Upper Rank Challenge Blood Battle and the Hashira Meeting

At last.

Akaza had completely absorbed the blood Muzan Kibutsuji had bestowed upon him. His body no longer trembled and had returned to normal.

He clenched his fist, feeling the surging, raging power within him. He could sense that his strength had improved enormously.

If he faced Kanae and Makomo again now, he was confident he could defeat them!

"Thank you for your gift, Lord Muzan."

Akaza bowed his head toward Muzan.

Muzan straightened up and looked at him calmly. "Do not disappoint my expectations."

Akaza remained kneeling on one knee.

Muzan shifted his gaze to the others present, his expression gradually turning cold. Everyone felt a chill, as though bone-piercing cold had spread through the air.

No one dared to speak.

The six Lower Moon Demons found it even harder to keep themselves steady.

As the demons trembled, Muzan finally spoke slowly. "Something that stands in my way has appeared in this world again. I need you to eliminate it."

"For all these years, you have failed to completely destroy the Demon Slayer Corps, and you have failed to find what I need. I am deeply disappointed in you. This time, I do not wish to be disappointed again."

No one dared to speak.

The entire hall was silent.

After a long while, Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, spoke in a deep voice. "What does Lord Muzan require us to eliminate?"

"Swordsmen."

Muzan said indifferently, "A new school of swordsmen has appeared, possessing strength comparable to swordsmen who use Breathing Styles. This world does not need so many schools, nor does it need so many swordsmen. I also do not wish to see this school spread like the swordsmen of Breathing Styles."

Hearing Muzan's words, all of the Twelve Kizuki were stunned.

Kokushibo especially so.

"A school... comparable to Breathing