Hearing Ryuya's words, Enmu's heart skipped a beat. However, his sharp mind quickly found the safest response.
Noticing Kochou Kanae beside him, Enmu immediately clarified his earlier remark.
"Young Master Ryuya, you misunderstand me. I would never dare offend you. Also… is this young lady your beloved? As expected of Young Master Ryuya, your taste is extraordinary. You two are a match made in heaven. And this young miss is elegant and beautiful. To stand beside you proves her remarkable charm. May I ask how I should address you, young miss?"
With Enmu speaking, the other Lower Rank demons remained silent, hardly daring to breathe.
"Enmu, her name is Kochou Kanae."
Ryuya smiled faintly as he introduced them.
"Hui Hui, this is Enmu, Lower Rank One."
"H-hello."
Kanae's eyes flickered with curiosity as she studied Enmu.
"Greetings, Lady Kanae."
Enmu bowed politely.
Through this exchange, Kanae's identity was made clear to all the Lower Ranks.
They silently engraved her presence into memory.
"It has been some time since we last gathered. Does anyone have good news to report?"
Ryuya looked at them with a pleasant smile.
The Lower Ranks stiffened and lowered their heads.
The atmosphere resembled employees facing a superior when they had nothing to show.
"So, no achievements?"
Ryuya's lips curved slightly.
"Since your individual capabilities are limited, this operation will be a coordinated assault under my command."
He continued calmly, "I expect no one to slack off. I will personally observe your contributions and seek a blood reward from Lord Muzan for the most outstanding among you."
At the mention of a blood reward, the demons instantly straightened.
"We obey Young Master Ryuya's command!"
Their voices rang in unison.
"This mission targets the Swordsmith Village. Prepare yourselves. I will inform you of the exact time."
"Understood!"
"Meeting adjourned. Nakime, send them away. Enmu, remain. I have additional instructions."
The Lower Ranks were slightly stunned by the efficiency. Compared to Muzan's lengthy speeches, Ryuya's meetings were direct and concise.
As Nakime plucked her biwa and transported them away, they realized it was no illusion.
Ryuya truly wasted no time.
"Young Master Ryuya, what would you have me do?"
Enmu stepped forward eagerly.
"For now, go to Natagumo Mountain. The Demon Slayer Corps' Final Selection should begin soon. Your task is to ensure a human named Kaigaku passes safely. He will be the key to locating the Swordsmith Village. No accidents."
Ryuya's smile carried a faint chill.
"However, while ensuring his survival, do not let him have an easy time. Do you understand?"
"I understand completely, Young Master Ryuya."
"Report to me once the task is complete."
"Yes."
After giving his orders, Ryuya instructed Nakime to transport him, Kanae, and Enmu out of the Infinity Castle.
Their destination: the Butterfly Mansion.
Wisteria trees lined the entrance, their violet blossoms casting a dreamlike glow over the estate.
Moonlight spilled across the courtyard.
Shinobu Kocho stood there, wrapped in her butterfly-patterned haori, hugging herself against the chill.
She had not slept.
After returning from her journey without informing her sister, everything had changed.
Kanae had left the Demon Slayer Corps. Though not formally withdrawing from the Butterfly Mansion, she was nowhere to be found.
The weight of responsibility now rested entirely on Shinobu's shoulders.
Exhaustion clung to her, yet sleep would not come.
She stared at the bright moon and found her thoughts drifting.
"Stupid Ryuya. Liar. Full of empty promises. I hate you. You said you'd come. So where are you? It's been so long."
She kicked at a pebble angrily.
"You're probably off messing around somewhere, completely forgetting what you promised. You said you'd teach me Breathing Techniques. Where are you? Bastard. If you have the guts, just stay gone forever. Don't ever show up again. Otherwise…"
Suddenly, something flicked her cheek.
She turned sharply.
"Sister Shinobu, speaking ill of me behind my back? Aren't you afraid I'll sneeze one day and suffocate from all that resentment?"
Ryuya stood behind her, smiling as he pinched her cheek again.
For some reason, he had developed a habit of teasing her this way.
"Ryuya? Is that really you, you bastard?!"
Shinobu's eyes widened. Her face flushed as she jerked back.
When did he arrive?
She had not prepared herself at all.
He had heard everything.
Embarrassment flooded her.
"What's wrong, Sister Shinobu? You call my name repeatedly, yet act like you want me gone. Is this what they call saying one thing and meaning another?"
Ryuya grinned.
Kanae had already gone inside to check on the mansion, leaving him free to tease Shinobu without restraint.
"Who was calling for you? Don't flatter yourself. Can't you tell the difference between good and bad words? I hate you!"
Shinobu bared her teeth at him.
"Oh? Then I'll leave. Since Sister Shinobu dislikes my presence, I won't impose."
Ryuya turned to walk away.
He's actually leaving?
The sudden panic in her chest caught her off guard.
"Don't go!"
Her lips parted as she reached out and grabbed his sleeve.
...
Author's Note:
The full completed version of Demon Slayer: Son of Muzan (Completed) is now on Patreon!
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
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2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
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