Well-Adjusted Barely Traumatized Demon Slayer (Murata SI-ish)

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

Goto, a member of the kakushi, shook Tanjiro and Takeo hurriedly, like he desperately wanted to leave.

"How long are you going to sleep? Get up! Get up!"

Groaning and opening his eyes, Tanjiro was greeted by the sun. It made him want to close his eyes again, but he kept them partly open to adjust to the light.

Around him were several people. They imposed on him with a terrifying presence. At first glance, they appeared stronger than any demon he's faced, bar Muzan.

He cried out for his friends and siblings. The shaking and shouts finally stirred Takeo, and he too woke up.

"Where are we?" Takeo mumbled, his eyes widening when he saw the people around him.

"What do you think?" Goto said, keeping himself in a kneeled position. "You're in the presence of the hashira!"

"Thank you, kakushi member!" Kyojuro said, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Indeed, we are the hashira."

Pointing at Tanjiro and Takeo, he continued speaking. "And you are both on trial! It is treason to spare or harbor a demon. Thus, it is within our right to execute you immediately!"

Takeo objected instantly. "Wait, that's not-!"

"I don't disagree, but first, what do we do with Murata?" Obanai interrupted. "He's guilty, and let's not forget about Giyu."

Makomo's hands trembled with indignation. "He's my tsuguko, so it is up to me to decide his punishment. Moreover, the fault lies with Murata, who ordered him to stay silent."

Giyu, while a tsuguko, was behind Makomo and present for the trial. He remained silent and was sitting on his knees.

Tanjiro noticed that Murata was positioned away from the other hashira, thereby isolating him. He wanted to say anything to defend him, but his throat throbbed with discomfort and pain.

"Shouldn't we wait for the master first?" Mitsuri asked. "Shouldn't he be here for something as important as this?"

"We are bound by duty, aren't we?" Sabito countered, a frown etched on his face. "There are traitors and a demon that's still alive. It is our responsibility to uphold the code and rule."

Staring at Tanjiro and Takeo, Sabito offered a mercy. "However, I do want to hear the story firsthand. Why are you protecting a demon?"

Shinobu offered water to both Takeo and Tanjiro. Drinking it with the fervor of a dying man, Tanjiro cleared his throat.

"While we were gone, a demon attacked our family. Nezuko, she's our sister, was turned into a demon. But, she hasn't eaten a single human and she never will!"

"Of course you would defend her if she's family. I, for one, don't believe you in the slightest," Obanai said, glaring down at Tanjiro.

"We became demon slayers to cure Nezuko!" Takeo said. "In over two years, she hasn't killed or eaten anyone!"

"As compelling as that is," Kanae interjected, "you just repeated yourself. Words alone cannot prove such a miracle."

Tanjiro and Takeo continued pleading, but their voice was cut short by the appearance of another hashira.

"What are we doing here?" Sanemi asked. "Are we really entertaining these traitors?"

Seeing the box held up in his hand, Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with dread.

"A demon that doesn't eat humans? You know what we call that here?"

Murata moved to stop Sanemi, but Gyomei intercepted by placing a hand on Murata's shoulder. The pressure forced Murata down, causing him to wince.

Sanemi's grin turned feral as he stabbed into the box.

"A damn delusion, that's what!"

A muffled cry could be heard from the box, and with that, Tanjiro and Takeo charged at Sanemi.

Sabito held both boys back as Makomo announced the arrival of the master.

The hashira bowed together as Ubuyashiki Kagaya was assisted by two of his children. Feeling the sun on his face, he smiled.

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it? While Tengen's retirement is regrettable, it is good to see one of our own return."

"Yes, master. It is also good to see you again, and we all pray for your continued health and fortune," Kanae said.

Sanemi impatiently cut to the chase. Sheathing his sword, he addressed the master.

"Master, could you enlighten us about the demon traveling with these demon slayers?"

Even though he could barely see, Kagaya turned his face towards Sanemi.

"Ah, yes. Regarding Tanjiro, Takeo, and Nezuko, I have sanctioned their situation. I hope you all respect and agree with this decision."

A cacophony of voices erupted, and the hashira each said their piece regarding the matter.

On one side was Murata, Kanae, and Mitsuri.

The other side included Obanai, Seiko, Rengoku, Gyomei, Sanemi, Sabito, and Makomo.

Shinobu did not say anything, but remained neutral.

Sanemi summed his disagreement poignantly. "It is our sworn purpose to kill demons, not spare them. I implore you to punish both Murata and the Kamado brothers."

Pulling out a letter, the master had one of his children read it out loud.

"This is a letter from former hashira, Urokodaki Sakonji."

Makomo and Sabito looked up with surprise.

I humbly ask that you allow Tanjiro and Takeo stay with their sister, who is now a demon. Despite being a demon on the brink of starvation, her mental fortitude has allowed her to retain her humanity. Not once has she devoured a human, and this has remained true for over two years. Impossible as it is, it is an undeniable fact. However, in the event that Nezuko ever harms or kills a human, I, along with Kamado Tanjiro, Kamado Takeo, Tomioka Giyu, and Sato Murata will commit ritual suicide.

The brothers couldn't help but tear up. Giyu remained as stoic as a rock, and Murata stayed silent.

Sanemi and Sabito pointed out that despite the conviction, it did not guarantee anything. If Nezuko did kill a human, then that was one human dead that could've been saved.

The master acknowledged it, but brought up his own argument. "You are correct that there is no proof that Nezuko will not harm humans. On the other hand, we can't prove that she will attack a human. We know she has not eaten a human for two years and now, five people are willing to put their lives on the line for her. If you deny this, then a more convincing argument must be shown. In addition, both Tanjiro and Takeo have met Kibutsuji Muzan."

