Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Hello readers!

Thank you for choosing to read this story. This is my very first work, so I hope you'll enjoy it with me.

English is not my first language, but I'll continue improving as the story progresses. Constructive criticism and grammar corrections are always welcome, so thank you in advance if you point them out.

I've read very few stories where Tomioka Giyu is portrayed as Ray, and even fewer where the Hashiras react to Giyu's past as Ray - most of which sadly ended up discontinued. So, wanting to feed my new obsession, I impulsively decided to write this story myself.

As of now, I fully intend to continue this fic, so let's hope my motivation survives alongside it 😂

Important Notes

• I'll be using both the manga and anime versions of The Promised Neverland depending on what fits the story best.

• The storyline will change according to my own interpretation and convenience.

• This is an AU.

• Some timelines and character ages may differ.

• None of the characters belong to me. I only own the reactions and plot changes written in this story.

• The updates will not be regular. I have a full time job so I can only write when I am free.

• Thank you for your patience. Let's start with the story.

I have only posted this work on Wattpad and Ao3 as of now. You can follow the story there too.

Chapter Text

If someone asked about the weirdest thing that has happened in Rengoku Kyojuro's life, he would say that he never expected to suddenly wake up in a random room with a big black box in it.... The last thing he remembered was sitting on a train and discussing something about a hinokami dance(?) with this boy with the demon sister and some newly joined demon slayers also accompanied them.

Now he suddenly woke up in this room and is that Kanroji passed out a few feet away from him?

He pushed himself up to his feet and now that he gets a better look around he finds himself surrounded by his comrades who are all passed out around him. Even Oyakata sama and his wife Amane sama are here....

What was happening..? And where was his sword?

Is he trapped inside a blood demon art? Is this an illusion?? He needs to wake up from whatever this place is! If the demon was strong enough to even trap him (a hashira) inside an illusion without him noticing then it must be strong enough to at least be a lower moon... The new slayers even if he believes or more like hopes are strong enough to hold their own against the lower moon but he needs to back them up! Or are they trapped inside an illusion too..?

Before his mind can spiral even more, he spots Oyakata sama and his wife Amane sama in the corner of the room stirring awake.

What should he do? Should he approach them? He could not sense any malicious intent from anywhere.... And maybe that's the only reason he rushes to their aid.

Amane sama abruptly sits up and grabs her husband's hand when she finds the flame hashira approaching them. Kyojuro kneels down in utmost respect and greets them and then feels the others slowly waking up from their slumber too.

Oyakata sama gently sets a hand on Kyojuro's shoulder and as soon as he feels the familiar warmth of the person he looks up to the most in his life, he knew then that the person before him was real. Not an illusion.

Which relieved him a little but it also made this situation worse. Whoever brought them here was powerful enough to trap the entire Demon Slayer Corps at once.

Now he is more worried than relieved!

"My child, what is happeni-""WHAT THE FUCK!?!"

Rengoku flinches so hard he swears he pulled a muscle there... He whips around to snap at Shinazugawa for interrupting the master but before he can say anything, he hears a familiar shriek of the yellow- haired boy who was accompanying him on their mission.

"EEEEEKKK DID THE DEMON GET US!! WHERE ARE WE??!! TANJIROOOOO!!! WHO IS THAT SCARY PERSON-" at Shinazugawa's glare "SORRY~~ SAVE ME NEZUKO CHAN!!-" "SHUT IT ZEBRA! YOU WANNA FIGHT!-" "Stop it both of you. Nezuko are you hurt?"

And maybe they realised their situation then that they suddenly went quiet and looked confused along with the other slayers that were present here. Oyakata sama then started to get up from his sitting position and Rengoku rushed to help him along with Amane sama.

When he got back to his kneeling position he noticed the other Hashiras in the same position and the rest of the slayers, although confused followed the example and kneeled in front of Oyakata sama and Amane sama.

"My dear children, it is a pleasure to meet all of you together although I hoped it would be under better conditions. Now, do any of you know or have an idea of where we might be?" Oyakata sama asked and if Rengoku didn't know him as he did then he would have been convinced that the master was calm and not nervous but the slight tremor in his voice and how tightly they held each other's hands were enough of an indication of how bad this situation was...

But if Rengoku was anything then he was a man of his word and he swore in his name that nothing would touch their Oyakata sama if he has anything to do with it and he was more than sure that all the Hashiras shared this sentiment.

Before anyone could answer, the black box flickered to light and words started appearing-

*Welcome*

As if on instinct, all the Hashiras stood surrounding Oyakata sama and Amane sama while the other slayers looked around in confusion and alert. And that's when he noticed that none of them had their weapons with them.... Though nothing would make them move from their position of protecting their master with their life!

Oyakata sama then suddenly asked something that he failed to notice before - "What is happening now? And I can't seem to find one of my child here. Where is he? Where is Tomioka Giyu?"

And it was then that he noticed that his fellow introverted friend is nowhere in sight. And while Amane sama was briefing about the glowing box event to Oyakata sama, he saw someone approaching them - He knew that man! He was the former Water Hashira and a good friend of his father (was) and often visited them before his father retired from his position as the Flame Hashira. He was being accompanied by an old man with one of his legs missing - probably a former hashira too - he didn't know him though...

"Giyu is not here... I was the first one to wake up here and have looked around the area. There is a door on the left corner of the room and it leads to a huge corridor with many rooms including a kitchen, dining area and several bedrooms with attached bathrooms. I also found all the necessary items needed to survive here. The kitchen also seems to be stocked with food-" "Urokodaki san! You are also here! How!?!?" The boy with the demon sister suddenly interrupted the conversation and rushed in the front to stand near the man. This seems to have brought the attention to them as he heard that yellow haired boy shrieking again.

"GRANDPAAAAA~ AM I DEAD?!?! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!?!-" ZENITSU!! HOW MANY TIME DO I HAVE TO TELL YOU TO STOP PANICKING DURING AN EMERGENCY!!" "EEEEEEKKK SORRY GRANDPA~ IT'S JUST THAT *hic* it's just that I saw you after so much time and I missed you so much...*hic* I just freaked out because I thought the next time I saw you it would be in the afterlife *hic* because I am so weak and you are so old okay?!?!"

