Akazaaa

—

Mitsuri and Accelerator walked side by side, heading toward a nearby village. The path was narrow, flanked by trees that rustled gently in the breeze. Mitsuri's lively chatter filled the air, recounting tales of her childhood, her training days, and the various amusing incidents with her fellow Hashiras. Accelerator, though characteristically quiet, found himself listening intently. There was something soothing about Mitsuri's voice, something that momentarily eased the chaotic thoughts constantly swirling in his mind.

As they turned a bend, they saw an old lady struggling to carry a huge basket in the middle of the road. Mitsuri's eyes lit up with her characteristic kindness, and she moved to help. However, before she could even step forward, Accelerator clicked his tongue in annoyance and moved ahead of her, effortlessly lifting the basket from the old lady's frail hands.

"Here, let me," Accelerator muttered, his tone gruff but his actions speaking louder than his words. The old lady looked up in surprise and gratitude.

"Oh, thank you, young man," she said, her voice trembling with relief. Mitsuri, who had been momentarily stunned, now wore a broad smile.

"See, you are kind!" she beamed, her eyes sparkling as she watched Accelerator handle the heavy basket with ease.

The old lady, grateful for the help, invited them to her home for a meal as a token of her appreciation. Accelerator was about to refuse, a curt "no thanks" forming on his lips, but Mitsuri's enthusiastic acceptance preempted him.

"Thank you so much for the offer! We'd love to join you!" Mitsuri said, her stomach growling audibly at the mention of food. She flushed a deep red, embarrassed by her own eagerness, while Accelerator just stared at her with a deadpan expression.

"Fine," he muttered, resigned to the situation. Mitsuri's excitement was infectious, even if he wouldn't admit it.

The old lady led them to her humble abode, a small cottage nestled at the edge of the village. Inside, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, making Mitsuri's stomach growl again. They were welcomed warmly, and soon, a spread of delicious home-cooked dishes was laid out before them.

Mitsuri immediately dug in, her appetite insatiable. She devoured the food with gusto, barely pausing to breathe between bites. Accelerator, who had taken a seat across from her, watched with a mix of amusement and disbelief.

"You might want to slow down," he remarked dryly. "Unless you're planning to eat the table next."

Mitsuri, her cheeks puffed out with food, laughed sheepishly and swallowed hard. "I can't help it! It's just so good!" she exclaimed, reaching for another serving. "And besides, I have a fast metabolism."

Accelerator raised an eyebrow. "I can see that. But seriously, don't choke."

Mitsuri giggled, her laughter light and melodic. "You care more than you let on, you know," she teased, a playful glint in her eye.

Accelerator rolled his eyes, though a faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Just don't make me save you from yourself," he retorted, leaning back in his chair.

The meal continued with Mitsuri wolfing down the food while chatting animatedly between bites. Accelerator, for his part, ate slowly, savoring the rare moment of peace and normalcy. Despite his usual aloofness, he found himself relaxing in Mitsuri's presence, her boundless energy and kindness slowly chipping away at his hardened exterior.

After they had eaten their fill, the old lady thanked them again, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "It's been a long time since I've had such lively company," she said, her voice warm. "Thank you both."

Mitsuri smiled brightly, giving the old lady a gentle hug. "Thank you for the wonderful meal!" she said, her enthusiasm as infectious as ever.

Accelerator, feeling a rare sense of contentment, simply nodded. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, his tone softer than usual.

As they left the cottage and continued on their way, Mitsuri looked up at Accelerator, her eyes shining with gratitude and admiration. "That was really nice," she said. "You were really nice."

"Don't get used to it," Accelerator replied, though the edge in his voice had softened.

Mitsuri laughed, linking her arm with his as they walked. "Too late," she said cheerfully. "I already have."

.

.

.

Night descended upon the village, casting long shadows that stretched across the ground. Mitsuri was the first to succumb to the pull of sleep, her breaths even and peaceful as she lay beside a tree. Accelerator, on the other hand, remained vigilant. His instincts, honed through countless battles and hardships, screamed that something was amiss.

He sat quietly, eyes scanning the village below, his senses heightened. The night was eerily silent, the usual sounds of the village muted as if the world itself was holding its breath. His suspicion was soon confirmed when he spotted movement in the sky. A shadow flitted across the moon, and Accelerator's gaze snapped upward. There, hovering in the air, was a grotesque creature—a demon with the head of a human and the torso of a bat.

"Ugly bastard," Accelerator muttered, his voice dripping with disdain.

