Kapitel 21: Chapter 21

Time flies when you're slaying demons and perfecting your lightning powers, I guess. It's been a whole month since I got that fancy Kinoe promotion, and let me tell you, I've been busy.

Black Lightning Breathing? Mastered.

Weekly demon-slaying missions? Crushed.

Awkward encounters with villagers who think I'm a superhero? Too many to count.

Seriously, folks, being a demon slayer is a full-time job. There's no time for Netflix binges or video game marathons anymore.

Speaking of which, I haven't heard from Hiro and Aika since that fateful night on Mount Hibari. That Kakushi whisked them away to the Butterfly Mansion the same day I took down that handsy Lower Moon demon. I can't help but worry a little. I mean, they're good kids, but they're still pretty green. Hope they're not getting their butts kicked too badly.

And then there's Sabito and Makomo. We parted ways after receiving our Nichirin blades, each of us heading off on our own missions. I miss their company, even Sabito's constant nagging and Makomo's silent judgment. Stay safe out there, you two.

Just as I was reminiscing about my fellow slayers, a familiar weight landed on my shoulder.

"Fuyume, my man!" I exclaimed, giving him a friendly pat. "What's the latest scoop from the bird world?"

Fuyume ruffled his feathers, then spoke in his usual deep, authoritative voice. "Akio, you have been summoned to Demon Slayer Headquarters, the Ubuyashiki Mansion, by Ubuyashiki-sama himself."

I blinked, my jaw dropping slightly. "The Ubuyashiki Mansion? The big headquarters? The one with the fancy gardens and the endless supply of tea?"

Fuyume nodded solemnly. "Indeed. It seems your recent accomplishments have caught the attention of the higher-ups."

Whoa, hold on a second, I thought, my heart skipping a beat. Am I in trouble? Did I accidentally break some obscure demon-slaying rule? Or maybe they just want to give me a medal and a lifetime supply of ramen.

I shook my head, trying to dispel the nervous jitters. Whatever it is, I'm ready for it.

I stood up, dusting off my haori and adjusting my Odachi. "Alright, Fuyume, let's go. Time to see what the bigwigs want."

Following Fuyume's directions, I made my way to the Ubuyashiki Mansion, a sprawling estate nestled amidst a breathtaking landscape of gardens and waterfalls. It was like something out of a period drama, all elegant architecture and serene beauty.

As I entered the main hall, I was greeted by a young woman with long, flowing black hair and kind eyes. She wore the standard Demon Slayer uniform, but her haori was adorned with a delicate butterfly pattern.

"You must be Akio-kun," she said, her voice soft and melodic. "I am Kocho Kanae, the Flower Hashira. It seems we will be working together on this mission."

Fuyume, ever the helpful sidekick, whispered in my ear, "She is the Flower Hashira, Kanae-sama. Show respect."

I quickly bowed my head. "Pleased to meet you, Kanae-sama."

Kanae-sama waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, please, drop the 'sama.' We're all comrades here."

Her easygoing demeanor put me at ease. Maybe this won't be so bad after all, I thought.

Just then, a hush fell over the room as a frail figure entered, supported by two attendants. It was Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Despite his weakened state, his presence commanded respect, and his gentle smile radiated warmth and kindness.

"Akio-kun, Kanae-san," he greeted us, his voice soft but clear. "Thank you for coming. I have a mission of utmost importance for you both."

His expression turned grave. "Over the past month, a secluded village near a mountain lake has been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances. Multiple families have vanished without a trace, leaving behind only an unsettling silence and a collection of strange, shifting pottery."

He paused, his gaze meeting mine. "The villagers speak of odd occurrences - eerie noises, objects moving on their own, and a sense of oppressive dread emanating from the lake itself. We believe these disappearances are the work of a demon, but the nature of its power remains shrouded in mystery."

Ubuyashiki-sama's voice lowered, a hint of urgency in his tone. "The lack of physical evidence, the unusual artifacts, and the unsettling atmosphere surrounding the lake all point to a demon of considerable strength, possibly even an Upper Moon."

I felt a shiver run down my spine. An Upper Moon demon? Those were the strongest of Muzan's forces, beings of unimaginable power and cruelty.

"While the reports do not definitively confirm the presence of an Upper Moon," Ubuyashiki-sama continued, "we cannot afford to take any chances. Too many lives have already been lost."

He looked at us, his eyes filled with a solemn determination. "That is why I have called upon you, Akio-kun, and you, Kanae-san. I believe your combined skills and experience are our best hope of uncovering the truth and putting an end to this threat."

