The blade, reeking of decay, slashed toward him. A purple crescent moon erupted from the sword, carrying countless tiny moon fragments. The speed of the drawn slash was too fast for Muichiro to parry.
Muichiro subconsciously retreated, unable to execute any counterattack, only able to watch helplessly as the blade closed in on him.
He couldn't dodge it... As a swordsman of the Demon Slayer Corps, treating life and death as external matters was the most fundamental requirement.
It was not impossible for some to join the Demon Slayer Corps for money, but the Corps maintained nearly ninety percent purity of purpose.
To slay demons, to slay Muzan.
Muichiro was the same; death held no fear for him.
But... why, at this moment... did he feel so sad?
It was as if... he had forgotten something important.
Something he absolutely had to remember.
"Muichiro..."
In a trance, a voice seemed to ring in his ear.
Who?
Who exactly was speaking?
Why did he feel so sad... He couldn't remember.
Reflected in his pupils was the purple moonlight, and Muichiro's tense body relaxed slightly.
This was the end for him.
He really should have remembered... WHOOSH!!!
What was that sound?
A spark of fire lit up Muichiro's tranquil eyes, which resembled a deep emerald pool, illuminating the surrounding trees slightly.
The roaring sound of the fierce flames was like a torch lit in the winter snow, bringing Muichiro a sliver of hope.
"Snow Breathing Eleventh Form: Crimson Furnace Lighting Snow."
WHOOSH!!!
A streak of extremely fast red light swept past him from behind. After a brief wave of heat washed over them, a chilling aura spread out, carrying with it a faint, subtle fragrance.
Clang~
The snow-colored Nichirin Blade, carrying a faint red glow, struck the eye-covered demon blade with a crisp clang, instantly shattering the purple moon fragments.
As the blades touched, Kokushibou lowered his gaze and saw a hairline crack appear on the demon blade's surface.
But in the blink of an eye, the fissure was completely repaired as the blade surface writhed.
Mizuki knew when to withdraw. After forcing Kokushibou back, she immediately retreated to stand in front of Muichiro.
Mizuki glanced sideways: "Are you alright?"
Muichiro showed little relief at his narrow escape, shaking his head expressionlessly.
Mizuki didn't turn back: "Leave this place to me. Go and meet up with Tanjirou; he might need help."
Muichiro's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, but quickly smoothed out.
"I understand. Be careful." Muichiro sheathed his sword. "This guy... is very strong..."
Mizuki adjusted her breathing: "Of course I know he's strong."
Muichiro knew he wouldn't be helpful if he stayed, so he decisively hurried toward the village.
Hearing the receding footsteps behind her, Mizuki let out a small breath and looked darkly at Kokushibou: "You really do show up in the most unexpected places."
Mizuki almost wanted to ask, why are you everywhere?
Is Upper Rank One doing so poorly? Being moved wherever he's needed?
Kokushibou did not respond to Mizuki's questioning, merely observing her thoughtfully.
Sensing his gaze, Mizuki frowned and looked down.
Because she had just bathed, she was only wearing underwear beneath her yukata; her snow-white thighs were faintly visible under the robe, and her pristine toes, illuminated by the moonlight, were crystal clear, like jade.
She had originally been wearing a pair of geta on her feet, but they somewhat restricted her movement.
When fighting Gyokko, the difference in power meant she didn't have to worry, but after seeing Kokushibou's slash, she kicked off the geta and rushed over at full speed.
Mizuki spat: "Six-Eyed Pervert, where are you looking?"
Kokushibou paused, then his expression returned to normal: "I was merely surprised, having never seen you dressed like this."
Mizuki's face darkened: "Who do you think is responsible for this?"
She was supposed to go back and rest after her bath, but instead, she had to rush over dressed like this.
Fortunately, she hadn't chosen to change clothes first, or she would have been collecting Muichiro's corpse.
"To be so merciless toward your own descendant, that's really something." Mizuki sneered. "Well, you probably never thought about this when you abandoned your wife and child and left the Tsugikuni Family, did you?"
Kokushibou lowered his eyelids slightly: "How do you think you made it in time?"
If he hadn't held back, the boy Muichiro would already be dead.
As for the Tsugikuni Family... honestly, he didn't have much affection for that household.
Even less so after becoming a demon.
The reason he wasted so much breath talking to Muichiro was merely surprise that the Tsugikuni Family still had descendants, surprise at his talent, and the desire to have him serve Lord Muzan.
Mizuki exhaled: "So, do I have to thank you?"
Kokushibou did not answer. He keenly sensed Mizuki's abnormality.
Her breathing adjustments were too frequent.
"You truly are beyond saving... Brother..."
"...What did you just call me?" After a brief silence, Kokushibou's calm eyes widened slightly, and he involuntarily bent forward.
Mizuki regulated her breathing systematically and said calmly, "After a few hundred years, have you become this hard of hearing?"
Mizuki... Sure enough, she really did understand him.
A slight ripple disturbed Kokushibou's calm inner heart.
"Mizuki, come over to my side." Kokushibou extended his hand. "If only we siblings..."
"It seems you've misunderstood something." Mizuki interrupted him.
Seeing her attitude, the turmoil that had just started in Kokushibou's heart subsided considerably.
"Then, why..."
"As the saying goes, even an ugly daughter-in-law must meet her parents-in-law. Given the fact that blood is thicker than water, I can't exactly pretend we have no relationship at all, can I?"
"Now the Demon Slayer Corps all know you're my brother. They look at me like I'm the relative of a murderer."
"If you really feel bad about it, why don't you stand still and let me take a swing?"
Mizuki's string of words left Kokushibou slightly bewildered.
What... what was she even talking about?
But he still understood the last sentence.
"This is what you mean by blood being thicker than water?"
"Of course. Aren't I learning from you?"
"?
"When you killed Yoriichi, why didn't you remember he was your younger brother?"
Mizuki's tone was very flippant, but Kokushibou still clearly saw the sadness between her brows.
"Hm?"
Mizuki suddenly let out a soft sound of surprise.
Kokushibou was jolted back to attention by her surprise. Before he could figure out what was happening, he heard Mizuki speak through gritted teeth.
"What did you do to my puppet butler?"
"Who is going to brew the tea I want to drink? You?"
"You won't even spare a puppet? Just because this puppet looks exactly like Yoriichi?"
"Your personality is truly awful..."
Kokushibou said flatly, "That's enough..."
Mizuki's expression froze.
Kokushibou raised his eyes slightly: "You have never been good at acting."
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