He stomped on the ground, sending a shockwave that reverberated through the earth, waking Mitsuri. She jolted awake, eyes wide and alert, her instincts as a Hashira kicking in immediately. 

"Accelerator, what's going on?" she called out, but her voice trailed off as she followed his gaze upward. Her eyes widened in shock and recognition. "A demon!"

Mitsuri wasted no time, springing to her feet and drawing her sword. She was ready for battle, her Love Breathing technique at the forefront of her mind. However, the demon remained airborne, its wings flapping lazily as it sneered down at them.

The demon's strategy was clear. It would stay just out of reach, taunting and tiring Mitsuri out. Mitsuri, determined and fierce, launched herself into the fray, her blade flashing in the moonlight as she leaped from rooftop to rooftop, trying to close the distance between her and the bat demon.

Each time she got close, the demon would ascend higher, its mocking laughter echoing through the night. "You can't touch me, little girl!" it taunted. "Your sword is useless if you can't reach me!"

Mitsuri gritted her teeth, frustration mounting. She pushed herself harder, her leaps growing more desperate as she tried to find a way to reach the demon. Her attacks were precise, each slash a testament to her skill and determination. But the demon was cunning, always staying just out of reach, its eyes gleaming with malice.

Accelerator watched the exchange, his expression impassive. He could see the demon's fear despite its bravado. It knew that one strike from Mitsuri's blade would spell its end, but it also knew that as long as it stayed in the air, it was safe.

"Damn it," Mitsuri cursed under her breath, landing on a rooftop and staring up at the demon with frustration. She could feel the fatigue setting in, her breaths coming in heavy pants. She needed to find a way to bring it down.

The demon laughed again, a high-pitched, grating sound. "Give up, Hashira! You'll never reach me!"

Mitsuri's eyes narrowed, determination blazing anew. She adjusted her stance, readying herself for another attempt. But before she could move, Accelerator stepped forward, his expression bored.

"Enough of this," he said, his voice cutting through the night like a knife.

He raised his hand, and in an instant, the air around him seemed to warp. A powerful gust of wind erupted from his palm, aimed directly at the bat demon. The force of it sent the demon spiraling through the air, its wings flapping frantically as it struggled to regain control.

Mitsuri seized the opportunity. With a burst of speed, she launched herself into the air, her blade gleaming with lethal intent. The demon's eyes widened in terror as she closed the distance in a heartbeat.

"Love Breathing, Sixth Form: Cat-Legged Winds of Love!" Mitsuri cried out, her blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. She struck the demon squarely, her blade cutting clean through its neck. The demon let out a final, agonized scream before its body disintegrated into ash.

Mitsuri landed gracefully on the ground, her chest heaving with exertion. She turned to Accelerator, her eyes filled with gratitude and admiration. "Thank you, Accelerator-san!" she said, her voice breathless but sincere.

Accelerator shrugged, his expression nonchalant. "Just doing what needed to be done," he replied, though there was a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Mitsuri smiled, feeling a surge of respect for the enigmatic esper. "You were amazing," she said. "I couldn't have done it without you."

They walked back to the village together, Mitsuri chattering excitedly about the battle while Accelerator listened in silence. For the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of camaraderie, a feeling that maybe, just maybe, he could find a place among these demon slayers.

With the first rays of dawn painting the sky, Mitsuri and Accelerator began their trek back to the Butterfly Mansion. Mitsuri's chatter filled the air, her voice bright and animated as she recounted every detail of their mission. Accelerator walked beside her in silence, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts, but occasionally a small smirk would tug at his lips, hidden beneath his aloof demeanor.

As they reached the gates of the Butterfly Mansion, Accelerator's attention was immediately drawn to the figure standing with arms crossed, her expression a mixture of frustration and something akin to a pout. It was Shinobu, and her demeanor was a stark contrast to her usual composed self.

"Well, well, if it isn't the angry butterfly," Accelerator mocked, a smirk playing on his lips as he approached her. "Did you miss me?"

Shinobu's eyes narrowed, and she huffed in response, clearly unimpressed by his teasing. "You have a talent for being insufferable," she retorted, trying to maintain her composure despite the flush creeping up her neck. "And I certainly did not miss you."

Accelerator chuckled, finding amusement in her irritation. "Sure you didn't. You look like you're about to explode."

Their banter continued, sharp and quick, each trying to outdo the other in a battle of wits. Mitsuri watched with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, noting the strange dynamic between the two.

Eventually, Accelerator shrugged and decided to head back to his room, leaving Shinobu behind. "I'll be in my room if you need more excuses to scold me," he tossed over his shoulder.

