"I'm such a fool…!" (Falsetto)
Having forcibly fled from the meeting, I returned to the guest room and immediately prostrated myself crying. Watching me shed tears, Kyūtarō and Ume fidgeted, not knowing what to do.
Worrying about what's wrong, who bullied me—are these two angels? Their affection makes my parental heart weep.
──I blocked with my own hands the path to becoming a Demon Slayer Corps member.
If asked why, it's because when I asked to be let into the Corps, Kagaya-kun had a lonely face like an abandoned puppy.
I don't know the reason well, but if I enter the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagaya-kun probably can't be friends with me anymore. I didn't have the resolve to become a Corps member by trampling on Kagaya-kun's heart that would be lonely over that fact.
I'm weak to Muzan-kun's sad face. That is, also weak to Kagaya-kun who looks exactly like Muzan-kun. That face clearly has a special attack buff against me at maximum.
Even if the meeting place was a bamboo grove, I absolutely couldn't have endured. Promised defeat. Truly a defeat confirmation event.
If only I could have entered the Corps, the probability of encountering demons would also skyrocket, and trial drug administration would be much smoother.
Honestly, the part that made the Corps people's eyes roll over wasn't medicine to cure demons but poison that can kill demons instantly, but if research progresses by obtaining many case studies, that part could be overlooked.
But swayed by momentary emotion, throwing away the chance along with clues to Muzan-kun… I'm such a stupid idiot…. Want to get drunk on tears and alcohol singing one song in a lonely suburban snack bar. Feeling wanting to wash everything away carrying sadness on melody.
Mama, one glass of Kahlua milk please. Kyūtarō wordlessly served Shabana tea. Before even finishing the first cup, Ume placed a second teacup.
Drinking Shabana tea with the feeling I can't hold out if I don't drink now, Kagaya-kun visited.
"I'm truly sorry for making you concerned due to my immaturity."
Apologized with back straight, dignified voice like a leader, but I didn't miss the momentary slump of shoulders. I have good eyesight. Especially at night.
Was confident in examining others' expressions or complexion. Because in previous life, dealt with the Leader who was health management difficulty very hard with iron-wall smile and fixed complexion! Though was a short-term mission after encountering the eyeball monster.
"Could you reconsider the proposal from earlier? I'd really like Tsukuru to join the Demon Slayer Corps."
"…But Kagaya-kun doesn't like it."
"If I say I don't dislike it, that would be a lie. But now it's fine. Because you chose me then. That alone sufficiently satisfied me."
Sorry, I'm not satisfied!!
He probably thinks he's making a bodhisattva smile, but the atmosphere seems lonely somewhere.
If I had a carefree personality that could believe Kagaya-kun's words as is and say "Ah, really? Then without refusal~!" would have been good. I hate my discernment. Resenting myself who's dull to most things, only exhibiting sharpness at useless moments.
Need clues to Muzan-kun. Want to administer medicine to demons and obtain data. Want to remain friends with Kagaya-kun too.
If wishing for the latter one, must give up the former two. But if asked whether I can give up after coming this far, answer is no. Then if asked whether I'll give up Kagaya-kun and obtain the former two, that's also unpleasant.
Disgusted by my indecisiveness. Wanting this and that too, am I a child wanting to eat fried rice, spaghetti, and pork cutlet? No longer at age to order children's lunch sets.
When I poured out such hesitating feelings, Kagaya-kun thought with a difficult face for a while then clapped hands.
"Then how about being the Demon Slayer Corps' external collaborator? That way could satisfy all conditions, right?"
Fried rice+spaghetti+pork cutton full option.
Understand?
"If not a Corps member, I can treat you as until now, and if you provide technology and knowledge, naturally we'll also cooperate correspondingly. In return, giving information is also no problem."
That solution is precisely, Nagasaki specialty Toruko rice.
"Can also provide some funds, though small."
With free refills coming along too.
"How is it?"
"Yes gladly!!"
And I answered with bar tension. Extending hand to Kagaya-kun containing feeling of please take care of me!, he looked down at my hand and blinked as if wondering.
Ah, right. Handshake is intercultural communication. Edo period currently in isolation. Then even if said handshake, won't get through. How to explain.
"…Let's join hands and advance."
"! …Yes."
Kagaya-kun who grasped meaning also extended hand following me. Exchanging somewhat awkward handshake by modern knowledge, for some reason I recalled making pinky promise with Muzan-kun.
