"Infinity Castle, Sanemi Shinazugawa's Past" "Shinobu, there don't seem to be any Upper Moons nearby." In a part of the Infinity Castle, Aok
"Infinity Castle, Sanemi Shinazugawa's Past"
"Shinobu, there don't seem to be any Upper Moons nearby." In a part of the Infinity Castle, Aoki walked aimlessly, hand in hand with Shinobu Kocho, occasionally dispatching minor demons with a casual wave.
Since defeating Upper Moon Two, Douma, they had left the Lotus Pond to search for the remaining Upper Moons.
After receiving news of Tanjiro Kamado, Giyu Tomioka, and Kyōjurō Rengoku's victory over Upper Moon Three, Akaza, Tanjiro Kamado realized his former protégé had grown strong enough to rival an Upper Moon.
While unsure if it was intentional, Aoki knew Tanjiro Kamado's motivation in killing Akaza included revenge for the brutal beating he suffered on the Mugen Train. Without his exceptional vitality, he likely would have died.
Shinobu Kocho, holding Aoki's hand, walked behind him, her gaze downcast. Occasionally, she would glance up at him, then quickly look away, a blissful smile playing on her lips, as if lost in happy thoughts.
Aoki didn't notice Shinobu Kocho's subtle expression changes. They were in the Infinity Castle, Muzan Kibutsuji's lair.
Although Upper Moons Two and Three were defeated, the strongest, Upper Moon One, remained at large, demanding utmost caution.
Suddenly, Aoki sensed a disturbance in the airflow, a chaotic current with a hint of violent energy.
"What's this?" A question formed in his mind, and he turned his gaze towards the source of the disturbance.
"What is it?" Shinobu Kocho, lost in thought, hadn't noticed Aoki stop. She bumped into his back.
Keeping his gaze fixed on the source of the disturbance, Aoki finally spoke after a long moment. "Something's happening over there."
Shinobu Kocho also looked in that direction, but couldn't discern anything unusual, likely due to her comparatively weaker abilities.
"Let's go." Taking Shinobu Kocho's hand, Aoki scooped her into his arms in a princess carry. Ignoring Shinobu Kocho's blushing face, he swiftly moved towards the disturbance.
Meanwhile, Sanemi Shinazugawa and Kokushibo were engaged in a fierce sword fight. Kokushibo, clearly superior in skill and strength, after assessing Sanemi Shinazugawa's abilities, unleashed a devastating attack, leaving Sanemi Shinazugawa severely wounded.
Genya Shinazugawa, sensing his brother was under attack, tried to get a better view, but his vision was blocked by a pillar. He couldn't see his brother's condition, or even if he was still alive. Kokushibo's power was overwhelming; likely, at least three Hashira would be needed to contend with him.
"You've held out remarkably well. Don't move; otherwise, your internal organs may spill out." Kokushibo said, his tone ambiguous as to whether it was concern or simple observation.
"Hmm? What's this? My pulse is accelerating." Kokushibo quickly noticed something was amiss. Since Sanemi Shinazugawa was severely wounded, his pulse had quickened—a dangerous sign, as it would impair his precision and judgment.
Sanemi Shinazugawa then let out a strange, almost unsettling smile. "Heeheehee… using Marechi Blood against cats, and rare blood against demons."
With that, Sanemi Shinazugawa charged at Kokushibo again, his blade slashing. Although Kokushibo blocked the attack, his movements were noticeably less fluid than before.
Sanemi Shinazugawa noticed this immediately, sneering. "Hey, hey, hey, what's wrong with you?! Why the sudden weakness? Seems my blood has an effect on even Upper Moons! The scent of my blood… incredibly intoxicating! Even among rare blood types, it's exceptionally rare. Have your fill!"
Sanemi Shinazugawa's past: "After encountering demons, I quickly realized the unique properties of my blood. My mother, already fully demonized, moved significantly slower after I was injured and bled. After killing her with my own hands, the world lost its color, shattering into pieces. I was alone, struggling in the darkness, then ignorant of the Demon Slayer Corps and Nichirin Blades. I began hunting demons with various weapons, burning them to ashes with sunlight."
"Looking back, it was suicidal folly. I only survived due to my blood's intoxicating effect on demons. While hunting the same demon repeatedly, I met a fellow Demon Slayer. Under his guidance, I completed the rigorous training and joined the Corps. But I know this world is unjust."
"Good people often die sooner. I killed Lower Moon One with him, but he died from injuries sustained in the battle. Only I became a Hashira. Later, when I first met Oyakata-sama, I found his smiling demeanor while others fought to the death unforgivable."
"I started mocking him. I later learned that Oyakata-sama, due to lifelong illness, couldn't wield a sword. He tried, but after about ten swings, he had no strength left."
"Then, Kanae Kocho, the Flower Hashira, told me that Oyakata-sama, though unable to fight, remembered the names and stories of every Demon Slayer who died after he took office, including my companion killed by Lower Moon One. I was stunned. Even I couldn't remember all those who fought and died alongside me."
"And even after my harsh words, he didn't show anger, only looking at me with gentle eyes. His gaze reminded me of Mother, her loving look, like a hand gently stroking my face."
"Oyakata-sama gave me a letter. After reading it, my opinion of him changed completely. I could no longer disrespect him, and I utterly loathed those who did. My hatred for demons intensified."
"I vowed to protect Oyakata-sama until his death, but now… Muzan Kibutsuji, that bastard, killed him."
"I! I absolutely! Absolutely will not forgive any demons or Muzan Kibutsuji! So, all of you… die!"
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