Well-Adjusted Barely Traumatized Demon Slayer (Murata SI-ish)

[Freeze046]

This is just following the stations of canon way too closely.

Click to shrink...

Because all of Murata's changes are focused more on the upper moons and the hashira so season 1 kind of remains untouched for the most part. I say kind of because we don't know if Inosuke or Zenitsu have had any changes to their stories or not. Unlikely for Zenitsu to have changes but Inosuke may or may not have more depending on certain factors.

 

[xbox432]

Parts of this chapter felt a bit rushed... Mostly the bit where they first met Tamayo, it just seems to be a lot of statements joined together rather than there being any narrative flow.

 

[Turncoat]

Caught up on this, and I've been enjoying it so far. There's a real lack of Demon Slayer fics.

 

[Rodvek97]

Thanks for the chapter

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

With urgency in his steps, Murata followed his crow to the borders of the city.

He did not anticipate this change. Focusing on his running, he stopped from overthinking. It did not do good to dwell on things that already happened.

Surrounded by the thick forest and trees, he made his way to the meeting spot. Taking in a deep breath, he paused, silently waiting.

From the clearing, Tamayo and two other people came out.

Her tight expression and tattered kimono showed signs of desperate escape. The two people beside her fared no better. The man was breathing heavily from carrying the woman, and while the woman did not look tired, her constant trembling was easily noticeable.

"What happened?" Murata hurriedly spread out his supplies, tending to their immediate needs.

Tamayo fell to the ground, her voice broken. "Muzan's dog found us. Yushiro stayed behind while we fled."

"Muzan's dog?" Murata asked, already expecting the answer. Surely, Akaza was sent to capture them.

"Kokushibo," she spat the name with venom.

Murata's brows furrowed in confusion. Evidently, Tamayo had history with Kokushibo. But, even more puzzling, Muzan sent Kokushibo for a task like this?

Why now?

"How powerful is he?" He asked while feigning ignorance. The only information Murata had about Kokushibo were on the pages of a book that didn't exist. To actually meet the man and observe his strength meant certain death.

Clumping the dirt with her hands, the veins in her hands pulsed with anger. "Upper Moon One."

Helping Tamayo up, Murata carried her. Keizan, likewise, carried his wife, and they began running further away from the city. Murata's crow led the way, pointing them towards the Ice Estate.

"How did you escape?"

-

While the ambush on Tamayo and the Kamado siblings ended with no casualties, Yushiro and Tamayo knew it was time to move to a different safehouse.

The brothers and their demon sister left, vowing to help Tamayo in her research. They were well-meaning boys, and it warmed her heart.

Having lived for several centuries, Tamayo procured several houses and hideouts.

After relocating, Tamayo tried to make a breakthrough. While she could not cure the newly turned demon from Asakusa, the blood samples Murata gave her were put to good use, and she was able to break the man out of Muzan's control.

It was much faster than the process she used to turn Yushiro into a demon, which meant that with more of Muzan's blood, she could find additional weaknesses and solutions.

Nakashima Keizan thanked her with all his heart, his wife beside him in a kneeling position. They offered to help her in anything, and while Keizan's wife was a normal human, she offered her assistance regardless.

Nakashima Yukiko was a quick learner, and adapted to her new life quickly.

Just like Yushiro, Keizan did not require very much blood. Even so, his blood demon art started developing at a good pace, and progress was being noted by Yushiro.

"He has a blood demon art suited for battle," Yushiro grumbled.

Holding one of the flesh seeds in his hand, Yushiro threw it in the air and watched as it exploded and transformed into a large spike. He pocketed several more of the flesh seeds, hoping to test its limits further.

Taking notes, Tamayo observed its effects. "Fascinating. The spikes can be used to restrict movement and mobility."

She went to take more notes. Then, without warning, Yushiro collapsed, his face flushed with sweat. Tamayo went over to check on him, but he pushed her away.

The urgency in his voice startled her. "Lady Tamayo, you must leave now!"

"Yushiro, what's wrong?"

He gritted his teeth, and his hands bled. "Just leave! The illusion is breaking!"

Applying his talismans to Tamayo and the couple beside her, he rushed out of the house, scouring for the threat.

With the night still young, Yushiro narrowed his eyes. In front of him was a demon with six eyes and a sword by his hips.

He radiated the aura of a monster. Yushiro's chest began to ache and his hands trembled.

Upper Moon One

"An illusionary blood demon art?" Kokushibo observed and remarked to himself. "It's potent. Even with my eyes, I cannot see through it easily."

Hiding several of the flesh seeds within his hands, Yushiro worked to stall as much as possible.

