"Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit." The young Demon Slayer swiftly approached the motionless Upper Rank demon from behind, delivering a five-strike combo enhanced by his Breathing Technique to the demon's neck.
The Upper Rank demon didn't react, allowing the boy's attacks to land on his neck. Each strike produced bright sparks, but unfortunately, the demon's neck remained unscathed.
"Thunder Breathing, Third Form: Thunder Swarm."
"Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder."
"Thunder Breathing, Fifth Form: Heat Lightning."
"Thunder Breathing, Sixth Form: Rumble and Flash."
The young Demon Slayer unleashed all his learned forms of Thunder Breathing, but none of them inflicted any damage on the Upper Rank demon before him. Fear filled the boy's eyes as he turned and fled, abandoning the fight.
The Upper Rank demon looked slightly puzzled as he watched the boy run away. Without making a visible move, he suddenly appeared behind the fleeing boy, slashing his right arm off with his sword.
Thud.
The dismembered Demon Slayer fell to the ground, tumbling several times before sliding to a stop.
"Don't kill me! I don't want to die! I'll do anything if you spare me," the boy pleaded, crawling up and kowtowing before the Upper Rank demon, disregarding his injury.
The Upper Rank demon hesitated, lowering his sword. After a moment, he retracted his weapon.
"You don't want to die? Then become a demon." The demon approached the boy, using his left hand to cut his own palm, producing a large drop of demon blood.
He held out his hand, offering the blood to the boy. Without hesitation, the boy licked the demon's palm, drinking the blood. Immediately, he screamed in agony.
"Whether you survive or not depends on if you can assimilate this blood. If you can't, you'll die," the Upper Rank demon stated coldly.
Becoming a demon wasn't easy. Just as not all Demon Slayers could master Breathing Techniques, not everyone who received blood from an Upper Rank demon or Muzan could become a demon. It depended on their ability to assimilate the blood.
When Muzan attacked Tanjiro's family, he didn't only leave blood in Nezuko. He tried with the others, too, but they couldn't survive the transformation.
Demon blood, under certain circumstances, could be considered a lifesaving elixir. If someone on the verge of death could assimilate the blood, they would survive—but as a demon.
The boy's screams echoed as he writhed on the ground. After a long time, his cries faded. His severed right arm had regenerated, and his once-handsome face had turned pale, with his ears becoming pointed and black tiger stripes appearing on his face.
"Power. This is power." The boy's eyes gleamed with ambition as he felt the strength coursing through his body. He picked up his severed right arm's Nichirin sword. As he gripped the sword, its blade dulled, turning a grayish color despite its dark gold hue.
"Thank you, my lord." The newly turned demon boy knelt before the Upper Rank demon, the ambition in his eyes now replaced with apparent subservience.
At that moment, the sound of approaching footsteps could be heard. A dozen Demon Slayer Corps members arrived, quickly surrounding the Upper Rank demon and the kneeling boy.
"Kaigaku, are you okay?" The leader of the group asked, concerned. He hadn't realized the situation yet.
"Captain, something's wrong with him," one member pointed out, noticing Kaigaku's changed appearance.
"Ichinose, what a coincidence," Kaigaku said, standing up and facing the group. The Demon Slayers' expressions changed as they recognized Kaigaku's demonic features.
"Kaigaku, how could you?" The group was shocked and speechless. Despite Kaigaku's selfishness and arrogance, he was their comrade. They couldn't believe he chose to become a demon.
"Kaigaku, how could you betray Master Jigoro's teachings?" one member shouted angrily. According to Demon Slayer Corps rules, a mentor was held accountable for their trainee's actions and was required to commit seppuku if their trainee became a demon.
"The old man? Who cares? He always looked down on me and favored that coward. If not for his status as a former Hashira, I wouldn't have bothered acknowledging him," Kaigaku revealed his true nature. Trainees of former Hashira received special treatment, benefiting from their mentor's teachings and resources.
"You…" The surrounding Demon Slayers were stunned by Kaigaku's shamelessness.
"It's time to send you all to hell. Thunder Breathing, Fourth Form: Distant Thunder," Kaigaku declared, attacking the Demon Slayers. His attacks, ineffective against the Upper Rank demon, easily dispatched his former comrades.
Kaigaku's strength was already significant within the Demon Slayer Corps. If not for the full roster of Hashira, he would have been considered for the position.
