"Infinity Castle, First Encounter at the Lotus Pond"
Infinity Castle.
Tanjiro, disoriented by the shifting space within the Infinity Castle, plummeted for what felt like an eternity.
Realizing the fatal consequences of a direct impact, he braced for landing, but struggled to maintain his balance.
Just as he was about to hit the ground, a figure swiftly intercepted him, catching him mid-air.
It was Giyu Tomioka.
After a brief exchange, they began searching for Muzan Kibutsuji, encountering numerous lower-ranked demons along the way. These demons posed little threat, easily dispatched with minimal effort.
During their search, they encountered Kyōjurō Rengoku, also separated from the others. The three of them continued their search together.
Elsewhere in the Infinity Castle, Sanemi Shinazugawa and the others were scattered, unable to locate their companions.
While the lower-ranked demons within the Infinity Castle were individually weak, their sheer numbers consumed unnecessary stamina. With three Upper Moons still at large, the Hashira knew Muzan Kibutsuji wasn't their only opponent.
In a secluded area of the Infinity Castle, Shinobu Kocho was aimlessly wandering the corridors when she detected an overwhelming stench of blood. Following the scent, she arrived at a shōji screen.
Pushing open the screen, she discovered a lotus pond, with countless female corpses scattered around. A demon, its back to her, was devouring a deceased woman.
Sensing her presence, the demon turned. Upon seeing Shinobu Kocho, he smiled. "Oh, a visitor! And a young woman at that! You look delicious! I must thank Daki later."
"It's a demon with blood splattered on its head, a carefree smile on its face, wielding a pair of sharp iron fans."
Shinobu recalled her sister Kanae Kocho's description of the demon who killed her—a near-perfect match to the demon before her.
Upper Moon Two—Douma—the demon who had killed her sister. If not for the approaching dawn, Shinobu might not have even heard her sister's last words.
Aoki had encountered him and fled without hesitation, a testament to Douma's strength. Yet, facing her greatest enemy, Shinobu felt an overwhelming urge to obliterate him.
"It's our first meeting! My name is Douma. What a wonderful night! I'm the head priest of the Mugen Train cult. Bringing happiness to my followers is my duty. Don't worry; I'll consume all these children properly.
I must thank Daki later," Douma said with his characteristic smile, oblivious to Shinobu's murderous intent.
"This is the demon who killed my sister," Shinobu said, her face contorted with anger and disgust. "Bringing happiness to your followers? Don't be absurd. Those girls were terrified of you. I am too. I despise your existence!"
Douma wasn't fazed by her hostility. "Oh my, don't say such hurtful things. Everyone fears death, so I consume them, granting them eternal life with me. I embrace everything about my followers—their thoughts, their flesh—leading them to ultimate salvation in eternity."
Douma seemed genuinely convinced of his own righteousness.
Shinobu found him utterly ridiculous. Veins bulged on her forehead as she glared at him. "Are you insane? I feel like vomiting just listening to you."
"Eh?" Douma remained unperturbed, finding Shinobu peculiar. "We've just met, yet you're so hostile. Ah, I understand. Poor child, you must have painful memories you can't let go of. Please, share them. I'm happy to listen."
This seemingly innocuous question enraged Shinobu.
"You dare ask?! You're the one who murdered my sister, aren't you?! Don't you recognize this haori?!" Her voice cracked with emotion, her face consumed by rage as she pointed to her haori.
Douma finally remembered his previous encounter with a Hashira who used Flower Breathing—a beautiful woman he had defeated but couldn't consume due to the approaching dawn, a fact that still irked him.
"Ah, I remember now," Douma said, realizing. "It was a girl who used Flower Breathing, wasn't it? She was gentle and lovely. I really wanted to consume her, but it was almost dawn, so I couldn't. I remember it clearly; it was such a shame."
Instantly, Shinobu lunged, her blade piercing Douma's eye.
"Insect Breathing: Dance of the Bee Sting: True Flutter!"
"Oh my, what a sharp thrust," Douma laughed. "I didn't even react."
He swung his iron fans, creating numerous ice lotuses that filled the air with a chilling aura.
"It's freezing! The air is so cold, it feels like my lungs will freeze!" Shinobu retreated, shocked.
Douma spoke again. "Impressive speed. But it's a pity. A simple thrust won't kill a demon. The neck… you need to sever the neck."
"A thrust won't kill a demon, but what about a poisoned thrust?" Shinobu said, regaining her composure.
Douma noticed that the area pierced by Shinobu's blade was beginning to decay, a familiar sensation spreading through his flesh.
Wisteria.
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