Tom In The Multiverse

The year was 1916, and Tokyo Port was bustling with activity. People thronged the pier as the uneven stone road clattered under the wheels of horse-drawn carriages carrying goods recently unloaded from cargo ships. Workers, rickshaw pullers, and vendors hustled in every direction, their voices competing with the rhythmic grinding of gears and creaking wood. A whistle rang out, sharp and long, drawing the crowd's attention.

Amid exclamations of awe and excitement, a 150-meter-long luxury cruise ship slowly sailed into Tokyo Bay. The ship's imposing size and billowing black smoke drew stares of wonder and even trepidation from the locals. Many had never seen a vessel so grand up close. The arrival of this behemoth injected new vitality into the busy port, setting the scene for a day of heightened activity.

Passengers, both arriving and departing, bustled on the pier. Workers and rickshaw pullers swarmed forward, competing to offer their services to disembarking travelers. Meanwhile, those accustomed to such luxuries barely acknowledged the crowd, swiftly exiting with their luggage as though urgent matters awaited them. At the same time, passengers eager to board the ship jostled their way toward the gangplank.

While this scene played out, Tom, Giyu Tomioka, and the group from the Butterfly Estate arrived at the pier, having been summoned by a crow's urgent message. Gazing at the massive cruise ship, Inosuke Hashibira was the first to shout, "Wow! What kind of beast is this? This must be the master of the ocean! Look at the size of it! And it's spitting out black smoke! We can't let our guard down around something like that!"

"It's just a cruise ship," Zenitsu Agatsuma replied with exasperation. "You've really never seen one before?"

Inosuke, oblivious to Zenitsu's explanation, prepared to attack the "creature" before him. His pig mask flared, and his nostrils puffed out in anticipation. "I'll strike first!"

"Wait, Inosuke!" Tanjiro Kamado, always the voice of reason, quickly interjected. "You think it's some ocean master, right? Attacking it would be too rude."

"I keep telling you, it's a cruise ship! A steam-powered one! It carries people over the sea. It's not alive!" Zenitsu tried to make himself heard, but his frustration only grew as Inosuke ignored him.

"Huh? Transportation?" Inosuke and Tanjiro both blinked in confusion, wondering if Zenitsu was speaking nonsense. Their thoughts briefly drifted to Tomioka Giyu, whom Tom had jokingly referred to as their "mode of transportation." Tomioka, standing stoically behind them with Tom perched comfortably on his shoulder, said nothing in response to the group's chatter. Tom yawned lazily, covering his eyes with his paw as if embarrassed by the spectacle his companions were making.

Suddenly, the cruise ship's whistle sounded again, signaling its imminent departure. Tom patted Tomioka's head, a silent command understood between them. "It's time to board," Giyu finally said.

Respecting Giyu's authority, the group, led by Tanjiro, hurried up the gangplank with their minimal luggage. As soon as they set foot on the deck, Zenitsu and Inosuke began to feel the effects of seasickness. Their faces grew pale, and they stumbled about, unable to find their sea legs.

"Damn it! The ocean master is attacking us already!" Inosuke shouted, once again drawing unwanted attention from the nearby passengers.

Tomioka sighed, walking silently toward the rail while Tom pretended not to know his companions. "Inosuke, stop yelling! We're just seasick!" Zenitsu scolded, though he wasn't faring much better himself.

"Let's head to our room so they can rest," Giyu suggested, giving Tanjiro some direction.

With the tickets in hand, they made their way through the bustling corridors, past the B deck and into a first-class room situated in the middle of the ship. The Demon Slayer Corps had no shortage of funds, so their accommodations were comfortable, though they chose a central room to be close to any potential action. Rumors of demons on board had reached their ears, and the possibility of encountering an upper-rank demon meant they needed to stay alert and ready for anything.

Once inside, Tanjiro gently laid Zenitsu and Inosuke on the bed to rest, immediately tidying the room like a dutiful caretaker. It wasn't long before the ship's whistle echoed through the cabin again, signaling that the voyage was now fully underway.

"Let's go to the deck," Tom suggested from his perch on Giyu's shoulder. Neither Tanjiro nor Giyu objected, and they left the cabin, leaving their seasick companions to recover.

The salty breeze greeted them as they returned to the deck, white seagulls circling overhead. The ship's departure had drawn a crowd of well-wishers at the pier, waving handkerchiefs and hats, bidding their loved ones farewell. The vast ocean stretched out before them, serene yet imposing.

Tanjiro, seeing such a grand sight for the first time, was momentarily struck by awe. "Can just anyone board a cruise ship like this?" he wondered aloud, feeling a pang of discomfort at being surrounded by such wealth.

At that moment, a snide voice interrupted their quiet contemplation. "You really think people like you belong on a ship like this? It's uncomfortable just sharing space with such vulgar company."