Only the two of us left...
Akaza was in a thoroughly foul mood after hearing Doma's words. But considering that they generally only saw each other at meetings, he felt a little calmer. Once this was over, he would no longer have to look at that face or hear that voice.
Yet Muzan's next words plunged his future straight into darkness.
"From now on, you two will stay in Infinity Castle. If any traces of humans or animals appear nearby, you will go and eliminate them immediately. Understood?"
Muzan looked at Akaza and Doma as he spoke.
His nerves were already stretched to their limit. He would not permit any potential threats. Every unstable element in the surrounding area had to be eradicated; not even a mosquito or fly could be allowed into Infinity Castle.
Akaza desperately wanted to refuse. If he had to remain in Infinity Castle with Doma without being able to kill him, he would probably be driven mad before long. In the end, however, he still answered, "Yes."
Muzan noticed what Akaza was thinking. Ordinarily, he would have ignored it or even berated him, but these were exceptional circumstances. He had only these two Upper Ranks left, and they were among the few useful subordinates still under his command.
"Akaza, I believe your strength will one day surpass Kokushibo's. You can continue training hard during your time in Infinity Castle. If you can someday defeat the enemy even Kokushibo could not overcome, the position of Upper Rank One will be yours."
Muzan soothed Akaza with his slightly resonant voice. He had summoned Akaza and Doma back to stay in Infinity Castle for two reasons. One was to have them eliminate every possible threat around the castle. The other was so that, if Chiba Yo really came