CHU CHU TRAIN! — CHAPTER #26 — PAPI RENGOKU, MI AMOR!

Tanjiro swung open the door, leading the group into the train. Inosuke, filled with uncontainable excitement, could barely contain his composure. "(Y/N)! (Y/N)!" His pronunciation of your name was surprisingly accurate. "We're inside the monster's tummy! We're in its belly!"

"Wow, it's really cool! It's so thrilling to be inside a monster!" You played along, allowing him to grab your arm as he eagerly pointed out every little detail that caught his attention.

"HAHAHA! Look! It's so fast!" He whisked you over to the window, banging on it a few times in his exhilaration.

"We apologize for his behavior!" Zenitsu interjected, apologizing on Inosuke's behalf. "Forget that, dumbass! Come and get your dirty ass here!" He grabbed him by the waist, attempting to restrain his wild enthusiasm.

"HAHAHA, it's so friggin' fast!" As Zenitsu dragged Inosuke away, he turned to you with a question.

"He's a Hashira, this Rengoku person... Are you sure you'll recognize his face?"

Tanjiro answered on your behalf. "Yeah, he had this funky yellow and red hairstyle. I also remember his distinct scent. Plus, (Y/N) has met him too, so she probably knows what I'm talking about."

"Yup! He has a truly unique appearance!" You chimed in, nodding in agreement. "And let's not forget his powerful voice! He's so loud that we'll probably recognize him immediately-"

"DELICIOUS!" The train suddenly rumbled, sending shockwaves through the carriage. Tanjiro gasped, and Zenitsu let out a terrified yell. Meanwhile, Inosuke remained preoccupied with admiring the train's interior.

"There he is!" You exclaimed, pointing towards Rengoku with a smile. 'Rengoku, just how amazing you are!'

"DELICIOUS!"

"DELICIOUS!"

"DELICIOUS!"

You went in first as the other followed behind, too shocked for the hashira's behavior.

"DELICIOUS!"

"DELICIOUS!"

"DELICIOUS!" All eyes were on him as he leisurely enjoyed his meal. People around him wore expressions of confusion and curiosity, clearly intrigued by his voracious appetite. Zenitsu leaned in, whispering to a surprised Tanjiro,

"Is that the flame hashira?"

"Yeah..."

"Really? Maybe you're confusing him with an glutton orangutan..."

"I'm sure is him, Zenitsu..."

You stood on your tiptoes, the anticipation evident in your eyes as you tried to get closer to Rengoku Kyojuro, the Flame Hashira. A wide, radiant smile formed on your face as you finally reached him and greeted him with enthusiasm. "Hello Rengoku! It's an absolute pleasure to finally see you again!"

"OH?!" His eyes widened with genuine surprise, and he coughed lightly, preparing his voice to match your excitement. "(L/N)!! I'M GENUINELY OVERJOYED TO SEE YOU AGAIN! I DIDN'T EXPECT TO SEE YOU SO SOON! AND LET ME TELL YOU, YOU'VE BECOME MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN EVER!"

"HAHAHA, BRO, DON'T SAY THAT!" Your cheeks flushed, a mixture of embarrassment and happiness coursing through you. Whenever you became flushed, you had a tendency to either go silent or start acting awkward and nervous.

"HOW COULD I NOT!? I'M JUST STATING THE TRUTH!" Rengoku's large, warm hand gently patted your head, affectionately ruffling your hair as his bright smile never wavered.

"THEN I MIGHT SAY THAT YOU'RE AS STUNNING AS EVER!" You couldn't resist returning the compliment, your voice filled with sincerity and admiration. A surge of warmth flooded your heart as you expressed your genuine feelings.

"OH, ME?! THAT'S SO NICE OF YOU! YOU'RE MAKING ME BLUSH!" Rengoku's cheeks tinged a bit with a rosy hue, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"NAH, YOU MADE ME BLUSH FIRST!"

