Archive of Our Own

Tonight was cold.

Like many others, these days. The warmth he would have usually felt had long since vanished with the children.

Killed.

The blame was laid on him, for he was the one bloodied. The one with the bloody knuckles.

And the one the only surviving child had laid the blame on.

The cold pit that had formed into his very being since then hadn't left, and no matter how many days passed, it didn't subside.

He was set to die. His execution date, undecided for the moment.

But it was coming. Not helping how cold it all felt now as he was in a pitch black void.

He wondered if things would be different, were he able to see. Or if he had tried to speak up for himself.

But it was too late.

His voice hadn't come out when he needed it to, and his defense wouldn't be believed.

Children were earnest to a fault. Cruel from them.

He wondered if Sayo was aware he would die.

Not that it mattered. Gyomei was going to die, and all he could do now was cry while the blood remained on his body.

And cry he continued for days and nights, until something changed.

The lack of sunlight was telling enough it was night when this took place, but it had been very recent still.

The sound of footsteps, of several people, told him a story.

That this was it. His execution date was decided.

But when they arrived at his cell, the words they said to each other were not concerning his sentence.

''Here he is. As you requested.''

He recognized that voice, as this was the same man who usually distributed food to the prisoners, which was just him so far as all the other cells were empty.

''Good. You may leave us, I wish to speak with him first. Confirm the facts.''

He heard the sound of a nod, ''As you wish.'' and then, the man left, leaving the other alone with him.

It was as he heard the footsteps of the leaving man that he could feel something.

What was previously nothing grew to become something else. A feeling that washed over him, but one he could not entirely understand either.

Then, the man spoke.

''From what I have heard, you are powerful.''

Gyomei wasn't sure how to even answer that. He was well aware he was stronger than he'd ever believed, but that had...

He still felt sick at the idea he'd punched someone, even a fabled demon, repeatedly. But he felt even more ill to be in front of whoever was there.

Because now, he was reminded of that vile thing. Only, it grew worse by the second. As if a door never meant to be unlocked had been opened.

''And from what I can see, you are indeed strong. Malnourished, but with a body that is powerful nonetheless.''

And what that man said only made the feeling worse. It was nauseating. But it made Gyomei realize why he even felt that way to begin with.

''I can see how you could have held on until Daybreak. With that body of yours, any common demons would pale to you.''

He reeked of death. Similarly to that demon, to the point he could have mistaken him for the being who he was sure was dead. Only that couldn't be it. He couldn't have survived. There was no body, and the one in front of him was significantly worse.

Like comparing a drop of water to a Lake. Or... no, a lake was putting it too lightly. Like an Ocean would be more accurate.

And that thing that sounded like a man reminded him he knew more as well.

''So, do tell. Unless you're also mute, you should be able to tell me what happened that got you locked here. What is the truth of your story?''

For a moment, Gyomei did not find the strength to even speak. For a moment, he thought to stay quiet.

But at the same time, this thing was his only way out of execution for a crime he had not committed. And Gyomei did want to live.

With a throat that felt dry and words that struggled to come out, he answered.

He told him of a demon who came in and killed four of the children right away. Then of three others who tried to run for it. And then, how he punched the demon repeatedly to save the last.

Just repeating what had been so recent as well, made him cry once more. Tears unable to be stopped.

And the thing in front of him, without a doubt, stared impassively as he told his story. That expression, from Gyomei's guess, had remained even once he spoke once more.

''How unfortunate for you.'' And this confirmed that this thing didn't quite care.

He had asked for an explanation, but it was not out of pity. Nor out of a sense of justice.

''You, who fought off a demon until daybreak and saved one single child, will face execution soon enough. Beheadment, I'd wager.''

He could not see the faint smile that grew on the man's face.

''I pity you.''

Gyomei held doubts about its honesty.

''Let me save you.''

But that doubt vanished away entirely once he heard these words. The very thing Gyomei hoped for.

''Your actions were selfless. And many would praise you for such a thing. I myself, however, only see it as foolish.''

The admonishment put a damper on his growing hope, but that would not last as the man was not done.

''But it is useful. And I commend you for taking action. That quality is something I find most useful. And that is why I extend you this offer.'' The praise spoken was genuine, ''You know that demons exist, and have power as well. So I offer you to join me and my Demon Slayer Corp. An organization set to hunt down demons.''

The price for his freedom was steep. But the man knew of it, and more was given.

''In exchange for becoming a hunter, you will be paid. You will never again need to worry about money or food. All of it will be accessible to you, and what you do with your payment is entirely up to you. Be it once more starting your Temple, or something else entirely.''

In truth, Gyomei should refuse this. Not because the offer is bad. The thing had given him enough reason why he should accept.

The only reason he should refuse was because of the nauseous feeling the thing in front of him gave. Someone like that? They shouldn't be trusted in the slightest.

And yet...

This person who reeked of Blood shone all too brightly for Gyomei. Because this thing?

It gave him an out. A chance he desperately wanted. One that made tears flow out once more as it hit him that he was going to survive.

And if in exchange for his freedom, his strength was asked, then so be it. That was but a small price to pay for all he would be given.

The answer was easy to say.

''I accept.''

There are whispers amongst the Kasugai Crows.

Whispers the Master of the Demon Slayer Corp forbids them from spreading.

Whispers of how the foundation of this Organization has been perverted. How it is no longer the noble Ubuyashiki's, but something much fouler that has taken root.

However, over the generations that passed, those whispers died off. Never entirely, but the Kasugai Crows were forced to learn, as the Master was all too willing to replace those who talked too much.

The Ubuyashiki were no more, and the head of the Organization they served now was within the grasp of a Demon.

When exactly or how it had happened, none of them knew for certain. By the time one of them had noticed anything odd, a decade's worth of time had passed. And by then, the foul thing couldn't have been removed no matter who they'd told.

The Demon may have wanted human warriors, but it was fine replacing them if need be. Soon enough, the Kasugai Crows understood they had to comply or have their deaths on their hands.

But that did not mean they would remain so forever. The Kasugai Crows swore they would serve, but also remember until the bitter end who the usurper of the Ubuyashiki Family was.

To forget was to give up. To do nothing was to admit defeat.

But to comply means they were merely binding their time until the opportune day. Something the Kasugai Crows of old transmitted to their future.

One day, they would be able to truly fight back. However that would be shaped. One day, they would be able to finally fulfill what the Ubuyashiki Family set out to do.

But until then, they would faithfully serve the Demon Slayer Corp and the new head.

''-you can expect my modified herbs to have amplified results.''

If there was one thing Kocho Shinobu could genuinely appreciate about her life as a Demon Slayer, it was how much funding her Butterfly Estate was given.

From the medicines used to cure the fellow soldiers to the toxins given to make her poisons.

She was given it all, merely because the Master was a Botanist and so much more. She almost dared say that he was a kindred spirit in that department.

Unfortunately, everything else about him made her want to stab him, even though he'd been her mentor when it came to chemistry and all that entailed. Even as she kneeled in front of him before his engawa, that urge remained.

''Am I to take you tested it on your own demons?''

Especially the fact that he was a demon. And the worst one at that. So she didn't mince her words when speaking to him.

''My own flesh, more specifically.'' The Master corrected, ''You may be surprised to learn it is an effective strategy.''

''I'm not.'' Shinobu denied with her usual smile.

A smile that did not fool him, ''That smile does not fool me, Kocho. Not like your elder sister.''

Because Kanae's was genuine, she wanted to supply. But he already knew that.

Everyone already knew that.

Sometimes, Shinobu wondered how Kanae was able to smile so genuinely when she knew who their Leader was. Or perhaps it was because of who their leader was that she could still be so genuine?

She did not know. In the end, she only knows Kanae, after a conversation with the Master, went out of it with hate for him. And still, she smiled. And still, obeyed him.

And still, all of the Hashira's followed his orders.

Sometimes, Shinobu wonders how things led to this. How a demon even went to lead the Organization hunting his kind. His creations.

What had happened that made the Progenitor lead humans instead of demons?

''I know.''

But that doesn't exactly matter anymore, does it? He is the Master, and they, the Hashira, obey his commands in exchange for their freedom.

For their choice.

When he calls, they obey. When not, they are free to do as they please. For Shinobu, it was continuing work on her Poisons and Medicines. Something she received even more due to her being the head of her estate.

Today, the Butterfly Estate looked like it would fit more within an Urban City like Tokyo instead of seemingly nowhere, but if there was one thing the Master was thorough with, it was keeping up with the times.

Irony at its finest, she would say.

''You do, certainly. But moving on from this, I hope you have been using my gift as well?''

From her kneeling position, Shinobu frowned at the reminder of that thing.

''...I have.'' A thing that worked too well.

When it had been first introduced to her, Shinobu had held doubts. She'd even started to wonder if perhaps the Master now wished to demonize all of them.

And yet, that was not the case.

''Good. Use it wisely, Kocho. My Blood is not to be used carelessly.''

She had never known until then that Kibutsuji's Blood was more than transformation. It was miraculous in its nature. And it had been miraculous even then, to witness as it was used as a cream.

A cream that, once rubbed on any wound, could heal the damage done.

Shinobu had been left stunned when seeing the Blood of the Master completely regenerate a missing leg, as if it had never been there. And even more shockingly, doing so without turning the person.

That leg was entirely human.

Somehow, some way, the Blood of the Master could replicate human cells under the right circumstances. And Shinobu, months later, guessed it only worked because the blood came in contact with human cells to begin with.

She'd been so stunned by that first display that she'd been gawking at the time. Not that it had bothered the Master, as he'd clearly expected a reaction like that.

What was it he'd said to her then? She struggled to remember everything when he'd taught her, but she remembered a part.

''I didn't start using my blood to turn others into Demons until later.''

And that said the whole story.

She wonders if this could have saved Kanae, if only the Master had wished to introduce this sooner. She wonders if this could have saved so many others, if only he hadn't kept this close to his chest.

But at the same time, she wonders how many would even be willing to take this, even when it's only meant to be rubbed on the wound. Shinobu herself was greatly reluctant at first when this had been displayed.

And even now, she hesitates.

''Worry not, Oyakata-sama. I will make careful use of it.''

But today was not the time to hesitate. Just as the Corp adapted with their new Nichirin Blades long ago, so would they today with this miracle.

Even if this miracle came directly from Kibutsuji Muzan himself.

When the new Master rose to power, nothing changed at first. At least outwardly.

But as the years passed, the Master went to visit the Swordsmiths Village. The first few claims were to see how the Nichirin Blades were created, and at night, if at all possible.

Then, it slowly changed to something else.

The chief of the village realized who he was dealing with when the ''Master'' shapeshifted his form during a visit in his twilight years of life.

And by all means, if the man was still their foe, then they were doomed.

But he was not. Hasn't been for years by this point.

Instead, he spoke frankly.

''I am here to give you an offer.''

And what was that offer?

To upgrade the Nichirin Blades into something more powerful and dangerous. From the outside, it would look like a normal blade. But from the inside, things were different.

