The quiet hum of streetlights buzzed faintly above as Adam made his way deeper into the city outskirts, the glow of homes growing sparse, replaced by vending machines, shuttered stores, and the occasional alley-cat darting through the shadows.
Once he was far enough from Midoriya's place, he stopped under a flickering sign that read Shirogane Pawn & Repair. The streets were still.
"Nano," he said calmly, hands in his pockets. "Trace and identify the one who posted that article about me."
[Initiating Request… Hacking in Progress…]
Lines of green and violet code danced across his vision like rain falling in reverse. Nano was fast—faster than any modern A.I. on Earth—and within seconds, data began flowing in like a river unleashed.
[MATCH FOUND]
Organization Identified: Veilbreak
Status: Active – 5 years
Reach: Global
Focus: Hunter-related content, policy leaks, hunter spotlight, guild corruption exposés.
Current Follower Base: 11.4 million across multiple platforms
Known Followers:
Toga Himiko – B-Rank Hunter, Dungeon Streamer, Japan.
Emma Bessho – A-Rank Summoner-Class Hunter, U.S. (Speculated Core Member).
Adam's eyes narrowed.
"That Emma girl… she's making waves back in the States."
[Affirmative. Notable for summoning creatures from unknown origin classifications. Likely awakened with an unclassified ability.]
But then came the next detail.
[Current Veilbreak Japan Operations Hub.
Location: Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture – Northern District – Shirosawa Block]
Adam tilted his head.
"So not Tokyo, huh… they're hiding in the mountains."
A map pulled up in his vision, pinpointing a tight cluster of buildings at the edge of Matsumoto's industrial sector. From what Nano could tell, they operated from a disguised publishing studio—but beneath it, heat signatures hinted at a full-on underground facility. Not illegal but suspiciously fortified for an 'independent media group'
He leaned back against a rail, watching cars pass on a nearby overpass.
"How long have they been tracking me?"
[Unknown. Current article was published 46 minutes after your dungeon clear. Facial blur consistent with passive anonymity filters.]
"So they're capable. And they're watching the new blood."
He looked up at the night sky, neon lights dancing on glass above.
"Mark their location. Let's not pay them a visit yet but if they cross a line—"
[Understood. Tracking enabled. Updating local surveillance patterns.]
Adam smirked.
"This world's getting more interesting by the minute."
He turned away from the rail and headed down the street. His steps quiet, but purposeful. Tomorrow, he'd start his next move.
Tonight, he'd disappear again for a while.
-------------------------------------------------------------
The wind howled softly as Adam stood atop a mossy ridge in the rural mountains of Japan. Pines swayed gently, and a blanket of mist draped the quiet wilderness like a secret waiting to be spoken.
He looked out over the treeline. There were no cities here. No glowing screens. Only the breath of old earth and the smell of coming rain.
He lifted his phone and tapped out a quick message to Izuku:
"Gonna be off the grid for a bit. Focus on the plan. I'll check in later."
Then, sliding the device into his pocket, his gaze sharpened.
"Nano," he said, voice calm but resolute. "Lock onto the nearest alternate world. I want access—doesn't matter if it's an A.U. or not. Just make it count."
[Searching… World Signature Detected.]
[Stability: 88% – Acceptable Parameters.]
[Opening Dimensional Gate in 3… 2… 1…]
A ripple cracked through the air in front of him like a mirror being disturbed. Reality bent outward, forming a circular portal with glowing blood-red runes and digital static weaving between the edges.
Without hesitation, Adam stepped through.
He blinked—and immediately noticed the difference.
The mountains were still here. The air still fresh. But it felt different. There was no trace of satellites, towers, or aircraft. The sky was darker, the trees thicker, and even the sun seemed heavier in the sky, like time moved differently here.
"Nano," he said, scanning the surroundings. "Where the hell am I now?"