It seems he was right - this old man was a former hashira, probably the last thunder hashira. He had heard his father mention him a few times when he was young. And it seems that the yellow haired boy's words did it's work as the old hashira was in tears as they hugged each other. It really was a heartfelt moment and if it were not for the situation they were in he would have tried to uplift the yellow haired boy's - what was his name again - Zenitsu was it? - spirit by encouraging him, afterall such self depreciating thoughts can be harmful for younglings who have so much life ahead - demon slayer or not. He should have a good talk with him sometime in the future though when they get out of this situation...

"There were no demons around here nor can I smell them anywhere near here." Urokodaki san said as the boy with the demon sister nodded in response. "I don't smell any bad intentions from this place either..."

With that the glowing black book with the words *Welcome* written on it erased itself and new words started forming -

*You are here to witness the truth hidden from you.

The truth that will help you to change the future of thousands of innocent lives.

And it all started with a boy who decided to fight against his destiny even if he has to go against his morals and be considered as the "traitor".

You are here to observe his past and the series of trials that led him here*.

At this all the Hashiras shared a glance, they had an idea of who this "traitor" could be as it has not been long since they openly accused someone among them of the same. As Amane sama explained Oyakata sama of this, they saw his eyes getting considerably sadder even if he looked calm and collected...

What is this about fighting his destiny? Are they all thinking about the same person? Of course they are... Kyojuro has always prided himself in his strong morals and can never imagine going against them. He believes that his morals go hand in hand with his life and he would rather die than go against his morals that have saved him countless times when he was almost suffocating due to his father's hopelessness and his brother's responsibility... He doesn't want to go there though. He is the type of person to live in the present - always optimistic about everything so that the people around him especially his brother are reassured even when their father is non-existent in their lives anymore.

The screen continued-

*Observation subject - 81194 (Ray) ;

Current Identity - Tomioka Giyu*

The words on the screen did not bode well with him... What was that number? And who was Ray? What do they mean by observing his past? Isn't that like breaching his privacy and did Tomioka san allow this or was this happening without him knowing? Because if this happened to him then he knows he wouldn't have liked it very much - afterall everyone has something they would like to keep a secret from the world - him included. Also some of his comrades aren't really fond of the Water Hashira either. Did whatever being brought them here take this into account?

And as expected the one who took it the worst was- "The hell kind of trick is this?!?! I've had enough of this bullshit! If there aren't any demons here then this is a waste of my time!" "Shinazugawa san calm down. Whoever brought us here must have had a good reason and the fact that they want us to see Tomioka san's past is surprising to say the least. And I don't trust whatever bought us here either and yes it's not a demon's work and you know that very well so stop making that face. As I said we should all calm down especially you who's making our juniors even more nervous than required". Kocho san said and he can't help but agree because there was no escape anyway. Not according to the former Hashiras who has already combed through the area...

Iguro san must've wanted to say something in the matter- "But kocho san-" "She's right! There must be a good reason if the screen wants us to show Tomioka san's past! Let's all calm down and stay alert for any other surprises. Oh! Sorry Iguro san were you about to say something?" "....Not really ". Seems like Kanroji is slowly becoming the voice of reason for Iguro san. He's proud!

Suddenly the room got brighter and they saw that it was a fully white room with only that big black box screen. But then, weird kind of seats began appearing out of thin air - Now he was around 50% sure that he was in a dream of some kind - because what is this?! Is this what those books described as magic?!?! Is it really possible? And those seats look comfortable too! Is it safe to sit there!?!? What if it's a trap?

But then Oyakata sama led by Amane sama suddenly started walking towards those seats and before anyone could stop them, they had already taken the seat on the very front, near that screen. .... It seems there wasn't really a trap there. Hahaha...ha... Forgive him for being paranoid!! This whole situation is stressing him more than his father!!

As all of them took their seats albeit reluctantly, the screen glowed to life once again and that's how this seemingly dream that he was having slowly started turning into a nightmare....

Chapter Text

Although everyone agreed to observe their surroundings for a bit, the tension was thick enough that Gyomei could cut it with a knife.

He too goes around to take a seat and senses Tokito san near him. It's better if he stays near Gyomei, though he knows that the boy was capable enough to protect himself (he wasn't the Mist Hashira in name only). But he had already made it clear - before Oyakata sama appointed the young boy as a hashira - that he does not support encouraging a child to take such a huge responsibility in that young age.

As he takes a seat near the boy, he suddenly finds himself able to see everything? This... should not have been possible. As if on instinct he turns towards Oyakata sama only to find him looking towards him too... This is the first time that Himejima Gyomei has seen the Kagaya Ubuyashiki and he must have had the same expression on his face as Oyakata sama did because the master suddenly started approaching him and before he knew it, he was engulfed in a hug...

How many years has it been since someone hugged him again? Let alone how many years has it been that he was last able to see so many colours. Tears blurred the colours almost immediately as the last thing he remembers looking at was his mother crying and reassuring him that everything would be fine. Now the first thing he looked at after getting his eyesight back was the man he trusted the most after his parents...

He hears the other slayers gasp but the only thing he is able to hear currently was the sound of his own heartbeat. After so many years of darkness, the world felt painfully bright. Oyakata sama lets him go and looks around to find his wife looking towards him with tears in her eyes. Amane sama, bless her, slowly approaches them and although there's no word spoken but the way her hand finds Oyakata sama's naturally and tightened around it is enough to convey those unspoken emotions. She flashes a smile and nod towards Gyomei and leads their way back to the former seat.

He takes a look around and lightly nods towards the other Hashiras in acknowledgement. It was almost comical how Uzui san along with Kanroji san and Shinazugawa san was looking towards him with their mouths agape, while kocho san, Iguro san and Rengoku san watched him and Oyakata sama wide eyed. He also noticed the other slayers looking at him with similar expressions and gossiping among themselves...

Tokito san though, merely blinked at him before returning his attention to the screen, seemingly unbothered by the revelation.

Then again, the young Mist Hashira rarely concerned himself with things that failed to hold his interest.

He takes a seat again and for reasons he could not explain, dread settled heavily in his chest. Gyomei watches as the lights dim in the room and the screen flickers back to life.

Chapter Text

Iguro Obanai hated closed spaces.

If it were not for the others present around him, he would have long since lost his composure. The absence of windows or even a single gate leading outside was enough to send unease crawling beneath his skin, though he liked to believe he was better than that— better at controlling his emotions.

So he forced himself to focus on the screen instead.

A mistake.

Because the more he watched that orphanage, the more old memories clawed their way back to the surface. By now, he was certain of one thing— Grace Field House was just another cage.

And Obanai knew better than most what it meant to be raised inside one.

