Stone and Shadow

Chapter Two

Gyomei and Himari arrived in Tokyo under the veil of twilight. They had carefully orchestrated their appearance—a newlywed couple embarking on a honeymoon adventure. Himari had ensured her long black hair, fair complexion, and distinctive lavender eyes were noticeable, a deliberate ploy to attract attention.

They checked into a quaint inn nestled in a quiet corner of the city, where the innkeeper greeted them with a warm smile tinged with concern. The disappearances of women resembling Himari had unsettled the community, and the innkeeper hesitated before handing them the room keys.

"Welcome," the innkeeper said cautiously, eyeing them both. "You're here for your honeymoon, I presume?"

Himari nodded with a gentle smile, her hand intertwined with Gyomei's. "Yes, we've been looking forward to exploring Tokyo together."

The innkeeper's gaze lingered on Gyomei, his sightless eyes. "Forgive me for asking, but is your husband okay?" he inquired softly.

Himari's heart skipped a beat, grateful for the concern that played into their deception. "He's blind," she explained calmly, her voice steady. "But his other senses are keen. We've adapted to explore the world together."

The innkeeper nodded understandingly, though worry etched deep lines on his face. "Be careful," he advised quietly. "There have been reports of women disappearing, especially those with features like yours, ma'am."

Himari's expression remained composed, though inside, her resolve hardened. They couldn't afford to reveal their true purpose—to hunt down the demon responsible for these abductions.

 They had to maintain their facade of innocence, lest they draw unwanted attention or suspicion.

"Thank you for the warning," Gyomei spoke softly, his voice a reassuring rumble. "We'll be cautious."

As they settled into their room, the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air.

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The busy market streets of Tokyo were alive with a kaleidoscope of sights, sounds, and scents. Himari walked beside Gyomei, her long black hair cascading down her back and her lavender eyes gleaming under the sunlight. She wore a traditional kimono, its colors vibrant against her fair complexion, deliberately chosen to attract attention.

As they strolled through the market, vendors called out their wares, and the aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air. People turned to look as they passed, their gazes lingering on Himari's striking features.

This feels like a whole new world for Himari, as she has never had the opportunity to travel and sightsee before. Although she is here for the mission, she finds herself absorbing the vibrant sights and the energy of the people around her. Despite the seriousness of their mission, every moment brings a new experience for Himari, each sight and sound imprinting itself on her senses.

Gyomei skillfully guided Himari through the marketplace, occasionally touching her arm or adjusting her hat with a practiced gentleness that made her heart flutter, despite knowing it was all part of their ruse. His senses heightened by years of training and his acute hearing picking up every whispered comment, felt a swell of pride and protectiveness. He tightened his grip on Himari's hand subtly, a silent reassurance amid the sea of curious onlookers.

A vendor selling colorful fabrics called out to them, "Beautiful couple! Your wife is stunning, sir!"

Gyomei inclined his head slightly, acknowledging the compliment with a gentle smile. "Thank you," he replied warmly, his deep voice carrying across the market.

Himari chuckled softly, her cheeks faintly flushed. "You're too kind," she said graciously, her voice carrying a melody that caught the attention of nearby shoppers.

Despite her lack of confidence and lifelong belief that she wasn't beautiful, Himari felt a mix of joy and embarrassment whenever people complimented her appearance. She couldn't help but wonder if Gyomei truly found her beautiful or if his affectionate words were merely part of their mission, obliging him to act as a loving husband.

A group of young women whispered excitedly as they passed by. "Isn't she the one they say looks like the women who disappeared?"

Gyomei's brows furrowed imperceptibly at their words, but he maintained his calm demeanor. Himari glanced at him briefly, her expression serene yet watchful.

"They're talking about me," she murmured softly, her voice tinged with concern. "It's working, Gyomei. People are noticing."

Gyomei nodded, his jaw set with determination. "Let's use this to our advantage," he suggested quietly, leaning closer to her. "See if anyone knows more about the disappearances. I'll listen closely."

They continued to wander through the market, their steps deliberate yet unassuming. Himari engaged with vendors and shoppers alike, her friendly demeanor inviting conversation. Gyomei stood by her side, his presence a silent sentinel, his ears tuned to every conversation around them.

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As dusk settled, they found themselves in a quaint, quiet corner of the city, choosing a small, cozy stall to enjoy a meal together.

Himari, her black hair catching the soft glow of the stall's lanterns, smiled warmly at Gyomei as they settled into their seats.

Just as they began to relax, Gyomei's heightened senses picked up a faint but unmistakable presence – a demon approaching. His keen awareness honed from years of training as a Demon Slayer kicked in, alerting him to danger.Without disturbing the peaceful ambiance, Gyomei subtly gestured to Himari to be cautious. Moments later, a man approached them. To all appearances, he seemed like an ordinary human, with charming features and a disarming smile. Yet, Gyomei could sense the sinister aura beneath the facade.

The man's gaze fixed on Himari with an unsettling intensity. "Ah, there you are," he said softly, his voice carrying an unnerving calmness.

Himari, maintaining her composure, met his gaze evenly. "Can I help you?" she asked, though a flicker of concern touched her lavender eyes.

The man's smile widened slightly. "My apologies for the abruptness. My name is Kaito," he introduced himself smoothly, though Gyomei could feel the tension rising in the air. "I have been searching for someone with your distinctive features."

Gyomei's fists clenched involuntarily beneath the table. He knew all too well where this was leading.

Kaito continued, his demeanor becoming more earnest. "You see, I serve under Lord Muzan, who has tasked me with locating individuals who bear the characteristics of the Ubuyashiki family. A lady, in particular."

Himari's expression hardened as she realized the gravity of the situation. The Ubuyashiki family – the highest echelon of Demon Slayer Corps leadership. It was no coincidence that Muzan would seek them out.

"I'm afraid I must decline your invitation," Himari replied calmly, though her voice carried an edge of defiance.

Kaito's demeanor shifted abruptly, his eyes gleaming with a predatory excitement. "I see. It's a pity, then," he said, his words laced with thinly veiled threat. "Lord Muzan would be most pleased to receive another member of the Ubuyashiki family. The rewards for bringing you to him would be... substantial."

Before another word could be exchanged, Himari decided to probe further. "What about the other women you've been seeking? The ones who don't fit the Ubuyashiki family's description?"Kaito's smile turned chillingly serene. "Ah, them," he said, his voice taking on a disturbingly cheerful tone. "They're all inside me now."

Himari's breath caught in her throat as the implication sank in. Kaito was not just a seeker; he was a predator who had devoured innocent women in his quest to fulfill Muzan's twisted desires.

Himari and Kagaya had been meticulously trained by their parents, instilling in Ubuyashiki members the imperative skill of mastering control over their facial expressions and emotions, but at that moment, Himari couldn't help but show her anger to the demon.

Gyomei's patience snapped like a taut wire. With a swift motion, he stood, his imposing figure casting a shadow over the demon. "Enough!" he thundered, his voice reverberating through the restaurant. "You will not lay a finger on Lady Himari."

The atmosphere crackled with tension as Gyomei unleashed his fury upon Kaito. The demon, now revealed in his true form, met Gyomei's righteous wrath with snarls of defiance and bursts of attacks. Furniture splintered and walls shook as their battle escalated into a cataclysmic clash of wills and powers.

"Well, let's see you try, Demon Slayer," Kaito chuckled as he showed them his left eye, engraved with 'Lower Moon Two'.

Himari, though shaken by the revelation and the ensuing chaos, held her ground with unwavering resolve. She knew Gyomei could easily overwhelm Lower Moon Two.