Chapter 119: A war is about to begin
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Muzan is here?
Aoki fell silent.
Just a second ago, he had been imagining that Muzan would cooperate nicely by sending more suitable demons his way. But in the blink of an eye, that illusion was shattered.
Although Muzan isn't exactly known for his sharp intellect, he isn't entirely foolish either.
While it was disappointing, Aoki had mentally prepared himself for this possibility and remained relatively calm.
Shinobu added, "It's not just Kibutsuji Muzan who's here. He's brought one of the Upper Moons, Kokushibo, along with many other demons."
This time, Aoki was genuinely shocked.
"Muzan is bringing all his forces for a final showdown? Is he really that decisive?"
Although this was part of his plan, Aoki hadn't expected Muzan to react so quickly.
Why would Muzan go all in so suddenly? Just because a few demons were killed? Impossible!
Muzan Kibutsuji doesn't care about the life or death of other demons. The idea of killing demons doesn't bother him. Tanjiro has slain more demons than any of the Hashira.
Why would Muzan be so desperate as to start a war just because a few demons died? For him? Not likely.
If Muzan had found a way to counteract "Space Shuttle," he would've set a trap to kill Aoki in secret rather than making such a big show.
Besides, Aoki didn't believe Muzan would find a way to counter "Space Shuttle" so quickly.
Could it be because of the Blue Spider Lily? This was possible. But the timeline didn't add up—they hadn't even had time to spread the news yet.
Aoki felt a headache coming on. Muzan might not be a strategic genius, but this time, he had inadvertently made the best decision.
Aoki had planned to gradually weaken Muzan's forces while strengthening his own. However, Muzan's early all-in assault had completely overturned his plan, shifting his position from active to passive and from an advantage to a disadvantage.
The demons brought by Muzan were likely strengthened. Though this kind of demon had its flaws, its power was undeniable. Apart from the Hashira, only a few in the Demon Slayer Corps could deal with them.
Even more troubling was Kokushibo. The Demon Slayer's Hashira didn't even have their marks yet. To face Kokushibo, they'd likely have to fight together.
No matter how Aoki calculated it, their strength still seemed insufficient.
Shinobu and Kanae had clearly thought of this situation, and their expressions were equally serious.
A thousand thoughts raced through Aoki's mind, but in reality, only a second had passed.
"Let's gather everyone together first. At least we won't be defeated one by one. Where are the other Hashira?"
Shinobu responded, "Everyone should be on their way, but a few Hashira aren't here."
"I'll bring them here" Aoki said.
This time, they'd need to put in extra effort.
Fortunately, all the Hashira had his spatial imprint.
Without further ado, Aoki activated "Space Shuttle," and his figure vanished instantly.
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"Father, I'm heading out on a mission!"
Rengoku Kyojuro called out loudly.
He wore a haori with flame patterns, had long yellow hair with red tips like stagnant flames, and his eyes shone brightly.
The Rengoku family has been a demon-slaying family for generations, inheriting the Breath of Flame. Each era produced a new Flame Hashira.
Kyojuro is the current Flame Hashira.
Inside the house, Rengoku Shinjuro held a flask of sake and drank heavily, paying no attention to his son's words.
Beside him, Senjuro lay near the door, watching them.
"Senjuro."
Kyojuro gently patted his brother's hair.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the courtyard.
Kyojuro instinctively reached for his sword but relaxed when he recognized the person.
"Mr. Aomura!"
"Come with me," Aoki said.
"What's happened?" Kyojuro asked loudly.
He knew very well that Mr. Aomura was executing a plan to deal with Muzan, so if he suddenly appeared at their house, it had to be something important.
"Muzan Kibutsuji has appeared. The battle is starting early" Aoki announced.
Kyojuro's eyes narrowed, and he replied without hesitation, "Understood! Let's go!"
Shinjuro and Senjuro also turned their attention to Aoki.
Aoki ignored them, took Kyojuro, and left through "Space Shuttle."
"Brother!"
Senjuro took two steps forward, then stopped, his face full of worry. As a member of the Rengoku family, he knew well who Muzan Kibutsuji was and understood what this battle meant.
Shinjuro put down the sake bottle in his hand, a worried look in his eyes.
Muzan Kibutsuji?
Are they really going to fight him?
Has the situation really reached this point?
As the former Flame Hashira, he knew all too well the power dynamics between the Demon Slayer Corps and the demons. Could they really defeat Kibutsuji Muzan?
"Kyojuro…"
Shinjuro's lips trembled as deep regret filled his heart.
This might very well be a farewell.
At the very least, he should have said some words of encouragement and blessing to Kyojuro.
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On the other side, Kyojuro was the last to arrive, and now all eight Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps were present.
Yes, the Demon Slayer Corps currently only had eight Hashira.
Aoki scanned the group. Compared to the nine Hashira he was familiar with, there were no Insect or Love Hashira, but there was a Flower Hashira. Everything else was the same.
However, both Shinobu and Mitsuri were present. They had the strength to fight and would participate in the upcoming battle.
Just as Aoki was about to speak, a group of demons surged up from below.
Leading them was a handsome young man with a pale face, plum-red eyes, and refined clothing. Beside him stood a man with six eyes, an overwhelming presence, and a long sword at his waist.
Behind them was a horde of twisted and terrifying demons.
Kibutsuji Muzan had arrived!
Aoki looked down and locked eyes with Muzan Kibutsuji.
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At Demon Slayer Headquarters, Ubuyashiki Kagaya, who had been resting, suddenly sat up, startling his wife, Amane, beside him.
"What's wrong?"
Amane asked.
Kagaya's breathing was rapid as he replied, "The final battle has begun!"
"The final battle?"
Amane didn't immediately understand.
Kagaya turned his head in the direction where Aoki and the others were. Although blind, it was as if his eyes could see through space to witness the scene where Aoki led the Hashira to confront Kibutsuji Muzan and his demons.
"Yes, the battle that will determine the fate of the world is about to begin!"
Amane didn't ask how he knew this. She simply held his hand.
"We will definitely win!"
She declared with quiet confidence.
Kagaya gradually calmed down but sighed, "The timing is wrong; it's too sudden. Kibutsuji Muzan must have taken the initiative. Mr. Aomura probably wasn't fully prepared"
Amane reassured him, "All we can do now is trust Mr. Aomura and the others!"
Kagaya nodded slightly.
Indeed, at this point, they couldn't offer any direct assistance.
All they could do was pray for Aoki and others.
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