"It seems Muzan is quite interested in me," Raiden said calmly. His tone was relaxed, but his hand still rested on the sheath of his Nichirin blade.
Kokushibou was different from the other Upper Moons. He had mastered both the Transparent World and the Demon Slayer Mark, giving him a slight advantage in overall condition.
Combined with his Moon Breathing, even Raiden could not afford to be careless.
"Please watch your words when speaking of that esteemed individual," Kokushibou replied.
Raiden scoffed softly.
He was human, not a demon. Why would he need to use honorifics when speaking about Muzan? The idea was ridiculous.
"You seem to disdain my words," Kokushibou continued calmly. "Very well. Since I have encountered you here, I will eliminate you for the Master."
His three pairs of eyes remained fixed on Raiden, his tone steady, as if killing him were nothing more than a simple task.
Raiden curled his lips slightly. Kokushibou was truly arrogant.
Trying to make friends with him right now would probably make Raiden look foolish. Fighting first seemed like the better option.
With that thought, Raiden vanished from where he stood.
In the next instant, he appeared beside Kokushibou. Golden lightning flickered along his Nichirin blade.
His sword cut downward in a flash.
The attack sliced through empty air.
Kokushibou had already disappeared.
Then his voice sounded from behind Raiden.
"A Thunder Breathing user. Your mastery of breathing techniques is impressive."
The remark sounded almost like instruction.
Raiden narrowed his eyes.
How had Kokushibou moved just now?
His blade had been about to strike, yet Kokushibou had seemingly slipped out of space itself.
Could someone reach that level of speed with only physical strength?
No.
Raiden quickly realized the answer.
Transparent World.
But saying Kokushibou had activated Transparent World was not entirely correct. Unlike Raiden, Kokushibou did not need to activate it.
He existed in that state constantly.
Was this the true way to use Transparent World?
Since mastering the complete Transparent World, Raiden had gradually increased the length of time he could maintain it.
However, achieving Kokushibou's constant state was still far beyond him.
"Blood Demon Art, Destructive Death, Compass Needle."
Raiden turned and gripped his Nichirin blade with both hands. A hexagonal pattern unfolded beneath his feet.
Kokushibou's immense fighting spirit appeared within Raiden's perception.
Compared to Kokushibou's overwhelming aura, Doma's fighting spirit had felt like that of a newborn child.
Clang.
This time, Kokushibou did not evade.
He casually raised his blade and blocked Raiden's strike.
"So Doma did not lie to Akaza," Kokushibou said. "You truly can use Akaza's Blood Demon Art."
His six eyes briefly glanced at the hexagonal pattern beneath Raiden's feet.
"A human who can imitate a demon's technique. That alone is reason enough for me to kill you today."
"Coincidentally," Raiden replied with a grin, "I was thinking the same thing."
The two stood only an arm's length apart.
After activating Compass Needle, Raiden could finally sense Kokushibou's attack patterns.
They were still difficult to read, but it was far better than before.
From this alone, Raiden understood something clearly.
Kokushibou was stronger than him.
But only slightly.
The difference between them was not an impossible gap.
Realizing this boosted Raiden's confidence.
After all, he had not even activated Transparent World yet.
His full strength was still untouched.
As Raiden spoke, his Nichirin blade suddenly changed color.
The golden blade burned into a fiery red and gold.
A blazing arc of flame shot forward, slicing toward Kokushibou's cheek.
Once again, Kokushibou avoided the attack with a swift step.
"To possess such strength at such a young age," Kokushibou said calmly, "it is no wonder the Master remains interested in you."
His six eyes focused on Raiden.
"Are you interested in becoming a demon, Raiden?"
Raiden's nose twitched slightly.
He could smell something strange in Kokushibou's scent.
Approval.
The realization surprised him.
He had not even activated Transparent World yet. Was Kokushibou already acknowledging his strength?
However, Raiden quickly dismissed the thought.
Since Kokushibou approved of him, this was actually the perfect opportunity.
"Become a demon?" Raiden said thoughtfully as he lowered his blade slightly. "Interesting."
"Before answering, I have a question."
"Speak."
Raiden looked straight at Kokushibou.
"Would you like to be my friend?"
"Friend?"
Raiden nodded.
Kokushibou paused.
The request clearly caught him off guard.
His age alone was enough to be Raiden's great grandfather. And beyond that, he was a demon.
A Demon Slayer asking a demon to become friends was something he had never heard before.
But then another thought crossed his mind.
If Raiden became a demon, the strength he had just demonstrated would undoubtedly place him among the Upper Moons.
Perhaps Raiden meant friendship in that sense.
After thinking for a moment, Kokushibou nodded.
"I am willing."
He admired strength.
Raiden possessed remarkable power at such a young age. A man like him should not remain confined by the limits of humanity.
Serving Muzan would be his true destiny.
Ding.
Successfully added Upper Moon One Kokushibou as a friend.
Detected friendship level between Host and Upper Moon One Kokushibou: Initial Acquaintance.
Random reward granted.
Skill obtained: Moon Breathing, Sixth Form, Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon, Incessant (Mastery).
Do you wish to merge the skill now?
No.
Raiden stared at the system panel, slightly stunned.
That was all it took?
It felt even easier than when he befriended Gyokko.
At least Gyokko had required him to praise his ridiculous pottery first. Kokushibou had agreed almost immediately.
Moon Breathing, Sixth Form.
Raiden recalled the technique.
It was the move Kokushibou used against the Wind Hashira, Sanemi Shinazugawa, inside the Infinity Castle.
The attack released countless vertical arc slashes that tore through everything in their path.
At the time, that single technique had severely injured Sanemi.
Its power was undeniable.
Raiden felt secretly pleased.
In truth, no matter which Moon Breathing technique he obtained, it would have been a major gain.
Thanks to his Super Comprehension ability, mastering even one form allowed him to deduce the rest of the breathing style with enough time.
In other words, Raiden had not just obtained the Sixth Form.
He had effectively gained access to the entire Moon Breathing style.
The only difference was that the other forms would require practice before reaching the same mastery.
"So," Kokushibou said calmly, his voice breaking Raiden's thoughts, "are you willing to become a demon now?"
He had already agreed to Raiden's request.
Now it was Raiden's turn to answer.
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