**********************************************

"Are you alright now?" Kyojuro asked as he handed him a glass of water.

"I think so. ....Thank you, I needed to get out of there"

"You don't have to thank me for anything! Afterall what are friends for!"

They were currently in one of the bedrooms with Obanai occupying a bed with pillows to elevate his upper body a bit. He is only now noticing that the bedroom had 4 beds and an attached bathroom and a walk in closet and what seems to be all the necessary toiletries they might need.

It reminds him starkly of the 'Grace field orphanage'. Just the thought of it sends a shiver down his spine...

At the very least, he was trapped alone in that cage years ago. But what of these children? He saw some of them being toddlers too. They cannot escape together if they wanted too. Maybe Emma and Norman and Tomioka- if they put their minds into it, after all they were considered to be geniuses.

Now that he thinks about it, the person he disliked the most almost had a similar childhood as him... What twisted fate.

That brings another question- did he dislike the water hashira because he found the same haunted look in his eyes? At least he had Mitsuri to give all his attention to and Kyojuro who would always have his back and Shinazugawa who recognises him as a worthy rival and comrade and the others too has accepted him readily- now that he compared their situation, he found himself thinking of when did he ever see Tomioka hanging out with any of the Hashiras or anyone for that matter? Maybe Kyojuro sometimes, when he dragged the man to get some fresh air after a hashira meeting...

"...I didn't know that you still had those -I mean the panic attacks." Kyojuro broke him out of his thoughts and he rarely ever saw this ball of sun without a smile and it seems this was one of those rare moments.

"Yeah. Sometimes— don't look at me like that. I didn't want to worry you over something so trivial."

"It's not trivial at all. I thought I told you that you are important to me. You are like a brother to me. And I am very protective of my family and friends!"

"I know... Sorry" Kyojuro just sighed and handed him his bandages and Kaburamaru back to him.

"You don't have to apologise. I just wish you cared more about yourself." With that Kyojuro patted his head which only brought a smile on Obanai's face.

"Remind me again who's the older one here?"

"You don't act like an adult at all! A responsible adult would take responsibility for his feelings and hurry up and propose to his long time crush!"

Obanai found himself blushing at those words... Kyojuro was unhinged when he wanted to be. What he didn't understand was how he could never deserve someone as pure as Mitsuri. He could only hope to be someone worthy of deserving of her in their next life... He was already too broken to be repaired, and she was better off pursuing a healthy relationship with someone whole- someone who would cherish and protect her and love her unconditionally, even if just the thought of Mitsuri being with someone else breaks something inside him that he never even knew existed.

"Shut up" he replied weakly and stood up to head back to that dreadful room again. It would be better to divert his attention from these thoughts. He would only worry Kyojuro more if the look he was currently giving Obanai was any indication. With that they left the room... He wanted to see just how much they had misunderstood the fellow swordsman.

**********************************************

As they reached back, the atmosphere changed almost immediately. The contrast between the space he was just in and the emotionally charged atmosphere in the room made him swallow harshly.

He saw the blacked screen and Kyojuro explained to him how the screen blacked out immediately after the big reveal. He did not notice it due to his panic at the time.

Now that he looks around, he finds Mitsuri silently crying as Kocho comforts her. He wanted to join them immediately but he held himself back. He was not ready for those bright questioning eyes directed towards him.

Tengen san seems to be in a conversation with Himejima san who looked about ready to punch a hole through the screen if his whitening knuckles and clenched jaw gave any indication.

Tokito san was just glaring at the screen- Maybe silently warning it to start back on. And Shinazugawa surprisingly was the only person who looked calm and collected as he just sat there with a blank expression.

He also noticed the demon girl leaning and sleeping(?) on his brother's shoulder while he was in a conversation with whom he was told (by Kyojuro) was the former Water Hashira (even through his tengu mask, Obanai can feel his anger- it made goosebumps arise on his skin). And the others were sitting in groups and whispering amongst themselves.

As he took his previous seat after reassuring Kyojuro that he would call him if he's not feeling well, he shared a glance with the stoic wind hashira- a silent look passed between them as the screen started again-

"She's in denial?!" This was the most he had seen Tokito san react.

"Of course she is..." the Kamado boy replied quietly. "I would be too."

Tokito san frowned at that. "Then she's an idiot. Both of you are." Kamado boy seemed surprised to hear that but did not reply back.

Chapter Text

Tengen knew very well that the world wasn't divided into black and white parts. There was a vast grey area in between and Tengen knew that area like the back of his hand. He belonged to that grey area.

So when he saw the 'orphanage' at first, bustling with life and a little too warm for his liking, he was immediately suspicious. And the more they saw, the more he knew that the children were mere puppets that were being manipulated by someone- Someone powerful enough to create an entire farm of children-someone wealthy enough to raise them in comfort- in a warm and loving environment with their bellies full of delicious food and warm beds to nourish them...

He concluded that the lady taking care of the farm was just another puppet that is being used and will likely be discarded when they are no longer useful. He was also interested in knowing just how deep and far this system ran and how much the lady knew...

But he was also in a dilemma. He could not understand why the children were being taught about the world and they were also continuing their studies... If the children were mere food from a farm, then there was absolutely no reason to increase their cognitive abilities. What were they playing at? Were they so confident in their system that they did not even consider that possibility? He doubted it. That would be too unflamboyant of them.

And that was not the only thing bothering him. For instance- those demons... They were not the type of demons that he usually came across. That deformed body with unsettling eyes... That level of intelligence to communicate with each other and humans normally... And this whole system of humans and demons working together....

Where was this place? If it's Tomioka san's past then this place should already exist and if a demon- Muzan was able to build an entire farm of children without them knowing.... Then they miserably failed as demon slayers.

But the thought of being a failure comes later. Right now the priority is to find out where is this farm- or if they are unlucky enough- farms are.

Should he directly ask Tomioka san? That would be a disaster. He could feel a headache coming at the mere thought of conversing with the water hashira- not that he disliked him- he was quite funny sometimes, but his bluntness would someday get them in trouble and this was not an exaggeration...

He remembered that one time they had a mission together. It was awkward at first because Tomioka san couldn't keep up with his flamboyance but as they slowly spent their time together travelling and finding clues, he was amazed by his resourcefulness. He was fast in his deductions and if Uzui didn't know better, he would think that Tomioka had seen the future. It was so flamboyant that it took barely 2 days to complete a hashira level mission.

But the problem was his bluntness... He couldn't communicate with others to save his life.