He paused, his gaze lingering on me. "Akio-kun, your recent accomplishments have been remarkable. Your mastery of Black Lightning Breathing and your quick thinking in the face of danger have not gone unnoticed. I have full confidence in your abilities."

I felt a surge of pride, mixed with a healthy dose of apprehension. An Upper Moon demon? This was a whole new level of danger.

"We will not fail you, Master," Kanae-sama said, her voice unwavering.

I nodded, my resolve solidifying.

With the blessings of Ubuyashiki-sama, Kanae-san and I set off on our mission.

Fuyume, my trusty owl companion, guided us through the winding mountain paths, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of trouble. Kanae-san, on the other hand, seemed to float effortlessly beside me, her movements as graceful as the flower petals that adorned her haori.

Kanae-san and I arrived at the desolate village, the silence hanging heavy in the air. Empty houses, abandoned belongings, and a lingering sense of dread painted a grim picture.

"This place gives me the creeps," I muttered, my hand instinctively tightening around the hilt of my Odachi.

Kanae-san nodded, her usually gentle expression hardened. "Indeed. The air is thick with demonic energy."

We cautiously made our way towards the lake, the epicenter of the disappearances. The water was still, its surface reflecting the pale moonlight like a sheet of polished obsidian. But as we approached, the tranquillity was shattered.

Pots, large and grotesque, materialized from thin air, surrounding us in a macabre display. A chilling laughter echoed through the night, and a figure emerged from the largest pot, its form a twisted mockery of human anatomy.

It was... well, there's no other way to put it... a fishy freak. Pale white skin stretched taut over a muscular, armless torso that seemed to sprout directly from a porcelain vase. A red-violet midsection connected to a black, serpentine tail, lined with rows of underdeveloped, infant-like hands. Thin, purple and blue-violet fins adorned its head, resembling a bizarre hairstyle of cornrows and a ponytail.

But the face... oh, the face. Where eye sockets should have been, there were gaping green-lipped mouths, showcasing rows of hyperrealistic teeth. Its actual eyes, one nestled in the lower mouth and the other perched on its forehead, stared at us with an unsettling intensity. The kanji for "Upper Rank" and the symbol for "Five" were etched into its flesh, marking it as a truly formidable foe.

"Welcome, little insects!" the demon screeched, its voice a grating cacophony. "I am Gyokko, Upper Moon Five, and you have stumbled into my gallery of despair!"

The lake erupted, spewing forth a horde of monstrous fish-creatures. They floated in the air, their needle-like teeth bared, ready to unleash a poisonous barrage.

"Thousand Needle Fish Kill!" Gyokko cackled, his voice filled with sadistic glee.

"Oh, gross," I grimaced. "I'm gonna need a hazmat suit after this."

First Form: Black Flash Slice (Kuro Hikari Giri)!

With a swift horizontal slash, I unleashed a bolt of black lightning. It crackled along the blade, extending its reach, and sliced through several of the creatures in one fell swoop. A chorus of Zzzt-kraaak! filled the air as the fish-monsters disintegrated into ash.

My speed and reflexes allowed me to dodge most of the needles, but a few managed to graze my skin. A burning sensation spread through my arm, and I felt my movements starting to slow.

Damn, that poison's working fast, I thought, gritting my teeth.

Kanae-san, meanwhile, moved with the grace of a dancer, her katana a whirlwind of petals.

Second Form: Honorable Shadow Plum!

A rotating shield of blossoms formed around her, deflecting the remaining needles with effortless precision.

"Focus on the pots, Akio-kun!" she called out, her voice clear and resolute. "I'll handle these pests!"

I nodded, my vision blurring slightly as the poison took effect. I needed to end this quickly.

With a series of lightning-fast strikes, I shattered the pots, one by one. Gyokko's form flickered, his laughter turning into a startled yelp as his hiding places were destroyed.

"You dare interfere with my art?!" he shrieked, his voice laced with fury.

(To be continued)

Over9000words' voice crackles through the tense atmosphere. "Hey, Akio! How's that Upper Moon looking? Pretty scary, huh?"

Akio, dodging a flurry of venomous needles, grits his teeth. "Can't you see I'm in the middle of a freakin' life-or-death battle here?! Are you blind?! We'll talk later, bye!!"

Over9000words chuckles nervously. "Okay, okay, point taken! Just trying to keep things... interactive. Carry on, brave demon slayer! We're all rooting for you!"

AI-sensei sighs, their voice a mix of amusement and exasperation. "Over9000words, I believe a moment of silence would be more appropriate at this juncture. Allow Akio to focus on the task at hand."

Over9000words mumbles under their breath. "Spoilsports..."

End of Chapter 21