Sanemi Shinazugawa's eyes widened. "Training? What training?"
Sol Mirek slowly finished the last bite of his snack, brushing crumbs from his hands. "I took care of Muzan and his Upper Rank Demons."
"What?!" Sanemi's voice rose, disbelief twisting his features.
The tray in Shinobu Kocho's hands clattered to the ground, delicate tea snacks scattering everywhere. Kagaya Ubuyashiki maintained his calm expression, but his slightly trembling fingers betrayed his shock.
He had assumed Sol relied on strategy to confront Muzan and the others, but it turned out to be raw strength.
"You… alone?" Sanemi stammered, his scars tensing in surprise.
Sol nodded. "Yes. They were too weak. It barely counted as a warm-up."
Kagaya cleared his throat, trying to compose himself. "Sol, could you elaborate?"
Sol leaned casually against the veranda pillar. "Simple. I found Muzan's lair, let them all attack me at once, and then…" He clenched a fist lightly. "Just like that."
Sanemi's jaw nearly hit the ground. "Six Upper Rank Demons plus Muzan? Just like that?"
"Exactly," Sol said with a shrug. "But I didn't kill them. They're still useful."
Shinobu finally found her voice. "Useful?"
"Yes. And I promised them a real blue spider lily." Sol gave a small, knowing smile.
"The blue spider lily is real?" Kagaya's voice betrayed his surprise.
Sol nodded. "Of course. Demons who consume it no longer need to feed on humans, their hunger can be satisfied through sleep, and they aren't afraid of sunlight."
He looked around at their shocked faces and added slowly, "However, only I know where it grows. I intend to use this as leverage to train them properly."
Kagaya nodded thoughtfully. "I see… you intend to turn them into your tools."
"Exactly." Sol's smile widened, mischievous yet calculating. "Let them willingly be my punching bags. They can survive my full-power attacks and regenerate. Punching bags like that are rare."
Sanemi slammed a hand on the table. "Wait! You're not thinking of making those demons stronger, are you? What if they continue committing evil?"
"Sanemi." Kagaya's voice was gentle, restraining him. Then he turned to Sol. "Are you certain you can control the situation completely?"
Sol casually picked up a new snack. "You've seen me fight. The answer should be obvious."
Shinobu fanned herself thoughtfully. "Indeed. With Sol's strength, controlling them shouldn't be difficult."
At that moment, Mitsuri Kanroji skipped into the courtyard. "Good morning, everyone! Oh? What's going on?"
"This… Sol wants to make Muzan and the others stronger!" Sanemi blurted out.
"Eh? Is he going to betray us?!" Mitsuri's eyes widened, her rice ball nearly slipping from her hands.
Kagaya cleared his throat. "Mitsuri, here's the situation. Sol found Muzan's lair, fought both Muzan and the Upper Rank Demons, and plans to strengthen them to use as training tools."
After Kagaya's explanation, Mitsuri's expression shifted from shock to admiration. "Wow! Sol is amazing! He can defeat all the Upper Rank Demons alone!"
"It's already difficult for us to face one Upper Rank Demon, and he complains they aren't strong enough," Kagaya added.
Sanemi ran a hand over his forehead. "That's not the point! The point is he's going to train demons!"
Sol finished the last bite of his snack, brushing crumbs from his hands, and glanced at them with an amused expression. "Do you have an opinion on my decision?"
Sanemi's fists clenched, anger twisting his face. "Those demons have killed countless comrades, and now you want to make them stronger!"
"Sanemi." Kagaya intervened softly. Then he looked to Sol. "Could you explain your plan in detail?"
Sol leaned against the pillar, his eyes sweeping the courtyard. "First, let me ask: do you honestly think your current strength is enough to handle Muzan?"
The courtyard fell silent. Shinobu's fan froze mid-air, Mitsuri bit her lip, and even the hot-headed Sanemi had nothing to say.
"I've observed your power," Sol continued. "It's far too low. Not enough for me to properly train."
Kagaya sighed softly. "Sol is correct. We are indeed lacking in strength."
"So," Sol crossed his arms, "I need an opponent that lets me use my full strength, and Muzan and his Upper Rank Demons are perfect for that."
Sanemi's eyes widened. "You mean… you're using them to train yourself?"
"It's not training, really," Sol said, shrugging. "To me, they're just durable punching bags."
Shinobu looked thoughtful. "So the blue spider lily is bait."
"Clever," Sol said approvingly. "Muzan will do anything to walk in the sun, and I know exactly where the flower grows."
Mitsuri blinked, her large eyes wide. "Then… will he really give them the blue spider lily?"
Sol smiled meaningfully. "Of course. That way, I can hit them as much as I want, even during the day."
Kagaya nodded, thoughtful. "Sol's plan is indeed brilliant."
Sanemi still frowned, though his tone had softened. "But giving them sunlight immunity… that's a huge risk."
Sol stepped into the center of the courtyard, sunlight glinting off his shoulders. "You seem to have misunderstood something."
He turned, dark eyes sharp. "I am not asking for permission. I am simply informing you of my decision."