Let us return to that midnight manor, where Ubuyashiki's gaze fell upon the two withered Demon Slayer corpses at Mitsuba's feet.
He had not known the full details of Tamayo's plan for tonight.
This was only natural. After all, Tsugikuni Mitsuba possessed the terrifying ability to see the threads of karma upon humans, and to trace through them into both past and future.
As the crucial bait who had to face Tsugikuni Mitsuba alone and delay her for a period of time, Tamayo naturally could not tell him the complete plan.
Ubuyashiki only knew that once the two Demon Slayers guarding the manor entrance were killed, he had to find a way to delay Tsugikuni Mitsuba for a while, then signal the Demon Slayers lying in ambush all around to attack.
Yes, regarding Tamayo's subjugation plan, this was all he knew.
In fact, most of the details of this subjugation operation had been communicated between Tamayo and the Flame Hashira, whom Ubuyashiki trusted most.
And this, too, was to prevent Mitsuba's causal observation.
According to Tamayo, threads of karma only recorded "concrete events in reality," not "human thoughts."
Therefore, fundamentally speaking, as long as Tamayo did not directly tell Ubuyashiki the specific contents of the subjugation plan, the threads of karma would absolutely not record it.
At that time, even if Tsugikuni Mitsuba saw the threads of karma upon him, she would at most learn the simplified information that "he and Tamayo were plotting against her," and could not possibly learn the detailed plan contents.
Thus, there remained room for further maneuvering.
The methods by which humans transmit information have always been diverse.
Apart from the most direct means such as speech and writing, there could be a tacit glance, a special code word, an insignificant small gesture.
Or even, hidden beneath all of the above... deduction.
Just like Ubuyashiki—even if Tamayo had never told him, he could guess that the poison Tamayo had prepared for Tsugikuni Mitsuba must be hidden within the bodies of those two Demon Slayers at the entrance.
This was simple deduction, but so what if he knew it in his heart?
Karma was "dead." It had no thoughts of its own, and never read human minds.
It would only rigidly record what had already happened in reality, never recording the inner hearts of humans.
Therefore, even if Ubuyashiki was fully aware in his heart that Tamayo intended to use those two Demon Slayers to poison Tsugikuni Mitsuba—
As long as the two of them did not pierce through this window paper and speak of this matter directly, the threads of karma would never be able to record it.
At the same time, there were those two Demon Slayers as well.
Regarding the detailed subjugation plan for tonight, they likewise knew nothing at all. They had not even directly met with Tamayo.
They only knew that they must guard here tonight and do everything possible to protect Ubuyashiki's safety.
Regarding the poison injected into their bodies, what they were told was merely a special medicine developed by the Demon Slayer Corps' physician that could greatly enhance their potential in a short period of time.
Yes, all of this sounded so absurd.
Everything was a disguise packaged by words and actions.
But it was precisely this past filled with lies that, when the threads of karma began to record, would only record these absurd past events exactly as they were.
Because the threads of karma were dead.
They did not read human thoughts, nor could they distinguish human lies.
Whatever humans did in reality, that was how they would record it.
Even if everyone was fully aware that they were actually lying.
[Tsugikuni Mitsuba, you have already stepped one foot into the gate of death.]
Taking a deep breath and focusing his gaze upon Mitsuba, who stood before him with a smile upon her face, Ubuyashiki's curse-scarred face likewise revealed a smile.
"First time meeting you, Upper Rank One of the Twelve Kizuki, Miss Tsugikuni Mitsuba."
Next, let him properly act out this final play of his life...
"How truly incredible."
Looking at the composed Ubuyashiki before her, the smile on Mitsuba's face deepened.
"Mr. Ubuyashiki, you actually know my name?"
Her pupils instantly transformed into the shape of mandala flowers. At this moment, Mitsuba completely saw through the threads of karma upon Ubuyashiki.
[Several months ago, received a mysterious letter claiming to know intelligence about Upper Rank demons, decided to meet with the sender at a manor in the suburbs...]
[The sender's name was Tamayo, who held a blood feud with Muzan Kibutsuji, and wished to cooperate with the Demon Slayer Corps...]
[Decided to trust Tamayo, both sides officially began cooperation, and completely transferred the leadership of the cooperation to Tamayo...]
[According to Tamayo's request, began issuing commissions throughout the country to search for the Blue Spider Lily...]
[Received a portrait of one "Tsugikuni Michikatsu," and under Tamayo's analysis confirmed her identity as "Tsugikuni Mitsuba," the subjugation operation officially began...]
[All preparations complete, sent someone to notify the wealthy merchant to inform Tsugikuni Mitsuba of the specific meeting location...]
[Ordered the Flame Hashira's father to take his child away, and led the Hashira to lie in ambush at the manor to await...]
"I see, if it's Tamayo, then everything can be explained."
Instantly comprehending all of Ubuyashiki's past and future, Mitsuba's face showed sudden realization.
"I had been wondering all this time how you learned of the Blue Spider Lily clue. So it was indeed Miss Tamayo who told you...
Although I had not entirely ruled out this possibility, I must admit that I was quite surprised by her actively seeking your help.
After all, I had always believed that given Tamayo's identity and personality, and her views toward you Demon Slayers, she should be someone who would never take the initiative to contact you under any circumstances.
Oh my, oh my~ meeting an old friend for the first time in decades, and to think it would unfold in such a manner—how truly regrettable...
But this is fine as well. That lord has searched for her for so many years. If we could take this opportunity to eliminate her as well, perhaps that would be a rare good thing?"
"How truly... incredible power..."
Hearing Mitsuba's words spoken with a smile, seeing that she could speak Tamayo's name without any warning.
Ubuyashiki, who had still harbored some doubts in his heart until now, completely believed in Mitsuba's Blood Demon Art ability at this moment.
This powerful demon before him—she could actually perceive all past and future?!
Could such a terrifying ability truly exist in this world?!
"So then, Mr. Ubuyashiki?"
Taking in Ubuyashiki's shocked expression completely, Mitsuba merely smiled lightly and said:
"Where is your ambush? You went through such trouble to lure me out—what do you plan to do with me next?"