"Infinity Castle, The New Master" After successfully deflecting their attacks and landing, Akaza finally noticed Kyōjurō Rengoku, a sinister
"Infinity Castle, The New Master"
After successfully deflecting their attacks and landing, Akaza finally noticed Kyōjurō Rengoku, a sinister smile curving his lips.
"Oh? Isn't that Kyōjurō Rengoku? I didn't notice you before. You're working with these… fellows?" He then noticed Giyu Tomioka, perhaps sensing a kinship with another who was often ostracized within their respective organizations.
"Hmm? A different one this time? Where's that arrogant one from before? Oh, I remember. He took one of my strongest attacks head-on. He must be dead, right?"
This angered Tanjiro immensely. "Aoki-senpai wasn't killed by you! He's not only alive, but he's killed two Upper Moons! He just killed Upper Moon Two! You, a mere Upper Moon Three, would be defeated by him!"
Akaza's brow furrowed slightly. He knew about this; the Upper Moons shared a linked vision, so he was aware of Aoki's defeat of Douma.
While he disliked Douma intensely, Douma was undeniably stronger than him. Aoki's ability to kill Douma implied he could kill Akaza, perhaps even more easily.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Infinity Castle, Tamayo was restraining Muzan Kibutsuji, who had transformed into a massive, fleshy cocoon, resembling an insect about to emerge.
"Huff… huff… Muzan is likely trying to break down the medicine to turn demons human within this cocoon. If this continues, I'll be absorbed. Please, anyone, hurry! Please!"
Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters
In a mansion, eight-year-old Kiriya Ubuyashiki, succeeding his father Kagaya Ubuyashiki as the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, wore a special mark on his forehead. It was a Blood Demon Art created by Yushiro for shared vision, a mark also worn by every crow in the Infinity Castle.
In the room, besides Kiriya, were his two younger sisters, protected by Tengen Uzui, the former Sound Hashira, and Shinjuro Rengoku, the former Flame Hashira.
"Kiriya-sama is truly admirable. Having just suffered the immense pain of losing his family, he still remembers his duty, leading the Demon Slayer Corps in pursuit of Muzan, isn't that right, Rengoku?" Tengen Uzui said.
Shinjuro Rengoku nodded. "Indeed. Such a young child, enduring such grief to command the Corps… to uphold the Rengoku name… I, as a father, may not be able to fight like Kyōjurō, but I will protect them here."
At that moment, the door burst open. Expecting demons, they prepared to draw their swords, but it was Amane Ubuyashiki, supporting Kagaya Ubuyashiki, along with their two daughters.
Both Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku, as well as Kiriya and his sisters, were stunned.
After their initial shock, Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku rushed to assist Kagaya Ubuyashiki.
"Fa… Father…" Kiriya Ubuyashiki burst into tears at the sight of his father, his hand pausing mid-stroke as he mapped the Infinity Castle.
"Don't cry," Kagaya Ubuyashiki, extremely weak, said. "And don't stop drawing. We cannot lose this battle. It's up to you, Kiriya."
"Yes!" Kiriya resumed his drawing, bringing relief to Kagaya Ubuyashiki and Amane Ubuyashiki.
Tengen Uzui and Shinjuro Rengoku exchanged glances. According to the plan, Kagaya Ubuyashiki and his family should be dead. The mansion explosion should have left no survivors.
However, as subordinates, they hesitated to speak.
Perhaps sensing their thoughts, Amane Ubuyashiki explained, "I know you're surprised we're alive. We didn't expect to survive either. It's all thanks to Aoki-sama. He used his power to save us from death."
Tengen Uzui's eyes narrowed. He had a good relationship with Aoki after the Yoshiwara arc, but Aoki's subsequent retirement had prevented them from meeting.
Tengen Uzui wasn't overly shocked that Aoki had saved them, though the method remained a mystery.
Shinjuro Rengoku, however, was visibly shaken. Being retired, he wasn't up-to-date on Demon Slayer Corps news, but he knew about Aoki's feat of killing two Upper Moons.
"What a hero! I heard Aoki-sama is only fifteen or sixteen years old. To possess such skill at such a young age… it's truly a blessing for the Demon Slayer Corps," Shinjuro Rengoku exclaimed.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki nodded. "Yes, I valued Aoki from the beginning. He didn't disappoint me. He'll likely be the key to our victory in this battle."
On the other side of headquarters, Nezuko Kamado lay in bed, unwell. She had taken the medicine Tamayo had provided to turn demons human, but it hadn't taken immediate effect. She was sweating profusely, breathing heavily.
Sakonji Urokodaki knelt beside her, occasionally wiping the sweat from her brow.
"She's in great pain. I've given Nezuko the medicine from Tamayo, the demon who allied with the Master. Will Nezuko truly become human? Throughout history, Nezuko is the only demon unaffected by sunlight."
"If Nezuko becomes human, Muzan's goal will be thwarted. His millennia-long dream of achieving his perfect form and overcoming the sun will be shattered."
Suddenly, a thought struck Sakonji Urokodaki, making him tense.
"The final battle… those words echo in my mind, making me tremble and my heart pound. This millennia-long war between humans and demons may end tonight. I never imagined I'd live to see this day."
"Aoki, Tanjiro, Giyu… you cannot lose! You absolutely cannot lose!"
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