On their way to the Butterfly Mansion, Mitsuri struck up a casual conversation with Shinobu, asking her about her preference in clothes, food, and others.
Midway, Mitsuri's expression turned thoughtful and hesitant.
"Shinobu-chan, what do you think about love?"
The Insect Hashira was taken aback by the question. She took a moment to compose herself, then replied.
"I think it's a shared feeling between two people who would go to any length for each other."
Mitsuri nodded with a hum, ruminating on those words.
"Shinobu-chan, have you ever fallen in love?"
Shinobu staggered from the question, her eyes wide. "Mitsuri, why are you asking such a question? It's inappropriate."
In response, the Love Hashira shook her head with a confident smile.
"No, it's not! I'm the Love Hashira after all."
Shinobu sighed in defeat, then took the question seriously.
Love. Falling in love. Ever since her sister's death, Shinobu's life had always been shrouded in darkness. Every time, she smiled outwards to hide the pain she was feeling inside. She was always alone, with only Kanao and the three girls being by her side. Everyone respected her as a Hashira but no one saw that vulnerable side of her.
Giyu's image flashed in her mind, making her remember that she was indeed interested in that man. Something about his stoic attitude always attracted her. However, that feeling was forgotten. It left a bitter taste in her mouth whenever she remembered. Now, however...
'Now...'
Her expression darkened. She felt an emotion towards herself.
'I'm falling for the demon who killed my sister.'
She felt self-reproach. She didn't deny that fact any longer. She was truly charmed by Douma's cunning, and playful innocence. It felt inevitable. Like a script that had already been written.
Even though it frustrated her and filled her with indignance, she couldn't do a thing about it. Especially not now that the demon had gotten bolder. She could still remember the sensation of his tongue and lips on her earlobes.
'Ugh...'
"Ah? Shinobu-chan are you alright? Your entire face is red."
Mitsuri's worried voice snapped her out of her daze.
She coughed awkwardly, trying to regain her composure.
"I-i'm fine. As for your question, I... I can't say I've fallen in love."
"Eh? I thought Shinobu-chan liked Giyu-san."
"T-that..."
"Ah! My bad. I shouldn't have pushed too far." The girl apologized, then hurriedly changed the topic. "I like Iguro-kun too, but I'm afraid he'll run away from me too. After all, my suitors in the past were always scared of my strength."
Shinobu patted her head. "Don't be so glum. I'm sure Obanai-kun is not scared of you."
"You're sure?"
"Hm, Obanai-kun is always so protective of you after all..."
"Hah, that's a relief." She patted her hefty chest, letting the mass ripple. Suddenly, her eyes lit up.
"Shinobu-chan, you're close with this Douma right? Is he strong? Can he not be afraid of my strength?"
"..."
Shinobu was stunned speechless. She wasn't prepared for this turn in the conversation. She absolutely couldn't allow Mitsuri to fall into that demon's hands. She had overheard what nasty things Douma had done with his demon servant and knew any woman would bend and get addicted under his influence.
Even just remembering Saki's pleasured screeches made her shudder in fear. She sometimes worried that her demon friend might run mad from the act. However, anytime Saki emerged from Douma's room, her face was always so bright.
"Ugh, stop remembering..."
"What did you say?"
"Huh? Oh sorry, I was just rambling."
"Okay, okay. You still haven't answered my question, Shinobu-chan." Mitsuri pouted, her cheeks puffed. "Could it be that... Shinobu-chan doesn't want me to... steal..."
Her expression turned doubtful and she cast a look of suspicion at Shinobu.
Shinobu's ears turned red but she quickly knocked Mitsuri's head.
"Don't go jumping to conclusions. Since you want to be eaten by a tiger, I'll cook you for him."
She said threateningly.
Unexpectedly, Mitsuri laughed. "Hehe. That's a promise Shinobu-chan."
"Wait what—? I didn't promise you anything."
"Ne, ne. You already did."
Like that, they bantered till they arrived at the Butterfly Mansion
...
Meanwhile, the Demon King Muzan Kibutsuji was having the hardest time in his eternal life. Infinity Castle was no more. There was no longer any absolute hideout for demons.
It filled him with so much rage that he wanted nothing more than to descend on a village and kill everyone to vent his anger.
Unfortunately, he couldn't do so. What if the Demon Slayer Hashiras gathered to fight him then? Although they probably wouldn't be able to kill him, they 'might' be able to stall him till sunrise.
Muzan is an extremely smart person. As much as the Hashiras could think of this, it was already a plausible scenario in his mind.
That was why, despite his fury, he remained holed up in an abandoned house at the top of a mountain.
Changing residence from a house with infinite rooms to one with a few rooms with dust and spider webs everywhere made him feel like a fallen noble. A descent from extravagance to poverty.
Sitting at the head of the dining table, Muzan could barely keep his body from trembling.
'I'll kill you, Douma. I promise to make you suffer ten times worse...'
Mid-thought, he raised his head and glanced at the front door.
It creaked open, allowing moonlight to pour in as a figure stepped inside.
With his demonic sword strapped by his side, Kokushibo remained as imposing as ever. His six eyes locked on Muzan, making the Progenitor see a reflection of Yoriichi in his brother.
"Muzan-sama."
"You came."
After the Infinity Castle was destroyed, Kokushibo who usually lived within it was teleported randomly to a distant island. If not for his abilities, he'd have become a hermit or Odysseus, unable to return home.
"Muzan-sama called. I can vaguely understand the situation." The six-eyed demon said. "Did Douma cause this?"
Muzan nodded. "Nakime, Daki, Gyutaro. They're all on his side now."
Kokushibo's eyes narrowed slightly. He understood the implication. Just like Muichiro's description, Douma had become a contender for the position of the Demon King.
And as the saying goes, a mountain cannot house two tigers. So can Japan not house two Demon Kings.