Demon Slayer: Dragon Hashira#53/54: Call Me Lady Chiko, Makeup for the Trio, Infiltrating Kyogoku House, Becoming an Oiran.

"Kaidō, are you done yet? We've been waiting forever... so... so... beautiful!"

Tengen and Tanjiro had waited outside the door for ages. Finally opening it, they froze.

Kaidō—no, now Chiko—sat gracefully on the tatami mat. His right hand rested over his left atop his white-stockinged legs positioned perfectly in the center. The kimono's wide sleeves draped elegantly on either side. An invisible aura of dignity and grace emanated from him.

"Kaidō-san, are you still not...!!!" Tanjiro entered behind Tengen, then stopped dead, stunned speechless.

"What are you guys looking at... WHOA!!" Zenitsu and Inosuke followed, seeing Kaidō's transformed appearance. They were equally mesmerized.

'Kaidō looking like this... I think I'd be okay with it! Hehehe...' Zenitsu's thoughts wandered into dangerous territory.

"Standing in my presence?? Kneel before your Queen!!" Kaidō's voice—now a mature, authoritative female tone, courtesy of the Queen Experience Card—rang out with absolute command.

THUD THUD THUD THUD.

Four simultaneous thuds as everyone dropped to their knees. Tengen, Tanjiro, and the others didn't understand why. They only knew that hearing Kaidō—Chiko—command them to kneel, their bodies moved involuntarily.

"White-Hair, what are you doing??"

"Silence! Address me as Lady Chiko!" Chiko looked down at the kneeling Inosuke, voice brooking no defiance.

'This guy definitely awakened some weird fetish!' Tengen's mind reeled.

"Tengen, the makeup you did on them is hideous! I can barely stand to look at it!"

"Y-you... well, how would you do it??" For some reason, Tengen couldn't bring himself to raise his voice when speaking to Chiko.

Of course, this was all thanks to the Queen Experience Card. Without it, the effect wouldn't be nearly as potent.

The trio's makeup was indeed laughable. Their entire faces were slathered in white foundation—so thick you could probably scrape a layer off with your finger. Red circular marks decorated their cheeks.

Tengen had given them the names Sumiko (Tanjiro), Zenko (Zenitsu), and Inoko (Inosuke) respectively.

"Allow me to show you what real makeup looks like!"

"Zenitsu, come here!"

"Y-yes, my Lady!" Zenitsu seemed to be enjoying this far too much. He crawled forward in a half-kneeling prostrate position until he knelt properly before Chiko. A faint, pleasant fragrance wafted from her.

"..."

Grabbing the makeup kit from the table, Chiko used makeup remover to wipe away all the white foundation and red marks from Zenitsu's face. Then, activating Max-Level Makeup Mastery, he began working.

About ten minutes later, Chiko had finished applying subtle makeup. "Zenko (Zenitsu), turn around and show them what true beauty looks like!"

"Yes, my Lady!" Zenitsu slowly turned around.

Tengen admitted defeat on the spot.

The newly made-up Zenitsu could genuinely pass as a stunning beauty.

Exquisite light makeup. A subtle layer of foundation on his cheeks. Lips painted with crystal-clear light red lipstick.

Chiko had even adjusted his clothing slightly, exposing one shoulder. Every movement now carried subtle allure.

———————

"You two—come here!" Chiko's command left no room for argument. Tanjiro and Inosuke approached, and she began redoing their makeup.

Tengen watched Chiko—Kaidō transformed—with genuine bewilderment. It was like watching a completely different person. Beautiful, yes. Commanding, absolutely. Shame he's actually male.

During the makeup session, Chiko ordered Tengen to fetch an umbrella and a shamisen. With no choice, Tengen went to ask the Wisteria House owner for supplies.

Another half hour passed.

Chiko finished Tanjiro and Inosuke's makeup while also restyling Zenitsu's hair.

The trio now looked like three genuine beauties.