It was filled with the cells of the Progenitor himself.

But what was even the point of that? Why fill the insides with demonic cells?

The idea was simple, and one that the chief of the village was reluctant to admit, would give them a permanent edge.

Around this time, Demon Activity had increased drastically. Demons were bolder now, and more demons were rising. Ranked or not. The generation of Hashira at this time was overwhelmed.

And so, the chief of the Swordsmiths made a deal with the Devil.

What emerged were Nichirin Blades that generated their Wielders' Breathing Forms.

A Green blade created wind. Blue, water.

Each blade following its Wielder will, in that sense. A dangerous weapon that, while unable to work during the day, was as deadly during the nights their pray hunted.

It was a truth that would be known to the entire Swordsmith Village, as the Chief of the time died. And one that made the man himself wonder.

Had this been a good idea, in the end?

Only God or Buddha knew.

Kibutsuji Muzan always sought to recruit any and all who wished to join.

It was a known fact that the main reason was to weed out those who held potential or unique bodies. Though that truth wouldn't be spread out to the Hashira's proper until much later.

Himejima, for example, had a unique body that gave him great strength. Upon learning the Art of Total Concentration Breathing, he only grew more powerful. It was no wonder he'd become a Hashira.

In a sense, he sought those who would go beyond being mere cannon fodder.

Himejima had been the first, and later, Tengen Uzui would join the bunch. No matter what he claimed, his body was unique. More so than even those who held potential for battle.

Then, there was Mitsuri Kanroji.

He was not aware she existed until after she'd become a Demon Slayer. Be it because her Kasugai Crow decided to make no mention or because her mentor at the time, Kyojuro, decided otherwise, she flew right under his radar for her formative years.

And so he would not be aware of her unique muscle density until Kyojuro's official first Hashira Meeting. And for the oddest reason at that.

''May I ask you to help my student with her swordsmanship? I heard that you use your flesh for long-range combat.''

Muzan was genuinely caught off guard by the question when it reached his ears, and he wasn't the only one.

Tengen snorted, covering his mouth to cover the laugh he'd just barely held back. And Shinobu was giving a very amused smile.

Giyu, of course, remained motionless and Himejima merely prayed.

Shinazugawa however...

''Hey, hey, hey! This is your first meeting and you're already that daring?''

A vein had popped, as was expected.

Tengen just grinned, ''Says you. First meeting, you were just as daring by insulting the Oyakata-sama to his face.''

Muzan merely stared at Kyojuro, ignoring the whole banter between the Wind and Sound Hashira, instead asking the more important questions.

''You have a student?''

Kyojuro nodded, ''I do! I've been training her for a while now, and she's recently discovered how to best utilize her strength. Only problem is that she's new to her weapon, a whip-like katana, and there aren't any people who could give her any advice on how to use it.''

Muzan nodded along, as did everyone else who listened. It made sense, except for one part.

''And how exactly do you even know how I fight?'' With his question, Muzan raised an eyebrow. Barely anyone even knew how he fought to begin with.

In fact, none of the Hashira knew he fought in a long-ranged manner to begin with. So however Kyojuro even learned of it had his curiosity and consternation.

Kyojuro's smile remained, even though he was effectively throwing the one to blame under the bus.

''My father told me!''

A beat, ''He did?''

''Yes!'' Kyojuro affirmed, ''When I asked him for advice, he told me you apparently fought in a similar fashion.''

Muzan just frowned.

Typical Shinjuro. Blabbering about things he should have kept secret to begin with.

No doubt drunk at that.

But it explained how Kyojuro even knew of this to begin with. And unfortunately, there was no taking things back now. He had to go along with what was started.

''I do hope you realize that, even with the similarities, there is no doubt your Student and I do not fight the same way.'' He would be surprised if she could manipulate this whip-like katana as his whips of flesh did. And even then, at his most serious, he had more than that.

''I am aware! But I do believe that it is a learning experience that cannot be ignored. So I ask you, Oyakata-sama, if you are willing to help my student. I do believe with this help, she will be able to become a Hashira as well.''

In truth, Muzan wanted to say no. Why should he put even more work, and physical at that, when he had plenty of other things to manage?

But an additional Hashira was always useful, and Kyojuro so far had not come across as a liar. If he believed it, then he was certain it was the truth.

It would always help, in consideration of the threat the Upper Moons posed.

He accepted, ''Very well. I'll help.''

Though the help had limits, as Muzan made it clear. Whenever he helped was by his own choice, not whenever the student, Mitsuri, could.

And that was how he ended up learning about the girl. Though he wouldn't learn of her unique Muscle Density until that first training session, a week later.

The less was said of what happened on that night, the better. Muzan would rather not be reminded of that embarrassment.

Besides that, however, Muzan agreed with Kyojuro's assessment of the girl. And within that year, after helping her get a grip on her weapon, she would become a Hashira.

One more warrior that would be vital in the conflict against the Upper Moons, even if she got lost within his estate on the meeting she was set to come to.

A certain Snake Hashira helped her that day.

The Final Selection had already existed by the time the current Oyakata-sama had taken over.

And the Master had no intention of removing it. In fact, he quite likes the purpose of it. To test out the students and see if they could survive long-term during their hunts.

That explained why so many Demon Slayers seemed more prepared for drawn-out conflicts these days.

And Muzan decided he wanted to improve it.

He needed more bodies. He needed more people to hunt, but at the same time, it was vital not to diminish the danger levels of the Selection.

It needed to test the hopefuls and weed out whether they were ready or not. Whether they could survive out in the wild if need be.

And as the Progenitor of all Demons, it was well within Muzan's capabilities to do just that. And by simply doing some modifications to his cells.

It was time he created a new Curse. One meant purely for the Final Selection Demons. Aptly named, the Selection Curse.

And he just knew exactly what to do. Something that required him to add layers to the Selection Curse.

The first layer was limitation.

The Demons within the Final Selection were to be tests, which meant they needed to be around a certain level of power and nothing more. It wouldn't do for a demon to end up being abnormally stronger because they got lucky in the years that came.

The first layer would make sure that no demons could exceed a certain amount of power. One still dangerous for those who sought to pass, but something those who went on missions wouldn't struggle against anymore.

It wouldn't do if the Final Selection just became a slaughterhouse.

Accompanying that limitation layer, Muzan added a second one that punished any demons who exceeded their limits.

It was a simple thing, in truth. If they decided to be too gluttonous, then they powered his Curse and weakened themselves in turn until the excess was digested entirely.

It'd make demons think twice about eating too much. Though it changed nothing about how many they could kill.

Which is exactly why there was a third layer to the Curse.

Humans who had already proven themselves were not to be attacked.

As his Cells were his, and a subsequent injection could ascertain that, it was possible to share knowledge from cell to cell. And it was something Muzan planned to use here by simply keeping a close eye on the Participants.

If a participant displayed that he was already powerful enough, then no Selection Demons would be able to attack them. And if they carried that to how they survived throughout the 7 days, then it was a silent acknowledgement they had passed.

They'd be safe so long they continued to act on guard. As if every day there could be their last. If no one fell to indulgence, then they were fine.

And if anyone made the mistake to get cocky... well, Muzan wasn't going to cry over spilled milk. It just meant they wouldn't make it long-term.

People like that were unnecessary.

And soon, the changes would be implemented. As a consequence, a significantly larger number of Demon Slayers would emerge from the Final Selection alive.

Amongst them were all of Urokodaki's disciples.

The Hand Demon was simply another Demon in the lot who suffered through the Selection Curse and could do nothing once the disciples had proven themselves worthy.

Many more would survive, but many others would in turn still die.

If not because the Demons within grew unintentionally smarter in how and who they hunted, then in how the outside reacted to an influx of Corp members.

Though the details mattered not to Muzan. Only the results.

And the results were more men and women to throw at the Demons. At the Upper Moons' growing army.

And it pleased the Oyakata-sama greatly.

The Rengoku Family was a family of Demon Slayers since the Sengoku Era.

They always produced warriors who would fight the demons. They would always fight with a breath that was just a breath away from being true fire.

And even today, that has remained true.

Or, at least, Kyojuro would like to still believe so. His Father was a Hashira, and he hoped to one day make it to the position as well.

But his Father's spirit was wavering on and on, these days. And Kyojuro knew why.

His Father hardly hid anything whilst drunk, and he bothered even less when it came to the Oyakata-sama.

He spoke of many things, which mostly ranged from insults. But sometimes, he revealed information that would be vital, in case one wished to fight the Progenitor. Their Master.

How he fought was one of them.

Though honestly, what got most of his attention was that they had apparently teamed up once?

He wasn't sure how that happened, and unfortunately, asking further was not an option as he all too quickly changed subjects once he even made a mention.

But each rambling of his Father kept explaining more and more why, at least partially, he was losing his spirit. Wavering.

No doubt Mother's death hadn't helped, but Kyojuro understood that it had to be demoralizing, to know you just could not escape the demons even in your own line of work.

But this was exactly why Kyojuro felt like now more than ever, their spirit had to be set the most ablaze!

So he continued to live, trained himself and a student. But eventually, something about the situation had to be done. And it came in the form of a Hashira Meeting.

''Kaw! Message! Message! Flame Hashira! Kaw! The Hashira Meeting summons you! Explain why you've skipped meetings! Kaw!''

But the answer was always the same, to the Crow or his own son.

''I ain't goin'.''

At one point in time, his Father would have been all too happy to go to the next Hashira Meeting. But these days, all he wished to do was to drink his sorrow away.

So Koyjuro decided that, if nothing else, he should be present to explain why his Father wasn't present in the meetings.

Something that allowed him to personally meet the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps, alongside all current Hashira.

''It has been six months, my dear hashira's. I hope you have all been doing well since the last time?''

The meetings were done outdoors, even when it was day. Though the Master was standing under the shade of his estate, remaining there without displaying once if he felt uncomfortable, to be so close to the sun.

All of the Hashira knelt on one leg as all of them responded with a ''Yes, Sir!''

None of them reacted when seeing the Master's slitted red eyes, a clear sign of what he was, and that was a confirmation. One that Kyojuro had been curious about since he'd learned who the Oyakata-sama was.

Did they know he was a Demon?

He had his answer now.

This was an open secret. For whatever reason, they knew, and they kept quiet.

He supposes it makes sense. And he sees further why they would obey the one who is, in the grand scheme of things, their ultimate foe.

''Then to the point. We are at a stalemate with the demons. The Twelve Kizuki have gotten more active as of recently, and I do not doubt it is because we have culled their numbers at a steady rate.''

Kyojuro knew what that recently meant. The Twelve Kizuki had taken notice of their foreign visitors, and they wanted to take advantage of it.

They had failed, hence that mention of culling. When applying that to a great many cut-short operations, it was no wonder the Twelve Kizuki were getting active once more.

Last time they'd done that...

Had anyone present been born yet?

''Any of you who have Tsuguko's, take them with you on your next missions. Firsthand experience will help them evolve further and adapt to this increase in activity. Those who haven't, please start thinking of taking one. Death could come for any of you, and you need legacies.''