More voices raised, and a barrage of questions were thrown around.

"What were his abilities?"

"Where is his stronghold?"

"What was he doing?"

With a small gesture from the master, the hashira instantly quieted down.

"Muzan sent demons after Tanjiro and Takeo. It may be to simply silence them, but I don't want to squander this miraculous opportunity. I also believe that Nezuko is going through a change that even Muzan couldn't predict. Does it make more sense?"

It made sense, at least to Murata. Though, since he was already aware of these things from the beginning, it wasn't a surprise.

Sanemi spared a quick glance at Murata, then faced the master.

"If it were anything else, then maybe I could see it. But, a demon is a different story. After everything we've done to fight demons and the lives that were lost along the way, I just can't accept it!"

Pulling out his sword, he cut his arm. "Forgive me for this intrusion, master, but let me show you the ugliness of demons!"

He carried the wooden box indoors, allowing his blood to drip on the box. Seeing no reaction, he stabbed into the box, prompting a small cry to come out.

Tanjiro and Takeo looked on with anger, their voices shouting for her. Sabito still held on to them firmly, and Obanai stood right behind to keep a close eye.

Murata appeared calm, but he was praying inside. Even if he knew the outcome, it didn't change the fact that his life was on the line!

Nezuko stood up, her muzzle gone and her eyes focused on the fresh wound on Sanemi's arm. Her face flushed, and she started salivating. Getting closer and closer, Sanemi kept a tight grip on his sword, watching for any sign of attack.

After several moments of internal struggle, Nezuko turned her face away, snubbing Sanemi.

He went through several emotions in that instant, but he settled on being dumbfounded. Likewise, the other hashira were either surprised or impressed by Nezuko's fortitude.

After the children described the sequence of events to Kagaya, he allowed himself a small smile.

"I believe with that, Nezuko has demonstrated that she poses no threats to humans," he said. "Tanjiro, Takeo. I'm sure there will be some who still won't accept Nezuko. That being said, prove yourselves. Fight stronger demons, then your words will have weight."

They bowed, and both yelled to the sky that Muzan would be defeated.

It was a bit childish, and the master gently chided them to take things one step at a time. The kakushi carried them out.

Sanemi wordlessly went back outside, and they began the meeting in earnest. Giyu made his leave with permission from Makomo.

-

Moving into a large room, the master felt the presence of each hashira.

With eleven hashira, the current generation of demon slayers was powerful. Perhaps the most powerful since the Sengoku period.

Tensions fell, but there was still a fair share of hard feelings towards a certain hashira.

"There is one other thing that I would like to discuss now," Kagaya said.

Judging from his tone, it was as serious as the matter involving Nezuko.

Seeing that Murata was not surprised in the least, the rest of the hashira looked at him in varying states of confusion, annoyance, or irritation.

"I suspect Nezuko is someone that will bring immense change. However, Murata has been in contact with another ally, one who bears great knowledge and experience against Muzan."

The door slowly opened, revealing Tamayo.

Everyone stiffened, but holding his hand up, Kagaya stopped any sort of premature attack.

"She has been staying in the Ice Estate, but I want her to move into the Butterfly Estate to continue her work against Muzan. Is that acceptable to you, Kanae?"

Kanae nodded, finding herself easily accepting the proposition.

The meeting continued. An endless amount of questions were asked as Tamayo patiently offered her knowledge. Taking up the entire day, night approached.

-

Leaving the mansion, Murata collapsed just out of sight, taking measured breaths and looking at the stars in the sky.

His relationship with most of the hashira were mended, but the fact that he kept such important information secret put a damper on things.

Makomo followed Murata, seeing him mentally rest from his metaphorical heart attack.

"I know you're still upset."

"That does not even begin to cover the depths of my displeasure," Makomo kept herself calm, but the veins in her forehead and hands proved otherwise.

She sighed, and sat next to him. "I'm sad that Giyu didn't even tell me."

"I told him to be quiet about this."

"That's the other thing," she said, poking his chest. "This was something that could've been discussed with the others, but you believed it was better for it to be hidden. We are hashira. Equals, peers, and above all, a unified front. Even if it was an agreement between you and the master, it's easy to see how this could be perceived as a slight, wouldn't you agree?"

Murata did not have anything to say against her. It was a good thing Nezuko proved herself.

Without results, all he had were words and knowledge of a potential future. Murata did not believe that was enough to convince the others, which was why he went with secrecy in the first place.

Yet, he could understand that being kept in the dark proved to be more hurtful than the actual information itself.

Still, he would not regret what he did.

"In any case, you owe me and Sabito a big favor."

"What for?" Murata gulped, allowing ignorance to guide him.

Her frown could terrify a rock into combustion. "It was very unfair to manipulate Giyu like that and as a hashira, I have to look out for my tsuguko. Don't worry, we'll make sure you stay alive."

Murata prayed for a second time today. His life was on the line once again.

-

Sanemi found himself outside, his thundering footsteps illuminating his mood.

He was raging at several things, but the fact that a demon like Nezuko was allowed to live burned him.

It had nothing to do with the girl herself.

"Are you still sulking?" Kanae snuck behind him, speaking without a hint of playfulness or amusement.

Sanemi cursed. "Obviously."

"Do you want to talk about it?" She walked next to him, keeping up with his pace.

"I can't believe he would hide this from us! Just when you think you know someone-"

"He had his reasons, didn't he?" Kanae defended. "But, that's not what you're most upset about, is it?"

