Seeing Zenitsu finally behave, Aoyama revealed a satisfied smile and strode ahead.
Zenitsu hurried after him. "Aoyama-senpai! Was what you said true? If I really do that, will it work?"
Aoyama shrugged indifferently. "Believe it or not—your choice."
Zenitsu hesitated for only a second before clenching his fists, teeth gritted in determination.
For the sake of having a girl treat me like that… I'll give it everything I've got!
Noticing Zenitsu suddenly bursting with motivation, Tanjiro asked curiously, "Zenitsu, what happened? Why do you look so fired up all of a sudden?"
"You stiff and clueless Tanjiro—you wouldn't understand!"
Zenitsu flashed a knowing grin and rushed ahead to catch up with Aoyama.
Tanjiro scratched the back of his head.
Am I really that stiff?
The group arrived at the train station.
The usually quiet Inosuke suddenly became restless, staring wide-eyed at the massive steam-spewing machine before them.
"Th-This thing… must be the ruler of this land!"
His body trembled as he assumed an attacking stance.
"Hey! You—"
Smack!
A hand clamped over Zenitsu's mouth before he could finish.
"Shh! All of you stand back! Let me charge in first! Hahaha!"
Inosuke's plan was simple—if he attacked first, he'd technically beat Aoyama to it.
Aoyama's lips twitched.
Does this guy seriously not know what a train is?
He glanced at Tanjiro.
Surely Tanjiro knows—
Tanjiro's eyes sparkled.
"Inosuke, it might be the guardian deity of this land. We shouldn't attack recklessly."
"…."
Aoyama raised a hand to cover half his face.
Embarrassing. Absolutely embarrassing.
"Zenitsu," he said flatly, "you know what this is, right? Explain it to these two idiots."
He deliberately stepped a few paces away.
"Huh? Aoyama-senpai, what did we do?" Tanjiro asked, confused.
Zenitsu sighed deeply.
"It's a train! A train! You know—railway? A means of transportation. It carries people!"
Before the explanation could sink in—
Bang!
Inosuke headbutted the train's exterior, producing a deafening clang.
All the nearby passengers turned to stare.
Aoyama silently thanked the heavens he had distanced himself.
A station attendant rushed over, blowing a whistle.
"Hey! What are you doing?! Why are you carrying swords?! Call the police! Call the police!"
Aoyama immediately sensed trouble. Without hesitation, he grabbed Tanjiro and Inosuke by their collars and leapt over the train to the other side. Zenitsu, quick-witted for once, followed close behind.
Landing smoothly, Aoyama released them—
Then delivered a solid knock to each of their heads.
"Ow!"
They clutched their skulls.
"Ruler? Guardian deity? It's a train, you idiots."
His gaze was icy.
Even Inosuke fell quiet, though he muttered under his breath, "Why run from the police? Are we afraid of them?"
Smack!
Another knock landed squarely on his head.
"You think you're an official army? Walking around with swords in broad daylight? Use your brain."
Zenitsu quickly added, "Aoyama-senpai, let's hide our swords. If the conductor sees them, it'll be bad."
Aoyama gave him an approving glance.
Finally useful for something.
Tanjiro didn't fully understand why they had to hide their swords, but he obediently tucked his behind him and covered it with his clothes.
Inosuke tried copying him, sticking his blades behind his back. "Hehe, Tanjiro, look—like this—"
Smack!
Aoyama slapped the back of his head, knocking him flat again.
"Put on your shirt, you idiot! It's still completely obvious!"
Soon, it was time to board.
After purchasing tickets, Aoyama led the group onto the train and found empty seats.
This train was bound for the Mugen Train.
Ahead of them awaited a brutal battle.
Aoyama folded his arms and closed his eyes, calmly planning what was to come.
The train began moving. The scenery outside slid backward rapidly.
Inosuke pressed his face against the window.
"Zenitsu! Look! The people outside are all walking backward!"
"You moron! The train is moving!"
Zenitsu nearly screamed in frustration.
Tanjiro took a deep breath.
A familiar scent reached his nose.
His eyes lit up.
"Aoyama-senpai, Rengoku-san is here too! The crow was right!"
Aoyama opened his eyes and nodded slightly.
Of course he knew.
Rengoku Kyojuro was on this train.
And right now, he was undoubtedly enjoying his beloved beef bento.
"Delicious! Absolutely delicious!"
A bright, booming voice carried across the carriage.
Tanjiro stood and followed the sound, waving enthusiastically.
"Hello, Rengoku-san!"
Rengoku Kyojuro was too busy eating to respond, enthusiastically devouring his meal. After all, one needed strength before battle.
Zenitsu nudged Tanjiro's arm and whispered, "Does he really look like a Hashira to you?"
Weren't Hashira supposed to be refined and elegant like Shinobu-san?
Back in his seat, Aoyama suddenly stiffened.
A faint thread of demonic aura drifted into his senses.
It was subtle—
But unmistakable.
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