The three Hashira once again attacked Ryou, coordinating with each other in perfect unison. The battlefield once again transformed into a storm of invisible slashes and shockwaves that tore through the training grounds.
Every swing of their wooden weapons left small craters in the ground, a testament to the immense power they wielded.
Ryou stood in the eye of the storm of sword attacks, calm and composed. His wooden bokken moved with effortless precision, deflecting every attack that came his way.
It was as if he could see their moves before they even made them. No matter how fast Kyojuro attacked, how unpredictable and swift Tengen's strikes were, or how strong Gyomei's blows dropped, Ryou countered them all with ease.
The fight went on for half an hour, and the three Hashira, despite their combined efforts, couldn't overwhelm Ryou. It wasn't that they weren't fighting well, but Ryou's strength and skill were simply on another level.
The three Hashira stood panting, sweat dripping from their foreheads. Ryou, on the other hand, remained calm, not a single bead of sweat on his brow.
"You've all improved greatly in one week, and your coordination is flawless," Ryou said with a simple nod.
"But we still couldn't land a hit on you," Gyomei admitted, then added, "Thank you for coming here and guiding us. I'm truly grateful."
"Your transparent world ability is too overpowered. You can predict our movements just by seeing our breathing. Why can't we awaken it? You said it would happen with a near-death battle, but we haven't awakened after being abused by you for a week!" Tengen complained.
"What we are doing is not a near-death battle. You know I won't kill you, so your mind knows nothing will happen." Ryou said.
"I agree. When I was fighting with you, I didn't feel the same intensity I experienced against that Upper Moon Demon," Kyojuro said.
"Indeed." Tengen nodded and said, "I heard Obanai, Sanemi, and Muichiro were training the same way we are. But since their location is far from us, we can't train together."
"If they continue improving their strength, it doesn't matter where they train," Kanae spoke in her usual gentle tone.
"Anyway, this is the last day. After today, I have other tasks to handle, so I won't have much free time to come here and train with you all." Ryou shook his head.
He was entrusted by Kagaya to investigate a certain location in Tokyo. It's a place where many people have gone missing. Not just ten or twenty—over a hundred people have disappeared without a trace.
Ubuyashiki thinks it might be connected to a castle-like structure that Sanemi and Obanai encountered during their mission a few days ago. Its sudden appearance and disappearance worry the Ubuyashiki.
"Well, it seems it's time for us to head out," Kyojuro said, glancing at the horizon. "We've got a batch of Corps members to train. Only if I leave now, I will reach by sunrise."
"Yeah, they need a lot of physical training. They are weak as hell. They won't last long against slightly stronger demons. Gotta make sure they can at least survive what's coming." Tengen said.
Kanae smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "As Hashira, it's our responsibility to guide them."
After that, Kyojuro and Tengen departed, while Ryou bid farewell to Kanae. "Take care, Kanae."
--
As Kanae's figure disappeared from view, Ryou turned to Gyomei. "Do you want to speak with me, Gyomei-san?" he asked.
"Yes," Gyomei replied, his tone solemn. He began, "Ryou, Oyakata-sama has a plan. He intends to use him as bait, he believes Muzan will come for him. And, his intuitions are mostly right.
I believe Muzan is doing everything in his power to find the location of Nezuko and the Demon Slayer Corps. I'm not worried about Nezuko as her location is so well-hidden that even I don't know anything.
But it won't be long before Muzan discovers some of our locations..."
At that moment, Ryou interjected, "You want me to remain silent until Muzan discovers Ubuyashiki's residence…"
"Yes, that's my request," Gyomei replied. "Unlike the others, I know the demons' movements can't be hidden from you."
"I understand."
"Thank you," Gyomei said with a nod.
Ryou remained silent for a moment before asking, "Why did you tell me this? I assume you haven't shared this plan with anyone else."
"They're emotionally attached," Gyomei responded. "If they knew Oyakata-sama's decision, they wouldn't agree—or worse, they might act rashly.
Oyakata-sama believes you're different. You're not emotionally attached, and you'll make the decisions needed to eradicate the demons and kill Muzan Kibutsuji even if someone stops you."
"Indeed! Muzan is the priority. Even if some innocents die in the process, I'll do it. If we don't kill him, countless more will die—who knows for how many years," Ryou said, his tone serious. "And if he conquers the sun, the world will be plunged into chaos."
"I'll keep you informed of any developments, especially if Muzan makes a move. I hope you kill him—you have the strength," Gyomei stated.
"Definitely!" Ryou nodded.
--
The next night, Ryou arrived in one of the regions within Tokyo, and the moment he set foot in the town, he knew he had arrived at the right place.
The streets were eerily quiet, with not a single living being in sight. There wasn't even the smell of blood, only an unnatural silence.
Activating his Nature Mode, Ryou's senses expanded, covering the entire town. His heightened perception scanned every street and every house, but there were no signs of life.
The weird silence of the town confirmed that something terrible had happened, something only Muzan could do.
"Muzan Kibutsuji…" Ryou muttered to himself, his gaze slightly cold. 'Muzan has transported the entire town. There must have been more than a thousand people here, and now they're all gone. If I'm wrong, he should have turned them into demons.'
Even though, in his heart, he wants to kill Muzan even if it means sacrificing some innocent people, seeing nearly a thousand people disappear and lose their lives, fueled his anger.
Ryou's eyes narrowed as his senses already picked up some demon eyes. Though hidden, he could feel their presence, scattered around the town, watching him from the shadows.
He resisted his urge to destroy them all. He then conveyed a message to Ubuyashiki, reporting what he had discovered.
Even with his overwhelming strength, Ryou knew he could do nothing when it came to the Infinity Castle. It was a place that existed in another space.