Among the Upper Ranks, reactions varied wildly.
Akaza wasn't afraid in the slightest.
On the contrary—
He was excited.
A faint thrill stirred in his chest.
Even though he knew he wasn't Ryuya's match, the prospect of battle ignited him.
If he were to die in combat against Ryuya—
That would be a worthy end.
Doma maintained his smiling expression.
Hehehe.
It had only been a few days, and Young Master Ryuya was already initiating a Blood Battle.
How efficient.
How charming.
He wouldn't possibly have his eyes on Upper Rank Two… would he?
If that happened—
One of them would have to die.
That would be troublesome.
Doma didn't want either outcome.
After all—
He liked Young Master Ryuya the most.
Ryuya glanced over.
Doma happily waved his iron fan in greeting.
Optimistic to the core.
Honestly, Doma was amusing.
Praise him or insult him—
He'd smile either way.
Ryuya almost felt reluctant.
If Muzan hadn't started sending Upper Ranks to tail him…
If he hadn't preemptively handled matters…
It might have been Doma's turn today.
You should thank Muzan and Hantengu.
Then there was—
Kokushibo.
Six eyes.
Purple samurai attire.
Engraved with the mark of Upper Rank One.
His master.
Their gazes met briefly.
Hmm?
Are you planning to challenge your teacher?
Ryuya coughed awkwardly and looked away.
Just looking, Master.
Kokushibo lifted his chin slightly.
Even if Ryuya challenged him—
He would not hold back.
But if Ryuya failed—
He would not kill him.
There was still a gap between them.
And Ryuya, for all his ambitions, was not a rebellious disciple.
Muzan Kibutsuji spoke.
"Ryuya. Have you chosen?"
Ryuya's gaze swept across the seven demons.
Every Upper Rank except Kokushibo felt their tension spike.
Who would it be?
"Father."
He smiled faintly.
"I will initiate a Blood Battle for Upper Rank Four."
"I challenge Hantengu."
Silence.
Utter silence.
Then—
Internal screaming.
Hantengu went pale.
Lightning could not have struck harder.
Me?!
Are you serious?!
Gyutaro burst into laughter and slapped Hantengu's shoulder.
"Go for it!"
Go for what?!
That Moon Breathing would slice him into sashimi!
Of course you're happy—it's not you!
Daki crossed her arms and pouted.
"Ugly thing, hurry up and give your seat to Brother Ryuya!"
Ugly?!
Did I ask you to look at me?!
Gyokko grinned hideously.
"Hantengu, see you in the next life."
Fake friend!
Not even a token encouragement!
Akaza folded his arms, eyes gleaming.
"Don't bore me. Use your full strength."
He was already estimating how many moves Hantengu would last.
Doma swayed happily.
"Try to die gracefully~"
He was thrilled.
At least it wasn't him.
Company culture, huh?
Colleagues wishing for your death openly.
Very transparent.
Hantengu turned desperately toward Muzan.
Surely the boss would—
"Hantengu."
Muzan's voice was calm.
"You've worked hard as Upper Rank Four."
Worked hard?
Why does that sound like a farewell speech?!
"Ryuya. Begin."
Execution confirmed.
No appeals.
No mercy.
"Nakime."
"Create the arena."
Nakime plucked her strings.
The Infinity Castle shifted.
A vast wooden platform formed.
Ryuya and Hantengu stood alone upon it.
Above them—
Muzan and the other Upper Ranks watched from prime viewing seats.
Unobstructed.
Perfect.
The boss was satisfied.
The colleagues were entertained.
Only Hantengu was spiraling.
Before the battle began, Ryuya spoke.
"Hantengu."
Hantengu's eyes watered.
"Yes, Young Master Ryuya?"
At least one colleague might offer last words of dignity.
Ryuya smiled faintly.
"When the feast begins later—"
"I'll be sitting at the kids' table."
Hantengu's soul nearly left his body.
Even in his final moments—
He was being roasted.
Company friendships, indeed.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Demon Slayer: Son of Muzan (Completed) is now on Patreon!
🔥 I also have an Additional 18+ fanfics now available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1.Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
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