Tengen sighed... This was not the time to get melancholic.

The screen starts again. This time it shows Emma's nightmare. Honestly, this is a pretty normal thing to have after watching your sibling being murdered by your own mother.

He would know.

He killed his siblings himself.

And even when he sometimes regrets it, he couldn't deny the blood- his own blood- staining his hands. Even if he was forced.

Chapter Text

Tanjiro kamado has never been so overwhelmed in his life.

He suddenly wakes up to find himself in a strange room with the whole demon slayer corps. To think he was just let off after behaving so barbarically in front of Oyakata sama and the Hashiras.

As if that was not enough, here they were watching the future (?) - he was still confused about that part - of none other than the person he owed his and Nezuko's life to- he was grateful to Giyu san beyond words.

To find out that Giyu san was an orphan since birth was heartbreaking enough... But then he saw that abomination of a lady that they considered to be their 'mother'. His stomach twisted at the sight of little Conny's cold body- it reminded him of his family- No, don't go there... It's hard enough already.

That lady did not deserve to be called a 'mother'. Tanjiro never felt as angry as he did towards this woman.

He wondered how this betrayal will affect Giyu san... He has seen first hand that Giyu san was far more cool headed than he himself was. But that would do nothing to lessen the blow though.

He also agreed with Emma wholeheartedly. They should take all the children with them so as to prevent another from having Conny's fate.

But he also saw those toddlers resting on the cribs in that other room.

That tracking device too-he still didn't fully understand what it was-but from what he overheard from Zenitsu, the children were being monitored. And the thought sent shivers down his spine.

He had no idea how they would plan an escape with so many problems holding them back.

And if Giyu san was working with the demon slayer corps now and was out of that wretched place, then it must mean that they were successful in their escape- although he wondered where the others are?

He would love to meet them after this is over. He even thought of a few gifts for the children. Now he just needs the Water Hashira's cooperation- he wonders if he'll not agree but there's no reason to hide his family right? He will get him to agree for a family get together with Urokodaki san being invited too, even if he has to convince him for a while!

After all Giyu san was kind enough to wish him luck on his mission with Rengoku san. So he must return the favour. Oh! He'll have to ask him about the kind of desserts the children would prefer! He has noticed that Norman san had quite the sweet tooth along with Phil san, Jemima san, Nat san and Lannion san.

But that's a conversation he'll save for later. Right now they have to watch Giyu san's future even if he feels a little guilty because the concerned person was not here...

He started feeling nauseous from the information. The demons were after brains? Since when? He didn't know that was possible.

He could smell the wave of confusion among the crowd. Did the demons figure out something in the future?

THEY EAT BRAINS TOO!?" Zenitsu nearly screeched beside him, clutching harder onto Tanjiro's sleeve. "AS IF THEIR BODY AND EYES WERE NOT SCARY ENOUGH!" Tanjiro tried to assure him that this was the future and the current demons were not as advanced(?) as them but Zenitsu still whimpered, "That's worse. This is somehow even more worse!" And he couldn't agree more with the statement.

Inosuke has been quiet for some time now though. At first he thought that he was shocked by the revelation but he couldn't look at his face due to the mask and it was hard to know what he was thinking when he smelled so calm. And now he wonders if the boy was asleep...? He is swaying a bit too. Was he really asleep!?

Then he turned towards Nezuko only to find her sleeping with her head on Urokodaki san's lap and him gently patting her head while being in a conversation with Jigoro san (Zenitsu's mentor). The sight brought a smile on Tanjiro's face.

Zenitsu yelped so loudly while he flinched at the screen playing out in front of them.

"Oh god's..." He heard Urokodaki san mutter and Inosuke hitting the ground and jumping up suddenly. The boar head then looked around him at the stunned faces and turned back to the screen quietly.

Chapter Text

Shinobu Kocho would not exactly say that she was friends with Tomioka Giyu.

They had a bit of a complicated relationship.

If asked, both of them would say they were colleagues but they had no problem ignoring each other when out on missions.

She also takes immense pleasure in teasing him. The usually nonchalant Tomioka-san stiffening at her teasing - and the faint ghost of a smile that occasionally appeared afterward - was strangely relieving.

She also wouldn't say that she knew him. But those depressed eyes that looked as though they had lost their spark long ago always troubled her more than she cared to admit.

And she was not the type of person to pry in someone else's life.

So to be doing the same thing now makes her quite uncomfortable. She would have preferred never witnessing Tomioka-san's private life displayed before the entire Corps like some absurd stage play.

But what came as a surprise was not the fact that Tomioka san was a genius- No. He was quite sharp when it came down to it. After all they had gone on many missions together - even before becoming Hashira.

The surprise was his past or rather their future. Never had she imagined that time travel was possible. And they were not talking about a few minutes or hours either. It was more than 100 years. The thought sent a shiver down her spine -not the scared or nervous shiver. No, it was quite the opposite. She was rather excited to have the knowledge that Tomioka san was from the future.

And that would also explain many strange situations they've been in before too.

Tomioka san always had a strange obsession with weapons. The way he would take a moment to admire any weapon even if it's a knife.

Or that one time she saw Tomioka san dismantle a gun in front of a crowd. They were merely passing by after a mission but saw a man about to use a gun on a pregnant woman in the middle of the street. Well they couldn't not interfere after that. While Shinobu helped the pregnant woman up after striking a mean hook in that man's face, Tomioka san disarmed him while simultaneously dismantling the gun into different parts.

And there was another time when Tomioka san visited the butterfly mansion after getting injured. Well, he rarely came for patching up his injuries. That one time was Oyakata sama ordering him to head straight to the butterfly mansion.

It was only a sprained ankle at the time. And when he saw Aoi and the girls having to wash the laundry by hand, he offered to create some kind of mechanism that really helped them. She didn't know how nor was she interested to. So she just thanked him for helping the girls by buying him a meal during one of their missions.

She sighed as she looked around at the grim expression on the Hashira. Perhaps... She had misjudged him. The things that they were seeing now were nothing short of a nightmare and she wondered if Tomioka san was really alright now.

She wouldn't be surprised if the poor man is extremely traumatized and depressed. She also wondered how he ended up more than 100 years in the past. Now that was a reason worth prying into Tomioka san's life.

She subtly glanced at her girls. Kanao was staring at the screen blankly while Aoi was unnaturally quiet and holding onto Kanao's hand. Kiyo, Naho and Sumi were in a deep conversation about something- she heard something like baking a cake for Tomioka san. So, she left them to their antics.