[Current World Identified: "Project: Demon Crescent"]
[World Base: Kimetsu no Yaiba (AU Variant)]
[Time Dilation: 1 Day in Previous World = 5 Days Here]
[Running Local Scan… Processing Timeline Deviations:]
A display appeared in his vision:
[World Log: Demon Crescent AU]
Yoriichi Tsugikuni never joined the Demon Slayer Corps.
His wife was never killed. He lived a peaceful life.
His sword was never drawn for war.
Michikatsu Tsugikuni was never saved.
He died in obscurity at the hands of a demon, unknown and forgotten.
The Demon Slayer Corps continued, but without the benefit of Yoriichi's genius.
Their Breathing Techniques were more limited or none existing, and warriors died young.
Tamayo broke free from Muzan's control decades earlier.
Now she works with the Ubuyashiki family openly, her alchemical research providing vital tools for demon resistance.
The Ubuyashiki family, bolstered by Tamayo's knowledge and their own ancestral wealth, have managed to keep the corps alive… barely.
Demons still rule the shadows. Muzan remains hidden, believing himself the apex of the world.
The balance teeters on the edge of collapse.
Adam took it all in, arms crossed, gaze thoughtful.
"So no Yoriichi, no Sun Breathing… and the Corps is falling apart."
[Correct. Power vacuum detected. Potential influence range: Extremely High.]
"Interesting. I think I'll pay them a visit eventually."
He took a step forward into the mossy path, crimson cloak shifting behind him slightly as he walked.
"In the meantime, keep an eye out for demon signatures and possible Corps activity nearby. Also, see if you can find Tamayo's current location."
[Understood. Scanning in progress… Establishing search grid within 100km radius.]
He cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, the familiar itch for a challenge curling in his fingers.
As Adam walked along the worn forest trail, the fog began to thin, revealing the distant shadow of a complex nestled at the foot of the hills. A blend of traditional Japanese estate architecture and hidden reinforced structures, it pulsed faintly with spiritual energy.
[Location Confirmed: Demon Slayer Corps – Central Estate | Tamayo's Lab: Subdivision #3]
Adam's gaze sharpened. Two birds, one stone.
"Nano. Any updates on major figures in this world?"
[Affirmative. Responding to prior query…]
[World Intel Log: Update #02]
Kagaya Ubuyashiki: Current heir to the Ubuyashiki bloodline. Age: 7 years. Not yet inducted as leader due to his age and fragile health. His father, Haruya Ubuyashiki, currently holds the position as interim Master. The family's curse remains active but has slightly diminished thanks to early intervention by Tamayo.
Yoriichi Tsugikuni's Bloodline: The last direct male descendant died 27 years ago in battle, leaving behind only one child:
Name: Tsugiko Kanzaki
Age: 32
Profession: Medic and Field Surgeon for the Demon Slayer Corps – Kyoto Division
Combat Rank: Support-Class Non-Slayer
Marital Status: Single
Blood Potential: Transparent World. Unawaken.
Kibutsuji Muzan:
Status: Active
Control Level: Absolute
Current Objective: Still seeking the Blue Spider Lily
Estimated Kill Count: 17,000+ confirmed deaths in 4 centuries
Demon Count in Japan: Estimated 3x higher than original timeline
Upper Moon Count: 9 (2 unknown entities beyond the original hierarchy)
Resistance: None capable of challenging him currently
Adam let out a low whistle.
"So the Corps is surviving by a thread. No Sun Breathers. Muzan's even worse. And Tsugiko might be sitting on dormant fire"
[Correct. Her potential remains unrecognized. However, with the right trigger, her dormant affinity could be awakened.]
"She might come in handy later…"
He continued along the trail, feeling the spiritual signatures gradually grow stronger as he neared the hidden base. Despite being a world without modernity, it was surprisingly well-fortified, shielded by both talismans and natural concealment techniques.
"Tell me more about Tamayo. What's her current role here?"
[Tamayo functions as Head of Alchemical Sciences. Her efforts have slowed Muzan's corruption rate in minor demons. She is also developing a prototype anti-demon serum, though success has been partial. Her lab is one of the main lifelines for the Corps.]