Though Tanjiro's forehead bore a scar, Chiko's makeup transformed it into a decorative feature. She adorned the scarred area with a butterfly clip containing white chrysanthemums. His hair was swept back, revealing his entire face with small locks framing both temples. Light makeup, a touch of pale lipstick, and an umbrella completed the look—like the girl next door on a sunny day.

Zenitsu's hair had been completely reworked—swept up and secured with two golden hairpins, decorated with flowers. Straight bangs partially covered his forehead. Holding a shamisen, he resembled a musician who was equal parts pure and alluring.

As for Inosuke? Even better. His natural features were already striking. With Chiko's makeup expertise, he became genuinely stunning. Hair pulled into a bun secured with a hairpin, leaving only bangs and side locks. Redrawn eyeliner plus pale lipstick gave him the aura of an ice princess.

"Truly flamboyant!" Tengen couldn't help but admire the four figures before him.

Chiko stood gracefully, walking toward the trio like a queen with three attendants accompanying her on a royal procession.

"Let's go."

"Uh, go where?"

"What? Didn't you say we have a mission?"

"Oh, right! Sorry, forgot! Hahaha! Wait here—I'll go put on some flamboyant makeup too."

"Make it quick. Otherwise, I'm kidnapping your wives to be maids."

"Ugh... that's not flamboyant at all..."

———————

Yoshiwara Entertainment District.

Yoshiwara—the red-light district where male and female vanity and desire converged. Love and hate intertwined beneath neon lights on these nocturnal streets.

Most courtesans here had been sold into service due to poverty, though they gained food and shelter in return.

At the pinnacle stood the "oiran"—courtesans of the highest rank. Special existences combining beauty, refinement, and artistic skill into one extraordinary package.

Meeting an oiran was difficult. Men competed desperately, flaunting wealth and status for the mere chance to spend time with one. Anything more? Even better.

Tengen had removed his makeup, letting his white hair flow freely in the wind. He wore a loose kimono, chest open to reveal his abs, displaying his naturally handsome features.

He led Chiko (Kaido), Sumiko (Tanjiro), Zenko (Zenitsu), and Inoko (Inosuke) through the Entertainment District streets. Every eye turned toward them—mesmerized.

Women stared at the tall, handsome Tengen. Men couldn't tear their gazes from Chiko's group.

Chiko's queenly dignity and grace radiated constantly.

"Wow! Who's that white-haired woman in the center? Which house's oiran is she?? So stunning! Even her walk is elegant!"

"And look at the three girls following her! They're gorgeous too! Must be her attendants. If the attendants are that beautiful, imagine the white-haired woman! She's like a queen!"

"That guy up front must be their bodyguard, right? Tch, being handsome doesn't matter—he's still just hired muscle! Wonder which house she's from? Tokito House? Ogimoto House? Or Kyogoku House?"

While the crowd speculated, three men approached Chiko, emboldened. The one wearing glasses spoke:

"Beautiful miss, would you care to join me for dinner? Whatever you require, I can provide!"

Chiko slowly turned, examining the three. One was bald. Another slightly overweight. The last wore glasses and looked refined—he was the speaker.

In a tone that brooked no defiance, Chiko commanded: "Kneel before me!!"

THUD THUD THUD!

All three dropped instantly, heads pressed to the ground, hands forward.

Chiko slipped off her right platform sandal, placing her white-stockinged foot atop Glasses's head and pressing down. Her left hand rested on her hip.

"Filthy, disgusting creatures. You think you're worthy of speaking to me?? You three waste air by living and waste land by dying!"

"You're only fit to kneel before me! You don't even deserve to carry my shoes! Don't speak with those foul mouths—you're polluting the air!"

Tengen started to intervene, then froze. Glasses wore an obscene expression—like he was in heat, thoroughly enjoying being trampled.

"Ahh~ My Queen! I'll gladly be your carpet for you to walk on! Can't let this dirty ground touch your beautiful feet!" Glasses's voice was absolutely disgusting.

