Chapter 26: Chapter 25: Doma
"Do not rely on divine intervention for everything. The gods will only provide you with opportunities. It is only when you show your true desire and determination that they will grant you, their blessings."
...
The group stumbled out of the shrine their minds still echoing with the words of the fox spirit.
Even the usually composed Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps couldn't suppress their excitement. The fox spirit had said that people like them could receive the "Vision" even during the Age of Gods.
Through the fox spirit's explanation, they learned not only about the "Vision" but also many other things. Takamagahara was simply the mortal name for the world of the gods, which the gods themselves called "Teyvat."
The heroes and legends of myth were so powerful because they were individuals worthy of becoming gods themselves.
"Master, why didn't you ask the fox spirit to lift your curse?" Sanemi Shinazugawa asked, looking at Kagaya Ubuyashiki, who maintained his usual gentle demeanor.
"Sanemi, my dear child, the mere fact that Mikamunari has seen the sins caused by the demons on this land and sent down the fox spirit and two divine envoys is enough for me," Kagaya replied warmly, his visible eye looking at them.
"Muzan Kibutsuji will surely be destroyed by you children in the near future," he said with a tone full of comfort and blessing. "You are the children blessed by the gods, and the curse will be lifted when Muzan is defeated, ending our family's original sin."
"The pain from this curse is nothing compared to the happiness stolen from families by the demons."
"Only those with a genuine desire for the betterment of the world can attract the gaze of the gods..." Shinjuro Rengoku's eyes dimmed, knowing that even if he prayed for the gods to heal his wife, they wouldn't listen. But thinking of the fox spirit at the shrine, his eyes reignited with determination. He wouldn't give up, no matter the cost.
"How magnificent, the Vision! Hahaha, if I could truly obtain one, it would be wonderful. But one cannot force fate; what is meant to be will be, and what is not meant to be will never come," Tengen Uzui laughed heartily, patting his chest.
"Instead of pondering so much, let's focus on slaying more demons. Every day we rest is a day someone might be eaten by a demon."
"Demons won't stop eating people just because we decide to take a break today."
"That's right. Let's first escort Master back to the headquarters, and then resume our duties," said Obanai Iguro.
"Obanai and I will escort Master back. Everyone else, return to your tasks," Sanemi Shinazugawa stated firmly.
"Ah, the demons that eat humans... The gaze of the gods is now upon this land. It's truly sorrowful. The demons, born from sorrow, will soon fade in this grand era," Gyomei Himejima said, tears streaming down his face as he clasped his prayer beads.
"Master, I will take my leave now," he said, and upon descending the mountain, he departed alone.
"Then, I shall take my leave as well. Please take care, Master," Giyu Tomioka said expressionlessly before turning to leave.
"We'll accompany Master back to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters," Kyojuro Rengoku declared.
"I'll also continue today's training and help this new member of the Demon Slayer Corps with her swordsmanship. Rest assured, I will train her with my utmost effort," Kyojuro Rengoku said loudly, full of fiery enthusiasm.
"Eh! I-I will train hard in swordsmanship, Rengoku-senpai!" the future Love Pillar, Mitsuri Kanroji, responded, flustered but determined.
"Ah! Rengoku-san is only one year older than me, yet he trains so hard. If I didn't have more strength than most girls, I wouldn't be able to endure the intensity of his training."
On her first day in the Demon Slayer Corps, she was required to swing her sword five thousand times. By the end of it, she was so exhausted that she didn't even have the strength to eat.
"With three Pillars protecting Master, my sister and I will go investigate the area where a demon was sighted. Goodbye, everyone," said Kanae Kocho, the Flower Pillar, waving gently before pulling her rebellious sister Shinobu along.
The Demon Slayer Corps members left Mount Oomine and resumed their usual tasks. However, their spirits were uplifted, their hearts filled with newfound confidence. After all, the gods were watching over them.
"Sister, do you think Raiden-sama is truly watching over us?" Shinobu asked, glancing rebelliously at the sky.
"Shinobu, you must not disrespect the gods," Kanae chided gently, tapping her sister's head lightly. "The fox spirit was kind not to take offense earlier. Don't forget that."
"I'm not being disrespectful," Shinobu pouted. "But do you think you'll get a Vision, Sister?"
"I doubt it. I don't have such grand and noble wishes. Perhaps Tengen or Gyomei could," Kanae replied with a slight frown, feeling unworthy of the gods' favor.
"If even you lack confidence, then there's no way I would get one. I don't have any grand wishes either," Shinobu said nonchalantly, convinced that if her exceptional sister couldn't obtain one, she had no chance.
As they chatted, they found themselves on a mountain path, the sky growing darker. Tonight, there was no moon, and the cawing of the kasugai crows added to the eerie atmosphere.
"Shinobu, we need to investigate that place called the Paradise Faith Cult. According to the crows' messages, female followers have been disappearing there..."
Before Kanae could finish, her expression changed abruptly. She scanned their surroundings with heightened alertness.
A rustling sound came from the nearby woods. In an instant, her Nichirin Blade was drawn, ready for combat.
"Shinobu, be careful. There are demons here, and not just one."
"What?" Shinobu exclaimed, drawing her blade and pulling out a pouch of wisteria flower powder with her other hand. They stood back-to-back, eyes scanning the darkness.
From somewhere, a male voice, dripping with false warmth, spoke, "Oh my, such vigilant girls. I intended to wait a bit longer, until you were further from the mountain, before making my move."
Kanae felt an unprecedented sense of pressure, cold sweat beading on her forehead. Her lavender eyes trembled slightly. This oppressive aura... could it be an Upper Moon?
"But hearing you mention the Paradise Faith Cult, I couldn't resist. You see, I am the demon you're looking for. Haha..."
"There's no need for you to find me. I've come to find you. But first, may I ask a small favor?"
"What do you want?" Kanae demanded, gripping her sword tightly.
"There's nothing to discuss with demons. Show yourself!" Shinobu snarled, her temper flaring.
"It's simple, really. You just came from the shrine on that mountain, didn't you? Tell me everything you know about it. In return, I will grant you eternal bliss with me."
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