章 13: Ch-13
Hearing the voice behind him, Tanjiro, who had been smiling and silently offering blessings to the passengers on the deck, suddenly became solemn. He sniffed twice and turned his head sharply, but he saw nothing. He was certain that he had smelled the presence of a demon just moments ago. Yet, it seemed the demon had used some means to vanish the instant Tanjiro turned around.
He scanned the area carefully. The azure sky and sea stretched endlessly around them as the cruise ship steadily left the dock, slicing through the waves and accelerating into the vast ocean. Everyone on the deck appeared normal—passengers enjoying the cruise, filled with excitement and energy. Groups of people stood together, loudly chatting, perhaps experiencing a luxury cruise for the first time. Upper-class individuals in suits and fine clothes began to retreat into the cabins.
Despite this apparent calm, Tanjiro knew he hadn't imagined the demon's presence.
"Master Tom, Mr. Tomioka!" Tanjiro called out, his voice tense. He glanced at the two figures beside him, his face easing a bit when he saw Tomioka Giyu and the small cat, Tom, resting on the Water Pillar's shoulder. Their presence alone gave Tanjiro a sense of security.
Before they set off, Tanjiro had been thoroughly briefed on the mission. The demons they would face were likely at the level of the Twelve Kizuki, which made him worry about whether he was strong enough to protect the ship's passengers. The memory of the battle with Lower Moon Five at Natagumo Mountain was still fresh in his mind, and he wasn't sure how he'd fare against another such formidable foe.
"You're not mistaken. A demon appeared here briefly," Tom confirmed, narrowing his eyes. "But we don't know how many demons are lurking on this ship. We can't act hastily. Let's stick to the plan. Each of us will patrol a specific area. We have good perception; one person per zone should be sufficient."
Tom then leaped from Tomioka's shoulder. "I'll handle the top two decks. That's where the wealthier passengers are, and it'll attract too much attention if any of you patrol there. I can move around unnoticed as a cat."
The group exchanged a few more words before dispersing to carry out their respective duties.
Meanwhile, in one of the luxurious rooms aboard the cruise ship, a woman with long black hair, dressed in a stunning kimono, sat before a dressing mirror, gently combing her hair. Behind her stood a man with medium-length black hair and a delicate, almost effeminate appearance.
"Lady Daki, we will arrive in the United States in about a month. Do you have any specific instructions for me during this period?" asked the man, his voice neutral and respectful. Two rows of yellow squares on his cheeks marked his true identity: the lower-rank demon known as Enmu. He was the last surviving member of the Lower Moons, his life spared by Muzan Kibutsuji because his twisted personality amused the Demon King.
Daki, one of the Upper Moon Six, didn't bother turning around as she addressed Enmu's question. "I'm here to find the Blue Spider Lily for Lord Muzan. As for this ship, it's yours now. Do whatever you want with the passengers, but leave the more attractive ones for me to devour. Also, it seems some Demon Slayers have boarded the ship—one pillar and three ordinary swordsmen. Take care of them quickly. Especially the one with red hair and the hanafuda earrings."
"Yes, Lady Daki," Enmu said, bowing slightly before sinking into the floor and vanishing from sight.
As Daki continued grooming herself, a voice echoed in her mind. "Why didn't you mention the cat that Lord Muzan spoke of?"
A faint smile played on Daki's lips as she replied internally. "There's no need to tell him everything. Besides, I'm intrigued by that cat myself. It's no threat, just a curiosity. Muzan speculated that the cat might have strength comparable to a Pillar, but a mere Pillar isn't enough to satiate me."
The voice, belonging to her brother Gyutaro, faded away as Daki stood and stepped into her wooden sandals. Her beautiful yet sinister aura immediately filled the room. She made her way toward the door, preparing for the evening banquet.
When the door opened, the men outside were struck speechless by her appearance, their minds clouded with awe and desire. Daki didn't have to say a word; her beauty alone drew every eye toward her as she entered the banquet hall. Men of all nationalities—Japanese, European, and American—gathered around her, each vying for her attention.
In the corner of the hall, women who had been enjoying the company of these men seethed with jealousy as they watched Daki effortlessly steal the spotlight.
"Who is she?" one of the women whispered, her voice bitter with envy. "She just walks in and suddenly, all the men are fawning over her!"
Frustrated, a woman in an elegant dress stormed out of the hall, deciding to head to the restroom to cool down. But as soon as she stepped inside, a ribbon shot out from the shadows, wrapping around her in an instant. She vanished without a trace.
Back in the banquet hall, Daki sensed her prey's capture and smiled slyly. The men around her grew even more infatuated, completely oblivious to what was happening.
"Meow~"
A soft, feline sound suddenly caught Daki's attention. She looked down and saw a small cat, its piercing eyes observing her from the floor.
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