Infinity Castle.
After refining his Moon Breathing and other sword techniques through relentless battles with Kokushibo, Ryuya had finally completed his tempering.
He arrived at the Infinity Castle with Kochou Kanae, prepared to convene the Lower Rank demons and sound the horn for an assault on the Swordsmith Village.
"Nakime, bring the Lower Rank demons to the Infinity Castle."
Ryuya waved his hand.
His imposing presence was no less than that of the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan. In some respects, it even surpassed it.
"Yes, Young Master Ryuya."
Nakime's crimson lips parted slightly as her pale fingers plucked the strings of her biwa, producing a crisp note that echoed through the castle.
Kanae, who had limited exposure to such things, was stunned by the shifting structure of the Infinity Castle. Walls rotated, floors tilted, and corridors extended or retracted in response to Nakime's music.
"Is there truly such a Blood Demon Art among demons?"
As she stood beside Ryuya, her understanding deepened.
There was Kibutsuji Muzan, who bore an identical appearance to Ryuya and about whom the Demon Slayer Corps had possessed no prior intelligence.
There was Kokushibo, the originator of Moon Breathing.
And Nakime, the silent woman whose biwa controlled an entire fortress.
Gradually, Kanae's understanding of the demons' hierarchy became clearer.
The one issuing orders was the Demon King, Kibutsuji Muzan, the source of all evil.
Yet from Ryuya's demeanor, his relationship with Muzan appeared distant. In contrast, he seemed closer to Upper Rank One, Kokushibo.
Kanae did not yet grasp the deeper implications. She only observed what lay on the surface. Perhaps, in time, she would ask Ryuya directly.
Ryuya gently took her hand and smiled, easing her tension.
She returned the smile.
At that moment, the five Lower Rank demons were transported into the Infinity Castle.
The first to kneel was Lower Rank Six, Kyogai.
His robust body was embedded with six drums.
"Young Master Ryuya."
He knelt respectfully.
To distinguish between Ryuya and Muzan, the Lower Ranks addressed Ryuya as "Young Master" and Muzan as "Master."
Ryuya gave a slight nod.
Next came Lower Rank Five, Rui.
"Young Master Ryuya."
He followed suit, kneeling.
Lower Rank Four, Hantengu, appeared next.
"Young Master Ryuya!"
Her face flushed, heart pounding with excitement. But the moment she noticed Kanae standing beside him, holding his hand, her expression froze.
"Who is that woman? How can she stand beside Young Master Ryuya?"
"Hantengu."
Ryuya's calm voice echoed from above.
Her heart tightened as she looked up.
"Did he notice me? Is he going to speak to me?"
At that moment, Lower Rank Three, Kiyo, also arrived.
"You two are still alive? I thought you were dead."
"Huh?"
Kiyo and Hantengu were both stunned.
"So, you two killed Rengoku Kyojuro?"
Ryuya tilted his head slightly, appearing thoughtful.
"No…"
Both demons lowered their heads in shame.
"Oh? Then you ran away?"
Ryuya rubbed his chin and smiled faintly.
"Not bad. You did well."
The ambiguous praise only made them more uneasy.
In truth, Ryuya was simply acknowledging their survival. Whether they understood their own limits or not, he certainly did.
Sometimes the situation was not dire, but overthinking could terrify you more than reality itself.
"And what of that nurse demon? How is she?"
Ryuya was still concerned about Songyue. After all, she was destined to become Muzan's personal nurse.
"Young Master, she is missing, but she should not be in mortal danger."
As Hantengu reported, jealousy gnawed at her heart.
It was not only Songyue. Kanae's presence beside Ryuya stirred equal envy.
If only she were the one standing there.
As for the Lower Ranks themselves, Ryuya had already assessed their usefulness.
If the Demon Slayer Corps did not dispatch a Hashira to the Swordsmith Village, they might prove somewhat effective.
But if even one Hashira appeared, they would be completely outmatched.
Thus, Ryuya's plan was simple.
The Lower Ranks would launch a feigned assault, acting as cannon fodder to draw attention. Amid the chaos, he would search for Tsugikuni Yoriichi's sword.
With the plan settled, Ryuya's gaze shifted to the final demon.
Lower Rank One, Enmu.
"Ah, Young Master Ryuya, seeing you makes my gloomy heart bloom like a hundred flowers. I am overwhelmed with joy."
Enmu's pale face flushed as he gazed at Ryuya with open adoration.
The greatest sycophant among the Lower Ranks, without equal.
Ryuya curved his lips slightly and said, "Enmu, are you implying that I resemble a peony?"
...
Author's Note:
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