Chapter 2 — Slash
Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, scattering mottled patterns across the ground. Under the light of day, the once gloomy and terrifying Mount Fujikasane revealed a rare trace of tranquility.
For the swordsmen participating in the Final Selection, daytime was their only chance to catch their breath. Most of the man-eating demons retreated into lightless caves or the deepest shadows, avoiding the sun at all costs.
However, for Roronoa Zoro, his current predicament was even more irritating than facing demons.
"Tch. What's wrong with the layout of this mountain? I was heading north just now—so how the hell did I end up back at this tree that looks like Usopp's nose?"
Arms crossed, Zoro frowned at an utterly ordinary cedar tree, irritation written plainly across his face.
His stomach let out a loud, poorly timed growl—grrrrr.
More pressing than being lost was a far more primal concern. The pounding from his hangover had eased somewhat, but hunger—and his craving for alcohol—were tormenting his nerves twice as fiercely.
"I need to find someone to ask for directions. As long as there's a village, there'll be a restaurant. And if there's a restaurant, there'll be booze."
He set off once more, guided by his world-defying intuition. Ignoring the clear footpath beneath his feet, he plunged straight into the untraveled underbrush.
In his mind, roads were made by people. As long as he cut straight through in a direct line, he would definitely reach his destination.
After about ten minutes, a piercing wail shattered the forest's quiet.
"Nooooo! I'm going to die! I'm definitely going to die! What was that sound just now? Was it a demon? It had to be a demon! Help meeeee!"
The voice was shrill, grating, and filled with absolute despair and terror. Even several sparrows perched in the trees were startled into flight.
"…So loud."
Zoro dug a finger into his ear, looking thoroughly displeased as he headed toward the source of the noise. Pushing aside a massive fern leaf, he spotted the owner of the voice.
A boy wearing a yellow haori patterned with small white triangles clung desperately to the trunk of a large tree. Tears and snot covered his face, and his entire body trembled like a leaf in a storm.
Zoro strode over, his shadow falling over the cowering figure.
"Hey."
Just that single word was enough to make the boy shriek like a cat whose tail had been stepped on.
"Eeeek! It's here! It's here! Is this a humanoid demon?! You look so scary! That green bandana… is that someone's intestines you wrapped around your head after eating them?! Don't eat me! I taste terrible! My meat is sour! Hard and sour!"
Zenitsu squeezed his eyes shut, clutching his head as words poured out of him like rapid-fire gunshots.
A vein throbbed on Zoro's forehead. He resisted the overwhelming urge to draw his sword and cut something. Instead, he bent down, grabbed Zenitsu by the back of his collar, and lifted him up like a squawking chicken.
"Look carefully. I'm human. And wipe that disgusting snot off your face."
Dangling in midair, Zenitsu cautiously opened one eye. The man before him might have a fearsome face and three swords at his waist, but he lacked the rotting stench of a demon.
He calmed down—slightly. Only slightly.
"H-Human? That's great! A living person! Big bro! Mister! Please save me! We're going to die here! There's no way we'll survive these seven days!"
Zenitsu immediately wrapped his arms around Zoro's leg and launched into another round of hysterical sobbing.
Zoro shook his leg in annoyance, but the guy clung to him like an octopus, impossible to shake off.
"Let go! If you don't, I'll cut you down! I'm asking you—where's the nearest tavern? And which way is the exit?"
Zenitsu froze, tears still hanging on his face as he stared at Zoro blankly, as if he'd just heard the most absurd thing in the world.
"Huh? A tavern? An exit? Mister, are you even awake? This is Mount Fujikasane! We're participating in the Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection! The entire mountain is surrounded by a wisteria barrier. Unless we survive for seven days, there's no getting out! And where would a tavern even come from?! The only thing here is man-eating demons!"
Zoro caught the key words.
"…Seven days? Can't get out?"
His expression darkened instantly. The very air around him seemed to drop several degrees. Zenitsu trembled, suddenly feeling that this man was more terrifying than any demon.
"So you're telling me I have to stay in this lousy forest full of bugs and monsters, surrounded by brainless freaks… and go seven whole days without a single drop of alcohol?"
Zoro's voice turned dangerously low, his hand unconsciously resting on the hilt of his sword.
"Y-Yes…" Zenitsu stammered. "And… if we run into that demon with lots of hands… we're all going to die…"
"Lots of hands?" Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Does it have any booze on it?"
"Of course not! It eats people! That's not the point, mister!"
Zoro clicked his tongue in disappointment and finally relaxed his brow. He glanced down at the blond kid hugging his leg. Annoying and weak as he looked, at least he could talk—useful enough as a guide.
"Hey, blondie. Since we're stuck here for seven days, you're in charge of leading the way. Find a place to sleep, and get us something to eat. If you lead me the wrong way…"
Zoro nudged Wado Ichimonji slightly from its sheath with his thumb, revealing a glint of snow-bright steel.
"I'll toss you to the demons."
Zenitsu instantly petrified, then nodded so hard it looked like his head might fall off. "Y-Yes, yes, yes! I'll lead the way! Please, you have to protect me! I don't actually know the roads, but my hearing is really good! I can tell where it's safe! Um… mister, what's your name? I'm Zenitsu! Agatsuma Zenitsu! It'd be such a waste to die here before I even get married!"
"Roronoa Zoro."
Zoro gave his name as he looked at the sun gradually tilting westward. Daytime might be safer, but if they had to stay seven days, conserving stamina was important.
And now that he knew demons came out at night, that meant once darkness fell, the entire mountain would become his hunting ground.
If he couldn't leave, then he'd just cut down every obstacle in his way.
"Let's go, blondie. Take me to that 'safe' place you mentioned."
Zoro gave Zenitsu a shove. Though still terrified, Zenitsu felt far safer sticking close to this frighteningly strong-looking man than wandering alone.
Sniffling, he stood up and tilted his head, listening carefully for a moment.
"Th-That way… it's quieter over there. There shouldn't be any demons…" Zenitsu pointed in a direction.
Zoro nodded confidently—then stepped decisively in the exact opposite direction.
"Alright. This way."
"It's the other wayyyyy! Mister! That's the other way! What kind of cursed-level sense of direction is that?! That's where the demon presence is strongest!"
Zenitsu's despairing scream echoed through the forest once more.