As Kaigaku slaughtered the Demon Slayers who had come to assist him, the Upper Rank demon also made his move. With a forceful leap, he shattered the ground and attacked four crows flying overhead. Using his unique Moon Breathing and Blood Demon Art, he decimated three of the crows. The fourth, flying higher, managed to escape and flew away rapidly, evading the demon's reach.
This Upper Rank demon was none other than Kokushibo, the strongest of the Twelve Kizuki.
If it had been another Upper Rank demon, Kaigaku's pleas would have gone unheard, and he would have been killed. Upper Rank demons could create demons, but they only did so when intrigued by someone.
Kaigaku's pleas resonated with Kokushibo, reminding him of his past self, which is why he gave Kaigaku a chance.
"Where is the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters?" Kokushibo's six eyes focused on Kaigaku, directly asking. Muzan was troubled by the Demon Slayer Corps, and Kaigaku's transformation was an opportunity.
"I know, but a crow escaped. We must hurry, but it's just the two of us," Kaigaku hesitated. The Demon Slayer Corps' strength was formidable. Even though Kokushibo's power was overwhelming, Kaigaku doubted their success with just the two of them.
Kokushibo, confident but not foolish, understood Kaigaku's concerns. One-on-one, he feared no one, but being surrounded was a different story.
Kokushibo contacted their superior, and moments later, he and Kaigaku appeared in a mysterious building.
Muzan was extremely cautious, distrusting even his subordinates, especially the Upper Rank demons. Only he could contact them. For them to reach him, they had to go through Nakime in this mysterious building—Infinity Castle.
Nakime, created painstakingly by Muzan, lacked significant combat strength but could control the Infinity Castle and couldn't leave without Muzan's permission.
Muzan invested effort in creating Nakime for easy communication with demons. Without her, Muzan would have to personally locate the demons, a task beneath the Demon King.
With Nakime, a simple biwa play could summon any demon Muzan wanted, ensuring they never knew his exact location.
"We've found the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters," Nakime reported to Muzan, who soon appeared in Infinity Castle. Kaigaku, seeing Muzan for the first time, knelt, unable to lift his head. It wasn't just fear but the suppression from Muzan's blood.
"A crow escaped. Move quickly," Muzan ordered, and Upper Rank Two Douma and Upper Rank Three Akaza also appeared in Infinity Castle.
"Send them to the nearest location," Muzan commanded before leaving. Nakime's power required a demon at the target location for transportation, but the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters had no demons.
"I heard you almost got killed by the Demon Slayer Corps," Douma teased Akaza as they headed toward the headquarters.
"Next time, I'll reclaim my rank," Akaza retorted, ignoring Douma. Having survived decapitation, Akaza's power had increased, and he was determined to regain his former position, possibly even challenging Kokushibo.
"Confident, are we? Gained some new strength?" Despite knowing Akaza's power had grown, Douma remained indifferent.
Kokushibo, silent, led the way to the headquarters.
---
At the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, the Butterfly Mansion, and the Ubuyashiki estate, many hidden members assisted in the relocation, following a contingency plan activated after the escaped crow's return. Their actions were orderly, having been trained for such scenarios. The Ubuyashiki family had long anticipated Muzan's search and prepared multiple safe houses.
Similar to the Swordsmith Village's swift relocation in the original story, the Ubuyashiki family had backup plans in place.
"Kaigaku betrayed us," several Hashira, including Daniel Davis and Kagaya Ubuyashiki, discussed their next move, lamenting Kaigaku's betrayal. Despite their disdain for his arrogance, his actions still saddened them, especially for his mentor, who would now have to atone.
The Thunder Breathing Hashira, called Roaring Hashira, now faced consequences for his trainee's transformation.
"Fight or retreat?" The group focused on the current crisis. With several Upper Rank demons expected to attack, the corps faced a severe threat. The recent encounter with Akaza demonstrated the difficulty of fighting Upper Rank demons.
"This could be an opportunity if Muzan appears. We could end this," Daniel mused. However, he knew Muzan would likely hide again if his strongest subordinates were defeated, prolonging the struggle.
Daniel realized they needed to lure Muzan out.
In the original story, Kagaya Ubuyashiki sacrificed himself to draw Muzan out, a strategy they might have to consider again.
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"Impressive efficiency, truly worthy of the Ubuyashiki family." Despite it being late at night when the crow returned, the Demon Slayer Corps' hidden members quickly mobilized a large number of personnel to carry out the relocation work.
