"Today, ladies and gentlemen, we present real demons brought to you by two skilled demon slayers!" the announcer proclaimed.
Iguro's eyes widened, his fury barely contained. "This is beyond corruption," he whispered to Sasori. "This is treachery."
The auction hall was filled with gasps and murmurs. Bidding started quickly, with numbers escalating at a rapid pace.
"We need a plan," Iguro said. "We need to win the bid. We can't let anyone else get their hands on those two."
"Agreed," Sasori said, his eyes narrowing as he watched the escalating bids.
The room buzzed with excitement and tension. Signs were raised, voices shouted, and the numbers climbed higher and higher. The two demon slayers stood proudly beside their captives, basking in the attention.
Iguro kept his eyes on the stage, his mind racing. "We can't raise any suspicion. We need to bid strategically," he muttered to Sasori.
Sasori nodded, his gaze fixed on the demons. "We have to time it right. Let the others drive the price up first."
"500,000 Yen!" shouted a man in a dragon mask.
"600,000 Yen!" countered a woman in a snake mask.
"750,000 Yen!" came another voice from the back.
Iguro clenched his fist. "At this rate, they'll sell for a fortune. We need to make our move soon."
"1 million Yen!" a man in a tiger mask bellowed, causing a hush to fall over the room.
Sasori glanced at Iguro. "Now?"
"Wait," Iguro said, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Just a bit longer."
"Fun fact, ladies and gentlemen, these demons can also make you immortal with eternal youth!" The announcer called, making the crowd increase the bet.
Gasps and excited murmurs filled the room. The price began to climb rapidly.
"1.5 million Yen!" shouted a man in a phoenix mask.
"2 million Yen!" countered a woman in an eagle mask.
"3 million Yen!" came another voice, even higher from the back.
Iguro's anxiety grew. "We need to act now. This is spiraling out of control."
Sasori nodded, his face determined. "3.5 million Yen!" he called out, catching the attention of the room.
The crowd went silent, the tension palpable.
"4 million Yen!" the man in the tiger mask shouted, his voice desperate and defiant.
"4.5 million Yen!" Sasori countered without missing a beat.
The tiger mask man hesitated, then raised his hand again. "5 million Yen!"
"Iguro I hope you have enough money because I went out of money three rounds ago," Sasori said.
Iguro's heart raced. "We need to outbid him once more, Sasori. This is our chance. And don't worry about it I will pay for it."
"7 million!" The woman in the fox mask called out, an excited smile on her face.
"She's clearly attracted to the immortality offered," Iguro said, his tone anxious. "He didn't even tell them they themselves will become demons," the blacksmith added, shaking his head.
"They lie so the bet will increase. That's how these things work."Sasori said frowned, glancing at Iguro. "We have to match her bid. But we need to be cautious. She's clearly willing to spend a fortune."
"7.5 million Yen!" Sasori called out, his voice steady, masking the anxiety he felt.
The woman in the fox mask didn't hesitate. "8 million Yen!" she countered, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Iguro clenched his fists. "We can't let her win. These demons can't fall into the wrong hands."
"9 million Yen!" Sasori shouted, his voice strong and unwavering.
The crowd gasped, turning their attention to the woman in the fox mask. She seemed to consider her next move, her smile fading slightly. She raised her hand slowly. "10 million Yen," she said, her voice firm.
Iguro exchanged a tense glance with Sasori. They had already pushed their limits, but they couldn't back down now.
"10.5 million Yen!" Sasori called out, his voice filled with determination.
The woman in the fox mask hesitated, looking around the room. Her smile vanished completely as she weighed her options. Finally, she lowered her hand, conceding defeat.
"10.5 million Yen! Going once, going twice... Sold to number 23 for 10.5 million Yen!" the announcer declared.
Relief washed over Iguro and Sasori. They stepped forward to claim the demons.
"We will be staying with you until you leave the building," Ryunosuke said, his tone filled with excitement. He glanced at the other slayer, but it wasn't as sudden as he might have thought. Sasori and Iguro both noticed the exchange.
Iguro narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing something off about Ryunosuke's enthusiasm. "We appreciate the concern, but we've got this," Iguro said, his voice calm but firm.
Ryunosuke's smile faltered for a moment. "It's protocol," he insisted. "For your safety and the safety of the merchandise."
Sasori stepped forward, placing a hand on Iguro's arm. "Let's not make a scene," he whispered. "We'll play along for now."
Iguro nodded reluctantly. "Fine. Lead the way," he said to Ryunosuke.
