Uzui Tengen was stunned to see Raiden personally bringing Zenitsu back.
"Raiden? What are you doing here in the Entertainment District?"
"On a mission," Raiden replied simply, his white hair catching the lantern light as he smirked faintly.
Normally, sending a Hashira to the Entertainment District was already the highest level of response for such a sensitive case. But now Raiden had appeared as well, without invitation. Why? Uzui Tengen hadn't requested him.
Was Raiden sent by the Master? Did he not trust his strength? No, he wouldn't act like that. If there were doubts about strength, Tengen knew he would be told directly.
So Raiden must have come on his own.
Why? His power wasn't on par with Tanjiro's group in terms of teamwork. He could suppress Upper Moon Three briefly, so managing him alone should be easy.
Or… perhaps Raiden simply wanted to see him again. Uzui Tengen straightened, puffing out his chest.
"I know I'm flamboyant, but making friends requires careful judgment," he declared with mock dignity.
Zenitsu, being dragged by Raiden, pointed at Tengen. "Is he sick?"
"Yes, very seriously."
Raiden gave a faint nod, amused. For the first time, the idea of social niceties disgusted him. The interpretation that "on a mission" meant "I want to be friends with you" was beyond ridiculous.
"If it doesn't work out, Tengen won't be friends anyway. This Sound Breathing is too intense to handle."
"My flamboyant friends must match my flamboyance. You may be handsome, but where are the others?" Tengen's self-absorption paused only when he noticed Tanjiro's group had already vanished.
"Raiden, isn't it reckless to leave like this?" Tanjiro asked nervously.
"No worries. We'll follow the Kasugai Crow to the Demon Slayer Corps HQ in the Entertainment District. He'll catch up." Raiden waved a hand dismissively.
"Igawa, long time no see, I want to…"
"Bang!" Raiden struck with a flick of his wrist. "You can't even remember your own last name now, can you?"
He twisted Inosuke's wrist gently but firmly, making Tanjiro straighten in silent apprehension. Even Raiden's light touch carried overwhelming strength. Zenitsu cradled his head, avoiding eye contact entirely.
In the izakaya, the group waited for Tengen to catch up. When he arrived, he glared at Raiden before starting the briefing.
"After infiltrating the district, first find my wives. They're gathering intel on demons. I will assist where needed."
Raiden glanced at Zenitsu, who was fuming, and shook his head.
"Preposterous. You're making us hunt for your wives? What a joke."
"Stop spouting nonsense," Tengen snapped.
"No, I must speak! You're mobilizing Demon Slayers just because you want to marry them?" Zenitsu exploded.
"My wives have already infiltrated the district and were gathering intel. I came because communication was lost," Tengen explained calmly.
Seeing the argument escalate, Raiden pulled Zenitsu aside. If he didn't intervene, Tengen would become truly exasperated.
Zenitsu, however, ignored him. "Are you hallucinating?"
"You brat!" Tengen threw the letters he was holding at Zenitsu's face.
Raiden shrugged. Zenitsu was bound to take a beating, but at least he could read the letters. They contained greetings and notes on the recent mysterious disappearances of oiran. Tengen's wives had narrowed down suspicious targets to three geisha houses, but communication had gone dark. That's why the Hashira had arrived personally.
"Excuse me, the letters say to remain discreet. How exactly should we do that?" Tanjiro asked.
"Disguise yourselves. Although my intention wasn't for you to handle it, discretion is vital. My three wives are highly skilled female ninjas. The Entertainment District is ideal for hiding demons. They infiltrated as customers, found nothing initially, but have narrowed it down to three houses. Suma is at Shiren House, Makio at Ogimoto House, and Tsuruhina at Kyogoku House."
"Your wives are probably dead, aren't they?" Inosuke guessed, scratching at his boar headpiece.
"Bang!" A middle-aged subordinate entered, carrying a bamboo box.
Inside were kimonos prepared for the mission. Each of Tanjiro's group took one set, leaving a single set remaining. Raiden felt a sudden, uneasy intuition.
He slowly turned to Tengen. This couldn't be for him, could it? How could he wear women's clothing for a mission? Even after defeating Gyutaro, it seemed absurd.
"Raiden, you look beautiful in a kimono, hehe," Zenitsu exclaimed, laughing at him.
Raiden had never considered himself particularly delicate, yet the kimono fit surprisingly well. His broad shoulders contrasted the soft fabric, yet the overall effect was harmonious. The collar slightly opened, showing his collarbone, while the sash emphasized his tall, slender frame. A few loose strands of hair framed his face delicately, with a small cherry blossom ornament adding subtle charm.
"I never thought you'd look so captivating in a kimono," Tengen admitted with a small nod.
Raiden smoothed the wide sleeves of the kimono, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. The thought of Gyutaro facing him later made his heart race with anticipation.
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