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The World of Pirates
Marine Headquarters, High Command Conference Room
"What? The one who showed up on the big screen isn't Vice Admiral Garp?"Gion shook her head, clearly disappointed.
"Ah la la… don't be in such a rush. This is only the beginning."Admiral Aokiji's lazy drawl filled the room.
"The priority now is to locate that unknown island where demons run rampant!"Fleet Admiral Sengoku's voice carried absolute authority.
Of course, wiping out those man-eating demons was one goal.But what Sengoku truly desired… was to recruit the Demon Slayer Corps into the Navy.
If they could learn their breathing styles and sword techniques, the Navy's strength would soar to new heights.
"The Fleet Admiral is right. Finding the source of these demons is our top mission. The Five Elders have ordered it as well."The door swung open, and a masked agent of CP0, cloaked in white, strode in.
"CP0? What business do you have here?"Vice Admiral Tsuru frowned.
"We're here on behalf of the Elders. You are to find that land of demons as quickly as possible and put an end to this threat."Their captain, Guernica, spoke with unshakable resolve.
"Cheh. Since when has the World Government cared so much? That place isn't even one of your allied nations, is it?"Garp drawled, digging a finger in his nose, utterly nonchalant.
"All of this… is for the sake of Justice!"Guernica declared, his voice grand and self-righteous.
But every Marine officer in the room knew the truth.The Government's "concern" was nothing but a pretense.
What they really wanted was the immortal Demon King, Muzan Kibutsuji—so they could dissect him in the name of "research."
Somewhere at Sea, a Week's Journey from Marineford
A coffin-like boat drifted on the waves, its lantern burning with eerie green fire.
Inside, the world's greatest swordsman, Dracule Mihawk, sat motionless, eyes fixed on the spectral battle between humans and demons unfolding on the light-screen.
In his mind, one fleeting image replayed over and over.
"Yoriichi Tsugikuni… what a magnificent swordsman. I'd give anything to cross blades with him."Hawk Eyes' fighting spirit burned brighter than ever.
Straw Hat Pirates
"Swordsmen who wield those breathing techniques…"Zoro's hands rested eagerly on his three blades, his face alive with excitement.
"This world's huge. There are still countless swordsmen out there waiting for me to challenge them!"
Whitebeard Pirates
"Such remarkable young swordsmen. To turn breathing itself into power and forge it into swordsmanship… what a path I never knew existed."Flower Sword Vista marveled aloud.
"Speaking of which… don't their outfits look like they're from Wano? What do you think, Izo?"Marco tilted his head.
"They are in Wano style, that's true."Izo shook his head, uncertain.
"But… I've never read of such warriors in our country's history. Maybe… just maybe, they're descendants of people who left Wano centuries ago. Or perhaps…"
The World of Shinobi
"To face demons in the flesh, never backing down even if it costs their lives… they're true heroes."Might Guy's voice trembled with respect.
"To honor these youthful heroes, today's training will be doubled!"
"Yes, Guy-sensei!"Rock Lee, thick-browed and bowl-cut, answered without hesitation.
"Honestly… how is that any different from a normal day? You're just using this as another excuse to work us to death."Tenten groaned.
"Still, it's a turbulent time. Training harder is no bad thing. Who knows if those undying demons might already be hiding in the shadows around us?"Neji's voice was grave, his pale eyes sharp.
"Geez, even you, Neji…"
Orochimaru's Research Base
"Those young swordsmen… they don't use ninjutsu at all. Pure swordsmanship. Almost like samurai. If that's the case, perhaps the Land of Iron holds some clues."Orochimaru's golden eyes glimmered as he pondered.
He was already eager—desperate—to capture a demon.
It didn't need to be the Demon King himself. Even a lesser immortal demon would do.
If he could secure one, it would be a monumental boon to his research into eternal life.
"Kabuto. Infiltrating the Land of Iron will be your task."Orochimaru ordered, voice smooth as silk.
"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."Kabuto bowed with a sly smile.
The World of Soul Reapers
"Breathing sword techniques?"
"Channeling sword swings through some kind of breath control?"
"Flashy on the surface… but far too weak."
"Nothing compared to the release of a Zanpakutō."
"In the end, it's just a mortal's sword skill. Useless to us."
The Shinigami gathered in small groups, dismissing it all with disinterest.
To warriors from such high realms, Demon Slayer swordsmanship was child's play—like kids swinging sticks in the yard.
And as for Muzan's so-called immortality?To them, it was equally meaningless.
Such was the gulf between worlds.
The Demon King of that "low-tier" world… to them, he was nothing more than cannon fodder, a flick of the wrist away from annihilation.
But of course, not every world was so powerful.
Among the countless realms of the multiverse, the truly "high-level" ones were the minority.
Far more worlds were "low-level" or simply mundane.
And to the ordinary people watching…the Demon Slayers' swordsmanship was dazzling, awe-inspiring.
And more importantly…
In the dark of night, when demons preyed on the helpless,these boys and girls risked everything, laying down their lives to protect others.
To the masses, they had already earned the right to be called—
Heroes.
The revelations from the Demon Slayer world continued to ripple through the multiverse.
And in this moment…
no one's hearts were stirred more deeply than the people of the Demon Slayer world themselves, watching their story laid bare upon the great light-screen.
"..."
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