As they moved towards the exit, Iguro kept a close eye on Ryunosuke and the other slayer. The demons walked closely behind them, their chains clinking softly with each step.
"Stay close and be ready for anything," Sasori whispered to the demons.
Ryunosuke led them through a series of dimly lit corridors, his demeanor growing increasingly tense. The other slayer, whose name Iguro now remembered was Akihiko, kept glancing back at them, his expression unreadable.
Finally, they reached a secluded exit at the back of the building. Ryunosuke paused, turning to face them. "This way is less crowded. Safer," he explained.
Iguro's instincts screamed that something was wrong, but he forced himself to stay calm. "Alright," he said, motioning for the demons to follow Ryunosuke and Akihiko.
As they stepped outside, the cool night air hit them, offering a brief moment of relief. But that relief was short-lived.
Sasori immediately grabbed Akihiko, twisting his arm behind his back and slamming his face with his knee. Akihiko barely had time to react before Sasori kneed him in the face again, destroying his teeth and making blood leak out of his mouth. With a swift motion, Sasori pressed Akihiko to the ground, using one hand to hold his arms and his knee to pin Akihiko's head down. He used his free hand to grab the chains, making sure the demons didn't run off.
"What the—?" Ryunosuke began, but Iguro was faster. He kicked Ryunosuke in the stomach, sending him crashing into the wall with a loud crack.
"You disgusting pieces of shit," Iguro snarled, pressing his foot against Ryunosuke's head, grinding his heel into his face. "You're a disgrace to the Corps, selling out for a few pieces of silver. You'd betray your own for a shot at power, wouldn't you?"
"I told you they were suspicious. But no, it's all about money and that constant—" Akihiko started to say.
"Shut up," Sasori cut him off, raising his knee and slamming it into the back of Akihiko's head, making him hit the ground again and fall unconscious.
"Pathetic worm," Iguro spat, his voice dripping with contempt. "Do you enjoy the suffering you cause? Do you take pleasure in knowing you're no better than the demons we fight?" He pressed harder, causing Ryunosuke to wince in pain.
"You think money will save you? It won't. You'll rot from the inside out, just like your soul already has. People like you are the reason the Corps is losing its way. You're nothing but filth, clinging to scraps while real slayers risk their lives."
Iguro leaned in closer, his voice cold and unyielding. "This is nothing compared to what you deserve. You're a traitor, and there's no place for traitors in the Corps." Iguro said.
Sasori tossed Iguro his sword, and Iguro began to unsheath it slowly, the sound of the blade sliding against the scabbard echoing ominously. Ryunosuke's eyes widened with fear as he realized the depth of Iguro's rage.
"Please... stop..." Ryunosuke managed to choke out, his voice trembling.
Iguro's expression hardened, his eyes filled with disdain. "You don't deserve mercy. You betrayed everything we stand for. You sold out your comrades for a chance at power and immortality. But you'll find neither here."
He raised the sword, its blade glinting in the dim light. "This is for every life you've endangered, for every slayer who fought and died with honor while you plotted in the shadows."
Before Ryunosuke could respond, Iguro brought the sword down with a swift, decisive motion. The blade sliced through the air, cutting cleanly through Ryunosuke's neck. The traitor's eyes widened in shock and then glazed over as his head rolled to the ground.
Iguro stood over the lifeless body, his breathing heavy. He sheathed his sword, the finality of the act resonating in the quiet night. "That's one less traitor to worry about," he muttered, turning to Sasori.
Sasori, still holding the chains binding the demons, nodded in agreement. "Good riddance," he said, his tone cold and detached.
Iguro looked at Akihiko who lay dead nearby, his corps and uniform chared. His eyes traced the intricate kanji engraved on Sasori's sword: "Lightning Blade." The blade itself seemed to hum with suppressed energy, a testament to its deadly efficiency in combat.
"He got what he deserved," Iguro said, his voice tight with restrained anger. "Traitors have no place among us."
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Sasori nodded silently, his gaze cold and calculating. He tightened his grip on the chains, ensuring the demons remained secure. His eyes flickered briefly to Iguro, acknowledging the unspoken agreement between them—justice had been served, but their duty was far from over.
"We need to find out who else is involved," Sasori finally said, breaking the tense silence. "There are likely more people involved in this out said the core," Iguro said.
"Agreed but I feel like we have bigger problems?" The blacksmith said pointing at the two demons.
"We sude kill them before we do anything else," Iguro said beginning to wake up to them.
"Lady Tamayo, we need to do something," the other demon urged urgently.
"Agreed," Tamayo responded grimly, her expression hardening as she swiftly cut her own palm, careful not to attract attention. Blood trickled from her hand as she began to invoke her Blood Demon Art.
