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The ninjas cleaned up the scene, and the security team, after a brief rest, joined in to help.
However, the Demon Slayers did not participate. This wasn't their responsibility.
After resting for a short while and regaining some of their strength, the Demon Slayers rose to their feet. They explained that they had come to assist after hearing rumors about a ghost causing chaos. Now that the threat was neutralized, there was no need for them to stay any longer.
As the crowd of onlookers watched, they instinctively moved aside, making way for the group of young warriors who were bruised and injured but still radiated an impressive presence.
Despite their worn-out and battered appearance, they walked with pride—heads held high, chests puffed out. Their Demon Slayer uniforms, though stained with blood, made them look strikingly heroic.
The ordinary team members were already impressive, but the captain was on another level. Dressed in his signature feathered haori, he commanded attention, his presence elevating the group's collective aura.
"When I grow up, I want to join the Demon Slayer Corps," said a small boy in the crowd. His earlier words had been dismissed as childish, but after seeing the Demon Slayers up close, many of the adults around him were now thoughtful. The children's eyes sparkled with admiration.
In their eyes, the Demon Slayers had become as noble and awe-inspiring as the ninjas.
Some of the ninjas noticed this shift in perception. While some didn't seem bothered, others appeared visibly uncomfortable.
The Third Hokage stood atop the ruins, observing his men as they worked to rescue the wounded. He silently smoked a cigarette, offering no words and making no movements. No one dared approach him, as he kept his eyes closed and deep in thought.
Uchiha Mansion.
In the Uchiha mansion, Sasuke set aside the brush he had been holding.
"My lord, the mission is complete," a voice came from behind him. Shinichiro, one of his most trusted men, appeared without a sound, kneeling on one knee, holding his long blade. His head was bowed, and his eyes bore a look of submission and respect.
As the King of Ghosts, Sasuke had many loyal followers, not only within the ninja world but in other circles as well. The security forces were filled with his agents, though the Demon Slayer Corps was still mostly pure. Apart from its captain, the majority of the squad members were still human—vulnerable, capable of being injured or even killed.
"Good," Sasuke said calmly as he turned around to face Shinichiro.
"If you have something to say, don't hesitate. You don't need to restrain yourself in front of me."
"Yes, my lord," Shinichiro began hesitantly. "It's just that I'm worried. My comrades in the Demon Slayer Corps are dedicated to hunting ghosts. If one day they discover the truth about you, or about me…"
His voice trailed off, afraid of Sasuke's reaction.
Sasuke chuckled softly, rising from his seat. As he passed Shinichiro, he gently ruffled his hair.
"Most of those who join the Demon Slayer Corps do so because they've lost loved ones to ghost attacks. Their hatred fuels their desire for revenge, pushing them to train harder than others. That's why they excel and are able to join the Corps.
If they were to one day learn that their comrades, or even their leader, were ghosts, they would undoubtedly have a mental breakdown. Some might even turn their blades against me. Is that what worries you?"
"I didn't mean to imply—" Shinichiro bowed his head lower.
"There's no need to hide your concerns," Sasuke reassured him. "You are one of my most trusted subordinates. Your perspective matters more than anyone else's."
Sasuke moved to the window and adjusted his glasses as he looked out into the night.
"I understand your concerns, but here's the real question: who said we are ghosts?"
Shinichiro looked up in confusion. "My lord, I don't understand…"
"What defines a ghost?" Sasuke asked.
"They fear the sun, crave human flesh, and possess supernatural powers like the blood demon arts…" Shinichiro listed slowly, his voice fading as realization dawned on him.
"Exactly," Sasuke said, smiling. "We don't fear the sun. We can eat normal food. We don't need human blood. And who's to say that the blood demon arts are exclusive to ghosts? Furthermore, who can prove that what we use is even considered 'demon' magic?"
Shinichiro thought hard. It was true. Their abilities could not be definitively labeled as belonging to ghosts. The fear of the sun was the one consistent trait that separated ghosts from everyone else. And yet, Sasuke wasn't affected by sunlight.
Even those who had received Sasuke's full power weren't vulnerable to sunlight. The fallen warrior from earlier had been given a diluted form of that power, a mere fraction. Although his abilities were formidable, they were imperfect, highlighting the difference between Sasuke's followers and true ghosts.
Even if the truth came to light one day, who could claim Sasuke was a ghost? No one.
With this realization, Shinichiro exhaled a sigh of relief. His greatest fear had been that his comrades might one day turn their swords against each other—or worse, against Sasuke. Now that this scenario seemed unlikely, he felt a great weight lift from his shoulders.
"If there's nothing more, you may go," Sasuke said, turning back toward Shinichiro. "Your younger brother has returned after a long journey. It would be rude for you not to greet him."
"Yes, my lord," Shinichiro said, standing to leave.
"And let everyone rest tonight. Tomorrow, I'll make my appearance."
"Understood!" With a final bow, Shinichiro exited the room.
Sasuke remained at the window, staring out at the battlefield. He had carefully crafted the persona of Kibutsuji Muzan, using it to manipulate the situation from behind the scenes. Now, with his declaration of war against the Five Great Nations and the ninja world, the Hokage would have little time to focus on him.
Let them busy themselves with Kibutsuji Muzan, Sasuke thought with a smirk. The world of ninjas had been peaceful for far too long. It was time for a shake-up.
(End of the Chapter).
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