When I finally found Tengen, he was in the midst of a heated confrontation with three boys. One of them I recognized as the kid from the trial, Tanjirou, though I had forgotten the names of the other two. Walking over, I quickly intervened, diffusing the tension. As we exchanged introductions, I learned the names of the other boys: Zenitsu and Inosuke. It seemed they were going to join us on the mission instead of the expected female members, a surprising twist that I reluctantly accepted could work.
"Wait a moment, I need to take care of something," I said hastily before rushing back to my estate. Bursting into Yuzu's room, I found her looking at me curiously. "Is there any way you can assume a more human form?" I asked, scratching my head nervously. She closed her eyes briefly, and in an instant, she appeared as she did before becoming a demon. I smiled gratefully, explaining why I needed her like this. Yuzu agreed to come along, and I handed her my umbrella, hoping it would protect her from the sun by casting a shadowy shield around her. It also served as a convenient holder for my sword. Returning to the group, their surprise at Yuzu's presence was quickly met with my explanation, and we set off together.
Later, as I prepared for the mission, meticulously applying makeup to blend in seamlessly, I couldn't help but notice the boys donned in kimonos representing their respective haori colors, with one in a striking blue that suited him well. They might not have been the most feminine of appearances, but it was effective. Then, I saw Yuzu—absolutely stunning with her long white hair styled in small buns and flawless makeup that, while unusual, enhanced her features beautifully. Her kimono transitioned from light to dark blue with delicate snowflake patterns. Were it not for my own makeup covering my face, I'm sure my cheeks would rival the crimson of Rengoku's hair.
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(I couldn't find a background for this)
Everyone's eyes seemed fixed on me when I emerged, a mix of awkwardness and embarrassment creeping over me. "Is it that bad?" I ventured nervously. Tengen hesitated before remarking, "It could be better." Yuzu, however, wasn't having any of it. "Oh, shut up already. She looks stunning—by far the prettiest person here, unlike you, you ugly piece of..." Her words sparked a heated exchange between her and Tengen, a verbal battle where it was clear she held the upper hand. I walked over to the boys, who watched the spectacle unfold. One of them quipped, "How long are they going to keep at this?" I sighed knowingly, "Who knows? It might end when one of them suplexes the other," resisting the urge to rub my face and ruin the makeup.
A few minutes later, we navigated through the bustling streets of the red-light district towards the brothel houses where Tengen had arranged for Tanjirou and me to go undercover. The interior was surprisingly elegant, and we were swiftly ushered into a room where our makeup was removed. As Tanjirou had his makeup wiped off first, there was an audible gasp at the scar on his forehead—a detail I hadn't noticed before, consumed as I was by his sheer presence. My own turn followed, with reactions ranging from admiration to criticism, a familiar mix that never failed to accompany my appearance. Amidst it all, I couldn't help but wonder about Yuzu—was she coping well?
Quickly whisked away for various tasks, Tanjirou to cleaning duties and myself to have my face "re-dolled" for reasons unknown, I couldn't shake off the discomfort of being in this place. It had only been thirty minutes, and already, I felt like I was drowning in a sea of expectations and appearances.
Inside the luxurious confines of the brothel, I found myself led through a maze of ornate corridors and rooms, each adorned with lavish decorations that seemed to mock my discomfort. My kimono, though beautifully crafted, felt alien against my skin, and the makeup, meticulously applied by skilled hands, masked my features in a way that both fascinated and repulsed me. I couldn't help but wonder what my sister, Luna, would say if she saw me now, disguised as someone I was not.
As I moved through the labyrinthine brothel, my unease grew with every step. The weight of unfamiliar eyes on me, assessing and appraising, only intensified my discomfort. I had never been one to revel in attention, preferring the solace of my books and studies to the scrutiny of others. Yet here I was, forced to play a role that grated against my very essence.
Amidst my inner turmoil, my thoughts flitted back to the mission at hand. Tanjirou and I were here to gather information on the demon that might be looking between lurking within these walls, a task that now seemed overshadowed by my personal struggle. As well as find Tengen's wives, who operated behind the scenes with a blend of elegance and efficiency, were our best leads. They held sway over the intricate web of secrets that shrouded this place, their influence extending far beyond mere appearances.
I navigated the bustling corridors with practiced grace, my steps light but purposeful. Each encounter, each whispered exchange, became a thread in the tapestry of information I sought to unravel. Faces blurred into a sea of unfamiliarity, their voices mingling in a symphony of pleasure and deceit. Yet amidst the façade of opulence, I sensed an undercurrent of darkness — a palpable tension that hinted at secrets lurking just beneath the surface.
Entering a secluded alcove, I paused to gather my thoughts, my hand absentmindedly tracing the intricate patterns of my kimono. The discomfort of my disguise weighed heavily on me, a constant reminder of the role I was forced to play. Yet beneath the layers of silk and powder, beneath the mask of painted perfection, lay the determination of a warrior seeking truth amidst shadows.
I glanced around, taking in the opulent surroundings with a mix of fascination and disdain. The brothel thrived on illusion, its allure masking a darker reality. It was in these shadows that I would find answers — not just for our mission, but for myself. For behind every painted smile and fluttering fan lay the heart of a demon, waiting to be exposed if it lays here.
