Spider Lily

°•~Chapter 5~•°

The group discusses the next steps with Mitsuri while Zenitsu and Inosuke are bickering over something trivial.

"We need to investigate that shrine tomorrow," Tanjiro said, his expression serious.

"Tomorrow will be too late," Muichiro said, joining them.

"But we also need to make sure Natsuki is ready to help," Mitsuri said.

"Ready to help with what?" Natsuki asked as she walked into the room.

"You should be in bed," Muichiro said, but she ignored him.

"So, I assume you didn't find anything?" Natsuki said.

"Hm. Well, we found out where the Spider Lilies are located," Tanjiro said.

"Then let's go. We can't wait until tomorrow. It might be too late," Natsuki insisted.

"Hm. You're staying here," Muichiro said firmly.

"I can't let you go without me. You need the support," Natsuki argued.

"I was telling you, not asking you," Muichiro replied, standing up from his seat.

She glared at him, determination in her eyes. "I won't be a burden, Muichiro. You know that."

He sighed, looking at her injured state. "You're not a burden, Natsuki. But you're not in any condition to fight."

"I can handle it," she insisted, her voice firm with determination.

Tanjiro stepped in, trying to mediate. "Natsuki, we appreciate your willingness to help, but Muichiro is right. You need to recover."

Natsuki clenched her fists, frustration evident on her face. "I can't just sit here and do nothing."

"Your safety is important to us," Mitsuri added gently. "Rest and recover so you can help us in the future."

Natsuki looked around at everyone, then finally nodded, a bit reluctantly. "Fine. But promise me you'll be careful."

Muichiro nodded, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We will. We'll come back safe."

With that, they gathered their things and prepared to head out to the shrine, leaving Natsuki behind with Mitsuri. The mission couldn't wait, and they had to act swiftly to find the Blue Spider Lily before it was too late.

****

Leaving Natsuki with Mitsuri, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Muichiro made their way back to the village. It was around midnight, and fireworks were lighting up the sky as the festival continued.

Inosuke seemed to be looking around frantically while Zenitsu was daydreaming about the woman. She was quite beautiful. A loud sniffing sound caught their attention as Inosuke sprinted off.

What’s he up to now, Muichiro thought.

"Wait?! Where are you off to?" Tanjiro asked, running after him.

Muichiro followed behind them as Zenitsu seemed to be daydreaming still.

***

**Doma's POV**

Doma sat comfortably in the grand hall of the shrine mansion, a soft smile playing on his lips as he conversed with Mrs. Mori, a high-ranking female demon known for her cunning and ambition. The flickering candlelight casts eerie shadows on the walls, accentuating the supernatural atmosphere of their meeting.

"So, Mrs. Mori," Doma began, his voice smooth and almost melodic, "have you given any more thought to our previous discussion about the influence we could wield over the human world? There are so many opportunities if we play our cards right."

Mrs. Mori leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with a mix of interest and skepticism. "I have, Doma. But I'm curious—what makes you so confident that we can maintain control without drawing too much attention from the Demon Slayer Corps? They're becoming increasingly troublesome."

Doma chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Ah, but that's where our strength lies, Mrs. Mori. We thrive in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes. Humans are so easily swayed by fear and desire. If we can harness those emotions, we can steer them wherever we wish."

Mrs. Mori's lips curved into a sly smile. "You always did have a way with words, Doma. But tell me, what exactly is your plan? How do we begin this grand manipulation?"

Before Doma could respond, a sudden, forceful tug pulled at his consciousness. He straightened, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the familiar sensation.

"The Infinity Castle," he muttered, annoyance flickering across his features. "It seems I'm being summoned."

Mrs. Mori's expression shifted to one of surprise and curiosity. "Now? In the middle of our discussion?"

Doma nodded, rising gracefully to his feet. "Unfortunately, yes. Kibutsuji-sama must have urgent needs of me. But fear not, Mrs. Mori. We will continue our conversation soon. In the meantime, consider the possibilities and how you can contribute to our grand vision."

With a final, lingering glance, Doma's form dissolved into the shadows, leaving Mrs. Mori alone in the shrine mansion. She watched the space where he had stood, her mind racing with the implications.