Having been secretly keeping an eye on Yoriichi Tsugikuni's situation, Kokushibo soon followed various clues and found Yoriichi Tsugikuni's current location.
His identity was special; he was Muzan's most unique subordinate, and Muzan also harbored the intention to use him.
Therefore, with the information that Muzan had gathered through the eyes of all the demons, Kokushibo quickly arrived at the city where Gawain and Yoriichi Tsugikuni were resting.
Sneaking into the city along the edge of the city wall, the darkness served as the best shield for the ghosts. Kokushibo stood atop a temple, gazing at a sparsely populated courtyard in the distance.
Even though it was the middle of the night with a full moon, there were still two people in the courtyard who were not asleep.
A man dressed in strange black clothes was lying in a rocking chair, swaying back and forth with a bamboo stick, occasionally tapping another person with his hand.
The other man gritted his teeth and strained his muscles as hard as he could, enduring the black-clad man's pounding and beating.
Snap!
A crisp sound!
The black-clad man's bamboo stick struck the bandaged man's back as gently as a breeze caressing a willow branch.
Despite the gentle movement, Kokushibo's eyes suddenly widened and bulged.
The reason he is called Kokushibo is that he already had a large number of eyes after becoming a demon.
That explosion... wow!
Just one glance at it, and my sanity level would probably drop significantly.
As for the reason he glared...
Ordinary people certainly couldn't see what was hidden inside that light tap with the bamboo stick, but how could he, as the second-best ghost in the world, not see it clearly?
As the bamboo stick gently and softly landed on the bandaged man's back...
With a loud crack, even the dust around the point of contact seemed to pause for a moment!
Even more remarkably, after a brief pause, the shockwave silently spread outwards.
Kokushibo saw that the grass growing on the courtyard wall, which was struggling to grow, was all bending down in a regular pattern, as if it were being blown by the wind!
That was no simple whipping.
That was clearly a fierce attack that sounded like a thunderclap!
But strangely enough, such swift and intense power was rendered effortlessly by the man in black, as if it were the gentle caress of a lover!
Most importantly, how could Kokushibo not recognize that the person being constantly whipped in the distance, like an apprentice, was none other than his own younger brother, the strongest in the world!!!
Even Muzan couldn't withstand Yoriichi Tsugikuni's sword strike. Yoriichi Tsugikuni's strength had long since reached a level that no one, not even demons, could comprehend.
But even someone like Yoriichi Tsugikuni, would he be treated like an apprentice?
So, that languid man in black is the Yoriichi Tsugikuni not long ago?
And now he...
He has now not only avoided becoming Yoriichi Tsugikuni's enemy, but has instead become... Yoriichi Tsugikuni's mentor!!!
In an instant, Kokushibo's gaze toward Yoriichi Tsugikuni was filled with countless resentments and dissatisfaction.
Why, why you? Why is it always you?!
Why have I never encountered a mentor like that?!
Wherever you appear, everyone will only look at you!
They respect you, they love you, and they fear you!!!
Even the luckiest one...
It's always you, it's all you!!!
In the distance, Gawain was holding a pointer, casually instructing Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni, although you are now middle-aged, your personality is still like that of a child."
When it comes to things you desire, you can't control your impatience and can't wait to do them.
You can't control yourself when it comes to things you don't want to do, and you desperately try to escape them.
You always like to stay in your comfort zone, just like even though your swordsmanship is superb, you've never honed your skills as intensely as others.
Have you ever practiced swordsmanship to the point of fainting?
You don't, because you only need a little practice to surpass them by a large margin.
It's true that you like swordsmanship, but the reason you like it isn't because it has given you a way to defeat powerful enemies.
Rather, it was swordsmanship that gave you the feeling of being respected by others.
Your only motivation comes from hatred, but even that motivation vanishes without a trace after being slightly shaken by frustration.
If someone like you wants to master Armament Haki...
Ha, you may be highly talented, but Haki is the power of the mind!
You still have a long way to go!!!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain raised his pointer and lashed it hard across Yoriichi Tsugikuni's shoulder again.
Teng!
With a muffled thud, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, who was desperately defending himself, immediately fell to the ground.
