As Chika and Tanjiro stepped out of the inn, the crow circling above flapped its wings excitedly. The moment they reached a quiet alleyway, it opened its beak and spoke in a crisp, human voice.
"Next mission—Tokyo Prefecture, Asakusa. A demon is rumored to be hiding there!"
And with that, the crow took off immediately, not even giving Tanjiro a chance to reply.
Tanjiro looked up, half in awe. "That's amazing… Sister, how do you think the Demon Slayer Corps even trains crows to speak human language?"
Chika shrugged, her tone calm but teasing. "Who knows? There are plenty of strange things in this world already."
Her gaze drifted toward the direction the crow had pointed.
Asakusa… huh. This is it.
According to how events should unfold, this was where they would encounter the disguised demon king, Muzan Kibutsuji.
Fighting him wasn't an option—not yet. As arrogant as Muzan was, his strength was second only to that of Yoriichi. Even if all the Hashira gathered at this point in time, they'd still be effortlessly crushed.
"Let's go, Tanjiro."
"Right!"
They set off toward Tokyo Prefecture. The journey wasn't long, and by the time the sky began to darken, the pair had already reached the dazzling heart of Asakusa.
The moment they arrived, both of them were left speechless.
Compared to the humble mountain village where the Kamado family once lived, this place was another world entirely—bright, modern, alive.
Electric lamps illuminated the streets, people bustled through wide avenues, and railcars clattered along the tracks. Tanjiro's eyes sparkled like lanterns as he stared in awe.
"So this… this is what cities have become now!?" he exclaimed, nearly tripping over himself.
He wanted so badly to wake Nezuko to show her the sights, but since the sun hadn't fully set—and she was still asleep—he could only hold that thought in silence.
Then, in the midst of the crowd and the countless overlapping smells of food, perfume, oil, and smoke—
Tanjiro froze.
"Sister… I smell it. A demon's scent. I think. Maybe. It's… strange."
He frowned. This was the first time his keen nose had ever hesitated. Normally, the stench of a demon was unmistakable, and yet now, he couldn't quite be sure.
Chika arched a brow. He actually smelled it? That was… unexpected.
"Right or wrong, we check it out," she said simply.
"Agreed."
They followed the trail, weaving through the crowd. Running was impossible in such a dense mass of people—and drawing attention from the local patrols was the last thing they wanted.
After a few tense minutes of maneuvering through the evening rush, the trail led them to the front of a pharmacy.
Tanjiro's brows furrowed. "It's here. The scent of medicine is strong, but… that's not what's confusing me."
Chika gave a slight nod. "Then we'll see for ourselves."
She pushed open the door, the chime jingling softly as they entered.
And there—inside the well-lit shop—they found them.
A graceful woman who appeared no older than sixteen, dressed in elegant, traditional clothing. Beside her stood a sharp-eyed boy with a severe expression.
The instant their gazes met, recognition flared on both sides.
"It's a demon!"
"It's the Demon Slayer Corps!"
Tanjiro's hand went to his sword, while the young man tensed like a coiled spring. The air thickened in an instant—two predators sizing each other up.
But only two among them remained calm: Chika, and the woman standing opposite her.
"Wait, Yushirō," the woman said softly, raising an arm to stop him. "They're not like the usual hunters."
Her eyes, clear as moonlight, focused on Chika. A faint glimmer of understanding crossed them.
"You're… similar to us," she murmured. "No—your brother's box… the one inside is our kind."
The careful choice of words wasn't lost on Chika. Even here, surrounded by humans, the woman had avoided saying "demon."
Tanjiro tensed further, uncertain of their intentions. Her companion's hostility didn't help—his glare could have cut steel.
Then the woman spoke again, her tone composed, even gentle. "This isn't the place to talk. Too many ears, too many eyes. If you would, please follow me to my home. I promise—you'll lose nothing by hearing me out."
Tanjiro hesitated. Go to a demon's home? That sounded like the worst possible idea. He glanced sideways at Chika, hoping for a cue. Her face, however, remained unreadable.
Inside her mind, however—
Heh. That's convenient.
She had been wondering how to establish contact with Tamayo and Yushirō, and now they were the ones inviting her in. Perfect.
Outwardly, Chika smiled faintly. "Then please, lead the way. My brother mentioned that your scent is… different from other demons. I'm quite curious myself."
At that, Tamayo and Yushirō exchanged a surprised glance. He smelled it? The woman's refined composure faltered just a little. To recognize our scent through a crowd like that… what kind of nose does this boy have?
Without another word, Tamayo nodded politely and gestured for them to follow.
They wound their way through the narrow streets until they reached a plain-looking wall. Yushirō pressed his palm against it, and ripples shimmered across the surface before parting like mist.
Illusion magic—Blood Demon Art.
They stepped through the invisible barrier into a hidden estate—an elegant three-story mansion nestled in quiet seclusion.
Once inside, Tamayo turned gracefully toward them.
"I forgot to introduce myself properly," she said, bowing her head slightly. "My name is Tamayo, and this is Yushirō. Though we are demons, we have severed Muzan's control. We live in hiding, seeking a way to destroy him."
Chika's eyes softened slightly, a spark of admiration glinting in them. As expected of Tamayo… even as a demon, she still carries herself like a human.
She smiled faintly. "Then it seems our goals may align."