Yosuke had no idea how long he had been trapped inside the pitch-black coffin.
In this endless darkness, there was no sense of time passing.
He was deeply worried — had the ghostly crow successfully delivered the intelligence about Kibutsuji Muzan's newly acquired "Word-Spirit" ability to the Butterfly Estate?
From what Yosuke knew of Muzan, now that his greatest obstacle had vanished, it was highly likely he would immediately move against Nezuko — who had conquered the sun — or against Kokushibō.
If they faced Muzan without understanding this new ability, they would almost certainly suffer a crushing defeat.
Suddenly, the voice of the Priest Master broke the silence.
"Are you so concerned about your comrades?"
Yosuke kept quiet. The Priest Master was his enemy; there was no point in wasting words.
But the Priest Master continued speaking on his own,
"Don't worry. It won't be long before you're reunited with them.
This darkness — this coffin — isn't your own ability. It's a manifestation of the rule-power that resides within you.
And my rule-power is far stronger than yours. Given time, I will decipher it and break free."
Yosuke frowned deeply. He didn't think the Priest Master was bluffing — every word he spoke had always proven true.
Which meant the black coffin would not hold him for much longer.
"I have already foreseen it," the Priest Master went on, his tone coldly certain.
"Your comrades have gathered their forces and are about to launch their final assault on Kibutsuji Muzan.
The curtain is about to fall, Yosuke — and you are about to be checkmated!"
Outside, the sun still blazed brightly in the sky.
Just as the Priest Master had said, the Butterfly Estate — inside and out — was filled with Demon Slayer Corps members.
Everyone's eyes were fixed on the sun, hearts pounding with anticipation.
When the sun set, the final battle against Kibutsuji Muzan would begin.
No one faltered.
No one stepped back.
Every single person held the same conviction — to avenge the fallen who had shed their blood and to create a world free of demons for future generations.
Yushiro's Blood Demon Art and Yosuke's were somewhat similar to Nakime's — able to conceal what others saw, or allow them to perceive what could not normally be seen.
Through ofuda talismans, the technique could be activated, and by linking talismans together, one could see through the eyes of other ofuda bearers or even create visual illusions.
With Yushiro's aid, Ubuyashiki Kagaya had scattered countless marked kasugai crows imbued with Yushiro's Blood Demon Art throughout the Infinity Castle within Ōsumi Village, mapping out its ever-shifting terrain through their shared vision.
"Kokushibō-san," Kagaya said gravely, "you are the one most familiar with the Upper Moons. Could you brief us on the abilities of the three remaining ones?"
Kokushibō nodded solemnly and began to explain.
"First, there is Dōma.
He can freeze his own blood and disperse it as a mist of fine 'ice crystals' with his fans.
Human skin that comes into contact with these crystals will freeze instantly; if inhaled into the lungs, the crystals cause suffocation and necrosis of the alveoli.
His weakness lies in this very technique — during combat, one must avoid inhaling the frozen mist and refrain from engaging him at range."
"Next is Hantengu.
Hantengu's ability centers around his Blood Demon Art: Embodiment and Division.
When faced with danger, his intense emotions — joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure — are externalized into physical clones that protect his true body.
Each clone wields an entirely different Blood Demon Art and, since their abilities do not affect their own cells, they never have to fear friendly fire.
After dividing, Hantengu's main body shrinks down into the tiny form of Cowardice (Ki), who hides while the four immortal clones fight on his behalf.
So long as 'Cowardice' escapes, Hantengu can win through attrition.
Even when the clones are decapitated, they do not die; they can further divide into weaker mini-clones.
When his true body is in mortal danger, the four clones merge into Zohakuten, a form of immense power and explosive growth."
"Finally, there is Nakime."
At the mention of her name, Kokushibō's expression hardened.
"Nakime herself is weak in combat — a single Hashira could slay her easily.
But her ability is the most troublesome of all.
Through her Blood Demon Art, she can manipulate the spatial layout of the Infinity Castle at will, and even teleport objects and beings within it.
If we want to fight without the threat of interference, Nakime must be eliminated first."
Hearing Kokushibō's assessment, no one dared take her lightly.
To imagine finally cornering a demon, only to be instantly teleported away — that would render all their efforts meaningless.
Kagaya bowed slightly in gratitude.
"Your information is invaluable, Kokushibō. It may save countless of our comrades' lives."
Thanks to his intelligence, the Demon Slayer Corps could now prepare more effectively than ever.
As for Kibutsuji Muzan's powers — the Corps already knew much through Yosuke's help.
Even Muzan's newly acquired Word-Spirit ability had been shared with them via Yosuke's crows.
Around Ōsumi Village, all nearby residents had been evacuated to prevent Muzan from using innocent humans as pawns, as he had done centuries before.
The Butterfly Sisters and Tamayo distributed medical supplies and special anti-demon drugs to the Corps members.
Every preparation was complete.
Everyone stood ready, hearts brimming with unshakable resolve — they would win.
Meanwhile, inside the Infinity Castle—
Nakime knelt before Kibutsuji Muzan and reported,
"Muzan-sama, my eye clones have observed that the entire Demon Slayer Corps has gathered and is preparing to advance into the castle."
Muzan sneered with disdain.
"So,Yosuke is gone.
And these insects think they can challenge me? Pathetic.
All the better — it saves me the trouble of hunting them down myself."
He turned to Nakime.
"Gather every demon scattered outside.
Teleport them all to the Infinity Castle.
This time, I will crush every single one of those who defy me!"
"Yes, my lord," Nakime replied, bowing.
Muzan then addressed Dōma and Hantengu.
"This time, you two will lead all available demons.
Kill every last member of the Demon Slayer Corps!"
"As you command!" they answered.
Muzan's gaze fell upon the dark coffin beside him.
"Yosuke… in the end, victory will be mine.
What a pity you won't be able to witness it.
But rest assured — if you ever crawl out of that prison you created, the only thing you'll see will be the white bones of your fallen comrades.
And this world will have become a paradise for demons!"
His maniacal laughter echoed through the halls of the Infinity Castle.
"At last," he roared, "I shall become the ultimate being — one that fears no sunlight!"
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