"The Infinity Train Project."
The words hung in the air, simple yet utterly chilling. For Giyu Tomioka, Obanai Iguro, and Sakonji Urokodaki, the phrase struck them with the force of a physical blow, followed by a cold, creeping sense of dread. Over the long years of fighting, they had developed a general understanding of Muzan Kibutsuji's methods, even if they had never faced him directly.
They knew his will through the actions of his Twelve Kizuki. They knew that the deaths of the Lower Ranks, while tragic, had often served to boost the morale of the Demon Slayer Corps. But they also knew the grim reality that facing an Upper Rank was a death sentence, even for a Hashira.
Historically, Muzan's movements were like that of a coward. He and his Kizuki would cause trouble, but it was usually confined to smaller, isolated incidents. When a truly large-scale conflict arose, Muzan would retreat into the shadows, letting lesser demons do his bidding.
But the recent events had completely shattered that understanding. The being calling himself Tsukihiko had not only appeared in person but had also displayed a level of power that resulted in an unprecedented and devastating defeat for the Demon Slayer Corps.
Bizarre. It was the only word that seemed to fit the monster before them.
"The Infinity Train Project… What does he mean?" Giyu wondered aloud, his voice low. "And this feeling… it's like our strength is being constantly drained. What is his goal?"
"I don't know," Obanai hissed, his mismatched eyes burning with a sharp, cold fury. "But whatever it is, we can't let him succeed. We have to avenge everyone the demons have killed."
He and Giyu exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They both knew that in their current, weakened state, they stood no chance against Tsukihiko, even with Urokodaki by their side. But surrender was not in their nature. They had already prepared for the worst: if it came to it, they would take their own lives before allowing the demon to use them for his twisted purposes. A dead man could not be manipulated, and even the demon king couldn't bring back the dead.
"This Infinity Train Project is the second phase of my plan for Japan," Tsukihiko's voice cut through their thoughts, his expression perfectly calm as his gaze swept over them. "As for the first phase… haven't you already experienced it? Right now, the entire country has fallen into chaos."
A faint, cruel smile played on his lips. "The government, the cabinet, the imperial family, and the local military forces are all consumed by infighting and suspicion. And as for the Demon Slayer Corps… Mount Fujikasane is gone. Ubuyashiki may have other training grounds, but it doesn't matter. In the short term, his supply of new slayers has been cut off."
Though Tsukihiko spoke as if he were merely stating facts, his indifferent words made the three captives' faces grow even paler.
"Ubuyashiki's power rests on two pillars," Tsukihiko continued his calm analysis. "On the surface, it's the resources and intelligence network of his family. Beneath that, it's the military power of the Demon Slayer Corps. The Corps has now suffered devastating losses. Meanwhile, the constant demon attacks and assassinations of officials are causing the government to point its fingers at the vast and secretive Ubuyashiki family. No matter how deep their connections run, they can't withstand the scrutiny of an entire nation."
He fixed his gaze on them, his eyes cold and empty. "But none of that matters to you anymore. Because now, you must face your own fate."
At his words, Giyu and the others tensed. It was clear now. The reason Tsukihiko hadn't killed them immediately was because he had a far more vicious plan in mind. A plan that targeted not just the Demon Slayer Corps, but all of Japan.
It was terrifying. If the old Muzan Kibutsuji was despicable and disgusting, this new version, Tsukihiko, was powerful and utterly fearsome.
"Is that so…" Sakonji Urokodaki's voice was strained, but he instantly suppressed the fear and despair rising within him. "But don't forget, Ubuyashiki and the Demon Slayer Corps are still here. Even if we die, your plan isn't guaranteed to succeed. In the end, Muzan Kibutsuji, your evil can never triumph over true justice—"
He broke off as a sharp pain from his injuries flared up, and he coughed violently, spitting a mouthful of blood. "Pfft!"
"Master!" Giyu cried out.
"Urokodaki-senpai!" Obanai moved to support the old man.
"Is that so?" Tsukihiko repeated from his throne, his expression unchanged as the wind whipped his coat around him. A calm smile returned to his face. "Geographically, Japan in this Taisho era is divided into one metropolis, one circuit, two prefectures, and forty-three prefectures. The metropolis is Tokyo. The circuit is Hokkaido. The two main urban prefectures are Tokyo and Osaka. It's a good era, the Taisho era. Trains and railways now connect the country."
His smile widened. "But what I intend to do is destroy those very trains and railways. I will paralyze all major transportation in Japan. Without them, the nation will inevitably fracture into isolated regions. Once the cabinet and the imperial family are overthrown, an unprecedented era of chaos will begin."
The words struck the three slayers like a bolt of lightning. Even though they had tried to prepare for the worst, they had still underestimated the sheer scale of his malice. If his plan succeeded, all of Japan would be plunged into misery. Forget the Demon Slayer Corps—the entire nation would drown in a sea of blood and corpses.
And to Tsukihiko, it was all just a trivial matter. Human lives were like grass to be trampled underfoot.
Damn it! they all thought. This is a demon that should never have been allowed to exist!
"And now, everyone," Tsukihiko said, his smile intensifying to a terrifying degree. "This grand spectacle will begin with you."
His eyes gleamed with a chilling light. "I am very curious to see how the Demon Slayer Corps—that so-called organization of justice—reacts when it is forced to face its own former comrades."
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