"Muzan's Past"
In the study of a medicine shop, several ancient books lay scattered on the floor, their pages rustling. The cause of this was a boy who appeared to be no older than ten, but his identity was one that struck fear into the hearts of every Demon Slayer: Muzan Kibutsuji, the Demon King.
"A demon who can withstand sunlight has finally appeared! Well done, Hantengu!" Muzan Kibutsuji, having witnessed Nezuko's sunlight immunity through their shared vision, was overcome with excitement. His face contorted, veins bulging on his forehead.
The Blue Spider Lily, a herb capable of granting demons resistance to sunlight, had eluded Muzan Kibutsuji for a thousand years. Now, with Nezuko's immunity, consuming her would grant him the same ability—his lifelong pursuit, the final step to becoming the perfect being.
The shop owner and her maid, hearing the commotion, entered the room.
"Junko, what happened? You've knocked over all the books. Are you feeling unwell?" the shop owner asked Muzan Kibutsuji with a smile. "You seem quite happy. Were you enjoying the books…"
Before she could finish, her head was suddenly severed, leaving only her body and a spray of blood.
The maid, holding a tray, hesitated before realizing what had happened. "Eh? Madam, what happened to your head…?"
Before she could fully comprehend the situation, Muzan Kibutsuji spoke. "This eliminates the need to search for the Blue Spider Lily. It's been too long. For this purpose, I've forced myself to create countless demons, even those with rare constitutions unseen among the Twelve Kizuki—chosen demons! By consuming her, I too shall overcome the sun's threat."
As he spoke, Muzan Kibutsuji's childlike body rapidly expanded, transforming into that of a young man in a matter of seconds. His clothes even changed to a gentleman's attire, though the outfit clashed with his now-twisted features.
The maid, after a moment of stunned silence, finally reacted.
"Aaah! Murder! It's a monster! Master!" Screaming, she tried to flee, but Muzan Kibutsuji swiftly decapitated her with a single palm strike.
A thousand years prior, Muzan Kibutsuji was transformed into a demon by a kind doctor during the Heian period. Muzan Kibutsuji, frail and sickly since childhood, had been given up on by other doctors, yet this doctor, seeing his potential, dedicated himself to extending Muzan's life.
Ultimately, Muzan Kibutsuji, his temper frayed by his worsening condition, cruelly murdered the doctor.
Shortly after killing the doctor, Muzan Kibutsuji discovered the effects of the medicine he'd been given. He'd expected a strong body, but a significant drawback emerged: his inability to withstand sunlight.
He quickly understood that sunlight was fatal. The intense urge to consume human flesh was easily satisfied, causing him little immediate concern.
His inability to venture out during the day filled Muzan Kibutsuji with humiliation and rage. He craved a body capable of freely moving in sunlight. He studied the doctor's notes, but the medicine was still in its experimental stages.
He was unable to decipher how to create the medicine, known as the "Blue Spider Lily," which required a rare blue variety of the flower. Only the doctor he'd murdered knew where these grew and if they could be cultivated.
His exhaustive search throughout Japan yielded nothing.
Obtaining a perfect immortal body, locating the Blue Spider Lily, and finding someone with a constitution that could overcome the sunlight's threat after becoming a demon became Muzan Kibutsuji's paramount objectives.
Now that Nezuko had overcome the sun's weakness, a battle of unprecedented scale and ferocity was about to commence.
…
"Aoki-senpai… Aoki-senpai…"
Aoki, his consciousness still clouded, heard someone calling his name. With difficulty, he opened his aching eyes and saw Tanjiro, covered in dust and looking disheveled.
"Aoki-senpai! You're awake!" Tanjiro exclaimed joyfully.
"Tanjiro…" Aoki called out weakly. Suddenly, a figure threw themselves into his arms, causing him to fall back to the ground.
"Aoki-nii-sama… Aoki-nii-sama…" Looking up with difficulty, Aoki saw Nezuko, now immune to sunlight and able to speak, looking at him with joy, repeatedly calling his name.
Aoki had always been one of the few people Nezuko felt comfortable around. Now, showing signs of becoming human, she expressed her affection more directly.
Aoki was momentarily stunned, then smiled and gently stroked Nezuko's head.
Suddenly, he felt a sharp gaze upon him.
"Aoki-kun, you haven't noticed me yet." It was Shinobu Kocho, a deathly smile playing on her lips. She carried a medical case, clearly prepared to treat his injuries.
She had arrived because a crow had reported the Upper Moon's attack on the Swordsmith Village. She wouldn't have come without an order from Kagaya Ubuyashiki, but upon hearing that Aoki was also present, she immediately rushed to the scene.
Aoki, though feeling a pang of guilt, smiled genuinely at Shinobu's presence, understanding her concern for his well-being.
Before Aoki could speak, Nezuko stood up from him, taking small steps towards Shinobu, a childlike smile on her face.
"Sister-in-law, hello."
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