'This guy's definitely a masochist,' Tengen thought.

"Silence! Who gave you permission to speak to me? You dare give me orders??"

"Yes! My Queen, I apologize! Please continue!"

Tengen: ??

Chiko moved her foot to Baldy's head. "Your bald head offends me. Next time I see it, I'm ripping it off and using it as a soccer ball! The sight makes me sick—you're not even worth being a chamber pot!"

"Yes~! Forgive me, My Queen! I've sullied your beautiful eyes!" Baldy's expression was equally perverse.

"Shut up! You don't have the right to speak to me either!"

"And you!" She lifted her foot slightly, pressing it against the third man. "Do me a favor—get lost and look in a mirror! You're like the pig demon from Journey to the West—uglier every time I look! All that fat makes me want to vomit! You have no right to see me!"

"It's my fault, noble Queen~!"

"You shut up too! Your voice is polluting the atmosphere!"

The crowd watching the three men kneeling under Chiko's feet showed contempt. Men felt these three were disgracing their gender—while clearly enjoying it! Women found them pathetic, though some felt strange urges to kneel themselves.

The group departed, leaving three men still prostrated on the street.

<><><><><><><><>

Tokito House.

The owner and proprietress eyed Chiko and the others.

"We'll pay double the normal price for all four! Will you accept?"

"Sorry, ma'am—you can only choose one. The other three go elsewhere."

"Really... well, alright. What a shame. I'll take the white-haired one! You called her Chiko, correct? Clearly from a refined family. That aura is just..."

"I want Kyogoku House."

Chiko's interruption silenced the proprietress. Confusion crossed her face.

"Why? My Tokito House is excellent! Not inferior to Kyogoku House! I can train you properly—you'll become an outstanding oiran!"

"No reason. Do you have a problem with my decision??"

"N-no... no problem! Then I'll take Sumiko (Tanjiro)!" The proprietress and owner were intimidated by that overwhelming presence.

"Yes, I'll work hard!" Just like that, Sumiko (Tanjiro) was stationed at Tokito House.

———————

On the street, Inoko (Inosuke) pointed ahead excitedly. "Hey! Looks like a big crowd over there!"

Tengen followed her finger. "That's an oiran procession! Koinatsu, the oiran from Tokito House!"

"Is she one of your wives?? That's ridiculous! You not only have three wives, but they're all gorgeous beauties!!" Zenko (Zenitsu) roared.

Tengen punched Zenko in the stomach. "Shut up, idiot! She's not my wife! The ranking board has names listed—use your eyes!!"

He aimed for the stomach to avoid ruining the facial makeup.

"Walking so slow... in the mountains, she'd be dead meat immediately!" Inoko (Inosuke) squatted, one hand supporting her chin.

A madam approached, spotting Chiko's group. Her eyes lit up.

"Sir! I'll pay top price for all three girls! Is that acceptable? Oh, forgive me—I'm the madam of Ogimoto House."

"Really? Thank you, ma'am! But you can only take one."

"Why?? If it's about money, I'll pay double!"

"No, these two are going to Kyogoku House. No choice."

"What a shame. I'll take this one then! She looks promising. Not quite as stunning as the white-haired girl beside you, but close! Here's payment!" The Ogimoto madam pointed at Inoko (Inosuke), producing a stack of bills from her sleeve.

"Thank you very much, ma'am!" Tengen accepted the money, waving at Inoko. "Take care, Inoko!"

"Come, Zenko (Zenitsu). Follow me to Kyogoku House! Remember—once inside, you obey my every command! Otherwise, I take no responsibility for what happens!"

"Yes~ Lady Chiko! Hehehe..."

'Pretty smooth so far. Truly flamboyant!' Tengen thought, leading Chiko and Zenko toward Kyogoku House.

———————

Kyogoku House.

"Sir, is this true?? You'll really sell both girls to us??" The Kyogoku madam was overjoyed yet uncertain whether to believe Tengen.