That much as true. Sanemi could even justify it from a logical standpoint. If Murata told him about Nezuko two years prior, he would go over and kill her without question.

Sanemi did not tear up or get emotional. He was the type of person to raise a fit or physically deal with the problem before it advanced any further.

In a quiet voice, he muttered. "It's not fair."

"Hmm?"

"I'm saying it's not fair. What's so different about that girl? 'Mental fortitude?' Don't give me that shit! If anyone had fortitude, it was my mother!"

He plopped himself to the ground, ripping out clumps of dirt. "She loved us, so why didn't she...?"

Kanae squatted next to Sanemi, wrapping an arm around him. He kept ripping out dirt as his vision blurred.

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

From a distance, Murata could hear Zenitsu's screaming, accompanied by the whack of something made of wood.

"Help me! I'm being tortured!"

Like all things Zenitsu, he was exaggerating for the sake of being dramatic. Even if it was actual torture, such lengths were necessary to become a better demon slayer. Judging from the rhythmic beating from the wooden object, someone was keeping an eye on him and correcting him.

In Murata's opinion, the boy should be glad for the opportunity to be personally tutored. It could make the difference between life or death.

When he came into the sight of the scene, it took a moment to believe what he was seeing.

Zenitsu held a large rock and was being forced to stretch with it. Any hesitation or wrongness in his routine or movement was meant with a jab by Yuichiro.

"Damn, another mistake. Sucks for you, but I guess that's what slackers get when slackers slack," Yuichiro said, looking bored and extremely disappointed.

"What are you doing here, Yuichiro?" Murata asked. He sat down, watching tears fall from Zenitsu's face and ignoring his silent plead for help.

Yuchiro smiled at the appearance of Murata. "I heard Sanemi was injured, so I came to check on him. Not only did he brush me off like the deadbeat teacher he is, but I learned several interesting things."

Murata spent the next several minutes answering Yuichiro's questions and clearing up any uncertainties.

"A demon that doesn't eat humans? It's hard to believe," Yuichiro said.

"She should be in the estate right now. Have you not met the other patients from the Natagumo Mountain incident?"

"I met two other boys and a wild pig. I saw Kanao as well, but she's not a demon."

"Okay, those boys should be Tanjiro and Takeo. It's their sister who's a demon."

Yuichiro hit Zenitsu one more time before telling him to drop the rock. Zenitsu collapsed to the ground while giving appreciation to the local gods.

"Then I'm heading back in. I'll see you later, Murata, but if not, then try not to die."

He dragged Zenitsu by the collar as he walked inside. Zenitsu, a man ready for execution, looked at the sky with empty eyes.

-

In a closed off room deep within the estate, Tamayo's laboratory remained quiet.. The lack of windows and abundance of curtains made the room feel artificial. Without sunlight to penetrate the dark, the room was lit by electricity. Murata sidestepped the various projects, making sure not to mess with any of the fragile vials or materials on any of the tables.

Keizan sat in a corner reading a book while Yukiko was guiding Hanako through several blood samples. Shinobu was standing right behind them.

Sitting across from Tamayo, Murata waited for her to speak.

"Thank you for coming on short notice," Tamayo said, pulling out a notebook.

Murata wordlessly grunted, motioning her to continue.

"Since Yushiro's capture, I've been trying to utilize more of my connection to find him. Unfortunately, it's something I have to tread very carefully with."

Murata had an easy time following her logic.

Muzan's ability to track his demons through a form of telepathy was not something that appeared naturally. It was a long process of experimenting that took time to implement. In fact, during Tamayo's service, it was one of several things that she helped Muzan perfect.

It was because of her experience on the subject that she exercised extreme caution. Yushiro was unique in that he was the only demon that Tamayo created. It meant he had no direct connection to Muzan.

However, Tamayo never really implemented the same safeguards for Yushiro that Muzan created for his demons. Yushiro wouldn't spread her name maliciously and she had no doubt of his loyalty. In other words, there was no reason to spy on him or prevent him from saying his master's name.

As a result, tapping into this specific skillset proved to be difficult for Tamayo. There was also the additional worry that any connection she established with Yushiro could be hijacked by Muzan.

Because it was unknown how Muzan was dealing with Yushiro, she didn't want to take unnecessary risks.

The only thing she was certain of was that Yushiro was still alive. It was a vague thing, but something she was certain of.

"The most I've gotten were small glimpses," Tamayo noted. "Visions of a castle, which I presume to be the 'Infinity Castle' that you encountered, and a wealthy house. He appeared to serve alongside several maids in the house, from what I could tell. Inside the castle, I could see chains."

She shuddered.

"Any more glimpses regarding the Infinity Castle?" Murata asked, probing for more.

She thought for a few moments before answering. "Only a woman playing a stringed instrument. Unfortunately, my information on Muzan's demons is severely outdated. The only demons I had any reliable information on were Kokushibo and the previous Upper Moon Two."

Kokushibo's profile was already shared and memorized among the hashira and their tsuguko. The information about the previous Upper Moon Two, while intriguing, was ultimately useless.

"If I get more evidence of Yushiro's location, I might call for your help," Tamayo admitted. "Regrettably, if I get enough to give an accurate location, it's most likely a trap."

"I still think it could be worth pursuing in. His blood demon art is powerful," Murata said. Originally, it was vital and proved to be the only way the crows could relay reliable information to the next Ubuyashiki leader during the battles taking place within the Infinity Castle.

After some more deliberation, Murata left the room, leaving Tamayo and her group back to their work.

-

In another part of the estate, recovery training ramped up.

Yuichiro, deciding to stay out of curiosity, began overseeing some of the training.

