Two hours later, Tamayo finished organizing her materials and documents.
During that time, aside from Yushiro's obvious displeasure, Raiden and Tamayo shared a calm and meaningful conversation. From it, Raiden learned that without Muzan's attention on her, Tamayo had remained here for nearly two months.
Within that period, she had completed the final work on the Blood Ignition Potion, along with another special medicine.
She also discovered that Raiden's blood carried unusual properties. However, she had yet to determine its exact effects, so she only mentioned it briefly.
Raiden did not dwell on it. If his blood was different, it was likely due to the system's influence.
What did bother him slightly was that even after Tamayo finished packing, she still had not given him the medicine capable of turning a demon back into a human.
Raiden could tell it was not distrust. Tamayo intended to use it herself, as a means of taking revenge on Muzan.
He said nothing. Even though he knew Tamayo would likely die when she used it, he also understood that he could never fully grasp the pain she carried, the burden of having killed her own husband and children.
From the moment she chose to cooperate with Kagaya Ubuyashiki, she had already cast aside any hope of survival.
Raiden could only hope that when the time came, he would be strong enough to pull her back from Muzan's grasp.
Under the cover of night, Raiden escorted Tamayo and Yushiro back to the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters.
Because of his training status, Kagaya had arranged a private courtyard for him. To keep his promise of protecting Tamayo, Raiden settled the two of them there.
Kagaya seemed to silently approve and did not interfere.
Once everything was arranged, Raiden returned to his room.
The night was quiet, and sleep did not come easily.
Convincing Tamayo had been effortless, yet the outcome exceeded his expectations. He had gained another Blood Demon Art, learned that Nezuko could conquer sunlight, and obtained the Blood Ignition Potion.
When the time was right, he planned to integrate Tamayo's Blood Demon Art with his breathing techniques. Even if the improvement was minimal, an extra ability was never a disadvantage.
As for the Blood Ignition Potion, he would reserve it as a final option.
The safest way to defeat Muzan was still to reach the level beyond a Hashira.
Raiden casually summoned several shadowed figures and sent them out to monitor the surroundings.
It had been nearly a month since the Swordsmith Village incident, yet Muzan had not shown himself.
That silence only made Raiden more certain. It felt like the stillness before a storm.
After setting everything in place, Raiden closed his eyes and adjusted his breathing, preparing to rest.
Today was his day off from training.
Just then, a Kasugai Crow landed silently by his window, watching him.
When Raiden met its gaze, the crow gave a respectful nod.
"Sound Hashira, are you ready?"
"Ready?"
Raiden frowned slightly. Ready for what?
Aside from the final battle, nothing else required preparation.
"Has it begun? Has Muzan found this place?"
His tone sharpened. He had only been away for a few hours. Could Nakime have already discovered the headquarters?
The timing felt too precise.
Raiden still needed five days to reach the next level. If Muzan appeared now, even he was not confident in the outcome.
"Not yet. I am only asking."
Raiden's expression shifted, his gaze deepening.
Only asking?
If he answered yes, would the battle begin sooner?
And why was Kagaya so certain their location remained hidden?
Had defenses been placed around the estate, or did Muzan's ability to find them depend on Kagaya choosing to reveal himself?
Raiden found the latter more likely.
The Ubuyashiki family had evaded Muzan for generations. Their methods were far more advanced than they appeared.
If they still held control, then there was time.
Even so, the pressure Muzan cast over everything had not faded. That control would not last forever.
Muzan would come. It was only a matter of when.
"Five days."
Raiden raised his hand slightly as he spoke.
The crow's eyes widened.
Kagaya had estimated that their location would remain hidden for at least seven days, possibly longer. Even that had required careful planning.
Yet Raiden spoke with certainty.
Five days.
The crow studied him closely.
"Master is concerned about your readiness. You are the first Hashira in a century to kill an Upper Rank demon. Since then, you have defeated others of similar strength."
"In the final battle, your role surpasses even Master's."
Raiden let out a soft chuckle.
"So, he's placing his hopes on me."
There was no doubt those words came directly from Kagaya.
That honesty was something Raiden appreciated.
"Five days. That is all I need."
"We will await your success, Sound Hashira."
The crow gave a final nod before disappearing into the night.
Raiden remained still, watching the branches sway outside his window.
Kagaya had placed the weight of the final battle on him.
Not long ago, he had been nothing more than an ordinary man on a quiet mountain, relying on wit just to survive.
Now, he stood as a Hashira, one of the core forces against Muzan.
After a moment, Raiden smiled.
This feeling was not bad.