"The Demon King Attacks (Part 1)"
Following a brief interruption, Tanjiro resumed his training under Sanemi Shinazugawa. After seven days, he finally earned Sanemi's approval and, along with Zenitsu Agatsuma, proceeded to the next Hashira's training location.
Next up was Gyomei Himejima's training, which, unlike the other Hashira, took place in the deep mountains.
…
Meanwhile, at the Butterfly Mansion, Tamayo, invited to Demon Slayer headquarters by Kagaya Ubuyashiki, was engaged in pharmaceutical research with Shinobu Kocho.
Yushiro was also present, now attired in a Demon Slayer uniform.
Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing Aoki.
"Tamayo-san?" Aoki was surprised, unaware that Tamayo had been summoned to headquarters.
"Aoki-sama? It's been a while," Tamayo said, a slight startle quickly replaced by a smile. She had met Aoki once before and knew he was not unreasonable. If Tanjiro was the human she trusted most, Aoki was a very close second.
After his initial surprise, Aoki focused his attention on Shinobu Kocho, completely ignoring Yushiro, who watched him warily from a corner.
His eyes shifting to his three-tomoe Sharingan, Aoki scanned Shinobu, his brow furrowing immediately.
"Aoki-kun, I…" Sensing Aoki's displeasure, Shinobu hung her head like a child who had misbehaved. Before she could offer an explanation, Aoki grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the room.
Tamayo and Yushiro were completely bewildered, being recent additions to the Demon Slayer Corps and unaware of the relationship between Aoki and Shinobu.
As Aoki forcefully dragged her outside, Shinobu felt a sharp pain in her wrist.
"What's the meaning of this?" Perhaps noticing the pain he'd caused, Aoki released her wrist and demanded, "Didn't you say you'd leave everything to me? Why don't you trust me? Or are you disappointed that I ran away when I encountered him before?"
Aoki's unusual behavior frightened Shinobu, while simultaneously filling her with guilt.
"No, I didn't…" Shinobu attempted an explanation, but her words felt inadequate.
Aoki cut her off. "I don't need your explanations, and I don't want to hear them. You have one month to completely purge the poison from your body."
Aoki was referring to Kanae Kocho's earlier visit, where she had informed him of Shinobu's preparations to kill Upper Moon Two—preparations that involved injecting herself with 37 kilograms of wisteria poison, seventeen times more lethal than a typical dose.
To successfully inject this poison into Upper Moon Two, Shinobu would have to sacrifice herself. There was no other way.
Upon learning this, Aoki had flown into a rage and immediately sought out Shinobu at the Butterfly Mansion.
Shinobu hung her head, unable to formulate a response, managing only a hesitant, "Yes…"
Seeing Shinobu's distress, Aoki's anger gradually subsided. He gently stroked her head. "Didn't I say I'd handle it? I'm confident I can defeat Upper Moon Two. Don't worry; I'll help you achieve your goal."
…
The Hashira Training Camp continued, and Shinobu began the process of eliminating the wisteria poison from her system. Aoki and Kanae were undoubtedly relieved.
As the Hashira Training Camp neared its conclusion, a significant event unfolded at Kagaya Ubuyashiki's mansion.
Night fell. A massive full moon illuminated the sky as an uninvited guest arrived at Kagaya Ubuyashiki's residence.
Muzan Kibutsuji.
"You've come. We haven't met before, have we, Muzan Kibutsuji?" Kagaya Ubuyashiki said, seemingly expecting his arrival. However, his illness had progressed to an irreversible stage; his face and limbs were severely decayed.
His wife, Amane Ubuyashiki, sat beside him, neither displaying any fear in the face of the Demon King.
Muzan Kibutsuji sneered at Kagaya's weakened state. "A truly pitiful sight, Ubuyashiki."
"You've finally come before me, Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon our clan and the Demon Slayer Corps have hunted for a thousand years," Kagaya Ubuyashiki stated. "Amane, what does he look like?"
Amane Ubuyashiki replied, "He appears to be a man between twenty-five and twenty-nine years old, with crimson eyes and cat-like, vertically slit pupils."
"I see. I knew you would come. You harbor a deep-seated hatred for me and our clan. I knew you would come to personally claim my life," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said.
"But I am utterly disappointed, Ubuyashiki. The head of a clan who has repeatedly thwarted my plans for a thousand years, now reduced to this state. Ugly, so ugly it is almost unbearable to look upon. Your room reeks of decay, Ubuyashiki," Muzan Kibutsuji remarked dismissively.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki struggled to sit upright. "It's to be expected. The doctor told me six months ago I had only days left. Yet, I have lived until today, leaving even the doctor speechless. I have lived this long because I was determined to destroy you, Muzan Kibutsuji."
"This futile dream ends tonight. You will soon die by my hand," Muzan Kibutsuji declared.
"You may not know this, but we share a common ancestor. However, you have existed for over a thousand years, so our bloodlines are vastly different," Kagaya Ubuyashiki stated.
Muzan Kibutsuji showed no reaction. "I remain unmoved. What is your point?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki explained, "Because of monsters like you within our clan, our entire lineage has been cursed. Newborns are frail and die young. As our clan faced extinction, we received guidance from the deity."
"Since a demon arose from our bloodline, dedicate all your efforts to its destruction. Then your clan will survive."
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