"You were wise to bring some food with you." Kokushibo said, watching as she gathered her things. "I can only imagine how busy you must have been in Asakusa." He said, a curious look on his face. "It sounds like you have many customers who appreciate your music." He added, a hint of pride in his tone.

"Well they did enjoy my music, however -"

"However?" Kokushibo prompted, his brow furrowed in curiosity. "However, what? If there was something wrong, please do not hesitate to tell me."

"There was an attack in the city. It just didn't feel right to prolong my stay. I sensed quite a terrifying demonic aura there." She replied with a low voice.

She had finally found her bento and as she took out her Doroyaki, she couldn't help but recall what had happened. That bad feeling she had felt in Asakusa returned once more.

"An attack huh?" Kokushibo said, his eyes narrowing in thought. "What kind of demonic aura did you feel? Something that concerned you this much must have been powerful."

"I don't know what it is I felt. It felt scarier than yours. Does that even make sense? Or well, let us not dwell on the past."

"It does make sense, though I am not sure how to explain it." Kokushibo said, deep in thought.

As he processed the information, he couldn't help but feel relieved that she was okay. He knew of only one man whose demonic aura was more terrifying than his. That man. Somehow the mere thought that Akira had been within that man's grasp filled him with dread.

"I sense that you are right, that it is best not to dwell on it." He added, his expression determined. "But I am glad you are safe. It would be quite a tragedy if something were to happen to you."

"Well I am sure I would have given whoever it was a run for their money." She replied with a giggle.

Kokushibo let out a laugh, his eyes crinkling with mirth.

"I am sure you would have." He said, his hand still on her shoulder. "But it is not a risk I would want you to take. I do not think I could bear it if something happened to you." He added, his tone suddenly serious. "You have become very dear to me."

This made her smile at him.

"I promise I'll be careful." She said. "But I can't promise I won't jump in to help someone who needs my help. After all that is how we met, isn't it?"

"You are quite right, we did meet that way." Kokushibo said, a soft smile on his lips. "And I would not ask you to change who you are, Akira-san. Your willingness to help others is one of your most admirable traits. I simply hope you will take care not to overextend yourself."

"Well my sensei did tell me the same thing." She said with a fond smile. "But I have never really been able to stop myself."

"You are a woman of conviction." Kokushibo said, his tone warm and affectionate. "It is a rare trait to have, especially in a world like ours. It is something that I admire in you. It takes great courage to follow your heart and do what you believe is right."

His words made her blush once more as she finally finished her meal.

They spent the next couple of hours talking about random things and getting to know each other. They found that they had quite a number of things in common and found comfort in each other's company.

Eventually, as the sun began to set, they decided it was time to part ways yet again although this time they were both quite reluctant to say goodbye.

"Oh look the sun is finally set." Akira said sadly as her eyes wandered to the cave entrance.

Kokushibo followed her gaze, his expression calm and content.

"It is a beautiful sight." He said, watching as the last rays of light faded from the sky. "A perfect end to a perfect day." He said, turning back to look at her. "I am glad to have spent it with you."

"And I am glad I got to spend the day with you." She replied with a content smile. "I hope we see each other soon enough. I have to go visit my sister and her husband. I don't think they'll be quite thrilled if I brought you along." She added sadly.

"That is unfortunate but I understand. It is not always easy to reconcile the life we once led with the life we are living now." He said, his tone was gentle and understanding. "I know you would introduce me to them if you could."

She hugged him one last time before she gathered her things and walked away. 

"I know you'll find me as soon as I leave their place!" She called out to him with a smile.

"I most certainly will." Kokushibo called back, a fond smile on his lips. "And I will wait patiently for that day. Until then, I will keep you in my thoughts."

His gaze followed her as she disappeared from sight.

"May you be safe, Akira-san."

Akira couldn't help but think about her time with the Upper moon demon even as she continued her journey. She had heard many things about them but none of them were anywhere near what she had experienced with him.

It was as if the world had shifted, revealing a new perspective on the creatures she had once thought of as her mortal enemy. Kokushibo had been everything she had expected and more, a dangerous being but also a complex individual. She had seen his tenderness, his depth of feeling, his loyalty and his kindness. These things had come as a surprise, and had left her wondering what other secrets lay hidden in the hearts of demons.

It was still a far way from the Ubuyashiki estate but she did happen to stumble upon another peaceful town on her way.

The town was small and cozy, with a main street lined with shops and restaurants. The air was filled with the scent of fresh bread and flowers, and the people seemed to be in high spirits. Akira could not help but feel a sense of peace wash over her as she entered the town.

The people were so nice that they even offered her a free place to stay.

The offer was unexpected, but she gladly accepted.. The people of the town seemed to be genuinely kind, and she could not help but feel a sense of gratitude towards them. They had no reason to be so generous, and yet they had opened their homes to her. It was a small reminder that there was still good in the world, even in the face of the demons and their dark presence.

She decided to visit the local market place. They sold all manner of beautiful keepsakes.

There were trinkets and jewelry, dolls and paintings, and a variety of food and drink. Akira browsed the stalls, enjoying the sights and smells. She was not looking for anything in particular, but she could not help but be drawn to a stall selling kimonos. The fabric was exquisite, and the designs were intricate and beautiful.

"The red one would look divine on you." She heard a man say from behind her.

Turning she saw a man stare curiously at her. He has dark wavy hair and his red eyes seemed to pierce right into her soul.

"Thank you, I will consider that. Unfortunately I wasn't going to buy anything."

