At the crossroads of the village under the snow-capped mountain. The morning sun was shining on the snow-covered peaks.
"Well, I have to report to headquarters, so I need to go this way. Where are you three heading?"
Aoi asked with eyes full of reluctance.
Although it was a short time, it seemed she had developed a strange admiration and a desire to rely on these overwhelming strong individuals.
Kanao stared at the southern sky, the direction where Tokyo was, for a moment.
'Father….'
She wanted to run into Akira's arms immediately.
The guilt and heat from last night still lingered on her fingertips. Even with Okita and Ushiwaka by her side, there was a thirst that couldn't be quenched.
But Kanao shook her head.
"No. We should probably head to our next mission site right away."
"Huh? Without any rest?"
"We are… still newcomers. We need to earn more achievements."
This was a lie, and at the same time, the best choice.
What if someone sees us parting with Aoi here and entering the Akatsuki residence in Tokyo?
What if the fact that Tsuyuri Kanao is actually the adopted daughter of the Akatsuki Trading Company president becomes known to the Demon Slayer Corps?
The Demon Slayer Corps leadership is suspicious.
They are wary of Akatsuki Trading Company's movements and could interfere. She couldn't leave even a speck of flaw in Father's grand plan.
"Ah… I see. That's really amazing passion."
Aoi bowed her head in admiration.
"Thank you so much for this mission. Thanks to you, I survived. I hope we can do a mission together again next time."
As Aoi walked away, a noisy cawing sound was heard from the sky.
"Caw! Caw! Next mission! Next mission!"
Kanao's Kasugai crow flew down and perched on her shoulder. Due to Tamamo's spell, it was in a state of only delivering mechanical orders.
"Tokyo outskirts! Tama region! Demon slayers missing! Move immediately!"
Kanao's eyes narrowed.
The Demon Slayer Corps headquarters judged this target as merely a slightly troublesome demon with special abilities, and dispatched Kanao's team, who had just joined but had proven strength.
But they didn't know. That what was there was a member of the Twelve Kizuki.
The fact that it was Lower Moon Two, Hairo.
"Let's go. For Father, to remove another weed."
And she didn't know. That Okita, quietly following behind Kanao, would feel the emotion of anger for the first time in this world.
For the first time, not as an enemy of Akira. That she would come to deeply hate and despise the existence named Muzan.
At the same time, in the underground training ground of the Akatsuki residence in Tokyo.
The wide dojo was filled with the sharp clashing sounds of metal and hot heat.
Clang! Kakakang!
"Oh my! Shinobu-chan! Aren't you being too fierce today? You're not using poison, but you're going all out!"
Fluttering pink and green hair, Mitsuri swung her unique soft sword like a whip. Her sword drew bizarre trajectories as if alive, pressing the opponent.
"Mitsuri-san, you're the one using too much strength! Pushing down with brute force is cheating!"
Opposing her was Kocho Shinobu. She lightly leaped like a butterfly, dodging Mitsuri's slashes, and countered with thrusts so fast they were barely visible.
The reason why two beauties were sweating profusely in a real sword fight.
It was because of Akira, sitting leisurely in the upper seat of the training ground, drinking tea.
This morning, a casual remark from Akira was the cause.
'Lately, my body feels a bit sluggish. Who should I have massage (serve) me tonight?'
With that one word, sparks flew from the eyes of Mitsuri and Shinobu beside him, and eventually, a rule was set that the winner of the spar would have Akira all to themselves tonight.
"Love Breathing, Fifth Form! [Swaying Affection·Tangled Nails]!"
Mitsuri somersaulted and unleashed her sword. With a roar, the floor was torn apart with whip marks.
"Insect Breathing, Centipede Dance! [Hundred-Legged Snake Belly]!"
Shinobu seized the opening. Although no poison was applied, the power of her thrust alone was enough to pierce rock.
Mitsuri's overwhelming strength and irregular attacks, Shinobu's super-high speed and precise techniques.
Both were equally matched in speed-based offense.
"Ha… ha, I absolutely won't lose! Yesterday, Sister was with you, so today is my turn!"
Shinobu breathed heavily and aimed her sword. Her sweat-soaked shirt clung to her body, revealing a sensual figure.
"Ugh… I want to cuddle with Akira-san too! I want to eat delicious cherry blossom mochi together, and pound mochi…!"
Mitsuri also shook her sword with a reddened face, as if refusing to lose. Her ample chest heaved with each rough breath.
Watching, Akira rested his chin and smiled contentedly.
The sight of his women fighting so desperately to claim him.
Being loved this much was a joy as a man and as a human.