"IT'S NOT MY FAULT! IF I SEE SOMETHING PRETTY, I NEED TO SAY IT!"

"KYAAAAAA! STOPPP!!" You giggled, a delightful mixture of embarrassment and joy bubbling within you as Rengoku's playful banter continued to bring a bright smile to your face.

"AND YOUR UNIFORM!" He suddenly exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "IT'S THE SAME AS MITSURI'S, RIGHT?"

"YES IT IS! DOES IT LOOK GOOD?"

"IT LOOKS GREAT! I THINK IT'S A BIT SKIMPY, BUT IT'S UNDENIABLY CUTE!" His words made you blush even more, though you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. His opinion mattered to you, and his compliments filled you with a warm glow.

Impulsively, Rengoku picked up a mouthwatering morsel of food with his chopsticks and held it out to you, a mischievous glimmer in his eyes. "HERE, TRY THIS!"

Excitement fluttered within you as you accepted the offering, eagerly tasting the delicious treat. "Mhm! THIS TASTES REALLY GOOD!" You nodded in approval, savoring the flavors that danced on your taste buds, unable to hide your delight.

"I KNOW, RIGHT? TRULY A GIFT FROM HEAVEN!" The flame Hashira chuckled warmly, his eyes shining with genuine admiration and happiness at the simple pleasure of sharing food and laughter with you.

...

As the romantic atmosphere enveloped you and Rengoku, others couldn't help but take notice. 'I feel like I'm interrupting something here. I didn't know they were so close?' Tanjiro couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy creeping in, his eyes darting between you and Rengoku. But don't worry, Kamado, it's not your fault. You just had a natural ability to connect with people and make them feel special.

'What the hell is with this guy?! He starts screaming 'DELICIOUS' out of nowhere, and now he's acting all lovey-dovey with (Y/N)! The AUDACITY!' Zenitsu grumbled under his breath, a mix of annoyance and envy tugging at his emotions as he subtly hid behind Tanjiro, unable to bear witnessing the affectionate exchange.

'TRAIN GOES CHU CHU-' Inosuke, lost in his own thoughts and musings, remained oblivious to the romantic tension swirling in the air, his focus locked elsewhere.

'So loud...' As the train continued its journey, the sound of Rengoku's boisterous laughter and your lively conversations echoed throughout the cabin, drawing both curious glances and exasperated sighs from the other passengers. Little did they know that Rengoku's burst eardrums from a past demon battle had left him with impaired hearing. He told you this when you were attending his wounds at the butterfly mansion. So you, ever considerate and caring, spoke loudly to ensure he wouldn't miss a single word and could easily understand you. He noticed this gesture, finding it incredibly endearing and cute.

"Oh! And you're the kid from that day at the master's!" Rengoku finally acknowledged their existences.

"Yes! I'm Kamado Tanjiro and these are my fellas Agatsuma Zenitsu and Hashibira Inosuke!"

"I see. And inside that box there..." His gazed followed the box where the demon girl was sleeping.

"Yeah. It's my sister Nezuko." Tanjiro smiled while looking at the box.

"Right! That demon we saw that day, huh? Since the Master acknowledged her, I won't say a word for now." He then then begat to pat the seat next to him. "Have a seat here."

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You could have taken the seat in front of them, but you decided to give Rengoku and Tanjiro some space to bond and deepen their brotherly relationship. You valued their connection and didn't want to get in the way of that. Instead, you were holding hands with Inosuke, who was still excitedly gushing about the train. Zenitsu sat in-front of you two, keeping a close eye on Inosuke's wild antics.

"Being inside this train is mind-blowing!" Inosuke exclaimed, turning to look at you. "Right, (Y/N)?!"

"Yeah, and it sure goes hella fast!" You chuckled, joining in on his enthusiasm.

'Aw... The fact that (Y/N) is indulging him instead of ignoring him is adorable. (Y/N) is so kind!' Zenitsu couldn't help but simp over you, appreciating your caring nature.

