The moment Tengen's gaze swept toward Tanjiro and the others, the three froze like startled deer.
Infiltrate… a brothel?
They looked at each other, stunned.
But we're guys!
Their expressions collectively screamed confusion and despair. Just then, the supplies Tengen had ordered upon check-in arrived—delivered neatly in a woven basket.
Inside were the finest Taishō-era cosmetics.
"Don't worry," Tengen said with a confident grin. "My makeup skills are absolutely flashy. Even with faces like yours, you'll pass as dazzling beauties fit for the three greatest courtesan houses!"
He reached into the basket and began pulling out one cosmetic item after another. Watching him, the three young demon slayers looked like prisoners awaiting execution—until Chika, after a long moment of hesitation, raised her hand.
"Let me handle it."
Tengen blinked, then chuckled. "Fine by me. A woman doing women's makeup—it'll probably be more flashy that way anyway."
Chika's smile twitched. Flashy? That wasn't what she was going for. She just had more faith in her own sense of aesthetics than in his… because Tengen's makeup skills, if graded, would've been deep in the negatives.
His "technique" from the records of the original incident was unforgettable—
Overdrawn, screaming-red lips.
Cartoonishly round blush circles.
Eyelashes thick enough to swat mosquitoes.
And a white powder mask that could make a ghost jealous.
The first time Chika saw that scene, she'd been mid-sip on milk tea—and nearly spat it all over her phone screen.
Good grief. What a masterpiece of horror.
Now, holding the basket of cosmetics—whatever their names might be—Chika turned to the three trembling boys and smiled sweetly.
"So~ who wants to go first?"
They all stiffened. Not one of them stepped forward.
Her eye twitched. I'm saving you, and you're resisting? Unbelievable!
The temperature dropped. Her sweet smile turned devilish.
"Let me ask again," she said softly. "Who. Wants. To. Go. First?"
One Hour Later.
Chika finally set the last brush down, her expression complicated. "Hmm… I think that'll do? At least it's better than Tengen's."
In the mirror before them stood three transformed figures.
Tanjiro—innocent and pink-cheeked—looked shockingly natural.
Zenitsu was… serviceable. Not beautiful, but not nightmare fuel either.
And then there was Inosuke—
The mirror reflected a breathtakingly beautiful girl. His mother's stunning features had passed down completely. Even Daki herself—Yoshiwara's top courtesan—would have been hard-pressed not to gasp at such beauty.
Honestly, even without makeup, Inosuke's face alone could've fooled anyone.
Chika admired her handiwork with satisfaction. Behind her, Tengen stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Hmm… your technique isn't bad, but not exactly flamboyant, either."
Chika's smile froze.
She wanted—really wanted—to punch him.
But she restrained herself. If she didn't, the entire inn might have exploded by now.
"Anyway," Tengen said, beginning to remove his own accessories, "while they prepare, I'll do a bit of unflamboyant maintenance myself."
He peeled off his jewelry, wiped away the powder, and revealed his true face.
The flamboyant Sound Hashira… was also an infuriatingly handsome man.
Zenitsu stared at him, dumbfounded. Then his face twisted in a mix of disbelief and jealousy.
He's a pretty boy too?! Three wives weren't enough?!
Tengen flashed a grin. "Well? Even without makeup, I'm still flashy, right?"
He turned toward Chika, expecting awe.
She blinked. "Ah? Oh—yes, yes, very flashy."
Her tone was too casual. He looked mildly disappointed.
Meanwhile, Nezuko's glare darkened even further.
This man… is definitely trying to seduce my sister.
Soon after, the boys—now convincingly disguised as girls—emerged from the inn in full dress.
Tengen and Chika walked side by side at the front, the "girls" trailing behind.
Their small group immediately drew stares from every direction.
After all, the tall, striking man at the lead was a walking sculpture, and beside him, the ethereal woman seemed to glow beneath the lanterns. And following them—Inosuke, a "girl" of impossible beauty—was enough to break necks all the way down the street.
At that same time, the district was alive with excitement—the Oiran parade of Tokitomi House's courtesan Koinatsu was taking place.
She advanced slowly, wearing an exquisite kimono worth a small fortune.
The crowd pressed close, admiring her every deliberate step.
To buy out an Oiran like Koinatsu required more than just wealth—it required status, reputation, and persistence. Most would never succeed. A courtesan's worth went beyond her body; she was her house's pride and prestige. Unless a new Oiran rose to replace her, she would never be "redeemed."
Yet even amidst the parade, people's eyes began to drift—to Chika's group as they passed.
Among those watching was the proprietress of Ogimoto House, her gaze sharp as a hawk's.
Her eyes flicked rapidly, scanning the group one by one.
Tengen – A stunning man!
Chika – An uncommon beauty… not of noble birth, but with the air of someone extraordinary.
Tanjiro – Average.
Zenitsu – Still average.
Inosuke – Wait… that face—!
Her eyes widened. Her pulse spiked.
That beauty…! A face like that could rival a top courtesan's. No—she could become one!
Without hesitation, the woman dashed forward, her sandals clacking on the stone.
"Excuse me! That child—she's being sold into the district, right? Sell her to me!"
Her eyes gleamed with predatory glee.
Tengen, recognizing her as Ogimoto House's owner, opened his mouth to say, "Sure, take—"
Only to be abruptly cut off when Chika's foot stomped into his leg.
Thud!
He swallowed his words instantly.
Chika turned toward the proprietress with a perfect, businesslike smile.
"And how much," she asked sweetly, "are you offering?"