uproar.
The Entertainment District was far more intricate. If they were discovered, it could alert Daki and force her to relocate before they could strike.
After much thought, Giyu realized only one person excelled in infiltration and disguise—Uzui Tengen.
A former shinobi, Uzui had the skills needed for such a mission.
When Giyu found him, Uzui was standing before a mirror, adjusting his elaborate hairstyle. Without turning around, he said with a grin, "So, you've chosen the god of festivals and all things flashy to infiltrate the Entertainment District with you, huh? You've got taste, Water Hashira."
"That's exactly why I'm here," Giyu replied, nodding. "During my previous mission in a brothel, I made too much noise. The Entertainment District is even more complicated. I'll need to blend in. I came to ask for your guidance."
Uzui set down his hairpin and turned toward him, his lips curling into a confident smile. He leaned closer and whispered something into Giyu's ear.
Giyu's pupils widened instantly, his usually calm expression cracking apart.
He froze, brows furrowing, mouth twitching slightly, eyes filled with disbelief—and an awkward hint of embarrassment.
He opened his mouth, wanting to say "That's ridiculous," but the words caught in his throat, stuck somewhere between shock and frustration.
Uzui's grin only grew wider. "What's wrong? Scared? This is the fastest way to get close to the oiran and confirm Daki's identity. As a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, making a small sacrifice for the mission shouldn't be a problem… right, Water Hashira?"
Giyu stood there stiffly, Uzui's plan echoing in his mind. His expression flickered between surprise, discomfort, and hesitation before he finally managed to squeeze out a single, flat response.
"…I'll think about it."
Sunlight streamed through the paper window, casting soft light on Giyu's tense face—but it did nothing to ease his unease.
He had never imagined that infiltrating the Entertainment District… would involve this.