In the world of Demon Slayer, there are three ultimate "cheats" that can skyrocket one's power to a whole new level:
[Mark] – Greatly enhances physical ability in all aspects.
[Transparent World] – Erases presence and amplifies perception.
[Crimson Blade] – Increases attack power and suppresses a demon's regeneration.
These three are the legendary Triple Blessings of the Demon Slayer world. During the Warring States era, Demon Slayers were no strangers to these powers—many had awakened one or even all three. Back then, humanity dominated demons on the battlefield.
But time eroded their secrets. Muzan survived, and the knowledge of these abilities faded into legend.
Seated cross-legged on her futon, Chika shifted her Water Breathing: Constant rhythm into the flow of Hinokami Kagura. Her breathing grew hotter, deeper, her heart pounding like a drum. She was training both stamina and control while her mind raced through strategies.
Her priority wasn't to defeat Upper Moon Three right away—just to save Rengoku. For that goal, the most vital of the three powers was undoubtedly Transparent World.
After all, Akaza fought using devastating martial arts powered by his "Compass Needle"—a technique that detects his opponent's fighting spirit with pinpoint accuracy, turning his attacks and dodges into unavoidable counters.
But Transparent World suppresses one's presence entirely, rendering Akaza's Compass useless. It's the perfect counter—if she could awaken it.
Only problem…
Transparent World was also the hardest of the three to achieve. Those who opened that door often unlocked the other two along with it.
Too miraculous. Too far-fetched.
Still—
'Might as well try.'
Chika closed her eyes, gradually dulling all her senses—sight, sound, smell—until the world went silent. She focused everything on perception itself, trying to see without eyes, feel without touch.
Time flowed. The candlelight flickered.
And eventually…
She fell asleep.
First attempt at Transparent World: failure.
Morning.
Chika sat at the vanity, her reflection staring back at her with the universal look of someone disappointed in herself.
You fell asleep during enlightenment. Nice going.
If Transparent World was too lofty for now, then maybe… the Mark or the Crimson Blade?
The Mark enhanced the body immensely—but at a steep cost. Anyone who awakened it had their lifespan capped around twenty-five. Worse, it was contagious. People near a marked Slayer were more likely to awaken it too… and thus, everyone around would die young together. A collective early grave.
Which left the Crimson Blade as the only remotely practical option.
Two methods existed to awaken it:
Grip Pressure: raising the sword's temperature through sheer physical strength. Unfortunately, without a Mark, that kind of grip power was almost impossible.
Weapon Clash: striking swords together repeatedly to generate extreme heat through friction. This one was more realistic—but only if both blades were strong enough to withstand it. Her spars with Tanjiro were intense, but nowhere near that level yet.
Chika sighed, staring at her reflection as she thought. Her current options were… limited.
Train nightly in Hinokami Kagura, pushing stamina to its limit.
Continue sparring with Tanjiro to build technique.
Eventually head to headquarters and find a Hashira to fight—using their strength to help ignite her blade.
"Long road ahead…"
She exhaled deeply. The faint smile in her reflection looked tired.
For the first time, her so-called "mini-mark + partial regeneration" combo didn't feel that impressive anymore. Forget the Mark—why can't I just start with Transparent World already?
As she lamented, her thoughts drifted back to the mirror—and she blinked in surprise.
Her reflection had changed.
Her hair, normally left loose, was now brushed to one side and neatly braided into a loose side ponytail—a hairstyle of knowledge and grace.
And, in anime… also known as the "death flag hairstyle."
Chika turned her head slightly. Behind her stood Nezuko, smiling proudly with a comb in hand.
"Hehe~ Sis, you looked a bit out of it, so I fixed your hair! What do you think? My skills haven't gone rusty, right?"
To be fair—it looked perfect. Nezuko's sense of style could rival a professional hairdresser's. The only problem was… that flag.
Still, Chika couldn't bring herself to ruin her sister's excitement. She smiled softly. "Thanks, Nezuko. It's beautiful."
"Ehehe~"
"Alright," Chika said, standing up, "let's get ready to head out."
"Mm!"
Nezuko obediently picked up her bamboo muzzle, slipping it into her hand. Their portable wooden box was already set by the door. Moments later, a knock came.
Knock, knock, knock.
"Big sis? Nezuko? Are you awake?"
Tanjiro's gentle voice sounded from the hallway.
A few seconds later, the door opened, and the siblings stepped out together, heading to the front desk to check out.
The receptionist on duty, a young woman with a kind smile, looked up as they approached.
"Good morning! You two are siblings, right? You seem so close—it's really sweet. I have a little brother myself, though he drives me crazy sometimes…"
She chatted politely as she handled their bill—habitual courtesy for any departing guests.
But Chika froze halfway through the conversation.
Siblings. She said siblings.
Not brother and sister, but sister and brother.
Chika's lips twitched upward, her eyes sparkling with triumph. Finally, someone got it right!
Her hand brushed over her newly braided side ponytail, realization dawning. So that's the secret. The hair… works.
Outside, a black crow swooped in front of the inn, circling impatiently in the air. In Japan, crows were sacred creatures—messengers of the gods. No one paid it much mind.
But this particular crow was growing increasingly frustrated, flapping in place.
'Why are these two taking so long? Hurry up already! I can't even shout your orders with all these people around!'
Its feathers ruffled in irritation as it hovered by the roof.
The next mission awaited.
And the siblings—plus one ever-patient crow—were about to dive into their next step toward destiny.