"Sanemi wanted me to take a break, so in the meantime, I'm whipping these guys into shape. Can you believe it? I'm younger than them, but I can beat all of them in my sleep."

"Watch it, Yusuke! I'll catch up in no time!"

Yuichiro smacked Inosuke deliberately hard, causing him to yelp. "It's Yu-i-chi-ro. Not Yusuke, not Yuimicho, not Yikamiako!"

Turning back to Murata, Yuichiro gave a shrug in resignation, as if to highlight his struggle.

Zenitsu looked different, a focus in his eyes that seemed out of place.

Tanjiro and Takeo were side by side, wordlessly encouraging each other to work harder and harder. Interestingly, Tanjiro's scar was reminiscent of the phase right before it awakened, and Takeo bore a similar one on the opposite side of his forehead. Battle wounds courtesy of Rui.

"Have you shown them Repetitive Action, or are you trying to get them to focus on their breath first?"

Yuichiro stood in thought, a hand cusping his chin. "I never thought about Repetitive Action. We're mostly focusing on breathing forms."

Pointing at Tanjiro and Takeo, he raised a concern. "Those two have poor stamina. Hinokami Kagura, or whatever it's called, is difficult for them. It's stronger than their Water Breathing, but they burn out too quickly."

"Be sure to leave Zenitsu alive. I have a mentor in mind that I want to send him to," Murata said.

Yuichiro poked Inosuke again, causing him to growl like a boar. "By all means. Just make sure he actually gets there instead of running away."

Murata sighed at Yuichiro's bluntness.

-

Zenitsu had many things to complain about.

First, he had to drink an awful amount of bitter medicine due to his fight with a spider demon. Otherwise, the poison would turn him into a spider!

He would rather die than become a monster like that.

The second thing was the Wind Hashira's tsuguko. Yuichiro was powerful, rude, unrelenting, and nosy. Zenitsu did everything he could to prevent him from seeing Nezuko. No doubt, he would poke and prod at her like cattle, just like he did with Inosuke.

When Yuichiro left the room with a dazed expression, Zenitsu was upset!

He knew what it meant, and it meant war.

Unfortunately, that wasn't even his biggest gripe. The Ice Hashira gave him a letter, and he was forced to go to the former Sound Hashira's estate for 'training.'

'Training,' his ass! It was torture! Physical, mental, and spiritual torture!

Seeing three beautiful women would have eased and lightened Zenitsu's mood, but the fact that they were all wives of Tengen boiled his blood.

How was it possible that some men died of thirst while others drowned?

Tengen's eyes and ears were sharp, and any attempts by Zenitsu to catch a break were completely and utterly crushed.

"Try again. I can do better, and I only have one leg for crying out loud!"

Zenitsu's screams echoed in the forest.

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

As Lower Moon One, Enmu was one of two survivors of Muzan's recent culling. He remembered it clearly. Not only was it recent, but it was the closest he's come to death since becoming a demon.

This time, it wasn't only the Lower Moons that Muzan summoned. Previous Lower Moons who fell from the ranking and new, promising demons aspiring to join the ranks were also forcibly transported into the Infinity Castle.

In all, about fifteen or so demons were left in a state of confusion. Moreso when screams could be heard in the distance, its echoes making it difficult to discern a specific location.

Suddenly, the screams stopped and a noble lady stood in front of them, her red eyes showing fury.

"Bow."

With a single command, all the nearby demons were forced to kneel as a cold sweat overtook them. In an instant, their demonic instinct recognized that the lady was Muzan in a disguise.

Muzan took a look at them, then clenched his hands so tightly the veins were nearly bursting.

"Lower Moon Two, Rui, was killed. He was defeated by a single hashira."

Taking in a deep breath, he continued. "Why is it that the Lower Moons and their ilk are so weak? Right now, I see only two demons that are worth more to me alive than dead. It begs a question; with all that I've given, why do you still fear the demon slayers so much?"

He turned his head towards Lower Moon Four, who was shaking uncontrollably. "When you see a hashira, why do you immediately think of running away? Is your fear of them greater than my own retribution?"

"Of course not, Lord Muzan!" She objected. "To flee is to live. I'm constantly thinking of ways to defeat-"

Her head was lobbed off, her words dying as a bramble from Muzan's back pierced her into small pieces.

"That was a lie. Would anyone else like to try?" He asked, turning to Lower Moon Three.

Lower Moon Three insisted that with more blood, even the hashira were within his grasp.

"Are you commanding me to do something for you?" Muzan's words were sharp, and he sounded more offended than anything else.

The demon stiffened, beginning his reply in vain. "No, Lord Muzan! I'm saying-"

His entire body was consumed, the mess of bone and blood getting on the clothes of the other kneeling demons.

In the end, it made no difference what anyone said. One by one, he began devouring, killing, murdering, and slaughtering the terrified demons.

A group of three tried to run away despite it being impossible to escape the Infinity Castle. They were held in a bone-crushing grip by a snake the size of several rooms. The woman who controlled the snake tenderly caressed him, giving hushed praises.

Muzan found himself loosening his frown, but then he sharply gazed at his last victim. Enmu was ecstatic with twisted pleasure, hugging himself and appreciating Muzan's violence.

Amused, Muzan pumped blood into Enmu. Spasms overtook Lower Moon One, who fell to the ground and convulsed. Nearby, he saw the large snake curl around the woman. With small laughs and a light expression, she appeared cheerful.

Gazing into her mind, Muzan saw an endless thirst for revenge churning tighter and tighter.

