After hearing Ubuyashiki Kagaya's words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. However, his expression quickly turned solemn as his tone shifted.
"But we cannot afford to let our guard down. Now that the effect of Ren's blood is known, Muzan will undoubtedly become even more aggressive and fanatically target Ren... This is a challenge for the Demon Slayer Corps, but it is also an opportunity. If we can force Muzan into a decisive battle, we may finally have the chance to end him and create a world without Berserk Demons!"
Everyone felt their hearts sink. In the dark, they could already sense that the final confrontation with the Berserk Demons was right before their eyes.
"That is the second matter of this meeting. The third matter concerns Upper Moon Two!"
"!!!"
Hearing the mention of Doma, Kocho Shinobu looked up once more. Her amethyst-like eyes remained fixed, unblinking, as she stared straight at Ubuyashiki Kagaya, waiting for him to continue.
"After the battle at the Entertainment District ended, the Kakushi organized relief efforts for the victims. One of the survivors provided us with a lead. That person was once a follower of the Eternal Paradise Cult, and during a prayer session, they were fortunate enough to see the cult leader. According to them, the appearance of Upper Moon Two is strikingly similar to that of the leader of the Eternal Paradise Cult!
During this time, I have summarized the reports sent by the Demon Slayers stationed near the cult. I found that over the past century, disappearances of women have frequently occurred near the temple. Especially in the last month, the cases of missing women have increased exponentially, and there have even been many missing young men! Therefore, based on our deductions, that place is likely the stronghold of Upper Moon Two. I would like to ask you all to pay a visit to the Eternal Paradise Cult. If the cult leader is indeed a Berserk Demon, then eliminate him..."
"Master! That guy... leave that guy to me! I definitely won't let him get away!"
Before Ubuyashiki Kagaya could finish, Kocho Shinobu stood up abruptly, shouting with intense emotion.
As she stood, Ren followed suit and quickly said, "Master, I will go as well."
Originally, he wanted to say he could handle it alone, but seeing Kocho Shinobu in such a state, he knew she would likely explode if she wasn't allowed to go. Thus, Ren proposed going with her. This way, if she encountered any danger, he could intervene in time.
"Very well. Although your injuries haven't fully recovered, I'll leave it to you." Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded slightly, then asked, "But what about your weapon...?"
"No problem. The smiths at the Swordsmith Village have already begun forging a new heavy sword for me."
Immediately upon his return, Ren had sent a message via Kasugai Crow to the blacksmiths, stating that his Nichirin Heavy Sword had broken. He requested a new one, specifically asking for it to be even heavier than the previous one. Given his current status, such a small request was easily granted, and the village chief quickly agreed.
"Though it's a bit difficult, the smiths said they would do their best to forge a new weapon. Until then, I'll make do with these!"
Clap! Clap!
As he spoke, Ren patted the three Nichirin Katanas at his waist. He had carefully selected these three from the armory; each blade weighed over fifty pounds. To an ordinary slayer, they might be heavy, but in his hands, they were as easy to wield as his own fingers—perhaps even a bit light. Ren could easily use two for a dual-wielding style while keeping the third as a spare, or perhaps even try out a three-sword style!
"In that case, set out. Also, to seize your blood, Muzan will surely use any means necessary. Ren, you must be extremely careful!"
"I understand," Ren nodded slightly.
Seeing this, Ubuyashiki Kagaya said, "Then this meeting is adjourned. Everyone may leave. I wish you all great luck in battle!"
"Yes. We also hope you take care of your health, Master."
After leaving the Ubuyashiki estate, Ren and Kocho Shinobu immediately rushed toward the Eternal Paradise Cult without a moment's rest. During the journey, Ren kept an eye on her expression. Seeing the feverish intensity between her brows, he frowned slightly and suggested, "Shinobu, when we see that bastard Doma, let's face him together..."
"No!"
Kocho Shinobu cut him off directly. The rage in her heart seemed ready to burst from her eyes as she spoke in a tone that brooked no argument. "That guy is my target. I must finish him with my own hands to avenge my sister. Ren, no matter what happens, do not interfere!"
"That won't do!" Ren refused just as decisively, chuckling softly. "Shinobu, you are my friend. I won't stand by and watch you go to your death! You can call me selfish, but as far as I'm concerned, you have to stay healthy and alive!"
"Ren..."
Hearing this, Kocho Shinobu felt a warmth in her heart. She whispered, "Thank you. But this is my fight. If you dare to interfere..."
"If I interfere, what are you going to do about it?"
"Then... then I won't be your friend anymore!"
The moment the words left her mouth, Kocho Shinobu's face flushed bright red. It was the only "threat" she could think of to use against him.
"Pfft—"
Looking at the "fierce yet timid" Kocho Shinobu, Ren couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Haha, alright, alright. Since you've 'threatened' me like that, I won't interfere. However..." Ren's tone suddenly shifted, his expression turning grave. "Shinobu, since this is your fight, you must win!"
"Don't worry! I've prepared a secret weapon specifically to deal with Doma!"
Kocho Shinobu smiled sweetly, lifting her Nichirin Katana with a face full of confidence. Ren nodded. Although he promised not to interfere, he wouldn't actually watch her die. Even if she really stopped being his friend afterward, he would ensure she returned to the Demon Slayer Corps safely!
With that thought, Ren caught up to her, and the two boarded a train to the Eternal Paradise Cult. Five days later, they appeared before the cult's sprawling temple complex. Despite the grand and magnificent appearance of the temples, Ren could smell a dense, thick scent of blood the moment they drew near.
[Reviews - Power St0nes - Comments are highly appreciated to keep me going.....(+50 chapters) patre0n.c0m/talecrafter]