Muzan held an attitude of disgust towards the existence of all demons other than himself.
Even Kokushibou, whom he called a collaborator.
If it weren't for the need to expand the search party for the blue spider lily, Muzan would never have considered turning others into demons.
What deepened this conviction was the swordsman who was as strong as a monster centuries ago.
That is, the brother of the two individuals currently hanging in the sky and displaying deep sibling affection.
That monster... should not exist in this world at all.
Because of that encounter back then, Kibutsuji Muzan became even more cautious, almost never putting himself in danger.
All tasks except research were handed over to his subordinates, and the established Twelve Demon Moons system allowed the demon faction's strength to reach its Peak.
Conversely, the Demon Slayer Corps' power was nearly wiped out by them due to Yoriichi's departure.
Ultimately, compared to overcoming the sun, the Demon Slayer Corps' hatred was negligible in his eyes—at most, they were annoying flies.
There had been no news of the blue spider lily, and the research into overcoming the sun had repeatedly failed.
Mizuki, who suddenly appeared before his eyes, was like a ray of moonlight rising in the dark night, blindingly bright.
An uncontrollable surge of excitement rose on Muzan's face, and he shouted, "Nakime."
Nakime, sitting nearby acting as a musician, paused the hand playing the instrument, and then... Dong!!
The sound of the biwa resonated throughout the entire Infinity Castle, even disregarding space to reach Mizuki's ears.
It's happening again!
Mizuki, unable to break free from Kokushibou's restraint, her pupils contracted slightly. What was this time... Another doorway opened up right beside Mizuki's hand. Mizuki felt the sensation in her hand suddenly vanish, and her body, which had been able to support itself, was completely unbalanced, plummeting down towards the bottom of the Infinity Castle, dragged by Kokushibou.
It's over.
Mizuki's heart gradually sank, and an unnatural bitter smile appeared on her lips.
Muzan eating her and overcoming the sun... she couldn't think of what to do anymore.
In the end... she had become the one holding others back again... If only she had known earlier... Suddenly, a pair of slender arms reached down from the opened doorway, grabbing Mizuki's slightly curled fingers, which had already lost the will to survive.
The sudden pulling sensation prompted Mizuki to look up with a surprised expression.
What came into view was Kochou Shinobu's sweating, anxious face.
The girl's breathing was ragged, her shoulders rising and falling rapidly with her quick breaths due to the disturbance of her Qi. Fine beads of sweat dripped from her chin, and purple strands of hair clung to her cheeks, soaked with perspiration. The purple butterfly pattern on her cheek added a touch of enchanting beauty to her face.
"Shinobu..." Mizuki's eyes trembled slightly.
Is it Shinobu?
Why is she here?
Mizuki's previously sinking heart rose again.
Kochou Shinobu spoke tremblingly, "Finally... I finally made it."
Just a little bit more, just a little bit more and she would have lost Mizuki.
After receiving the news from the Kasugai Crow that the Swordsmith Village was under attack, she rushed over at full speed without stopping, driven by her inner anxiety.
Finally, she finally made it.
Who?
Kokushibou's gaze followed, looking at the unfamiliar person. Judging by the aura... is she a Hashira?
She even had the Demon Slayer Mark Awakening.
"I'm pulling you up now." Kochou Shinobu was panting heavily, her expression strained.
Her strength was naturally very small, and now she had to hold Mizuki while also pulling Kokushibou.
Even with the Demon Slayer Mark activated, it was difficult for her to pull Mizuki up.
Kochou Shinobu clenched her jaw tight, and the veins on her temples and arms were clearly protruding.
She wouldn't let go.
She absolutely refused to let go.
Mizuki saw Kochou Shinobu's struggle, lowered her head, and looked at Kokushibou: "Let go!"
"Mizuki! You belong with me!" Kokushibou roared.
Mizuki was sweating profusely in panic: "Why are you so agitated? Let go of my hand!"
Kick!
Kick!
Can't kick him off!
This guy's body is as hard as rock!
Muzan's face was terrifyingly gloomy: "Nakime!"
Dong!!!
But nothing happened.
"Muzan-sama!" Nakime suddenly cried out.
They saw the sun slowly rising above the two doorways in the sky, a ray of sunlight penetrating the tall forest and shining into the Infinity Castle.
The doorways began to disintegrate, and the structures within the Infinity Castle also showed signs of collapsing.
"Mizuki, let go quickly! You will die!" Kokushibou noticed this and shouted anxiously.
...
The bright sunlight shone past Kochou Shinobu onto Mizuki's profile, and her fair skin seemed to radiate light under the sun.
Kokushibou froze momentarily... Sunlight. That woman... had already overcome the sun!!!
After a moment of stupefaction, a trace of madness appeared on Kibutsuji Muzan's handsome face.
"Nakime! Drag that woman down for me!" Muzan's face was alight with unprecedented excitement.
"Muzan-sama..." Nakime sat stunned in place.
She really wanted to say one thing.
Your humble servant cannot do it.
Even the most powerful Blood Demon Art is useless under the sun.
It was only because Muzan was the boss; otherwise, Nakime would have complained that he wasn't thinking straight.
Seeing that Nakime was completely useless, Muzan clicked his tongue in displeasure. His pale, sickly arm was raised high and instantly transformed into a Fleshy Whip that shot toward Mizuki in mid-air... The sunlight passed Mizuki and struck Kokushibou's chest, and his massive body immediately began to burn.
A chance!
Mizuki's eyes lit up, and she forcefully pulled Kokushibou's hand.
Please don't let go of her hand, Big Brother!
Whoosh!!
A sound of rushing air suddenly struck.
What?
Mizuki looked down and saw the Fleshy Whip, constantly being burned by the sun, relentlessly shooting toward her.
As Mizuki's expression shifted slightly, Kokushibou forcibly tore off his own arm, letting his body plummet downwards without a word.
Kibutsuji Muzan had no time to worry about Kokushibou's life or death, staring upwards with a focused and desperate look.
Almost there! Almost there!
That woman!
The hope of overcoming the sun!
Since Kokushibou had let go, Kochou Shinobu felt the weight in her hand lighten, and she suddenly felt boundless strength, pulling Mizuki up immediately.
The Fleshy Whip relentlessly chased upward.
The dazzling sunlight and the doorway suddenly vanished, leaving behind only the broken and ruined Infinity Castle.
The Fleshy Whip lost its target and slammed to a halt.
"Nakime!!!"
Inside the Infinity Castle, a sharp explosive roar rang out.
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