It was only at this moment that Daniel Davis realized that the villagers around the Butterfly Mansion and the Ubuyashiki estate were all hidden members. They would receive signals from these villages if demons suddenly attacked, giving the Butterfly Mansion and the Ubuyashiki family time to take refuge.
These surrounding villages were essentially the Ubuyashiki family's barriers.
"I'll stay here to observe the situation. Giyu will be outside to respond to my signal." After most people had left, Shinobu Kocho, Giyu Tomioka, Kyojuro Rengoku, and Daniel stayed in the Ubuyashiki estate, discussing how to deal with the upcoming events.
With a Demon Slayer turned demon, it was crucial to ensure the safety of the Butterfly Mansion and the Ubuyashiki family. Whether or not demons would attack, the Butterfly Mansion and the Ubuyashiki family had to be relocated.
However, the Hashira were unwilling to leave just like that. They decided to split into two groups: Daniel and Giyu stayed to gather intelligence, deciding whether to engage based on the situation.
Shinobu and Kyojuro escorted the Ubuyashiki family. Despite receiving the crow's message early and theoretically having enough time for a safe retreat, unexpected events could still occur. With the Hashira's protection, even if they couldn't defeat an Upper Rank demon, they could ensure the Ubuyashiki family and its heir could escape.
As for the others, they would be sacrificed if necessary.
Though cruel, this was the best option.
The Ubuyashiki family was quick to make decisions when needed, much like in the original story when Kagaya Ubuyashiki rigged his estate with explosives, severely injuring Muzan in the process. His wife and two daughters perished alongside him.
Kagaya had one son and four daughters, with his son being raised as a girl to avoid premature death due to the family's hereditary illness.
Despite the mysticism, this method worked. Just like how the Ubuyashiki family had to marry into the shrine maiden clan to ensure their children survived.
Given Kagaya's age and his five children, he likely married at fourteen.
Kagaya's daughters were all very cute. He was willing to die alongside them, but Daniel was not. Perhaps due to different mindsets, the idea of suicide or sacrificial death was normal to them.
Similar to the Roaring Hashira, who had contributed greatly to the Demon Slayer Corps but had to commit seppuku due to Kaigaku's transformation into a demon.
"Don't worry about me. With Thunder Breathing, I can escape quickly if anything happens." When Giyu expressed his intention to stay with him, Daniel shook his head.
Muzan and the Upper Rank demons weren't fools. They wouldn't send just one demon. Even two Upper Rank demons would require at least half of the Hashira to handle them, and those Hashira would need to have their Marks activated.
Currently, none of the Hashira had their Marks. Even if all of them fought together, they might not defeat Upper Rank One.
Without Tanjiro as the first to activate his Mark, the current Hashira couldn't achieve this feat.
Four hundred years ago, a group of Marked swordsmen emerged because of Yoriichi Tsugikuni. After his death, no other Marked swordsmen appeared for many years.
Shinobu and Kyojuro wanted to stay, but the Ubuyashiki family's safety took precedence. In the Demon Slayer Corps, the safety of the head was paramount.
Shinobu and Kyojuro soon pursued the Ubuyashiki family. Daniel remained in the estate, while Giyu hid at a distance.
"Four demons: Upper Rank One, Two, and Three, along with Kaigaku." Not long after the estate was emptied, the demons arrived. Despite Kaigaku's changed appearance, Daniel recognized him immediately.
"Kaigaku's power has increased since becoming a demon. He might barely qualify as an Upper Rank. It's a pity Muzan didn't show up."
"Upper Rank One, Yoriichi's brother, must know the Sun Breathing technique." Sun Breathing's training method was known to only two people now: Tanjiro and Upper Rank One, Kokushibo.
Sun Breathing was so overwhelming that even Kokushibo eventually had to modify it into Moon Breathing.
After studying numerous breathing techniques and observing the training of Demon Slayer members, Daniel speculated that Sun Breathing hadn't been passed down because no one could master it. Forcing the technique could cause physical damage, similar to how Genya Shinazugawa couldn't master any breathing technique.
Based on Yoriichi and Tanjiro's cases, Daniel guessed that one needed innate transparency to learn Sun Breathing.
Tanjiro was naturally transparent and could potentially activate his Mark without the age limit of twenty-five.
"I'd love to fight," Daniel thought, but ultimately refrained since Muzan hadn't appeared.