"Scent of Illusory Blood, Visual Dream!" she called out, opening her palm. Instantly, beautiful flowers bloomed around them, masking their surroundings in a serene illusion. But their moment of respite was shattered by a sudden scream from one of the demons.
Sasori, ever vigilant, spotted the blacksmith among them, wielding a traitor's sword. In a swift and calculated move, he lunged forward, slicing through Tamayo's arm before anyone could react.
"You idiot! What have you done?!" Iguro's voice boomed with rage as Tamayo swiftly regenerated her severed arm, the chains no longer binding her. With surprising strength, she seized the blacksmith and hurled him towards Iguro, while simultaneously cutting her other arm free and releasing the other demon limbs freeing him from his chains as she grabbed him and threw him away.
"Run, Yushiro!" Tamayo shouted urgently.
"I can't leave you, Lady Tamayo!" Yushiro cried out in defiance, his loyalty unyielding. But before he could react, Sasori intercepted him mid-air, his blade aimed to decapitate the demon.
"NO!!" Tamayo's scream as suddenly filled Sasori's senses with a flurry of petals and illusions, momentarily clouding his vision. It was enough to give Yushiro precious seconds to regenerate fully and kick Sasori away into a nearby wall.
Yushiro landed gracefully, swiftly breaking free from the remaining restraints on his head. He rushed to shield Tamayo as Iguro's blade came down, embedding deeply into his arm. Unfazed, Iguro swept Yushiro's legs out from under him, sending him crashing to the ground.
"Hold!" Aki's commanding voice echoed through the chaos as she descended with another crow at her side.
Iguro's attention flickered to Aki, giving Yushiro the opening he needed. He managed to break Tamayo free from the chains around her legs, took her in his arms, and attempted to flee with her, but Sasori materialized in front of them, seizing Yushiro by the face and slamming him forcefully to the ground, causing him to release Tamayo.
"How?! My illusions should still be effective!" Tamayo thought incredulously as she landed gracefully on her feet, assessing the rapidly unfolding situation.
"Message! Message! I bring a message from headquarters!" The other Crow informed.
"Lady Tamayo and her assistant Yushiro are to be left alone Unharmed! Unharmed! Unharmed!"
The sudden proclamation from the Crow caught everyone off guard. Iguro, still poised for combat, glanced at Aki with a mix of confusion and frustration, his sword still gripped tightly in his hand. Sasori, standing between Yushiro and Tamayo, maintained a wary stance, his gaze flickering between the Crow and his comrades.
Tamayo, despite the chaos around her, remained composed. Her mind raced to understand the implications of the message. "Unharmed?" she echoed softly, disbelief coloring her tone. The tension in the air seemed to thicken, uncertainty replacing the earlier hostility.
"But. They are demons." The blacksmith asked confused.
The crow continued, its voice clear and authoritative, repeating the directive firmly. "Lady Tamayo and her assistant Yushiro are under direct orders to be left unharmed."
Iguro's grip on his sword loosened slightly, his gaze shifting from Tamayo to Aki. The conflicting emotions of duty and personal conviction warred within him, evident in the furrow of his brow. Sasori, ever watchful, assessed the situation with a steely resolve, ready to act on a moment's notice.
Yushiro, still recovering from Sasori's earlier assault, glanced up at Tamayo with a mixture of relief and concern. "Lady Tamayo," he murmured, his voice filled with gratitude and uncertainty. He dared not move, waiting for the tension to dissipate.
Tamayo took a step forward, her eyes meeting Aki's with a silent plea for understanding. "Ken," she began, her voice steady despite the tumultuous circumstances, "we never intended for it to come to this."
Aki nodded slowly, her voice softening marginally as she absorbed Tamayo's words. "I know, and the name Aki now," she replied quietly, her tone carrying a hint of regret.
Iguro, sensing the shift in Aki's demeanor, lowered his sword completely, though his stance remained guarded. His eyes flickered with a mix of relief and lingering tension. "Orders are orders," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else, as he sheathed his blade.
Sasori, still wary but respecting the directive, stepped back slightly, his hands hovering near his weapons. His gaze lingered on Tamayo and Yushiro, assessing their every move with cautious vigilance.
Tamayo exhaled softly, the tension in her shoulders easing slightly at the realization that they would not be harmed. She met Aki's gaze steadily, her eyes reflecting a depth of understanding and gratitude. "Thank you," she said sincerely, her voice carrying a quiet resolve.
"And also," Aki ordered her tone firm, "Give the woman some clothes. She's practically naked!"
