To Hideyoshi's surprise, what he thought would be a challenging task turned out to be surprisingly simple. He effortlessly located an oiran that he was certain would satisfy his master.
Through a servant at Kyogokuya, he learned about the most sought-after oiran in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarter. Despite her immense popularity, she was rumored to have a foul temper, glaring daggers at anyone who displeased her in the slightest.
"That kind of look is terrifying," the servant had said.
Yet her beauty was said to be unparalleled.
With this newfound information, Hideyoshi quickly returned to his master's temporary residence: a small yet luxurious estate.
It was unclear just how much money his master had poured into securing exclusive rights to live in such a place.
"Her name is Warabi-hime, correct?"
Hearing the faint eagerness in Tong Gu's voice, Hideyoshi became even more confident in his choice.
Tong Gu let out a long sigh, feeling that his efforts over the past few days had not been in vain.
[Trial Mission 1: Survive for Three Months (75/91)]
[Trial Mission 2: Kill at Least One Demon (Completion: 340%)]
[Hidden Quest: A Maiden's Request (Incomplete)]
He glanced at his task list. If Warabi-hime, who was none other than Daki, Upper Rank Six, didn't appear in Yoshiwara, his only option would be to head to Mount Natagumo and forcefully eliminate Rui, regardless of the consequences to the storyline.
After exchanging his last gold ingot for a large amount of silver, Hideyoshi worked hard to grease the right palms. Soon, Tong Gu's residence became the site of grand banquets, filled with lively guests amidst a kaleidoscope of lights and festivities.
The towering and enigmatic figure at the head of the table, who never spoke a word, left a deep impression on everyone.
However, much to Tong Gu's disappointment, Warabi-hime—Daki—never showed up.
As days turned into weeks and his return date loomed closer, Tong Gu's impatience grew.
Hideyoshi, feeling guilty for spending so much money on lavish festivities without bringing Warabi-hime to his master, lowered his head and apologized.
"Forgive me, my lord. The proprietress of Kyogokuya said... Warabi-hime has been spending time with a distinguished guest and hasn't had the opportunity to visit here."
Tong Gu frowned.
A distinguished guest?
For someone like Daki, known for her haughty temperament, the only one who could keep her attention for so long wouldn't be a mere human. Could it be Muzan himself?
A flicker of unease crossed Tong Gu's mind.
Noticing his master's contemplative expression and recalling the rare signs of restlessness over the past few days, Hideyoshi ventured, "If Warabi-hime continues to refuse, shall I find another oiran for you? There's someone named Koi-natsu who has gained some fame recently, and it seems she's heard of you as well..."
Tong Gu shook his head. He wasn't here to enjoy the company of an oiran. If Daki didn't show, it would all be meaningless.
[Trial Mission 1: Survive for Three Months (81/91)]
"Let's wait five more days. If she still doesn't appear, we'll drop it," Tong Gu finally said.
He had no intention of tracking down Daki himself. For one, he wasn't a ninja and lacked stealth skills. For another, if Muzan truly was in Yoshiwara and he barged into their lair unprepared, the consequences would be disastrous.
As if on cue, on the last night of the self-imposed deadline, Hideyoshi's excited shouting interrupted the lively banquet.
"She's here! Warabi-hime is here!"
Tong Gu's eyes lit up. He had already prepared to leave for Mount Natagumo the next day, yet now Daki had shown up?
Looking up, he saw her.
A woman with graceful steps and an enchanting figure entered the scene. She didn't approach Tong Gu directly but took a seat at the edge of the gathering.
Dressed in a crimson kimono, her black hair styled elegantly with ornate hairpins, she exuded an aura of pride and elegance.
For the first time during these banquets, Tong Gu straightened his posture, his gaze fixed openly on the famed oiran, Warabi-hime.
At a glance, he could tell—this alluring beauty was none other than Daki, Upper Rank Six.
Exhaling softly, Tong Gu steadied his nerves. He leaned back slightly, his eyes drifting to the wall behind him where his katana, a Nichirin blade, hung decoratively.
He had kept it there within arm's reach, ready to draw at a moment's notice.
Should he strike now?
His gaze swept over the bustling room filled with revelers and the elated Hideyoshi, who seemed thrilled to have finally succeeded. For a moment, he hesitated. That moment was enough for Daki to rise and leave, her visit apparently nothing more than a brief appearance.
Tong Gu's expression darkened as he prepared to pursue her. Hideyoshi, however, grabbed his master's arm, misunderstanding his intent.
"Master, Warabi-hime is very pleased with you!" Hideyoshi beamed.
"She'll return in five days."
Tong Gu's tense body gradually relaxed.
This would work, he thought.
Having a specific time frame would allow him to make precise preparations.
An Upper Rank demon was in an entirely different league compared to the lesser demons he had faced before. Even with his current strength, he doubted he could kill an Upper Rank demon without using his trump card.
As the festivities wound down, guests departing one by one, Tong Gu stopped Hideyoshi, tossing him another pouch of coins.
Hideyoshi waved his hands frantically, refusing. "I've already earned more than enough!"
Tong Gu pressed the pouch into his hand.
"Five nights from now, if you feel the ground shaking, run. Take everyone you can with you and leave."
Hideyoshi froze, puzzled by the cryptic warning. Was his master privy to some hidden information? Could there really be an earthquake in Yoshiwara in five days?
Yet the certainty in Tong Gu's expression filled him with unease. He nodded, but as he reached the door, he turned back, leaving the pouch on the table.
"Don't worry, my lord. Even if I run, I'll manage. I can't take any more from you."
Tong Gu merely waved him off, saying nothing further.
---
Elsewhere, Daki walked ahead alone, her two attendants trailing far behind. They could sense that their mistress was in a strange mood.
Under the clouded sky, the moonlight obscured, Daki's expression was unreadable. Her voice drifted softly, as though speaking to herself.
"Did you feel it? That man's body… that power…"
"A Hashira, perhaps?"
The clouds parted, moonlight spilling down once more. A sinister smile curved on Daki's lips.
To demons like her, the Demon Slayer Corps weren't enemies to be feared—they were merely prey. Even the Hashiras were nothing more than an occasional delicacy.
"Five more days… Clean yourself up, big guy," she murmured, her smile growing more wicked.
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