Another flight of fancy overtook Muzan. She was a newly turned demon, barely even being one for half a decade. If her strength was comparable to a Lower Moon now, then she must have good potential.

Sensing his command, the woman walked up and bowed in front of Muzan. Her snake remained still from a considerable distance. Thrusting his hand through her face, he pumped blood through her veins.

"I want to see how far you can go, Masako," Muzan said. "Can you withstand this extra blood like Enmu?"

He took out his hand, only to thrust it again into each eye socket, engraving a rank.

Unlike Enmu, she didn't immediately collapse. However, the effects of the blood were still potent, causing her to shake wildly.

Muzan ordered Nakime to pluck the two demons away from the Infinity Castle, and he planted instructions for their next mission.

His temper was still present, but he held such low standards for his demons that he started to feel more weary than anything else.

"Nakime, play something," he commanded. She eagerly nodded, plucking the strings of her biwa.

-

Running through the forest, Murata kept his pace fast and nimble. Under the light of the full moon, he found the forest easy to navigate.

The Mugen Train roared nearby. Smoke bellowed out of it like a monster fed on coals, and the wheels grinded on the tracks. The noise of the train was not easy to ignore, but Murata focused his senses and noted how eerily quiet the interior was. Only a dead silence made up of sleeping, defenseless people.

The train was fast, but it surprised Murata how easily he was able to catch up. He couldn't be sure when the Mugen Train investigation would happen, but even with the delay from his own duties, Murata found himself arriving just in time.

Leaving the forest and getting closer to the train, he readied a jump and leapt towards the last car. He barely missed it and pulled himself up. The rush of wind caused him to narrow his eyes, and he saw a figure standing close to the chimney of the train.

Enmu watched as a demon slayer sprinted towards him. He went to open his mouth, but his eyes widened seeing how quickly the man was moving.

Ice Breathing, Third Form: Striking Chill

Murata made a stabbing motion, then cut off the head of Enmu. The body dissolved and the head rolled away.

"How irritating!" Enmu complained. A large tendril burst from underneath the train and attached itself to his head. He looked at Murata, then his eyes noticed the engraving on his sword.

He laughed, his face lighting up and his smile widening. "Another hashira! It doesn't matter how many come; as long as you're asleep, you're all as weak as a baby!"

More tendrils swarmed from the train, and the very ground Murata stood on began pulsating into an off-color, fleshy texture. Numerous eyes began appearing on the tendrils, all begging to stare at Murata.

He braced himself as he stared at several of Enmu's eyes.

Making eye contact, Enmu internally celebrated before refocusing himself, concentrating on his objective.

-

Being given additional blood from Muzan after the vaguely veiled executions, Enmu's ability grew stronger, allowing him to spread his blood demon art more subtly and to more targets. It was a cruel and efficient power if used correctly, for no one could deny a dream devoid of suffering.

They could experience the love of a mother, the strength of youth, or the imagination of something unobtainable. Within Enmu's blood demon art, he could provide a dream indistinguishable from reality. A natural result of his ability was that Enmu could gleam people, gaining information that he could take advantage of.

It was not a perfect sweep of the mind, but he could make out a general picture and find a person's weakness.

Most people were simple; they either longed for a past filled with better days, prayed for a future filled with hope, or wished to be in a complete fantasy.

His eyes peered into Murata, putting him in a trance and building a landscape to trap him in. Like all people, Murata was filled with hope for a better future and a past he wished he could change.

Then, something slammed into Enmu, causing his own mind to almost collapse in agony.

To say something attacked Enmu was the wrong way to describe it. It wasn't even a something.

It was nothing. An endless abyss enveloped him. Nothing existed, and it caused Enmu to shake and curl into a ball.

It was beyond empty, but it didn't feel like death. Yet, dying would be preferable to this type of non-existence.

He clawed his way out, desperate to escape and free himself. On the other side of the metaphorical space, his mind looked at memories that didn't make any sense.

It was infinitely better than the void he just escaped from, but it brought up uncomfortable realizations and subsequent questions.

Was anything real? Did his world exist only in ink? What was Murata? What was this parasite? What were these things, this world?

-

Pulling a tactic from Tanjiro's book, Murata brought about his own suicide, forcing him to wake up. Grasping his neck and nearly dropping his sword, he caught his breath and looked around.

He saw Enmu shaking, the demon's gaze distant and distracted. An unintentional side effect of the abyss staring back, but one that Murata was willing to take the initiative on.

There was no sympathy to be had for Enmu; a demon who devoured countless and planned to kill hundreds more.

Ice Breathing, First Form: Glacial Storm

Tearing off the tendrils and its armor of flesh, Murata cut Enmu up into pieces, starting at the neck and then the rest of his face. His remaining eye regained clarity of the real world, and he mutely stared at Murata in confusion and terror.

As Enmu crumbled away, the train shifted and groaned. The disappearance of Enmu's modified body threw the weight of the train off balance, causing it to topple and lose grip of the tracks.

With a spring in his step, Murata got off the roof of the train and landed on the ground. There were small noises of discomfort and pain, but no deaths, as far as he was aware.

The first people he saw running off were the demon slayers assigned to the mission. Kyojuro, Tanjiro, and Inosuke approached him, thankful for the quick resolution.

"What a pleasant surprise! I didn't expect you to come here at all, Murata," Kyojuro said, patting him on the back.

"I was in the area when I received word of your mission. I didn't expect to have such good timing," Murata said. Looking at the group, he noticed a lack of Zenitsu and Takeo.

Kyojuro, accepting Murata's explanation, began hurrying the evacuation and tending to the rest of the people on the train. Tanjiro and Inosuke likewise followed him while Murata kept an eye around the area.

