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Advance chapter in PATREON
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"How can you bully Makomo like that?"
Makomo's face puffed up in frustration, making her look like an adorable hamster after a big meal — undeniably cute.
"Why am I like this? Well, I'm not exactly human anymore," Sam Miller chuckled, patting Makomo's head.
Makomo grumbled under her breath.
Despite the teasing, the two soon resumed their journey toward the next suspected haunted area.
Fujiyama
In recent days, the Demon Slayer Corps had stationed themselves in this region.
Ubuyashiki Kagaya, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, sat quietly on the porch. His body had grown frail from illness, leaving him too weak to swing a sword even ten times.
His gaze drifted toward the wisteria flowers blooming across Mount Fuji. The blossoms were in full bloom, their soft petals swaying in the breeze.
"Master, Miss Kanae has arrived," a voice called softly.
"Alright," Kagaya replied. With the aid of two nearly identical twins supporting him, he slowly stood and stepped outside.
Kochou Kanae approached — a young woman wearing the Demon Slayer Corps uniform draped in a vibrant butterfly-patterned haori. Her long black hair flowed down to her waist, decorated with pink-edged emerald hair clips on both sides. Her beautiful pink and purple eyes held a calm yet determined look.
"Kanae greets the master," she said respectfully, bowing deeply.
"Welcome," Kagaya replied, his gaze resting on her. "Did you deliver the message? What was his response?"
"Sam agreed to cooperate with us," Kanae reported softly. "He also passed along some information about Muzan Kibutsuji."
Kagaya noticed the subtle change in Kanae's tone.
Before, she'd referred to Sam as 'the ghost.' Now she called him 'Sam.'
Curious about what had softened Kanae's view of Sam, Kagaya set that thought aside for now — the news about Muzan was far more urgent.
"What news?" he asked.
"Sam told me that Muzan can change his appearance at will — sometimes as a man, sometimes as a woman, sometimes as an adult, sometimes as a child."
Hearing this, Kagaya's expression darkened.
Finding Muzan had always been difficult, but with this ability... it felt almost impossible.
Even so, Kagaya's resolve hardened.
If our generation cannot defeat Muzan... the next will. And if not them... the one after. One day, Muzan and the curse on our family will be destroyed.
"This is important information," Kagaya said firmly. "Sam's knowledge has given us an advantage. Knowing more about Muzan's abilities makes a huge difference."
He paused for a moment, then added, "By the way, some members have reported sightings of Bliss Cult followers."
"Bliss Cult?" Kanae murmured, her expression turning serious.
The Eternal Bliss Cult
A mysterious cult that would have otherwise gone unnoticed — if not for one dangerous detail.
Its leader is none other than Douma, Upper Rank Two of the Twelve Kizuki.
If the Bliss Cult had been spotted, it likely meant Douma was nearby — a terrifying thought.
"This time, your task is simple," Kagaya instructed. "Investigate the rumors about the Bliss Cult. But since it may involve Douma, proceed with extreme caution."
Kagaya's expression grew stern. Originally, he had planned to assign this task to Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira — one of the strongest among the Demon Slayer Corps. After all, dealing with Upper Rank demons, especially Douma, required exceptional strength.
Douma, second only to Kokushibo among the Upper Ranks, was a powerful and lethal opponent. Few Demon Slayers could face him and survive.
Unfortunately, Gyomei was currently tied up with other critical missions.
For now, Kagaya had no choice but to entrust the task to Kanae.
"I understand," Kanae said seriously.
"I'll send Gyomei to join you as soon as he's free," Kagaya assured her. "But remember — if you find Douma... do not engage him."
"Understood," Kanae nodded firmly.
Meanwhile...
Two figures raced desperately through a shadowed town, fleeing with urgency.
"Lady Tamayo... I'll protect you no matter what," the man vowed.
"Don't worry," Tamayo replied softly, though concern clouded her face. "We'll make it out this time."
But deep down, Tamayo couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at her.
Why is Muzan intensifying his search for me lately? Did something happen?
Many years ago, Tamayo had been a human — a woman fighting a terminal illness. Desperate to survive and watch her child grow, she had turned to Muzan Kibutsuji for a cure.
But instead of salvation, Muzan deceived her — transforming her into a demon.
In her frenzied, uncontrollable state, Tamayo had slaughtered her husband and children with her own hands.
Because of her medical skills, Muzan kept her by his side — hoping she would help him achieve his ultimate goal: overcoming the sun.
For years, Tamayo suppressed her rage, pretending to be loyal while secretly seeking a way to weaken Muzan.
Her chance finally arrived when Yoriichi Tsugikuni nearly killed Muzan in battle.
Although Muzan survived, he was left gravely injured. During that moment of chaos, Tamayo broke free from his control.
Over the years, Tamayo refined her medical techniques, altering her body to reduce her need for human flesh and maintain her rationality. Eventually, she encountered Yushiro — a terminally ill boy whom she saved by turning him into a demon like herself — one that didn't need to devour humans.
"I will get us to safety," Yushiro vowed. "Even if Douma himself shows up... I won't let him hurt you."
Determination blazed in Yushiro's eyes as he guided Tamayo through the forest.
Nearby, a powerful demonic presence drifted through the air — cold, predatory, and relentless. Something... or someone... was hunting them.