Kyojuro's question was cut short after the Master's clear orders came to their ears. Something that gave no true reactions to any of the Hashira.

If they were bothered by the fact that they needed to take Students even if they didn't want to, they didn't show it.

However, it also displayed in part why the Hashira may be so obedient even to this Demon.

He was to the point. His orders had a point to them, and compared to many demons, their progenitor did not seem to share their sadism.

Whether it was a learned aspect or not remained to be seen. Whether all of his orders were like this or an exception would be answered by time.

''How soon do you expect us to get those students exactly?'' The Sound Hashira went to ask.

''This month.'' The Master said, ''I at least expect a candidate in mind by the end of it, at worst.''

There was a silent acknowledgement of these words, it seemed, as all of them hunched their heads down as a nod. But one of them, perhaps a tradition, did verbally answer.

''As you wish. We will try to achieve what you ask. But, Master...'' The Wind Hashira's attention, even though he did not look at him, shifted to Kyojuro.

''Why is there a non-Hashira here?''

Kyojuro was kneeling off to the side. A display of respect due to being in the Master's home, but that was all he needed to give, as he was not a direct subordinate to Kibutsuji.

No one was expecting him to bow down the same way the Hashira did, as these matters were not his to be involved in. And yet, that was exactly why Shinazugawa was questioning this.

After all, someone else should have been here.

''The Meeting was primarily meant to be about the Flame Hashira. So where is Shinjuro Rengoku?''

At the mention of him, most of them glanced at where Shinjuro should have been kneeling. Which was right next to Himejima. Yet he was not there.

Kyojuro decided to speak up.

''Father-''

But he was cut off by the Wind Hashira.

''Hey!'' Sanemi's gaze shifted to him entirely, and he felt his overwhelming presence within that instant, ''Can you fill in for a Hashira?''

It felt like it would swallow him whole. As if a tornado was heading his way and he was unable to move even an inch at the risk of being swept with the gust.

But Kyojuro could respect that. As they were Pillars, they were the strongest of them all. A presence like that was natural when in the face of demonkind.

Muzan cut in without a care, ''As of currently, no.''

He had answered Sanemi's question, staring at the Wind Hashira with his slitted eyes with a certain level of uncaringness within them.

''The purpose of his summoning here is so he may explain Shinjuro's condition, as the Flame Hashira has repeatedly failed to answer all of my summons.''

Then, his face drifted from Sanemi to Kyojuro.

''You may speak, Rengoku. What is Shinjuro's condition?''

Given the chance to now speak uninterrupted, Kyojuro tried his best.

''I don't fully understand, but ever since my mother passed away, I feel like he has lost heart. He's started bringing sake with him on his missions. At night, before his missions, he drinks alone in his room.'' And now came a risk he had to take, ''Apologies for my boldness, Master, but your existence likely did not help his morale.''

The Hashira's reactions were, for the most part, sad to hear of this, though it also came with disappointment.

Kibutsuji especially made that feeling clear with the sigh he gave.

''I cannot even feel disappointed.''

He didn't sound surprised either, which implied to Kyojuro either he'd already suspected, or had seen enough firsthand to know this was going to happen eventually.

Whatever the case, Kibutsuji was not surprised. And while the sadness lingered for the Hashira, they knew what this also meant. As Tengen's frown displayed.

''This is gonna set a bad example at this rate, and it'll dull morale as well on top of that. I recommend he retire with style.''

Sanemi denied that, ''When we don't have enough Hashira? It'll just put us at a bigger disadvantage.''

There was a pause from Sanemi after he said that, ''...But the master can't send him on missions drunk.''

''I could, actually.'' Muzan cut in, which earned a rather genuine, amused look from Tengen, ''But then I'd be asking for Shinjuro to die. And while I couldn't care less about his fate now, Tengen is right, morale is important.''

Kyojuro knew an answer, and he decided to boldly declare it.

''Don't worry! If I become Flame Hashira, he's sure to regain his motivation!''

That got mixed reactions from everyone present, with the Wind Hashira having the most vocal reaction of them all.

''Hey... Kyojuro Rengoku! You're sure cocky!'' With his veins bursting, there was no doubt he was unhappy to hear this claim, ''But it isn't that easy to be a Hashira, you know!''

''I know!'' Kyojuro kept a straight face, ''But I know the Criteria!''

Sanemi proceeded to give off a worrisome smile, ''Okay, then show us what you got!''

Kibutsuji audibly sighed once more, in even more exasperation.

''Sanemi...''

''My apologies master, but I'm sure you won't mind if I roughen him up. More Hashira's never hurt!''

That somehow sounded both respectful and insulting, coming from Shinazugawa. And before anything else could be said, Sanemi attacked Kyojuro.

Naturally, he defended himself, though he never actually struck back. He continued to do so and even gave a thank you for the roughing up. Much to Sanemi's confusion.

While it certainly was quite a sight, Muzan had enough of seeing this. He gave another sigh, ''Sanemi...''

Upon hearing his name being uttered and the disapproving tone behind it, Sanemi went back to kneeling on one knee. Not in the least apologetic.

''I stand my point.''

''Clearly.'' Muzan dryly said, but made nothing more of it as he instead gazed at Kyojuro.

''Kyojuro...''

And as his name was uttered, Rengoku went back on his knees.

''Sanemi was right that we have open positions, and if you were to defeat a Lower Moon, then you would fit a criteria.''

What he said next surprised them.

''In fact, there is a Lower Moon present near the Imperial Capital. If you are truly set to become a Hashira, then head to Tokyo and defeat it.''

For many others, it would come as a surprise that the Oyakata-sama was so sure of a demon being in Tokyo. But for those who knew the truth, it made sense.

No matter why he was even fighting his own creations, he was still their Progenitor. His blood allowed him to notice things they wouldn't.

Including where strong demons were.

Still, it left them all surprised to hear Kibutsuji even propose this. And while Kyojuro was more than happy to do so after the proposal settled in, the others held their doubts.

As Kocho made known by speaking up.

''May I speak, Master?''

Her question was met with Muzan's stare shifting to her. A sign many were used to by now. If his stare was neutral when he looked at them, it meant he gave his approval.

If it weren't, Shinobu would have needed to keep quiet.

''If it's one of the Twelve Kizuki, shouldn't we Hashira go?''

Kibutsuji was nothing short of blunt and demeaning in regards to the Lower Moons, even today, ''The Lower Moons are not so dangerous they would require any of you. No, your attention must remain in your territories and advance the search for the Blue Spider Lily. Besides...''

Muzan gazed back at Kyojuro, his eyes looking straight at his own.

''That would have been Shinjuro's territory. And if you insist on being worthy of the title, then you must earn our esteem. Your actions to come will speak for all of us.''

Only then did Muzan give the faintest trace of possibly a smile, though even then, the lines of his mouth barely stretched up.

''So demonstrate us your skill, Kyojuro.''

And Kyojuro merely smiled brightly and accepted, ''Yes, Sir!''

He would take his leave after that. Because for now, Kyojuro agreed to obediently follow orders.

For now, at least.

After all, even under Kibutsuji, they were still doing the one thing the Corp was meant to do.

Slay Demons.

Kyojuro would go along with this, just like all other Hashira. He would kneel down and obey.

But if the right time ever presented itself to slay Kibutsuji himself...

Then he'd take it.

Wisteria Houses grew.

Their purposes never strayed away, and that didn't change. But how many there were did grow. And who participated extended as well.

After all, Muzan had never ceased with his disguises.

Just because he'd lost control of his demons did not mean he'd ceased all of his operations. Only adapted them to his new circumstances.

And when one had a great many faces, utilizing them gave rise to a few more advantages.

Especially when he took the form of a ''Recruiter''. A Kakushi Faction that actually existed within the Demon Slayer Corp, though they were less a real group and more like people who knew how to talk with people and could possibly convince those they rescued for support.

At least those who had the means. It wouldn't do to ask a struggling person to aid in any way. Or one still in the middle of mourning. And a Kakushi would be able to tell this as they were the cleanup crew. They'd see the aftermath.

Muzan was certainly apathetic to those, but he was not blind to how others felt. And those within the Kakushi who had social skills knew of it as well.

But that was besides the point. Muzan made use of his many identities to increase support for his Demon Slayer Corps.

And while many of them were victims, there were some who were recruited by convincing them.

Namely, pieces of Law enforcement. The Police.

Muzan never wanted to risk full exposure however, so those he did bring along were few, but present just in case they needed to say lies to keep things under wraps.

Odds were that if police intervened because of Demon Slaying matters, there'd be someone in there in the know. And that was all Muzan felt he needed.

Any further, and he may as well try his hand with the Government itself. Which...

Well, Muzan was considering something in regards to it. In case the conflict continued for the foreseeable future. But that could wait.

Muzan had more than enough time, after all, to think of grander plans through.

Either way, the number of Wisteria Houses increased. And the amount who funded did so too. In turn, it affected the remaining infrastructure of the Corp.

All for the better. More Wisteria Houses meant more resting grounds safe for the Corp, and more funders meant more tools and materials could be obtained.

Muzan's disguises did much, but having a collective who donated most certainly helped keep things steady.

And so, the Corp continued to thrive even as they hunted down the Demons.

When Muichiro first met the Master, it was, surprisingly enough, on a Sunny day.

An impossible thing on consideration he was a Demon, but he'd appeared covered from head to toe. A Demon Slayer Uniform had served to cover most of his body, with the addition of gloves and a large straw hat that had veils as additional cover.

He didn't wear his own face either on that day. Or in the days following that.

Instead, he'd taken the form of a Demon Slayer.

One could even call it his demon slayer self, as this was not the first time he'd used it.

(A term dubbed as such by none other than Tengen. The Master had wanted to tear his head off but abstained from that particularly violent urge)

Not that Muichiro knew any of this. All he knew on the day they met was that he was scared.

Not because he'd felt anything of him. Even if his senses had been sharp enough, Muzan hadn't displayed an ounce of intent. It was impossible to tell he was a demon or anyone who sought out harm.

It was exactly because he'd felt nothing that he was scared. And Yuichiro had an even worse reaction, as he appeared openly hostile even though the man had not been hostile in the least.

But it shouldn't be a surprise either. While Yuichiro couldn't quite tell what was wrong, there was something so terribly off about the man that it unnerved him greatly.

And it remained even as the man was invited in and explained the reason for his visit.

The Twins were surprised by how detailed he explained this whole story. Though he also didn't reveal the whole truth.

Because the truth was that, after Muzan had taken over the role of Leadership, it also signified he had taken over the Ubuyashiki Estate. Secretly renamed Kibutsuji Estate in his mind. And in turn, he'd gained access to their records.

There wasn't a lot of value to Muzan though. He had been surprised to see a few journals making mention of the Mark, but soon that surprise turned into indifference when he saw the details were scarce.

No wonder no more Demon Slayers with Marks have appeared in today's time. It grew lost to time. Fitting, as far as Muzan cared, as it meant a part of him was gone. And something he was in no rush to reintroduce.

