Tokyo, deep inside a mansion.

Scribble.. scratch.. scratch...

A handsome man with seaweed-like hair sat at a desk, writing something.

He wore a tailored suit and carried himself like a distinguished gentleman—refined, composed, and accustomed to moving through the upper echelons of society.

But the most striking feature about him was undoubtedly his eyes.

His bright red, vertical pupils made it clear he was no ordinary human. Just meeting his gaze was enough to make one's blood run cold.

The man held a pen, writing elegant characters in a notebook on the desk. It was as if he were recording information—or perhaps deducing something of great importance.

Suddenly, he stopped.

After a brief pause, he resumed writing. But as he did, a calm and steady voice escaped his lips:

"You're a little slow returning, Kokushibo."

The perspective shifted.

Behind him stood Upper Rank One—Kokushibo. Silent and still, he gave the impression that he had been standing there from the beginning.

Hearing the man's words, Kokushibo didn't offer any excuse. Instead, he bowed his head slightly and said:

"I am ashamed for having wasted time…"

He bowed slightly—like a subordinate before his superior.

And the man's identity became self-evident.

"Hmm..."

Anyone who could make the Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki lower his head could only be one person.

Muzan Kibutsuji.

This handsome young man, who looked like a well-bred social elite, was none other than the enemy the Demon Slayer Corps had been pursuing for a thousand years—

The Demon King, the progenitor of all other demons in existence, and the leader of the Twelve Kizuki — Muzan Kibutsuji.

Muzan continued writing in his notebook and, at last, sketched the shape of a flower. Then he slowly closed the notebook and said to Kokushibo:

"Just eliminate the target. The rest doesn't matter."

"Judging by the severity of his injuries… unless he's a demon… there's no way he could've survived."

Kokushibo spoke in his usual calm, measured tone.

Muzan picked up a book from the side and gently turned to the bookmarked page, his movements graceful and unhurried.

"Hmm.." He still didn't turn around, but said casually, "If he's still alive… then I'm interested."

A human who could survive such fatal injuries—of course that would pique Muzan's curiosity.

But it was only that: curiosity.

Over the past thousand years, Muzan had encountered humans with special physiques.

He had even seen humans capable of consuming demons to gain demon-like physical abilities—and had attempted to transform such individuals into demons himself.

But in the end, they were no different from ordinary demons. Even the stronger ones could only barely reach the level of an Upper Rank.

Time and time again, Muzan had placed his hopes in those with unique bodies.

And time and time again, all he received in return—was disappointment.

Therefore, even if the young man who used Sun Breathing somehow survived, it would only stir a passing interest in Muzan.

What mattered more was—where did that boy learn Sun Breathing?

And beyond that…

Muzan felt as though he had seen the young man somewhere before. But it was only a vague impression, and he didn't dwell on it.

After all, nothing in this world was worth his excessive concern.

Not even the Breathing of the Sun.

The only person Muzan Kibutsuji had ever truly feared was Yoriichi Tsugikuni. Aside from Yoriichi, it made no real difference to him who else might learn Sun Breathing.

In the centuries since Yoriichi's death, nothing in this world had ever made Muzan feel fear again.

Even if someone mastered Sun Breathing now, it would only attract his attention in a different way—nothing more.

After all…

Kokushibo himself had inherited the techniques of Sun Breathing. And yet—had Muzan ever considered killing Kokushibo over it?

"If he… is still alive… I will kill him again."

Kokushibo's tone was resolute.

But Muzan Kibutsuji chuckled and replied, "No, there's no need. You've already shown yourself once. There's no reason for you to appear again until you've found the Ubuyashiki family."

"You're worried… they'll set a trap?"

"No matter how many traps the sheep lay, they are still no match for lions and tigers. There's no need to be concerned."

Muzan Kibutsuji replied calmly, then added, "It's better to focus on finding the Blue Spider Lily."

The Blue Spider Lily was the thing Muzan desired more than anything else—nothing else compared.

This flower could allow Muzan to create a potion that would perfect his body. After taking it, he would no longer fear the sun… and would become a truly immortal, flawless being.

That was Muzan Kibutsuji's ultimate wish.

Therefore, aside from that goal, nothing else truly concerned him.

At least… for now.

...

Before Takeo opened his eyes, a strong smell of disinfectant filled his nose.

Of course, "strong" was relative—it was only strong to him. In truth, the scent was quite faint, barely noticeable to ordinary people unless they deliberately tried to smell it.

In addition to the disinfectant, he also detected the light fragrance of wisteria flowers.

The familiar scent reminded Takeo of the Wisteria House he had once visited.

So… I've been brought to a nearby Wisteria House?

With that thought, Takeo slowly opened his eyes—and the first thing he saw was a white, striped ceiling above him.

Then, he felt weakness wash over his entire body, as if he had been unconscious for several days.

Next came the feeling of hunger.

Judging by how intense the hunger was, Takeo concluded he must've been out for a long time.

It seemed that even with a strong regenerative ability—and the power of [Restart]—he couldn't afford to waste his stamina so carelessly in the future.

He couldn't help but wonder: why had 2B recovered so quickly? Was it because she was a cyborg?

…Well, whatever the reason—as long as he was alive, that was enough.

Takeo slowly turned his gaze to observe the room.

It looked like a hospital ward—pure white, clean. The IV drip attached to his left arm confirmed it. He was clearly lying in a hospital bed.

No… this isn't just any hospital. This should be… the Butterfly Mansion?

As his mind slowly cleared, his thoughts became more organized. He recalled that the Demon Slayer Corps' medical division was run by Miss Shinobu Kocho, and was centered at the Butterfly Mansion.

If nothing unexpected had happened, then he was most likely there now.

Just as that thought crossed his mind, he suddenly heard a loud clatter near the door.

Takeo turned his head and saw a girl with black hair, blue eyes, and a butterfly hair ornament standing there, staring at him in shock.

Then she rushed over to him and cried out:

"Master Kamado… you're awake?! Are you alright?! Are you feeling any discomfort?!"

_________

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