The sun would no doubt come up soon, but if Akaza came, they could still die if they weren't careful.

When they regrouped, Murata's worst fears were answered promptly. Then, another variable popped up that made him want to curse to the sky.

Akaza, squatted in his martial stance, stared at both Murata and Kyojuro. That was no surprise. Hopefully, the both of them could stall and survive.

The woman next to him was the source of Murata's growing frustration. It was the same demon that he and Obanai ran into back at the Iguro estate.

The ground trembled, then an abnormally large snake burst from the ground, flinging debris everywhere.

Her eyes read Lower Moon Zero, and Murata couldn't help but mentally insult Muzan's lack of creativity.

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

Akaza licked his lips, his eyes boring into the fighting spirit of the demon slayers.

Recognizing the hashira, he pointed at Kyojuro. "Your fighting spirit; it's powerful. No doubt you're a hashira."

His other hand gestured towards Murata. "You're a strange one, but you carry a similar spirit as the man next to you. Wonderful! Two powerful fighters! Do either of you wish to become a demon?"

He laughed to himself before briefly looking over to Inosuke and Tanjiro. His gaze stopped on Tanjiro for a slight moment, but then he turned his attention back to Kyojuro and Murata.

"Never," Kyojuro said. "Our whole purpose is to annihilate demons. Regardless of your strength, we will not submit and will fight to the bitter end."

"Is that so?" Akaza stopped smiling. "That's what all the other hashira said. Let's see how long that lasts."

Cracking the ground with a forceful stomp, Akaza activated his compass needle. An intricate snowflake appeared underneath him, and its glow gave Akaza an otherworldly aura.

He crouched with his arms spread out, ready to make the first move.

Ice Breathing, Fourth Form: Ice Cutter

Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire

Murata and Kyojuro rushed forward together, coming at Akaza in blinding speeds. He blocked both attacks, and they began a spar of endless clashes. They covered each other's blind spots, but it was clear that Akaza could go faster and faster.

In other words, he was playing with his food.

Leg Type: Crown Splitter

Murata blocked the attack perfectly, but it took all of his concentration not to bleed from the effort. Kyojuro unleashed his own slash against Akaza, who quickly blocked it by sacrificing an arm.

From the air, Murata swiftly swung down at Akaza's neck.

Ice Breathing, First Form: Glacial Storm

Disorder

Akaza rapidly punched above him, deflecting Murata's blow. He and Kyojuro stood side by side.

"Such beautiful techniques! I haven't seen any ice or flame in any of the hashira I've killed," Akaza laughed, his face full of joy. "Will neither of you consider my offer? I am generous."

Murata spat out in annoyance. Kyojuro reaffirmed his refusal, and they began a new assault.

For every wound that the hashira inflicted on Akaza, he would regenerate immediately and counterattack. It was already difficult enough to get an open blow on Akaza, but every evasion, every parry had to be performed perfectly.

-

Tanjiro and Inosuke did not have the luxury to watch the battle against Upper Moon Three.

They ran on opposite directions, trying to find a way to disable the snake. Initially, they focused on beheading the woman who appeared to be the main body. The snake was just an unnatural beast, most likely the manifestation of her blood demon art.

Yet, each time they got closer and closer, the snake would curl around her like a protective armor or strike at them with the intensity of a venomous viper. Its scales were tough, and its immense size, rivaling that of a house, was terrifying.

Who could behead such a large being with only a sword?

Even Nezuko, who had grown into a form similar to her original fight with Daki, kept getting pushed back. Then, they were made aware of its sharp tail when it damaged one of Inosuke's swords and struck Tanjiro against a tree.

Tanjiro's body burned, but he caught his breath. Tanjiro, Inosuke, and Nezuko held Masako and her snake back.

The snake charged at them, jaws wide as Tanjiro and Inosuke readied a counterattack.

Hinokami Kagura: Dance

Beast Breathing, Second Fang: Slice

They cut through the jaws, then Nezuko summoned her fire, allowing it to enter and envelop the snake.

It cried and screamed, the sound of which cut the air and angered the woman. Seeing the thread of opportunity as the snake thrashed blindly, Tanjiro and Inosuke stormed towards Masako.

Hinokami Kagura: Sunflower Thrust

Beast Breathing, Third Fang: Devour

Lower Moon Zero transformed her arms into hissing snakes, and they caught Inosuke's blades. She opened her mouth to bite off Tanjiro's face, but he headbutted her immediately. Tears welled up in her eyes as her protector swooped in, the rumbling body causing Inosuke to fly into the air and striking Tanjiro head on.

The bones in his torso and arms made an awful sound and his breathing staggered with the onset of the crushing pain. Nezuko released her fire again, allowing Tanjiro to shakily retreat.

Inosuke remained calm, a rare sight compared to the boisterous and excitable version of himself. Tanjiro wondered what he was thinking underneath the boar mask.

"Gonpachiro, the sun's rising soon. This is our chance," Inosuke said. "I'm gonna charge at her, you and Neraka distract the snake."

Tanjiro nodded, and his body pulsed again. He felt faint but ready to unleash his attack, no matter the cost.

Shaking off his blurry vision and his burning scar, he watched as Lower Moon Zero licked her lips. She glanced at the sky with a slight fear, but quickly masked it with anticipation. The large snake coiling around her lunged, extending its body.

Tanjiro and Nezuko moved together. He swung his sword despite his fractured arm. The sword was met with the resistance of the snake's body, but he pushed through, yelling with reckless abandon.

His forehead burned with an intensity unlike ever before.

