Hantengu trembled even harder after hearing Muzan's words.
"I... I believe we should send another Upper Rank to be safe, my lord. That would ensure..."
"Enough."
"Eeeek!!"
Muzan cut Hantengu off halfway through his sentence. Prostrate on the floor, he was too terrified to raise his head, his body shaking like a leaf.
"It's nothing but a village full of swordsmiths. Are you telling me that an Upper Rank like you can't wipe them all out?
You're far too cowardly, Hantengu. A mere Swordsmith Village frightened you this badly, and you shamelessly came running to tell me about it without killing every last swordsmith.
What? Did you expect a reward for this information?"
Muzan rose to his feet, his tone growing more hostile.
"And you even dared ask me to send another Upper Rank. You're utterly useless.
Listen carefully. Kill every swordsmith in the Swordsmith Village within this month, or prepare to be devoured."
Muzan gave Hantengu an ultimatum. Still kneeling on the floor, Hantengu was scared half to death and hurriedly shouted, "Yes, my lord! I will kill every last swordsmith within a month!"
Muzan ignored Hantengu's promise and turned to Nakime. "Send him away."
"Yes."
Nakime answered, then plucked the strings of her biwa and sent Hantengu out of the Infinity Castle.
Only after Hantengu was gone did Muzan's mood improve again.
"The Swordsmith Village... let's see how you Demon Slayers oppose me without anyone to forge your Nichirin Blades!"
And without those swordsmiths, even that brat who knows Sun Breathing won't pose much of a threat if his Nichirin Blade breaks and he can't get a replacement.
Muzan imagined that wonderful future, his mood growing better and better.
Even so, he had never considered dealing with the Swordsmith Village himself or sending the top three Upper Ranks.