She was proud of her girls. They were extremely smart for kids around their age and never made a fuss about anything. Instead they helped her quite a lot by looking after the patients in the Butterfly estate.

She noticed that the children in the farm were also quite intelligent. Their brains were far more developed than any other children she ever saw. It didn't make much sense if the demons were devouring only their brains. So why?

The answer came a second later.

Did consuming intelligent brains help them evolve? Those reasoning abilities were not how normal demons operated. This might be a problem. She made a mental note to research it further later.

It seemed the trio stood out precisely because of their intelligence. Emma's adaptability allowed her to keep pace with Norman and Ray despite their differing strengths. Ray was realistic and cool-headed, allowing him to assess situations thoroughly. He was also observant enough to remain a step ahead of others. And Norman... He was someone she saw herself in and it unnerved her.

"I wonder if Tomioka san would believe them?" Mitsuri san asked and she could only wonder too. Any rational person would have struggled to believe such a claim without witnessing demons firsthand. All of them had first hand experience with that.

She also had an idea of why Norman would want to talk to Tomioka san alone. She understood his protectiveness toward Emma, but shielding her from the truth would only hurt her in the future.

Mitsuri suddenly yelped, causing Shinobu to focus back towards the screen only to find Ray interrupting their conversation and demanding answers.

"Ara Ara, looks like someone lost his patience." Shinobu chuckled lightly.

"I am surprised he held on for this long." Iguro san looked just as amused.

"Well, the cat's out of the bag now. Honestly they were being so suspicious that I was surprised no one else noticed especially the 'caretaker'." Tokito san said and Tengen san nodded in agreement

"Or maybe she's just giving them a false sense of hope."

"Let's not get too paranoid here. They were best friends after all. I am sure Tomioka san will understand if they convince him." Rengoku san added optimistically.

"Namu Amita Butsu... Is that woman going to follow Ray san into the forest?" Himejima san questioned what everyone thought. But the venom in his voice when he said 'that woman' made goosebumps erupt on Shinobu's skin... He was really angry.

"I don't think she will." Oyakata sama replied and they all turned towards him for more explanation. "If you haven't noticed, I think the 'mother' is very confident that the children won't be able to escape. No wonder. After all she basically raised them. She knows them enough to predict their next moves. She won't make unnecessary moves like stalking or overhearing their conversation. If they are to escape, they will have to outsmart her. It makes me extremely worried that they are just children- genius or not- they shouldn't have to bear the burden of our failure..."

At that everyone quieted down.

"Even so... It's still unusual how easily Tomioka san believed in the existence of demons" Himejima said bowing his head in thought.

Not just him, they were all surprised by how fast Tomioka san accepted the truth. He was barely surprised and unnaturally calm.

Shinobu wondered if Tomioka san already knew about the whole truth long before Emma and Norman saw the whole thing that fateful night. That would explain many things but it would also raise twice as many  questions...

How long has he known? How did he come to know? Did he try to tell anyone- "Gasp!" Shinobu suddenly gasped making Mitsuri san, Kanao and the other girls look at her.

"It's nothing. I just had a theory. Maybe it'll be explained later." She made an excuse and smiled at them. They looked at her in confusion before turning back to the screen.

Is this what Norman meant when he said Tomioka san exceeded him in strategising? She found herself deeply interested in the Water Hashira's life and was surprised to realize she was smiling in excitement. She didn't remember the last time she was so curious -especially in a person!

Why is Shinobu not surprised by Emma's behaviour. As admiring as her motivation to protect her siblings was, they were just children. She was too optimistic for her own good.

"He definitely knew something, didn't he?" Shinazugawa asked rhetorically.

"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. He may have suspected something but I don't want to believe he knew about the whole farm thing. He just took the whole thing in stride since it matches his suspicions." Rengoku san added.

She also had a theory on how Emma and Norman found out about this ordeal in the first place. She knew that the thought itself was morbid. But looking at everything, she wouldn't put it past Tomioka san to have planned it all... As Norman said and she agreed- Tomioka san was quite a genius tactician.

"He couldn't have done anything even if he knew. He's just a kid here." Iguro san defended Tomioka san and all the Hashiras turned towards him. What happened? Didn't Shinazugawa san and Iguro san hate his guts? Surprisingly even Shinazugawa didn't give much reaction and turned back to the screen. Maybe this viewing session is changing their views more than she gave it credit for.

As the screen switched off completely, nobody moved from their place. There was heavy silence in the room.

It was uncomfortable and suffocating.

Shinobu swallowed harshly.

'A nation of demons' he said..... Shinobu had somewhat theorised the same conclusion beforehand but saying it out loud only made it real.

Was the future really so bleak...? Was there nothing they could do to prevent this? But the screen said before that it is helping us to change that future... Can she hope? Do they place their trust in this unknown entity that brought them here in the first place? So many questions.... So little answers.... As much as Shinobu grounded herself in facts and reasons, she couldn't find any logic in the current events being played out.

She looked around at the grim faces of everyone in the room. Of course.... They were seeing the very things they opposed and dedicated their lives to preventing- being played out in the future. It's enough to crush their motivation especially the new ones... Shinobu wondered if she should start a counseling session after they go back to their world. The corps would need it.

There was a loud growling noise and all the Hashiras turned towards Mitsuri san who blushed and covered her face in embarrassment. The insect hashira chuckled. Now that they think about it, although there's no way of telling what time it is, several hours have definitely passed by. Sitting here and brooding over Tomioka san would do them no good on an empty stomach anyway. She turned towards her girls. Kanao looked at her in anticipation of an order while Aoi was already up and folding her sleeves with Naho, Sumi and Kiyo following her example.

"I'll see what I can make for everyone. Let's go Naho, Sumi, Kiyo." Aoi said and exited the room with the three girls. She nodded towards Kanao who also followed the girls. She saw the others following their example and leaving the room to look around or rest for a bit. Tanjiro san along with Zenitsu san and Inosuke san also went towards the kitchen. She only hoped they wouldn't destroy the kitchen. Though with Aoi there, she could probably manage those troublemakers.

She was pulled out of her thoughts when Mitsuri also went off exclaiming to help them in the kitchen. The Hashiras following her example also dispersed. Iguro san and Shinazugawa san went to a corner discussing something in hushed whispers, Rengoku san and Tengen san went off to find a sparring space(?), Tokito san went exploring too while Himejima san was now with Oyakata sama. She saw Amane sama excusing herself from them and coming towards her.