"Three Upper Ranks and Kaigaku. We need all nine Hashira to deal with them," Daniel reported to Giyu after retreating.
Hearing this, Giyu also abandoned any intention to fight. However, they didn't leave immediately, waiting instead for dawn. If the demons didn't retreat before sunrise, they could launch a surprise attack. For demons, sunlight was fatal.
In history, many demons had died from sudden exposure to sunlight, the most foolish way for a demon to die.
"Where do you think they're hiding?" Douma laughed, seeing the empty estate, and questioned Kaigaku.
"I don't know. Only the head of the Demon Slayer Corps knows that information. Even the Hashira aren't informed beforehand."
The Demon Slayer Corps had excellent confidentiality measures. Even hidden members only knew part of the truth, similar to Nick Fury's compartmentalized management of S.H.I.E.L.D.
One had to piece together everyone's knowledge to get the full picture. Even if a hidden member was captured and tortured, they could only provide partial information.
When Tanjiro traveled to the Swordsmith Village, he was carried by several hidden members who didn't know each other.
Compartmentalized management wasn't entirely flawed. Fury's downfall was due to the strategic scientific reserves being infiltrated by too many Hydra members.
Hydra's growth wasn't Fury's fault, nor Carter's. It was the fault of the American high command, who saw only the benefits, not the drawbacks.
They retreated just before dawn, as the first ray of sunlight touched the ground. Daniel and Giyu emerged from hiding.
"Room." Daniel immediately expanded the Op-Op Fruit's spatial field to survey the surroundings.
"They left something behind, hoping to track us to the headquarters. Lucky for them, I won't expose it." Sensing activity in the corner, Daniel didn't reveal it.
"We should go too." Daniel glanced at the corner before leaving with Giyu.
"We need all nine Hashira to fight them," Kagaya said after hearing the report in the new headquarters.
"Rest now. Don't call the others back yet." After issuing several orders, Kagaya dismissed everyone but Daniel and his wife, Amane.
"Can you handle Muzan?" Kagaya asked directly.
"If he appears before me, I won't let him escape," Daniel confidently replied.
"Are you sure?" Kagaya asked again.
"How about I show you?" Daniel stood up, drew his Nichirin sword, and demonstrated. The blade turned red with flames, slicing through a large rock, leaving charred marks at the cuts.
Amane described the scene to Kagaya, who was blind.
"In that case, let's lure Muzan here." Kagaya, reassured by Daniel's strength, decided to draw Muzan out.
The Demon Slayer Corps had always hunted demons, but the Ubuyashiki family had always been the hunted.
Kagaya was willing to do whatever it took to eliminate Muzan in his generation, sparing his children from further suffering.
Amane fully supported him, earning Daniel's admiration for her resolve.
True to their word, Kagaya and Amane began preparations, first sending their son and daughters away. Even if the plan failed, their son would succeed Kagaya as the head, continuing the fight against Muzan.
"Shinobu seemed upset about Douma," Daniel noted after Giyu's report.
"Killing Douma should ease her mind. With Muzan being drawn out, it's time to act on Nezuko."
Daniel was surprised by Kagaya's quick decision to entrust him with fighting Muzan, admiring his courage.
In the original story, Kagaya made his decision because all the Hashira had activated their Marks and Lady Tamayo's research supported it.
"Sorry, Tanjiro. It seems you won't get a chance to fight." Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke were training hard, but they might not be needed.
"Tanjiro will be very happy," Daniel thought, imagining Tanjiro's joy when Nezuko, turned demon, would awaken human again.
---
Meanwhile, Muzan conducted chemical experiments in Infinity Castle, listening to the reports of Upper Rank Four and Upper Rank Five.
"So, you still haven't found the Blue Spider Lily?" Muzan's face darkened as he set down his test tube.
For over a thousand years, Muzan had sought a cure for his inability to withstand sunlight. This limitation infuriated him.
He had no success until the rise of modern science. Muzan, deeply invested in scientific research, discovered a clue: the Blue Spider Lily.
This was the medicine the doctor had sought before Muzan killed him.
Muzan turned to biochemical
research, assuming the identity of a boy with a sunlight allergy, enlisting scientists to study related medicines.
Muzan was the first to embrace technology, even owning a car.
"Forget it. We'll continue searching after we annihilate the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Yes, sir."
"Now, it's time to meet the current head of the Ubuyashiki family."
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