Tom In The Multiverse

Killing demons was the most important thing, so Tom and the others didn't rest for too long at James' factory. After confirming the ordered goods were in good condition, they made some modifications to the wooden box where Nezuko slept and set off once again.

The Demon Slayer uniforms were far too eye-catching in the United States, so at Tom's suggestion, everyone changed into outfits with a Western style. Shirts, waistcoats, breeches, riding boots, revolvers, rifles, and even cowboy hats—each of them dressed like an American pioneer. After purchasing four horses from James and getting a map, Tom and his party continued their journey on horseback.

Surprisingly, after the wardrobe change, they no longer drew attention. When they were in Japan, the ban on swords due to the Meiji Restoration forced members of the Demon Slayer Corps to hide their Nichirin Swords when entering cities. But in the United States? People here were more casual, and even if Tom and his companions dragged a cannon through the streets, it wouldn't have raised too many eyebrows.

Tomioka Giyu was riding one of the horses, with Tom perched comfortably on the saddle behind him. The cat, with a newspaper in his paws and his legs crossed, looked as relaxed as could be. This familiar sight made Zenitsu groan internally.

As Tom read the newspaper, his calm voice drifted over to the rest of the group. "The demon in Rhodes we're tracking is likely Gyokko. He's at least 150 years old now. Before he became a demon, he was obsessed with killing animals and decorating pots with their scales and bones. He called it art."

Tom continued to explain Gyokko's abilities, "After becoming a demon, his Blood Demon Arts are linked to his life's obsession. He can teleport through his pots and summon various aquatic creatures. His full-body form is covered in scales harder than diamonds, and anything he touches can turn into a fish."

Tom's sharp voice cut through the steady clip-clop of the horses. "When fighting him, destroy his pots first to nullify his abilities. Be cautious of the water summoned from his pots—it's difficult to escape from."

The group listened intently to Tom's briefing, as they were accustomed to his extensive knowledge of demons. Tanjiro, who had been quietly absorbing the information, asked, "Master Tom, do you have a plan?"

Tom Mu nodded, not even looking up from his newspaper as he leisurely read an article about UFOs and aliens. "The people who've gone missing recently are all famous artists. Gyokko thinks of himself as an artist as well."

"If we pretend to be artists in Rhodes, we should be able to draw Gyokko out."

He glanced at Zenitsu and Tanjiro, adding, "The demons can communicate through their blood. Gyokko might already know your faces, so this operation will be handled by Inosuke and me. Inosuke always wears a boar mask, so no demon knows his true identity."

Tomioka Giyu glanced at Tom Mu, his expression as stoic as ever. "How are you going to pretend to be artists?" Zenitsu burst out nervously, "Inosuke came from the mountains! He doesn't even know what art is!"

From the wooden box, Nezuko made a small sound, seemingly interested in the conversation.

Tom didn't bother to acknowledge the worry, confidently setting down the newspaper. "Don't worry. Art is my strong suit. I'll become a renowned artist in no time."

---

A week later, in the city of Rhodes, Gyokko, tightly wrapped in a cloak to conceal his features, was pushing a cart full of porcelain pots adorned with intricate patterns of birds, fish, and flowers. As he showed his works to the passing crowd, Gyokko's facade of politeness masked his true nature. The pots were a reflection of his twisted mind, and he believed they represented the pinnacle of artistic achievement.

As he spoke in fluent English, a skill gained from consuming victims, he enthusiastically explained the beauty of his creations to a mustachioed man and his female companion. "These are the finest examples of Eastern art. They are not to be touched, only appreciated."

Despite the ornate designs and Gyokko's smooth words, the couple seemed disinterested. The woman tugged at her partner's arm and said, "I heard about a carriage artist who performs every night. Let's go see that instead."

The man hesitated, glancing at the pots before shrugging and allowing himself to be led away. Soon, all the curious onlookers had drifted away, leaving Gyokko seething in frustration.

"Carriage artist?" he muttered darkly to himself. "I've been here for months perfecting my art, and now some hack is drawing bigger crowds than me?"

With a furious scowl, Gyokko pushed his cart toward the city center, where the so-called carriage artist was performing.

As he approached, the sound of a piano reached his ears. On a stage fashioned from an old carriage, a black cat in a tuxedo played Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody, his paws moving gracefully across the keys. The powerful melody captivated the crowd, drawing them into the vibrant world of the music. As the rhythm quickened, the intensity grew, and the audience was entranced by the spectacle before them. Even Gyokko found himself pausing at the edge of the crowd, unable to tear his eyes away from the scene.

When the final note hung in the air and silence fell over the gathering, the applause that followed was thunderous. Flowers were thrown onto the stage, and Tom Mu, the black cat at the piano, took a small bow, acknowledging the crowd's cheers with an elegant sweep of his paw.

From the edge of the crowd, Gyokko clenched his fists. His voice, dripping with malice, rang out, "What is that supposed to be? That is not art! True art is what I create!"