If he had any say in the matter, it'd never come up again forevermore. Having soldiers who died at 25, especially Hashira's, was too costly in his eyes. He needed them to be as long-lived as possible.

But as he'd learned, the unexpected could force him to change how he operated.

So, he kept them tucked in a corner and taking dust until the day they could be needed again.

But that was not an important thing to Muzan. What was now, is that he learned of all the Demon Slayer Families not part of the Corp. Apparently, they kept records just in case those people chose to one day join the Corp later down the line of history.

The Tokitos were one such family. But interestingly?

They were of Kokushibou's descent.

What an interesting thing to learn about here. And one that proved for an interesting opportunity.

Blood mattered. Bloodlines especially carried over their genes to their children, and in some cases, it carried over for several generations. Thousands of them even, at times.

There wasn't a doubt in his mind children of Kokushibou's descent would be powerful, if converted to his side and trained appropriately.

And admittedly, a part of him was curious to see if he could make a second Kokushibo. Someone perhaps just as loyal, but one who wouldn't desire to surpass a monster. But to do that, he needed their faith.

What he ended up telling them was an altered version of how he'd discovered the Tokitos.

He heard mentions of a family related to a Samurai living in the mountains, and as a Demon Slayer of the Corp, he'd come to see if any of this was even true, and if they were interested in joining the fight.

So, he was forthright with that intention.

''I will make my goal clear. I wish to recruit both of you as soldiers to kill demons and save lives.''

While he could have spun a tale to make it appear grand, Muzan could tell Yuichiro would be tearing holes through it if he tried that.

So instead, he spun it another way.

''And in compensation, depending on your competence, you will be paid well. You may even leave this place if you so desire.''

Of course, the promise of money and a way out, did tempt the twins.

But Yuichiro did not trust him, as was made clear. And so, he was refused. Harshly at that.

That just meant he had to use plan B.

If words wouldn't convince him, tragedy would.

Muichiro was so much more agreeable than his other twin. With a kind heart that could be used for this battle, and a desire to help that could arise from it as well, Muzan decided that he would simply make a tragedy.

Merely by leading a demon to this little house.

The rest is history, as they say. And as Muzan waits, he watches as the demon kills the very one he'd hoped for.

And stunningly, the younger twin fights back and wins.

Muzan cannot help but smile when seeing this display of power. Seeing that he had, after all, chosen the right twin. The one with the potential, and the one who would be most useful to him.

The bait dies to the Sun while Muichiro limps his way back to his home, where his dead brother lies. And Muzan, with his cover, follows.

He appears before the young Tokito and intends to appear as a savior. But all Muichiro saw was a shadow. One with piercing red eyes that said only one thing.

''Let me help you.''

And then, as the devil extended a hand to him, Muichiro knew no more as his world faded to black.

When he next awoke, it was with memories lost and a body that remembered it all, yet showed not a single sign of anything having happened.

He never did quite trust Kibutsuji since then, even though he consciously didn't know why.

Muzan never had trouble eating humans.

Not since the day he became a Demon, and not even today, when they tasted stale to him.

Even a Marechi barely tasted like anything but a piece of meat.

But that didn't bother him. At first, it had worried him, certainly. But now, today, Muzan was fine not tasting much of anything on his tongue. It just meant he could ensure his continued survival.

And it meant he wouldn't get unnecessarily gluttonous.

However, while that line of thought worked back when he ruled over Demonkind, that was no longer a viable option as the Leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.

Naturally so, they hunted demons down because they were human predators. It was only natural that they would have problems with him if they found him eating.

At first, it hadn't been an issue.

But the Hashira of current and previous generations were all smart. And as the ones who met him directly, it didn't take long before they started figuring things out. Most of the time, one glance was all it took for them to know.

If it were just him being the Leader, then it would have been one thing. But he ate. He fed on human lives behind their backs.

And that was unacceptable to them.

Some just quit. Others tried to kill him in vain, only surviving because they had their uses and because he needed all the manpower he could get. And a few stuck around even then, not out of loyalty but forced pragmatism.

Not that they liked needing to make up excuses either. But Muzan did feel a small amount of appreciation for those who tried to deal with it. It meant they'd be more willing to listen.

That didn't change the issues of him needing Humans to eat. And so, something needed to be done.

Something Muzan had the answer to, but was reluctant to see it through.

It would mean even more change. But on top of that, it would be to admit that the last centuries were a mistake.

What did it say if he could find a way to extend his diet from humans to their food products?

An admission of imperfection.

But while Muzan was prideful, he was, above all else, a survivor. A being who wanted to live above all else.

If he needed to increase his food palette, then so be it. If he needed to do something he'd never thought he needed to do, then he would do it.

So long as it prevented future rebellions, it would be fine.

Even if it meant putting in an active effort to create an Elixir that would allow consumption of human food instead of the humans themselves.

And the thing is, compared to his Elixir for Sunlight Conquest, this one was so much easier to pull. There was no need for the Blue Spider Lily.

All he needed was time. And time he did receive, even now.

Ultimately, Muzan had never achieved this because he hadn't wanted to. Not because he couldn't.

And so, on a clear night, Muzan drinks the Elixir, and it changes him.

That next night, sitting outside his Engawa, was a plate. One meant to consume, and one that would answer if this was a success or a failure.

Taking his first bite, he knew instantly the success he had achieved.

After all, he tasted for the first time in a long while...

And so, on a peaceful night and with a star-filled sky, Muzan ate his first meal in a long time.

The Kocho Sisters were introduced to the Demon Slayer Corps by Himejima. In fact, he initially took care of them before they were transferred over to a Flower Cultivator.

Literally and figuratively at that. The Flower Breathing Cultivator actually was a botanist as well. A useful combination for Muzan, as he was often supplied with ingredients from the Cultivator.

That was how they learned of the Oyakata-sama. At the time, simply presumed a human being, the Cultivator made mention that the plants were sent to him.

And indirectly, it would kickstart Shinobu's whole alternative path to Demon Slaying, on the day she was desperate and remembered the Master knew much. Though that was a story for another time.

What was important was that Kanae grew curious about this Master.

He appeared to be a knowledgeable person, after all. But at the same time, the Cultivator seemed to hate him.

He was praised equally as much as he loathed. And Kanae didn't get it.

She would never get an answer from the cultivator, no matter how many times it was asked. Always, they went quiet when asked, saying there was no need for her to know.

With the benefit of hindsight, Kanae knew by now that it was an effort to protect her. Because knowing who the Master was...

It was dangerous. Many in the past who'd learned reacted one way or another, violently being the most likely answer, and more often than not, they were either disposed of by those who were truly loyal to him or by the man himself.

If he could even be called a man.

A Demon he remained, he was still very much the Corps leader today. The one who would eternally remain as such until his goal was reached.

Whatever that was. Kanae couldn't claim she knew what he truly wanted out of this, only what he declared.

The elimination of Demonkind.

The elimination of his own creations.

A part of it may even be true. Maybe he did want to wipe out his demons. Maybe he figured they were too much trouble now.

Or maybe not, and it was all a front.

And yet, to Kanae, it didn't matter. At least not at the time. Not when the fact that Kibutsuji Muzan was reachable, and that signified answers.

When she was promoted to Hashira, the thought had crossed her mind then and there to just ask. But it would have been presumptuous of her, and she did not know how the master would react if a total stranger asked the kind of question she wanted to ask out of nowhere.

But a Hashira would have better odds. And one who achieved success would, without much doubt, be able to get something out of this.

She just hoped the question wouldn't be seen as an insult. And even more so, that he didn't deem it fit to eliminate her.

For a moment, it makes her hesitate as that would mean leaving Shinobu behind. But Kanae chooses to see this through.

She has to ask. She has to learn why...

And so, a whole month before Shinazugawa is promoted to become a Hashira, she requests the Master for a meeting in Private.

And he accepts.

The Master's estate was generally a place where he alone resided. But a few Kakushi and all Kasugai Crows were allowed access to the location without the need for approval.

The Kakushi's because they were the ones who brought the supplies to him or cleaned the place. And the Crows were obvious as well, since the messages were delivered to and from him via them.

In turn, it would be the Kakushi's that would allow her access in. And they would be the ones to lead her to the Master's office.

A modern space, as the rest of the Estate showed as well. And one where the Master himself was already present.

He was sitting at his desk, filling in some papers of origins unknown to her.

As the door closed behind her, he spoke.

''Take a seat.''

And she did. Taking a seat, he followed up right after.

''What is it you wish to say?'' He did not look away from his work, and for a moment, Kanae could feel her throat going dry.

She didn't quite think she'd get killed for asking questions, but knowing who Muzan is...

Naturally, she has worries. Nonetheless, she had come this far, so she saw it through.

''I'll be frank. Why did you turn people into demons at all?''

She went to the point, noticing Muzan's working halting entirely as he looked at her, and she did not stop until she was done.

''At first, I had thought it was because you wanted servants... but you have us. We still obey, even knowing what you are. And even when we figured out you were the Progenitor, we still listen. So what was the point of creating Demons?''

And the question reached its crux with these final words, ''Why force them to be such sad beings?''

And Muzan stared for an uncomfortable number of seconds that felt like minutes. Seconds that he thought and considered something within his mind.

Something that Kanae knew, likely meant he was weighing the worth of telling her anything to begin with. She imagined she was perhaps the first to even ask this to begin with.

And now, he was put in the spot where he had to consider explaining his reasoning.

He chose to answer her.

''Demons were first created as a gift.'' He revealed, and he has all of her attention.

''People whom I saw worthy of sharing my blood with.''

At first, his blood served to heal. Then, it had served to gather equally eternal allies.

''Then, as I learned about how the human body works and science, it became less about turning people I found worthy and more about turning people so I could find the Chosen Demon.''

''The Chosen Demon?'' She accidentally cut in.

If he was bothered by it, he didn't show it, ''The one who can withstand the Sun.''

And these words hit Kanae like a tidal wave for the sheer weight behind these words. Behind this explanation and admission.

All this time, he'd been turning people into demons to find a Demon who could withstand the sun?

''But so far, no matter who I turned, there has not been a single demon in existence who has developed a resistance to the sun, let alone an immunity to it. All of my demons are, in turn, utter failure, the Upper Moons included.''

''Failures? Every single one of them?'' Kanae repeated inwardly in shock while she digested the information.

And there was only one conclusion she could come up with.

Granted, it was a common one. But the fact that it still came to it said everything that needed to be said.

''He truly must die.''

Muzan could not be permitted to live.

He made others miserable for the sole purpose of discovering a Demon immune to the Sun. He continued to do so again and again, with no remorse.

And yet, what her empathic heart focused on was the fact that Muzan didn't care about his demons at all.

It was obvious, of course. He wouldn't be the Corps leader if he cared. But to hear him call them failures...

Muzan must not be permitted to live.

He must not be permitted to live long enough to find a Demon who conquered the Sun, and he must not be permitted to live, because of how callously he treats life.

