Tsukihiko's plan was a grand deception. The attacks on Mount Fujikasane and Mount Sagiri were devastating blows, but they were also brilliant diversions. The chaos had consumed all of Kagaya Ubuyashiki's attention, leaving him with no time to analyze his enemy's true objective. The old Kibutsuji Muzan, the coward who hid for centuries, would never have dared such a bold and intricate strategy. This new Muzan was playing a completely different game, one of overt schemes and complex tactics that left the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps completely bewildered.
Just as Kagaya had feared Muzan's true target was Nezuko, the training ground at Mount Fujikasane was annihilated. The loss of a generation of new Demon Slayers, and even his own children who were overseeing the exam, was a tragic blow. But the news from Mount Sagiri was, in its own way, even more terrifying. An Upper Rank demon should have been a difficult but manageable fight for three Hashira and a former Hashira. Yet, they had all vanished. Even if they weren't dead, their fate was grim.
But as he lay in his bed, the weight of the world on his shoulders, Kagaya knew that these tragedies were just the opening moves. The real danger lay with the demon-led assassinations of government officials.
"We underestimated him," Kagaya whispered, his voice raspy. "His previous actions... they were all a performance to make us believe he was still the same coward." He looked at his wife, Amane, his eyes filled with a new and terrible understanding. "This Muzan doesn't just want eternal life. He wants to dominate all of Japan."
His voice grew stronger with urgency. "Once the government falls into his hands, this country will become a living hell. One Demon King is terrifying enough. But what happens when the entire nation becomes his weapon?"
He struggled to sit up, his diseaseravaged face turning towards his wife. "We must resist," he pleaded. "Now, only your family, Amane... only the Priest Clan and the Onmyoji who serve the Emperor can resolve this catastrophe."
Amane's expression became stern, her resolve hardening. "I understand," she said, her voice firm.
Meanwhile, in the Infinity Castle, the air was thick with an oppressive chill. The moment Muzan had appeared on the high platform, he had silenced the entire scene with his mere presence.
This was the first time that Urokodaki and the three active Hashira had seen the Demon King's true form. The Muzan of legend was a phantom, a monster who hid his face and changed his identity like clothing. Few in the Ubuyashiki family had ever seen him, let alone a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.
Now, truly confronting him, they finally understood the terrifying and arrogant existence that commanded the Twelve Kizuki. He was just one man, yet his aura seemed to contain a thousand possibilities. His appearance was nothing like the fanged monster of rumor; instead, he had the handsome and refined face of a young nobleman. His tall stature and proud demeanor were impossible to forget. It was this being, this beautiful and terrifying creature, who was the source of all the demons in the world. The contrast was so extreme it was nauseating.
Muzan's gaze flickered past the captured slayers, landing on Tamayo, who stood silently behind him, her expression a mask of misery.
"Tamayo, do you see?" he asked, his voice calm and even. He gestured to the four Demon Slayers, who were now glaring at them with pure, unadulterated hatred. "Look closely at their eyes. That is the enmity of those who wish to tear us to pieces, a hatred that only our complete destruction can satisfy."
His voice dropped to a soft whisper. "And now, their lives are in your hands. Whether they live or die depends entirely on you."
Amidst Tamayo's bewildered expression, Muzan pointed towards Nezuko, who was being held protectively by the injured Urokodaki.
"Do you see that little girl? Her name is Nezuko Kamado. She is the only demon in this world who has overcome her instinct for blood." His lips curved into a slight smile. "And she is the only one of us who can walk in the sunlight."
At these words, Tamayo's beautiful eyes widened in utter shock.
"In fact," Muzan continued, his voice smooth and persuasive, "she has already broken free from my control. She has become a truly independent individual. You are a doctor, Tamayo. You should know what this means."
He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, presenting his offer as if it were the most reasonable thing in the world.
"Study her, and you can find a method to break our curse."
"Study her, and you can find a way for us to no longer need to drink blood."
"Study her," he said softly, his gaze flicking back to the captive Hashira, "and you can save the lives of every single one of these people."
He looked directly at her, his crimson eyes holding her captive.
"Tamayo, are you willing?"