Chương 116: Chapter 116: Disadvantages
Chapter 116: Disadvantages [1252]
----
Aoki and Kanae stood side by side, a headless corpse at their feet that was quickly turning into black smoke and dissipating.
To avoid premature detection, this demon was eliminated by Kanae.
However, the experience of this demon could barely amount to 3 points, so Aoki wasn't particularly concerned, observing it with mild interest.
"So this is what a demon looks like after being beheaded by a Nichirin Sword?" he remarked, witnessing the end of a demon in this manner for the first time.
Kanae sheathed her long sword. "A demon has appeared. It seems Muzan has taken notice of the news we spread. The first step of our plan was successfu!"
Aoki shook his head, tempering her excitement. "Not necessarily. The demon might have already been on a mission to find the blue spider lily and just happened to hear the news and decided to investigate on its own."
"You're right, Mr. Aomura," Kanae said, a bit disappointed but quickly recovering as she turned to look at the nearby city.
"If this demon was acting on Muzan Kibutsuji's orders, does that mean Muzan Kibutsuji himself is in this city?"
"It's possible," Aoki replied. "But even if Muzan Kibutsuji is here, finding him won't be easy."
In a crowded city, finding a demon who can change its appearance and suppress its presence is nearly an impossible task.
After their discussion, Aoki and Kanae separated, using space manipulation to transport themselves to a flat area on the mountainside.
A small sea of flowers spread out before them, but there was only one kind of flower: blue, resembling the spider lily, with a captivating beauty. However, upon closer inspection, it became clear these flowers didn't move, even when the wind blew.
These were artificial flowers, specially made by Ubuyashiki Kagaya. They were so convincing that even a flower expert would have trouble recognizing them as fakes without close examination.
"Mr. Aomura," a young man dressed as a monk approached, hands clasped together.
"Mr. Himejima," Aoki acknowledged him with a slight nod.
Though these weren't real blue spider lilies, the fake flowers played a crucial role in their plan.
Normally, Aoki would oversee this operation personally. If he had to leave, the strongest member of the Demon Slayer Corps, Gyomei Himejima, would take charge.
Aoki found a spot to sit down, hoping the demon they had just encountered was indeed sent by Muzan Kibutsuji.
This was their second attempt.
The first time, the news had spread for a while, but nothing happened. To avoid exposing any flaws, they terminated the plan, relocated, and began their second attempt. This time, luck was on their side—a demon showed up the next day.
However, it still remained to be seen if Muzan Kibutsuji had taken the bait.
Aoki didn't have to wait long.
Just over an hour later, a petite figure floated toward them.
Shinobu looked serious. "Mr. Aomura, we've detected traces of more demons"
Aoki's interest piqued. "How many? How strong are they?"
"There are two in total. Their strength seems on par with the Lower Moons, but there are no markings on their eyes."
"I'll go check it out now," Aoki said, quickly standing.
Two waves of demons appearing in such a short time was a promising sign, though not a guarantee. Still, there was a high probability that Muzan Kibutsuji was involved.
After reassembling their team, including Gyomei, Aoki and Shinobu teleported directly to Kanae.
"What's the situation?" Aoki asked.
Kanae didn't speak, instead slightly nodding toward the ground below.
Aoki stepped forward and looked down to see a grotesque creature with eyes covering its head.
Even among demons, it was rare to see one so utterly deformed.
"Is this one of the monsters Muzan Kibutsuji forcibly created with his blood?" Aoki mused.
Muzan Kibutsuji could indeed rapidly create lower-level demons. However, it seemed this ability had its limits.
"Sister, why is there only one demon left?" Shinobu asked softly.
"They split up," Kanae explained. "The other one is currently being tracked by Mr. Tomioka."
"Very well. Let's not act just yet," Aoki instructed.
The difference in power between a Lower Moon demon and a Hashira was significant. With a large portion of the Demon Slayer Corps' strength concentrated on this mountain, dealing with these two demons would be simple.
However, doing so too quickly might alert Muzan Kibutsuji to the trap. Waiting a bit longer would make the situation appear more natural.
Of course, this was only relative. Once the two demons were killed, Muzan Kibutsuji might still sense something amiss.
Plans are never foolproof.
The three of them quietly followed the monstrous demon.
Aoki quickly noticed something unusual.
"This demon seems mentally unstable."
Kanae nodded. "To be precise, its mind isn't sound. The other demon has the same issue. While their auras are comparable to those of the Lower Moons, they are much weaker in other aspects. For instance, their senses are dull. If they were true Lower Moons, they would have noticed us long ago."
Aoki considered this carefully.
"It seems this is another side effect of the forced maturation."
Ultimately, it came down to potential and talent. If a demon was talented enough to easily bear the blood Muzan Kibutsuji gave them, these side effects wouldn't occur.
But true geniuses were rare, even among demons.
This mountain had been carefully chosen by Aoki and the Demon Slayer Corps. It wasn't too big or too small.
There was only a small patch of "blue spider Lily's," making it difficult for the two demons to find the correct location.
Aoki remained patient, waiting silently.
To catch a big fish, one must be prepared to play the game for a long time.
Two days passed quickly.
"His mind is deteriorating," Kanae observed.
"He must be very hungry," Aoki replied. "He's begun eating wild animals to stave off starvation. It looks like he's about to lose control."
"When should we start?" Kanae asked, unable to contain her curiosity.
Aoki was about to respond when his expression suddenly changed.
"Kanae, I leave this to you."
Before she could reply, he disappeared.
"Did something happen with Mr. Tomioka?" Kanae wondered, refocusing on the demon below. She had to keep an eye on it and not let it escape.
On a cliff, Tomioka guy and Gyomei Himejima hid behind a rock, the former holding a broken wooden sign.
Below the cliff, a tall, ferocious-looking monster was quickly approaching.
Aoki quietly emerged beside them.
One glance was enough to understand why Tomioka Giyuu had summoned him without delay.
=====
T/N: There is a patreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early access of 40+ chapters.
Patreon link:- patreon.com/ANelite
Tình trạng nguồn điện hàng tuần
-- Xếp hạng
Quyền lực 
-- Đá
Quyền lực