"Kocho san would you mind taking a walk with me?" "Please lead the way Amane sama." They always had these small walks whenever she visited Oyakata sama for his regular check-ups. They would discuss how his illness is getting day by day and would brainstorm on possible pain relievers. She found Amane sama to be quite knowledgeable in medics. She also admired her strong will.

As Shinobu exited the room, she found herself looking forward to the next day. What new things are they going to learn? Will Emma be reasonable now that Tomioka san explained their situation to her? She doubted that but a person can hope.

Chapter Text

Mitsuri had a long dream. She saw that all the members of the demon slayer corps were trapped inside a big room and were watching Tomioka san's life on a big screen. It was a weird dream but what was more weird was that she could remember every bit in great detail up till the delicious dinner she had with everyone in that dream.

So imagine her surprise when she woke up in the room that she remembered from her dream. She sat up hurriedly and rubbed her eyes and looked around only to find Shinobu san getting out of the bathroom.

She could only stare at the gorgeous woman in front of her. She had never seen Shinobu san with her hair down. It was shoulder length and framed her face beautifully.

"It seems you're awake Mitsuri." Shinobu san chuckled and she broke out of her trance only to blush hard. How careless of her! It's rude to stare at someone with their mouth open no matter how beautiful they are!

"R-Right. Sorry! I thought I was dreaming then I woke up and realised it was all true and then I saw you and your hair was down! I've never seen you with your hair down! I-I mean! It's gorgeous! You should keep it like that more often! Not that you don't look beautiful all the time-"

"Calm down Mitsuri san. It's alright. Everyone's overwhelmed by yesterday. You shouldn't apologise. It took me a while to get hold of my surroundings too when I woke up." Shinobu san said in such a gentle way that Mitsuri almost teared up. 'She's like an angel.'

If yesterday really happened then... Mitsuri looked around again to see Nezuko chan sleeping cutely in one of the beds. A smile came upon her face as she remembered her conversation with Tanjiro kun.

It was after dinner. They were discussing room arrangements and Shinobu san along with Kanao san and herself were going to share a room with another Kanoe ranked female slayer when- "Kanroji san! Shinobu san! Please wait!" Tanjiro kun called us as we were exiting the room. "Yes. Did you need something Tanjiro kun?" Shinobu san asked as Nezuko chan suddenly left her brother's side and hugged her.

Mitsuri was pleasantly surprised! She really wanted to befriend the two of them but couldn't bring herself to face them after how harshly they were treated in their trial. Not that it wasn't justified. But it was still cruel.

She hugged the demon girl back and squealed internally from how cute she was! "Nezuko chan was it?" "Yes." Tanjiro kun replied. She looked up to find him smiling at her broadly. Then he suddenly bowed down. "Please! Would it be alright if Nezuko stayed with you? I am sharing a room with the other male slayers and it doesn't seem appropriate to bring Nezuko in the shared bedroom..." He looked straight at her then.

Oh.... Did he trust her so much? She saw how protective he was of Nezuko chan at the trial first hand. It touched her how they came to her when they were in a dilemma.... Of course she'll do her best to live up to their trust!

"Sure! Tanjiro kun you have nothing to worry about. I'll protect Nezuko chan!" She pumped up her fist for extra emphasis.

Tanjiro kun beamed at her "Thank you so much!" He bowed low then left to go towards the other slayers. Mitsuri turned around to find that Shinobu san had already rearranged the sleeping arrangements.

That reminds her. Where was Kanao? "Kanao is with Aoi and the girls." Mitsuri flinched. How did Shinobu san know? "You were so seriously staring at Kanao's bed that I just assumed." Shinobu san chuckled at her expression. 'She's so cool!'

Mitsuri blushed again after realising she was staring at Shinobu san again...

"T-then is Tomioka san here yet? After all it's his past that we're kind of intruding on." Mitsuri felt guilty. She had been curious about the stoic Water Hashira but had never expected to randomly watch it being played out like some theater play. It felt intrusive and uncomfortable. Not that they had a choice.

"Unfortunately no. The first thing I did when I woke up was to look around the place. There's no sign of anybody else other than the people already present since yesterday." Shinobu san answered.

"I see." Mitsuri looked down. "It's fine. Tomioka san would understand that we had no choice." The insect hashira placed a hand on Mitsuri's shoulder and sat beside her.

"I am more worried about if he's alright? Why is only Tomioka san- the actual concerned person- not even present here? Do you think something happened to him?" Mitsuri fretted.

"Let's be optimistic here. We don't even know where we are or anything about this space. We can look for him after we get back to our world." Shinobu san reassured her.

That's right. She should go about this calmly. Panicking won't help in this situation. She will have to believe that Tomioka san is alright and for some reason he's the only one in the corps that was not teleported here when this whole situation revolved around him...

She lightly slapped her cheeks with both hands to get out of her spiralling thoughts and felt Shinobu san leaving her side to go to the dressing table.

She should get ready too. It's going to be a long day ahead if yesterday was anything to go by.

************************************

Mitsuri parted ways with Shinobu san after getting ready for the day. Shockingly she found that her uniform was already washed and ironed when she exited the bathroom.

Whoever this unknown entity was, they were quite considerate. She was thankful. If possible she would really like to meet them. Oh! Should she prepare some sweets for them to thank them for taking care of all of them? But how is she going to hand them over? Hmm....

Mitsuri was distracted with her thoughts when she bumped into Shinazugawa san. "Ouch!"

"Watch where you're going." He steadied her.

"Oh! Shinazugawa san good morning! How are you doing today?"

She wasn't sure why she expected a proper answer. This was Shinazugawa san after all.

Shinazugawa san merely raised an eyebrow and stared at her.

Umm .... She was getting nervous. As handsome as Shinazugawa san is, he can be quite intimidating too... She fidgeted in her place. Had she said something strange...?

"How do you even know it's morning? There's not a single fu*king window in this fu*king place... Well whatever. Iguro is in the room if that's what you're here for." He smirked at her and left....

Huh? How did he know that she was here for Iguro san? Mitsuri blushed again as she remembered Shinazugawa san's smirk. He should smile more often!

She then continued on her way to Iguro san's room. She was worried about him. He suddenly had to leave the screening room with Rengoku san yesterday. And even before that and after he came back, he looked sick. She wanted to help him if he wasn't feeling well but Shinobu san specifically asked her to not get involved and let Iguro san figure it out himself.... Which worries her more. What was it that affected him so? Well everyone was affected by yesterday's viewing but she did not expect Iguro san of all people to react like that....