The moment Chiko and Zenko (Zenitsu) entered Kyogoku House, the madam had been stunned. Hearing Tengen wanted to sell both girls made her ecstatic.

She immediately invited them inside to discuss pricing.

"Absolutely true, ma'am!"

"Wonderful! Both girls are beautiful! Especially this white-haired one—that aura is incomparable! I won't let you suffer a loss. How about double the standard price? Wait here—I'll fetch the money!" She hurried off.

Minutes later, the madam returned with payment. After handing it to Tengen, she led Chiko and Zenko (Zenitsu) upstairs.

"Take care, Chiko! Zenko!"

"Call me Lady Chiko!" Chiko looked back at Tengen with regal authority.

The madam nearly lost her balance on the stairs, intimidated by that overwhelming presence.

...

Meanwhile, on the street.

"Did you find out?"

"Yeah! The white-haired queen's at Kyogoku House!"

"Really?? Perfect! I must see My Queen again! Hehehe..."

The three speakers were the perverted trio Chiko had stepped on earlier.

"Get lost! She's MY Queen!"

"Nonsense—she's MY Queen!"

They argued so intensely they nearly came to blows.

"Hmph! Then let's settle this with our abilities—see who reaches Kyogoku House first to meet the Queen!"

———————

"Chiko, this is your room. Rest here for now. I'll send someone to teach you everything you need to know." The madam addressed Chiko.

"What if I said I want to become an oiran? Would you be willing?" Chiko's smile was enigmatic.

"Well... Chiko, becoming an oiran isn't that simple. It requires extensive training over time."

"Warabihime is an oiran—stunning beauty but terrible personality. I've heard older generations say oirans like using 'hime' in their stage names."

Chiko leaned close to the madam's ear, whispering. "They all share one habit. When displeased, they tilt their heads, looking up at people from below. Am I right, Madam?"

"Chiko, you... who are you really..."

"Madam, you know what to say and what not to say, correct?? Also, you've probably guessed—Warabihime isn't human! I'm here to eliminate her. So... do you still oppose me becoming an oiran?"

The Kyogoku madam's inner turmoil was visible. She looked at Chiko, considering carefully, before finally making her decision.

"Understood! Everything will be done as you say! Oiran Chiko!"

"Smart woman. Don't worry—I can handle an oiran's duties!"

Chiko knelt gracefully at the table, selecting a potted plant and beginning ikebana. Max-Level Handicraft manifested perfectly. She also retracted that overwhelming authority, leaving only gentle, refined nobility. Every movement was aesthetically pleasing.

If not for Chiko's earlier words, the madam would think she was dealing with two different people.

"Then, Oiran Chiko, I won't disturb you further. If you need anything, just ask!"

"Actually, there is something. Have Zenko (Zenitsu) play shamisen—she's excellent! Also, spread word that Kyogoku House has a new oiran. Whether they can meet me depends on their abilities."

"Or rather—whether their wallets are thick enough. Consider it small compensation for Kyogoku House."

"Understood, Oiran Chiko!"

The madam left with Zenko but returned shortly with two young girls in pink kimonos.

"Oiran Chiko, these two will serve you. I hope you don't mind!"

"Fine. Some things are difficult alone. They can stay."

"Thank you! You two—serve Oiran Chiko properly, understood?"

"Yes." Both girls bowed.

After the madam left, only the two children remained.

"Come here, both of you!" Chiko smiled warmly—like a ray of sunshine—beckoning them over.

"What are your names?"

"Oiran Chiko, I'm Akiko."

"I'm Yuko."

"Two little cuties. I don't have proper gifts, but here—these pastries are for you!" She handed them boxes from the table.

Chiko had purchased them from the [System Lifestyle Shop] for herself. But seeing these adorable girls, she couldn't help wanting to care for them.

"Really? For us?" Akiko asked.

"Of course!"

"Thank you, Chiko-nee!" Both girls kissed her cheeks simultaneously.