・
・
・
Now, the morning after Shabana promised to provide knowledge and technology like that. After finishing Kagaya-kun's examination, a problem occurred at the training session held borrowing one side of the mansion.
"Tsukuru's medicine is special so cannot make except Tsukuru. If others make, effect won't be even half."
Yes, I'm the man who draws instant death 100% from survival 0%. Stomach hurt at dark history of "will unreservedly show technology and knowledge (glasses adjustment)". Realized only after Kyūtarō's point that even if unreservedly shown, Demon Slayer Corps can hardly receive it.
Wow~ our kid is smart~ In contrast I'm truly stupid.
Kyūtarō's statement was 100% pure truth. Not slightest falsehood or deception. But Demon Slayer Corps people showed unconvinced appearance asking if they can make by preparing materials and following same process.
Thinking showing actually would be faster than explaining, made several medicines together with Corps people.
While we devoted to medicine making, Ume who had nothing to do and got bored seemed to have become friends with Kagaya-kun's daughter.
A young girl called Koharu-chan, a smart child with perfect etiquette, able to mix and talk with adults. Honestly more mature than Ume. Different from infants I know. Ubuyashiki-style education method amazing.
Interacting with Koharu-chan, Ume's consciousness seemed to cause small reform. Seeing a much younger child acting maturely, thinking she should do well too, elder sister's mindset sprouted in behavior always acting like youngest.
Reddening eye rims at that sight. Kyūtarō also sniffled. Child's growth is joyful but somehow lonely feeling comes.
Listening to sound of pitiful girls enjoying ball play in distance, three identical medicines made by me, Kyūtarō, and Corps member. We decided to wait until night to test those medicines.
The place guided by Corps member was called Mt. Fujikasane. This place had wisteria blooming profusely year-round from foothills to mid-slope, serving as demon-only prison.
When asked why not kill demons but imprison, said for final selection. As Demon Slayer Corps enlistment exam, surviving 7 days against demons means pass.
But a mountain with wisteria in full bloom. Could it be same place as that mountain from Heian era? Can't be sure since hundreds of years passed, terrain and place names changed, but beautifully blooming blue wisteria scenery was no different from memory's.
Bringing wisteria as gift, Muzan-kun used to like it. Now become demon, probably came to dislike it.
For drug administration experiment, for some reason the Wind Hashira also accompanied. Said in charge of my escort. Thought Hashira unexpectedly free, but according to Rengoku-kun, unbearably busy.
This Wind Hashira's case was also apology for suspecting and threatening hooded me as demon. But since he showed considerably displeased expression, seemed not come voluntarily but persuaded by someone. Kagaya-kun? Well, I also poured sufficient verbal abuse so don't particularly care.
Now, then quickly report drug administration experiment results.
My work: Instant death (possibility took several seconds to die since not made in bamboo grove)
Kyūtarō's work: Unconscious (some strong ones detoxified while suffering)
Corps member's work: Lively (but fainted from medicine taste)
"Just as I said. Right?"
"...…"
"...…"
Could you not look at me with eyes saying this guy's medicine is dangerous???
＊
Blue spider lilies are not seen.
Also haven't found friend who should have been born with white hair red eyes.
But why have I found a dangerous doctor pouring effective poison into demons.
Kibutsuji Muzan cursed his misfortune.
Didn't want to know such terrifying doctor. No, half lie. Thinking calmly, fortunate to find out even now. At least can be cautious, can avoid development of instant death upon meeting. But still scary so wanted to live not knowing if possible.
Ignorance is sometimes happiness more precious than anything. After encountering Tsugikuni Yoriichi, the strongest demon hunter of Sengoku era, Kibutsuji Muzan came to think that earnestly.
Until Tsugikuni Yoriichi who大怒 in Sengoku era entered tryhard mode, Kibutsuji Muzan was wrapped in omnipotence. Firmly believed no enemies in the world, none can oppose demon body transcending humans.
Annoying existence would be Ubuyashiki clan chasing demon leader since Heian era. But that too annoying like flying housefly, unpleasant but didn't inspire fear.
Of course, when they sent the Heian era's strongest supernatural killer equipped with Dōjigiri Yasutsuna and four heavenly kings colluding with Fujiwara clan in Heian era, felt somewhat anxious. But looking back calmly now, that sword was just ordinary sword.