Hinokami Kagura: Sun Halo Dragon Head Dance

Alongside Nezuko's fire, Tanjiro attacked again, the presence of a dragon engaging the immense snake.

Beast Breathing, Eighth Form: Explosive Rush

Inosuke ignored Tanjiro, heading straight for Lower Moon Zero. She growled, holding him back and ready to crush his throat.

-

Murata and Kyojuro panted, wounds littering their body. Kyojuro's left eye swelled shut, his ribs were cracked, and his foot was sprained. Murata's hearing was numb, his blood stained his clothes, and his breath labored with each inhale.

Akaza listed out each hashira's injuries before gesturing to himself.

"Meanwhile, all the damage inflicted on me is gone. That is the power of a demon. It is a fact."

Kyojuro ignored his words, changing his stance to Flame Breathing's most powerful form. Murata positioned himself, gasping in pain before refocusing his attention on Akaza.

Akaza's head instantly dulled, and he was subject to a single vague command that shook him.

Lord Muzan's sudden frantic and desperate order slammed into Akaza. A glimpse of Muzan's vision spilled over, and he discerned the fear of his master. It was the first time he's ever felt the blood in his body tremble with alarm.

It wasn't even because of the thrill of battle; just the pure instinct of a beast lashing out.

Kill him, kill him now!

He adjusted his stance, aiming for killing blows.

Final Form: Blue Silver Chaotic Afterglow

Akaza's speed escalated, a combination of punches and kicks consuming the battlefield. With the looming attack, both hashira stormed the barrage.

Ice Breathing, Seventh Form: Final Frost

A technique with a similar stance to Giyu's Eleventh Form, but instead of focusing on complete defense, it utilized the aggressive nature of Wind Breathing to take on a more offensive form. It threw away any idea of safety just for a chance of survival.

Murata remembered a quote about how the best defense made a good offense. Yet, shouldn't the opposite apply as well? In a battle against increasingly strong opponents, the best results could only be achieved through great risk.

His body burned with an unfamiliar energy, and a swirling ice pattern appeared on Murata's hand.

Flame Breathing, Ninth Form: Rengoku

Kyojuro joined Murata. He unleashed his family technique, and the right side of his face flared with a flaming mark. The destruction created a shockwave, leveling the few trees unfortunate enough to stand nearby.

Against both of the hashira's final forms, Akaza was pushed back by the demon slayers. His heart palpitated, and a creeping hint of panic slowly crept inside him.

"ENOUGH!"

Sacrificing his arms and legs, he propelled himself backwards. He pushed the swords out, and began retreating as the sun rose.

Lower Moon Zero's snake exploded in chunks of flesh, which Tanjiro began cutting away. Inosuke jumped back and narrowly avoided the woman's strike to the jugular. She, too, began running off in fear of the sun.

The shower of gore and blood from the snake covered the demon's escape as the sun turned the corpse into ash.

Murata had a lot to think about.

He was tired. Exhausted. Spent. But, the heat of his body and the uncontrollable murmuring of his heart were unmistakable. Combined with the fading mark on his hand, he couldn't help but smile wickedly.

Kyojuro was able to survive. Better yet, Tanjiro finally awakened his mark, thereby allowing him and Kyojuro to resonate their own marks and survive Akaza's strongest attack.

Earlier than expected, but just at the right time. He could worry about his shortened lifespan later.

They finally unlocked the most important factor in fighting head to head with the Upper Moons.

Murata watched the sun rise with a sense of peace and determination.

 

[DeeplyoftheWorld]

Muzan was furious.

He was mad, angry, wrathful, vengeful, upset, tilted, and every expression that described some form of rage.

Beneath all of it, however, was the growing and inescapable feeling of fear.

The first time Muzan suffered from true fear was when he killed his doctor. Once the impulsive urge was satisfied and he realized his mistake, panic overtook him. He killed his only potential hope for survival.

Luckily, the medicine turned him into a demon, but the ramifications of his mistake already bloomed.

That doctor was the only clue towards finding the Blue Spider Lily; a mythical item that he's cursed for centuries.

The second time Muzan felt true fear was centuries later when he met Yoriichi.

The very name was detestable. His power was unmatched. Yoriichi's presence didn't just mimic the sun; it embodied it, burning him as painfully as the actual sun.

Even now, the cells in his body carried a primal dread because of that man.

It was a painful night for Kokushibo once Muzan regained the clarity to realize how eerily similar Yoriichi looked like his strongest demon.

Yoriichi's very existence appeared like a punishment from the gods. No human could ever match up to him. When Kokushibo informed him of Yoriichi's death, Muzan celebrated by killing a hundred people that night.

The third time Muzan felt a gripping fear was when he noticed the death of Enmu. The death of a Lower Moon didn't surprise him, unfortunately. They were weak, lacking the necessary strength to stand against the current era of swordsmen.

What brought his attention was the sudden and inexplicable information he received. Enmu saw things he couldn't handle, and it transferred to Muzan upon the Lower Moon's defeat.

The knowledge that he saw could not be understood. Beyond the nonsense and insanity, the only thing Muzan gleamed was emptiness.

It further reinforced his terror regarding death.

To be dead meant to suffer in that pit of oblivion.

He would not die!

Yet, seeing the demon slayers live stirred something uncomfortable in him. From Akaza's view, he caught a glimpse of the man who tormented Enmu and the mark on the boy who wore Yoriichi's earrings.

Something burned in Muzan that wasn't just fear or anger. It twisted and it gnawed on his impatience.

Were the demon slayers becoming a threat to him?

Could they actually wield the strength to defeat him?