Unaware that Kanao had stolen a glance at herself (Ushiwaka) last night and comforted herself, he was enjoying the feast of healthy and beautiful bodies before his eyes.
"That's enough."
At the moment when the two swords were about to cross, aiming at each other's necks, Akira's voice rang out low.
Pat!
In an instant, Akira slipped between the two and caught Mitsuri's soft sword and Shinobu's sword simultaneously with his bare hands.
"Ah… Akira-san?"
"Why suddenly?"
The surprised two tried to withdraw their swords, but Akira's grip was as solid as rock.
"Enough. With that much passion, both of you pass. If we continue, my precious lovers might get hurt."
Akira released their swords and spread his arms, pulling both women's waists at the same time.
"Kyaak!"
"Oh my…"
The sweet scent mixed with sweat stimulated Akira's nostrils.
"It's a draw. Both of you have improved your skills a lot. Mitsuri's strength has become more refined, and Shinobu's speed is to the point where it's hard to follow with the eyes. It reminds me of Okita and Ushiwaka."
"Th-then, what about tonight…?"
Shinobu placed her hand on Akira's chest and looked up.
Akira smiled mischievously and firmly grabbed both of their buttocks.
"Since it's a draw… both of you should come in."
"Eeh?!"
"Bo-both of us? The three of us?"
Mitsuri's face turned explosively red. She wanted to be alone with him for once, but suddenly it became a threesome.
"Why? Don't you like it? You're both too beautiful to choose just one. I wanted to love both of you at the same time today."
At Akira's words, Shinobu and Mitsuri looked at each other, then smiled shyly but happily.
"Fufu, there's no helping it. If Akira-san wishes…"
"Ugh… It's a pity, but I like it."
Akira left the training ground with the two beauties on either side.
"Now, let's go wash up. We sweated a lot, so we should bathe together first, right?"
While the daughter (Kanao) was preparing for a fight in the north, the father (Akira) in Asakusa was preparing for a hot and splendid night with two lovers.
That night, at the brothel Kyogokuya in Yoshiwara.
The most splendid and wide room, Warabihime's chamber, was filled with tense atmosphere.
"Hey! Why are you brushing like that? My hair is getting tangled!"
Warabihime shouted irritably and threw the mirror she was holding.
"S-sorry! Oiran-sama! I have committed a mortal sin!"
The young kamuro (maids) trembled, pressing their foreheads to the floor.
Warabihime's temper was growing more violent day by day.
Anything that didn't meet her standards was trash, and if anything irritated her even slightly, she wielded violence without mercy.
"Annoying… All I have are idiots."
Warabihime clicked her tongue and sat on the bed. Then, her gaze rested on a red silk box placed in a corner of the room.
It was an item delivered from Akatsuki Trading Company.
"Bring that here."
"Yes, yes!"
The maids hurriedly brought the box and carefully opened it.
Inside was the highest-grade red silk kimono seen before, and as a service, a jade hairpin was included.
Warabihime took out the silk and draped it over her body. The blood-red gloss shining under the light, the cool and soft touch against the skin.
It was definitely on a different level from the items that had come into Yoshiwara so far.
"Hmm…"
Warabihime's expression softened a little.
"The item is amazing. They said it was brought from Kyoto, so it must not be a lie."
At that moment, a presence was felt outside the door.
"Excuse me, Warabihime Oiran. I am Kumohime, a clerk from Akatsuki Trading Company. I have come to explain how to wear the item you ordered and to show you something additional."
"Come in."
The door opened, and Kumohime entered.
Even after seeing the messy room and the crying maids, she didn't bat an eye.
Rather, that coolness pleased Warabihime.
"Explanation? Do you think I don't know how to wear a kimono?"
"Of course not. However, the obi knotting method is a bit unique, so there's a way to further emphasize your beautiful waistline, Oiran-sama."
Kumohime skillfully approached Warabihime and adjusted the kimono's appearance.
Her touch was delicate and fast.
"And this is…"
Kumohime took out a small perfume bottle from her bosom.
"A special rose perfume developed by our company. If applied after bathing, it will make a subtle fragrance last from your skin for three days and nights."
When the lid was opened, a captivating rose scent filled the room.
It was a perfume made by Tamamo, one that numbs reason and incites pleasure.
"Hoh… The smell is good."
Warabihime took the perfume bottle and sniffed it. She felt her mood becoming hazy and her irritation subsiding.
"Your shop is quite useful. From now on, you'll be in charge of me."
"It's an honor, Warabihime-sama."
Kumohime bowed her head.
