Chapter 53 : Same as Muzan

I have decided after reading a comment that I should make fixed schedule to avoid complications. So from now on, chapters will be uploaded monday to friday and I will write more chapters during the off days. Rhis will applicable starting next week.

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"Okay, let's go,"

Haruto said, taking Kanao's hand gently as they began walking. He noticed the attention from everyone around him but shrugged nonchalantly, walking with ease.

The presence of Kanae and Shinobu at Mt. Sagiri and no intention of attacking on sight, indicated they had received a favorable response to his proposal. It seemed the head of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, was open to cooperation if it meant gaining more information on Muzan.

For hundreds of years, the Demon Slayer Corps had relentlessly pursued Muzan, yet none had managed to pose a lethal threat to Kibutsuji Muzan. The closest opportunity perhaps was available in the corps' golden era with the monstrous Yoriichi Tsugikuni, a once-in-a-millennium genius whose like could not be expected to reappear.

In recent times, Muzan had remained elusive, his demons, especially the The Twelve Moons directly under him, wreaking havoc and severely testing the corps' capabilities. Against these Twelve Moons, the Demon Slayer Corps had found themselves consistently at a disadvantage.

As their leader, Kagaya actively sought opportunities to turn the tide to their advantage. With Haruto's appearance, he glimpsed a potential breakthrough. It was unprecedented for a demon to willingly cooperate with the Corps, let alone take a stand against Muzan in hundreds of years.

"Okay, we have many things to discuss," Kanae nodded in agreement, signaling the beginning of cooperation which will only end with their death.

...

In the clearing of Mt. Sagiri, where the Water Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki trained his disciples, one could feel a peaceful atmosphere surrounding the area. At the edge of the clearing stood a house nestled against the mountain, its interior warmed by the lingering glow of charcoal fire that dispelled the shadows of night.

Inside, Haruto, Kanae, Shinobu, and Sakonji sat in a circle, their expressions serious yet focused.

Meanwhile, Haruto had entrusted Kanao to Tsutako's care, advising both to rest well. He gently patted Kanao, who closed her eyes contently and obediently stayed close to Tsutako.

Standing at the doorway of the house were two figures. On the left stood Sabito with flesh-colored mid-length hair, his face concealed behind a fox mask believed to ward off disaster. To the right stood Makomo with black mid-length hair, her own fox mask adorned with delicate flower patterns on her cheeks.

...

Inside the room, Kanae handed a letter to Sakonji. It bore the seal of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the charismatic leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, detailing Haruto's unique situation.

Upon returning to headquarters previously, Kanae had promptly briefed Kagaya on the matter. Recognizing the opportunity presented by Haruto's willingness to cooperate against Muzan, Kagaya swiftly decided to collaborate. This alliance promised invaluable information that could aid their longstanding battle against the elusive demon and the way the alliance was made, there was risk of compromising their important hideouts.

However, Kagaya's directive was clear: while cooperating strategically with Haruto, Kanae should always keep her guard against him all the time, since they can't ignore the inherent evil of a demon. He emphasized this point to Kanae without compromise, reminding her of the fundamental nature of demons.

"I really didn't expect that the Demon Slayer Corps would one day cooperate with demons," Sakonji remarked, his gaze inadvertently drawn to Haruto's distinctive horns. With his identity already known to everyone in the room, Haruto had discarded his bamboo hat.

"Perhaps you'll find it worthwhile working with me," Haruto replied, smiling condifidently at Sakonji, whom he deeply respected when watching the show. He was the one who accepted Nezuko's condition quite easily and even bet his life to gain trust for her.

Shinobu interjected teasingly, "It seems your silver tongue compensates for your lack of strength." She couldn't resist making a jab at Haruto, In the few days she got along with Haruto, she didn't know how many times she was teased by the other party.

Ignoring her jab Haruto turned his golden eyes towards Shinobu, remarking with surprise in his voice, "Shinobu, you seem to have grown taller!"

"Really?" Shinobu exclaimed, a blush coloring her cheeks. Height had always been a sensitive topic for her, especially in comparison to her taller sister.