Since Nichirin Blades that can cut demon necks didn't exist in Heian era, wouldn't need to hide in fear. Even legendary sword said to have cut Shuten-dōji of Mt. Ōe, don't remember making such bandit group into demons.
Come to think of it, when hiding in Kibune, met a young woman and gave blood. Wanting to kill hated woman, please make into demon—pitiful appearance begging with thin body, confirmed resolve and made into demon.
Realizing can make humans into demons was clearly much earlier than that.
Only Nichirin Blades blessed by sun can kill demons, but simple wounds possible with ordinary swords. Only after seeing samurai who got his blood splattered when accidentally cut by sword during battle become demon, finally realized effect of his blood.
If not chased by pursuers, not targeted as demon leader, probably would have lived not knowing forever.
Heian era. Himself around just becoming demon was much tamer than now. Because memory of friend hadn't faded, human parts were stronger.
Wanting to keep half the promise of going to wisteria mountain together on sunny day, only wandered searching for blue spider lilies to overcome sunlight.
Of course when hungry ate people, fled from pursuers, fought those coming to subjugate, but had no leisure to attack anyone indiscriminately.
But as demon personality became familiar, trivial promises from human era were completely forgotten. Thinks himself a terribly cold-hearted friend. Horribly so.
Memories from human times vague, but friend's existence alone clearly reflected in mind.
Daily life shining beautifully like lake surface with ripples in breeze. Embracing memories softer than moonlight, Kibutsuji Muzan put pipe in mouth.
Compared to the bitter pain that drove him to death, how sweet and light the tobacco smoke filling lungs.
If what distanced this body from perfection is the sun, then what's lacking from my smooth life would be a lifelong friend.
Kibutsuji Muzan sank into deep sentimentality, immersed in past, hoping for future.
Exhaling purple smoke like that and deeply sighing once then.
Kibutsuji Muzan threw away the pipe.
No, what about going off track escaping reality!Not time to smoke pipes!
Right, the doctor. That doctor glimpsed through Lower Rank 6's vision.
Must dispose of that doctor who used paralyzing poison on demons by any means necessary.
The one affected was Lower Rank 6. The weakest existence among Twelve Kizuki. But current Kibutsuji Muzan has no leisure for bravado like "Kukuku, that guy is weakest even among Twelve Kizuki…!"
The poison that instantly paralyzed Lower Rank 6. That carelessly poisoned couldn't move a finger until sunrise. That's how powerful the poison is.
Perhaps, unbelievable but, don't want to admit but, only hypothetical story but… possibly maybe might have effect even on me very slightly just pinky fingertip amount.
Until now lived in conceit that only sun can kill me, but with emergence of new element called paralyzing poison, Kibutsuji Muzan was somewhat agitated.
Only sun can kill me—
Yes, Kibutsuji Muzan already overcame neck weakness. By obtaining multiple spare organs, became transcendent who won't die just by neck cutting.
Kibutsuji Muzan's hearts are seven, brains are five. For reference, cow stomachs are four. Their names respectively rumen, reticulum, omasum, abomasum. Muzan's hearts and brains don't have such names yet.
For reference, octopus has three hearts, nine brains, so Kibutsuji Muzan's ecology is closer to that than artiodactyls. Yamato's kraken, that is Kibutsuji Muzan.
Now, why Muzan has extra internal organs, the reason is simple. Because with single brain cannot handle all matters to grasp demons' locations or movements.
Brooding over how to solve this problem, reached inhuman idea "Then increase organs that can handle, right?" Result, tried and worked.
To operate multiple brains without deficiency, needed corresponding blood circulation so increased hearts too. Unexpectedly simple.
Wasn't that there were no concerns that increasing brains and hearts would increase weaknesses accordingly, but there came idea transformation. Rather by dispersing weaknesses, Kibutsuji Muzan overcame neck weakness.
Principle of octopus regenerating even if legs cut off. Unlimited takoyaki refills.
But however much eliminating neck weakness, if paralyzed and exposed to sunlight, meaningless. Hate such dried fish-like death. Becoming dried squid is enough for squid alone. Don't want to become drinking snack. The alcohol paired would of course be onigoroshi.
That doctor is dangerous. Must find and annihilate by any means. Fortunately learned doctor's name. Because black-clothed man reflected in Lower Rank 6's vision called Dr. Shabana. Knowing name should make finding easier.
"Nakime."
Ordering with just name, biwa sound responds. In blink of eye, completely changed world has biwa-holding woman and eleven demons. Kibutsuji Muzan looks down at them from inverted ceiling of Infinity Castle.
