The sun had fully set, casting a deep orange glow over the mountains and forests surrounding the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters. After the intense sparring sessions, the training grounds were quiet, the energy of the day's battles still lingering in the cool night air. Gon, Killua, Tanjiro, and Nezuko sat together on the edge of the grounds, catching their breath as they looked out at the fading horizon.
"That was… intense," Gon admitted, wiping the sweat from his forehead. His usual enthusiasm was still present, but there was a newfound respect in his eyes as he glanced toward the training grounds where the Hashira were still gathered.
Killua, as always, appeared calm, though his sharp silver eyes betrayed a hint of exhaustion. "They're stronger than I thought," he said quietly, glancing at the Hashira. "But we're not outclassed yet."
Tanjiro smiled softly, his breathing slowly returning to normal after his sparring match with Gon. "You both did well," he said, his voice filled with respect. "The way you fight… it's completely different from anything I've seen. Your nen abilities are incredible."
Gon's face lit up at the compliment. "Thanks, Tanjiro! But your breathing techniques are amazing too. I still don't understand how you stay so calm during a fight."
Tanjiro chuckled lightly. "It takes a lot of practice. The breathing techniques aren't just about strength. They help you focus, stay centered. It's how we can keep up with demons that are much stronger and faster than us."
Nezuko, sitting quietly beside Tanjiro, gave a soft hum of agreement. Her sharp eyes darted between Gon and Killua, her expression thoughtful but serene. Though she couldn't speak, her presence was calming—a quiet reminder of the bond that tied them all together.
Gon looked out at the darkening sky, his eyes reflecting the stars just beginning to emerge. "So, what's next? When do we start hunting the demons again?"
Killua's gaze shifted from the sky to Tanjiro, his expression hardening. "Nakime's still out there. We're not done yet."
Tanjiro's smile faded as he thought of the Upper Moon demon. His hand unconsciously rested on the hilt of his Nichirin Blade. "Nakime is dangerous, but she's not the only one we have to worry about. The Upper Moons are all stronger than any demons we've fought before. And then there's Muzan."
The mention of Muzan's name sent a chill through the group. Even though they hadn't faced him directly, the stories Tanjiro had told them about the Demon King were enough to make anyone uneasy.
"Muzan…" Gon repeated, his voice quiet but firm. "He's the one who created all the demons, right?"
Tanjiro nodded, his expression darkening. "He's the source of everything. Every demon we've ever fought was created by him. And he's been alive for over a thousand years. We don't know how strong he really is, but if Nakime is any indication… Muzan is on a different level entirely."
Killua crossed his arms, his silver eyes narrowing as he considered the situation. "If Muzan's that strong, then why hasn't anyone taken him down yet? You said the Demon Slayer Corps has been fighting him for centuries."
Tanjiro's gaze dropped slightly. "We've tried. The Hashira—our strongest warriors—have come close. But Muzan is nearly impossible to kill. His regeneration abilities are unmatched, and he always manages to escape. He's ruthless and unpredictable, and he can control demons with just his blood. That's why we need to be stronger."
Gon's fists clenched at his sides, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll get stronger. We'll train harder, and when the time comes, we'll fight Muzan together."
Killua glanced at Gon, his usual skepticism softened by the determination in his friend's voice. Despite the danger, there was something about Gon's unwavering optimism that always managed to inspire confidence—even in the most dire situations.
But before anyone could say more, a figure approached from behind, their footsteps soft but deliberate. The group turned to see Giyu Tomioka, the Water Hashira, standing silently at the edge of the training grounds. His expression was unreadable, but his presence alone was enough to command attention.
"Ubuyashiki-sama has requested your presence," Giyu said quietly, his gaze shifting to Tanjiro before settling on Gon and Killua. "All of you."
Tanjiro's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly nodded. "We'll be there right away."
As Giyu turned to lead them back to the main building, Gon exchanged a glance with Killua. Something about the sudden summons felt off.
"What do you think this is about?" Gon asked, his voice low as they followed Giyu through the training grounds.
Killua's eyes narrowed, his senses on high alert. "I'm not sure. But it can't be good."
A Dark Revelation
Inside the main hall of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, Ubuyashiki waited, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the room. Several of the Hashira were already gathered—Rengoku, Shinobu, and Tengen stood silently at the edges of the room, their expressions serious.
Tanjiro, Gon, Killua, and Nezuko entered the hall, their footsteps soft against the polished wooden floor. As they approached Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps regarded them with a quiet, thoughtful gaze.
"I've called you here because we've received new information," Ubuyashiki said, his voice calm but tinged with urgency. "It appears that Muzan's forces are on the move."
Tanjiro's breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding. "What do you mean?"
Ubuyashiki's gaze softened as he looked at Tanjiro. "We've received reports of strange activity in the northern mountains. Demons have been gathering in larger numbers, and several villages have already been attacked. It's unlike anything we've seen before. I believe Muzan is preparing for something."
Killua's expression darkened, his mind racing. "Is Nakime involved?"
Ubuyashiki nodded slightly. "It's possible. The Upper Moons rarely act without Muzan's orders. If demons are gathering in such large numbers, it could mean that Muzan is preparing to make his move."
The weight of Ubuyashiki's words settled over the group like a heavy fog. The idea that Muzan—who had remained in the shadows for so long—was finally making his move sent a ripple of unease through everyone present.
"Are we going to fight them?" Gon asked, his voice steady but filled with anticipation.
Ubuyashiki smiled softly, though his eyes remained serious. "We must be careful. We cannot rush into battle without knowing what we're up against. The Upper Moons are dangerous, and if Muzan himself is involved, we will need to prepare ourselves for the worst."
Rengoku stepped forward, his usual fiery enthusiasm tempered by the gravity of the situation. "The Hashira are ready to fight," he said, his voice strong and unwavering. "But we need to be smart about this. If Muzan is involved, we'll need every advantage we can get."
Shinobu, standing beside Rengoku, smiled softly, though her eyes were sharp. "And that's where you two come in," she said, glancing at Gon and Killua. "Your abilities are unlike anything we've seen. You'll need to train harder than ever if you're going to fight alongside us."
Killua crossed his arms, his silver eyes gleaming with determination. "We're ready. Whatever training you've got for us, we can handle it."
Gon nodded eagerly, his eyes burning with excitement. "Yeah! We'll fight Muzan with you!"
Ubuyashiki's gaze softened as he looked at the two boys, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "You have strong hearts, both of you. But remember, this fight is not just about strength. It's about survival."
Tanjiro, standing beside Nezuko, felt the weight of those words. He knew what was coming. The battles they had fought so far were just the beginning. The real war was about to begin—and this time, failure would mean death for them all.
Ubuyashiki's gaze shifted to the group, his voice quiet but firm. "We will begin preparations immediately. The next time we face the demons, it may be our last chance to stop Muzan."
A heavy silence fell over the room as Ubuyashiki's words sank in. Everyone present understood the gravity of the situation. Muzan was moving, and they had little time to prepare.
But even as the weight of the upcoming battle pressed down on them, there was a sense of unity—a shared determination to fight for the future. Together, they would face whatever darkness lay ahead.
As the meeting ended and the group began to disperse, Tanjiro turned to Gon and Killua, his expression serious but resolute. "We have to train harder than ever," he said quietly. "This is our only chance to stop Muzan."
Killua nodded, his silver eyes gleaming with determination. "We'll be ready."
Gon's fists clenched at his sides, his eyes burning with resolve. "We'll fight with everything we've got."
And as they stood together, looking out into the night, they knew that the battles ahead would push them to their limits. But they also knew that, together, they could face any challenge.