The wind carried the eerie melody through the trees, each note lingering in the air like a ghost's whisper. The deeper the Kamaboko Squad ventured into the forest, the stronger the feeling of unease became.

Zenitsu swallowed hard. "I—I really don't like this. Music isn't supposed to feel evil."

Inosuke snorted. "Tch! You're just scared because you've got weak ears! My boar instincts tell me this is just some creepy lullaby before a BIG FIGHT!" He cracked his knuckles, eyes gleaming behind his mask. "And I can't wait!"

You ignored Inosuke's excitement, focusing instead on the melody. It wasn't just eerie—it was deliberate. The notes carried weight, like they were reaching out, searching for something.

Tanjiro glanced at you. "Do you recognize the technique?"

You nodded slowly. "It's different from my Music Breathing, but the principle is the same. They're using sound as a weapon. If we're not careful, the song could trap us in its rhythm."

Zenitsu's face paled. "W-Wait... does that mean it can control us?!"

"It's possible," you admitted. "The right melody can influence the mind, making people drowsy, confused, or even completely paralyzed."

Zenitsu immediately latched onto Tanjiro's sleeve. "I'M GONNA DIE. I KNEW IT. I CAN'T EVEN HANDLE NORMAL MUSIC, LET ALONE A DEMON CURSE SONG!"

Tanjiro, ever patient, patted Zenitsu's shoulder. "You'll be okay, Zenitsu. We just need to stay alert."

Inosuke scoffed. "Hah?! What's the big deal?! If a song tries to take control of me, I'LL JUST SCREAM LOUDER!"

You sighed. Of course, that's his solution.

Just then, Tanjiro stopped walking. His eyes sharpened as he sniffed the air again. "Blood."

The squad tensed.

Your grip on your sword tightened. "How fresh?"

Tanjiro's expression darkened. "Too fresh."

A sudden rustling in the bushes sent Zenitsu yelping as he clung to your arm. "IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE!"

A figure staggered out from between the trees—a villager, his clothes tattered, his hands clutching at his head. His mouth was moving, but no words came out.

Tanjiro rushed forward, steadying the man. "Sir! Are you alright? What happened?"

The man trembled violently, his eyes wild with terror. "The... the music... it won't stop... it's inside my head—!"

His body jerked unnaturally as if invisible strings were pulling at his limbs. Then, with a sickening crack, his neck twisted sharply to the side.

The melody surged.

And the man stopped breathing.

A chill ran down your spine.

Tanjiro clenched his fists. "The music... killed him."

Zenitsu looked ready to faint. "I—I WANNA GO HOME—!"

Inosuke drew his swords. "FINALLY! A REAL ENEMY!"

But you weren't looking at the dead villager anymore.

You were listening.

The melody had changed.

It was faster now. More urgent.

And it was getting closer.

You lifted your sword. "Get ready."

From the darkness of the trees, a pair of glowing eyes appeared. Then another. And another.

The music wasn't just coming from one demon.

It was an orchestra.