Unfortunately, while Kanae promises this to herself, her fate remains unchanging.

Data on all the Upper Moon was given to the Hashira by Muzan himself. Nakime was included within their circle purely because of her use, and they knew of their appearances and powers.

In another world, in another time, they'd have been completely caught off guard by the Upper Moon Six siblings' decapitation requirement. Or Upper Moon Four's many selves. Or the fact that Upper Moon Three to Upper One were monsters even higher than the three lowers.

And yet, even now that they were aware, Kanae still met her demise against Douma.

Her fate remained unchanging.

And with his Ice-based Blood Demon Art, fighting on her own was a lost cause, even with the upgraded Nichirin Blades.

Flower Breathing was simply never going to be enough, let alone herself.

And so, she meets her end before she can see through her promise, and Shinobu goes down a well-known path.

Muzan has always despised change.

It was a sign of imperfection. A sign that something, whatever the reason, was defective. That it wasn't Perfect.

But he could accept the idea of changing to better yourself. Medicinal improvements, for example, meant better odds of survival.

And a change in the Twelve Kizuki always was a good thing, as it meant those who were imperfect were removed from his positions of power.

Just recently, there had been a positive change. A new Upper Moon Six demon.

Gyutaro. And to a lesser extent, Daki.

He could without a doubt call this change good. It was done in a controlled manner, for a lack of better term.

Because in the end, it wasn't degradation. A change for the worse.

The changes in the Twelve Kizuki normally meant that it would change for the better. Douma, to his surprise, had overcome Akaza's previously held Upper Rank Two position and taken it for himself now.

A positive change, as Akaza hadn't degraded. He'd only gotten stronger since he turned. But Doma had proven himself better.

So overall good.

But just as there were positive versions of change. A change for the better, there were also changes for the worse that could happen.

And it did happen, and leading behind that change, severe consequences that would change everything for Muzan.

With the benefit of hindsight, Muzan knows that it started a month after Doma was promoted to Upper Moon Two. Around that same time, Gyutaro had risen to Lower Moon One.

113 Years ago. A short while before Upper Moon Six would be replaced by the sibling duo.

113 Years ago, Muzan felt a pulse. Something that made his blood react in a manner unlike anything he'd felt before.

His blood quite literally boiled from within.

It was worrisome. And there was only another instance where he'd ever felt this kind of heat.

Yoriichi. The scars he'd left him behind and could still feel.

The mere idea of something akin to that brought chills down his spine. And so, he summoned forth an Upper Moon Meeting.

He failed to realize one of his Demons had changed in his panic which was kept as hidden as he could. For his mind was focused on instead ordering all of them to be on the lookout for a man with a mark on his face, or someone with a Bright Red Blade.

They ultimately didn't find any of that. No second-coming of Yoriichi or even any Sun Breathers. Yet within that year, he'd still felt this reaction from his blood.

Something had been going on. And unfortunately for Muzan, he simply did not find out in time. Costing him something he had never believed he could lose.

Control.

The day he realized this was the day he'd felt a Headache of all things. A sign that his perfection was suffering from degradation. From change.

And it scared him. Because he shouldn't have felt something like this since his human days. Days that were so very long ago now.

So, he decided to investigate. And the best way to do that was to head to the Infinity Castle.

If he couldn't tell by sensing from within himself what was wrong, then a closer examination via equipment would do the work. Objects he'd recently stored in the Realm that expanded into Infinity.

''Nakime. Bring me to the Infinite Castle.'' He ordered through his blood.

Only for no answers to come. Not even a single shift in anything that displayed she'd heard or acknowledged him.

Not even teleportation.

''Nakime!'' He repeated, but nothing.

It was then that a suspicion started to rise. But one he initially dismissed as impossible. Premature. It couldn't possibly be related to why he had this headache.

However, it proved to be problematic. If he couldn't contact Nakime, then he needed to wait for her to head out to hunt.

Last he'd heard, Kokushibou should know where she'd hunt. So, he contacted him via his Blood.

''Kokushibou.''

But, unnervingly, there was no answer either. Which was even stranger since he was certain Kokushibou would have answered him.

Yet, nothing.

''Kokushibou. Answer me.''

A repeat offered no changes. No replies. And now Muzan's worry truly set in.

Was this Headache a sign of something being deeply wrong? Something he'd somehow missed?

But what? How, even? How was this related to his sudden problem in contacting the two demons who should have answered?

He did not know.

Unfortunately, it did leave him with a problem. Namely that he couldn't contact them anymore. It was even worse with Nakime since that meant no more access to the Castle until this was undone.

If this were the only issue, then this would have still been fine. Unfortunately for Muzan, this was not.

Upon trying to contact the rest of his Upper Moons, he was met with the same issues. And when he tried to seek the Temple he knew Doma lived in with his followers, he found it empty.

At this point, Muzan suspected that all of this wasn't an accident or even a degradation because of nature. Rather, it was done on purpose.

But how, the question then came.

Muzan decided that, to find the answer, he needed to look through the memories.

Contact he may have lost, Muzan retained everything else still. Access to a Demon's mind being one of them. But even with that, he struggled. Another omen as he looked at Kokushibou's memories.

What he saw forced him to change.

Muzan learns the truth, eventually. After scouring the memories within his cells, seeing the first picture via Kokushibou, he's able to get a full picture.

And it enraged him.

They had found the Blue Spider Lily.

One of Doma's cultists had actually found the Flower in question and given it to him as a gift due to its beauty. And Doma had been curious about the thing on top of that.

He knew Muzan sought the thing. He knew that, the thing he should have done was hand the thing to Muzan now that he had it. No doubt he'd even be rewarded by handing it over.

But Doma was curious.

Why did Muzan seek such a flower? What was so important about it that he'd want it? Was it just to display it, or something else entirely?

Or perhaps, it was consumable?

When that thought came to mind, Doma decided to act on it. Opening his mouth wide, he ate the Blue Spider Lily. Consequences not mattering to him.

Not when he could not feel fear.

And that was when he'd felt it. A change.

Now, it should be mentioned that Muzan knew the Blue Spider Lily was, regardless of its origin, a powerful thing.

It was the thing that had turned him into a demon when mixed in with the Doctor's work. And in turn, it would allow him to conquer the Sun if he did all the right steps.

The thing is, Muzan had every intention of using it as an ingredient. Not just eat the thing raw.

But now, as he saw how things happened, Muzan realized that even just the Blue Spider Lily by itself was powerful.

It empowered and cured Doma at the same time.

It made his Blood stronger. Healthier, for a lack of better term. It was like, suddenly, it wasn't just blood empowered by Muzan's own cells but cells that became his.

Instead of a separation between Doma and Muzan's cells, both became one, and fully under the former's control. In that sense, it had empowered him, but it had indirectly cured him as well.

Because while he was still a Demon, as Doma so kindly tested by eating his usual meal, he looked more human. With a lack of paleness and stained hair at the top.

Minor things overall, and not once did it grant him emotions he had lacked since birth. But it displayed something that Doma had hidden.

After all, he'd appeared the same as always to him. Shapeshifting had not been lost on him. And so besides the burning he'd felt, he would be none the wiser. Not even during the Upper Moon Meeting that had come after that. And not after.

Doma would later share this newfound piece of information with all of the Upper Moons and Nakime one by one over the year. And each of them decided to try out that flower as well.

He knew where more was, after all.

(When Muzan visited the location, it had run dry completely)

He understood none of them had quite thought of betraying him when the opportunity first arose. It was why he hadn't noticed. None of them had displayed an intent of rebellion.

But a year was enough time to think of it. Especially when taking in the Blue Spider Lily fixed them in various manners.

A curious and bothersome thing. That Flower turned out to be able to cure things beyond just physical, but even down to a spiritual sense.

For Doma, all the fixing it did was make sure his cells became his own entirely. And that was shared by everyone else. It didn't seem like he was given Emotions, as it was never ''lost'' to him, in that sense. He was born the way he was, and unless Doma actively sought to rectify that, then there would be no fixing that.

(It gratified Muzan, to know he'd been right that the Blue Spider Lily on its own wasn't enough. That he was right to think up of medicines using it as an ingredient)

However, it could cure amnesia. Compared to Doma's condition where he's had it since birth, that was a case you contracted only after being born.

It was something that Akaza, Gyutaro and Daki had been inflicted by when becoming demons. Though for Gyutaro, it was more partial than total.

As for the remaining Upper Moons?

The only one left who was truly cured was Hantengu. That bulge taking the form of a ball on his head vanished entirely when he took it, and alongside it, a new kind of clarity.

He was still the fearful Demon, but something seemed to clear up in his mind. Though the true extent of it was lost to Muzan.

As for Gyokko and Kokushibou?

Nothing about them changed. The most they got ''cured'' was an easier time to shapeshift.

But all of this was a confirmation, a further one Muzan hadn't needed, that the Blue Spider Lily was a powerful thing indeed. Though on its own, it had limits.

Still, limited it was, it had changed the Upper Moons (and Nakime) in ways that backfired on him now.

Rebellion had come into being within that year, though who started it was, without much surprise, Hantengu.

He remained fearful, and he understood that with no longer having control over them, Muzan could very well think he should dispose of them.

It wasn't a sentiment shared by everyone. Nakime and Kokushibou especially, due to the former's use and the latter's business partner-like relationship.

But everyone else agreed that, odds were, he would dispose of them. And they'd have been right.

Besides the aforementioned Kokushibou and Nakime, he would have gotten rid of them due to the sheer risk of having effectively more rogue demons running around.

If they disappeared like Tamayo, then there'd be more issues that would haunt him. And while he would hunt them down, it would be time wasted after more foes that shouldn't even exist to begin with.

And so, five of the Seven Demons who devoured the Blue Spider Lily found themselves rebelling out of a need to survive. To make sure they weren't killed off just because they were no longer under his control.

However, for Nakime and Kokushibou, their reasons were different.

Nakime simply did not want to spend the rest of her days hiding away in her Infinite Castle. So, she chose to rebel so as not to live in hiding.

And Kokushibou...

When the opportunity came to surpass him, one step closer to surpassing his twin, it was something he decided to partake in and risk.

Whether he saw it as worth it or not, Muzan did not know. He'd have to ask his former business partner in person. But an opportunity arose, and he decided to try and surpass Muzan's own shadow first.

And it made sense. If he surpassed Muzan, then he'd be a step closer to him.

And as Muzan learned, the more it enraged him.

How dare they.

How dare they, after all of this, rebel?

And yet, as angry as Muzan felt, it was not something he could linger on. Because now, he had to ask: What now?

He didn't know.

Muzan didn't know what to do now.

In theory, he should try rebuilding. But having new Upper Moons of the caliber of his previous one would take time, and now Muzan was additionally paranoid that any demons he did trust to find the Blue Spider Lily might just rebel as well.

So he felt weary.

And if he couldn't trust his Demons, then his only other option was the Humans.

At first, he scoffed at the notion, but this was ultimately the more preferable choice.