"And how much does she know about me?"
[Currently: Nothing. However, your sudden appearance will trigger immediate analysis by her wards.]
"Perfect," Adam smirked, brushing his hand over his hair. "Let's introduce ourselves then."
The path ended at a wooden gate, watched by two stern-looking guards in uniform. They readied themselves but hesitated as their talismans flickered uncontrollably.
"Identify yourself."
Adam raised a hand calmly. " I'm just a traveler. Name's Adam Black. I'm here to speak with Lady Tamayo. She'll want to hear me out."
Their eyes narrowed, but one turned and blew a whistle tied with silver thread. Moments later, a quiet figure stepped into view—an older woman, graceful and composed, her eyes ancient yet calm. Tamayo herself.
She studied Adam for only a moment before gesturing quietly to him.
The scent of herbs and ink filled the corridor as Adam walked beside Tamayo, the wooden floor beneath them creaking ever so slightly with each step. The air inside the Demon Slayer Corps' estate was solemn, but an undercurrent of hope was woven through desperation.
Tamayo, calm as ever, cast a glance at him as they approached the inner chamber.
"I can sense you're not like the others here," she said, voice low and careful.
"Let's just say I've walked many lands, Lady Tamayo," Adam replied with a faint smile. "And I came here because this world needs change. I can be that change."
She studied him for a beat longer before offering a slight nod. "Then come. The head of the Ubuyashiki family and his son wish to meet you."
The doors slid open with a low hiss, revealing a warmly lit chamber. At the far end sat a dignified man, no older than his mid-40s, dressed in dark robes embroidered with subtle sigils of protection, Haruya Ubuyashiki, the acting Master. At his side sat a young boy, Kagaya, fragile-looking with kind eyes, and standing just slightly behind him was a girl around seventeen. Her posture was alert, formal, and protective.
Her uniform bore the crest of the Kamo Clan, a red circle split by a crescent blade. She bowed deeply upon Adam's entrance.
"This is Kamo Arika," Haruya said, gesturing toward the girl. "The Kamo have served us faithfully for centuries. Arika is my son's personal guardian."
Adam's brow arched ever so slightly.
'Kamo? That name shouldn't be here. Nano, isn't that?'
[Confirmed. This world contains a minor Kamo clan, bearing similar lineage patterns to the one found in the Jujutsu Kaisen world. However, no Zen'in or Gojo equivalents exist. Additionally, no trace of Cursed Energy has been detected in this world.]
"Interesting…" Adam thought. So the pieces are familiar, but shuffled.
After the pleasantries, Haruya gestured for Adam to take a seat.
"You say you are a traveler from afar," he began. "Yet you carry yourself like a warrior. Tamayo says you hold knowledge that may aid us. Tell me—what is it you offer the Demon Slayer Corps?"
Adam leaned forward, meeting the Master's eyes with measured gravity.
"I come from distant lands, far beyond your oceans and mountains. Lands where monsters were not merely hunted—they were eradicated. I offer knowledge, techniques, and training methods that can strengthen your corps and tip the balance of power. I do not ask for your loyalty, only to be compensate acordenly and have access to your resources"
There was a silence.
Even Arika's stance relaxed slightly—whether from belief or intrigue, he couldn't tell.
Haruya studied him quietly, then looked to Tamayo, who nodded once in support.
"We are a dying order, Adam Black. If your words hold truth then this may be the spark we need."
Adam offered a calm nod, then turned slightly to Arika.
"You, Kamo girl… You train?"
"Every day," she said, her voice disciplined.
"What style?"
"The kamo's traditional kenjutsu and martial arts"
Adam hummed.
"Show me later. I want to see what this world's swordplay looks like."
Then to Tamayo.
"I'll need access to your alchemy logs, demon research, and battle reports. Also I want to meet this Tsugiko Kanzaki. There's something dormant in her. She could be important."
Haruya nodded. "Very well. You will be given access. But you will be watched."