Daki's cold gaze followed Raiden and Zenitsu as the Boss ushered them away. From their brief confrontation, the yellow-haired boy seemed average, but Raiden's strength was undeniable.
"Is he a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps?" Daki murmured softly, her voice devoid of emotion. Even a Hashira's presence wouldn't save those marked to die.
In the corridor, the Boss scolded Zenitsu and Raiden as they walked, glancing back at Daki's room occasionally. By the time they reached the lower floors, his voice softened abruptly into a sigh.
"You two shouldn't provoke Courtesan Warabi again. She has a terrible temper. Return to your rooms and rest."
Raiden noted the sudden change. The Boss wasn't just scolding—they were afraid, weighed down by guilt. Provoking Daki carried severe consequences; even the Boss could only intervene briefly.
Connecting the dots with past rumors about missing girls from Kyogoku House, Raiden estimated the fates awaiting those who angered Daki: the beautiful would be claimed by her obi, the ugly or old would die immediately. This suited Raiden perfectly. Once he located that obi, Daki would no longer pose a real threat.
"Raiden… the Boss's voice… he sounds so pained, as if he's bearing some terrible burden," Zenitsu whispered. The weight in the Boss's tone went beyond mere frustration with them; it seemed directed at Courtesan Warabi herself.
Raiden shook his head. The Boss had lost his wife and dared not avenge her. His grief was palpable.
"Rest in your rooms? No… not quite," Raiden muttered.
Zenitsu froze, blushing at Raiden's words, fidgeting awkwardly. "H-Hmm?"
Raiden turned to see him and realized what he was thinking. A faint smile curved his lips. "Although you look beautiful in a kimono, Zenitsu, we can't just ignore this. Now, come to my room to rest."
"Yes… yes," Zenitsu replied, holding his head low as he carefully followed Raiden, muttering about the gentler Raiden of the past. Gone was the softness; now he met disagreement with force.
Night fell, and the Entertainment District came alive with its usual clamor. Raiden's eyes reflected the neon lights outside, anticipating Daki's move. She would act while they rested during their shifts, discreet to avoid exposing herself.
"After finishing your Shamisen, come to me before returning to your room. Understood?" Raiden instructed firmly. Zenitsu nodded, remembering the morning's lesson.
Raiden was then escorted to entertain guests, the process largely ceremonial. Hours passed, and finally, a geisha informed him he could return to his room.
"Let's go, Zenitsu," Raiden said, patting the drowsy boy. Zenitsu had been waiting, prepared, knowing danger lurked.
Back in the room, Raiden tidied his space while Zenitsu cautiously scanned his surroundings. Nothing seemed amiss, yet Raiden's insistence on accompanying him suggested otherwise.
Could it be… Raiden wanted to sleep nearby? Zenitsu's thoughts flustered him, especially as the room lights suddenly went out, leaving only faint streetlight filtering through the window.
A cold breeze brushed past Zenitsu. Shadows shifted, and a figure landed lightly within the room. Graceful and elegant, she moved like a nocturnal cat. Behind her, her obi seemed alive, undulating with a sinister shimmer.
Daki's face emerged, her daylight pretense gone, replaced with icy killing intent. The words "Upper Moon Six" reflected in her pupils sent shivers down the spine.
"We meet again, you two brats," Daki's voice was low, mocking, yet lethal.
Zenitsu gripped his sword, tension coiling in his chest, feeling the oppressive aura she radiated.
"Not pretending anymore?" Raiden said indifferently.
Daki's eyes narrowed. He knew her identity—Upper Moon Six—and hadn't fled. Bold, or foolish. Perhaps both.
"Since you know who I am and still dare remain in Kyogoku House, you must have quite the courage," Daki said, scrutinizing him from head to toe.
"Your eyes are beautiful, your face not unpleasant. I'll eat you whole," she added, licking her lips as though tasting him already.
Before Raiden could react, an obi shot from behind Daki at lightning speed, aiming straight for him.
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