"Lower Rank 6 was defeated."
Calmly reporting, tension swirls among Lower Ranks, conversely among Upper Ranks, wondering expression rises. If Upper Rank defeated would be different, but first time summoned just because one Lower Rank missing.
"But opponent isn't Demon Slayer Corps. A strange doctor wearing hood."
"Doctor? Had Nichirin Blade!"
Lower Rank 3 who asked as if wondering, body split vertically in two.
"Shut up. Will tell that now."
When Kibutsuji Muzan glared, Lower Rank 3 desperately nodded with bluish pale face, mouth opening and closing with lips split left and right. Snake-split tongue shrinking in fear resembled caterpillar shrinking in cold.
"Poison. That guy got paralyzed by poison, couldn't move a finger, burned to death by morning sunlight."
Upper Rank 4, Hantengu, screamed pitifully trembling. Honestly annoyed by fear-stricken appearance but since always happens, decided to leave alone.
"If contacting Ubuyashiki, troublesome matters will occur. …Understand what I'm trying to say?"
"Yes, yes, of course Muzan-sama!"
First to answer grasping Kibutsuji Muzan's intent was Upper Rank 5, Gyokko. Gyokko suddenly popped from jar, twisting whole body, with irritating voice proudly puffed chest.
"After finding that doctor, torture and kill, right!"
"Yes."
Nodding gracefully, Gyokko laughed Hyohohohoho excitedly, showed most motivated appearance saying "Just leave it to me!"
"Doctor's name is Shabana. Residence unknown, but place Lower Rank 6 encountered is bamboo grove far north from Edo village."
Bamboo grove. At that word, Upper Rank 1, Kokushibo, standing beyond feet, quickly raised then lowered head. At that strange reaction, Muzan read Kokushibo's thoughts. Kokushibo's heart always calm, often cannot read unless carefully delving.
'…Uses poison, doesn't swing sword… …that cannot be.'
That.
Come to think of it, once this man returned covered in bamboo leaves babbling "Met Bamboo Breathing user." For some reason seemed excited and proud, but Kibutsuji Muzan at that time didn't deeply interrogate reason so didn't know.
Could it be even though enemy, admired as splendid? Stupid guy, if have time to admire, kill.
Kibutsuji Muzan, noble Heian era aristocrat出身, doesn't understand Sengoku era samurai mental structure. Not understanding, decided not to delve deeper into Kokushibo's thoughts.
Instead, deeply delved into Lower Ranks' hearts, unreservedly drew out inner thoughts.
Scary. Terrible. Don't want to meet. Don't want to find. Don't want to die.
Every single heart without exception filled with cowardly thoughts. Kibutsuji Muzan piercingly looked at cowardly mice defying orders, called Lower Ranks' names from 1 to 5 in order.
"Prepare to die. Beings to replace you are plentiful."
Lower Ranks all made "Hik" sound, then trembling nodded.
One month after that. Report came in.
Lower Rank 2 killed Shabana.
Two weeks after that, another report came in.
Lower Rank 5 also slaughtered Shabana.
Almost simultaneously, this time Lower Rank 3 said same thing.
Boastfully saying killed Shabana before even using poison.
Hey wait, what's going on?
Almost showed teeth in anger thinking these guys conspired to deceive me, but seems that's not it.
──Dr. Shabana is truly outstanding renowned physician, they say. Investigating details, originally famous in Edo but defeated in central faction fights, one day suddenly disappeared. Only Shabana's high reputation remained.
Then taking advantage of本人 disappearing, doctors impersonating that name proliferated. The world is now great Shabana era. Not Where's Wally but Find Shabana.
No, this is impossible, Shabana so many kid. To extent unintentionally fake Kansai dialect jumps out, shock and despair.
Kibutsuji Muzan held his head. If only knew appearance and clothing, could find somewhat, but wearing hood so cannot even that. That hood surely worn to not reveal face to demons. Could there possibly be doctor wearing hood examining patients? (※There is)
Anyway cannot know face, since unclear which is the Shabana he seeks, can only process one by one. Kill all suspicious ones. Kibutsuji Muzan's Shabana challenge opened curtain like this.
But Kibutsuji Muzan is man repeatedly暴死 in sun-conquering demon gacha spanning hundreds of years (currently ongoing).
Such man's Shabana challenge.
…Think will succeed?