Hearing Shinobu's report, the other Hashiras were stunned. They didn't expect such a matter to have gone unnoticed by them.
What shocked them more was the fact that Shinobu was able to manipulate Upper Moon Two and make him a "lab rat" as she described.
"Incredible. Oyakata-sama's trust in you... was not misplaced." Gyomei said solemnly as tears fell from his blind eyes.
While the others including the retired Tengen were shocked, Kagaya had other thoughts.
"I presume Upper Moon Two didn't die, right?"
Shinobu's lips curled faintly, but her eyes did not soften. "I administered something… to stop him. Let's say he's not at his full strength."
A neat sidestep—not quite a lie, not quite the truth.
"What?" Sanemi shouted, surprised.
"Why did you keep him alive, Shinobu? I thought you really hated him. After all, he killed your..." Kagaya asked calmly.
Shinobu gulped. She didn't know how to reply. However, she decided to tell the truth.
"Because," Shinobu said evenly, "There are things a corpse cannot tell us. His body, his blood, his instincts—they are a well of knowledge on demons that we've only begun to draw from. Killing him now would be… inefficient."
She gritted her teeth, angry at so many things. The death of her sister. Her inability to get revenge. Douma's parents. Muzan. Everything that burdened her.
"I also believe, there is a chance he could be redeemed. Even used, for our own work."
The whole mansion turned silent, everyone fixed on Shinobu and her words.
A demon used by the demon slayer corps? An Upper Moon at that? Someone who'd killed countless demon slayers? None of the Hashiras were willing to believe that. They just couldn't understand.
"Shinobu. Are you feeling well?"
Giyu asked quietly, his emotionless eyes reflecting worry.
However, before any Hashira could criticize Shinobu further, Kagaya spoke. His soft smile had dimmed a little.
"Shinobu. Do you know how risky this is?"
Shinobu stared ahead—wide-eyed. Now that Kagaya had said it, she realized how worse things would be if Douma was allowed to live. He wouldn't stop consuming humans and could even infiltrate the Demon Slayer Corps through her.
Still, her belief stayed firm. Douma was going to change—she was going to change him.
Seeing the crazy amount of determination in her eyes, Kagaya sighed, regretting his earlier decision. He had thought that Shinobu's hate for Douma was blinding. However, it seemed even she still had room for other emotions in her heart.
'That's a miscalculation.'
"Shinobu Kocho," he said softly, "I have always valued your sharp mind and your unmatched resolve. But your judgment… is now compromised. I will not risk the lives of my children on a single gamble—no matter how skilled the gambler."
Her heart dropped, but she kept her smile.
"You will relinquish your position as Hashira, your uniform, and your duties to the Corps. You may live… but you will not act under our banner again."
The Hashiras watched in shock. They hadn't expected Kagaya to pull this particular move. He had actually expelled Shinobu from their ranks.
Although shocked, Shinobu only smiled and bowed to him, tears threatening to fall from her eyes.
"Goodbye everyone."
Turning away, the others watched as she disappeared, a tear falling down her eye.
"So pitiful. May your soul find peace."
Gyomei said clasping his hands, tears streaming down his face.
Unfazed by the scenario, Kagaya spoke. His tone losing its usual warmness.
"Now..."
.....
[2 months later]
[Infinity Castle]
The tension between the Demon Slayers and the Demons had grown significantly. Several demon slayers were being slaughtered just as much as demons were being killed by Hashiras.
Surprisingly, all the Lower Moons had been extinguished, leaving the demon slayers with only the Upper Moons as strong foes.
At least it was that way until Kokushibo returned on his mission.
Standing behind him were seven young demons with different physiques and body structures.
One looked like a regular human except for his beaded eyes and fangs, a sword hung behind him. The others were a mixture. Some large and massive, some small and skinny, some even possessing extra appendages.
Still, one thing was certain. They were all strong. Just below the Upper Moons.
Muzan's gaze roamed the demon's, his eyes filled with quiet acknowledgement.
"You sure took your time."
He spoke, shifting his focus to Kokushibo.
Kokushibo didn't seem to mind the sarcasm, instead, he turned to the demons behind him.
"I've trained them personally. They are the most skilled Demons in the tierless rank."
Muzan tilted his head, intrigued.
"Is that right? Then I'll promote them to Lower Moons." He smiled thinly. His eyes locked on Kaigaku. "However, I believe one of them is a special one."
Kokushibo didn't seem surprised. "As expected, you've noticed."
His thick voice reverberated through the air.
"He's just like me. A demon slayer. However, he is even more pathetic than I was in my human form. Still, he has grown stronger with my blood. I believe he qualifies to be an Upper Moon."
Muzan frowned slightly, then beckoned to Kaigaku.
The young demon stepped forward, his body trembling softly. All his life as a demon slayer, he had never met demons as strong as this. Talk more of Muzan, the king of demons.
Muzan stared at him, then suddenly raised a hand. From behind him, Daki emerged, her lips curled into a wild grin.
"Fight him."
Daki didn't hesitate. She lunged forward, her sash shooting like steel blades.
Kaigaku reacted instantly, his hand grabbed the sword attached to his back, then swung rapidly.
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang!
In a few moments, he was able to completely neutralize all of Daki's attacks and almost behead her.
However, before he could, Gyutaro appeared from her shadow, glaring at him hatefully.
Seeing this, Muzan sighed.
"Stop!"
The three demons froze. Muzan turned to Kokushibo, his gaze questioning.
"Does he still retain his techniques?"
Kokushibo nodded. Muzan smiled, satisfied.
Then he turned to Kaigaku and said softly, "Three."
Instantly, Kaigaku collapsed to his feet, his muscles bulging and twisting in a grotesque way. Soon however, the chaos receded and the wailing Kaigaku stabilized.
Raising his head, he stared at Muzan with admiration. Now in his eyes was the number "three". With this, he realized how great Muzan was. Someone capable of granting powers with a single thought? A god. He could feel it. The wild strength coursing through his bones. He had never felt so strong.
"Upper Moon Three..." Daki muttered, stunned.
Ignoring her shock, Muzan turned to the other six demons, then sighed.
Just like Kaigaku, they collapsed to the ground, rolling in agony as Muzan's blood increased their strengths.
Finally, after their evolution, the Twelve Kizuki would be back to operation.