In Gawain's mind, Kaido grinned as he looked at Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
"Your Majesty, you don't need to make such a demand of this kid."
Talent is called talent precisely because it is bestowed by heaven. If heaven grants this kid first-rate swordsmanship talent, and also unimaginable mental strength, then...
Then wouldn't this kid become the second you?
"Well..."
Upon hearing Kaido's words, Gawain rolled his eyes in exasperation.
Teacher Kaido, oh Teacher Kaido, when exactly did you, so proud back then, learn this subtle, understated skill of supporting your partner in a joke?
But thinking about it carefully, from Kaido's perspective, he really does seem to be a genius.
He was unaware that he had borrowed the talents of all his subordinates; therefore, in his eyes, he was someone who, in just over a year, had cultivated from an ordinary person to a monster...
Monster among monsters!
Therefore, this can be seen as Kaido's affirmation of Yoriichi Tsugikuni; he at least felt that Yoriichi Tsugikuni could be compared to himself when he was powered up.
But Yoriichi Tsugikuni's talent...
Gawain casually raised his pointer.
Snap!
After a crisp sound, Gawain shouted in a low voice.
"In just two days, you have mastered three of the Rokushiki, and your Tekkai technique is also excellent."
As for Observation Haki, you've already reached its limit. After all, your own understanding of the Transparent World already shows a trace of Observation Haki.
But Armament Haki...
Your heart is still not firm enough!
Although two days ago you promised me that you had made your final decision, which was to sever the bond between you and your brother.
But you haven't lived up to your promises; you still have a long way to go!!!
At this point, Gawain suddenly sat up from the recliner.
Meeting Yoriichi Tsugikuni's gaze, which held a hint of disappointment and worry, Gawain spoke softly.
"Since you can't overcome your inner demons with words alone."
How about I give you a chance to use physical methods to heal your heartache?
Now, lift your head.
"Watch my gaze, Yoriichi Tsugikuni."
The moment he finished speaking, Gawain lazily raised his eyelids and looked toward the tallest temple about three kilometers away.
And just as Gawain looked over...
Kokushibo's eyes widened suddenly, then he immediately hid in the shadows further away!
At the same time, Yoriichi Tsugikuni's body trembled violently.
"That is..."
Before he could finish speaking, Yoriichi Tsugikuni his teeth and charged forward.
But Yoriichi Tsugikuni could take two steps forward, he felt a pressure on his shoulder.
He turned around in surprise, only to see Gawain chuckle at him.
"Heh, Yoriichi Tsugikuni, your seemingly resolute actions are a bit... self-deceiving!"
You must know that your speed is definitely inferior to that of your brother who has become a ghost.
But after a brief moment of surprise, you still chose to pursue your brother yourself.
So you think that as long as you're determined enough to rush out and chase after him, I'll gladly let you pursue him in vain?"
At this point, Gawain patted Yoriichi Tsugikuni last time.
"Yes, you're always so kind, so kind that... you'd rather die by the blade of an ordinary human than draw your sword against anyone other than a ghost."
Forcing you to change yourself would only be torture for you.
I just want you to know that the reason I can accept your excessively high standards of kindness is because your kindness has a positive impact on people!
This is why you can serve me as your master!
If I were to commit arson, murder, and looting, and act like Yamata no Orochi, you would rather die than bow your head to me.
So think carefully about this guy who's gradually drifting away from you—is he the same Michikatsu Tsugikuni of the past, or the Kokushibo of the present and future?
At this point, Gawain pressed down hard, pinning Yoriichi Tsugikuni to the ground.
As for him personally...
In the blink of an eye, Gawain appeared before Kokushibo.
Kokushibo was extremely fast; he covered about five kilometers in the time it took to say a few words.
But what's the use of being fast? No matter how fast he is, can he be faster than Kaido, or Gawain who can make Kaido's body more agile?
Looking at Gawain standing silently in the night sky, Kokushibo's eyes showed a hint of helplessness.
However, in just a moment, a hint of madness began to flicker within him, gradually swelling beneath his powerlessness.
Meeting Gawain's gaze, Kokushibo grinned and asked in a low voice.