If he wanted to obtain his Perfection, he needed that flower, and Doma clearly proved it was possible. It merely took time and luck. And on top of that, Muzan had always disliked sharing his blood. Spreading his kind.

Perhaps it was time he acted on that disdain. Perhaps it was time for him to start using humans more.

Once he was perfect, he did not plan to share his blood any further.

Though he didn't have much of a say on that matter now either. It was by happenstance that he even learned of this, as during that time, he'd been trying to start a new power base.

But one of his Upper Moons learned of this.

They were all too aware they couldn't deal with him, but making sure he didn't grow another foothold was well within their reach.

It was there he learned they could continue creating more demons. Though it was also there that he learned nothing else had changed.

They didn't hold his curse, and he couldn't just command them to die, but it was all too easy for Muzan to slay them. He merely needed to make sure his blood destroyed them from within upon contact. Then, he took in their flesh and made sure to see through their cells.

A confirmation, more than anything else. That the Upper Moons could now create more demons, and that they were actively trying to undermine him.

For what reason, he wasn't sure, but Muzan was willing to wager it was because they feared his retribution.

None of them were foolish enough to think they were beyond him. And letting him build any kind of new power base was asking for trouble.

They were unfortunately smart in doing that. What he'd managed to gather was destroyed just like that, and Muzan had to start from scratch.

Bothersome.

Muzan, at this point, considered just laying low for a while until he could restart again, but he quickly dismissed the idea.

If his demons weren't going after him, then the Demon Slayer Corps certainly would. Even if they didn't know who he was, they tended to be too crafty for their own good.

He wished to curse them for being a blight on him even now.

But then, a thought crossed his mind.

Something so insane by design it shouldn't have been something he considered at all. And yet, insane as it was...

It could solve his issues.

The Demon Slayer Corps trained warriors to fight Demons.

Against the likes of the Upper Moons, it was futile. But anything lower...

Useful.

Muzan never imagined humans could ever match the might of the Kizuki, let alone himself. And yet, there was a generation of Demon Slayers that could match what was once his strongest.

The Sengoku Era Hashira's. The first Breath users.

Perhaps there lay the way to solve his issue while phasing out demons.

Use the Demon Slayer Corp.

They'd be more useful than the normal humans, yet possibly more manageable and risk-free from a similar kind of rebellion.

Granted, it meant little control over them, but Muzan could work with that so long as he played it smartly.

And the idea of using those who were a perpetual thorn in his side for his own means became enticing the more he thought of it.

However, there lay the issue as well.

How was Muzan supposed to even do that?

He was a demon. There was absolutely no way he was going to manage any sort of loyalty when he was the worst of the very thing they hunted down.

But, an answer did come.

A complicated one, as it would mean Muzan needed to do something that felt impossible since the Sengoku Period, but still possible if he did it right.

Usurp the Ubuyashiki and pretend to be one of them.

But how to even get to that point? How to even find these Ubuyashiki when he'd failed to locate them for so long?

The answer to that was downright suicidal, and it would mean facing his greatest fear.

It would put him at direct risk at all times, even.

As for what the plan even was?

Possess a human body.

He would need to infiltrate the Demon Slayer Corps. He would need to play by their rules and be forced to be nothing short of mortal.

Because he would inject himself into a human body and control it as if it were his own. His essence would control everything, and he would be human on the outside.

But it meant he could not use any of his demonic faculties. Lest someone suspect something.

He would need to sleep. He would need to eat human food. He would need to rest. He would need to train.

All to keep the human body he would puppeteer into a prime state until the day he reached Ubuyashiki.

All he would truly start with was his mind. And Muzan would hate every second of it.

But he did it.

He selected a human whose features he liked, and he sprang into action.

Then?

He acted human, and the rest was history.

He would reach a Cultivator. Learn a Breathing Style, pass the Final Selection, eventually become a Hashira, and then play along until trust is gained.

Eventually, after years of servitude, the time came.

And so, the Ubuyashiki Bloodline ended with his own hands, and the Demon Slayer Corps became his.

The Demon Slayer Corps' path becomes unclear as Muzan takes over.

On the outside, it looks exactly the same. Hunt down Demons and save human lives.

Exterminate the Threat.

But the Hashira's all eventually learn one way or another that the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps is the Progenitor, and they are all given additional duties on top of being hunters.

The most notable one was the search for the Blue Spider Lily.

The given pretense was that it would allow them to possibly create a medicine that would bolster the Corp. Even beyond what Kibutsuji's Blood could do when it didn't try to turn a human.

Perhaps it would allow them to develop better immune systems, allowing them to handle poison-based Blood Demon Arts better. Maybe it would empower them, depending on how this flower was supposed to work.

But the Hashira knew this was likely just a lie. Or at least, a truth that hid the true intent.

None of them were able to truly trust Muzan, and even Himejima, who followed his every word and was the most loyal, knew their Master would lie to their faces if it suited him.

Still, it made them well aware that the Demon Slayer Corp of today was unlikely to be the same as it was before Kibutsuji had taken over.

So one has to wonder...

Were they still the righteous ones?

The fact none of them could find this Blue Spider Lily was perhaps answer enough...

Or at least, Tengen sure as hell hoped that was the case.

He'd done as much research on the so-called Blue Spider lily ever since he'd been promoted to a Hashira, and the little he managed to learn was... vague.

So vague it was a wonder Kibutsuji was even chasing after it.

But honestly, these days, Tengen made it a habit to take everything the Master said seriously.

He hid it behind laughter and smiles, but he never forgot who and what he spoke to every time a Hashira Meeting was set.

He was sure none of his fellow Hashira had forgotten it either.

No matter all the good that had emerged since the Master had taken over, no matter how improved the Corp had become under his leadership, none of them dared to forget they were speaking to Muzan Kibutsuji.

The Progenitor of all Demons.

And if he wanted this Blue Spider Lily, then it was deemed important by him.

And that was nothing good.

It was another thing Tengen kept up on his mental list as important to remember.

Just like he made sure to remember never to underestimate the Master.

As Sanemi once correctly called him following his defeat, he was cowardly. Scared.

For all his power, he was painfully human. Acted like it too. Unwilling to take too many personal risks unless pushed.

Except there lay exactly why Tengen swore to never forget it.

Unless pushed.

It cannot be stressed enough that if push came to shove, the Master would act personally.

Shinjuro had made mentions in his drunken state that Muzan had once been present on a certain mission.

One to weed out a whole school of Demons who were taught Total Concentration Breathing. It was there that those present witnessed how the King of all Demons fought, and it was this tale that Shinjuro eventually told Kyojuro.

Simple, yet frighteningly effective.

Upper Moon One had been forced to run against his overwhelming might, and no students survived that day to make themselves dangerous.

All Demon Slayers on that day had been sworn to secrecy, and knowing better than to risk it, they had obeyed. Shinjuro sometimes forgot that in his drunken state.

Kibutsuji had been scared just as much as the Corp of that time had been, and he had risked exposure.

It is why Tengen knows if the Hashira want to kill Kibutsuji, and perhaps finally put an end to this conflict, they all need to be patient.

Wait until the time was right.

If they played their cards right, then they could win this.

If not?

They may be spared, depending on the circumstances, but he would never again trust them as he did now. And that loss of trust would mean he would actively seek to replace them. It would mean he would actively seek out others to fill their seats.

Time was on his side. Not theirs.

Either he would find stronger people one way or another, or time would run its course and they'd be replaced due to no longer being fit for battle.

Some of the Cultivators of today were from those circumstances. Cast aside as soon as better replacements came within reach. And all because they refused to obey any longer.

They were all lucky Kibutsuji had still seen a use in them to train future Demon Slayers.

A luck none of the current Hashira would share if they tried to kill him.

This is exactly why they must under no circumstances act too soon.

Too soon, and they would force the Master to act. But they also couldn't act too late. Too late would mean they wouldn't be at their best, and their replacements may be more subservient to Muzan.

In the end, Tengen would hope.

Hope they would find the right time to act. And hope, above all else, this would all amount to something.

After all, he still remembered how he'd met Muzan.

Around a table, having caught his attention by asking boldly around.

An offer was given after learning more about him in a seemingly peaceful conversation.

''So how about it, Uzui Tengen? Will you take my gracious offer, or deny it and force me to kill you here and now?''

Tengen had stared for a moment, and then just scoffed with a small amount of amusement, giving away a grin that promised very real vengeance.

''You have one hell of a way with words, Master.''

And Muzan met that grin with a smile. Either unaware of what he intended, or ignoring it in favor of having obtained a new tool at his disposal.

''Welcome aboard, then.''

He would deliver on that unsaid promise. And this time, flashily!

As the power and number of Demon Slayers grew, so did the Demons.

By the day, more Demons emerged. And it was not by Muzan's will.

If he still held a say in anything, then he would have denied any further creation of Demons. Unfortunately, Muzan has no more say in the matters of Demonkind.

More were created, whether he liked it or not, as the Blue Spider Lily clearly loved to remind him every waking minute he felt his blood's connections increase.

And alongside that, came the increased activity of the Upper Moons. A natural reaction, after noticing that the Corp was starting to do better with all the improvements Muzan had implemented over his century of ruling.

And that was something they could not have.

Many of the potentials that came out of the Final Selection died off quickly. And while more emerged still even later, it was a constant.

So many more died as the Twelve Kizuki adapted in turn.

Sabito would be one such death. Cut short from ever becoming a Hashira, he perished at the hands of Hantengu and his Emotions.

Giyuu, in the end, still became the Water Hashira. None of Urokodaki's remaining students fared any better once they were set out to hunt.

They all died as well, one by one. The only difference was that the killer was not a Hand Demon. Instead, it was a mixture of everything.

A Lower Moon killed some of them. Upper Moons did for some others, and even a group of demons killed some of his students after they passed.

In the end, only Giyuu made it to be a Hashira and meet the Master of the Demon Slayer Corps.

''-and by my power as the Master, I now raise you to the Rank of Pillar. Alongside the responsibilities come boons-''

But Giyuu paid it no mind. He couldn't take any joy in this promotion, even though his teacher had made mention that being a Hashira these days meant receiving luxury.

Sabito would have been happier. Makomo would have been happier. Anyone else would have been happier.

But here he was, staring at the ground vacantly while his brain refused to let him forget that night, months and months ago.

Four Demons. Staring down at him and Sabito.

He couldn't forget the laughs. He couldn't forget the sneer. He couldn't forget the pity.

He couldn't forget anything. Not even when he successfully ran away because Sabito, injured, stayed behind.

And he couldn't forget the singular question that came to mind, even as he rose to meet the Master's eyes.

''Why did Sabito have to die?''

The Kakushi, like many other things of the Demon Slayer Corps, had already been established by the time he took over.

And their roles, for the most part, remained the same. Muzan didn't see a point in adding much of anything or removing them.

They had their purpose.

Clean up after the Fights are done. Make sure the least amount of evidence was left behind, if none at all, and then leave.

What he did add to them was speech and disguise.