Also it felt like Iguro san was avoiding her on purpose but that couldn't be, right? Did she upset him somehow?

She knocked on the door where she was informed that Iguro san was assigned and waited for a reply.

In Mitsuri's eyes, Iguro-san had always been one of the most dependable people she knew. Sure, he was a bit blunt sometimes but he's always been so considerate of others too. Like how he always accompanied her when she went out to eat even if he was not hungry. Or how he always has a spare handkerchief for her to use, and many more things...

Seeing Iguro-san look so troubled made her chest ache. She had always relied on him. Always assumed he would be alright. Maybe she should have paid more attention.

Speaking of attention, Mitsuri couldn't help but feel guilty for not befriending a certain Water Hashira sooner.

She had tried approaching Tomioka-san a few times, but could never get him to speak much. Then Iguro-san would appear, redirect the conversation, and before she knew it she had left with him instead.

She should've asked him to join them then! But there's no use regretting it anymore than she already does. She would surely take him to all of her outings next time!

The door swung open and Rengoku-san greeted her with a bright smile. "Good morning Kanroji! Are you here for Iguro san? Well, he's in the bathroom right now. Let's go ahead of him. Uzui's already left for breakfast!"

He spun Mitsuri around and immediately began speed-walking with his hands on her shoulders.

"H-Huh?? Alright!" Mitsuri couldn't help but go along with Rengoku san.... She'll meet Iguro san later then. She couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed...

What Mitsuri failed to notice is a certain white snake slithering back in the room to inform it's master that he's safe for now and to also give him a piece of it's mind to stop being a coward!

************************************

As their breakfast came to an end, an alarm blared signaling them to gather back in the room.

Mitsuri took her previous seat and noticed that Iguro san just entered the room at the very last second and before she could ask him anything, the screen started.

Woahhh... Mitsuri couldn't help but admire this little girl. How can she remain this optimistic when it feels like the whole world is against them? 'She's so cool!'

"Huh...? Since when did the genre change from 'Horror' to 'Motivational'?" Tokito san asked and she heard Shinobu san snort? It seems her fellow colleagues don't share the same opinions...

"Yeah right." Shinazugawa san muttered while she noticed Iguro san clenching his fists in frustration...

"May God bless her soul.... Nami Amita Butsu" Himejima san prayed while Rengoku san and Uzui san shared a glance.

She turned to Oyakata sama but his face was quite unreadable. "...Hmm" is all she could hear from him.

"What.... In the world is he on about?!" Mitsuri snapped out of her daze when she saw Iguro san losing his patience.

Beside him Shinazugawa san who looked like he was about to commit a murder suddenly turned towards Iguro san when he heard him. Mitsuri winced, he must've had a whiplash from how fast he turned his head.

"Ara Ara..." Shinobu san had an amused smile on her face as she looked between Iguro san and her...

What? What happened? Was it an inside joke? The atmosphere was so stressful just a moment ago before Iguro san's outburst...

She saw Rengoku san hunched over but his shoulders were trembling. Uzui san suddenly coughed out loud which sounded suspiciously similar to "Pot calling the kettle back"...

Iguro san then suddenly quieted down and looked like he wanted his seat to swallow him whole... Was he embarrassed? He was, wasn't he if his red ears were anything to go by?

But why? What happened? She looked around for some clarification but others just looked at her in amusement or avoided her eyes...

And why was Oyakata sama and Amane sama included in the group who were smiling at her in amusement? She didn't get it.....

On screen Tomioka san was pissed and to everybody's astonishment, Shinazugawa san agreed with Tomioka san.

"Why the fu*k is Tomioka the only sane person there!?" Shinazugawa san exclaimed and Iguro san nodded his head in agreement...

This day, cannot get any more shocking.... Mitsuri tried to catch Iguro san's eyes but he was pointedly looking anywhere but her.

Shinobu san suddenly leaned close to her and she almost had a heart attack! She was so mesmerizing and Mitsuri's heart was pounding so fast and- "Mitsuri san~ Are you listening?"

"H-Huh? What?"

"I was saying that I can help you to corner- I mean talk with Iguro san personally. Just tell me whenever you want my help."

"W-well! I'll try to talk to Iguro san myself. Not that I don't appreciate your help! It's just that he's always been there for me-"

"I see. That's alright. But if you need help, then you know where to look for it." Shinobu san smiled kindly at her then turned back to the screen.

Mitsuri glanced at Iguro san one last time before turning back to the screen.

Mitsuri felt a wave of relief wash over her as she saw Tomioka san joining Emma san and Norman san.

He was such a loyal person! Mitsuri couldn't help the broad smile that covered her face as she saw the on screen Tomioka san reluctantly agrees with his friends.

She tensed again when she saw the 'mother' keeping track of them.

They had such a beautiful friendship. Mitsuri's heart warmed as she watched Tomioka san giving in to Emma san's request and even giving them some hope of surviving after they successfully escaped from that place. 'He has always been kind, hasn't he?'

Tomioka san has always been so kind to her. She remembers that one time she failed to reach her assigned destination, where a lower moon demon was spotted, on time and the other lower ranked slayers were all murdered brutally. Not a single one survived. She was so upset with herself and couldn't control her emotions so she was hiding behind the butterfly mansion. She heard rustling and looked up to find Tomioka san rummaging through his pockets. Then he handed her a handkerchief and patted her head. He never said anything after and just left her there. She later found sweets hidden in the handkerchief.... Since then, whenever she would try to talk to him, he would hand her sweets wrapped in a handkerchief before she left with Iguro san.

She never had the opportunity to go on a mission with him but has heard about his 'flamboyance' on the battlefield from Uzui san before. She decided then, she would ask Oyakata sama for a favour to go on a mission with Tomioka san after they get back home.

Mitsuri was amazed by Tomioka san's intelligence. She couldn't understand half of the mechanics he explained but just got the basic gist of it. In that regard she could relate to Emma san.

The children were soon asking their 'mother' to play with the senior children and her answer sent chills down Mitsuri's spine.

What did that woman mean by the 'last day'!? And the answer soon came to her in the next scene.

Mitsuri felt before she heard the anger simmer in all the slayers present here.

"Fu*k!!" Shinazugawa san swore loudly and she could see his thunderous expression. He seemed like he was barely controlling himself from smashing the screen...

Then she saw Iguro san sitting hunched over, his expression was covered by his hair.