However, the sudden compliment from Haruto lifted her spirits. Yet, the attention from everyone made her feel self-conscious, causing her to blush even more.

"Ugh, he planned this, didn't he?" Shinobu muttered under her breath, shooting Haruto a 'fierce' yet slightly annoyed glare with her striking purple eyes. His ability to effortlessly provoke her emotions was quite frustrating for her.

Uneffected by Shinobu's reaction, Haruto shrugged casually and turned his attention back to Kanae, discussing the details of their cooperation with the Demon Slayer Corps.

Sakonji watched from the sidelines st the scene of a human and demon conversing, their interaction prompting a discomforting feeling within him. Observing Haruto and Kanae engrossed in conversation, one might mistake them for close friends if unaware of Haruto's true nature as a demon.

"Is... is he really a demon?" Sakonji pondered quietly to himself, his gaze lingering on Haruto. The young man's looks except horns and conduct did not fit Sakonji's preconceived notion of what a demon should be like.

After thorough discussion, Haruto and the Demon Slayer Corps reached a formal agreement for cooperation. This newfound alliance meant Haruto no longer needed to watch his back against both demons and humans alike.

Haruto took on the responsibility of identifying specific demons and providing their information to the Demon Slayer Corps. In return, he was granted assurances by the Corps that they wouldn't hinder his efforts and would offer assistance when necessary.

To demonstrate his sincerity, Haruto shared a crucial piece of information with Kanae: "Muzan Kibutsuji's appearance isn't fixed."

Upon hearing this, Kanae's eyes narrowed with intensity. "Not fixed? What do you mean by that?"

Sakonji furrowed his brows, already sensing the implications but wanting clarification from Haruto.

"It means Muzan can change his appearance at will," Haruto explained calmly. "He can appear as a man, a woman, even revert to a child's form."

Kanae and Sakonji's expressions turned grave upon grasping the significance of Haruto's revelation. For hundreds of years, Muzan's elusive nature had frustrated their efforts to track him down. Now, understanding his shape-shifting ability, they realised on why he had evaded capture for so long. They could never know what form is Muzan currently among the huge making it like finding a needle from a haystack.

This newfound knowledge was critical. The ability to identify Muzan's current form could significantly enhance their chances of locating and confronting him. After all, the first step in defeating Muzan was pinpointing his whereabouts. If they don't even know his whereabout what's the point of finding ways to deal with him.

If Muzan could indeed be found, even if it meant the entire Demon Slayer Corps being wiped out, they would ensure he was exposed to the sun's rays to confirm his demise.

Kanae couldn't help but glance at Haruto, silently acknowledging the benefits of their alliance. This was the first time they had collaborated with him to gain such pivotal information, affirming the value of their cooperation.

While Kanae was relieved that they had managed to cooperate with Haruto, Sakonji was suddenly struck by a realization.

If he had heard correctly just now, the demon had mentioned the five words 'Muzan Kibutsuji'. Although 'Muzan Kibutsuji' was merely the name of the demon ancestor, harmless to humans but a death-bringing curse for demons, it carried immense significance.

In this world, demons were fundamentally creations born from Muzan's blood. Thus, every demon bore the curse laid upon them by Muzan himself. Any demon uttering the five words 'Muzan Kibutsuji' would invoke a curse that led to their inevitable destruction—an absolute certainty.                  

Yet now, despite the demon clearly speaking those dreaded words, nothing had happened. It was inexplicable. While Kanae, having not been a Hashira for long, was unsure of the implications, Sakonji, a seasoned Hashira, understood it all too well.

Simultaneously, another realization dawned on him.

This demon might not be created from Muzan's blood like the others, but rather, it could be akin to Muzan himself—perhaps even Muzan in another form.

However, the likelihood of him being Muzan was incredibly low by sensing Haruto's strength. Thus, another possibility emerged: Haruto, like Muzan, could be a natural-born demon.

If that were the case...

Sakonji involuntarily narrowed his eyes.

If so, could this demon pose an even greater threat than Muzan in the future?

An instinctual sense of danger and murderous intent began to stir within him.

...

...

Shoutout to my patreons CHEONMA and Tony Brittain. Thank you so much for your support.