NOVEL WEB Chapter 49: DSWS: Chapter 49
"The Mugen Train"
As the sun dipped below the horizon, a Tokyo train station bustled with commuters. Japan's small landmass meant some people commuted across the entire country to work. Every station was crowded, especially during peak hours.
The Mugen Train's whistle announced its imminent departure. However, recent disappearances on the train had significantly reduced passenger numbers.
Aoki's team arrived to investigate the reports of demons on board. While the presence of demons was almost certain, they lacked concrete leads.
"Wh-wh-what is this… creature?!" Inosuke, raised in the mountains, felt a strange mix of awe and apprehension before the unfamiliar, black metal train.
"It must be… the land guardian, the ruler of this land!" He pointed a trembling finger at the massive train. "This length… this aura… it has to be! Though it sleeps now, we cannot be careless!"
Inosuke continued his pronouncements, oblivious to the curious stares. Aoki's sharp knuckle-crack brought him up short.
"Quiet down, you idiot!"
Inosuke, rubbing his bruised head, fell silent. He'd learned to fear Aoki's power. Even his tough personality couldn't withstand Aoki. He let out a few boar-like snorts in protest.
Aoki explained, "It's called a train. It's transportation. It carries people."
Inosuke stared blankly, his confusion evident on his boar mask.
Aoki sighed, concerned about Inosuke's intelligence. "Think of it as a horse, but it carries many more people and is much faster."
Inosuke: "I understand!"
Aoki chuckled wryly. "Also, the Demon Slayer Corps is an unauthorized organization. We have no special privileges, including openly carrying swords. To avoid trouble, let's conceal our swords."
Zenitsu nodded; as the most worldly of the trio, he understood. Tanjiro, however, was less at ease.
He hid his sword, sighing. "We work so hard slaying demons…"
"It's unavoidable. Even if we told them we're slaying demons, they wouldn't believe us. It's too… esoteric," Aoki sighed.
If the Corps had government support, they wouldn't have spent centuries unable to locate Muzan Kibutsuji's base.
They concealed their Nichirin Swords. Since Inosuke wasn't wearing a shirt, his sword was still visible, so Aoki found him a coat to wear. Then, they boarded the train.
Their destination was the Mugen Train, where over forty people had vanished in just a few months, causing a national sensation.
The government could only improve security; they couldn't solve the mystery.
But the Demon Slayer Corps knew better. They immediately suspected demons.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki had sent several teams to investigate, but they all vanished. He then dispatched Rengoku Kyōjurō, and Aoki, upon hearing the possibility of a Twelve Kizuki, requested to join the mission. Kagaya Ubuyashiki readily agreed.
Officially, Aoki volunteered to protect civilians, but his primary goal was to kill any Twelve Kizuki present.
Even the possibility of a Twelve Kizuki was enough to motivate him. Killing Rui, a Lower Moon Five, had yielded a surprising 100-point increase in his combat power.
He couldn't imagine the potential gains from a stronger Lower Moon or an Upper Moon.
Ultimately, Aoki fought to protect ordinary people from demons; otherwise, he wouldn't have joined the Corps. The chance to kill a Twelve Kizuki was simply too tempting.
Inside the Mugen Train, Tanjiro and Inosuke gawked at the interior.
Tanjiro's thoughts: Times have changed so fast! They have such advanced technology now.
Inosuke's thoughts: So this is the inside of the land guardian's belly! Hmph, if someone hadn't stopped me, I would have challenged it to a fight!
Aoki looked around. "The crow said to rendezvous with Rengoku. He should be on board by now."
He instinctively reached for his sword, then remembered it was hidden and awkwardly shoved his hands in his pockets. He looked somewhat cool, though nobody noticed.
"Yes, I smell Rengoku-san. He's close by," Tanjiro said, sniffing the air.
"No way, another Hashira?! Will they be as terrifying as the Captain and Miss Kocho?" Zenitsu fretted, hiding behind Tanjiro.
"Hmph! I don't care how many Hashira show up. I'm not afraid!" Inosuke shouted, but Aoki's sharp gaze silenced him instantly.
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