The courtyard fell silent the moment Sol Mirek spoke. Shinobu Kocho's fan froze mid-motion, Mitsuri Kanroji instinctively stepped back, and even Sanemi Shinazugawa tensed, his body ready for a fight.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki cleared his throat, gently breaking the tension. "Mr. Sol, it is not that we doubt you, it is just…"
"Worried I might lose control?" Sol cut in, a faint, amused smile resting on his lips. "You have already seen what I can do. Even if Muzan conquers the sun, he is still just a tougher punching bag to me."
Mitsuri hesitated, her voice soft. "But those demons have killed so many of us…"
Sol turned his gaze toward her, calm and steady. "Exactly. That is why you should be relieved. With me around, you will not lose anyone else."
His eyes swept across the group, his tone casual yet heavy with certainty. "I could wipe out Muzan and the Upper Ranks anytime I want. But where is the fun in that? Wouldn't it be more interesting to let them struggle, to let them reach for hope and never quite grasp it?"
Shinobu's eyes narrowed slightly. For the first time, something cold flickered beneath Sol's usual playful expression.
Sanemi clenched his fists, veins rising along his arms. "You are playing with them?"
"Of course," Sol replied without hesitation. "Like a cat with a mouse. Seems fair, right? They have been doing it to humans for centuries."
Kagaya remained quiet for a moment, then chuckled softly. "Mr. Sol, you are even more decisive than I expected."
He turned to the Hashira. "I believe we can trust his judgment."
After a pause, he added, "Without him, we might never have found Muzan's location."
Sanemi clicked his tongue but eventually nodded. "Fine. Do what you want. But if they harm another human, I will not stand by."
Sol shrugged, hands in his pockets. "Relax. They do not have the courage."
Just then, footsteps echoed down the corridor. Tengen Uzui strode in, his presence loud as ever, gemstones glinting under the light.
"Ah, everyone is here! I have some very flashy news!" he announced dramatically, spreading his arms. "Apparently, Sol stormed Muzan's hideout alone last night. Quite the spectacle, right?"
Mitsuri nodded eagerly. "We already know. He defeated Muzan and all the Upper Ranks."
Tengen blinked, then laughed. "Even better. That is truly extravagant. As expected of you, Sol."
Sol sighed lightly. "Are all Demon Slayer Corps members this dramatic?"
Kagaya smiled. "Muzan has been our enemy for a thousand years. Seeing him overpowered so easily is difficult to believe."
Shinobu spoke again, her tone sharp. "You mentioned letting Muzan obtain the Blue Spider Lily. How exactly will you do that?"
Sol waved a hand dismissively. "Details are not your concern. I have my ways."
The sun dipped below the horizon, darkness settling in. Sol stood at the center of the courtyard, arms crossed, waiting.
One by one, Muzan and the Upper Ranks assembled before him. Fear lingered in their expressions, but something stronger burned in their eyes, desire.
"Lord Ancestor," Muzan said respectfully, bowing. His appearance was pristine, as if the previous night's destruction had never happened. "We are ready."
Sol looked over them, his smile widening slightly. "Good. Try to last longer today."
Before the words fully left his mouth, he vanished.
A thunderous impact followed.
Kokushibo's six eyes widened as a punch slammed into his abdomen, forcing the air from his lungs. Sol's voice echoed beside him.
"So weak."
"Moon Breathing, Seventh Form: Mirror of Misfortune, Moonlit Reflection!"
Kokushibo retaliated despite the pain, crescent slashes erupting in all directions.
Sol did not move. The attacks struck him directly, yet failed to leave even a mark. In the next instant, his hand closed around Kokushibo's throat, lifting him effortlessly.
"This is centuries of training?" Sol tilted his head. "Disappointing."
"Spare me, Lord Ancestor," Kokushibo forced out, terror filling his many eyes.
Sol tossed him aside like discarded weight, then turned to the others. "All of you, at once. Do not bore me."
A dark glint flashed in Muzan's eyes. "Blood Demon Art: Black Blood Thorns!"
The ground erupted with jagged spikes. Akaza and Doma attacked from both sides, Gyutaro's blood blades cut through the air, Daki's sashes blocked every escape, and Gyokko lingered in the distance, releasing poison.
Facing the overwhelming assault, Sol simply closed his eyes.
"Asura Mode."
Power surged from his body. His muscles tightened, his eyes glowed faintly red, and a shockwave exploded outward, erasing every attack instantly.
Sol opened his eyes again, a hint of satisfaction in his expression. "Now that is better."
In a blink, he appeared before Doma.
"Still not enough."
Doma reacted quickly. "Blood Demon Art: Crystalline Divine Child!"
An ice construct formed, but Sol's fist tore straight through it, shattering it completely.
"Looks impressive. Completely useless," Sol remarked, casually ripping Doma apart.
Muzan's face tightened, unease growing. His body twisted as he entered his full demon form.
"Lord Ancestor, guide me!"
Sol's grin sharpened. "Finally taking this seriously?"
Muzan's claws struck with explosive speed, tearing through the air. Sol caught the attack between two fingers.
"The strength is decent," he said calmly. "But your technique is terrible."
With a slight twist, Muzan's arm warped unnaturally. He screamed, only to regenerate moments later.
Sol beckoned with a finger. "Again."
The battle continued until dawn.
By the end, the mansion was in ruins. Walls had collapsed, the ground was shattered, and the air carried the scent of blood. Muzan and the Upper Ranks had been reduced to fragments more times than they could count.
Yet Sol stood untouched in the center, breathing evenly.
He glanced at the battered demons and nodded approvingly. "Better than yesterday. You are improving."
Muzan slowly rose, his composure barely intact. "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Ancestor."
Sol stepped closer, looking down at him with mild curiosity.
"Do you know why you are so weak?"
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