His first instinct was to hide. Paranoia dictated that he should stay hidden in Nakime's castle. Wait for them to age and die, then he could continue researching a cure for the sun.

Paradoxically, a different, contradictory paranoia nagged on him.

If the demon slayers lived, they could pass on their skills to successors. Soon, they would eradicate more and more of his demons. Muzan truly didn't care for his creations, but he needed bodies to help search for the Blue Spider Lily and deal with the demon slayers.

If the demon slayers constantly hunted for him without distraction, then he would never have a moment's peace.

It was also a matter of pride. Nothing could defeat him. He was the ultimate being. Once he achieved immunity against the sun, he would be perfect.

His sense of arrogance was under attack.

Was he actually feeling scared of humans?

That was impossible. Muzan laughed to himself. The deep, maddening sound traveled throughout the Infinity Castle, instantly alerting the Upper Moons of his location.

Nakime plucked her biwa, and the castle condensed, pulling the Upper Moon demons closer.

"I realized something important," Muzan said.

He stood on a platform, gazing at the demons in front of him. They kneeled and the situation reminded him of when he killed off his Lower Moons.

He wasn't going to kill anyone, however. A strong urge compelled him to do so, but they were his strongest assets.

"Despite everything, the demon slayers still exist. The Ubuyashiki family still fights. Forget about the Blue Spider Lily. How come after centuries, none of you are closer to eradicating them?"

Muzan sighed as they said nothing. He forcibly induced small visions of Akaza's fight to the rest of the Upper Moons.

"They live, getting stronger," he said, then looked specifically at Kokushibo. "They awakened marks, becoming powerful enough to the point of worrying Upper Moon Three."

He saw the slight pause in Kokushibo's stoic expression.

Muzan turned, his face staring at Akaza pitifully. "Is your strength inferior to that of mere humans, Akaza?"

Akaza kept his head down, clutching the ground with trembling hands. His forehead looked ready to burst.

Next, Muzan stared at Upper Moon Four. "Has your new form dulled your senses as a ninja? I saw your performance, and I found it lacking."

Tetsuji stayed silent, but the insult caused him to narrow his eyes.

The castle remained still for a moment. To the Upper Moons, it lasted an eternity. Hantengu, Gyutaro, Daki, and Masako did not look up or make any movements.

Even Douma had a frown; his stance remained cautious, and carried none of the fake cheer he normally showed.

The brambles on Muzan's back poured out of him, destroying his shirt and devastating the architecture of the castle's rooms. Debris flung everywhere, and some of the brambles lashed out uncontrollably, gouging the Upper Moons and causing blood to flow like an unending current.

"Why do you even exist?" He asked to no one in particular.

"I thought I made my intentions clear when Gyokko died. I would say that I failed, but that is wrong. Rather, all of you have failed me, which is unacceptable."

He looked at his Upper Moons again before having Nakime summon Yushiro. He hit the ground with a thud, twitching. His eyes were dim and he made no sound despite his moving mouth. His silent prayers went unanswered.

"I have garnered all my use from Tamayo's pet," Muzan said. In truth, he wanted to understand how Tamayo was able to turn someone into a demon without his knowing. He did not get very far, but thinking about the failure only worsened his mood.

"Take turns breaking him. I do not care how it is done. Make him spill any secrets left hiding and break his psyche."

Maybe if they could do that simple task, then he could see through Yushiro and discern Tamayo's location. Muzan already did his fair share, and he was frankly disgusted to continue the routine. Imposing his will on others became boring when they constantly say the same things over and over again.

He was tired of hearing Yushiro scream out Tamayo's name like a monk with his mantra.

It felt like wrestling a boulder. It wouldn't budge and it was a waste of time.

"However, I also want more effort in finding the demon slayers. Share information, work together if you have to," Muzan spat, his desperation overcoming his paranoia.

It hurt to say since he generally avoided having demons work together. But, times change, and needs must be met.

Nakime plucked her biwa again, dismissing all the demons except for Akaza, Masako, and Kokushibo.

Kokushibo swiftly disappeared into a different section of the Infinity Castle, taking Yushiro with him.

Akaza and Masako remained kneeled, waiting for Muzan's reprimand. After all, they did not kill any demon slayers at the Mugen Train. Worse yet, Muzan's mention of the mark implied something dangerous about the demon slayers, something that they could've avoided.

Akaza, if he fought more serious from the start, and Masako, if she worked with Akaza more efficiently.

"I think it is redundant for me to punish you more than you have already punished yourselves, but doing nothing doesn't sit well with me," Muzan said, reaching out to their minds.

Good. At least their loyalty and sense of duty made them realize the severity of their mistakes.

Muzan's brambles tied Masako tightly, and he slammed a hand through her face, pumping blood.

"This may seem like a reward, but rest assured, I am making this as painful as I want it to be," he said. Masako flailed and screamed, her piercing cries and sobs irritating Muzan.

She collapsed on the ground, whimpering and curling up in a ball.

He turned his attention towards Akaza, causing Upper Moon Three to stiffen.

Muzan smiled as he relayed his command. "Akaza, I am revoking your concession. Kill anyone who stands in your way, even if she's a woman. If you cannot do so, then I will see it as disobedience. In other words, I will kill you if you fail again."

Akaza leaked blood from his face and body, the pressure from Muzan bearing down on him like an unstoppable force. He could only nob numbly as his knees buckled, causing him to fall to the ground.

"Nakime, take them away."

With a twang from her instrument, Akaza and Masako were gone.

Muzan moved to a different room, sitting on a chair and thinking to himself. In the background, he could hear Kokushibo unleashing his breathing techniques.