Shinobu glared at his retreating figure before letting out an exasperated sigh. "That man has no delicacy," she muttered to herself, her tone tinged with frustration. "There's no chance for us to get close if he keeps acting like this."

Suddenly, the trio of Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho appeared, their eyes wide with mischief. "But Shinobu-sama," Sumi began, "you and Accelerator-san are quite close already."

"Yeah!" Kiyo added, her voice bubbly. "There's even a rumor going around that you two are like a couple because of how much you argue."

Naho nodded enthusiastically. "Everyone says that watching you two is like watching a married couple bicker!"

Shinobu's eyes widened in shock, her face turning a deep shade of red. "What? That's absurd!" she exclaimed, trying to maintain her composure despite the embarrassment threatening to overwhelm her. "There's no truth to that."

The trio giggled, clearly enjoying Shinobu's reaction. "You look so cute when you're flustered, Shinobu-sama," Kiyo teased.

Trying to hide her embarrassment, Shinobu put on a cold expression. "Enough of this nonsense," she said sternly, though her voice wavered slightly. "Get back to your duties."

The three girls scampered off, still giggling, leaving Shinobu alone. She watched them go, her heart pounding as she tried to shake off the flustered feelings. She stomped her foot in frustration, muttering under her breath, "That man is impossible."

With a final huff, Shinobu turned on her heel and walked away, her mind racing with thoughts of Accelerator and the strange, confusing feelings he stirred within her.

–

In the eerie silence of the Infinity Palace, Muzan Kibutsuji's presence loomed like a dark cloud. The air was thick with tension as the Upper Moons assembled, each one feeling the weight of their master's summons. The cold, marble floors reflected the dim light, casting long shadows that danced ominously as the demons arrived one by one.

Muzan's eyes glowed with a malevolent intensity, his features twisted in a mixture of rage and disdain. He didn't bother to mask his fury as he addressed the gathered demons, his voice cold and sharp like a blade.

"The death of Gyutaro and Daki is unacceptable," Muzan began, his voice echoing through the vast hall. "They were weak, and their failure is a disgrace. I will not tolerate such incompetence."

Akaza, the Upper Moon Three, remained silent, his expression stoic. He knew better than to speak unless addressed directly. Beside him, Doma, the Upper Moon Two, wore his usual carefree smile, though there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes.

"Oh dear, another pair gone," Doma said with a mocking tone. "It's almost as if the Demon Slayers are getting better."

Muzan's glare shifted to Doma, silencing him instantly. The air grew colder, and the other demons shrank back, their fear palpable. Doma's smile faltered, and he bowed his head slightly in a show of respect.

Gyokko, the Upper Moon Five, stepped forward, his grotesque form trembling slightly. "Master Muzan," he began, his voice wavering, "I have gathered information about a newcomer who was responsible for the deaths of Daki and Gyutaro. This man is incredibly powerful, unlike anyone we've encountered before."

Muzan's eyes narrowed. "Explain," he commanded.

Gyokko swallowed nervously. "From what I have learned, this man possesses abilities that defy logic. His strength and speed are beyond anything we've faced. It was as if he toyed with Daki and Gyutaro before killing them."

A tense silence followed Gyokko's words. Muzan's expression grew even darker, his anger barely contained. "A human," he spat, "with such power? Preposterous."

"Muzan-sama" Akaza finally spoke, his voice steady. "If this man poses a threat, I will hunt him down and eliminate him."

Muzan's eyes locked onto Akaza, assessing him with a cold, calculating gaze. "Very well, Akaza," he said slowly. "You will hunt this man and bring me his head. Do not fail me."

Akaza bowed deeply. "I will not disappoint you, Master Muzan."

Muzan turned his attention back to the rest of the Upper Moons. "The rest of you, consider this a warning. Fail me, and you will meet the same fate as the Lower Moons."

The demons nodded vigorously, their fear evident. Doma's usual jesting demeanor was subdued, and even the ever-composed Kokushibo, the Upper Moon One, remained silent and still.

"Prove yourselves," Muzan continued, his voice low and menacing. "Or perish."

With those final words, the meeting was over. The Upper Moons dispersed, each demon retreating to their respective domains with a renewed sense of urgency. Akaza, however, lingered for a moment, his mind already formulating a plan to track down this mysterious, powerful man.

As the shadows of the Infinity Palace swallowed him, Akaza felt a surge of determination. He would not fail Muzan. He couldn't afford to.

—