Suddenly, Inosuke pounded his palms against the window three times, causing the blonde to panic. "MOTHERFU- You're going to break the glass! Calm down already, will ya?!" Zenitsu intervened, dragging Inosuke away by his mask.

"Pff-" You couldn't help but burst into laughter, finding the situation amusing.

"(Y/N)!! Don't laugh! Please, help me here! He's trying to get out!" Zenitsu pleaded with you, struggling to restrain Inosuke. "Yell at him or scold him! He doesn't listen to me!"

You stood up, letting out a long sigh, ready to address the situation. "HAHAHA! LOOK AT IT GO-"

"INOSUKE!" The atmosphere instantly turned tense as your voice rang out, surprising everyone, including Rengoku, Tanjiro, and some passengers.

'I've never heard (Y/N) yell so loudly before...' Tanjiro was taken aback, his gaze fixed on you in awe.

'Why is angry (Y/N) kind of hot though-' Zenitsu tried to suppress his wandering thoughts.

"CALM DOWN, WILL YA?!" You scolded Inosuke firmly, causing even him to flinch. It was the first time you had addressed him so sternly.

"But, minion! The train!" Inosuke protested, pointing at the window.

"You can enjoy it without being so loud and reckless!"

"But it's exciting!"

"If you keep trying to get out, you might get hurt, or worse, we'll be kicked off the train! You don't want that, right?"

"..." Inosuke fell silent, sulking as he reluctantly acknowledged the validity of your words. You now started to feel bad, seeing his sad expression.

...

...

...

"Okay, screw it. Let's just act like dogs then." With a mischievous grin, you opened the window and leaned your upper body out of the moving train. Don't ask how Dodo managed to survive that.

"WOO-HOO! YEAHH!" Inosuke followed suit, embracing the exhilaration of the moment.

"NO! (Y/N)! Not you too! BE CAREFUL!" Zenitsu panicked, desperately trying to get you and Inosuke to sit down and behave like rational human beings.

"Hahaha! You sure have some peculiar friends!" Rengoku observed, amusement dancing in his eyes as he watched the trio beside him.

"Yeah... They can be really intense sometimes, but..." Tanjiro's gaze softened, filled with fondness. "I couldn't have asked for a better group."

"Getting back to the original topic... You should become my tsuguko, my apprentice! I'll look after you!" He suggested, catching Tanjiro off guard.

"Hold on a second! What are you talking about?" Tanjiro asked, perplexed by Rengoku's sudden proposal.

'Damn, that guy is totally weird.' Zenitsu shook his head in disbelief, returning his attention to his own thoughts and activities. "Goddamit, (Y/N)! How could you do that!? Look at your hair, it's all messed up!" Zenitsu scolded you, gently fixing your disheveled locks.

"Hehe, sorry! I didn't mean to do it!"

"You could have gotten hurt! Or worse, fallen off the train! AHHH- just thinking about it makes me want to cry! I can't lose you! If I do, I'll lose everything!" Zenitsu meticulously arranged every strand of hair that had gone astray, his hands trembling slightly. In an attempt to distract himself from his worry, he skillfully braided a small section of your hair. You looked even cuter with the braid.

While you remained seated, Zenitsu held your cheeks gently, his eyes filled with concern. "(Y/N)! Promise me you won't do something so dangerous again!" You playfully stuck out your tongue, glancing sideways.

"(Y/N)!! I'm being serious!" Zenitsu's voice trembled, on the verge of tears. Seeing his distress, you relented. Taking his hands, which still rested on your cheeks, you assured him.

"Okay! Don't worry anymore! I promise I won't act like that ever again!"

"...Really?"

"Really."

"Pinky promise?" He extended his pinky finger towards you.

"Pinky promise." You interlocked your pinky with his. Pinky promises were sacred and not to be broken.

'...It's not like I can stay mad at her forever anyway.' Zenitsu sighed, releasing his worry, and sat back down beside an excited Inosuke, his gaze now focused on the passing scenery outside the window.