To deceive if needed. With civilians added into the mix of being witnesses, there needed to be Kakushi who needed to create convincing covers.

Muzan made it a point to practice with some of the more senior Kakushi, who would then teach the rest. Speech was the easiest part, but disguise?

That was somewhat harder because it meant all Kakushi needed to be implemented in civilian lifestyles. Be it retaking lives they'd left behind or crafting new ones, Muzan made sure they were all spread over Japan, in numbers, and with regular contact with Kasugai Crows. All while hiding within the public and awaiting when they needed to go into action.

Alongside that, they'd learn some of their new additional tools.

Mainly that in Urban Areas, some members of the Police could play alongside their cover. That meant that any lies would be backed up by known figures.

And that made hiding the truth all the easier. Any deceptions that needed to be uttered were more solid in turn, and the Kakushi's job became easier.

That was all they needed to be in the end, and Muzan was fine keeping them that way.

Their duties expanded, and for some of them, they ended up serving Muzan himself as servants of his estate, but it all remained familiar things didn't change nearly as drastically as some other parts of the Corp.

Sanemi hated the Master.

That was an unsurprising fact. Sanemi truly did hate the Master for what he was.

A Demon that sent them to fight his battles. One who hid behind human beings to fight a battle he could not win on his own. When one also put into the equation that he was the Progenitor, the very core of why so much wrong had happened, it was little wonder Sanemi would hate him.

But the thing is, while those reasons made his feelings towards the Master worse, it was not why he truly hated him.

What Sanemi truly hated him for was his strength.

Muzan was simply to damn strong for anyone to deal with. No one who was right in their mind could try fighting him, and everyone else had no choice but to bend to his rules if they wanted the best possible option.

And it was something he'd experienced firsthand when he was promoted to a Hashira and met the Master in person.

When first meeting him, Sanemi had hated him because of how indifferent he was.

He looked at them all as if they were beneath him with those eyes of his. And the Clothes he had, western in nature, didn't hide his status.

He fit every bit the idea of an arrogant man who commands at the top. And with him being additionally a demon, that was unacceptable to Sanemi.

So he insulted the ''man''.

''You sure are high and mighty, right, bitch? Or should I say Oyakata-sama?''

While the Oyakata's expression remained neutral, the other Hashira -sans Giyuu- gave him varied looks. Himejima in particular not taking kindly to the rude start.

''Shinazugawa...'' As Himejima was still praying, pressure started to fill his arms. Enough so they physically started to crack the beads around his hands, ''It seems you don't know how to address people...''

''You say that as if he is one!'' Sanemi exclaimed, ''Does it fucking look like I'm blind?''

Kanae looked at him wearily, ''Shinazugawa... you're saying that to a blind man.''

Sanemi didn't particularly care at the time. All he could focus on was the fact that the master before them was a demon.

He even stayed in shade for fucks sake!

Not only was he indifferent, but this was a Demon at the top.

''This is all a retarded clown farce. Why is it that there's a demon commanding us at all? I'm betting he sees us as disposable at best and as another food source at worst!''

Tengen sighed.

''You're just asking for trouble speaking that way to him of all people.''

''Then he can fucking bring it.'' Sanemi dared, ''Not like he can do anything while the sun's up.''

''Shinazugawa, look...'' Kanae slowly said, trying to defuse the situation, ''We have our reasons for obeying him even when we know.''

Sanemi glared at them all, ''I don't see how there could ever be any good reason!''

''They are what many others would call smart.''

An oppressive feeling hit Sanemi at once.

It caused him to snap back at where the Oyakata-sama was and witness how his expression hadn't shifted once.

It remained impassive, but his voice was cold. The weight of how many died behind him an ever-present thing.

He hadn't been hiding it since Sanemi stepped in here, and now the feeling worsened.

''No matter their reasons, they know it is wiser to keep me pleased than displeased.'' And as the words were spoken, a chill ran down Sanemi's spine.

It was as if something seeped inside his system. Nothing literal, but there was something predatory in it.

Something that warned him to be extremely careful.

It reminded him of how he felt when his mother had attacked him when turned.

''A lesson you should learn, Sanemi, if you want to live a long life.''

None of the other Hashira reacted in any way to the oppressive feeling that hit them, or the way he spoke. To them, this was a thing they were used to. An everyday thing with him. The callousness was merely an expected thing, even though it would make many others quit.

Then again, none of the Hashira were like many others. And Sanemi supposes it would take nutjobs to willingly work for a Demon even though they're supposed to hunt demons down.

Or maybe, the promised freedom and riches that were promised to him when his Kasugai Crow informed him of the promotion were why they stuck around.

In the end, that wasn't the reason. It was a nice bonus that helped, certainly, but Sanemi was unaware there was a united goal. One he at this point in time wasn't made aware of.

But for now, all Sanemi received was the Oyakata-sama scowling at him.

''But you are right about one thing. You are all disposable pawns to me. Someone will replace you should you die. And with how much insubordination you have shown me already, I have half a mind to end you.''

And problematically, that half a mind meant he wanted Sanemi dead.

Sanemi however didn't mind, instead, he grinned.

''Then let's make it easy for both of us!'' And foolishly, though not without some foundation to it, Sanemi drew his blade and charged right at Muzan.

As the rest suddenly stood in a moment of reaction, the Oyakata-sama simply sidestepped and avoided the slice to his neck. Before Sanemi could register anything else, Muzan's hand met the back of his head and promptly slammed him right into the floor.

His nose broke from the impact.

''What?!'' Sanemi cried out from within, completely caught off guard by what had just happened.

And there lay one of Sanemi's mistakes.

He believed the Oyakata-sama to have been just a demon. But factually, this was Muzan Kibutsuji. The former Demon King. The Progenitor of all demons, even today.

And while the Sun was dangerously close, Sanemi set himself up for failure by charging in like that.

Now, here he was, pinned down by Muzan's great strength in such a manner that his skull wasn't damaged from what pressure he did give, and yet, unable to fight back either.

This was where Sanemi started to hate Muzan for his strength. And it would only grow stronger as more happened.

One of these things just so happened to take place as Muzan reared back his other hand and elongated his nails. Ready to simply pierce the side of his skull.

''For your actions, death is all you will receive, Shinazugawa.'' Muzan decreed, ''Now, perish.''

But then, Kanae interjected just as he was about to land the killing blow.

''Wait, Master!''

Fearful and well aware of how risky she put herself, she chose her words carefully.

''I understand he has not shown you respect. But killing him right away would be a waste. He's managed to kill a Lower Moon!'' Kanae knew that saying such a thing was not impressive for Muzan.

A Lower Moon was simply something he looked down upon, no matter what. But the way this all worked, there was a reason a Lower Moon was one of the two options to be promoted into a Hashira.

And Kanae knew Muzan valued the Hashira especially in this war.

There was a pause from Muzan where he stared at Sanemi's struggling back, and then he looked at Kanae. He was annoyed, and looked like it too.

But she was right.

This would be a waste.

''You're right.'' He admits, albeit with reluctance. He was never pleased when he was proven wrong, but he would swallow his pride any time if it meant better success.

''You get to live, Shinazugawa. Don't make me regret it.''

Retracting his nails, Muzan let go of Sanemi's skull. And from this point on, Sanemi had to begrudgingly comply with Muzan.

Kanae had bargained for his life. Begged for it almost, and Sanemi hated that someone as powerful had to beg a demon to be spared. And he hated it even more that Muzan held so much power, because as he learned later on, he was a coward.

Fearful.

Someone like him to have so much power was maddening. But, like all other Hashira, he played along. Waited. Obeyed the Master's commands and fought in this war, trying to ignore as much as possible that their leader was a demon himself.

One day... he would slice Muzan's neck.

Until then, he acted like the Hashira he was and followed the same march as everyone else.

Muzan does not stop seeking out Humans with unique constitutions. Nor does he truly stop turning Humans into Demons.

The only difference is how many.

Compared to his Kizuki who can turn as many people as they want without his command, Muzan barely does it these days.

His most recent one was from years ago, and it was an ill boy. Rui, if he remembers right. He was the last, and at this rate, would be for several more years.

Much as he still wished to find people with unique constitutions, a lot of time, it was to recruit them to the Demon Slayer Corps instead of turning them.

He needed the manpower to win this eternal war.

But then, through his growing information network via the Kakushis' cover lives and the Kasugai Crows who come and go, Muzan catches wind of a family.

One who practices a dance to a fire god.

It is not based on logic Muzan goes after these ''Kamados'' when he learns of this. One might even say it was on a whim that he decided to go at all.

One may call it a curiosity.

Would faith have any kind of influence on a demon's growth?

Could it somehow make a demon who can conquer the sun?

He did not know, and deep down, he didn't believe so. It was on a whim that he went to the Kamados, and it was on a whim that he injected them all with his blood.

He wasn't all that surprised to see them all drop even through the small amount of blood he injected into them.

''As I thought...'' He said as moonlight shined down on him, ''A Family who dances for a god of fire is no different than any other human...''

The last human alive, a girl, barely held on to life as he said so.

She would drop dead like all others, and that would be it.

''I cannot easily make a demon who can conquer the sun.'' He stated, looking down on the girl before turning his back on her. Leaving her to die like the rest.

Only, she didn't die.

Instead, she successfully became a demon. Survived the blood, and in turn, history took a familiar turn.

Muzan, all the while, was entirely unaware this single whim, this single moment of curiosity, would cause a chain reaction that would eventually lead to his demise.

The Upper Moon's goal was unknown to everyone, Muzan included.

When they'd served him, he had known them. But none of them had given the impression they would ever betray him.

Yet, they did exactly that. Regardless of whether it was intentional or not.

And so, Muzan did not know what it was they had in mind. Only that, they did develop one over time. Be it one of them proposing it to the others, Kokushibou deciding he wanted something, or something they all agreed to do, a goal had been set in mind.

Or else, the rise of Demons wouldn't have happened at all.

Even today, Muzan wasn't entirely sure what they sought to do.

Domination? Genocide? Perfection?

The increase in Demons implied either Domination and Genocide, but Kokushibou especially would know Perfection was what he'd sought when turning others into Demons.

And if he'd shared, it very well could be that the Upper Moons wanted to rid themselves of their one weakness. Either because they truly wanted to step under the Sunlight, or to further their goal.

And that was assuming they were unanimous in their decisions. For all he knew, they could be at each other's throats right this instant.

Akaza at least would be against Doma. But Kokushibou may not allow this insubordination, especially as he was likely the new head.

But that only made things more confusing to Muzan.

What were they aiming to do?

Muzan did not know, and that?

Above all else, this lack of knowledge scared him. He couldn't predict what their goal was, couldn't tell if they were after him or not. Couldn't tell if they wanted annihilation or domination.

Couldn't tell if the Upper Moons were the same people he'd known or not.

In the end, that only fueled his desire to construct a powerful Demon Slayer Corp.

So that, no matter what happened, he would be ready.

No matter what the intent was.

Muzan understands that none of his Hashira are quite loyal, for lack of better words.