"But… there are many items I haven't shown you yet. Next month, jewels imported from the West and mysterious cosmetics that maintain youth are scheduled to arrive."
"Western items? Maintain youth?"
Warabihime's ears perked up.
"Yes. However, since they are very precious items, it takes some time for customs clearance. When the items arrive… I will show them to you first, Oiran-sama."
Kumohime didn't hook Warabihime immediately. It was a strategy to dangle tasty bait in front of her, slowly, very slowly making her starve.
"Good. Bring them to me first. If you show them to other bitches first… I'll twist your neck."
Warabihime threatened with flashing red eyes. But Kumohime swallowed a sneer inside and answered calmly.
"I'll keep that in mind. Oiran-sama is a valuable customer of our company."
Kumohime retreated politely. Warabihime applied the perfume to her wrist and gazed at herself in the mirror, enchanted.
Unaware that she was a butterfly caught in a spider's web.
After finishing her work and returning to Akatsuki Trading Company, Kumohime. After closing the shop door and drawing the curtains, the first-floor store instantly transformed into a secret meeting room for demons.
"Good work. How is that woman? Did she notice anything?"
Kumonojo asked.
"Notice? Hmph, as if."
Kumohime took off her hair ornament and threw it on the table.
"She didn't notice at all. Rather, she seemed to enjoy my touch? For an Upper Moon, her senses are dull as can be. Probably because Muzan spoiled her, she has no wild nature at all."
She laughed at Daki's arrogance and drank the blood tea Tamamo had given.
Mukago came down from the second-floor stairs.
"It's good that you didn't act hastily. Master said to expand the game for now."
Mukago spread out the ledger.
"Our goal isn't just to catch Daki alone. We're aiming to take over this street, the brothel district."
Tamamo, sitting in the upper seat, fanned herself and continued.
"That's right. The fishing hook needs to be swallowed deep. The stage is too small to serve Master right now. When that arrogant queen can't live without our shop… it won't be too late to serve Master then."
"We'll have to flatter her a bit until then."
Kumohime rested her chin and muttered.
"Well, it's not bad. Watching a haughty woman slowly being tamed by us is quite an amusing game."
"Ugh… But what if we get found out someday?"
Kumonojo trembled.
"Don't worry, Kumonojo-chan."
Tamamo smiled with narrowed eyes.
"By the time we're found out, that woman will already have poison spread through her and won't be able to move a finger. We don't need to rush. Time is on our side, as we live forever."
The lights of Akatsuki Trading Company were turned off, but the heat in the second-floor manager's room didn't cool down.
"We still have a lot to do."
Everyone's gaze focused on Tamamo's low and elegant voice.
"Certainly, we are controlling the economy of this street with silk and jewels. But the essence of Yoshiwara is ultimately the brothel district. The one who dominates men's lust is the true master of this street."
"Then…?"
Mukago put down her wine glass and asked.
"We will open a new shop. Not a tea house or a store, but a real brothel."
Tamamo pointed to a spot on the map with the tip of her fan.
"Coincidentally, a large brothel Ogibaya that is going bankrupt has come up for sale at the end of Nakanocho. The location isn't bad. It's just that the owner was incompetent and failed."
"But Tamamo-sama, even if we buy the building, what about the courtesans? It won't be easy to take courtesans from Kyogokuya where Daki is or other large brothels."
At Kumohime's point, Tamamo smiled bewitchingly.
"Don't worry. Raw gems are scattered everywhere. We can buy country girls sold off due to debt or lower-ranked courtesans who haven't seen the light for cheap. With my spells and special beauty medicine, I can carve their bones and flesh anew and inject night skills~ I can turn them into a corps of stunning beauties in a week."
The demons' eyes lit up. With Tamamo's abilities, it was entirely possible.
"The problem is, the招牌."
Tamamo's eyes narrowed.
"To trample Daki, no, Warabihime, and stand at the peak of this street, we need the best Oiran who can overwhelm her. I could step in, but I have to manage the trading company, so it's difficult for me to be the face."
"Then who…?"
Mukago tilted her head. Tamamo smiled thinly in the smoke of her pipe.
"Coincidentally, isn't there a real demon at the main residence who is bored to death?"
Tamamo immediately used a communication spell to connect with the Akatsuki residence. A red cup-shaped pattern appeared in the air.
[Ara, fox, what brings you? Weren't you busy?]
A lethargic and sticky voice. The owner of that voice, full of drunkenness, was Shuten.
"Shuten-san, are you well? Aren't you tired of lazing around drinking every day? Wouldn't you like to have some fun for Master?"
[Hmm? If it's fun, I don't refuse. What is it? Killing people or something?]