"Zenitsu, can I ask you something?" You inquired, breaking the silence.

"Uh, yeah, ask me anything."

"Can you tell me more about your breathing style?"

"Oh! Well... the breathing style I chose is the Thunder Breathing. I learned about it thanks to my grandfather- I mean, my master... It has six forms, but I've only mastered the First Form: Thunderclap and Flash. I've made some modifications, like the Sixfold technique, which allows me to execute the attack six times faster and enhances its power and speed. That's pretty much it..." Zenitsu explained with a hint of pride in his voice.

"Ohhh!!" You had stars in your eyes. "Thank you so much for sharing that with me!"

"No problem!" Zenitsu smiled, enjoying seeing you happy. "But... why are you asking about it?"

"It's nothing, I was just curious about how it works." Throughout the conversation, you had been diligently jotting down notes in a small book you had with you. Placing the book beside you, Dodo flew off your shoulder and settled on top of it, falling asleep.

"HAHAHAHA!" Inosuke took advantage of Zenitsu and your distraction and made another attempt to jump off the train.

"GAH- THAT'S DANGEROUS, YOU IDIOT!"

"I'M GONNA RACE OUTSIDE AND SEE WHO'S FASTER! YOU BETTER WATCH ME, MINION!"

"STOP IT! YOU CAN'T POSSIBLY BE THAT STUPID, CAN YOU?!"

"You two, that's dangerous. You never know when a demon might appear." Rengoku chimed in, his voice calm but firm. Zenitsu turned around to look at him, a mixture of nervousness and realization in his eyes.

Summoning a strength he didn't know he had, Zenitsu swiftly grabbed Inosuke and forcefully tossed him away from the train's edge. Without wasting a moment, he dashed towards Rengoku, a mixture of fear and horror in his gaze. "Y-You're kidding, right? Demons show up on this train?!"

"Sure do! :D"

"WHAT? THEY DO? NOOOO!" He screamed in a high pitched voice. "SO, WE'RE NOT HEADING TO WHERE THE DEMONS ARE, BUT WE'RE HERE? NOOO! I'M GETTING OFF!"

"Over 40 people have disappeared on this train. The corps sent a few swordsmen but then they all went silent. That's why I, a hashira, am here!" Explained Rengoku calmly.

...

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! THEN WHY WE HERE, MOTHERFUCKER?! I SEE, I'M GETTING OFF WITH (Y/N) THEN!"

As they continued their conversation about demons, you and Inosuke found yourselves gazing out the window, allowing the cool breeze and wind to caress your faces. The rush of air against your skin felt refreshing and invigorating.

"This feels nice... doesn't it?" You remarked, your voice carrying a sense of tranquility.

"Yeah..." Even Inosuke, known for his wild and untamed nature, seemed to be at ease in this moment.

"You should take off your mask. You'll feel the breeze even better." You suggested, your eyes locked onto his masked face.

Inosuke hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on you, before finally giving in to your suggestion. He slowly removed his mask, revealing his rugged yet strangely captivating features. As the wind swept through the train, it brushed against his face, making him feel a sense of freedom he had never experienced before.

"Relaxing, right...?" You whispered, your voice barely audible over the sound of the rushing wind.mIn response, Inosuke remained silent, unable to find the words to express his feelings. Instead, he simply nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. The fluffy, white tufts of his hair danced in the wind, creating an ethereal aura around him. Their serene moment was interrupted when the conductor entered the train car, asking passengers to present their tickets.

"What is he doing?" Asked Tanjiro.

"The conductor is going to check your ticket and punch a hole in it." Rengoku explained. Each member of the group handed their tickets to the conductor without any suspicion. Just as the tickets were being checked, the lights in the train car started flickering in an eerie manner, creating an unsettling atmosphere. A foul stench permeated the air, causing everyone to tense up.

"What the hell? There's a horrible scent..." Tanjiro muttered, his senses on high alert.