You won't find him, you'll never find him!
After saying that, Kokushibo's smile widened, and he kept looking forward to Gawain's expression.
But in his eyes, Gawain's expression did not change at all because of his words.
Seeing that Gawain showed no signs of discouragement, Kokushibo remained silent for a moment before adding a comment.
"Although I don't know who you really are, just the fact that you can teach my foolish brother makes you someone that should be feared!"
Hehe, ahahahaha!
As I uttered the word "fear," I could even feel real fear spreading within me!
I'm fearless now, so who's afraid of me? Hahahaha!!!
I'm satisfied. He's not the peak I should be pursuing, and neither is he!
Neither Muzan nor Yoriichi Tsugikuni are the limits I can see anymore!
Your appearance made me realize how vast the world is.
And I, or Muzan, who burdened me with the weight of Muzan.
We are all frogs in a well, we are all like that. At this moment, he and I have truly overlapped and become equal, haha!
No, I am far superior to him, because even without his coercion, I still dare to stand before you and Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
But he, the so-called ghost and lord of the night.
At this moment, I have surpassed him!
He's like Nezumi in the gutter, always hiding in the safest place!
He was afraid. Even without you, he was afraid of Yoriichi Tsugikuni, afraid of my damned younger brother who was always favored by fate!
After meeting Yoriichi Tsugikuni, he was like a wounded old dog, desperately hiding in a corner to lick his wounds!
He will never appear in this world again, and as long as you are alive, you will never find him!
As for me, haha!
Do you think I'm trying to betray him?
Do you think I'm trying to tell you that I can use my demon identity to find Muzan for you, and then beg for a tiny chance to live from you?
Don't even think about it. The reason I'm saying all this is so that before I say goodbye to this world, I can finally see the disappointment and helplessness in the eyes of you so-called strong people!
All I wanted to see were those things, why can't you even grant me that?!
Meeting Gawain's unwavering gaze, Kokushibo first went mad, then became hysterical.
In the end, cold sweat actually trickled down his ghostly body.
Seeing Kokushibo in such a state, Gawain was first taken aback, then couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Haha, seeing your fearless look, I thought you had really seen through something."
"So you were just so nervous that you blurted out everything you wanted to say all at once, right?"
After saying that, Gawain clapped his hands, amused.
"Well, you were quite amusing just now; it's quite an achievement that you could make me laugh."
I should grant certain privileges to those who are capable.
I originally planned to get rid of you Yoriichi Tsugikuni, so that Yoriichi wouldn't continue to deceive himself with his indecisiveness.
As for now, I'll let you meet him, and I won't get involved between you two."
At this point, Gawain lowered his eyes, a smile playing on his lips, and gave Kokushibo a deep look.
Meeting Kokushibo's tense and thoughtful gaze, Gawain spoke meaningfully.
"You thought you were going to die, but then I saw your courage."
I laughed.
Next, I'd rather see this brave thing of yours reveal its fear of death.
Can you still make me laugh?
"What did you say?!!"
Kokushibo hurriedly pressed for answers, and at this moment, his heart, which had been like a still lake, was indeed stirred by a few ripples.
Meeting Kokushibo's gaze, Gawain smiled and nodded.
"Look, you're just a demon under Muzan's command."
Muzan too many demons under his command, but none of them could possibly continue to exist after Muzan.
Whether I kill you a little earlier or a little later is a matter open to discussion.
I'll just consider Muzan my target.
As for you, if you can survive under Yoriichi Tsugikuni's command.
Why can't I allow you to live a little longer, to hold on until the day Muzan dies?
So, haha.
Do your best to deal with your brother!
As soon as he finished speaking, Gawain suddenly appeared in front of Kokushibo, grabbed Kokushibo by the shoulder and shoved him away.
Moments later, Kokushibo flew several kilometers and crashed heavily in front of Yoriichi Tsugikuni.
Meanwhile, in Gawain's heart...
Kaido grinned and burst into laughter.
"Hahaha, such a younger brother actually has such a foolish older brother, and he's actually hoping for it!"
Doesn't he understand that a person who is determined to die cannot feel pain?
And now, haha.
Now, he's experiencing real pain!!!