Chapter 31: Yoshiwara Pleasure District

At the Entrance of the Rengoku Family Residence

Rengoku Kyojuro bent forward into a deep bow.

"Lady Kanae, I am deeply grateful for saving my mother."

"It was just a small favor," Kanae said gently.

Given the power bestowed by the gods, she felt it was only right to do what she could.

"If there's ever anything you need from me, please feel free to ask," Rengoku Kyojuro said with a bright smile, patting his chest confidently.

"If Mr. Flame is ready, we should depart before nightfall," Kanae said, finding it a bit difficult to handle the overly cheerful boy and quickly changing the topic.

"Rest assured, I will inform my father. It's just that currently, my father..." Rengoku Kyojuro glanced toward the residence, where his father could be seen hugging his mother.

"He is so overjoyed that he can't come to thank you personally right now. I am truly sorry for that!" He bowed deeply again.

"That's alright. Given how recently Lady Rengoku's illness was cured, I'm sure there are many things they wish to say," Kanae said understandingly, recalling how she had seen many people overwhelmed with emotion in the past.

"Well then, we'll meet up in the evening."

"Rest assured, I will make sure my father is on time," Rengoku Kyojuro said loudly and with determination.

 Kanae said her goodbyes and left the Rengoku residence, touching the Vision at her waist.

Her healing abilities came from her knowledge of medicinal herbs.

She could now produce the effects of these herbs through her "magical" powers, greatly enhancing their potency, allowing her to instantly cure diseases and even regenerate severed limbs.

However, resurrection was beyond her abilities.

Resurrection remained a divine prerogative.

Additionally, her swordsmanship had improved dramatically.

When she wielded her sword, illusions of medicinal flowers appeared out of thin air.

These flower illusions carried the effects of the herbs.

Notably, the illusion of wisteria flowers could prevent demons from regenerating.

Upon returning to the Butterfly Mansion, she saw her sister practicing sword techniques using her Vision.

The powers bestowed upon Shinobu differed from her own.

Shinobu could harness the power of insects, which complemented her modified "Insect Breathing."

With only four sword styles, she could use only four types of insect abilities.

One of these, "Butterfly Dance: Mockery," allowed her to conjure butterfly illusions that could attack while enabling flight.

Flying through the air was something only divine beings could do, making her a bit envious of her sister.

"Welcome back, sister." Shinobu stopped her practice and greeted her sister with enthusiasm, eager to share her discoveries.

"Sister, I found out that placing the Vision on my forehead lets me see something called the 'Seat of Destiny.'"

"Really? Is that so?" Butterfly Kanae, intrigued, placed the Vision on her forehead.

In an instant, she saw a pattern made up of six stars and understood its meaning.

"Peony Flower Seat?"

Shinobu excitedly said, "Mine is the Colorful Butterfly Seat. It seems the stars represent the extent to which one's wishes are fulfilled."

"Having all six stars lit up means that the wish is fully realized."

"I guess the more stars you light up, the stronger you become! Once all are lit, you'd become a deity, right?"

"Is that so? Perhaps you're the smarter one, Shinobu."

The sisters eagerly discussed the miraculous aspects of the Vision, completely unaware as time passed quickly, and soon it was evening.

---

Yoshiwara Pleasure District

This Taisho-era district, known for its entertainment industry, was a place of indulgence and vanity, where desires of love and hate mingled.

The night was brightly lit, and people from all walks of life gathered here, with pink lanterns tantalizing the guests' senses.

Most of these geishas had been sold here by their impoverished families or abandoned and taken in by kind-hearted proprietors.

If they were lucky, they might meet a good man who could buy their freedom.

Geisha were of various ranks. Those skilled in singing and dancing performed without selling themselves, while those who did were referred to as courtesans.

The Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps entered the pleasure district openly, wearing their Demon Slayer uniforms.

Even with two Vision bearers present, they would not foolishly face the Upper Moons in a one-on-one fight.

Why engage in a duel when they could quickly end the fight with a group assault?

Unless, of course, one were foolish.

"Even though we were prepared, there are just too many people in the pleasure district," Rengoku Shinjuro said, gripping the hilt of his Nichirin sword.

"Cunning demons, hiding in plain sight," Uzui Tengen said irritably.

"Alas, it's inevitable that innocent people will be caught up in the chaos," Gyomei said, tears streaming down his face.

"Hehe, does this trouble you? You need to think outside the box and not be so rigid," Uzui Tengen said with a mischievous grin.

"Sound Hashira, do you have a plan?" Shinobu asked curiously.

"Leave the crowd dispersal to me. When the commotion starts and the crowd scatters, that's when you can act," Uzui Tengen said, giving a flashy thumbs-up.

"Alright, we'll leave it to you," Shinobu said, nodding.

"I'll handle the smaller and more nimble tasks. I'll use the tunnels from Kyogoku to rescue the captured women," Iguro Obanai said through the bandages covering his mouth.

"I'll take care of the female demon. The one who uses women as food, known as Daki," Shinobu said, feeling a deep anger at the thought of the underground cavern filled with bones. How many people had these demons devoured in this street over the centuries?

"I'll handle Gyutaro. I'll bring him out," Sanemi Shinazugawa said, cracking his knuckles.

"We'll all attack together then! Don't give him any chance."

"Everyone, fight with confidence. As long as you're not killed instantly, I can heal your injuries immediately," Kanae said, touching the Vision at her waist, which glowed faintly.

Uzui Tengen gave a cheerful thumb-up.

"Alright, since everyone is ready, I'll start the operation."

He then clapped his hands, and two massive rats scurried out from his side, squeaking and flexing their muscles like people.

The sight was so comical that even Giyu Tomioka's usually impassive face twitched: "What is this?"

"These are the legendary ninja beasts, muscle rats. They can work in places where ninjas can't go. I spent a lot of time training these two, and they are very obedient."

Uzui Tengen said solemnly, pulling out two bags from his clothing and squatting down, making squeaking sounds to communicate with the oversized rats.

"Squeak squeak squeak!" The rats placed their front paws on their foreheads as if understanding, then grabbed the two bags and ran off.

"Once the crowd starts to riot, that's when you make your move," Uzui Tengen said, quickly running into the crowd.

"What is Uzui Tengen up to?" Sanemi Shinazugawa frowned, and before he could figure it out, he was left stunned.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

A series of firecracker explosions erupted, followed by screams from women.

"Ahhhh, it's on fire!"

"Ahhh! It's burning here too!"

"Quick, put out the fire, hurry!"

"Guests, please leave, it's on fire!"

"What's going on? Why is there suddenly a fire?"

"This is ridiculous! How can so many places be on fire at once?"

"Someone set the fire deliberately!"

"Help, it's burning, ahhhh——"