After extensive persuasion from Kokushibo, Muzan Kibutsuji ultimately approved the operation.
The decision was not made lightly, but the emergence of Monjushiro had become too unpredictable to ignore.
Doma expressed immediate interest in the mission. A large-scale gathering of demons was, in his words, "quite entertaining."
Akaza showed interest as well, though not in cooperation only in battle. He was simply looking forward to strong opponents.
Hantengu, as always, obeyed without protest, trembling under Muzan's authority.
Gyokko, however, only muttered one condition from within his pot.
"As long as no one damages my pottery… I will comply."
Gyutaro and Daki had no objections. Compared to their usual circumstances, this was merely another assignment.
The Lower Moons, as always, had no meaningful say in the matter.
Participation was not optional.
It was an order.
Muzan had declared Kokushibo would oversee the operation directly.
Refusal was not disobedience it was simply not an option.
For the Lower Moons, this was equivalent to being summoned to execution under the guise of duty.
Before deployment, Muzan Kibutsuji addressed the assembled Twelve Kizuki.
Her presence filled the Infinity Castle, though her demeanor remained calm and composed.
"This operation has been authorized based on Kokushibo's assessment," Muzan stated coldly. "Monjushiro is an anomaly that may surpass even the Demon Slayer Corps in danger."
"Failure will not be tolerated."
The demons bowed in unison.
Yet their thoughts diverged wildly beneath their silence.
Enmu imagined personal reward and death at Muzan's hands.
Daki was indifferent.
Gyokko worried only about his pot.
Akaza thought only of combat.
Doma smiled faintly, amused by everything.
Muzan, capable of hearing it all, chose to ignore it.
Not because she approved but because eliminating them would be inconvenient.
"Gyokko," Muzan said, turning slightly.
The pot trembled.
"Report your findings."
Gyokko slowly emerged, visibly anxious.
"Apologies, Lord Muzan… we have not yet identified Monjushiro's origin or core location."
A brief silence followed.
Muzan accepted the answer without reaction.
That meant one thing:
The target was deliberately hidden.
Elsewhere in the Infinity Castle, Nakime remained focused on Kyogai's writing manuscripts, entirely detached from the meeting.
No one disturbed her.
Even Muzan had stopped expecting her attention during strategic discussions.
After the meeting concluded, Muzan briefly coughed, signaling dismissal.
Nakime, still distracted, eventually responded and transported the demons away through the Biwa's spatial distortion.
Only Kokushibo remained.
As always.
"I will remain," Kokushibo stated simply.
Muzan did not object.
There was no need to.
At the same time, the Demon Slayer Corps convened its own meeting at headquarters.
Inside the tatami-lined chamber sat Kagaya Ubuyashiki, supported by attendants, alongside several Hashira who had recently returned from missions, including Giyu Tomioka and Tengen Uzui.
Tanjiro Kamado and Kyojuro Rengoku were also present.
The atmosphere was serious.
Before discussion could begin, the doors slid open again.
A new presence entered.
It was Shinjuro Rengoku, former Flame Hashira.
"Father!" Kyojuro straightened immediately, surprised by his arrival.
It was the first time Shinjuro had appeared at Corps headquarters since retiring.
Tanjiro instinctively noticed the resemblance between father and son so identical it was almost unsettling.
Kagaya spoke gently, his voice calm despite his frail body.
"There are two matters I wish to discuss."
"First, the Kamado family's Hinokami Kagura has been confirmed to be closely related to Sun Breathing."
A subtle shift passed through the room.
"Therefore, I would like to compare it with the Flame Breathing forms, to better understand its structure."
Shinjuro nodded without hesitation.
"Understood."
Kagaya continued.
"Second… we have confirmed that the physician who once treated your wife was a demon."
A pause.
Then Shinjuro responded carefully.
"Yes. Doctor Tamayo treated her illness. She is a demon but unlike others, she does not consume humans."
At that, Mitsuri Kanroji and Shinobu Kocho exchanged a glance.
Kagaya's expression remained steady.
"I wish to invite her cooperation. Her knowledge may help us uncover a method to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji."
Tamayo's objectives revenge against Muzan aligned with the Corps' goals.
This alignment, however fragile, was enough.
Shinjuro observed Tanjiro closely.
Kyojuro immediately introduced him.
"This is Kamado Tanjiro! He is like a younger brother to me!"
Shinjuro studied him silently.
For a moment, his gaze lingered on Tanjiro's forehead.
A faint, unexplained discomfort passed through his expression.
But he said nothing.
Later, in the recovery ward, Tanjiro relayed the meeting details to Zenitsu and Inosuke.
"Wait so that Flame Hashira's father looks just like him?" Zenitsu asked, unsettled.
Inosuke immediately became excited.
"So strong-looking people run in families?! Then I want one too!"
Tengen Uzui had also returned from his mission and, in his usual flamboyant manner, was already being introduced into the group dynamic again.
Zenitsu, despite complaining, remained attached to him as always.
Inosuke, however, rejected the idea of being anyone's "junior."
"If someone wants me as a disciple… they have to beat me first!"
He declared this proudly, as if it were the most logical rule in the world.
No one disagreed mostly because arguing with him was exhausting.
Outside the room, the Corps continued preparing for the next stage of operations.
And far away, unseen by all, Kokushibo's gaze turned toward the coming storm.
The hunt for Monjushiro was no longer a question of if
Only when.
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