Ever since the Sengoku Period.
Muzan had certainly considered the possibility that someday, he might encounter another powerful Swordsman or enemy like Yoriichi.
Even if, statistically speaking, it was unlikely that the tiny Far East would produce a second one.
But Yan Country, the West...
And even the New World across the ocean.
Their populations, histories, and legends all surpassed those of the Far East...
After all, centuries ago, Muzan had personally watched the ambitious Toyotomi Hideyoshi send his trusted generals to Yan Country.
Only to suffer a crushing blow and die in dejection.
And fifty years ago.
The Far East had suffered another humiliating defeat before the black ships of the New World.
In Muzan's view.
Those places might well produce another Yoriichi.
So...
Becoming an ultimate lifeform and stepping into a higher world.
Had always been Muzan's goal.
If he overcame the sun, or rather, overcame all his weaknesses.
Even if Yoriichi were still alive.
He would no longer be able to do anything to Muzan as he once had.
The nightmare that had haunted him for centuries would also vanish into history.
But he had never expected.
That one day, on this very same land, he would once again encounter an utterly extraordinary Swordsman.
Reluctant as he was to admit it.
His opponent truly was a being who surpassed the pinnacle of humanity he had witnessed.
He was strong.
Even setting aside his opponent's potential, which had yet to be fully tapped.
The strength he was displaying already far exceeded Kokushibo's.
Were the circumstances and timing not so wrong.
Muzan would actually have liked to recruit this Matsushita Shousha into his ranks.
Of course, even now.
Muzan still did not believe his opponent had any chance of killing him.
Matsushita was very strong.
But he was still