The Legend of the Sun Pillar

Chapter 03 - 3rd Season

The demon slayers raced across the rooftops of houses, following the demonic traces left in the streets until they reached an older, more elegant house. From the outside, it appeared like any other house, but rumors circulated among the people about a courtesan named Warabihime. She seemed immune to the passage of time, never aging. Hidden in the shadows on one of the rooftops, Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Zenitsu observed the comings and goings of clients at the house. Although the traffic wasn't heavy, it was still significant.

— Let's not waste this opportunity. As soon as the last clients enter, we'll use the distraction caused by the staff to infiltrate unnoticed. Agreed? - Zenitsu and Inosuke nodded, and Tanjiro focused on sensing the demonic presence, which seemed to emanate from beneath the house's floor. — Let's go!

The three vanished into thin air and reappeared inside the house. Silently, they navigated the corridors until they found a less frequented hallway where the demonic presence was much stronger. Inosuke used his sword to break through the wooden floor, revealing several tunnels dug into the ground. Some were larger than others, but all led in the same direction.

Unfortunately, the others couldn't fit through those tunnels without painfully dislocating their joints. For Inosuke, though, contorting his body was child's play.

Tanjiro pondered for a moment, trying to recall how Tengen had discovered the hideout of the sash-wrapped demons in his previous life. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind. He hadn't been present during that event, so he had no idea how to get there.

— Inosuke, take the lead. Be cautious; there might be multiple enemies. - Tanjiro instructed, watching as Inosuke entered one of the tunnels like a worm. Then he turned to Zenitsu with a serious expression. — I'll search for another entrance. Follow me and use your hearing to pick up anything unusual.

Without delay, the two raced back to the streets. Tanjiro followed the demonic scent and the faint visible trails in the ethereal world, while Zenitsu focused on listening for any sounds beyond the surface. Their pursuit continued until Zenitsu detected the sound of air currents passing beneath the earth. When he stopped running, Tanjiro also sensed an increase in the demonic odor.

The entrance to the sash-wrapped demons' lair lay directly beneath them.

— I'll clear the way... - Tanjiro said, gripping his sword. — Once you see an opening, rush in at full speed toward where Inosuke is. Assist him with any challenges you encounter down there. I'll be right behind you both.

Tanjiro took a deep breath for seven seconds, filling his lungs with pure oxygen and raising his body temperature to 39 degrees Celsius. His heart rate surged to over two hundred beats per minute. For two seconds, the veins in his arms visibly bulged beneath his skin as he gripped the sword hilt tightly. Then, with a single strike, he forced the ground to yield under the pressure, revealing the interior of one of the tunnels. It was significantly larger than the previous one, spacious enough for more than five people to walk side by side. Even Gyomei could pass through, although he'd need to stoop to avoid hitting his head.

Before Tanjiro could issue any orders, a yellow blur shot past him toward the tunnel's end. It was Zenitsu, following Tanjiro's directive to find Inosuke as soon as he spotted the tunnel opening.

— You've grown more confident. I'm glad for you, Zenitsu. - Tanjiro smiled as he scanned the tunnels for any survivors. — Let's hope we're not too late in this tale and can save more lives.

Tanjiro continued his diligent search for survivors in the tunnels. Meanwhile, Zenitsu caught up with Inosuke, who had already encountered one of Daki's sashes and was locked in combat. The battle against the sashes in the lair wasn't lengthy, but it certainly wasn't easy. Inosuke grappled with the writhing fabric while Zenitsu focused on freeing the people ensnared within. When Tanjiro finally arrived, they managed to eliminate all the sashes. However, Tanjiro noticed that Daki wasn't present in that location — nor did it seem like she occupied the same house from his previous life. Worried, Tanjiro considered whether, by stepping into Tengen's role in the story, Kanao had unwittingly become the primary target for Daki's impending battle.

Across town, Kanao continued her investigation of one of the district's most renowned houses. She infiltrated flawlessly, posing as a trainee receptionist and cleaning assistant, welcoming clients and introducing them to the courtesans. While tidying up, a last-minute customer arrived, requesting the most expensive courtesan in the house and offering to pay double for the service. The owner was delighted with this 'offer' and instructed Kanao to escort the man to the courtesan's room.

As they walked, the man followed Kanao in silence until they reached the room. Kanao announced their arrival with three soft taps, but there was no response. A sense of unease settled over her, and after a brief apology, she slid the door open with force and speed.