"Thank you... very much..." The conductor (this dude looks more dead than Yorichii's pussy-) responded, his voice carrying an unnerving tone that sent shivers down their spines.

Rengoku rose from his seat and addressed the conductor with a firm expression. "Mr. conductor, for your own safety, I suggest you step back. Given the circumstances, please overlook the fact that I am carrying a sword." Just as Rengoku spoke, the lights flickered once more before abruptly going out. A moment later, they flickered back to life, revealing the presence of a hideous demon that had materialized within the train car. Fear gripped the hearts of everyone present as the demon rose to its feet, emanating an aura of malice and bloodlust.

"Was it a Blood Demon Art that concealed your massive gorilla-like body? Even though you were difficult to detect, if you dare threaten innocent lives... I will not hesitate to vanquish you with my bright red flame blade!" Rengoku declared, unsheathing his sword with a fluid motion. A gust of wind and flickering flames swirled around him, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The demon growled menacingly, but he charged forward, his sword gleaming with fiery intensity.

"Flame Breathing: First Form, Unknowing Fire!" His strike was swift and precise, severing the demon's head in a single blow. The creature's lifeless body disintegrated into nothingness, vanquished by the flames. The passengers and fellow Demon Slayers were left awestruck by Rengoku's display of skill. Zenitsu, still recovering from the shock, found himself clinging onto your waist, seeking comfort in your presence. Meanwhile, you quickly grabbed your notebook and began jotting down the details of Rengoku's technique.

'Flame Breathing: First Form, Unknowing Fire... I have to write it down! He sliced it off in one strike!' You thought to yourself, your eyes shining with determination.

"We're not done yet. Come with me!" Rengoku called out to Tanjiro and Inosuke, who followed him without hesitation. You helped Zenitsu to his feet, gripping his hand tightly as you joined the Hashira. The second demon lurked before them, its elongated arms reaching out towards an unsuspecting man. Rengoku swiftly intercepted its attack, shielding the innocent passenger from harm. "I won't let you lay a finger on that man!" He proclaimed, his voice filled with unwavering determination. Tanjiro and Inosuke assumed their battle stances, ready to support their comrade, while you and Zenitsu positioned yourselves a safe distance away, observing the unfolding fight.

"What the hell is that? It's got long arms!" Zenitsu murmured in fear.

"Inosuke, wait! We need to save that man first!" Tanjiro called out, attempting to halt Inosuke's impulsive charge.

"It won't matter once I destroy that thing!" Inosuke retorted defiantly, launching an attack against the demon. However, his efforts proved futile as the demon easily evaded his strikes.

Without hesitation, Kyojuro swiftly reached out, grabbing Inosuke by the waist and gently pulling him away from the battle. Inosuke couldn't help but admire his strength and agility, recognizing a true warrior in his midst. Rengoku then leaped forward, scooping up the endangered man in a bridal carry. "You'll be safe at the back of the train. Go on. We'll handle this quickly." He assured the man, his voice exuding confidence. "Flame Breathing: Second Form, Rising Scorching Sun!" He unleashed a blazing attack, swiftly severing the demon's head and putting an end to its threat.

...

"That... that was incredible, bro! Your sword skills were nothing short of brilliant!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his admiration for Rengoku overflowing. "Please, make me your apprentice!"

"Count me in!" Inosuke chimed in enthusiastically.

"Me too!" Said Zenitsu.

"And me, as well!" You interjected, your eyes sparkling with eagerness. You had already transcribed the details of his second form of Flame Breathing in her notebook.

The Hashira smiled warmly, his presence radiating reassurance and strength. "I'll train all of you. Let's become formidable Demon Slayers together!"

"ALL HAIL RENGOKU!! BIG BRO RENGOKU!!" You cheered in unison, your voices echoing through the train car.

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"Tanjiro!" You called out to him, seeking his permission to sit next to Rengoku. There was something you wanted to discuss with him.