"Oh, that is a shame." The man said, a wry smile on his lips. "You would look magnificent in any of these fine garments." He said, his eyes never leaving her face.

"But perhaps you are right, it is better not to spend money needlessly." He added, his tone thoughtful. "May I ask what brings you to this small town?"

"I am a travelling musician." She replied with a nervous smile.

She couldn't shake the nervous feeling bubbling up in her stomach. She could sense his demonic aura, it mirrored the one she had sensed back in Asakusa.

"A travelling musician? That is quite an unusual occupation." The man said, his eyes sparkling with interest. "I have not encountered many musicians in my travels, and to find one wandering the countryside is even more unusual. Do you travel alone?"

"Oh no, I am actually here with my husband." She replied with a nervous laugh.

She didn't know why she felt the urge to lie to him but she had no doubt he was more dangerous than he seemed.

"Oh, I see." The man's expression changed slightly, becoming more reserved and thoughtful. "Your husband is not with you now? I am curious, what sort of person is he? Is he also a musician?"

"He is not. He is a warrior." She replied.

Somehow she thought of Kokushibo when she said this. There was no way she was planning on telling him that though. Although she was curious why this demon was asking her all this. He was obviously a very powerful demon.

"A warrior, you say?" The man's eyes narrowed slightly, but he still maintained a friendly smile. "That is quite interesting. I must say, you are an intriguing woman, with a most intriguing life. I have never encountered anyone quite like you. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Somehow Akira got the impression that he thought that her fictitious husband was a demon slayer. Well, not that it could be helped. She bowed slightly as she turned to leave. Her eyes wandered to the beautiful red kimono he had said would look good on her. If only she could afford it...

"Hold, please." The man said, reaching out and gently taking her arm. "I know you have said you will not be buying anything, but I would like to give you the kimono you admired. As a gesture of my respect and admiration."

"There is no need for that, kind sir." She replied with the first genuine smile. "I wouldn't want to be a bother."

"Please, allow me to do this. I have not met anyone like you before, and I would like to show my appreciation." The man's eyes were fixed on her, his tone insistent but polite. "You would not be a bother, but a welcome recipient of my gift."

Akira got the impression that it wasn't up for discussion saw she entertained him. Besides, she didn't want to anger him. She didn't know what he was capable of but she knew she didn't want to find out.

"Thank you." The man said, his voice full of gratitude. "I will have the kimono prepared for you, and it will be ready to take with you when you leave. I am honored by your acceptance of my gift."

She smiled at him as she graciously accepted his gift.

"Thank you, sir."

"You are most welcome." The man said, smiling warmly. "I hope you will enjoy the kimono, and that it will bring you happiness. May your travels be safe, and may you find all that you seek."

She nodded as she graciously walked away, all the time wondering what it was that drew powerful demons to her. She had no doubt that this man's Demon aura was much more terrifying than Kokushibo but if that was the case then that would mean...

"Could he be the demon progenitor? Muzan Kibutsuji himself?" The thought gave her chills. But why would he have been so nice?

"Perhaps he is merely a powerful demon, but not Muzan himself." A small, reassuring voice in her mind spoke up. "It is more likely that you are simply experiencing the trauma of your encounters with demons and are overreacting." The voice was gentle, like a soft breeze blowing through her thoughts. "Take a deep breath, and calm yourself."

Once she was calm, she proceeded back to her lodging. Completely unaware of the ruby red eyes that followed her every moment.

The eyes watched her with unwavering intensity, their gaze full of interest and curiosity. They followed her every move, taking in every detail with precision and care. They belonged to a being of immense power, a being who was not to be trifled with. And yet, they watched her with something akin to admiration.

"What an interesting woman." Muzan said to himself. "How curious I seem to smell one of my Upper moons all over her."

He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply through his nose. Yes, there was no doubt about it. The scent of Kokushibo, his Upper Moon One, was unmistakable. But there was something else too, something new and intriguing. A scent that he had never encountered before.

"I wonder what this is." He said, intrigued. "It is unlike anything I have ever smelled."

"I will have to watch this woman carefully and see." He said to himself before snapping his fingers to summon one of his lackeys.

The lackey appeared before him, bowing deeply in deference.

"You called for me, my lord?" The lackey asked, his voice shaking with fear and awe. "What do you require of me?"

"That girl -no. That woman, I want you to watch her every move and report back to me on every little thing."

The lackey nodded, his expression serious. "As you wish, my lord." He said, his voice respectful and obedient. "I will keep a close eye on her, and report back to you on all of her activities." He promised, eager to please his master. "She will not know that she is being watched."

He narrowed his eyes at the demon. He was a pathetic thing but he had his uses.

"One more thing. If I so much as see a scratch on her..." Muzan left the intended threat to hang in the air.

The lackey's eyes widened in terror, his body trembling in fear. He had no doubt what his master was implying.

"I would never dare to harm her, my lord." He said, his voice shaking with dread. "I will be careful, and I will keep my distance. I would never risk your wrath."

He narrowed his eyes at the demon kneeling before him.

"Good. Now get lost."

Muzan watched him go, a smirk curling his lips.

"It is so easy to manipulate these weaklings." He said to himself, his expression full of contempt. "They are nothing but pawns in my game."

His mind wandered back to Akira, although he didn't know her name he couldn't help but wonder. He found it strange how she had talked about a warrior husband and yet he was certain she had been in Kokushibo's presence. Perhaps her husband is a demon slayer? He thought. No matter. I will just kill her husband then.