Sasori sighed heavily, acknowledging the necessity despite the circumstances. He swiftly removed his Akatsuki cloak and draped it over Tamayo, ensuring her modesty was preserved. Underneath, he wore a simple black shirt.
Aki then turned her attention to Iguro and Yushiro. "I'm not giving him my haori," Iguro retorted with a roll of his dual-colored eyes. "There's a clothing store around the corner. Just give it to him for now and take them there to get proper clothes."
"Agreed. I'm not letting Lady Tamayo wear that raggedy attire," Yushiro chimed in, his concern evident as he accepted Iguro's haori when offered.
Iguro let out a resigned sigh. "Fine, let's get going," he said, his voice reflecting both weariness and determination.
Aki nodded, satisfied that they were taking care of the situation. With a glance at the other crow, she gestured for them to follow her lead. Swiftly and efficiently, they made their way through the nighttime streets, their path illuminated by the dim glow of lanterns.
As Sasori entered the clothing store, he surveyed the shop with a practiced eye, scanning the various aisles and displays. Amidst the bustling activity of customers and shop attendants, his attention was drawn to a woman with two children, unmistakably the same woman who had worn the fox mask at the auction.
She was engaged in conversation with another woman behind the counter she was a striking beauty. Her features were elegant and refined, with porcelain skin and long, flowing black hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Her eyes, a piercing shade of amber, reflected intelligence and a keen awareness of her surroundings.
"I see, good job, Nanami," the woman said to the other, now identified as Nanami, who nodded in acknowledgment. Nanami's demeanor shifted slightly as her eyes met Sasori's, a hint of fear and anxiety flickering across her face. Quickly, she gathered the two children who were wearing proper clothes now, and departed, leaving Sasori with a curious glance.
The other woman, who remained composed and serene despite the interruption, offered Sasori a small smile. She seemed about to speak when the owner of the shop approached, eager to assist.
"Welcome, welcome! How can I help you today?" the owner asked, her enthusiasm undiminished by the presence of such distinguished customers.
Sasori and Iguro found themselves in the midst of a peculiar exchange at the clothing store, surrounded by the subtle tension between the shop owner and the woman called Namura. The owner, eager to assist, seemed oblivious to the underlying animosity.
Ignoring the potential conflict, Iguro cut straight to the point. "Something you two want. I don't care about the price, just pick one, and we will go over separate ways," he instructed Tamayo and Yushiro, who nodded in understanding and began browsing.
The woman behind the counter gave Tamayo a distasteful glance before her attention went back to Sasori.
"And also, do you have anything... colorful?" Iguro inquired, his gaze shifting to the shop owner.
The owner smiled warmly. "Yes, yes we do. Is it a gift?" she asked, clearly pleased to assist with such specific requests.
"Yes, we do," the woman confirmed, glancing at Namura behind the counter.
"Oi, Namura, take this gentleman and help him find what he needs," the owner directed, oblivious to any potential conflict.
"Huh?" Namura responded, clearly displeased. "Don't 'Huh' me, go do your job," the owner retorted firmly.
Sasori and Iguro exchanged a glance, sensing the tension escalating between the two women. Namura's clenched jaw and steely gaze suggested she was on the verge of a confrontation with the owner.
"Yes... ma'am, " Namura replied through gritted teeth, her tone filled with sarcasm visibly restraining herself as she gestured for Iguro to follow her.
As Iguro left leaving Sasori alone with the owner who gave Sasori a closer look as her face lit up.
Sasori stood there, The shop owner's enthusiasm was palpable, her eyes gleaming with a mix of admiration and business acumen. She had a keen eye for aesthetics, seeing Sasori not just as a customer but as a potential asset to promote her merchandise.
"You're like a real-life model! Or a doll, which would be more fitting," she enthused, inspecting him from every angle. "You would look good in anything. Please, work for me as a model for my shop!"
Sasori hesitated, slightly taken aback by the sudden proposal. "I already have a job," he replied evenly, maintaining his composure. "But I do want some new clothes."
"If you model for my shop, I will provide you with top-quality clothes free of charge," she offered enticingly, emphasizing the benefits of her proposition.
Sasori weighed the offer in his mind. Top-quality clothes would certainly be beneficial, especially given his line of work where durable and functional attire was crucial. Yet, he also valued his independence and discretion. He glanced briefly toward Iguro and Namura, who were still busy selecting outfits Namura seemed to be disinterested. for Tamayo and Yushiro, unaware of the conversation unfolding.
The blacksmith was taking a sit on one of the many chairs in the shop.
