The Twelve Kizuki remained kneeling in stunned silence. For centuries, they had served Muzan Kibutsuji. They knew everything about him—his immense power, his cruelty, and the absolute control he held over their very existence. But they also knew his greatest weakness: he was a coward who valued his own life above all else.
Eternal life was his only goal. If any situation posed even the slightest threat to his safety, he would flee without hesitation, calling it a "strategic retreat." It was a truth they had all come to understand.
That was why the words he had just spoken were so shocking. Declaring war on the entire country was not something the Muzan they knew would ever do. It was so out of character that it felt like a clap of thunder echoing in the silent castle.
"For a long time," Muzan's voice cut through their thoughts, calm and commanding, "we have been seen as evil spirits who hide from the sun. They call us rats living in the sewers."
He paused, letting his words hang in the air.
"But they are wrong. We are not cursed. We are supreme beings, the closest this world has to perfect life. Our evolution is simply not yet complete."
The statement sent another shockwave through the demons. Even Kokushibo, Upper Rank One, who had been trying to understand his master's sudden change, was taken aback. The idea was not just bold; it was absurd.
The demons, led by their king, were not a dominant force in the world. For centuries, they had been hunted by the Ubuyashiki family and the Demon Slayer Corps. In the grand scheme of things, they were a shadow society, a persistent but manageable threat. Their entire existence was tied to one man, Muzan, who had stumbled upon the secret to creating them. He was a man of science, not a conqueror. His ambition had always been small, focused only on himself. Giving him ultimate power was like handing a nuclear weapon to a child who only wanted to rob a candy store.
"On our journey from human to demon, and from demon to perfect god, there is still one crucial element missing," Muzan continued. His voice was laced with a tempting promise that held every demon in rapt attention. "But we are closer than ever before."
He began to pace slowly on the platform, his presence filling the vast space. "We have three great weaknesses: we cannot face the sun, we must consume humans to survive, and we can be killed if our heads are cut off by a special blade. These are the chains that hold us back."
He stopped and looked down at them, a faint, knowing smile on his face. "Two years ago, I succeeded in creating a demon that can survive without consuming human blood."
A collective gasp went through the Twelve Kizuki. Disbelief and then a surge of stunning realization washed over them. They had all accepted their thirst for blood as an unchangeable part of their existence. If their master, the Demon King himself, couldn't find a way around it, then what hope did they have? But now, he was telling them he had already solved one of the puzzles.
"And as for our problem with the sun," Muzan added casually, "I have also made significant progress. However, to achieve our final goal, we must first remove the obstacles in our path."
His expression turned serious. "Right now, we are all in danger. Not just the weaker demons, but all of you, and even myself. Our enemies are not just the Demon Slayer Corps and the Ubuyashiki family. This is the Taisho Era. The Japanese government and its modern army are also a threat."
He let that sink in. "The age of swords is ending. The government's soldiers carry firearms, weapons that can cause us significant trouble. But weapons are only as terrifying as the people who wield them. So I ask you, what happens when demons are the ones holding the guns?"
The thought was terrifying and brilliant. The Demon Slayer Corps, with its ancient traditions and Nichirin swords, operated in secret, hiding from a government that had banned the carrying of blades. They were a relic of a bygone era.
"Sir," Muzan said with a dismissive wave of his hand, "the times have changed."
He stopped his pacing and his sharp, ruby eyes locked onto his most powerful subordinate.
"Kokushibo."
"I am here," the six-eyed swordsman replied, his voice a deep rumble.
"I will give you a portion of my blood. With it, you will create one hundred and ten sword-demon puppets. You alone will command them," Muzan ordered. "Your mission begins tonight. You will assassinate the top officials of the Japanese government. Infiltrate the capital and decapitate the cabinet. By tomorrow morning, I want this entire country to be thrown into chaos."
Without a flicker of hesitation, Kokushibo bowed his head. "As you command."
Muzan's gaze then shifted to the smiling man with rainbow-colored eyes, Upper Rank Two. "Doma."
"Yes, Master!" Doma chirped, waving his golden fan. He was the leader of the Eternal Paradise Cult, and his wicked smile never faded.
"Tonight, you will unleash your followers. Create demon incidents all across Japan. Cause as much panic and terror as you can," Muzan instructed. "Your mission is to distract the Japanese military. Tie up their forces so they cannot respond to the chaos in the capital. Also, send a portion of your followers to Mount Fujikasane. The Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection is currently underway. Disrupt it."
Doma's smile widened. "It sounds like fun! Consider it done."
Muzan then turned to the muscular, tattooed demon, Upper Rank Three. "Akaza."
"Here," Akaza said, his voice all business as he crossed his arms.
"Your task is simple, but it requires precision," Muzan said. "There is a man named Sakonji Urokodaki living on Mount Sagiri. He is a former Hashira. I want you to go there and kill him. However, do not kill him quickly. Surround him. Toy with him. Make a scene large enough that it cannot be ignored. Your true goal is to draw the attention of the Ubuyashiki family."
A predatory smile touched Muzan's face.
"As you command," Akaza nodded, already focused on the coming battle.
"Gyutaro. Daki."
"Yes, Master!" the two siblings replied in unison.
"You will continue to watch over the Entertainment District," Muzan said, his voice turning cold as ice. "But your focus will change. Identify the wealthiest merchants who visit your district. Apprehend them and seize control of their businesses. We will need their resources for what comes next."
"Understood!" Daki giggled.
"It's done," Gyutaro rasped.
Finally, Muzan's gaze fell upon the remaining two Upper Ranks, the terrified Hantengu and the artistic Gyokko. "As for you two..."
He paused, a flicker of something unreadable in his eyes. "You will accompany me. We are going to pay a visit to the rebellious demon who betrayed me long ago."