Out of concern, everyone insisted that Shinobu give Aoyama another full examination.
Unable to refuse their "kindness," Aoyama reluctantly agreed.
But in his heart—
He already knew exactly what was going on.
When Tanjiro returned—
Aoyama handed him the letter.
After reading it—
Tanjiro's face instantly collapsed.
"Senior Brother Aoyama… Haganezuka-san refuses to forge my sword anymore…"
"What should I do?!"
Aoyama waved it off casually.
"If he won't forge it, figure it out yourself."
"I've got something to discuss with Zenitsu."
The moment those words landed—
Zenitsu froze.
His instincts screamed danger.
Without hesitation—
He turned and bolted.
"KYAAAA!!! Run, Zenitsu! You can do it! You can escape!!!"
He sprinted like his life depended on it—
Which, honestly, it did.
Aoyama casually leapt forward—
Effortlessly catching up.
Running alongside him, he smiled like a devil.
"…So."
"What exactly did you do wrong?"
"Not entirely sure! But please accept my apology anyway!!! AHHH!!!"
That was enough.
Aoyama decided—
Short pain is better than long pain.
BAM!
One punch—
Zenitsu was planted face-first into the ground.
"Zenitsu."
"Next time, speak carefully."
"If you can't be precise, at least tell the truth."
"I hit you because I lost control?"
"You should at least have some awareness."
Zenitsu sat up—
A head full of lumps—
Nodding pitifully.
At that moment—
Kanao Tsuyuri appeared behind Aoyama.
Watching Aoyama get called away by the cute Kanao—
Zenitsu wiped his nose—
Only to find blood on his hand.
He stared at it.
And in that instant—
A river of sorrow flooded his heart.
I want that too…
I want Nezuko-chan's attention…
I want Shinobu-san to care about me…
I want everything…!
Not long after—
Far away—
The gears between demons and demon slayers began turning once more.
After the last gathering of the Lower Ranks—
This time—
Upper Rank Six, Gyutaro and Daki…
Had been killed.
And more precisely—
Killed by Aoyama.
That thought alone caused Muzan Kibutsuji's crimson eyes to gleam with cruelty.
That brat…
He's ruined my plans again.
Infinity Castle
In the shifting, boundless space—
The Upper Ranks were summoned once more.
Akaza stood there—
Uneasy.
Being summoned here meant only one thing—
An Upper Rank demon had been killed.
The balance had shifted.
A biwa echoed through the halls—
A sound that signaled impending calamity.
Following the sound—
Akaza looked up.
Ahead—
Sat the woman playing the instrument—
Nakime.
As the music continued—
A strange jar appeared.
From within it—
A voice emerged.
"Well, well… isn't this Akaza-dono?"
A grotesque figure rose from the pot—
Pale body, green lips, fish-like features—
Eyes and mouth grotesquely misplaced—
Multiple small arms protruding from his form.
He was Upper Rank Five—
Gyokko.
"It's been ninety years since we last met, hasn't it? Hehe… Akaza-dono."
Though he spoke respectfully—
There was no respect in his tone.
Only mockery.
Akaza glanced at him coldly—
And ignored him completely.
Unfazed—
Gyokko continued provoking him.
"I thought you'd been killed!"
"I was so worried—oh, so worried~"
His tiny hands fluttered theatrically.
Footsteps echoed.
From the stairs—
A hunched, horned old demon appeared.
Upper Rank Four—
Hantengu.
Clutching the railing with gnarled fingers—
He spoke in a trembling voice.
"How terrifying… how terrifying…"
"Gyokko, it seems you've forgotten how to count."
"It hasn't been ninety years…"
"It's been one hundred and thirteen."
At the mention of that number—
Hantengu grimaced in disgust.
To him—
Such numbers were ominous.
Akaza finally spoke.
Looking up at Nakime, he asked—
"Where is Muzan-sama?"
Nakime stopped playing.
"He has not yet arrived."
Akaza narrowed his eyes.
"And Upper Rank One?"
"Don't tell me… he's been killed?"
The moment those words fell—
A presence appeared behind him.
"So impatient, Akaza-dono~"
A hand rested on his shoulder.
A cheerful voice followed.
"Aren't you worried about me?"
"I've been soooo worried about everyone!"
It was Upper Rank Two—
Doma.
He casually draped an arm over Akaza—
Smiling brightly.
"We're all precious companions, after all."
"I wouldn't want anyone missing~"
Akaza's expression remained cold—
But his annoyance was obvious.
Gyokko reappeared eagerly.
"Doma-dono!"
His tone was far more respectful this time.
Doma waved cheerfully.
"Oh! Gyokko, long time no see!"
"Is that a new pot? It's beautiful!"
"I put a freshly cut woman's head inside one of yours and used it as decoration~"
His rainbow-colored eyes curved in delight.
Gyokko froze for a moment.
"…That's… not exactly what it's for."
"But… if you like it, that works too."
Though displeased—
He didn't dare argue.
"Take your hand off me."
Akaza finally snapped.
But Doma ignored him completely.
"Come visit my place sometime~"
That was the last straw.
Akaza swung his fist—
BOOM!
It slammed into Doma's jaw—
Sending blood spraying.
Yet—
Doma didn't get angry.
Instead—
He smiled.
"Nice punch!"
"Have you gotten stronger, Akaza-dono?"
Akaza's expression darkened.
At that moment—
Nakime spoke again.
"Upper Rank One was the first to arrive."
"He has been here the entire time."
"…!!"
Akaza's pupils shrank.
He had been here this whole time—
And yet—
He hadn't sensed him at all.
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