"What are your orders, Muzan-sama?"
Kokushibo asked, his voice heavy.
The demon progenitor didn't reply immediately. Instead, he crossed his fingers and rested his chin on them.
He began to think about Douma's abilities and what he'd seen so far. First of, Douma was able to instantly stop Nakime from contacting him, then abruptly cut off their mental connection before the real connection was cut. The same thing happened with Gyutaro and Daki.
Also, Muzan could vividly remember the change in his eyes through Oniyasha's memory that night—that spinning snowflake.
'It seems that is the core of his abilities. I wanted to study him before...'
But now, he couldn't afford to treat Douma as someone lower than him. He had to take him with utmost seriousness—perhaps even acting personally was not out of possibility.
"We won't be attacking immediately."
Kokushibo tilted his head, confused. "Why?"
"It is too much risk."
Muzan said with narrowed eyes, then explained.
"What if Douma allied himself with the Hashiras? Whichever demon I send would be wiped clean. Even you will not escape unscathed."
The moon breathing user clenched his jaw, his eyes narrowing.
"Has he truly become that much of a threat?"
Kokushibo didn't ask about the possibility of an alliance with the demon slayers. He knew Muzan definitely had a reason for saying that. And sure enough, Muzan didn't just make baseless speculations. Through Oniyasha's memory, he had seen the way Douma treated the Insect Hashira favourably. With that connection, it wasn't a farfetched thought that an alliance could happen.
Instead, Kokushibo was more focused on the fact that Douma's powers had grown in a short time. He knew that previously, in a few decades or a century, Douma would definitely surpass him and become Upper Moon One. However, from Muzan's words, he already incurred that there was a possibility that Douma already surpassed him. That was a huge leap and didn't make sense. He hadn't received any increase in blood purity and had even been cut from the main source. How else could he have grown stronger?
Muzan didn't reply his question. Instead, he sent a mental message to all the demons he had to gather at the mountain in two weeks.
Kokushibo naturally received the message too and exhaled. Since Muzan didn't say anything about his question, then the answer was definitely positive.
'Douma...'
He couldn't help but remember his lazy junior who was both disrespectful and tolerating. He even allowed Akaza to throw punches at him without retaliating.
'He's unpredictable.'
The six-eyed demon noted, his grip on his sword tightening.
Muzan ignored Kokushibo's inner turmoil and reclined in the creaking chair. His red eyes shone as he spoke.
"We can only have an all out war, with the Hashiras before fully focusing on Douma. I need to see the improvement of those demons you recommended."
He was referring to the current Lower Moons. Kaigaku had indeed been strong, able to withstand his blood without dying. However, that fool still got killed because of his emotions.
'I should have erased his memories like Akaza.'
The demon king thought in regret. Still, he didn't dwell on that nor did he have the time for regrets.
'Kurayami and Hozuki are special. It is time to put them into good use.'
.....
Shinobu spent a week at the Butterfly Mansion before returning to the Eternal Paradise Cult. She had to repeatedly reassure the girls that she wasn't going away for months, just a few days. Under their reluctant gazes, she left the mansion.
Of course, Mitsuri tagged along, making Shinobu think about the Love Hashira's bleak future. Or could it be possibly bright?
Finally, after moving through landscapes entirely unfamiliar to Mitsuri, they arrived at the Eternal Paradise Cult.
The followers easily recognized Shinobu as a close friend of their founder. Meanwhile, their curious gazes were directed at the beautiful Mitsuri and her revealing clothes.
"Is she here to seek counsel from the founder?"
An older woman asked, gazing at Mitsuri with a knowing smile.
"Yes! Counsel about love."
Before Shinobu could even ask 'what counselling?', Mitsuri had already replied, her expression bright.
"Very well, you can trust in our founder's counseling."
Receiving the woman's approval, Mitsuri dragged the dazed Shinobu into the cult building.
Under Shinobu's lead, they arrived at Douma's 'counselling' room.
The doors slid, revealing an empty room with a beanbag throne and two small chairs for guests.
"Hm? Where did he go?" Shinobu looked around. Obviously, he should have sensed our arrival, but he's not here...? Shinobu frowned.
"Ohh my dear Shinobu-chan~"
Before she could even register those words, she felt her feet leave the ground when someone carried her from the back.
(Image)
Her expression eased slightly before shifting to shock. Mitsuri was right beside her. Yet, Douma ignored the Love Hashira and instead played with his beloved Shinobu. His lips found her earlobes again and nibbled on them softly.
"S-stop..."
Shinobu's body, which was inexperienced in aspects like pleasure, quickly gave in without much resistance.
On the sidelines, Mitsuri watched the heated session with wide eyes, unable to look away. She had even forgotten that Douma was a demon. So even Shinobu-chan isn't that pure...
The redness on the Hashira's face made her feel a heat rising from within. And looking at Douma's defined physique, height, and bewitching looks, she found herself entranced.
Who wouldn't like a rich, pretty boy?
After a minute, Douma was finally satisfied with his little meal and released Shinobu.
The Hashira panted, her legs weak. Never in her life had she been assaulted this much. With an indignant glare, she unsheathed her sword and stabbed Douma straight in the heart.
Mitsuri was shocked, stunned by the unexpected 'betrayal'. She couldn't understand what was going on at all. One second, they were lovey-dovey and another she was stabbing him.
Douma's reaction only intensified her confusion.
He laughed softly with a slight wince, then pulled Shinobu into a hug again, pressing her face against his chest.
"Mn~ It's more comfortable like this."
Shinobu's eyes twitched, but she relaxed. Pushing herself away from the demon, she sheathed her clean(?) sword and turned away.
Finally, Douma turned to look at Mitsuri. Pink-green hair, a cute face, and a voluptuous chest mass. Naturally, his eyes were drawn to those masses.
"Oh? This is a surprise..."