This Upper Rank demon had some real skill.
Not only did she have skill—she also had great ambition.
I gave her my blood. While establishing a connection with her, it also meant she could use that medium to peek into my heart.
As long as I wavered for even an instant, it would give her a chance to plant suggestion.
Don't know if she had the guts to test Muzan like this.
Hanasaki hadn't guarded against the surprise attack. My kick sent her to the wall's edge. Smashed a large, shattered hole in the wall.
But demons' self-healing ability was astonishing. She immediately flipped up. Somewhat surprised. Even more cautiously assessed me.
"You're more powerful than I anticipated." Her tone puzzled. "Clearly you possess such formidable power—why are you willing to be driven by humans?"
Truth be told, I had to admire her courage. Daring to grow her own ambitions right under Muzan's nose. Unwilling to submit to him.
If she were an ordinary person, I'd definitely give her applause.
She asked so sincerely. I couldn't not answer her. Though I felt she was a bit abnormal.
"Ruling the world—only children get excited hearing about that." I said slowly. "How many years do you think I've lived?"
Anyway, she delivered herself to my door. I wouldn't be polite. Prepared to roll up my sleeves and deal with her.
Hanasaki's expression turned colder. Her tone changed: "I advise you to stop. Do you think after the human government learns of your existence, they can still tolerate the Demon Slayer Corps?"
My movements stopped. Enticement failed, so now threats?
She continued: "A demon who's lived a thousand years. Doesn't need to eat people. An eternally youthful existence, yet hidden away by a small Demon Slayer Corps. How many big shots would go mad over this, trying to make them hand you over?"
"I've already planted suggestion. At dawn those people will leak this secret. Newspapers will publish all your detailed information. Do you think the public can accept an alien like you hiding among them?"
She enunciated very clearly. I also seriously thought about it: "True. There are more fools in the world."
Hanasaki was about to show a smile. I announced: "So, you and the guys downstairs—none can be left."
Her smile froze on her face. Without hesitation tried to turn and flee. Her body suddenly stiffened.
That beautiful face showed a ferocious expression. Constantly twisted and changed. Fangs also grew from her mouth.
"Why... why... just a few drops of blood..."
Yes, just a few drops of blood. Why could it control this demon who'd lived over a hundred years, obtained large amounts of Muzan's blood?
I walked over. Gently stroked her head. Like pitying a fool: "Because I've evolved again. Otherwise why would I come in alone to face you? Speaking of which, I should thank your boss for this."
Though the process was too long, after a thousand years, I'd finally caught up with Muzan.
He could no longer try to twist my will.
Under her terrified gaze, I gently pulled off her head: "If you can still transmit information to Muzan, remember to tell him—"
I held her head before me. Let her clearly see my smile: "This evolution race—I won this round, Young Master."
...
Before calling everyone in, I'd already released those children locked in the basement.
Afraid they'd be frightened, I blindfolded them with black cloth. Told them to hold hands, slowly walk out along the wall.
The entire hall was covered in blood. Those big shots rarely seen on ordinary days now lay miserably on the ground. Soft limbs piled together. As blood gurgled out, slowly became stiff.
The carpet soaked full of blood. Became wet. Each step left bright red footprints. Made strange sounds. Like dying moans.
Kyojuro and Kanae stood by the door. Expressions slightly hesitant.
But Ume didn't care. Flew over and hugged me: "Big Sister! You're alright! Ume was so worried outside!"
I stroked her head. Led those children out. Outside, the Kakushi were already waiting.
Kanae's voice caught up from behind: "Miss Chihaya, inside... what exactly happened?"
I said without changing expression: "That Upper Rank demon discovered she couldn't beat me. Wanted to drag some people down with her to die together. Everyone was under her suggestion to commit suicide. Between these people and the children in the basement, I could only choose to save the innocent first."
Kanae frowned lightly. I knew she found it somewhat unacceptable. These people could accept legal punishment. But shouldn't lose their lives because of a demon.
Everyone in the Demon Slayer Corps probably thought this way. After all, they had a human position to uphold.
But I didn't.
Recalling when I first became a demon, I also didn't want to personally kill people... But some people just didn't deserve preferential treatment by virtue of their human identity.
I pulled out a handkerchief and wiped my fingers. Heard Ume chirping cheerfully in my ear. Wanted to drag me shopping again.
Anyway, it was just going to hell.
Just didn't know if Kiyohiro had finished atoning in hell. Perhaps when I went down, could still find him for a chat.
Upper Rank Six's matter ended so peacefully... as if.
After dawn, it indeed caused a sensation.
After all, so many important figures died together. Large amounts of remains discovered at the scene. Whichever side—all had their hands full.
But none of it concerned me anymore. Cleanup wasn't my job.
After controlling Hanasaki to erase all information unfavorable to me, I ended her life.
Though the demon's body disappeared, there was still physical and witness evidence. The Sengichi family still had to bear all responsibility. They also counted as the demon's accomplices.
Thinking I still needed to bring gifts back for everyone, I accompanied Ume to browse the department store.
Big cities were indeed big cities. Quite a few rare things suitable as gifts.
Ume held my arm as we walked and stopped. Seeing novel and interesting things, directly bought them generously.
She bought happily. Gyutaro accompanied behind. Both hands full of things.
A light bang. A passing person bumped into me. Made me involuntarily step back twice.
Ume flew into a rage. Looked up and glared fiercely: "Walking without looking—"
Her voice stuck in her throat. Like someone suddenly strangled her neck.
Gyutaro couldn't even care about arousing suspicion. Rushed over at incredible speed. Blocked before us.
His whole body tensed. Almost the next moment wanted to summon his blood sickles.
And that woman who'd bumped into me lightly patted her shoulder. "He" flicked his hand as if brushing off dust. Then cold and arrogant eyes cast over.
I stepped forward several paces. Lightly pushed them behind me. Smiled: "Looks like losing your capable assistant made you very unhappy. Or did she deliver my message, Young Master?"
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