After a moment of contemplation, Sasori nodded thoughtfully. "Alright," he agreed, seeing the practical advantages of the arrangement. "I'll model for your shop. Once."
The shop owner beamed with delight, her enthusiasm evident. "Wonderful! You won't regret this," she assured him, already planning the potential styles and shoots in her mind.
"So, about my new clothes?" he asked, pulling her back from her daydream.
"Oh, right," she replied, snapping out of her reverie. She quickly scribbled and drew on a piece of paper.
After a few minutes, she called out sharply, "Oi, Tatsu! Get your ass over here!" A man who had been sweeping before hurried over.
"Yes, ma'am?" Tatsu asked, slightly out of breath.
"Take this to the tailor immediately," she instructed, handing him the paper.
"But it's midnight, and the tailor is in a different town," Tatsu protested.
"Stop your complaining and get running, or I'm going to sowe that broom up your ass!" she retorted, her anger clear in her tone.
"Yes, yes, ma'am!" Tatsu replied hastily before leaving the store in a hurry.
"We're done," Tamayo said as she and Yushiro approached Sasori, both now dressed in their new clothes. Yushiro had chosen the most expensive garments available, while Tamayo wore a purple kimono adorned with delicate flower patterns.
"Are you two finished? Great, let's get going," Iguro said, settling the bill for the clothes. He led the way out of the store, with Tamayo, Yushiro, and the blacksmith following closely behind.
Sasori was about to follow when Namura tapped on his shoulder.
"Yes?" Sasori asked, "Do you want to go out for dinner sometime?" Namura asked tentatively, catching Sasori off guard.
"Not interested, sorry," Sasori replied tersely, walking away and closing the door behind him.
Inside the shop, the owner's laughter echoed loudly, filling the air with her amusement. "HAHAHAHAH! Oh, your poor thing, getting rejected must be hard. I wouldn't know, of course—" she started to say, but her words were abruptly cut off.
Namura's hand swung in a swift backhand motion, striking the shop owner squarely across the face. The impact was so forceful that her entire body seemed to explode into a splatter of blood, staining the walls and floor in a gruesome display.
The shop fell into stunned silence, broken only by the sound of dripping blood and Namura's heavy breathing. Her eyes blazed with a mix of anger and satisfaction as she surveyed the aftermath of her swift and decisive action.
"I'm going to kill Doma for this." She said before leaving the shop.
-Before with Nanami-
Nanami briskly exited the shop, her steps purposeful as she made her way to the alley where her two bodyguards awaited. They stood like silent sentinels, their masked expressions giving away nothing.
"Any trouble, Nanami-sama?" one of them inquired in a low, respectful tone.
Nanami shook her head slightly, her mind still lingering on the encounter with Sasori. "No trouble, just an unexpected encounter," she replied cryptically. She scanned their surroundings, ensuring they were alone before speaking again.
"My children are hungry," she stated matter-of-factly. "There's a restaurant around the corner. Let's go—" One of the bodyguards began, but Nanami abruptly grabbed his head and slammed it against the alley wall.
"What—?" the other bodyguard started, only to receive a devastating kick to the head that ended his life instantly.
The two girls accompanying Nanami watched in horror.
"Now, now, children, don't be afraid," Nanami sang in a hauntingly sweet voice as she shed her human guise. Her elegant form melted into a grotesque, fluid-like substance that reshaped itself into a pale-skinned man bearing the Kanji for Lower Four. The transformation unfolded with eerie swiftness, sending shivers down the girls' spines.
Approaching them, Lower Four knelt down. "Don't be scared, children. Papa won't hurt you. You trust Papa, right?" he asked as he touched their shoulders, his nails drawing blood that began their slow transformation into demons.
"Papa, this hurts!" one cried. "I don't like this," the other whimpered. Their faces twisted in pain and fear as their humanity slipped away with each passing moment.
"Trust Papa. He saved you from the bad men. You can be strong for him right now," Nanami said, now fully transformed, looming over them with a cold, calculating gaze. His voice, once soothing and maternal, now carried an edge of darkness. "It won't hurt for long, my darlings," he murmured, his words a chilling reassurance as he oversaw their metamorphosis.
The alleyway fell silent except for the girls' anguished cries and the methodical rhythm of their transformation. Nanami's amber eyes scanned their faces, his unyielding gaze a testament to his role in their fate.
Once the process was complete, the newly transformed demons stood beside Nanami, their eyes glazed over with a newfound hunger and obedience.
"Now, my children, feast," Lower Four commanded. The girls lunged at the lifeless bodies of the bodyguards, devouring them with feral hunger.