Regarding the "disappearance" of the "Sun Hashira," most people believe that he died in battle. Achieving something nearly unprecedented and then perishing from exhaustion is a common narrative. The Demon Slayer Corps is like this, often accompanied by death.
If the Demon Slayer Corps has grown accustomed to the deaths of its Hashira, then on the demon side, the death of Akaza signifies a "change."
**Infinity Castle.**
This is a place accessible only through the Blood Demon Art of Nakime. In recent years, gatherings of the Twelve Kizuki have been held here.
This time, it was a meeting of the Upper Moons.
"Ara ara, everyone's here already? Huh, where's Akaza? Did he die in battle? No way, no way, I remember he should have been the first to arrive, right?"
Upper Moon Two, Douma, arrived late. Upon noticing that there were only five Upper Moons in the room, missing the usual martial figure, he chuckled.
Beside him, a demon resembling smoke emerged from a pot. "Lord Douma, it's been over ninety years since we last met, hasn't it? Lord Akaza really isn't here. Maybe he's just late?"
"How terrifying, so terrifying. It hasn't been that long since we last met. Gyokko, have you forgotten how to count? It's been 106 years since we last saw each other. An indivisible number, how terrifying, truly terrifying."
A short, elderly-looking demon with a large bump on his head spoke. His name was Hantengu, Upper Moon Four.
"Is that so? Haha, I've been so engrossed in my art that I might have missed a few counts." Gyokko, Upper Moon Five, resided within his pot.
Douma's attention shifted to another corner. He leaned in and said, "Ara ara, Daki, it's been so long since we last met. You're still as radiant as ever. How's life in the red-light district? Is it still fun? If you're bored, why not join my religion?"
"Lord Douma, life in the red-light district is quite enjoyable," Daki replied with a gentle smile.
The man before her was the one who had turned her and her brother into demons. Even the hot-tempered Daki knew to smile in his presence.
"Ara, is that so? What a pity!" Douma pouted, feigning disappointment. "Daki, have you and Gyutaro eaten any high-ranking courtesans recently? I haven't had the pleasure of dining on a top-tier courtesan in a long time."
"If Lord Douma wishes, you can visit the red-light district. I've stored quite a few delicacies."
Douma said, "Reserve food, what a clever idea. Ah, I remember a kind woman from a few years ago... I had hoped to let her live a good life, but she discovered the truth. Oh well, what can you do?"
He spoke with a sorrowful expression, but a closer look at his eyes revealed no trace of sadness.
At that moment, Kokushibo, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Lord Muzan... has arrived."
Instantly.
In the Infinity Castle, the Upper Moons saw Kibutsuji Muzan, upside down, wearing a vest and conducting his experiments with various potions.
The Upper Moons and Muzan were positioned upside down relative to each other. In the Infinity Castle, this was normal.
The Upper Moons reacted differently. Kokushibo sat upright as usual, Douma knelt with a grin, Hantengu prostrated himself on the ground, Gyokko floated above his pot, and Daki and Gyutaro knelt together.
"The Upper Moon ranks have a vacancy. Akaza is dead."
Muzan spoke these words calmly, as if the one who had died was not his subordinate.
"Is that so? Akaza is really dead?" Douma widened his eyes in surprise.
"Douma, did I permit you to speak?"
"My apologies, I shall gouge out my eyes as penance."
"What use are your eyes to me? Akaza's death was not within my expectations. I had thought Gyutaro would be the first to die among the Upper Moons, believing Daki's foolishness would drag him down. Yet, it was Akaza who died first.
Enough. I am deeply disappointed in all of you. That is all."
Muzan held a test tube in his hand, his tone icy. He seemed utterly disappointed.
"Huh? Why do you say such sad things? Have I ever failed to meet your expectations?" Douma asked curiously.
"The Ubuyashiki family still lives on in this world. The 'Blue Spider Lily' remains elusive. Even the successor of 'Sun Breathing' continues to survive. It's been decades, and what have you accomplished?
Moreover, you are all so fragile. It's only been 106 years since the last change in the Upper Moons, and now we need a new Upper Moon.
I truly begin to wonder why you even exist." Muzan remained with his back turned to them.
"Ah! My lord, please calm yourself!" Hantengu prostrated himself on the ground, speaking cautiously.
Kokushibo spoke, "Lord Muzan, are you saying the successor of 'Sun Breathing' exists?"
"Yes, the successor of 'Sun Breathing.' Kokushibo, your brother's legacy still lingers in this world. However, Akaza did one good thing before his death—he killed that successor.
Really, I prefer 'stability.' Why must there always be 'change'? The Ubuyashiki family, reduced to hiding like insects, should just continue to skulk in the shadows.
Enough. I have a task for you. Use all your strength to locate the hiding place of the Ubuyashiki family. Insects should behave like insects. If they refuse to hide, then they should die."
Muzan spoke coldly.
"As you command."
Almost all the Upper Moons bowed their heads at that moment.
Muzan left.
Or rather, he was sent away by Nakime.
Douma leaned closer to Kokushibo and asked, "Lord Kokushibo, was the creator of 'Sun Breathing' your brother? Was he strong? Why do I feel my body trembling when you mention him?"
Kokushibo's six eyes turned to Douma. "He could kill you with a single strike."
"Ara, that terrifying? What a pity I never got to meet him. Akaza was so lucky to have fought the successor of 'Sun Breathing.' Ah, what a shame."
Kokushibo ignored Douma. He knew the man's personality all too well.
"Sun Breathing," huh?
What a nostalgic name. I suppose there's only one successor left in this world... Most of the others were killed by me decades ago.
Kokushibo touched the flute at his waist, lost in thought, reminiscing about something...