Tokito san and Uzui san were sitting impassively while Rengoku san was glancing at Iguro san repeatedly.

Mitsuri suddenly flinched when she sensed bloodlust near her. She slowly turned around to find Shinobu san with an unnatural smile on her face...

She surreptitiously created some distance between them and turned towards Oyakata sama to see him glaring at the screen.... Her chest tightened. This was the first time she had seen Oyakata sama without a smile... Amane sama was holding on to his haori and looking at him in concern.

Mitsuri was upset with this change of events too but it seemed like saying anything now would snap that invisible line that is keeping everyone at bay. Even if it's just barely.

Chapter Text

Muichiro Tokito was fairly certain that this Ray kid reminded him of someone.... Someone important... But no matter how much he tries, he can't remember it. It's as if a thick fog was blocking his memory.

It was irritating.

Worse, there was an uncomfortable feeling he couldn't quite identify whenever the boy spoke.

Then again, he wanted to see that Ray kid again and again and paid attention to everything he said.

It surprised Muichiro that he could remember the kid's name from the moment he was on-screen. He was not good with remembering names and his fellow colleagues were proof enough.

He knew Himejima san who looked after him whenever Muichiro fainted from overexerting himself during training along with Amane sama. And he knew that weird yellow and orange haired annoyingly cheerful man who often fed him whenever he forgot about his meals.

There was one more person who would help train Muichiro when no one else was present. But he only remembers his colourful haori and long raven hair. Not his face.

The memory slipped away again....

Muichiro frowned.

...

Whatever.

The timer on the screen was almost up. And he waited patiently to see how Ray would react to the situation.

His friends, on the other hand, were quite unrealistic. He could see why Ray would get frustrated with them.

Saving everyone seemed unrealistic. The younger children would slow them down. Emma's plan sounded nice, but Muichiro couldn't see how it would work.

Ray's solution made more sense. But he also gave up quite early.

Muichiro frowned.

It felt like something was off.

Before he could derive more, the screen flickered back on.

As the scene changed to show the children playing, Muichiro couldn't help an approving nod. The kid understood his situation and was aware of his surroundings and took action while taking everything into consideration.

"That was.... I didn't even think of that! Tomioka san never fails to surprise me." The pink haired girl said with such a bright smile that Muichiro wondered if her face hurt from stretching so much?

"Kanroji you took the words right out of my mouth!" The cheerful guy who feeds him exclaimed loudly.

"But he's calm. Too calm. It's.... unusual..." The flashy hag said while looking somewhat uncomfortable.

Muichiro agreed. He was calm. But wasn't that exactly what made him a genius tactician? All of his words till now were nothing short of brilliant.

But then again he has only seen Ray provide them with insightful advice.

Like he is trying to steer them in some direction whenever they get lost...

He had never seen Ray take action like Emma and Norman did.

...

.....

Ohhh did he place those other kids in their usual place so that the 'caretaker' doesn't notice them missing?

That was clever.

"It's a good thing that they involved Tomioka in their plans. They were running around like suspicious headless chicken before. At least now they have a plan to follow." The man with a snake muttered.

Muichiro agreed.

Emma and Norman were acting suspicious. It's a wonder that the 'caretaker' didn't notice anything till now. Or did she?

...The other children sure did.

Muichiro sensed the tension in the air as soon as the scene changed.

Huh.....

So she did notice.... But what was she planning?

"Well this changes things." The woman that reminds Muichiro of a butterfly said sharply.

"That's an understatement kocho!" The man with scars snapped. Who was he again...?

"W-well she said she had an 'idea' and not that she already knew... Maybe just maybe —" The pink haired girl started only to be cut off in between.

"She knows.... Emma and Norman were already acting suspicious enough to be noticed by the other children. What are the chances that this woman wouldn't notice?" The silver haired flashy old hag said.

As the others began panicking, Muichiro tuned them out.

It happened again.

Ray had already suspected this.... It's like he is always one step ahead with the 'mother's' behaviour.

Ray noticed it first.

The other two only understood after he pointed it out.

What is it? What was Muichiro missing?

Muichiro heard several people inhale sharply.

"H-He isn't being serious right!?" The pink haired girl cried out.

"That- That....." The yellow and orange haired man seems like he's having a crisis.

"What else can they do?" The man with the snake gritted out looking disturbed by his own words....

"I understand where they are coming from.... But I never expected Tomioka san of all people to suggest such a thing..." The butterfly woman said looking serious.... Muichiro couldn't help but think that face suits her better.

"Colour me impressed. Tomioka san really exceeded himself here." The man covered in jewellery smirked. But the mist pillar could see how his jaw tightened.

"Nami Amita Butsu..... As much as I am against using violence against humankind, those women are the reincarnation of evil..... But they are just children... This burden should not fall on their shoulders." Himejima san muttered darkly.

"But why is it so surprising?" Muichiro asked.

He understood why they were disturbed by the idea.

What he didn't understand was why they were so disturbed that Ray had suggested it.

"It's not. ...It just takes a surprising amount of resilience to kill their own 'mother'." The man with the scars gritted out the answer. He looked like a wounded animal.

Muichiro nodded towards him and turned back to the screen.

It seems like Ray and Norman's conversation was not heard by Sister Krone. But the look on her face was unsettling nonetheless.

Not a single person was too happy with the revelation. After all the implications were heavy. Emma had already explained her reasons for looking at that particular place.

The scene changed again to show the 'mother' sitting in a weird room and reporting her day.

Hmm... It seems like Ray was right once again.

He felt this uncomfortable feeling increase....

The others looked thunderous though if their expression was anything to go by.

"How...?" The butterfly woman muttered and watched the screen with a chilling glint in her eyes.

"I don't understand.... But since Tomioka san is a genius—"

"No matter how 'genius' he might be, there's no way he can make something of that calibre just by hearing about it once.... All experiments require a trial and error process before it can be considered a success." The butterfly woman explained further cutting off the pink haired girl.

There was this awkward silence in the room after her words...

But Muichiro has once again noticed it....

Ray.

This can't be a coincidence....

"They are such brilliant kids! This way those women won't even notice their planning!" The cheerful man exclaimed loudly.

"This turn of events was unexpected but not unwelcome after all the shits they've been dealing with on their own... But I must say - that their plan to hide the truth from the kids will backfire on them if they don't plan this perfectly." The snake guy said.

But the atmosphere dimmed down again after they saw Ray losing track of Sister Krone.