They are obedient. When he gives them an order, they listen. But ultimately, they are still at the core demon slayers.

He knows for a fact every single one of them has thought over how to kill him. Which was the best way to decapitate him.

Not that it would work. He was still the near-perfect lifeform in the world. No matter all the tools and knowledge he'd given his Hashira, that did not change.

Shinobu could try all the Poison she wanted; none of them would work on him. Gyomei would try crushing his whole body, but it would not work. Nothing they did would work.

And there was no need to say that trying to use their enhanced Nichirin Blades on him would be useless. Those cells within were still his, and easily something he could shut down at will.

But they hold back on such instincts. On such desires because he is also their Leader. The very same one who kept the Corps afloat and alive.

Without him, they'd have already faced extinction before any of them ever joined the organization.

So they listen, but Muzan knows that eventually, be it this generation or another, this loyalty will not remain.

One day, they will fight him. One day, they will want to seek retribution.

None of them forgot the victims that rose from him, directly or indirectly. And he did not doubt it would be the day the Twelve Kizuki all perished. They were the very reason why they didn't try.

It would be foolish to try ending him now when they have a common enemy.

Until then, they were his servants and he their master.

Until then, he was Muzan Kibutsuji, the Oyakata-sama of the Demon Slayer Corp.

Until then, the Progenitor lay dormant.

But one day...

One day, it would all come to a head.

The only question the Progenitor and Hashira had was how?

Time marches forth even as events are changed with everything that has been going on.

Yet, some things simply do not change.

Tomioka Giyuu would still end up appearing before a Family, the Kamado's, and end up choosing to spare them.

There would still be a boy and a girl who would be the survivors. Kamado Tanjiro and Kamado Nezuko.

And the perpetrator of this deed, in the end, was still Muzan Kibutsuji himself.

Nothing changed from that point, and nothing would change past it. But there was a singular warning from the Water Cultivator.

''Be careful who you trust. If word reaches the Oyakata-sama... I fear what fate may befall Nezuko.''

Tanjiro never forgets that warning even after he leaves on his first mission.

And yet, that warning would serve for naught.

The boy still meets the demon.

''Dear, I believe that is quite enough.''

As he heard his Wife's words, Muzan glanced over at his Daughter.

She did look exhausted.

''You're right.'' He agreed, leaning down, ''Come on, I'll carry you.''

And gladly, she went into his arms.

Within the busy streets of Asakusa, a family marched. A Husband. A Wife. A Daughter.

Only, one of them wasn't actually the husband.

Muzan had remarried Rei once an opportunity arose, and under the name of Tsukihiko. One of his many aliases that he used throughout the country so he could keep funding ongoing.

The Demon Slayer Corp didn't exactly come cheap, and between the expenses of the Hashira and himself, he needed a steady income to keep them all comfortable.

A fortunate thing then, he could leave puppets of flesh behind when one of his disguises was worthwhile to keep.

Soon, he'd do the same thing with this one. All he needed to do was make certain of a few more things, and he was heading back to his Estate and continuing his research.

Tonight was turning out to be relaxing as well, which was rather welcome.

Only, that relaxed feeling vanished instantly when he suddenly felt a hand laid on his shoulder.

The feeling surprises him, as it was unexpected. His wife was right next to him (and even going ahead of him now), and normally, she wasn't so physical.

So it wasn't her, but then who?

And why were they panting?

Wanting to find out the answer, Muzan twisted his body to the side just enough so he could look back, shielding the child in his arms like any father who cared would at the same time.

What he saw however, surprised him. For it was a boy.

Wearing the uniform of his Demon Slayer Corp.

His face was hooded, and it hid part of his face. Even then, Muzan could not miss the features underneath.

Especially the earrings.

For just a moment, his control slipped and his eyes turned into their slitted state. For just a moment, as he saw the boy's enraged face, he saw a ghost.

For a moment, he nearly raised his arms to attack the boy.

But then, the child in his arms speaks up.

''Daddy?''

A reminder of where he was, and how unbecome of him it would be to cave to a ghost of all things, Muzan calmed down as his eyes shifted once more to those he was used to taking.

The Child's head peeked up from his shoulder, and he decided to turn slightly more so as to allow her to see the boy, and act as a deterrent.

The child shared his confusion when she saw him.

''Who's that?''

Muzan kept the role of the caring father going, so he fully addressed his daughter and ignored the boy for the moment. Surprise quickly fading.

''It's all right. Don't worry. This is likely just a misunderstanding.''

It was only after that that he addressed the Demon Slayer in question.

''Is there something I can do for you? You seem to be quite flustered.''

Outwardly, he spoke calmly to the boy. But inwardly, he was feeling furious.

Not only because one of his own Demon Slayers was suddenly complicating one of his disguises, but because the one wearing the Hanafuda Earrings was part of the Corp.

He was outfitted with a Demon Slayer Uniform. With a Nichirin Blade. And looking at his body, it was easy for Muzan to tell that this was a fully trained Demon Slayer.

He'd passed the Final Selection.

''Why was I not informed of this?!'' Muzan cursed inwardly.

Who was the Cultivator of that boy?! Who had trained him to become a Demon Slayer?!

Who had dared to keep quiet?

They were supposed to report who they trained to him. None of the Kakushi stationed in the Final Selection grounds were meant to do anything besides making sure those who passed were told the necessary and nursed back to health if necessary.

Which meant someone had not only kept it hidden from him, but created a design flaw in the process.

Bother. Completely bothersome.

Whoever the incompetent buffon was, there'd be hell to raise over it.

But for now, as his wife came to his side, he focused on the present.

''Oh my. What's going on?'' She asked him, having returned after noticing neither her husband nor daughter was following her.

Their attention, briefly, was on her, but Muzan didn't miss the horror that came over the boy.

He was well aware of what this situation entailed. And, Muzan supposed that for the new ones, this would be horrific beyond belief.

Still, the fact that he reacted this way meant he was entirely sure he was a demon. Which begged the question, how?

He'd made sure to mask every trace that could have given him away. Not doing that would have just caused other Demon Slayers to think he was a foe and not their master.

It would be wasteful if he had to kill his own men because they were just doing their duty.

His wife noticed how his eyes were looking at the boy, and so she asked the natural question.

''Do you know him?'' His wife asked as the rest turned to look at the boy as well.

''No.'' He denied, ''Much to my consternation, I've never seen this child before.''

Muzan had two choices before him.

Either confront the boy right here and now by sending away his fake family, or create a distraction so he could get away.

Confrontation meant revealing the truth however, and to this boy?

He doubted he'd listen to him.

To say it irked Muzan would be an understatement.

At this rate, he would need to unleash a demon no matter what. Even though he'd rather not waste his own men's time by doing this, since they'd need to hunt it down.

Muzan refused to be the one who could cost his organization precious time that could be used for something else. But, then again...

He supposes he can test his connections in the Police.

If he played his cards right, he could spare his organization the time and also keep the boy where he needed him until he could take him.

At which point, it would be a matter of convincing the police. And considering he had connections even in there, it was feasible.

Yes, this could work.

What happened next was so simple in turn. Lowering his right arm, his nails stretched.

''He must have mistaken me for someone else.''

Then, he scratched a passerby's neck. A movement that the boy only registered after the fact was done. And by then, Muzan's hand was back to holding his daughter in his arms.

The man in question halted in his tracks as he touched his nape, pained and for a moment, nearly falling.

His partner was by his side and held him, helping him remain upright. Still, she was concerned.

''Dear, what's the matter?''

There was a moment of silence, and unaware to all but two, it was because the man was being turned into a demon.

Only, Muzan didn't need a wild beast here.

No, in this case, he made sure the transformation was more... subdued. Controlled.

And so, where the man at first growled, then came words.

''Y-Yeah... I... need to... do something...'' He didn't look up once as he said so, and then, turned around.

Right where the boy was.

Suddenly, he charged at the boy as he was commanded, and Muzan acted as if he barely stepped to the side and saved the child in his arms from pain.

The boy meanwhile, astonished by what he was seeing, failed to react in time as the man turned demon lunged for him, and managed to tackle him down.

And with that opening done, it was now his cue to leave.

''It's dangerous here, Rei. Let's move away.''

She didn't protest, and they moved away. Now, he just needed to separate from them and then go to the nearest police station. Or just return to this spot, depending on how far he got.

Only, the boy was stubborn, to say the least.

Chase he no longer could as he was wrestling against the demon, he instead screamed after him.

''Muzan Kibutsuji!''

Muzan did not stop, but he listened.

''I'm not letting you get away! No matter where you go!''

And hearing this daring cry, Muzan couldn't help but now show his anger at what the boy dared to say.

It was impossible to fully hide it when he kept remembering those Hanafuda Earrings.

''No matter where you go, you're not getting away! I'll follow you to the ends of hell, and I swear I'll slice off your head with my blade! I'll never forgive you no matter what!''

A single thought came over Muzan's head as he walked farther and farther away.

''So then... death it is.''

He would kill that boy after negotiating for his release. Off to the side, where no one watched. He'd even take great joy in eating him just to spite all these earrings reminded him of.

Only... he wouldn't be under police custody.

After he separated from Rei and her Child, Muzan had made his way to the Police, and found neither the demon he'd turned, nor the boy.

Needless to say, he was confused as to what had happened, but that only meant he needed to change plans.

He needed to initiate the demon's death immediately. He didn't need him anymore, and if he wasn't where he expected, then he needed to die right now.

He could not afford a loose end like that.

However, before he could do that, his attention was taken by a trio of drunks.

Needless to say, drunken people were not smart. They failed to take advantage of his mercy, and thus they were killed for it.

Muzan stayed there after that point.

The Demon, he could kill instantly. But what of the boy?

He was off who knows where now, and he truly doubted he would find out anything without getting to the boy personally.

He needed to know his name. He needed to know who'd dared to train someone like him and keep it secret.

So, what to do?

What. To. Do?

...

''...I do have a few Demon Slayers located nearby. And they should be done with their missions as well.''

While it was rare, it wasn't impossible for a Demon Slayer to hunt down one of their own. Traitors existed, and in his, lack of faith or leaking of his identity could spurn them enough.

Granted, he would need to make this official instead of behind the scenes, but that was fine. He could try to gain information from the boy before he was formally executed.

So perhaps it was time to issue a new order.

''Iyari.''

At his vocal command, alongside a snap of his fingers, his personal Kasugai Crow answered by flapping down his wings so he perched next to him.

Trying and somewhat succeeding in ignoring the corpses that he found lying around. Used as he was to seeing such things due to his master's demonic nature, it didn't get any easier to ignore.

''Yes, Master?''

The command was issued.

''Inform all Corp Members within Tokyo to hunt down a demon slayer, a boy, with Hanafuda Earrings and a Green and Black checkered Haori. I want him brought to headquarters alive.'' There was a pause, ''And inform the Wisteria Houses to keep an eye out as well.''

Better to be safe than sorry.

His Crow nodded, ''As you wish.''

And then he flew off to issue his orders.

The hunt was on.