To Tsukihiko, controlling the Japanese government and the world of demon slayers was nothing more than a game. If he had followed his original human life path, he would have been dead long ago. Since he had been given a new, overwhelmingly powerful existence, there was no reason to hold back.
From his understanding of this world, the original Muzan Kibutsuji had many strengths. His personal combat ability was immense, and his subordinates, the Twelve Kizuki, were formidable. Unfortunately, Muzan's own vision was far too narrow. He never stepped onto a proper stage to wield his power, which ultimately led to his pathetic death. But that was the old Muzan Kibutsuji, not the man who was now Tsukihiko.
In Tsukihiko's eyes, both the Demon Slayer Corps , an organization rejected by the mainstream government, and the cursed Ubuyashiki family who led it were nothing but paper tigers. Faced with a Demon King who possessed absolute, crushing power, they had only two choices: surrender or die. And now, Tsukihiko was ready to make them choose.
…
"Please, Master, enlighten us," the demons before him said in unison.
The members of the Twelve Kizuki fixed their eyes on Tsukihiko, their expressions a perfect blend of respect and submission. No matter how arrogant or powerful they were in the outside world, they were nothing before their master.
"Our previous actions have given us an advantage, but this is only the beginning," Tsukihiko's voice was cold and sharp. "Ubuyashiki and the Demon Slayer Corps are still standing. Their foundation remains. The current leader of the Ubuyashiki family is Kagaya Ubuyashiki, and he likely doesn't have many days left to live."
He continued, his gaze sweeping over his most powerful servants. "As for the Demon Slayer Corps, we have already dealt with three of their Hashira. That leaves six. We will eliminate them one by one."
Tsukihiko's eyes settled on the six-eyed demon. "Kokushibo."
Upper Rank One, Kokushibo, opened and closed all six of his eyes in an instant. "I am here."
"Your next task is similar to your last one. I will give you more of my blood, but this time, your targets are the Priest Clan and the Prime Minister."
During Japan's Taisho Era, the government operated as a constitutional monarchy. This system was designed to protect the power of the imperial family while also promoting democratic development, which was symbolized by the Cabinet. The Cabinet and its leader, the Prime Minister, held immense power over the country's operations. Tsukihiko's plan was simple and devastating. He wanted Kokushibo to eradicate the current Cabinet and Prime Minister, completely paralyzing the highest levels of the Japanese government. With the government in chaos, the ceremonial Emperor would be powerless to act.
"Understood," Kokushibo replied. His grip on his katana tightened, and a sharp, powerful aura erupted from his body.
"Doma," Tsukihiko said, turning his gaze to the demon with rainbow-colored eyes.
"Your job," he instructed Upper Rank Two, Doma, "is to infiltrate the military legions in every prefecture of Japan. Start with the high-ranking officers and gradually take control. We are going to build our own army of demons."
A gentle, eerie smile spread across Doma's face. "Understood, Master."
"Akaza."
Finally, Tsukihiko looked at Upper Rank Three, Akaza, the demon he had sent to Mount Sagiri. "You have forgotten your human memories. This allows you to act without restraint, but it is also your greatest flaw."
The words struck Akaza like a physical blow. The origins of the Upper Rank demons were all different, but many of them had been tragic figures in their human lives. Akaza was a prime example. His real name was Hakuji, and he once had a master and a fiancée he loved dearly. He had a stable life and dreams for the future, but a rival dojo poisoned them, and he lost everything. All that remained was a burning, intense rage, which was what had attracted the attention of the original Muzan. However, in the final battle in the Infinity Castle, it was the return of those memories that led to his defeat. Tsukihiko intended to fix that problem for good.
"I am going to give you an opportunity," Tsukihiko said, his voice laced with manipulative promise.
Akaza, sensing the power behind the offer, nodded immediately. "Understood."
…
At the same time, in the medical wing of the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, the Insect Hashira, Shinobu Kocho, walked out of Tanjiro Kamado's ward with a worried expression. Her mind was filled with troubling thoughts. A few moments ago, Tanjiro had described Nezuko's situation in detail, offering his own hopeful guesses about her condition.
In Shinobu's opinion, Tanjiro was likely exaggerating because Nezuko was his sister. But that wasn't the main point. The real problem was that Nezuko was now in the hands of Muzan Kibutsuji, which meant she was in danger of being twisted into something more powerful and monstrous. For years, Shinobu had dedicated her life to improving her medical skills and developing poisons, all for the purpose of killing two demons: Muzan Kibutsuji, and the one who had murdered her older sister, Kanae. That demon was Upper Rank Two, Doma.
"Sister…" a soft, girlish voice called out.
Shinobu looked up to see a girl in a Demon Slayer uniform with a long side ponytail standing before her. It was Kanao Tsuyuri, the quiet girl her sister had saved from human traffickers years ago. Now, Kanao was her Tsuguko, her designated successor, and the last living piece of her family.
"You're here," Shinobu said, pushing her worries down. She forced a gentle smile, stepped forward, and took Kanao's hand. "Good. Let's go."
…
Back inside the ward, the air was thick with a heavy silence. Zenitsu Agatsuma trembled as he looked at the grim, desperate expression on Tanjiro Kamado's face. He knew that everything Shinobu had told them was the truth, but the reality of it was just too cruel. First, Tanjiro's family was slaughtered. Then, his sister was turned into a demon and captured. Now, his master was dead, and his senior apprentice had betrayed them. Zenitsu couldn't believe one person could suffer so much bad luck. He knew that in an era where demons roamed freely, such tragedies were common, but seeing it all happen to his kind friend was unbearable.
"Kibutsuji Muzan… Kibutsuji Muzan… Kibutsuji Muzan…"
Zenitsu watched as Tanjiro, who had been staring blankly at the ceiling, began to mumble the demon's name. His voice was a low, broken whisper at first.
"Kibutsuji Muzan… Kibutsuji Muzan…"
Then, a fire ignited in his dazed eyes. With a surge of energy, Tanjiro struggled to sit up in his bed, his fists clenched tightly.
"I'm going to kill you," he growled, his voice raw with pain and hatred. "I must kill you… I will kill you!"