Chapter 80: Recovering Strength
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### Demon Slayer Headquarters
"What? Everything disappeared?"
Ubuyashiki kagaya's usually calm face showed signs of confusion. "Are you sure?"
Sanemi, revealing two new scars on his chest, spoke in a low, powerful tone. "I'm sure. All the eyeballs disappeared overnight!"
Kagaya murmured, "The eyeballs disappeared... Could it be that the demons found what they were looking for? But what could it be?"
Caw Caw!
Suddenly, a crow swooped down and dove into Ubuyashiki Kagaya's arms. His expression changed slightly. "Hachūtaro? What's wrong? What happened to Mr. Aomura?"
The crows, possessing great wisdom, often had their own names. Even if the team members didn't know their bird's name, Ubuyashiki Kagaya remembered every team member and their bird's name.
The crow, gasping and flapping its wings, explained anxiously.
Kagaya's expression turned solemn. "Disappeared? You mean Mr. Aomura was walking on the road, and then Akaza appeared, and they both vanished together?"
Sanemi expression grew serious. "Could it be that he used his own ability to leave?"
Before the crow could explain, Kagaya said, "No! Mr. Aomura's ability cannot directly transport enemies!"
Sanemi thought for a moment. "He must not have been killed. No one can kill him silently, not even Kibutsuji Muzan! The blood demon art of Akaza doesn't involve transferring people. There must be other demons involved in this."
Kagaya spoke slowly, "Sanemi, do you think it's possible that the eyeballs were searching for Mr. Aomura?"
Sanemi face changed slightly. After thinking it over, he realized this was a significant possibility.
During this period, Aomura had killed many demons, including Upper Rank Two. He could also grow stronger by consuming demons. The demons would certainly see him as a thorn in their side and a threat.
There weren't many targets that would make demons exert so much effort. If it weren't the Demon Slayer Corps, the remaining options were few...
"This is my failure," Kagaya sighed.
Mr. Aomura had made it clear he didn't want the Demon Slayer Corps involved. To avoid suspicion, Ubuyashiki hadn't informed Mr. Aomura about the eyeballs. More importantly, he hadn't expected that with Mr. Aomura's strength, something would go wrong.
"My lord, don't blame yourself. No one could have foreseen this," Sanemi comforted him. "If this is really a conspiracy against Aomura, he's facing more than one or two demons. This operation is likely planned by Muzan Kibutsuji himself!"
Kagaya understood this truth. "We must find a way to support Mr. Aomura!"
"I'll go!" Sanemi said.
During this period, Aomura had proven to be a qualified ally. Since they were allies, there was no reason to stand by idly.
"I'm afraid it won't be enough for you alone!" Ubuyashiki Kagaya said.
Sanemi suggested, "Tomioka Giyu should be nearby. Let him go with me!"
"It can only be that," Ubuyashiki Kagaya nodded. The Pillars were scattered across various locations, making it impossible to gather them all at once.
"Sanemi, you and Giyu should focus on finding Mr. Aomura and providing support. Don't act rashly!"
"I understand, my lord!" Sanemi responded.
Although unwilling, they acknowledged their current strength. Dealing with even one Upper Rank was difficult, not to mention Muzan Kibutsuji. He and Tomioka Giyu would likely only be able to protect themselves. Aomura's survival was crucial.
### Infinity Castle
Large areas of buildings had collapsed, turning into ruins. Infinity Castle looked like it had been devastated by a Category 12 typhoon.
However, most of this destruction had nothing to do with Aomura. The main contributors were Muzan Kibutsuji, Kokushibo, Hantengu, and the others.
Whoosh!
A thorn whip lashed out, and Aoki couldn't avoid it. A huge gash tore open at his waist, and blood spurted out. Before the next attack could land, Aoki activated the "Space Shuttle" in time, putting distance between himself and Muzan Kibutsuji.
Muzan Kibutsuji glanced at the wound on Aoki's waist and sneered, "It seems you don't have much energy left!"
Aoki didn't refute. He was indeed running low on strength, and his wound healing had slowed significantly. The battle had been going on all night. He had been consciously controlling his consumption, using "Transparent World" and "Space Shuttle" sparingly and letting his injuries heal naturally. Yet, he was near his limit.
Fortunately, not even Muzan Kibutsuji could cause substantial damage to him, only consuming his physical energy. Similarly, he hadn't inflicted much harm on the Upper Ranks. Facing the combined assault from Muzan Kibutsuji and multiple Upper Ranks, he was mostly running for his life with few opportunities to counterattack.
Additionally, Kokushibo and Akaza hadn't exhausted themselves and still had abundant energy. Muzan Kibutsuji, with his five brains and seven hearts, had an abnormal recovery speed and almost limitless stamina.
"Rat, prepare to meet your death!" Muzan Kibutsuji, seeing victory in sight, quickly approached Aoki, drawing out two thorn whips.
Tear!
Aoki "space shuttled" away, and a red pill quietly appeared in his palm, which he quickly swallowed. It melted in his mouth with a faint fragrance and a hint of sweetness. It tasted good. Since becoming a demon, he hadn't tasted anything other than blood.
But before Aoki could savor it, the pill melted, and a warm current flowed from his chest to his limbs, quickly restoring his exhausted strength.
He had just consumed a Qi and Blood Pill. He had given one to Kanae earlier and had two left. It had come in handy now. Fortunately, he hadn't eaten it as a snack before.
All of Aoki's wounds healed instantly.
Muzan Kibutsuji was slightly stunned, doubt crossing his face. "What's with this recovery speed? Wasn't he almost out of energy? Why did he suddenly start healing faster?"
The Upper Ranks also showed astonishment.
Aoki looked at them. "It seems I can't die just yet. Come on, let's start the second round"
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