"No. It's about charming men. In Yoshiwara, the alcohol and men's essence here are quite sweet, you know. Moreover… it's something that will please Master."
[Yoshiwara? Hoh… Sounds fun. I'll go. Right now.]
After the communication ended, just a few minutes later.
The space in the manager's room distorted, and with a thick alcohol scent, a girl popped out.
Purple hair, a childish face, and a demon wearing a revealing kimono while holding a giant gourd. It was Shuten Douji.
"So this is Yoshiwara? The smell is terrible~ The stench of rotting desire is vibrating, isn't it?"
She tilted the gourd and gulped down the alcohol.
"Welcome, Shuten-sama."
Mukago, Kumohime, and Kumonojo bowed their heads nervously.
Among Akira's Servants, Shuten Douji was the most uncontrollable and dangerous existence. Plus, she possessed the most powerful combat strength.
A true demon slayer demon, on the level of a god, incomparable to Muzan or his blood demons, and themselves.
"But Tamamo. You want me to be an Oiran? Do you know my body type? The taste here is for tall and busty women, right? What can I do with this kid-like body?"
Shuten pointed to her flat chest and grinned. She usually had a childlike figure.
"Oh my, Shuten-san. You have that form, don't you? If you release your power as the deity of Mount Ibuki~ You do it well when having night fun with Master."
"Ah~ that? It's a hassle for the shoulders, but… well, since we're having fun, let's do it hot."
Shuten Douji's eyes flashed gold.
Tsu-tsu-chut~!
Demonic energy exploded from her body. The air in the room became heavy, and Mukago, Kumohime, and Kumonojo stepped back, unable to breathe under the pressure.
In the demonic energy, Shuten Douji's body began to change. Her height increased, her limbs lengthened, and her chest and hips swelled up as if about to burst.
When the demonic energy cleared, there was no longer a childish girl there.
A voluptuous chest, a slender waist, and a devastating gaze—a peerless beauty. Horns protruded from her head, but she used her demonic power to make the horns invisible to others.
"Haa… It's been ages since I used this appearance."
Even her voice became more seductive and deeper.
With each exhalation, the demonic pheromones she emitted made even Mukago and Kumohime, who were women, blush and their hearts race.
"Perfect. Shuten-san."
Tamamo-no-Mae closed her fan with satisfaction.
"From now on, you are the new queen who will swallow this Yoshiwara, Ibuki Oiran."
A week later. At the end of Nakanocho in Yoshiwara, a new brothel opened at the site of the former Ogibaya.
Named Mugenro (Dream Fantasy Tower).
The entire building was decorated in red and black paint, exuding a strange and mysterious atmosphere, and at the entrance, a special incense made by Tamamo wafted up, catching the footsteps of passing men.
And the courtesans there. Reborn through Tamamo's spells, medicines, and education close to brainwashing, they all boasted dazzling beauty.
Their skin was smooth like porcelain, and their eyes were filled with demonic charm that captivated men.
But the real shock was separate.
On the opening night, the Oiran parade was held.
Clatter~ Clatter~
With the sound of high geta, the grand gate of Mugenro opened, and the top Oiran, Ibuki, revealed herself.
The street was instantly enveloped in silence. An overwhelming beauty that took one's breath away.
Wearing a purple kimono and holding a long pipe in her hand, Ibuki looked down at the crowd with languid eyes.
Each time she cast her gaze, men lost their souls and staggered as if about to collapse.
If Warabihime was a sharp and nervous beauty, Ibuki was a decadent and destructive beauty that sucked one in like a swamp.
"What… is that woman…"
"More… amazing than Warabihime…"
Exclamations burst out among the spectators.
Even Warabihime, watching from the window of Kyogokuya, was speechless and trembling.
As a demon, what did she feel? Completely hidden, she didn't know. Just, even she felt awe at that beauty.
"Heh… So this is my playground?"
Ibuki licked her lips seductively and glanced towards Kyogokuya where her rival Warabihime was.
"There's a cute little one. Should I chew her up? Or make her a snack for drinks?"
Her murderous smile made even Warabihime flinch.
Then, leaving the brothel and strutting through the street, Ibuki proudly showed her appearance to everyone.
Tamamo watched this scene from the second floor of Mugenro, elegantly drinking tea.
"Now, the stage is set. Now, in Master's garden… the flowers of blood and desire will bloom in full."
With the capital of Akatsuki Trading Company, Tamamo's wisdom, and Ibuki's overwhelming charm, the appearance of Mugenro prepared Yoshiwara's night to completely fall into Akatsuki's grasp.