25. Passed

Thud!

"Hey! You are a woman for god's sake, act like one."

"Yeah. The way you fought looked like a crazy person."

"Alright, crazy woman I think you are ready."

Makomo sheathed her sword. Beneath her foot laid a demon's body as it scattered to ashes. Listening to her friends comments her mouth twitched. Many a times she wondered whether to sew that mouth of theirs.

"Anyway, we are close to Mt.Fujikasane, right?"

"Hmm, four hours. We should reach there by nightfall."

The four of them leisurely walked away leaving a trail of demons behind. Two months had passed since the four of them left Tanjuro and family, their goal was to have Makomo get some battle experience and boy did they get it.

Makomo was a calm and collected person, however, after her first fight she got a real feel for it. Her attacks were fierce and endless, she moved like a raging tide that wiped away anyone who stood against it.

But when she is not in combat she looked and behaved like a well bred young lady. This sudden change kind of left the other three sweating.

Time ticked away, soon the sky was painted red by the setting sun. Leo and the rest was now walking among a cluster of wisteria trees full in bloom.

"No matter how may times I see it it's still amazing."

"Yeah...

The gang took in the beautiful sight and walked in a daze. Soon the four of them reached the foot of the selection grounds. Walking up the steps Leo, Giyu and Sabito couldn't help but remember their Final Selection.

"What a nostalgic feeling."

Sabito sighed and said.

"Yeah, you almost died."

Giyu suddenly said those words, the others halted their steps and looked at him with a sad expression, Giyu tilted his head in confusion.

"What's wrong?"

Leo shook his head.

"It's nothing."

The gang continued to climb up the stairs, they looked at each other and could read what was on the other party's mind.

He is never gonna make another friend!

Giyu was oblivious to their thoughts and whistled as he walked up the stairs. Upon reaching the top tens of candidates appeared before them.

"A lot more than when we took the test."

"It's a good thing, atleast we can spread our forces."

They waited till a kakushu came out and explained the rules of the test. Makomo was calm and steady as she listened.

"Best of luck, don't die."

"Don't die."

"Don't get eaten."

All three of them smiled and waved at Makomo while yelling at the top of their lungs. The other candidates looked at her oddly, at that moment she wanted nothing more than to find a hole to hide in.

'Bastards!'

...

7 days later...

Makomo was standing before a table filled with ores. Beside her stood seven more who passed the test. Looking through the different sized ores Makomo took one based on her instinct.

"Congratulations on becoming a Slayer. Your swords will be delivered to you in a week."

The Kakushu bowed and bid farewell to Makomo and the other young slayers. Walking back to Leo and the rest Makomo had a faint smile on her face. Somehow Leo and Sabito felt a bad premonition.

"Well, Giyu walk her down alright. I suddenly remembered something."

"Ah! It's that right. We better get going, come on hurry up!"

Both of them immediately bolted down the stairs without giving any kind of explanation.

"Hey! What did you forget? Hey guys! Ah! They are gone, they sure ran fast. Anyway, congratulations Makomo! Huh, what's wrong. Your smile is kind of dark."

...

Down the steps Leo and Sabito heard wails coming from above. Both of them increased their pace and ran away.

...

Four youngsters were walking through a small town, everywhere they walked people would stare at them.

"Ow! Stop poking my cheeks! Ow! Stop that!"

Giyu growled at Sabito who was having fun poking his cheeks. At this moment Giyu was in a sorry state, his cheeks were swollen and he had panda eyes.

"Hehe, you look like a chubby panda."

"Grrrr...

Makomo walked coolly. Leo and Sabito praised their wits for running away quickly.

"Alright. Let's have some food."

All four of sat down in a restaurant and ordered food. Having their fill they were about to find a place to stay when Leo suddenly stopped. His expression turned serious as he looked in a particular direction.

Sabito and the rest also got serious when they saw Leo. In the past two months they understood that Leo had an ability to sense spirits. It was also because of that they were able to find demons so easily in the past couple of months.

"How strong?"

"Strongest we have ever faced. But Giyu and Makomo can handle it."

Sabito relaxed his tight nerves. Within the four of them there was a ranking. Leo was the strongest followed by Sabito, Giyu and Makomo. Giyu and Makomo are on the same level but since Giyu had a bit more experience he was stronger.

"Let's wait. Once the streets are empty we will move."

"Alright."

The four of them waited till the last light went out before moving. Leo and the rest were now standing before an inn, a young lady stood beside the counter twirling her hair.

Leo nodded to Giyu and Makomo. Both of them rushed towards the young lady and swung at her neck from both sides.

"What a cute bunch."

The young lady flipped her hand, immediately long shawls filled with flower patterns extended from her sleeve and covered her body. Giyu and Makomo's sword were blocked and was bounced off.

Retreating to a distance all four of them got a clear look at the demon. She was bewitchingly beautiful, she wore a short skirt with a top blouse exposing her naval area. What's particular was her eyes, Leo's pupils constricted when he saw her eyes.

Sabito gripped his sword tightly, his face showed a solemn expression compared to before.

Giyu and Makomo trembled and clenched their swords tightly when they saw her eyes. Her pearl like eyes reflected a cold gleam, revealing what was engraved on her eyeballs.

Upper Moon Six!