He rid himself of any pretense of escaping. As long as Lady Tamayo and the others fled, that would be enough for him.

He mentally apologized before steeling his expression.

"Who are you, and why have you come?" Yushiro adjusted himself, masking his fear and preparing his posture.

Kokushibo stood still, confusion tainting his expression. "You do not know me?"

Truthfully, he felt slighted. He was Upper Moon One. Even new demons were vaguely aware of the hierarchy.

"Not a clue, dumbass!"

Kokushibo did not react to the insult. "You hide your fear well, demon."

Unsheathing his sword, he introduced himself. "Very well. I am Kokushibo. His Lordship has sent me to investigate and capture the traitor Tamayo. Yet, I see only you. Is that merely your blood demon art or has she already escaped?"

"Like hell I would tell you!" Yushiro slapped a talisman on himself, hiding his presence. Next, he threw the flesh seeds into the air as they exploded.

With a practiced swing, Kokushibo let out a breath.

Moon Breathing, First Form: Dark Moon, Evening Palace

In a single strike, several crescent moons were released, instantly destroying the protruding spikes before they could hit Kokushibo. Concentrating on his surroundings, he struck out his left arm, the hand coming in contact with flesh.

A choked sound ensued and the talisman on Yushiro broke, which revealed him. Kokushibo's grip on Yushiro's neck tightened.

Focusing his eyes, Kokushibo peered into Yushiro's biology.

"Abomination of Tamayo," he stated. "I will take you to His Lordship himself. Pray that he will find a use for you."

Sensing a lack of demonic presence in the area, Kokushibo walked away as he held Yushiro tightly. He could search for Tamayo later. For now, His Lordship had just received a new experiment to focus on.

-

Days of traveling later, Murata and the others arrived at the Ice Estate. He sent a message in advance to pause all visits or sparring sessions.

The official reason was for renovation. In truth, Murata already prepared a separate area of the estate for Tamayo and her research. Originally, this was so Murata could help ease the demon doctor's assimilation into the Demon Slayer Crops, rather than being thrown straight into the Butterfly Estate.

Granted, he wanted the transfer to be done at least a year ago after the first meeting with Tamayo and Yushiro. At least now, he could put it to good use.

In his personal opinion, it was a bit useless now.

Murata wanted to inform Kanae of the situation and have Tamayo immediately working in the Butterfly Estate. Unfortunately, the master told him to wait. While frustrating, Murata would not disturb the master's order.

The pieces are coming together. Once Nezuko is known, then the rest can fall into place.

Putting away the letter, Murata sighed. The Ubuyashiki premonition made no sense.

-

On the second floor of the manor, a large room was altered into a makeshift laboratory. Tamayo, alongside her assistants, were conducting further research.

It was a good distraction from the loss of Yushiro. She would not want to admit it out loud, but his presence was a bright light compared to the dimness of her past.

The fact that she was able to help someone as a demon filled her with hope. Unfortunately, she could only pray that Yushiro would be strong enough to resist and sabotage any of Muzan's goals.

She knew the man. If only to satisfy his childishness, Muzan would torment and dissect Yushiro rather than employ him for any mission.

Muzan's paranoia was well known to Tamayo, and she was aware of how often it backfired on him.

She could write an entire book about it. With their history, there were many things to tell.

She sardonically laughed out loud.

"Is something wrong?" Yukiko asked.

Tamayo kept any snappish remark to herself. "Nothing wrong. However, we will need to continue testing your husband's blood demon art."

"Of course," Yukiko nodded. "I'll go get him from the courtyard."

-

Keizan, meanwhile, stared at the stars as he regained his stamina. He had just spared with the Ice Hashira and lost more times than he wanted to admit.

Apparently, Murata was only average amongst the hashira. Though, Keizan would have to meet the others for himself before he believed Murata's words.

While his regeneration was slow compared to other demons and his physical strength left a lot to be desired, his blood demon art held potential.

Murata complimented it. "Against a demon slayer, your ability is is useful. A good trap or a well thrown seed could permanently disable someone. Then, it would be an easy feast."

Keizan shuddered. "Please don't describe it that way."

"Fair enough. Take it from me though. Against even a demon, your skill would be troublesome and something to watch out for," Murata said.

Nobu flew from the north, the crow's voice laced with alarm.

"Retired! Retired!"

Plucking the letter from his crow, Murata cursed.

"What happened?" Keizan asked.

Murata crushed the letter in his hand.

Sound Hashira, Uzui Tengen, retired, due to loss of limb from Upper Moon Four!

Wind Hashira, Shinazugawa Sanemi, in serious condition, recuperating in the Butterfly Estate!

 

[King0fHearts]

Butterfly's flap