"Night Talk"
"So, they're trying to develop a medicine to turn demons back into humans. They need the blood of the Twelve Kizuki because it contains a high concentration of Muzan's blood," Aoki said, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, recounting Tamayo and Tanjiro's conversation.
"I understand. If I encounter any members of the Twelve Kizuki, I'll get their blood for you," Aoki said, pushing off the wall and turning to leave.
Tanjiro stepped forward. "Senior Aoki, are you leaving?"
Aoki turned back. "Yes. A lot happened tonight, especially the encounter with Muzan Kibutsuji. As a Hashira, I should report this to headquarters. I don't know his abilities, but I have a better understanding of his strength."
Tanjiro and Tamayo's subtle reactions to the name "Muzan Kibutsuji" didn't escape Aoki's notice; their hatred was intense.
"You're a Hashira?" Tamayo, who had lived for over two centuries, understood the significance of the title and was amazed by Aoki's strength.
"Yes, recently appointed," Aoki said. He remembered something, approaching Tanjiro and pulling a Flying Thunder God kunai from his haori. "This is a special item that lets me instantly appear beside you, no matter the distance. Keep it safe. Don't lose it."
Tanjiro, surprised, smiled. "Thank you, Senior brother. I'll always keep it with me."
Aoki patted Tanjiro's head, as if saying, "Stay here. I'll buy some oranges."
He vanished instantly.
Tanjiro stared at the kunai, then carefully tucked it into his pocket.
Aoki reappeared seconds later in a nearby bush. After retrieving a hidden kunai, he headed towards headquarters. He only had two kunai, one with Tanjiro, the other in his hand.
News of Aoki's appointment had spread throughout headquarters. Demon Slayers showed him respect; a Hashira was among the strongest.
Upon entering headquarters, he was greeted with reverence.
After informing the guards at Kagaya Ubuyashiki's residence of his intention to see him, Aoki was admitted.
In the dimly lit room, Kagaya Ubuyashiki lit several oil lamps.
"So, you and your junior brother encountered Muzan Kibutsuji. It's fortunate you survived to tell the tale," Kagaya Ubuyashiki said gently, setting down his teacup.
Aoki knelt. "Master Ubuyashiki, I didn't engage Muzan Kibutsuji directly, but I tried attacking him, and he easily deflected my attacks."
"With all due respect, my judgment is impeccable. Even the strongest Hashira, the Stone Hashira, couldn't defeat Muzan Kibutsuji. How can we defeat him?"
Kagaya Ubuyashiki didn't show anger at Aoki's boldness. "I trust your judgment. Defeating Hashira proves your exceptional abilities."
"You're right. Muzan Kibutsuji is stronger than anyone in the Demon Slayer Corps, especially with the Twelve Kizuki. We have almost no chance of defeating him in a direct confrontation."
"The Upper Moons can each fight two Hashira simultaneously. They haven't been replaced in a century, and many Hashira have fallen to them."
"But have you considered why Muzan Kibutsuji and his underlings, despite their immense power, haven't become rulers? Why does he hide his identity?"
Aoki shook his head.
Kagaya Ubuyashiki continued, "He's afraid. Afraid of sunlight, death, even the military. He doesn't dare appear before those who know his identity. His demons carry out his actions. Therefore, we shouldn't fear him. If we eliminate the Upper Moons, we have a chance."
Aoki nodded, pretending to understand. He believed Kagaya Ubuyashiki meant that eliminating the Upper Moons would give them a chance to defeat Muzan Kibutsuji.
This wouldn't be difficult for Aoki. With more Flying Thunder God kunai, he could teleport continuously during battles. As long as his opponent couldn't control space and he could kill them, victory would be assured.
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