The matter of the activity-boosting serum concludes here. The priority now is to overcome the Mark suppression and the serum against Kibutsuji Muzan.
But fortunately, with Yoizumi, a demon who awakened the Mark, everything wasn't so difficult after all.
"Regarding the Mark, Mr. Yoizumi, you don't need to worry. Miss Kochou and I have already found the correct research direction."
"Miss Kochou is currently preparing it, and it won't be long before it's successfully developed."
Yoizumi wasn't too surprised by this. Instead, he nodded as if it were natural, as the Mark had almost no effect on him.
With his blood as a primer, successful development was only a matter of time.
The only thing to be wary of now was when Kibutsuji Muzan would come knocking.
Yoizumi knew since the Infinity Train incident that every demon he had met, except for Upper Moon Three, had been killed by him without exception.
As Akaza said at the time, Kibutsuji Muzan was hunting him, and Yoizumi guessed that he had the ability to peek into demons' memories. The other party had targeted him when he killed Lower Moon Four.
And as for Kaigaku, Kibutsuji Muzan had likely already extracted Kaigaku's memories and knew about his ability to overcome sunlight.
"Hmm, thank you for your trouble."
"We are allies, it's only right, Mr. Yoizumi," Tamayo still maintained her gentle demeanor, the persistent melancholy in her pale purple eyes something Yoizumi hadn't been able to dispel since he first met her.
Yoizumi knew that Tamayo's attitude towards Kibutsuji Muzan was one of wanting to tear him to pieces and send him to hell.
Whenever he was mentioned, Tamayo's gentle demeanor would change, revealing an unconcealed hatred.
Yoizumi wouldn't bring up others' past sorrows, but he could guess that they were the same.
Both persecuted by Kibutsuji Muzan.
He recalled Yushiro's anxious mood a month ago.
Don't let Lady Tamayo's efforts be in vain.
Yushiro almost gritted his teeth, forcing out these words with difficulty, accompanied by the scent of blood from his nails digging deep into his flesh.
For Yushiro, who was closest to Tamayo, to have such a reaction, Yoizumi thought... Tamayo would probably fight to the death if she encountered Kibutsuji.
"..."
Yoizumi didn't know how to persuade him at the moment; this was never his forte.
If Shinobu or Tanjirou were here, it would be better... "Tamayo," Yoizumi took a deep breath, secretly organized his words, and looked at Tamayo seriously.
"Hmm?"
Tamayo subconsciously responded, seeing Yoizumi's serious expression, thinking he had something important to tell her.
"Don't die."
"Ah?" Her lips parted slightly, revealing a startled expression, surprised to meet Yoizumi's completely serious gaze.
"If you die, Yushiro will be sad."
"Shinobu, Tanjirou, and Nezuko will too."
"Please don't die."
"You... must witness his death with your own eyes."
Both Yoizumi and Tamayo knew who 'he' referred to. Tamayo slowly lowered her head, thinking, 'Even Mr. Yoizumi noticed...' Tamayo closed her sore eyes. The nightmare of devouring her beloved husband and child was something she saw every time she closed her eyes.
It made her almost wish for death. The cries of innocent people she killed during her self-destructive moments always echoed in her mind.
She couldn't face it calmly, Mr. Yoizumi... She was guilty, a sin she could never forgive herself for.
Ultimately, the only thing awaiting her was to descend into hell and endure karmic fire to atone.
"Mr. Yoizumi, I... will go to hell."
"My past actions... prevent me from continuing to live shamelessly."
Tamayo forced a strained smile, every word trembling.
"I know."
Yoizumi lowered his gaze and said calmly, his clear sapphire eyes seeming to see through everything about Tamayo.
"Then you must live even more."
"Live as a human to atone for everything you owe."
"These might not be enough, but it won't be too late to go to hell then."
Tamayo let out a bitter laugh. She now understood what Miss Kochou had casually mentioned to her about Mr. Yoizumi's inability to speak properly.
Who persuades someone like that? "Let me think about it alone, Mr. Yoizumi..." Tamayo closed her eyes, turned away, her hands clasped tightly together, so hard that they lost color.
"Hmm."
After leaving, he saw Yushiro standing at the corner. Catching sight of his red-rimmed eyes, Yoizumi said nothing, simply leaving in silence.
However, he heard a very soft voice.
"Thank you."
Once Yoizumi had completely walked away, Yushiro slowly peeked his head out to look at Lady Tamayo, who stood alone in her original spot.
Tamayo was looking up at the night sky. Yushiro didn't know what she was thinking.
But he clearly saw Lady Tamayo's reddened eyes and the tears slowly streaming down her cheeks.
Those clear tears pierced Yushiro's heart, making it ache, yet he couldn't go forward to comfort Lady Tamayo.
He had called Yoizumi a miser last time, but he also had a clear understanding of himself.
He was a complete 'coward.'
Clenching his fists tightly, Yushiro leaned against the wall, his body slowly sliding down the wall until he was slumped on the ground.
He liked Lady Tamayo so much... He wanted to fulfill all of Lady Tamayo's wishes.
As the demon closest to Lady Tamayo.
He understood what Lady Tamayo had been enduring and living for all this time.
He had no way to persuade her, and no way to stop her.
Not even a single sentence.
"Lady Tamayo, please don't die, okay?"
He couldn't even say it.
Several times in the past, when he wanted to confess to Lady Tamayo, after meeting her lonely eyes, he lost all his courage.
"Lady Tamayo..."
Yushiro whispered softly...
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