"You two little rascals! Alright, alright—eat up!"

"Mm!" They beamed.

'I hope you both grow up healthy. And I hope we never meet again after this.' Chiko—Kaidō—kept these thoughts silent.

———————

Twang~ twang twang,

Zenko (Zenitsu) was performing exactly as Chiko instructed, playing shamisen alongside several courtesans. Her skill matched anyone present.

"That girl plays beautifully! And she's so cute! Is she new?"

"Yes! Such presence!"

"I heard she has excellent hearing—can play any instrument after hearing it once."

"She came with the new oiran! Though that oiran is beautiful, she's so commanding—like a queen!"

———————

After starting work at Tokito House, Tanjiro constantly searched for information about Suma. In Oiran Koinatsu's room, he overheard two young girls discussing crucial details.

"Stop gossiping about rumors."

"Yes, Oiran Koinatsu!" Both girls chorused.

"Sumiko (Tanjiro), come here a moment!"

"Yes!"

Koinatsu handed Tanjiro a small bag of candy and pastries. "Thanks for helping me carry things. These snacks are for you—eat them quietly by yourself!"

"Thank you! Um, was Oiran Suma... did she run away?"

"Why ask about that?" Koinatsu's guard went up immediately.

Seeing her wariness, Tanjiro realized one wrong word would ruin any chance of learning about Suma.

"Actually, I... I'm... Oiran Suma's... little sister!"

Being fundamentally honest, Tanjiro couldn't maintain a normal expression while lying. His face contorted awkwardly. Koinatsu and the two girls were startled by his terrifying expression.

"After selling her older sister, they sold the younger one to the Entertainment District too..."

"Y-yes! Sister Suma kept sending me letters! I don't believe she'd run away!"

"I don't believe it either. She was always diligent and responsible. But her diary was found—supposedly she wrote about running away! If she really did escape, I genuinely hope she got away safely!"

"Diary? Running away?" Something clicked in Tanjiro's mind.

He suspected the "runaway" explanation was convenient for a demon. Even if people disappeared, everyone would assume they'd escaped. The diary was probably forged by the demon as camouflage. He prayed Suma was safe.

Tengen stood on a rooftop, watching the bustling streets below. He wondered whether Kaidō and the others could successfully investigate his three wives' whereabouts.

After losing contact with them, an ominous feeling had settled in his gut. The demon hiding in this Entertainment District felt unusual—possibly even an Upper Rank.

But Kaidō's presence was reassuring. He'd witnessed the Dragon Hashira's strength firsthand. If it was an Upper Rank, two Hashira together could definitely kill it.

"Truly flamboyant! This time, I finally get to fight side-by-side with Kaidō flamboyantly! Haha!"

———————

News of Kyogoku House's new oiran spread rapidly. Men flooded toward it in droves, desperate to glimpse her. Even customers from Tokito House and Ogimoto House rushed over.

This was exactly what Chiko (Kaido) wanted—attracting Daki's attention quickly.

Every man who met Oiran Chiko emerged with expressions of pure bliss. Why? She'd verbally destroyed them. Combined with the Queen's authority, they'd become addicted to being insulted.

"You're not worthy! You filthy creature! Want a drink? Go to the stables and drink horse piss! Before I lose my temper completely, crawl out of here—NOW!" Chiko's foot pressed atop some patron's head, both hands on her hips.

"Yes~! Noble Queen! I'll crawl out immediately!" The man obeyed, crawling from the room.

Outside, courtesans watched men exiting Oiran Chiko's room. They all wore obscene, blissful expressions. Constant verbal abuse echoed from within. Curiosity drove the courtesans to peek inside—then understanding dawned.

"So... how many is this tonight?"

"Fourth one. Sigh... those disgusting men can't even touch Oiran Chiko. She steps on them, and they look absolutely euphoric! Revolting. I wish I could be like Oiran Chiko someday!"

"Don't even try. That commanding presence isn't something ordinary people can pull off."