"Sure thing, (L/N)! No problem at all!" He happily agreed, standing up from his seat and moving to sit in front of Zenitsu and Inosuke, who were engaged in their usual bickering.

You took your place beside Rengoku, a smile lighting up your face. "Hello, Rengoku!"

"Hello, (L/N)!" He greeted you warmly. "What did you want to talk about?"

"It's nothing important, just something trivial." You replied, looking at him with a hint of happiness. "I actually met your brother in a village nearby!"

"OH? YOU DID?" His eyes lit up with excitement. "YOU MET MY ADORABLE LITTLE BROTHER, SENJURO?"

"Yes! We had a wonderful conversation! I didn't realize he had such a passion for books!"

"Hahaha! He has always been fascinated by books. They truly ignite his spirit."

"Yes, and he also spoke a lot about you!"

"He did?"

You nodded, delighted. "He told me how amazing and cool you are! It was quite adorable. I assured him that I already knew you were cool because I had the pleasure of getting to know you before."

"Mhm! I'm glad to hear that! And I must say, you are quite a remarkable woman yourself!"

"YOU THINK SO?" You felt a blush creeping onto your cheeks. No one had ever described you in such a way before.

"Of course I do! You possess determination, courage, and strength! Not to mention, your speech at the Hashira meeting left me in awe. And the way you tended to my wounds!" Rengoku praised, his eyes filled with genuine admiration.

"YAY! I'm glad to hear that!" You cheered to yourself, unable to contain your joy. "Hahaha!"

"..."

"Eh? Did I do something wrong?" You asked, noticing Rengoku's momentary lapse in response.

"Oh! You did nothing wrong!" His gaze seemed to drift off for a moment, a hint of a dreamy smile on his face. "It's just for a split second, I thought I had died and gone to heaven, and that you were a beautiful angel."

"GAH-" Your cheeks flushed crimson, caught off guard by his sudden remark. You found yourself at a loss for words. The two of you continued talking about various topics, enjoying each other's company. As the drowsiness settled in, you noticed the Kamaboko Trio had already succumbed to sleep. Rengoku, too, seemed on the verge of closing his eyes.

"Rengoku..." You called out to him, your voice soft but filled with concern. "Don't you dare die..."

...

"I'll never." He reassured you, his eyes gently closing as sleep overtook him. He instinctively rested his head on your shoulder/head.

'Ah... Dodo...' You glanced at the small bird perched in front of you. "Take care of my book... Please..." You whispered, entrusting Dodo with the precious possession. With that said, you finally allowed sleep to claim you as well, your head leaning gently against Rengoku's head/shoulder. Dodo nodded, keeping a watchful eye over you and the notebook, guarding your dreams.

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"To die in a sweet dream... what a wonderful thing. Even if it is a powerful demon slayer there are no exceptions. The driving force of mankind is the mind... and the spirit. Just destroy the spiritual core and everything is done. They are so easy to kill the spiritual core is the same no matter who it is. They are all so fragile like glass." Enmu talked to himself like the silly goof he is. "Go to sleep, sleep quietly. Forget everything, sleep quietly. Even if a demon comes, sleep quietly. Sleep quietly even in your heart. They seem very happy. They should all be having pleasant dreams. Fall gently. Fall gently. Fall into a dream. Fall into a deep sleep. Because you can't wake up anymore."

'Mhm... I was told that the girl who killed lower five is also here... she sounds really interesting...' He smiled as he hugged himself.

...

...

...

"Oh~? What is this~?" He asked to himself, his expression becoming enlightened. "So that's how it is? How is it even possible? I can't believe what I just saw... Hehe, how did she do that, I wonder...?"

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"Do we tie ourselves to them by the wrist?"

"That's right. Don't forget what he warned us about." Everyone looked at the person the tied themselves to. A boy with black curly hair and grey eyes looked at the rope that connected him with you.

"Take a deep, slow breath... while you count. Do that, and you'll fall asleep..."

One...

Two...

Three...

Four...

Five...

Six...