Muzan's Predicament
"It's just observing..."
"He was observing the battle between the Demon Slayer Corps and Muzan."
"Neutral... but not absolutely neutral."
Just a few days later, Ubuyashiki Kuno was too weak to walk and remained lying in bed being cared for by his children and wife.
His eyes seemed to have lost their sight, but he was still thinking.
Before his death, he planned for the future of the Demon Slayer Corps.
He murmured to himself, pondering matters related to Oboro.
He believed in Hideo's abilities... but the Demon Slayer Corps was currently facing a situation where, in addition to Muzan, there was also Oboro.
Hideo is still young; he has much to learn...
"Father."
As a boy, Ubuyashiki Hideo, whose face still had a touch of childishness, knelt down next to Kuno, his eyes red-rimmed.
"Hideo..."
"I am here, Father."
"Remember... as long as Oboro doesn't side with Muzan, or becomes a demon again, never antagonize him... I understand now, in his eyes, both the Demon Slayer Corps and demons are weak creatures. He... he's like a human squatting under a tree root, watching ants fight... He helps the Demon Slayer Corps not to help them Muzan Demon Slayer Corps, but merely to change the situation. Once Muzan shows signs of weakness, he will definitely make his move... He's seeking a kind of fun."
Kuno grasped his son's hand firmly, and calmly and solemnly reminded him.
"Yes."
Hideo answered.
His words made it seem like Oboro was some kind of arrogant and wicked person, more closely resembling the image of someone who treats the common people as a joke and doesn't cherish life.
It's no wonder he thinks that way... On the surface, that's certainly the case.
But in reality, given the current state of life in this world, these ants are hardly of any interest to Oboro... He is merely guiding the direction of the world.
Of course, this profound meaning... is Ubuyashiki Kuno, from the perspective of an ordinary person, could never perceive.
He misunderstood Long.
But this was the conclusion he could reach when he was on the verge of death, having exhausted all his energy.
They did their best to lift a corner of the mysterious aura surrounding Oboro.
"However... he underestimated our will. The Demon Slayer Corps is not a puppet to be manipulated at will. I believe that everyone will end Muzan's life in the near future! Even if he intervenes and tries to help the demons reverse their defeat, he may not succeed... Ants may be small, but they have their own life journey and purpose. This is something that he cannot influence."
Ubuyashiki Kuno smiled.
After speaking softly, she took her son's hand, which then fell onto the bedding.
The sounds of crying and sobbing echoed inside the room.
The previous leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Ubuyashiki Kuno, has died.
The pillars standing outside the door also wore expressions of grief.
They all saw everything this man had done for the Demon Slayer Corps.
Subsequently, on the Demon Slayer Corps side, Ubuyashiki Kuno was buried, and the leadership changed hands, with the young Ubuyashiki Hideo taking over the reins.
The death of Ubuyashiki Kuno did not affect the operation and actions of the Demon Slayer Corps, which is precisely what Ubuyashiki Clan so formidable.
However, seemingly inspired by their lord's death, the Pillars' efficiency and achievements in missions became even more dazzling.
The death of a ghost is used to commemorate the lord.
We pay tribute to all our ancestors and colleagues.
To demonstrate our will!...
Bang! On the other side, at the daimyo's residence.
Muzan overturned the bottles and jars on the table in front of him.
He had been studying medicine all along, and in order to find the Blue Spider Lily, he read almost all the relevant books... including geography and historical records of various regions, just to avoid any omissions.
Or perhaps they want to break through the prescription that lacks the Blue Spider Lily.
In other words, in terms of knowledge alone, he can be called the 'number one'.
However, his anger was not because of the spider lily, but because... his demons were being killed at an alarming rate.
In just one year, the lower moon of the Twelve Kizuki has seen nearly ten new faces, almost resulting in two waves of bloodshed.
This is an unprecedented phenomenon.
In the past, it was not uncommon for a Lower Moon to kill a Pillar-level swordsman.
This time, the Demon Slayer Corps came on strong, catching him off guard... Not only the Pillars, but also the ordinary swordsmen, all made rapid progress in their strength.
Who is it?
Muzan believed that even the Ubuyashiki Clan couldn't have transformed the Demon Slayer Corps so completely; otherwise, they wouldn't have been constantly suppressed by him all these years.
"New power..."
Muzan's fingernails became sharp, leaving several scratch marks on the wall.
He was originally quite content, but now, because of the Demon Slayer Corps, he has to frequently travel around looking for new targets to transform.
Moreover, due to the Demon Slayer Corps' excellent member system, he couldn't wipe out the Ubuyashiki Clan even if he wanted to... Rashly revealing his identity and going head-to-head with the Demon Slayer Corps also posed a risk to Muzan.
He is very cautious in his actions and will not show up unless he is absolutely certain.
Although he looked down on those swordsmen, as an old rival, Muzan not underestimate their will.
After a moment of contemplation, Muzan's Muzan and ferocious face regained its composure, and he turned to look at Upper Moon Five, Mireimaru, who was kneeling on the ground.
The latter trembled.
