Demon Slayer: A Journey Starting as Yoriichi's Sister
Chapter 45

Serving the Lord Cult Leader Well

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8mo ago

The Eternal Paradise Cult's headquarters wasn't in the city. The man had learned about the cult's existence through other channels, slowly piecing things together.

He was among the most devout followers of the Eternal Paradise Cult and had even met the Cult Leader, Doma, in person to explain his troubles.

It was also at that time that the Cult Leader mentioned he could send his daughter to the cult.

At least she'd have food to eat.

He never suspected the Eternal Paradise Cult was some kind of evil cult.

This was because the Cult Leader, Doma, possessed a pair of seven-colored eyes and immaculate, white oak-colored hair, allowing him to communicate with the heavens.

As he mentioned this, the man couldn't help but glance at Yuko twice.

Those peculiar pupils of hers were no less remarkable than Doma's.

Yuko ignored his gaze and asked, "About how many people are in the cult?"

"Over two hundred. The Cult Leader... that demon, seems unwilling to expand the numbers."

"Someone in the cult mentioned expansion before, but he refused them all."

Cults also have their rivalries, just like Buddhism and Taoism might fight over followers and territory.

It was rare for a cult to be unwilling to develop externally.

They probably don't want to cause trouble. Yuko thought.

After his battle with Yoriichi, Muzan had become a rat lacking the presence of a true villain. He absolutely wouldn't allow his subordinates to be so ostentatious.

At least, not until he completely overcame sunlight.

"Have there been any cases of young girls disappearing before?"

"..." After a moment of silence, the man said in a low voice, "Yes, but everyone just assumed they had gone to paradise to enjoy bliss."

Truly paradise.

What a dark joke.

In the silence, the man suddenly said, "We're here."

Yuko followed his pointed finger and saw a grand mansion ahead. People were coming and going, and there seemed to be quite a few of them.

Yuko glanced at the passersby on both sides of the street. It was sitting so brazenly within the city.

Although it wasn't in a prosperous area, just on the outskirts.

"You can go back now."

The man opened his mouth, but ultimately could only nod helplessly.

Watching the man leave, Yuko glanced at the sky. It was still a while before dark.

Demons only came out at night; that was common knowledge.

She wandered around the city for a while, during which she spotted two Demon Slayer Corps swordsmen.

Judging by their appearance, they weren't here for the Eternal Paradise Cult, just passing through. Their purpose didn't overlap with hers.

Yuko was genuinely relieved.

It wasn't that running into them would be awkward, but rather she was worried about having to investigate Doma while also considering the matter of rescuing people.

The quality of the Demon Slayer Corps in recent years was truly concerning.

Could they even fight the Twelve Kizuki?

They simply lacked the strength.

As night fell, Yuko wrapped herself up tightly, ensuring her original appearance was hidden, and slipped in with her Nichirin Blade.

As for the Demon Blade she had named 'Asura,' she put it away.

She could guarantee that Doma wouldn't recognize her as a fellow demon, but if she brought that sword, it might be a different story.

Moreover, for demons, battles between their own kind were basically a test of stamina, seeing who had stronger attack power and faster recovery speed.

The weaker party would essentially be devoured by the other.

Demons eating demons could also make them stronger.

Among the Twelve Kizuki, there was even talk of a hierarchy battle.

Evening was the time for demons to be active, so not only was the Eternal Paradise Cult not quiet, but there were actually more followers inside.

Yuko crouched on a rooftop, her brow furrowed.

This was going to be troublesome.

Meeting Doma amidst this group of fanatical followers would likely not be easy.

She wouldn't have much time.

Yuko moved forward silently. The further inside she went, the fewer followers there were.

It seems not just anyone can meet the Cult Leader at any time; the vast majority of followers merely pray devoutly outside.

Suddenly, two figures dressed as followers appeared before her.

One man and one woman.

The man was around thirty or forty years old, while the woman was extremely young, appearing to be in her teens.

"Make sure you serve the Cult Leader well when you go in," the man instructed. "This is a glory many dream of but can never attain."

"I, I understand!"

Yuko lowered her gaze, seeing through the girl's rapidly beating heart.

It wasn't fear.

"Go on," the man said, escorting her only a short distance before bowing and retreating.

The path ahead was essentially cleared.

Given the current situation, if things were to escalate, these followers would likely reach Doma's residence in three minutes... no, even less.

The girl, her heart filled with excitement, walked towards the room.

The girl's slender build clearly indicated she wasn't from a wealthy family, but rather someone living on the brink of subsistence, often skipping meals.

Perhaps she had decided to sacrifice something in exchange for the conditions to survive, but she had no idea that what she was about to give up was precisely what she craved.

The girl arrived at the door, knocked demurely, and then nervously stepped inside.

Yuko touched the ground with her toes, her body drifting down like a falling leaf onto the roof.

She lifted a roof tile and peered inside.

"The children today are so lovely~"

The demon named Doma, with hair the color of white oak, sat casually on a cushion, one hand propping up his cheek as he looked at the girl.

The girl prostrated herself on the floor and said respectfully, "Lord Cult Leader, I am Aiko, who has come to serve you tonight."

Doma smiled and said, "Aiko, what a lovely name."

Judging solely by his voice and tone, one would never guess this person was actually an ugly demon.

But under Yuko's Clear and Transparent World, his demonic form was undeniable.

This form... he was indeed an Upper Rank.

She thought she recognized the name, it seemed to be related to... Giyu... the Water Hashira...

Yuko suddenly remembered where she had seen his name.

Giyu among the Hashira, Doma among the demons...

That seemed to be the gist of it.

She couldn't quite recall clearly.

Moreover, this character shouldn't have appeared in the first season; otherwise, seeing his appearance, she would have remembered something.

Aiko respectfully bowed her head to the floor, "You flatter me, Lord Cult Leader."

"Mmm..." Doma tilted his head, hesitating. "Although I'd love to enjoy you quickly..."

Aiko's heart beat faster, her face flushed red.

"But with an outsider present, I get a little embarrassed."

Doma suddenly looked up, smiling at the ceiling.

"Wouldn't you agree, my lovely Miss~"

Aiko looked up slightly, confused about who the outsider was, when a figure descended from the roof, landing lightly before her.

Aiko exclaimed in shock, "Who are you!"

"Are you trying to assassinate the Lord Cult Leader?!"

Yuko wore a conical hat and a loose cloak, and her descent from the roof made it understandable why Aiko would think that.

Just as Aiko was about to cry out for help, Yuko, with a helpless sigh, knocked her unconscious with a chop to the neck.

After helping her to the ground, Yuko looked up at Doma, who was still sitting there with a smile.

So perceptive...

Upper Rank... Six

End of Chapter
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