I have never seen Muzan so Muzan.
"I asked you to find that person... and you still haven't found a clue?"
He said softly.
With a thud, Mireimaru kowtowed, his face pressed against the floor, cold sweat pouring down his face. "I..."
"He is Entertainment District."
Before Upper Moon Five could speak, Muzan said first, "The leader of the North District Magistrate Office, a descendant of the Tokugawa Family."
"You've spent almost a year trying to find out even a trace of him. On the contrary, I gathered all the information long before you did... I gave you the qualifications and opportunities to become stronger, but... is this how you repay me?"
"What use are you as the Upper Moon?"
"If I have to do everything myself, what am I supposed to do with you?"
Muzan's words made Mireimaru as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.
"My lord... I... I'll go right now... I'll definitely bring him to you."
"Capture him?"
Muzan raised the corners of his mouth, his face showing a mocking expression.
Are you mocking me?
"No, no!"
Mireimaru was shocked and quickly looked up and waved his hand.
However, as soon as he looked up, Muzan stood in front of him, his red eyes looking down at him with icy gaze.
The next second, Mireimaru's entire body was torn to pieces like a bursting watermelon, with blood splattering everywhere.
Only a head was pulled up in front of him by Muzan's hair.
"As Upper Moon Five, you haven't devoured many Pillars... especially the new generation of Pillars, you haven't killed a single one yet. Just a day ago, the newly appointed Upper Moon Six killed one of them. He's been a demon for far less time than you, but the role he played was far greater than yours... What reason do you have to exist?"
"..."
Upon hearing this, Mireimaru was stunned.
How is that possible?
That guy... actually did that?
This speed of promotion.
"Ah."
As soon as the words were spoken, a foot suddenly stepped in from outside the door, accompanied by a clear and cheerful greeting, "Are you talking about me?"
Mireimaru glanced over and saw that the person who came was none other than Upper Moon Six.
That person he really disliked.
"Senior, what's wrong? Did you upset the adults again?"
A pair of seven-colored pupils were close at hand, along with hair of an immaculate color and a special hat on his head. He was none other than the founder of the Infinite Paradise Faith.
Doma has just become Upper Moon Six.
"I was saying before that I would give you some precious collectibles, hoping to get on your good side, but now it seems... you won't be receiving them." Doma and Mireimaru locked eyes, his tone ambiguous, whether he genuinely wanted to be friends with Mireimaru or was gloating.
"My lord, if he hadn't appeared, I could have killed both of those pillars in Qinglin Town. I..."
Mireimaru hurriedly explained.
The "he" being referred to is naturally Oboro.
"Mmm..."
Muzan Doma chimed in, nodding vigorously, "I've always thought you were incredibly strong, senior, and I admire you greatly... I should learn a lot from you." After saying this, he looked at Muzan, "Lord Muzan... why Muzan you release Mireimaru first? I believe that through this defeat, he will realize his mistake."
Despite pleading for himself, Mireimaru contracted upon hearing these words, veins bulged on his face, and he glared fiercely at Doma.
Given Muzan's personality, he cannot bear to hear the word "failure."
"You..."
Sure enough, Mireimaru about to swear, his head was Muzan mauled by Muzan, and his flesh dissolved, causing him to die.
"Sigh... it's a bit of a shame."
Doma looked regretful.
As Upper Moon demons, they are allowed to address Muzan name, but of course they must maintain a respectful attitude.
This is also a privilege possessed by the Upper Moon.
Muzan's regard for the Upper Moons was far greater than that for the Lower Moons. Of course, the greater the power one desired, the more one had to find ways to gain Muzan's attention and win his favor.
Did you get any results from the questions?
Muzan flicked his blood-stained hand and looked coldly at Doma.
"Just as you thought, it is indeed him... The man in the black haori is the one who brought a breathing technique called 'Tubu' to the Demon Slayer Corps. Also, it seems that the Ubuyashiki Clan has a new leader."
Doma laughed, "That woman is very tight-lipped, but the swordsmen who followed her didn't have her willpower... Oh dear, it took me a lot of effort to kill her. I didn't expect that the Pillar-level swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps are so powerful now."
"However, the feeling of her flavor... me becoming one with it is truly wonderful."
The woman eaten by Doma was Sayuri, the Light Sayuri.
"I'll go."
At that moment, a calm voice came from a dark corner inside the room.
"Ah... you're here too."
Doma looked in that direction, slightly surprised, and then smiled.
"You two together."
Muzan narrowed his eyes slightly and gave the order.
"Yes."
"It's truly delightful to have just risen to the Upper Moon realm and already be able to work alongside you for Lord Muzan... This is a rare opportunity for me to strengthen our bond... I hope you'll take good care of this newcomer... I..."
Doma seemed to be extending a gesture of goodwill, but halfway through his sentence, his eyelashes fluttered, "Have you left?"
Clearly, the other party had no interest in listening to his nonsense.
Muzan, who was standing in front of them, also disappeared.
Doma's mood remained unaffected, and he still wore a smile.
Because he... lacks human emotions; all his outward expressions are merely a facade.